Deepaka

Deepaka

(The Exceptional Disciple)

 

Gurureva parambrahma गुरुरेव परंब्रह्म (Trilinga Swamy)

 

We often invoke Guru and Ganesa at the beginning of any puja, scriptural study, or Vedic (Upanishad) chanting, or Hindu religious enquiry. But why do we begin with Guru? Kabir seems to have gotten the essence of Guru with these lines: “If you ask me to pick one entity, Guru or Bhagavan, I would certainly pick Guru first. Because without Guru I cannot even approach Bhagavan; I cannot even name or identify Bhagavan. Only Guru can show or guide me on the path to Bhagavan.” Today on the auspicious Guru Punima day we try to learn a bit about Guru. Like light and shadow, Guru and student are inseparable; when we talk about Guru naturally we also explore the relationship between a Guru and his disciple. A Guru (any Guru for that matter) is known by his (her) student and vice versa.

 

Here I narrate the story of Deepaka. The full details are given in Guru-Charitra. Like the eternally inspiring Dhruva, Deepaka also illustrates many things through his devotion, obedience, and total surrender to his Guru. Once there was a famous Vedic scholar in India; he was known as  “Veda-dharma” to all around him.  He was living with his group of disciples (students) adjacent to the Godavari River, also known as Dakshina Ganga. Many years went by as usual with daily studies and day-to-day chores – like ablutions in the sacred river, prayers, and recitations of sacred texts, hymns, Sanskrit grammar, etc. One day the teacher called all his students to assemble for an important announcement: “Dear students, I have a request to make. I want to make a pilgrimage to Kasi (Varanasi) and spend the remaining years there. I would like to spend my days on the banks of sacred Ganges.

 

I still have some remnants of past karma. Either I have to suffer its effects (consequences) in this life or carry the burden over to next life. I don’t want to be born again and repeat the cycle of birth again and again. I can burn my past karma through penance (tapas, Jnana marg) – but that too will take a long time. Would any of you accompany me to Kasi? It will not be easy, let me warn you ahead. I will get a terrible disease (Hansen’s disease, leprosy). It will cripple me, disfigure my body, and I may become an invalid. So, I need someone who can bathe, feed, and dress my wounds daily.”

 

Upon hearing their master’s words the students looked at each other in dismay.  They murmured small talk among themselves thus: “If it is a week or two we can assist the Guru. But how to stay away from our parents, friends, and families for years? That too in a far away city with unknown language and culture? And on top of that we have to nurse, bathe, and feed him.” Then one by one all the disciples replied negative. No one was willing to go with the Guru to Kasi, a city on the banks of Ganges – a veritable Kailas on the earth. Then hesitantly one boy (Deepaka) stood up and politely pleaded with the Guru with these words: “Sir, if you think I am worthy of your company then I am willing to go with you. Even if you get the dreaded disease I will stay with you and serve you. I will take you to the river and get bathed daily. Will attend to all your needs. I want to serve you with care and devotion. Please permit me to travel with you to Kasi.”

 

Veda-dharma did not agree at first. “Look Deepaka, it is very arduous to take care of another human being. It is not easy. I may get angry at times due to the sickly disease. I will lose sense of smell and touch. You may have to dress my bleeding cuts, wounds, and feed me. You know nothing about the devastating effects of leprosy.” Deepaka was firm in his decision. He again pleaded with his Guru. “Please sir, let me go with you to Kasi. I will listen to your commands and serve you with utmost devotion”. The Guru was touched by Deepaka’s words.

 

“Ok, remember I’ve forewarned you amply. Tomorrow we will start our journey.” In those days there were neither the high-speed trains nor airplanes; people went to Varanasi by foot, bullock cart, or horseback. It was not easy and the journey took months, if the pilgrim was lucky. People had to bear all the hardships on the way – lack of proper food, attacks by highway robbers (thugs), or tigers. In a tropical climate snakes were (are still) also plenty. At last our Guru and Deepaka reached Kasi. They set up a small tent (ashram) close to the sacred river. The routine for our student was full of chores from sunrise to sunset: Get up before sun rise and attend to the physical needs (kala-kritya) of Guru. Then he had to take his master to the Ganges for ablutions. This was possible only in the beginning before the dreaded onslaught of disease.  As leprosy progressed it started devouring the Guru slowly. His nose got flattened, his ears lost sensation, and his toes became crooked. He could no longer walk on his own feet, not even with a walking stick. Deepaka used to carry him slowly to the riverbanks for daily baths. Later he would fetch buckets of river water for washing at the ashram.

 

Deepaka had to quickly finish his morning chores and rush into the city (Kasi) streets for begging. As there were not enough hours in a day the student could not do all the tasks: Washing Guru’s soiled clothes, drying clothes and bed sheets, washing all the utensils, drying everything in the sun for making them super anti-septic, and collecting enough river water for drinking and washing. And added to this list were Guru’s wound dressing and bodily care. When would he get time to do his own Sandhya-Vandanam and daily ablutions? Obviously he could not do any cooking at the ashram even if he wanted to. So, daily he used to go into the City of Varanasi (Annapurna’s House) and beg alms from the householders. Many would oblige and offer some cooked rice, vegetable curry, or dal. Some days were better than others but everyone was impressed with our student. Obviously there was some hidden charm and light radiating from Deepaka’s face. Soon the word spread all over the city, about this unique Guru and disciple. On the holy Ganges there were always many ashrams and Gurus. But the story of Deepaka got more prominence, more attention.

 

On one of such daily rounds Deepaka got into a bit heated discussion with a householder. The lady of the house advised him thus: “Dear bachelor (O Brahmachari) may I suggest one thing? Why don’t you leave your current ailing Guru and find another Guru? After all your current Guru abuses you with lots of work and even scolds constantly. I think you should leave him immediately. Go and find another healthy decent preceptor. You’ll be happy with less work and less begging.” Deepaka thought for a moment and replied thus, “Dear Mother, if I am known in these streets it is all because of my Guru. Suppose your husband mistreats you occasionally. Would you leave your husband?”

 

The lady retorted back vehemently. “How can you say that? We took our sacred vows during marriage ceremony. How can a wife just desert her husband on some flimsy grounds? Good or bad, a husband is a husband.”

 

“Madam, it is the same with me. I cannot leave my Guru. One cannot keep on changing Gurus. For me my Guru is everything. My duty is to serve him with utmost diligence.” Such testy encounters happened but Deepaka was not perturbed, not a bit. His routine continued without any interruption. Rain, shine, or storm the disciple went on with his daily trips to the Holy River, afternoon begging, and wound dressing, etc. He patiently bore all the scolding and abusive behavior – he simply treated it as Guru’s blessing. A lesser student would have quit after a week.

 

Then a true miracle happened one day. Suddenly Kasi Viswanatha wanted to meet this extraordinary student. The Lord appeared at the front door with Annapurna adorned with all accessories of Trisul, Damarah, etc. glistening with vibhuti all over. He affectionately called Deepaka thus: “Dear son, I want to give you some boons. So, ask me for any thing. I am at your service.”

Deepaka did not get surprised at all and he replied without batting an eye. “Sire, I do not know you. My guru looks after me and he takes care of everything. I do not need anything.” Just then the Guru called from inside.

Guru, “Deepaka, who’s at the door? And what are you haggling about? Why are you wasting time with the stranger?”

 

Deepaka: “Guruji, some stranger is at the door - referring himself as Siva. He wants to give me some boons.”

 

Guru: “What? Did you ask for anything?”

 

Deepaka: “No, I did not. Told Him I don’t need anything. Emphatically said my Guru provides everything. Really everything.”

 

Thus, a bit disappointed Siva left the premises. He put in a word for Deepaka in Lord Vishnu’s ears. Though Kasi is the perennial holy city of Viswanatha (in fact Varanasi is almost like a second consort of Lord Siva), Vishnu is the real Manager in the town. So naturally Siva shared the details about this exceptional disciple – Deepaka. Soon Lord Narayana appeared in front of the hut with four hands holding the Shell, Chakra, Mace, and Lotus.

 

Narayana, “Deepaka, I am here to meet you and bless you.”

 

Deepaka,  “Who are you, Sir?”

 

Narayana: “I am the Lord who looks after the world. I sustain it and look after all its needs. Ask for any wish. I’ll readily grant it. Of course your guru will soon be cured of the terrible disease. ”

 

Deepaka: “Thank you Sir. I am totally content. I have everything and if I ever need any thing then I’ll ask my master, I mean my Guru.”

 

Again the Guru got irritated. “Sishya, why are you wasting time? Who is the visitor now?”

 

Deepaka: “Sir, some one with a shell is at the door. He calls himself as Vishnu. I’ll send him off quickly and be at your service, master.”

 

Thus Vishnu too got utterly disappointed. “What a wonderful student! He did not even ask for a simple boon. He’s totally content with serving his Guru. It’s rare to find such an ideal disciple.”

 

Perhaps the Guru might have lunged to the front door to greet Siva and Vishnu if it were not for his debilitating disease. Or, as someone totally immersed in Brahman he could have stayed put inside. When one knows Brahman, gets absorbed with Brahman, one may commit any act or remain in total inaction – just be a “witness” to the external world. Judging any act, commission or omission – such frivolous swimming in the ocean of “karmic world”, - it is all for the lesser mortals. The fully realized souls are exempt from every mandated act or injunction.

 

Then, that day suddenly the Guru bubbled over (overcame) with compassion. He called Deepaka to his side and proclaimed thus: “Look sishya, you’ve been a wonderful student. You looked after me and this corporeal body with utmost care. Today I shower you with lots of boons. You will become famous henceforth and because of you even Kasi’s reputation will get enhanced hundred fold. All the eight siddhis will serve you and you will live long for several centuries. You will inherit all the nine treasures too.” Saying such sweet words the Guru shed his (self imposed) dreadful disfiguring disease and put on a new shining body. Right in front of his disciple he verily blasted off to higher worlds.

 

It does not matter where a Sadhaka begins his tentative journey. Every sincere ardent student will meet her Guru like Deepaka and reach higher planes of realization. With unwavering trust and diligence, bhakti (service) produces wondrous results. 

Copyright 2024 by the author 

Commentary on Tyagaraja Kirtana "Buddhi raadu"

This writer is utterly ignorant of the intricacies of music theory, sometimes ignorance is a great benefit; it deliberately robs you of the silly egotistic pride. He approaches each song mainly through “its emotional content, meaning, and the underlying subtle ideas, rather insights”. Basically we can approach all arts through a receptive “sensitive heart” while keeping all the senses alert, focusing on a particular object (theme or a particular shade of emotion). This is what we mean when we say the barrier vanishes - between the art piece and ourselves. Some had commented (ex: Jiddu Krishnamurti) that was the reason behind the pull (attraction) of mind-altering chemical substances.

In life, every person must have the humility to voluntarily bend (gently drop the ego, let it disappear like camphor) and listen to others (especially learned elders). It is very important - this cardinal rule must be learnt and obeyed just like a traffic rule. When we violate this important dictum, we are taught severe, stern lessons. Per se, the writer has nothing against the young, but one thing I’ve noticed over time – some of the youth (probably it occurs/repeats in different colors and guises in every generation) erroneously go about as though they’ve created this universe; as if all the generations that came before them were stupid, ignorant, or did not make money. Or they assume the earlier generations did not produce anything worthwhile. Such vapid generalizations do not stand up to rigorous scrutiny. Historical facts and records point to many great individuals who accomplished stunning discoveries, created musical compositions under the most trying circumstances. Just to name some major transformative creative works - from frequency modulation (FM radio), tomography (CAT), Raman effect, the iterative formula for pi, to thousands of musical compositions. They were all created under the most difficult circumstances, often with meager financial resources. They were not produced in fancy air-conditioned labs nor were they the outcomes of billions of dollars of venture capital, or precious company capital. A sense of proportion and perspective is needed to really appreciate the creative output of our previous generations and civilizations. We tend to take things for granted. We fly on jet engine airplanes and live in air-conditioned houses without ever thinking about the underlying principles of Newton’s laws or thermodynamics. What marvelous discoveries were those? Just imagine the inner workings of lasers and holography. 

Now, let’s come to the present song. Why bother listening to the elders or the old fogies as they say in Britain. Because they went through the consequences of silly mistakes, the elders had already committed blunders, or in some instances they yielded to the whims of (unwholesome) instincts, and had to pay dearly for their unsound judgments. Do you want to repeat all that and waste precious life by going after false objects? Or, do you want to utilize your limited time and energies for better things? Everyone is free to make the choice/mistakes, but no one is free from the consequences (i.e., karma). So, in the long run, just for our own benefit, we should be a little humble and nicely listen to the elders’ advice. Please listen, reflect, and think about it. It is lucky to have some well-wishers in our life and particularly we should value good-natured elders. 

One may complete many degree courses and diplomas. But one will not learn to be humble. It has to come by itself, we must assiduously learn to let go off the silly ‘ego’ and try to listen to others, animals, birds, and the beautiful nature. Go out and see how many trees patiently bear the scars of tragic incidents. A furious ice storm may rip a lovely branch from the pine tree. It is almost like losing a hand and yet, it accepts such punishments bravely and learns to be happy. In life, we too must be very patient and accept certain things. Skills and knowledge we must have to progress in life; but every degree or skill earned will also make the ‘ego bubble’ inflate more. And this happens also with the learning of scriptures. The innocent sincere aspirant soon finds himself burdened with the enormous knowledge of Upanishads, canonical texts, and commentaries. We have to skillfully avoid such pitfalls. We can perhaps watch some of the finest scientists and artists and learn humility from them. This is where Sri Ramakrishna has repeatedly insisted on putting away bookish knowledge; we must put greater emphasis on sincere practice. This humility is a byproduct of putting trust in a ‘guru’. Then the guru will take over the entire burden of the humble devotee. 

Yoga (not the version you see on TV!) is very powerful in keeping the body healthy and aiding the mind to cleanse all the unnecessary rubbish, getting unburdened. Still, yoga by itself is not the end. Some aspirants are more tuned towards yoga (the real one is beyond the contorted asanas and holding breath!) and some others are tilted towards bhakti. Who knows perhaps there are many more ways to guide (help) us; only the ‘guru’ knows such finer details. Luxuries or creature comforts are of course necessary. For example, even the compassionate Jillelamudi Amma has recognized the devotee’s need for a relaxing morning hot water bath. No harm in indulging in a little comfort. But all these are used to pave way, to give us a little peace of mind or some leisure. And that small window (of opportunity) can be fruitfully utilized to pray and know Rama. 

But is there a better way or surer path for saving ourselves? Save one must because the next janma (incarnation) is almost here and there is no guarantee that it would be any better, less sorrowful.  Only guru or the devotees of Rama can help us. In real life we are really alone, despite companions, children, etc. There is no one on this earth who can assist us without ulterior motive, except the good-hearted kind “Rama-dasu”. The sooner we find such person(s) the lighter our troubles become. No, you don’t have to reinvent everything. Let the person get over the stubborn prickly ego, destructive habits, and start listening to the essence of this beautiful instructive song. Once Sri Ramakrishna was asked by an accomplished singer thus: “Sir, could you please suggest a method to approach God (Eswara)?” Just a little while ago the Master had listened to several heart moving devotional songs by the same accomplished singer. Sri Ramakrishna could only comment further like this: “You have just found a beautiful palatial building in this Kolkata city. Yet you go around asking for an apartment to rent.” Those few words encapsulate meaningful advice with rare insight into bhakti. Music is one of the most efficient paths to keep a steady mind focused on a particular form (for meditation). In that rare one or two seconds of pure molten emotional state, one can reach and feel the remotest inner corner. An exceptional peace descends on the conflict-ridden mind. It is said that the dark cloud colored Krishna used to wander in the gardens following a maid during the times of Bhakta Jayadeva. The maid would go around the bushes picking fragrant flowers while singing the compositions of Jayadeva (Ashtapadi). The only way He could a get a feel and taste of the sweet compositions was to follow that maid or follow the footsteps of Padmavati in her dance steps. So, it seems the singer-disciple (of Sri Ramakrishna) was almost there and he needed to continue on the path with steadiness and steadfast faith. We should be vigilant and should never let the silly weeds of doubt enter (sprout in) the beautiful garden of faith. Copyright 2021 by the author (Earlier posts give complete lyrics and audio link.)

Restoring Vision For The Blind Lady (Grace and Bhakti)

Restoring Vision For The Blind Lady

1963, it was during the month of Asviyuja (September).  In Tiruchirappalli the Kanchi Kamakoti Swamis (Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi and Sri Jayendra Saraswathi) were conducting the Navaratri festival celebrations. 

There were spacious pandals specially erected for the thousands of thronging devotees. During those nine days Sri Paramacharya was observing the diksha and he was conducting all the scheduled events with close personal supervision. Not only that, the Swami had cancelled all special visits and interviews during the nine-day festival. (It was a rare occasion solely meant for the common devotee - man and woman.)

Among the devotees there was one ninety-year-old lady. Besides the advanced crippling old age, she was also blind. The lady had been fasting for three days. She had come trekking all the way from a twenty-mile distance solely to see Sri Paramacharya (the elder Swami). 

Other than uttering “Sivaa Sivaa, Hara Haraa” she would not speak at all. Did not ask for any food. Foremost she wanted to get a ‘darsan’ of the Swami – thus she kept on muttering. All (the people) kept on wondering whether it was possible; the Swami had gone into the Navaratri diksha, forswearing interviews or special ‘darsan’, etc.

Yet, one of the devotees got an idea. From the room, Sri Paramacharya used to come out once or twice breaking his self-imposed isolation. Thus thinking the devotee gently helped her settle near the exit door. There she sat and continued chanting ‘Siva-Sivaa, Hara-Haraa’. That was her stubborn act; now no one would disturb her. That was her pure devotion. Now, paradoxically hundreds of other devotees too crowded around her with the faint hope of seeing Sri Paramacharya.

Later inadvertently one of Swami’s close associates (a disciple) opened the door and observed the meditating lady bhakta, leaning against the doorway. The assembled crowd slowly narrated her story. The disciple rushed inside and communicated the matter to the Swami.

At noon Paramacharya was about go to the Puja-mandir and then suddenly turned back upon hearing about the fasting lady. The Swami opened the (back) door and came out to meet the waiting lady. There Sri Paramacharya saw the chanting lady waiting in the red-hot burning midday sun.

“What, grandmother! I’ve come to see you. How long have you been sitting here?” Thus spoke endearingly the Swami to the lady in Tamil.

The crowd came to her help, as she was also hard of hearing. They repeated Swami’s words into her ears. Hearing those words, the grand lady started speaking loudly, 

“Have you come, my Deva! Have you come, my father, to bless me? Please stand in front of me, I’ve to pay respects (prostrate) to your feet.” So she said in Tamil.

“Grandma, you don’t have vision. How will you see me?”

“At least, I can hear your words if you come near.”

“Not like that. You do what I say.” Said Paramacharya to her.

He made her stand in the sun a little farther. The Swami did perambulation around her. During that encircling process He stopped at each of the eight directions and kept on asking her thus: “Am I visible to you? Are you able to see me?”

“Yes, Yes. I am able to see your saffron robe. Your staff is visible…” And she went on describing sequentially the entire form of Paramacharya. By the time Swami completed the circle, she went on talking, “You look to me as clearly as I had seen you twenty years back. Now also, you appear the same, my father (appa).”

She prostrated and paid respects.

All the persons in the crowd around her were surprised at her – the (blind) lady’s bhakti towards the Guru. They admired Paramacharya’s greatness (and his miraculous power).

(Translated from “Nadichedevudu” – a Telugu work by N. Venkataseshayya)

Copyright 2021 by the author

Remembering Pujya Pratyagbodhananda Swami

Remembering Swami Pratyagbodhananda

Swami Pratyagbodhananda’s discourses were always witty, lovely and full of insight. Not a single moment used to be dull; entire sessions were filled with humorous anecdotes, colorful stories, and scintillating observations on human follies, rather frailties. But, through all questions, prodding, tooth-pulling queries, and responses, the preceptor wanted nothing but wisdom and welfare for his students. Swamiji’s command over English idiom and vocabulary was superb. Always he had at the tip of his tongue – the right word, the most precise word to convey exactly what was purported to be. Total unity between thought (meaning) and word is very difficult to achieve in practice; Kalidasa himself immortalized the travails of communication in the couplet: vaga-arthau…

Swamiji’s heart was full of kindness for all. But when it comes to calling a spade a spade, he spared none. He was totally impartial: Swami always exhibited the same level of abhorrence to any and all bad habits. Whether they belong to Gujarat, Andhra, Tamil, or Uttar Pradesh, or even North America – they’re all taken to cleaners, when they (students, disciples) were found wanting in correct Sanskrit pronunciation or any behavioral trait. But, wherever there is any virtue (or redeeming quality), he would point it out with the same acuteness of observation. A good deed is never just glossed over, without proper appreciation. Ex: American kitchen counters are sparklingly clean, adorned with a fresh bouquet of flowers in a vase. 

When it comes to speaking Sanskrit words, many tend to trip and commit mistakes. Ideally, one should read and write in Sanskrit (Devanagari) script. And practice; practice a lot uttering Sanskrit verses and words. Also, gradually learn how to break, give pauses to long phrases with correct emphasis and intonation. Swami illustrated the problem with the word, “prasadam”. This word gets mangled by the people of south and north (India) alike. Thus, original prasadam gets morphed into sadam in Tamil. Up north, it is spoken as “par-shad”. The native English speaker (as do today’s urbanites in Indian mega cities) has difficulty with pronouncing aspirated consonants (and of course, double and triple consonants): buddhi. Misspeaking and mispronunciation are not just innocent mistakes. Often they lead to misunderstandings, some times with disastrous consequences. Purity of body, purity of food, and purity in speech – they are all important for spiritual progress. Thus carelessness in these matters, can lead to unnecessary pitfalls (delays) in the path, a fact often stressed by many enlightened teachers.

To a mellowed (unbiased, unencumbered mature) adult, Swamiji’s remarks appear harmless; they are simply meant to stimulate the audience, guide them to learn Sanskrit words with utmost care. Diction is very important (in Hindu liturgy as in any tradition) – clear pronunciation with proper emphasis on aspirated consonants is a must. Without correct diction, we cannot utter Vishnu sahasranama (or any nama-vali) flawlessly. Nor can we decipher the deeper meaning of Lalita Sahasranama. For those, who are learning to recite Sanskrit words via English transliteration, the guidance of a preceptor is needed – needed badly. Much grief and hardship can be avoided if one follows closely the words of Swami Pratyagbodhananda (or pujya Swami Dayanand Saraswati). Just reading, muttering the English transliterated verses, names, or slokas is not enough. One must a have rudimentary knowledge of Sanskrit characters, pronunciation of vowels, diphthongs, consonants, and one must also understand the key to the English transliteration scheme. Lot of hard work, in deed. Alas, there are no short cuts to any learning! Who said any spiritual progress is easy?

One session was devoted to japa (chanting the Lord’s name). The efficacy of calling Vishnu’s name is illustrated vividly with a short story: How an illiterate, yet ardent devotee called the Lord, (a)gha Mochan. Even calling His name incorrectly yields veritable results. Because embedded in such action is pure bhakti feeling. Also, Swami emphasized how in the case of the Lord, the name has the same power as the Lord Himself. The name and named are the same. We can do the nama japa, anywhere, at any time, and even mispronunciations and mistakes are pardoned by the Lord Narayana. In a sense, nama japa is (or appears to be) slightly superior to chanting a ‘mantra’. For a (un-initiated) devotee, a nama japa is more accessible, it requires less (mental) preparation. 

At our local temple, Swami spoke at length on the origins of Sri Bhagavatam, how the book came to be written. He talked about the birth of Sage Suka; Veda Vyasa’s dissatisfaction and despair – even after writing all the eighteen puranas and Maha Bharata, he was still tormented by unhappiness – a feeling of incompleteness enveloped him. Then Narada suggested Vyasa to write Sri Bhagavata Purana. The discourse included the story of Parikshat, his impending death due to a curse (mediated by the great serpent, Takshaka), and his attainment of moksha (Vaikuntha) after listening to Srimad-Bhagavatam narration. Swami also described the six essential attributes of “Bhagavan”. 

The last session was conducted for young children. Despite being a Sunday afternoon (tail end) event, it too brought out a great vivacity during the interactive discussion with youth. Our Swami urged Mr. Raman to initiate a Purna Vidya Teaching Program for Syracuse children. After eliciting responses (on what they did for Mothers Day) from the audience, Swamiji ended the session with a story of Lord Krishna and a poor village student. Krishna acts as a loving elder brother (Gopal Bhaiya) to the young kid and presents him with a small miraculous milk pot.

Hindu scriptures extol the benefits of sat-sang, association with the Lord’s bhaktas. Visiting or meeting a swami like Sri Pratyagbodhananda is tantamount to going to a holy place (like Brindavan). In deed, it is an indescribable boon for all the Indian residents to see the Swami in our midst, in our homes. Lucky for us, we all got to spend three days in Swamiji’s company and participate in sat-sang. 

These days, despite a plethora of modern (English) books, videos, and Internet articles (audio & video), it is extremely difficult to come across correct, authentic exposition of traditional scriptures (Ramayana, Bhagavata Purana, and Maha Bharata). In this context, it is very lucky to have a speaker like Swami Pratyagbodhananda who can crisscross four languages and bring the original meaning of Veda Vyasa’s Sri Bhagavata purana (with Sri Vallabha-acharya’scommentary) – bring he did, its original glory with witty jokes and hilarious interludes. That itself is a great soul uplifting religious retreat! 

(These are my reflections, after a three day session with Swami Pratyagbodhananda some years back.  To be Continued. Copyright 2021 by the author)

Meditations on Life III

Meditations on Life (Contd.)

We study history and listen to grand parents’ stories for a reason. Such readings help us develop character and give us a broad perspective on life and the world. Often we tend to confine our thoughts and analyses to our own limited circumstances; and thus unknowingly we dwell too much on our own situation, at times bordering on self-pity. But even in the best of conditions, “life is a predicament (George Santayana)” – you might say it, the essence of “modern diagnosis”.  When we are young, everything and everybody influences us; mostly such an influence acts to our detriment. The Sanskrit quote warns us thus: “Your own intellect will give happiness. The guru’s advice (intellect) will lead to a better path in life. But other’s advice (cf. peer pressure in modern societies) can lead to disaster.” We should keep such ancient words of wisdom close to our hearts and carefully examine (evaluate) them in real life. At least much of the teenage angst (or call it the youth’s crisis/alienation) can be avoided if one has a ‘holistic view’ of the individual experience in the larger context.

I was then in the rural upper elementary school (here it would be middle school). The day started like any other normal day with the morning classes of Telugu, science, and math. But right after the Morning Prayer (or Pledge), the normal routine got suspended for small pox vaccine shot. As per the district health officer’s orders, the entire school need to be inoculated – all the kids with no exception. So, there were peons, teachers, and senior students watching every exit, bathroom, and compound (border) wall. The visiting male nurse rapidly set up his operation on the table in front of us. It was a very sparse setting – a small alcohol lamp, few clean ceramic-coated pots for sterilizing, a pair of rotary lancets, and the vials of vaccine. Some of the children were a bit apprehensive, scared of the vaccination. In those days many children never got any shots (injections) and were protected from doctors, nurses, the accompanying needles, lotions, gauges, and Dettol smelling dressings, etc. Suddenly I was the sacrificial goat from the front row with my outstretched hand for the puncture. He started to ease my fears by asking about breakfast. I sheepishly replied, “Nothing much, just mango pickle, rice, and a little curd.” “That must be yummy!” Before I knew it, he gently scratched the forearm skin with the sharp lancet and administered the vaccine. We’re all advised to keep the two spots dry, away from water. But children are children! And of all the things, itching and scratching are involuntary natural reactions to “dermatological injury”.

Then the painful saga ensued. Some how a crazy idea got into my little mind. It was not mother’s advice. Either one of my classmates or the neighbor’s child planted a strange thought: “Put a bit of cow dung on the spot, rub it, and then wipe it off with top soil. Then wash it thoroughly with soap and water. Then you won’t get any bad reaction like fever or topical scar due to the vaccine.” Of course, who wants fevers or pus filled wounds? Besides children are very keen not to miss school or games with fellow kids. For happy children, there are more things to play than twenty-four hours in a day. So, immediately after coming home I did exactly that and washed the wound after putting all the muck on the spot. Within a day or two I was awfully sick with high fever and sore lesions and blisters on my arm. We’d never know whether I could’ve avoided the serious reaction by adhering to proper hygiene. The subcutaneous injection of small pox vaccine did produce serious adverse reactions in children. Mother did all the prayers, penance, vows, and care. But it took almost two weeks. I was in the bed with fever during the pleasant rainy season, barely surviving on milk. Certainly the divine help came through to pull me out. Even after several weeks I used to apply a coconut paste (made from baby coconut fruit acorns) on the quarter-sized pockmarks to relieve the pain and itching. Many years later I learnt to handle the skin. In most cases the skin heals itself. It needs no medicine other than pure petroleum jelly or oil (coconut, sesame, castor, mustard, or olive). Most interventions (on skin growths) with scalpel, needle, or abrasion will lead to disastrous results. Even the herbal doctor (Tata/Grandfather) of Sri Ramana shed tears at the horrible surgeries done to the great rishi. At least most of the (Maharishi’s) pain and discomfort could have been avoided – so it appears now. 

Why me? Why did I get all the childhood ailments? There is no answer. Perhaps, those were some precious lessons, lessons to instruct me in faith and discover my own “Swa-dharma”. Maybe, it was all part of the search for the Guru.

Our life in the village was hard but our loving parents acted as shock absorbers. They provided us with plenty amidst extreme penury. They hid all the troubles from our eyes. During Diwali festivals father helped us in making firecrackers. At home we fabricated our own stuff with raw ingredients. I still remember storing all the materials under the bed and drying them in the open sun in the front yard. There was one terrible accident involving my eyes. On the new moon day, we put on clean clothes, and gorged on mother’s sweet dishes. In the evening we lighted all our firecracker collection. That means two or three dozens of sparklers, half a dozen spinning wheels, handful of tiny bombs, several flowerpots, and we lit the dark star-studded sky with many rockets. Ideally, that should have satisfied most children. Mother secretly hid some firecrackers for future use, for the coming festivals. 

Next morning when I looked at the street I noticed lots of unexploded firecrackers (ordnance). There was one Lakshmi brand 4-inch bomb looking pitiably at me, telling me, “They did not play with me. See, I got left out!” Immediately after returning from school I hurriedly finished lunch and rushed out into the garden. Daily I used to volunteer for making hot water for the family on wood stove outdoors. The embers were still there hot and I inserted the firecracker (explosive) into the fireplace. As there was no bamboo blower pipe around, I went on blowing air with mouth puffs. Then suddenly, there was a big explosion and my eyes went totally dark. Somehow I walked blindly towards the front porch, crying for mother. We rushed immediately to our local doctor’s (Dr. P. V. Rao) clinic. His quick diagnosis and tight gauge bandage saved my vision. The topical ophthalmic gel cream eventually cleared the aluminum oxide smoke; but I had to anxiously wait till the evening, about four hours counting every minute. By then my tuition master (word had spread at lightning speed in the village) came around to see me. He tested my sight from six feet distance with three out-stretched fingers, teasingly asking me, “How many digits?” 

Now looking back I again humbly pay my gratitude to mother and Lord Subrahmanya Swamy. She was a regular devotee of Lord Kumara Swamy and every year she would observe a fast for Him. After several decades I got a chance to visit Lord Skanda at two sacred hill temples. Grace is like the gravitational pull - always keeping its children close to its bosom.

Something To Ponder Upon (Grace)

    Something To Ponder Upon (Grace)

    There are a few things I would like to share with youngsters. Currently all over the world times are hard and very trying; there is no assurance that the near future will be any better. Though this writer is biased (in a positive sense) towards the Indian subcontinent, he is fully aware of his readership across continents. Now, in this post and some future ones I would like to narrate close encounters with “grace”. This I do with utter humility – not to bloviate. Perhaps some distraught youth may get inspiration from my humble experiences and overcome imminent despair. Like “freedom”, we need the guru in the beginning, at the start. Alas, life does not work like that. Our ignorance (or burden of past ‘karma’) is so great, it overwhelms every instinct to do good acts, follow basic norms of decency (dharma), and be generous to others and us. Grace is accessible to everyone; it is there for all genuine seekers. No one is rich or poor in the eyes of “grace”. We’ll be unnecessarily harming ourselves if we ignore this important aspect in life. There will be times when we lose friends, companions, and close relatives in the long journey of life. Or, when we encounter incurable disease. At such times one has to draw on inner strengths. Our rishis have great inner strengths. Personally I’ve known or seen several such great austere personalities with utter inviolability and authentic inner energy. Nothing would perturb them in the slightest.

 

    These narrations are not in any temporal sequence. I just follow my thoughts and the quick fingers do the rest. It is like catching the falling (spiraling) maple seeds or colorful autumn leaves. You have to gather fast and not let any one beautiful leaf escape your grip.

 

    It was during a severe snowstorm. Normally we try to avoid driving during heavy snowstorms/blizzards. Even with excellent snow ploughs (salt and road cleaning) one may get stuck on the road. The traffic gets jammed and often you see cars skidding, hitting the curb or sliding off the highway into shoulder. I was returning from a short shopping trip and was just barely two miles away from home. A slight mistake and the front tire went over the six-inch high sidewalk (curb). Everything came to a standstill and I got stuck. No amount of maneuvering would work. It was a front wheel drive vehicle and the front wheels were skidding. Of course, eventually I would be rescued or towed to the nearest gas station. But before the AAA rescue vehicle came, a strange intervention happened. Someone came out of nowhere and lifted my van with bare hands and put down the passenger side wheel on road. Instantaneously everything got solved efficiently and before I could express thanks, the Good Samaritan miraculously disappeared without a trace. Now, one could surmise such an event as just fluke, sort of a random event. But this writer would only count it as “pure grace”. (The writer would not like to boast but he has studied deeply logic, sufficient and necessary conditions, delved more profoundly into mathematical topics such as various types of infinities, real and imaginary numbers, transformations, and probability theory – certainly had more exposure to science and mathematics than many in the world.)

 

    With the same vehicle earlier I ran into another dangerous situation on the highway. Once I went to the dealer to find a part to fix the bonnet (hood) prop rod. It is a small plastic clip that is held firmly to the body. Due to age and extreme cold weather the original plastic part got cracked (broken) and I had to improvise with a twist tie. Finally I got the part from the dealer and installed the piece right in the parking lot. But I made a serious (tragic) blunder; I forgot to drop the hood from two feet high and forcibly shut the spring-loaded latch. What was I thinking? Or, just being utterly careless and absent minded? We laugh and blame surgeons for leaving a scissor or scalpel in a patient’s body. But here I made a deadly stupid mistake. I let the hood rest loosely and hurriedly got on to the expressway at full speed (50 - 60 mph). The house is barely five miles from the car dealer. Now you can guess what happened. Bang! The unlatched hanging hood got swung out (like a loose door during strong wind) with a massive force and hit my front windshield – while I was driving at 60 mph. When I opened my eyes, the entire front (windshield) glass got broken into hundreds of one inch pieces, with cracks all over the viewing area, and I was literally shaking in my driver’s seat. Luckily, not a single glass shard came loose. Nothing hit me, truly thanks to some unknown grace. Now, in retrospective how could I’ve saved myself in such a dangerous situation? I could’ve hit a vehicle, a tree, or median. It was beyond my limited human ability, beyond my skills. There was no time even for a prayer. Fortunately I got everything repaired professionally to a flawless perfection. Luckily I escaped the accident unscathed both bodily and fiscally.

 

    A more recent accident happened near an ancient temple. (This writer did not do any special act to deserve any grace or reprieve for any infraction or unkind act in life!) I was trying to wade into the river waters and do an abbreviated “ablution” (మార్జనము) as part of the temple visit. I am always attracted to water, rivers, lakes, ocean, or even swimming pools. Perhaps I’ve developed this aqua-instinct due to living my formative years next to the Godavari canal. I learnt swimming a bit late in life but I never had the fear of water. The steps to the river were covered with green glistening moss and I was fully aware of the danger while entering the waters. Still, without any warning I momentarily slid and fell into the river. When you are young, falling is no big deal. At the most a few bruises, a little bleeding, or perhaps a snap of bone is all that occurs. But it is entirely a different situation when you are a grownup, thousands of miles away from home, and among strangers. On top of that, my doctor expressly advised me to avoid all falls due to valid reasons. Now, here in the shallow waters (near the bank) I got totally wet and I had to change. Changing of clothes and drying water dripping freshly pressed shirt and trousers – that was no problem, no big deal in the larger scheme of things. Again, some thing intervened and I was fully saved. I just landed gently on the smooth sandy layer over the concrete river steps. When I stood up there was not a scratch on the body. It was as though some hand (or something) was protecting me all along. Perhaps, the “grace” wanted to give me a full bath in the sacred river. Why an “abbreviated” act? It was as though some voice was speaking to me thus: “Earlier you bathed in this river and showed me your devotion and innocence. Why are you hesitating today? You brought spare clean clothes, didn’t you? Have a nice ablution facing the divine couple. They are none other than your loving parents. Do not miss this unique opportunity.” The same Lord Narayana watched over us through all the tiring travels and took us around many holy pilgrim places.

 

    Accidental falls can be disastrous for anyone, young or old. They may result in hip fractures, hairline bone fractures, or deadly blood clots in the brain. Simple bone fractures or joint dislocations can heal. But clots in the brain (hematoma) can be fatal if not treated immediately. Complex hip or knee joint fractures may impair ones mobility permanently. (to be continued) Copyright 2020 by the author