Truth & God

The Mahabaratha war is about  to begin. One day  Lord Shri K rishna is resting in Dwaraka in his room and Duryodhana comes to meet him. Krishna is aware of his arrival but feigns sleep. Duryodhana sits at Krishna’s head waiting for him to wake up. Arjuna arrives and seeing Krishna asleep, sits at his feet.

 

Krishna wakes up, sees Arjuna and asks him when did he come. Arjuna replies that he had just come, but Duryodhana had been waiting there before him. Krishna looks at Duryodhana in surprise. Though Duryodhana had come first, Krishna says he saw Arjuna first and gives Arjuna the choice between Him and his soldiers (Narayana sena) as help for the battle.

  

Arjuna promptly chooses Shri Krishna. Krishna underlines that if Arjuna chooses Him, it will be only Him and he will not take part in the battle. Arjuna humbly agrees and reiterates that Krishna is enough for them. Duryodhana who was worried lest Arjuna asks for Narayana sena, is very happy to hear this and accepts the other choice – Narayana sena. 

 

Duryodhana triumphantly boasts to Bheeshma that he opted for Krishna’s soldiers whereas the Pandavas had chosen just Krishna who will not even take part in the battle. A surprised Bheeshma asks Duryodhana again and again if Krishna said that he will not take part in the battle. 

 

Finally Bheeshma says “Krishna will take his weapons in the battle”. A rattled Duryodhana says Krishna had promised not to do so. Bheeshma swears on his Brahmacharya vrata that Krishna will touch his weapons. 

 

The battle is in full swing and on the ninth day Bheeshma is in the forefront fighting aggressively. The Pandava side is not able to handle the fierce Bheeshma and were falling rapidly. Bheeshma started to attack Arjun as well. Seeing this, a worried Arjuna asks Krishna for guidance. Krishna jumps down from his sarathi seat on to the ground, wields his chakrayudha and runs towards Bheeshma. Bheeshma is shocked and stops momentarily.

 

Arjuna rushes behind Krishna and falls at his feet, requesting him not kill his grandfather. Bheeshma prostrates in front of Krishna. Krishna’s Chakrayudha vanishes and he goes back to Arjuna’s chariot. Bheeshma plays havoc in the ranks of the Pandavas. They suffer heavily, and lose all hopes of winning the war. Yudhishthira was utterly desperate and took the advice of Shri Krishna. Shri Krishna tells that the only way to success is to seek the guidance of Bheeshma himself. That night Krishna takes Yudhishthira to Bheeshma secretly. Yudhishthira fallal at the feet of Bheeshma. He tells, “Grandfather, we are your grandchildren. We cannot win against you not even the gods can do it. We don’t know how many men we have lost. I beg of you, grant us victory.” Bheeshma advises Yudhishitara to put Shikhandi in front him  and that he shall throw down his bow and arrows and he shall not fight. Now Arjuna is able to take on the not so ferocious Bheeshma and defeat him with the help of ‘Shikhandi’.

 

The  Kurukshetra battle is over and Bheeshma Pitahamaha is lying on his arrow bed waiting for Utharayanamto leave this world. It is the month of Maaghamasam, Shukla paksham, Ashtami thithi and the man who has been bestowed with the power of choosing his time of death, is ready for mukti. 

 

Lord Krishna and the Pandavas are standing near” him. Seeing his favourite Lord, Bheeshma thinks that the Lord is so close, but he is not in a position to offer him atleast some flowers. Lo and behold, a strong wind brings some wild thulasi to Krishna’s feet making Bheeshma happy. Bheeshma recites the Vishnu Sahasranama to Yudhishtra at his request. 

 

Bheeshma asks Krishna “What is Sathya?” Krishna says ‘Sathyam is God’. Bheeshma continues, “in that case, is God beyond Sathya?” Krishna says “No” and then Bheeshma asks him, “in that case why did you break your Sathyam in the battle? You had promised that you will not take part in the battle, but you took theChakrayudha.” 

 

The ever smiling Krishna replies, “Yes, I did take the chakrayudha, but I did not use it in the war and why did I do it? ” You, the man who in your youth, gave up the pleasures of the young for the sake of your father and took Brahmacharya vratha – when such a great person swears on his Brahmacharya vratha that Krishna will take part in the battle, I had no choice but to make your promise come true. In this my promise was not kept, but I had to keep your promise, this is why I took the chakrayudha. This also helped Pandavas as it reduced your ferocity and helped them defeat you!” 

 

Such is the greatness of the benevolent God who is ready to sacrifice his promise for the sake of his bhakta!

Courtesy: Brahmasri Chaganti Koteshwra Acharya

Merits of Bilva- The Divine Tree

There is nothing that one can ignore in this nature because it is all pervaded by the supreme God.  Each element of nature whether it is a person, animal, plant/tree, hill and river etc. depends on each other and one cannot survive without the other. They complement each other for their survival and existence.  So much so, plants and trees are an integral part of human or animal life and without plants/trees a man or an animal cannot survive. Each part of the plant like root, stems, barks, leaves and flowers are used in Hindu rituals. Apart from spiritual significance there is also an element of health consciousness and environmental protection involved in its usage. Even today these leaves/herbs are very much used in preparing Ayurvedic medicines meant for curing several diseases. Apart from this, they also act in a divine way of controlling pollution, be it water or air.     

 

In Hinduism, plants/trees are worshiped and are treated as embodiment of God since Vedic days. There is no worship or ritual in Hinduism without the usage of plants/trees in some form or the other. They are considered as divine personification  for the soul and puja material of each Hindu God including the Navagrahas. In Hindu religion, since Vedic days several plants and trees are associated with certain deities and their usage is mandatory in their worship, like for example, use of Tulasi is associated with Lord Maha Vishnu, Durva (grass) with Lord Maha Ganapathi, Arka plant leaf with Sun God, Amalaki with Lord Vishnu etc. The practice of tree/plant worship is as old as Hindu civilization.

 

Some of the great epic personalities and festivals are associated with trees. For example, Goddess Sita Devi with is associated with the Ashoka tree under whose shade she was resting during her sojourn in Lanka, Lord & Sage Sri Veda Vyasa (Badarayana) is associated with the Badari (Jujube).  While performing sacred rituals Dharbha (Kusa grass) is invariably used. Sri Ganesha Chaturthi is associated with Pathra (leaves) pooja, and we use Shami leaves during Dussera festival, Amalaki during Dhaatri festival (Thulasi festival) etc.

In Bhagawadgeeta, Lord Sri Krishna says that he is the Aswattha Vruksha (Banyan Tree) among the Vrukshas (Trees).  In Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Stothram we find reference to trees in sloka # 37, 88 where Lord Vishnu is described as Ashoka, Nyagrodho, Audumbara and Aswattha. Stressing on the significance for sincerity, purity of mind and devotion in worship, Lord Sri Krishna says in Bhagawadgeeta (9^th canto sloka # 26)

 

“Patram pushpam phalam toyam yo me bhaktya prayacchati

tad aham bhakty-upahritam ashnami prayatatmanah”

 

That means” whoever offers Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water, that I accept, offered with pure-mind and devotion”. In these Houses-of-God, it is not the intricacies of their design, elaborateness of the ritual, nor the splendour of gold and wealth exhibited, nor even the number of devotees attending, that contribute to their essential success.  Ultimately it is the sincerity and devotion (bhakti) that counts in divine worship. The very language and diction of the above stanza clearly sounds the note that the material objects that one might offer are of no value to the Lord of the Universe, but it is the devotion and love that prompt the offerings that are accepted by the Deity. Be it “a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water” it is but an insignificant thing that you offer; be it a golden temple, or be it a dry leaf, “whosoever with devotion offers” whatever be the offering, Lord Sri Krishnaassures “THAT I ACCEPT.”

 

For, when lovingly given, it becomes “a devout gift” and when it is offered by a sincere “pure minded” devotee, the Lord accepts it. Therefore, on the whole, it is clear that an offering can be good, only when it is accompanied by the two required conditions; (a) “offered with devotion” and (b) “by the pure-minded.”  All offerings are mere waste if these characteristics are absent and superstition breeds false-beliefs. If properly done, it can serve as a good vehicle to tread the spiritual path of self development. We find several puranic references in this context like offering of Tandulam (beaten rice/avalakki) by Sudhama (Kuchela) etc.

 

Merits of Bilva:

 

Bilva is closely associated with the worship of Lord Shiva, one of Trinal Lords. It falls in the category of simplest form of worship that of Lord Shiva who is symbolized in the most modest form. He gets pleased with a drop of water on his head (Shiva Linga Abhisheka) and worship with a leaf (Pathra) known as Bilva Pathra. It is considered highly sacred and celestial and is mandatory, without which the worship of Lord Shiva is incomplete. Bilva leaf is said to be the vegetal form of Lord Shiva which is said to be very dear to Him. 

 

We find number of puranic references to Bilva especially in Shiva Puranas.  Bilva is considered is one of the sacred trees in Hinduism having spiritual powers. Bilva tree is said to have manifested from Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi and Sri Sooktham eulogizes Goddess Lakshmi as…

 

“Aadithya varnae tapassodhi jaatho 

Vanaspathi stava vrukshotha bilvaha

Tasya phalani tapasaanudantu 

Mayaantha raayaashcha baahya alakshmeehi “

 

Oh Lakshmi, your complexion is like that of a morning Sun, a vanaspathi (trees bearing fruits without blossoming) called by name Bilva was brought forth by your devout austerity. Through your favor may the fruits of the tree drive away my misfortunes and poverty both internal (ignorance) and external.  It is believed and said that one who does penance/austerity/homa under the Bilva tree and meditate on Goddess Sri Maha Lakshmi will be bestowed with fulfillment of all desires.

 

In Sri Maha Lakshmi Ashtothara Sathanama Stothram we find Goddess Lakshmi described as Bilva Nilaya the one who lives under the Bilva Tree.

 

“Bhaskarim bilvanilayam vararoham yesesvinim
vasuntharam mutharangham harinim hemamalinim “

 

Even in Nitya Karma (Sandhyavandana) during Sadhya Upasthana we recite a manthra ” Bilva Patraarchitey Devi Durgeaham Saranaagathaah”. Goddess Lakshmi in the form of Durga is the one who is attainable by worshipping with Bilva leaves. In Sri Venkateshwara Ashtottara Sathanaamaavali, we find Lord Venkateswara referred to as ” Bilvapathraarchana priyaaya Namah! ” At Tirumala temple there is a tradition to worship Lord Venkateswara with Bilva Pathra during Dhanurmasam. Even in Garuda Purana also we find reference to Sriphala the fruit of Bilva tree which is considered as very auspicious.

 

Bilva Dala, a confluence of three leaves trifoliate, is a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva’s weapon Thrishoola. It represents the Trinal Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. It also represents the three qualities Sattva, Rajo and Tamo gunas and a symbolic representation of three syllables of Omkaara. Bilva dala also represents the three eyes of Lord Shiva who is known as Thrinethra, the third being Jnaana netra.

  

Bilva tree is known as the tree of prosperity and good fortune. That’s why we find people keeping at home in their pooja room Sri Phala, the fruit of Bilva Tree.  It is believed that Bilva pathra can ward off the negative energy in a distressed person and reduce the effect of black energy. Merits of worshiping Lord Shiva with Bilva leaf and symbolism of Bilva leaves is better understood from an exclusive prayer known as” Bilvaashtakam” itself.

 

It has three leaves, which cause three qualities (Sattva, Rajo, Tamo), are like the three eyes of Lord Shiva, which is like the triad of weapons and which destroys sins of past three births.  It has three shoots, which do not have holes, which are good and pretty to worship Lord Shiva.  If an uncut leaf is offered to his mount Nandi, one will get cleaned of all his/her sins.  Offering one Bilva dala to Lord Shiva is equal to offering a Salagrama to a Brahmin, or the great blessing got out of performing a Soma Yaga.  It is equal to gifting thousand elephants, or performing hundred fire sacrifices or giving away billions of Kanyaa-Daana.

Manifested from the body of Goddess Maha Lakshmi and which is very dear to Lord Shiva, worshiping Lord Shiva with Bilva leaf is equal to giving a tree of Bilva in charity. Just by seeing and touching a Bilva tree one will get washed away from great sins.  Lord Brahma resides at its bottom, Lord Vishnu at the middle and Lord Shiva at its tip.  Reciting the holy ”Bilvaashtakam” with all sincerity and devotion in the presence of Lord Shiva would save one from all sin. Even the most terrible one and reaches the abode of Lord Shiva. It is said that sacred theerthas reside at the base of Bilva tree.  Worshiping Lord Shiva, performing abhishekam to Lord Shiva sitting under a Bilva tree and lighting a lamp in front of a Bilva tree is said to be highly sacred.  There is an interesting anecdote of a hunter getting salvation by unknowingly worshiping Lord Shiva with Bilva leaves on a Shivarathri day.  Such is the glory and merits of Bilva tree.

Botanical significance:

 

Botanically Bilva tree is known as Aegle Marmeolus, family of Rutaceae.  It is a scraggy tree with a crust of thick thorns. Tall and austere with a stern aspect gnarled trunk, Bilva tree grows in almost all parts of India irrespective of the nature of soil.  Apart from India, it grows in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and South East Asia. Generally we find Bilva trees in Lord Shiva temples. Its leaves are alternate, ovate, trifoliate and aromatic. Bilva fruits are woody in nature, oval shaped with yellow pulp. In Sanskrit it is known as Bilva and its fruit as Sriphala, as Stone apple in English, as Maaredu in Telugu, as Bel in Hindi, as Bilva Pathra in Kannada and as Vilvam in Tamil.

 

Medicinal properties of Bilva Tree:

 

Bilva tree is highly medicinal and all its parts including its roots, stems, bark, leaves, flowers and fruits are used for the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines and in curing of various diseases. Traditionally the science of Ayurveda gives lot of significance for its usage and is known as a healing tree which cures diseases especially caused by Vaata (Gas) dosha. Bilva fruit is highly beneficial in chronic dysentery or diarrhea. It is specifically used in correcting the irregularity of bowel movement. It acts as a laxative when there is constipation. 

Unripe fruit is used in curing excess of Vaata and Kapha doshas, stomach ache and dyspepsia and other intestinal disorders.  Fruit pulp mixed with honey is used in controlling vomiting. Its fruit juice acts as a blood purifier.  Bilva leaves are used in Diabetes mellitus.  Leaves are also used in controlling fever, flue and fatigue. Oil extracted from the root of Bilva tree is used in the diseases relating to Ear especially in relieving problems relating to ear ache, inflammation, discharge with foul odour, humming sound in the ear etc.  Apart from medicinal uses, Bilva leaves are also used in purifying water. While usage of Bilva tree and its parts has proven medicinal value, it is suggested to use them only under Medical advice.

 

Bilvaashtakam:

tridalaṁ triguṇākāraṁ trinetraṁ ca triyāyudham

trijanmapāpasaṁhāraṁ ekabilvaṁ śivārpaṇam!

 

triśākhaiḥ bilvapatraiśca hyacchidraiḥ komalaiḥ śubhaiḥ

śivapūjāṁ kariṣyāmi hyekabilvaṁ śivārpaṇam !

 

akhaṇḍa bilva patreṇa pūjite nandikeśvare

śuddhyanti sarvapāpebhyo hyekabilvaṁ śivārpaṇam!

 

śāligrāma śilāmekāṁ viprāṇāṁ jātu cārpayet

somayajña mahāpuṇyaṁ ekabilvaṁ śivārpaṇam !

 

dantikoṭi sahasrāṇi vājapeya śatāni ca

koṭikanyā mahādānaṁ ekabilvaṁ śivārpaṇam!

 

lakṣmyāstanuta utpannaṁ mahādevasya ca priyam

|bilvavṛkṣaṁ prayacchāmi hyekabilvaṁ śivārpaṇam !

 

darśanaṁ bilvavṛkṣasya sparśanaṁ pāpanāśanam

aghorapāpasaṁhāraṁ ekabilvaṁ śivārpaṇam !

 

kāśīkṣetranivāsaṁ ca kālabhairavadarśanam

prayāgamādhavaṁ dṛṣṭvā hyekabilvaṁ śivārpaṇam !

 

mūlato brahmarūpāya madhyato viṣṇurūpiṇe

agrataḥ śivarūpāya hyekabilvaṁ śivārpaṇam !

 

bilvāṣṭakamidaṁ puṇyaṁ yaḥ paṭhet śivasannidhau

sarvapāpa vinirmuktaḥ śivalokamavāpnuyāt 

Nature is the Guru – Sri Sarada maata

There is nothing that one can ignore in this nature because it is all pervaded by the supreme God.  Each element of nature whether it is a person, animal, plant/tree, hill and river etc. depends on each other and one cannot survive without the other.Shree Sarada mata gives us the message that we can learn from everybody.

When Maata was a small child, She was cleaning a room and upon finishing, she threw the broom to a corner. Then She heard the voice of Sri Ramakrishna say, “Hega, you threw that broom? See how beautifully you cleaned the room with that very broom and now you threw it? You must respect your tools as well as your actions. Cleanliness is next to Godliness?” Then Mother bowed down to the broom. From then on She would bow down to it everyday. Maa said that, Thakur Ramakrishna told Her, “If you respect each and every one of your actions, you will get me.”

Respect is an important part of learning. To illustrate this, Maata has shared these stories with us. These stories teach us how to learn and how to become divine. We can learn every moment from every thing because Mother Nature is teaching us all the time. Please read and enjoy the stories!

 The stories are related with  Avadhut Dattatreya. Dattatreya was born divine and he considered every moment as an opportunity to learn. He learned from everybody and everything. He considered all of Nature to be his Guru. How did He learn this way and what did He learn?  

First Story

One day Avadhut was crossing a big field. He saw a huge wedding procession going past the field with much fanfare accompanied by many musical instruments. Pipes and Drums were played and singers were singing enthusiastically. The marriage party was accompanying the groom. At the same time in that field, Avadhut saw a hunter. The hunter was concentrating only on his prey. His eyes were completely focused on the target and he was oblivious to the marriage party and the sounds of their merry making. Avadhut went to the hunter and bowed down to him. He said, “You are my Guru. When I meditate on God, my goal will be to have the same focus as you have just demonstrated.” 

Second Story

Once Avadhut was walking by a river when he saw a fisherman. He went near the fisherman and asked politely, “Oh Brother, what path should I take to go to the city? The fisherman was looking inside the water and did not pay any attention to the question. The sounds did not even enter in to his ears. At that moment, the fish was just touching the bait. When the fish was caught, the fisherman called Avadhut, “Hey, what were you telling me?”

Avadhut came back to him and bowed down. He said, “You are my Guru. When I meditate on my Ishta Deva (beloved form of God), until the meditation is not complete, until I reach the goal, my mind will not wander. Please give me blessings to be like you in this way.” 

Third Story

One day a hawk caught a fish and was flying with the fish in its mouth. Hundreds and hundreds of crows followed it. They chased the hawk wherever it flew. They wanted the fish and went wherever the hawk went. They were disturbing the hawk greatly.

The hawk got mad. It threw the fish. At that time, another hawk was flying and caught that fish. The crows left the first hawk and started flying behind the other hawk.

The first hawk was so relieved and relaxed! Without worry, it sat on the branch of a tree and watched the plight of the other hawk.

The Avadhut bowed down to the hawk and said, “If you can leave all desires and attachments, then alone you can get peace. When I meditate I want to leave all my desires and attachments, just as you have shown. ” He prayed the hawk and said, “You are my Guru. Thank you for your teaching.” 

Fourth Story

There was a little pond in which a crane was swimming with concentration and moving slowly to catch a fish. Behind the crane was a hunter who was focusing on the crane with the intent of killing it. The crane had no idea as to who was behind. The crane was completely focused on catching the fish.

The Avadhut bowed down to the crane and told him, “You are my Guru. When I will do meditation, I will never look behind, I will always be focused on the present and not on the past or the future. Please give me this blessing. Thank you for your teaching.”

From these Avadhut stories we see a beautiful example of how we can learn from the Nature – every moment, every aspect of creation can be our Guru and we can learn. Avadhut  respected with each action. From this we learn that if we too, are respectful in each and every one of our actions, the entire Universe will become our family, and we can learn and share our experience with everyone in this Universe.

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