Krishna Janmashtami The Krishna Janmashtami festival was celebrated in the Datta Peetham with fervor and devotion.

At dawn, Pujya Swamiji performed special prayers and Pujas to the small golden Krishna statuette which has been worshipped in the family for generations. In the prayer hall, a ornately decorated stage was specially erected with a marble Krishna idol seated in the centre. After Pujya Swamiji's Puja was over, the Veda students of the Ashrama Veda school performed Krishna Puja and chanted the famous "Vishnu Sahasranama" The marble idol of Lord Krishna was expeditiously brought from a house in Guntur city. This house was gifted to the Peetham about five years ago and a day before this year's Krishna festival, Pujya Swamiji instructed to remove the marble idol from that house and bring it to the Peetham. Sri Swamiji said "The Krishna wants to come from there to Mysore". Devotees of Guntur brought the Krishna just before the celebrations were to start. The donor of the house, who was present in Ashrama on that day was over joyed that the statue from their gifted house will be in Mysore Ashrama. After the Pujas were over, Children of the Ashrama, who were decorated like Gopikaas performed dance and Raas Kreeda around the Krishna idol and Pujya Swamiji, The whole event was captivating. Pujya Swamiji in the benedictory address spoke "Lord Krishna established an empire of United India right from cape Kanyakumari up to Himalayan Mountains. However, he did not aspire to rule over the empire, but coronated Dharmaraja as the emperor. This is an example of the liberal attitude of the Lord whose power is unparalleled. Moreover, Krishna the Perfect Master taught the Bhagavadgita (The Song Divine) - the quintessence of spiritualism. Also He propagated the superb system of musical service as an easy path to divinity. Krishna is the Teacher of spiritual teachers. He is the Universal Teacher. I vow to follow the Master - Lord Krishna" Moon rises at midnight on the 8th day of the dark fortnight of the month Shravana (Bahula Ashtami-Sravana Masa) as per the lunar calendar. Krishna, born at such time at midnight - enlightens us all, removing the darkness of our ignorance. The star Rohini is very favourable to the moon. The power of attraction of the moon will be the highest during this period of the star. Having taken incarnation at that time, Krishna attracted not only the mankind, but also the cows, by his divine music and miraculous benevolent grace. For this reason, it is highly auspicious to make offerings to moon at midnight during the festival of Krishna Ashtami. Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu strengthened righteousness to be effective for the entire Treta Yuga (The second age). Krishna, the next incarnation was born at the end of Dwapara Yuga (The third age) and laid a firm foundation of

righteousness for the benefit of mankind in the fourth Age, Kai Yuga (the present one). Even during the incarnation of Rama, Lord Vishnu made preparations to His next incarnation as Krishna. Let us look at some examples. (a) A bridge was constructed from Rameswaram (South India) to Sri Lanka. Anjaneya brought a big mountain for this purpose. Lord Rama said the construction was completed, Anjaneya placed the mountain on the bank of the river Yamuna as directed by Rama. The mountain prayed to him to be used in the service of Rama and He conveyed His request to Rama. The Lord said, "Let the mountain remain there. I will use it at the end of the next age Dwapara". This is the Govardhana mountain which Lord Krishna made use of to protect the cows and cowherds. (b) As directed by Krishna, Anjaneya made several favours to Arjuna and Bhima, (brothers of Dharmaraja). The incarnation of Krishna is called the Perfect one i.e. Purna Avatara. Krishna blessed many with the Darsana (vision) of His Viswa Roopa (Cosmos form). Those who sought His grace in the three ages - Kruta, Treta and Dwapara were reborn as contemporaries of Krishna, who blessed them with boons. An emperor protects only his subjects. However Krishna liberates all His devotees, even sinners and demons. He is Bhakti Saamrajya Chakravarthi i.e., the emperor of the realm of devotion. His grace is limitless. There is an intimate link between the master and servant; between the Supreme Soul and His power of illusion (Maya); between the teacher and the disciple. However, the power of attraction of Krishna is matchless. It was enjoyed by one and all. Throughout His Divya Leela (divine play), whether among the cowherds in His childhood, or among the several people and rulers, Krishna was ever unaffected by any event - such was His detachment. Here is a practical lesson for all that one must maintain equipoise even in the period of crisis. In the other incarnations, God liberated the wrong doer by killing. However, Krishna showed the gradual path to salvation both to the good and the bad ones; to cleanse the evil effect of their sins, by righteous conduct, unmindful of suffering. Thus people were purified by His grace. Though Krishna did not wield any weapon, the Pandavas won the war. In the beginning, Arjuna stated that he preferred to lose everything. He wanted to avoid the war as he was unwilling to kill the opponents who were his friends and relations. Krishna taught him the pious principle that "it is not winning the war that is important, but fighting well for the righteous cause". Ultimately Arjuna met with success. On the other hand, Duryodhana tried to grab the empire by any means - fair or foul. His evil doomed him. Thus Krishna demonstrated by several practical examples that a good work never goes unrewarded and the sinner shall be punished. It is only Krishna who propagated the music of flute - Venu. The kind Lord's divine melodies were rapturous. Every one enjoyed the ecstatic bliss of his spiritual music of Saptaswaras. Krishna rescued the suffering and fulfilled the desires of the seeker. Swamiji enquires a devotee "Oh! How are you? Your wife and children are OK?" These enquiries are made by Swamiji with a

purpose. Generally a householder is attached to the family ties and responsibilities. He feels at home if such topics are referred to. Thereafter Swamiji draws the devotee's attention towards the Guru and Guru seva. The devotee is pleased and satisfied that Swamiji evinces interest in the welfare of his family. The best Teacher made the best preaching to the best disciple. This is what we infer from Krishna's teaching of Bhagavadgita to Arjuna. Sri Swamiji sang a few songs on Krishna in enrapturing, melodious, inspiring tunes. [At the end of the session, Swamiji explained the five types of children one may have by quoting a mythological story. The moral of the story is one must be duty conscious, righteous and detached in his day to day activities. Morality only leads us to liberation.] Jaya Guru Datta Krishna Janmashtami Speech New Jersey 19th August 2003 Crossroads High School Theater, Dayton, NJ, USA Today is Krishna Janmashtami. I am very happy that the New Jersey devotees got the chance to celebrate it with me. It is a very important and sacred day. Krishnas story is fascinating and is a wonderful story. When Vyasa was unhappy after the completion of the 18 Puranas (scriptural stories), Narada suggested that Vyasa write about Lord Vishnus incarnations. So, Vyasa chronicled the stories of Vishnus incarnations. Vyasa wrote about creation, sustenance and the destructions of all that exist. In that Bhagavatha, Krishnas story is the most important one. Krishna was born on Ashtami day. Ashtami sounds similar like Kashtami (difficulties). Krishna in fact removed the darkness. Arjuna was one of the important beneficiaries of Krishnas lecture. Arjuna means one who seeks. The pure sky on a sunny day was the color of Krishna. Krishnas story is a magnificent story. I recommend that you all read and study the BHAGAVATA PURANA book. Krishnas Bhagavad-Gita involves teaching Arjuna. It is for all those who seek. Bhagavad Gita teaches various methods of approach to the God Head - Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Karma Yoga. Krishnas teachings to his friend Uddhava are called Uddhava Gita. There is another Gita called UTTARA GITA. These Gitas constitute the great teachings for the whole of mankind. Not just for Hindus. It shows that Krishna alone is JAGADGURU. Krishnas playing of flute reflects the Vaayu Tattva. Krishna adorns Kaashi PEETHAMBARA (silk clothe with heavy embroidery). It means the entire universe is his attire. He gave Darshan as Vishva Rupa or the

showing of his giant form, which depicted all that which is perceivable. The jingle of his anklets are the sound of all the living beings. Many wonder why Krishna had 16,000 wives. They think that if Lord Krishna had 16,000, could I not have at least two or three? If you compare yourself to Krishna, then you cannot have even one wife for your entire life cycle of your soul. It could mean millions of births. The 16,000 Gopikas are the nerves in the body. These Gopikaas are the Gosais in a previous life, who craved for the child Krishnas affection and attention. These Gosais who had prayed for Krishnas attention were born as Gopikas and Krishna blessed them with his attention and affection. Gopikaas are those with desires. Those with desires are always women. Krishna is the only male, (Pumsa Mohana Ruupaaya). Because we always have desires and wishes, you are always Gopikas. Seeking Moksha is also a kind of begging and praying. That is why the great Namadev says: "I dont want Moksha. I dont want Vaikuntha. I want to be born again and again on this earth. I am prepared to face the challenges of life. I ask for this because I will have an opportunity to chant Your name". Going to Vaikuntha means, no cinema, no baseball, no family, and no social life. There will be only smiles and happiness. So, you may think twice before seeking Moksha. Theres no bank balance in Vaikuntha. You dont know life without money. So, you dont aspire to it. The more you want Moksha, the more difficult it is to get. If you have good health and wealth, then EGO takes over. You get so busy that you do not find time to think, contemplate and pray. One day when some misfortune happens, then you look for Swamis and Gurus. Up until then you think that you are just too busy. Busy doing what? Doing things that bring you more and more desires. You even lose touch with family and friends. You know that they exist only when you get an email from them. All your affection and love is through e-greetings and emails. Internet love. So, the ease of electronic communication is causing distance and distraction. Pray to God before you get old. Dont delay your prayers until old age. That day may never come. No one knows how long they will live. Friends and family can accompany you only as far as the grave. Good deeds and bad deeds are our constant companions through our long journey of life and after death. Your house, Mercedes car, plasma TV and sofas will not go with you. Your wife or lover will not go. Not only that but even your body will not go. This body that you spent hours decorating, which makes you act like a monkey in front of a mirror, It too must be left behind.

I saw a movie, which shows the various facial expressions and body language an average human experiences in a day. It is so comical. Yet when confronted with spirituality, you counter question the person, suspecting his motives. As if to say: Do you think I am a fool? It is a fortunate day that Swamiji is here with you for Krishna Janmashtami in this school auditorium. Once again I bless you and advise you to read Bhagavad Gita. Read one Shloka a day. Those teachings can be of great help to you and your family life. Read the Bhagavatha also. I spoke Tamil in Madras for seven days on Bhagavatha. It made me feel very happy. The laughter and tears just flow. One day may you all get the opportunity to listen to those speeches live here in USA. In Trinidad, Swamiji spoke on the great Rishis of India. Three thousand people attended every day. Anyway, I bless you all. I know you cannot give up your life here and go to Himalayas to do Tapas. But I urge you to be compassionate and considerate to yourself and others in life. We did Puja with Navaneetha today. Navaneetha means butter. Where does butter come from? It comes from the churning of the heated milk, which is curdled. Only then does it become butter. It is hidden in milk but it is not evident, even though it is there. Like butter in the milk, we too carry that Brahma principle within us. We have to prepare ourselves and churn our thoughts to bring out that great understanding of Brahma. Only then does the Jagadguru, Lord Krishna, remove the butter within us. He consumes the sin in us. He steals our darkness, which causes us to be ignorant. He appropriates the hearts of the people by taking away their untrue nature. Thus the butter comes out. Unwanted things, which block our vision and thoughts, are stolen from us. That is why Krishna is called as NAVANEETHA CHORA. I will sing some Bhajans. Saying so, Sri Swamiji manifests VIBHOOTI from the garland that adorned Sadgurudeva. Sri Swamiji sings Bhajans :Moda Modalu Vandanamu Ganapayya Jayati Jayathi Krishna Krishna Jananam Achyutam Keshavam Dharma Samsthaapaka Krishna Krishna Govinda Kanna Gopala Kanna

Tvameva Mama Sharanam Krishna Krishna Krishna Mukunda Janardhana Kaayena Vaacha Manasendri Yeirva Madhava Maamava Deva Krishna, the only possession I have in this life is you and nothing else. I do not know anything else other than you. I dont know how to remember you. I dont even know how to take refuge in you. I will not sing names of anyone else. I will not contemplate on anyone else. You alone Krishna. Your name alone Krishna. I dont know the merits of the great Homas. I may not have the discipline, I may not have compassion. I may not have compromise nature. I am foolish and stupid. I dont know truth. I always think of lies. I do not have great literary skills. I dont know how to do Sadhana. I dont know about service to you. I am lazy and dumb- headed and lethargic. I am not a wise person. I dont know meditation or contemplation. I am not sensible, smooth, clean, and descent. My abode is ugly and I am garbage. I dont know how to clean myself. Tvameva Mama Sharanam Krishna. Sri Swamiji sings Krishna Krishna Mukunda Janardhana Sri Swamiji sings Thumuka Thumuka Paga Hari Aaye

2nd Global Gita Conference Saturday, 18 December 2004 Report The day's programme started at 9.45AM with Gita chanting by school children from Adichunchanagiri Sanskrit School, Bellur. They also enacted a skit from Bhagavadgita. Session 7 started at 10.00AM with a special lecture by Smt. Jaya Row, Mumbai on Commandments of Bhagavadgita.. Smt. Jaya Row stated that Gita does not give any commandments. It only gives knowledge. Lord Krishna says that knowledge should never be thrust upon another person. Knowledge should be imparted only when asked for. Gitas birth itself is based on Arjunas quest for Knowledge and Truth. He asked Lord Krishna to give him that knowledge. Though he had received his Upadesham from Krishna, he could not decide what to do. Krishna had to tell him whatever I had to give you I have imparted on you, now you have to do what you want to do and what you are required to do. At this command, Arjuna finally got up and said I have become wise and I would go and fight for the Truth and Dharma. So, the knowledge that one gets will become useful only if the knowledge gets into Buddhi or intellect. In the 18th Chapter, Krishna says about true happiness and false happiness. Most of the people are keeping away from true or real happiness as it is not materialistic and unpalatable. Due to false happiness, we experience at the end of the day, a feeling of incompleteness and emptiness. But, even when you feel incompleteness or emptiness, you should understand you are full. Gita is like a mother. It gives us the food of knowledge of fullness. Our task, indeed, is how to take and assimilate this food of knowledge. Lord Krishna says that the spiritual path is towards desire elimination. Desire is a devil which stands between you and God. Gita gives us the answer for desire management. It says that when you turn your back on desire, what you will get is pure happiness. Lord says that your mind gets poisoned by Desire. But if you fall at the feet of Guru in total surrender, the mind gets free of desire. Once, you get clear of the desire, you have to set your goal for higher ideals to achieve Siddhi and bliss. It should be understood that for desire

management, you have to keep your Buddhi and intellect in place with a focus on divinity. In the 2nd chapter of Gita, Krishna says that if you jettison your Buddhi, you are destroyed. Focus on Buddhi leads you to Excellence in action. How can excellence in action be achieved? There are three ways which take you to the path of excellence. One is intense activity, second is hard work and third is Tranquility of mind. Gita mentions repeatedly that the perfection in action is Yoga. By perfection, one achieves moments of purity of mind. If you perform your action with purity and tranquility of mind, the end results will be sheer Joy. Though India has conquered the whole world with the wisdom of Vedanta, we have lost that knowledge and wisdom today. The reason for this development is not difficult to find out. We are becoming addicted to desires of materialistic things. So this leads us to Desire reduction and desire elimination. How this can be achieved? Krishna pointedly says and directs you to three golden paths of Karma yoga, Bhakti yoga and Gnana yoga. Karma Yoga is an action with deficiency motivation. It is defined as a function in the spirit of service. In Karma yoga, you should develop an attitude of gratefulness and indebtedness to Lord and what comes out of this as end result is one of perfection. Bhakti Yoga: Bhakti yoga is function of spirit of gratitude. Bhakti is one aspect which can come to any body if he or she creates a temple around you whatever you are. When you function in the spirit of sacrifice, you get serendipity. Bhakti gets manipulated when you see the whole world in a sense of oneness. Most of us feel the sense of oneness within a family. The moment you spread this spirit of oneness to everyone, you will become one with everybody and Bhakti Rasa prevails. So, Bhakti is a sense of oneness with Gods manifestation. Gnana yoga: Basically, it is the contemplation of Nitya Vastu against Anithya Vastu. Everything in this world is impermanent. Internal understanding of what is permanent and what is impermanent is of utmost importance to attain that Gnana. As you learn the principles of Gnana, you will feel humility. This is what Lord Krishna says in the 13th chapter of Bhagavadgita. Krishna says you must do your duty and leave the rest to me. Do not think about the end result. Gnana Yoga is unflinching focus on the permanent. This takes you to the path of renunciation which leads you to meditation and Atmavichara. This is the essence of Bhagavadgita. So, one must have Shraddha, devotion and Bhakti devoid of agitated mind condition and hatred, to attain the knowledge of wisdom and realisation. Session 8: Special lecture by Sri Chidatmananda Swamiji of Chinmaya mission, Hyderabad on Values of Excellence.

Sri Chidatmananda Swamiji started that the theme of values for excellence against values of excellence. It is a common practice in our society that we worship the values given to us by our elders, but we tend to keep them at a distance without ever thinking that these values have get relevance to mental happiness and joy. Instead of attaching significance to moral and ethical values propounded by our forefathers, we attach more significance to a values of material things. Are these material values have any use for us in our quest for wisdom? It is apparent that these material values will lead us no where to our happiness within ourselves. The moral and ethical values have connection with our life on a continuous basis. We have intrinsic urge to achieve higher level of peace, happiness, contentment, fulfillment, success, joy etc. All of us are born with this urge. Please understand that the values as given to us by our forefathers and as propounded in Gita are manifestation of this urge. They are totally connected with our life. There is an inborn desire for self improvement which is part of the values. Every created object in this universe has a touch of divinity. So values or expressions and factors of creative genius. It is known that mind is an instrument given to us. How to operate this instrument called mind? Here comes the importance of the values which our operational manuals, literally speaking of the mind. Values make the mind very powerful. As the mind gets powerful we get a sense of goodness and feeling of happiness. Values give us the capacity to feel good without depending on other external factors. Gita gives us the time-tested values. The very process of experiencing the values gives us a feeling of divinity. Bhagavadgita. gives us higher level of potential energy. Values as propounded in Bhagavadgita. are like screen/Kavacha for the mind. Value system in Gita gives us the stability and ability in our life. Values comprise thoughtfulness, honesty, spirit of sacrifice, concentration, truthfulness, compassion etc. Even Western philosophers and scientists owed their knowledge and wisdom to Gita and what its stands for. By following the values as propounded in Gita we get pleasure, happiness, joy and bliss. Pleasure is always associated with expending the energy. Happiness enriches us. One level higher than happiness is joy. In selfless service we get a sense of joy and in meditation there is joy and in silence and prayer also there is joy. Joy is fulfilling and ever lasting. The ultimate level higher than joy is bliss, which is the supreme. Those who attain supreme bliss, they celebrate all the time and self-realisation and supreme consciousness. So, those who follow the values for excellence will take them to high level of supreme consciousness. Session10: Special Lecture by Sri Swami Japananda, Sri Ramakrishnashrama, Pavagada, Karnataka on The influence of Srimad Bhagavadgita. on Swamy Vivekananda

This session started at 3.00PM. Sri Swami Japananda said at the out set that Swami Vivekananda was very much fond of Bhagavadgita. He never missed an opportunity to teach the Gita to his monastic members as well as to his western followers. Swami Vivekananda lectures on Gita were compiled in the form of Thoughts on Gita. The Bhagavadgita. has inspired generations after generations for the past thousands of years. Yet it appears a fresh and can be adopted at any time by anybody. The Gita looks like a guide for all the religious practitioners to attain the goal supreme. The spiritual path needs powerful and strong mental strength to know the reality. The Bhagavadgita., the song celestial, is sweet to the ear, heart and mind too. We have in the Gita an exploration in to the world of experience. There is no room for the supernatural things. There is nothing about this. Supernatural is against the very spirit of science. And the Gita therefore does not indulge in the super natural. It indulges in what is experience. They are all natural. But the word Natural gets a very wide meaning in the Upanishads. They are super physical, they may be super sensible, they may be super rational but they are not supernatural. This kind of attitude to the supernatural brings Gita in to kinship with modern scientific thought. The Gita, though small, contains all the ideas regarding the spiritual Self (Atman), God (Ishvara), the embodied Self (Jiva) and the world (Jagat), that are recorded in the Upanishad portions of the Vedas. In some places the very language of the Upanishads is used. It is for this reason that the Gita is considered an Upanishad. Another name for it is Gitopanishad. Man must work and through work he must build up his destiny, build-up his character, build-up his personality, build-up his social environment. This is the central them of the Bhagavadgita. For a house wife, a labour, an administrator, a teacher, a scientist every one in society, the Gita does not ask them to wind-up all this and come to religion, the Gita says the religion will come to you where ever you are. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa used to say about Bhagavadgita. in his extraordinary way of expression as if you utter Gita ten times then, at the end you get the word Tyagi. That means one has to renounce everything and surrender at the Holy Lotus feet of the Lord. Practical Spirituality: I have given you of the transcendental dimension of a human being. Turn your mind on how to bring the best of this philosophy in

to practicality. This philosophy will remain high and you will remain low. I am now going to tell you a new approach to this philosophy i.e. from where you are you can gently rise towards the higher sphere. You are now in the world of the work but remain there. I will give you a light to your life and a life to your soul. To find your way to the highest goal of life. Sri Krishna profoundly announces a new philosophy of life and new philosophy of work. By work you will gain a double result. External human welfare in society, human development etc. and inwardly you will advance towards the infinite spiritual world. This is the double efficiency you gain by adopting Yoga in your day-to-day life. This is the central message of Bhagavadgita. Equanimity is Yoga to keep the mind calm even though the external powers try to disturb the mind. Every animal body has disturbed incoming repulsions but the man has an additional capacity to regulate and moderate these impulsions, which come from out side. Try to apply as much as you can this great philosophy to develop the human personality, which is hidden within you. With the intelligence of evenness one discards both good and evil works. Therefore strive to secure this Yoga; Yoga is skill in works. An efficiency in action by which you will develop your inner personality, not only that, through this one can advance socially and economically to build a strong society for the benefit of the world. This is possible by being an honest, efficient, capable to handle anything in this world. This is known as Karma-su-Koushalam. The yoga teaches to detach our selves with the work and through the work only to towards the goal supreme. To know your own infinite nature. To achieve your fulfillment work, which achieves only one type of result i.e. External or internal. That was the choice before man till now. We have achieved external efficiency in science and technology but we are very poor in achieving efficiency to know our inner life. We achieve inner efficiency by adopting the Yoga as taught by Sri Krishna. In the second chapter, Sri Krishna expounds this central theme of philosophy and in the succeeding chapters he enriches it from various sources until towards the end of the chapter. What we get in the Bhagavadgita. is an all round human fulfillment individual as well as collective that is the Yoga of Bhagavadgita. Session11: Special lecture on GITA TATVAMU by Sri Pranavananda Swamiji of Omkara Ashrama, Bellary. Sri Pranavananda Swamiji said that one who spoke on Vedanta must know about Vedanta. One must have in-depth knowledge of Gita before he starts interpreting, as Bhagavadgita. is an ocean.

If you understand the philosophy of Lord Krishna, you will then understand Gita. Krishna says in Gita that all Dharmas converge on me. Arjuna was feeling sorrow, as he had to fight against his respected elders, Gurus, peers and kith and kin. He asked Krishna to take the chariot and park it in between the two armies. He asked Krishna that he wanted to see with whom he was to fight. He was feeling downcast. He told Krishna that he had no energy to fight with his kith and kin. Krishna said that the secrets of cosmic manifestation is through the life source of sun. He further said that as the keeper of Dharma Arjuna you should do your duty. You uplift yourself. You have to detach yourself from the other material things and look for Atman which is in you and search within your self. Krishna further said that to protect and proclaim Dharma, I am born again and again. There are 4 pillars for the building through which one can attain salvation. These are Karma, Bhakti, Gnana and Vairagya. There should be no wavering in the mind in adhering to these pillars. Knowledge is only one; though there are different paths and philosophies. What ever be the different concepts, Bhagavadgita. Tatva is same. Gita is an ancient text and it is before creation. But it is manifested when Krishna was born. Essence of every bodys life to reach Parabrahmam. This can be achieved only by following the path of Dharma as propounded by Gita. In the evening, a special ballet Krishna Madhuryam by Parvati Ravi Ghantasala was enacted. The children displayed promising virtues of agility and great expression. Karnataka Governor His Excellency Sri TN Chaturvedi was the guest honour for all the events.

Pujya Sri Swamiji's speech on Krishna Janmashtami - 19 September 2000 Today is Krishna Janmashtami. A sacred and powerful day. It is the birthday of Lord Krishna. Krishna Avathara (incarnation) is called Purna Avathara. It means a story of the God from birth till end. Only very few Avatharas are Purna Avatharas. Krishna is Sahasraksha. His eyes are the stars in our galaxy. His Peethambar is that envelops all that exists. These are his glory and decorations. He is Noopura. It means anklets. Their sound is the Atharvana Veda and Samaveda. His Tilaka is Rigveda and His Kaustubha Mani is Yajurveda. His Peetha Varna Shawl is Upanishads. The Kamadhenu gives boons to devotees. There are two Yajurvedas. The two sides of Krishna's Tilaka are Krishna and Shukla Yajurveda. His Wheel is Kaala or Bhairava. His stomach is the Brahmanda in which the 14 planetary system exists. Look at Krishna. Bhagavatha says Krishna has minus zero quality, which means Nirvikaara. He is Pumsa Mohana Roopaya. It means he is very handsome and the only beautiful one in this world. He is the only male in this universe and all else is feminine quality. Only Shiva is Yogi because he is Ardhanarishwara. Even Yogis are Gosayees. Any one who has confusion. Doubt or question is a female. We all are attracted to him. All others.. even Devathas and Gods are of feminine quality and are attracted to the all beautiful Krishna. We are celebrating this Krishna Janmashtami here in London Datta Yoga Center today. I am happy. In Trinidad more than three thousand people were coming. It was quite tiring and Swamiji wanted to rest. So, Swamiji has come here to be with this small group. I remember one story from the Bhagavatham. It is about Bheeshma. It was the last days of mighty Bheeshma. He was Ichchaa Marani, meaning one who could die when he wanted. He called Dharmaja and was asked how he would expect Dharmaja to rule the world. Then Bheeshma gave advise to the Pandavas. Then suddenly Draupadi laughed there. The Pandavas were shocked at her behavior. It was the most poignant of moments and Draupadi laughs recklessly there. Then Dharmaraya and Arjuna demanded an explanation from her. She said "He is my God and I always respect him". But she continued her laughing. Then Bheeshma himself asked her to explain the reason of her laughing. Then she said "On the day of my derobing when the might Dushshaasana was trying to unclothe me and I was crying for protection to Krishna, you were there sitting and looking at me. You did not even attempt to stop him, let alone suggest him. You did not

even close your eyes. Your expression on your face did not even carry the hint of remorse, shock or unhappiness. It appeared as if you were enjoying the show. But today you are giving the moral lessons to my husbands. You are my father. Please excuse me. Bheeshma said, " Yes my daughter. You are giving an indirect lesson to me. I was a servant of the Kauravas. I had eaten the salt of Duryodhana. It was the decision of my king. How can I challenge my king ? I had promised my father that I would swear by his progeny. Now on the deathbed today, I have drank the Ganga, which Arjuna so kindly sprouted from earth by puncturing it. I have become a Sattvic person and it had a purifying effect on me. " Krishna was the silent witness to this episode. Each chapter of Bhagavatha and Maha Bharata are like moral lessons. Dont treat them as mythological stories. If you treat them so, many silly doubts and questions crop up. Study its inner meaning. Study Bhagavad Gita. Memorise and understand those verses. It has all the answers for the modern day perturbed mind. Today we offer butter to Krishna. It represents Sadhana of a spiritual seeker. Krishna is looked upon as the boy thief who stole butter from the houses. Butter represents our karma and ego. He also steals our silly doubts. He is Chitta Chora. We beg Lord Krishna to bless us. For the next ten days there are many programs in England. Participate and understand what you can make out of my baby English. Language does not matter. It is a very poor form of communication. Come and receive the Butter now.

Krishna Pushkaram Krishna river Pushkaram is a socio Religious Celebration, celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, India. People of all walks of life, irrespective of caste, colour, creed and religion participate in these functions. Transit of Bruhaspati (Jupiter) into Kanya Rasi (Virgo Zodiac Sign) is the sacred period for Krishna Pushkaram. Krishna River flows through the Indian states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Mythology says that, Sage Pushkara is an embodiment of piety. He resides in the Kamandalu of Brahma. Once upon a time, rivers of the planet were so polluted with the ever increasing number of people, taking a holy dips and resultant transfer of sins of the bathers to them. Alarmed by this, all the sages and other celestial beings sought the help of Brahma to send Sage Pushkara to this planet. Simultaneously, Bruhaspati also prayed that his great friend accompanies him along with his transit into every Rasi annually. Brahma (the creator) consented, but amended his boon to the humanity due to reluctance of Pushkara to leave Brahma Loka (Planet of Brahma). As per the amendment, Pushkara would reside with all his purity and serenity of all the 3.5 Crore (35 million) holy Teerthas on this planet in a particular Major River for initial 12 days, coinciding with the transit (Sankramana) of Bruhaspati of 12 months. During these 12 days Bathing would bestow merit to annul of our past sins. Danam (Charity) would result in manifold merit. Rites to deceased parents and ancestors would help them obtain Uttama Gati (liberation). Every worship during this sacred period, would bring manifold merit. Accordingly, devotees in the state of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa celebrate these days in a great way with religious fervor. Last year, it was the Godavari river Pushkaram. This year, Bruhaspati entered Kanya Rasi (Virgo) and it is the turn of Krishna river Pushkaram. Sri Swamijis Sankalpam On the occasion of his last visit to Vijayawada, AP, Parama Pujya Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji declared that, celebration of this years Krishna Pushkaram is one of the main Sankalpa in His incarnation. Determination for this ritual was made 36 years ago, His Holiness revealed.

Avadhoota Datta Peetham branch on the rivers of Krishna River Datta Family members are aware of the connection of Krishna River to the Dattatreya Swamy and his next incarnations. A tributary of River Krishna emanates from Amalaka Teertha. Guru Charitra proves that both the incarnations of Sree Padavallabha and Narasimha Saraswati have intimate connection with River Krishna. Pujya Sri Swamiji also resumed asceticism on the banks of Krishna River at Sreeshailam. Many famous pilgrimage centres and holy centres such as Maha Baleswar, Sree Sreeshailam, Kurudvadi, Vijayawada dot the banks of Krishna River, which flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Pujya Swamiji has founded a wonderful and picturesque Ashrama on the quiet banks of River Krishna near Vijayawada. He has installed Guru Padukas and named this place as Sri Jaya Durga Teertham. (Kanaka Durga is presiding deity of the region. The holy shrine of Durga Devi on the Indra Keeladri) is the second major Temple in the state of Andhra Pradesh after Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple. The hill is on the other side of the river, clearly visible from the Ashrama Bathing Ghat). Developments at Jaya Durga Teertham Since 1992, Avadhoota Datta Peetham has been steadily and quietly developing this Ashrama with little support from donors by constructing 2 large halls to seat 1000 people, Dining Hall, 2 Bathing Ghats, Staff Quarters 9 rooms, 3 Dormitories. This years Krishna Pushkaram is a crowning occasion for this Kshetram. In addition to the above mentioned, make-shift Tents spanning more than 16,000 sft have been erected to felicitate Annadanam, Medical Facilities, Cloak Rooms and other amenities for the pilgrims. Sri Swamijis Visit: The 12 day Celebration will be signified by the stay and special programs of Pujya Swamiji from 4th September to 7th September 2004. Sri Lalita Yagam will be conducted in a special Yaga Sala in 9 Homa Kundas. The grand program would culminate on 7th September 2004 with the Maha Purnahuti of the ritual. Next day, Pujya Swamiji will carry the sacred Krishna Pushkara Jalam (River Water) in a grand procession to Sri Marakata Rajarajeswari Temple in Vijayawada Ashrama. Special Mention: Sri Datta Humane Services Volunteers, (erstwhile SGS Seva Dal) are rendering yeomen service to Pilgrims. More than 400 Local college students have enthusiastically joined the service program of Datta Peetham, serving at various points suggested by local Government administration.

Appeal: Devotees are requested to support the Annadaanam (Free Food Distribution Program) and participate in the Puja and Sri Lalita Yagam. Jaya Guru Datta Speech of Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji 4th September 2004 The Sacred river Krishna originates from the mountain ranges of Sahyadri (Western ghats of India). As most of us know Sahyadri is the dear home of Lord Dattatreya. Proceeding with vigor& velocity in Her large course originating from Maharashtra, the river Krishna passes through Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The river assumes peace and wider range at Vijayawada, situated at the foot of Indrakeeladri (hill), the abode of Kanaka Durga, the Divine Mother, the river merges in the Bay of Bengal at Hamsala Devi. In the distant past, the sacred river Ganga was transformed as a black crow, as She removed all the sins of those who bathed in Her. However, after the black crow took a holy dip in the river Krishna; She was elevated to the form a royal swan (Hamsa). Since this miracle occurred at the confluence of the river Krishna in ocean, (the Bay of Bengal) the place became famous as Hamsala Devi (the island of swans). During the period of British rule in India, some scientists tested the water of river Ganga. They found by their experiments that the waters of the holy river have supreme power of purification . Even such a sacred river Ganga, was purified by river Krishna. Let us look at an incident proving the piety of the river Krishna. A senior Govt. executive of high cadre had a derisive attitude about the river Krishna. Due to his negative attitude of disrespect, he conducted the annual death ceremony of his parents as per the ancient Hindu tradition. The local priest warned the British officer that such an undue performance will result in a calamity, as the officers parents were alive. The non-believing officer forced the priest to complete the rituals. Soon after the ceremony, the arrogant officer received a telegram revealing the death by accident of his parents. May the people realise the negative potency of disrespect towards the pious Mantras and rituals more so during the Pushkaram days. May all the people realise the positive effect and wide -ranging benefits of the holy dip and the rituals in the name of the deceased parents during the pious days of the

Puskarams. These sacred days occur once in twelve years for each of twelve major pious rivers of India. May all the celestials bless the devotees who conduct the rituals during these special days. Follow the Master in thought, word and deed. May Datta bless you all. JAYA GURU DATTA

Speech of Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji 5th September 2004 In India, there are 12 important pious rivers; Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Narmada, Godavari, Kaveri, Sindu, Pramada, Tamraparri, Krishnaveni, Bhima and Tunga Bhadra. Of these, this year Krishnaveni had its time for Pushkarams when Bruhaspati enters Virgo, it is time for Krishnaveni Pushkarams. Once the rive Ganges had a crow form when the ganges had its dip in Hansala Devi the crow had transferred into Hansa. The river Krishna had its origin in Sahyadri, the birth place of lord Dattatreya and hence dearer to Lord Dattatreya. One of the Datta avatara, Sripadavallabha spent most of his life at Kurrugadda on the banks of river Krishna and ended his Avatara. Next Dattavatara, Sri Nrusimha Saraswati spent most of his time in Maharashtra on the banks of river Krishna. Ganagapura is most important place for Narasimha Saraswati. Bhima is one of the tributary of Krishna. He ended his Avatara at Sri Shailam on the banks of river Krishna. At the same place the present Dattavatara, Parama Pujya Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji was given Sanyasi Deeksha. Because of all these incidents, the river Krishna had its importance as a powerful and pious river. In the history of man, for every twelve years there is a change. It is called Shareera Kaala Dharma Chakram. When you have no contacts with your relatives for twelve years you cant meet them directly. Then one has to meet them in a temple place or in presence of Sadguru. Sri Swamiji at the age of 14 had his first Pushkara bath and this is his fifth Pushkara bath. To have a Pushkara bath in presence of Sadguru has a special significance. The river Krishna came here at the time of Pushkara to bless us and also to grant us boom. The rituals to the departed souls have to be performed. Have a holy dip in river Krishna and get blessed with Moksha.

JAYA GURU DATTA

Nellore Speech of Sri Swamiji 28th Jan 03- Arrival Day Speech In this Nam Datta Natha Kshetra, we have also a Devi temple. She gives us Jnana, Sampat and Arogya. .People come from Madras to to have Darshan of Hanuman here. People from Vijayawada also. Nellore devotees have to make use of this. People come from Bangalore also. The Hanuman in Nellore Ashrama is taking care of Bangalore devotee court case. So, You all too should make use of the services here. You all must get up from slumber. The Krishna temple here is very special for me. The marble idol of Krishna was in my meditation room in Mysore Ashrama for decades. Rebala Sujathamma donated this land with a condition that a Krishna temple should be here. That day in Nellore I decided to bring that special idol here. Many in Mysore were very unhappy that it was leaving Mysore Ashrama. How can a stone get Shakti? After all it was carved out from a normal marble stone that is used for house flooring. Many have this doubts. Vigraha stands for Nigraha. We dont have Nigraha. With Vigraha Aradhana we get Nigraha of Indriyas. Vigraha stands for Nirvikaara Aradhana. It is not superstitious. God does not live in the stone idol. He is everywhere. Imagine Shiva. He is in Bindu Roopa. Same is Sri Chakra. We call it Sumeru. Our Vikaara should be warded off through Aakaara (idol). We suffer because of three in us. The three are Kaama, Karma and Avidya. Avidya means Moha (attraction) due to illusion. We suffer greatly because of Avidya. Vacillating in decisions and beliefs. Vigraha Aradhana helps us to get rid of Avidya. It brings us Chitta Shuddhi. When we talk and think, we create waves. The waves are smooth and enjoyable when you talk and think good. This is my theory. Even people in the west believe it. Dont think I have a fad of foreign tours. I go there because they like me and my theories. Today many speakers were full of praise on Swamiji. Bala Rama Reddy lavished praises on me. I am not moved by these praises. I call a temple mental hospital. Because there you go there to judge yourself and you are in the court of the lord. You are in communion with him. Where else can you get a compassionate hearing? Only with him. If you share grief with others, they too would want you to

share their grief. He expects you to return the same favor. But you are not prepared for the same. Believe in reality. Get rid of your superstitions. In Bhimavaram, Peethapuram and Srikakulam, Sri Swamiji went in to the crowds to address them. The speech were spoken with a tinge of grief, unhappiness and startle. You must understand that you cannot postpone further. The time to lead a Dharmic life has come. The world is in difficulties with itself because the population today has been leading a mostly Adharmic life. When two big countries decide to fight, all others suffer. I pray the Kaarya Siddhi Hanuman to clear the world of its terrible troubles and to give the people the mind to lead a Dharmic life. May our slogan Sarve Janaa Sukhino Bhavantu. (May all be happy and comfortable). Dont force your beliefs and theories on others. You first fully understand it and indulge in them. There is no Tax to lead Dharmic life. So, please follow it. Learn to speak truth and dont say lies. Saying small lies becomes a habit which will weave a web of deceit and difficulties. Read my talks on the internet and spread the message to others. It brings you great merit. Dont come to me to get Blessings for increase in your wealth, your career or family problems. Your primary intention should always must be to become a good and humane human being. Your children and grand children should proudly say that my father or grand father was a devotee of Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji. Just imagine. Why should I take all these difficulties of going from village to village everyday for two months? Traveling thousands of kilometers and struggling with difficult roads and hardships? For money? No. Never. I have enough and can enjoy a comfortable life sitting in Mysore. I want to achieve that thing which cannot be done sitting in Mysore and helping only those who come there. Who comes t here? Only those come to Mysore who have the intention to change for good. I want to come to you all in these far away villages to prod you to become good people. If you already think that you already are good people, then become even more good people. I am a task master and a business man. I expect these strenuous trips of mine to yield results. Results of more good people. If you give up one or two lies tomorrow, I am a happy person. Most of you sitting here might be wondering why Swamiji is speaking about good values instead of speaking about Mantras and Pujas to increase wealth. Now I will come to that. It is a very secret Mantra. If you do this Puja, it is all but certain to increase. The Puja and Mantra to increase wealth and money is Develop charitable mind. Become more helpful. The more you help needy and desperate, the more it comes to you. The more you cling to

what you have the faster it disappears. I have talked too much. Jaya Guru Datta

Sri Swamijis Satsang Nellore Ashrama 29th January 2003 - Evening Satsang Sri Sri Sri Sri Maha Ganapataye Namaha Sarasvatyai Namaha Pada Vallabha Narasimha Sarasvati Guru Dattatreyaya

Sri Swamiji sings Paahi Paahi Gajanana Many of mans parts are in pairs. Hands, Legs, eyes, ears, kidneys and so on. They are for balance. They are like Ida Naadi and Pingala Naadi. The Brahma Naadi controls all other organs. We also call it as SHAKTI. The Shakti is very subtle and formless. To meditate and to get energy which moves us and to give strength to our tongue to express ourselves, Nama Sankirtana is a good method. Thinking about God head is also a good method. Divyanama Sankirtana is one of the methods. It is not the only method. Others may chose other methods, Puja, Mantras and so on. God can be reached by many paths. No one path can claim sole right. Once a westerner asked me Swami, why do Indians have so many denominations? Why do they wear different marks on their body?. I replied saying body is a temple and we have to take care of our temple. Different denominations are there to say that the God head has many paths and all lead to the same result. Sri Swamiji sings Sri Lakshmi Maa Lakshmi The Bhajan is very special. When the Bhajan says You are swinging in supreme bliss in the thousand petal lotus, it means not lotus flower. It means our Sahasrara. Those who meditate understand what I say. You all never meditate. When you close your eyes, all that comes in your mind is your debts and your family problems. Dhyana Siddhi comes after decades and decades of meditation. You should not worry about vacillation and instable mind. You should continue for decades. Then only it comes. Our

Karmendriyas are very active in life. Many start to sleep when meditating because the Indriyas are sitting on them and forcing them to fall and sleep. That is the state of affairs. Like Kumbhakarna you sleep. When Hanuman went to Lanka the first time in search of Sita Devi, he searched many places. He even entered the woman complex of Ravanas palace. But in one of the smaller complex in the palace, he heard the sounds of Narayana Mantra and Puja Mantras and the sweet smell of incense was pleasing. Hanuman was surprised and when he went there, he found Vibhishana, the younger brother of Ravana. See the paradox. One mother and the three sons are so different. Each contradicts the other. Ravana the devil minded, Vibhishana the great Vishnu devotee and Kumbhakarna the eternal lazy. All three performed penance and they all sought different boons. See the paradox. In Phillippines, there is a special massage system where they massage only your hand fingers. They say that the two hands has connection with the whole body. This science has diminished and today there are many cheaters who fake that ancient art. In India recently there was a inivitation for Swamiji to witness a Phillippines doctor perform operation with massage and that he would remove tumors just by waving hands and the claims wouldn'tt stop. Swamiji laughed. Isn't this crazy? In this age of scientific temperament people are still so gullible. I remember a story. There was a coconut garden. A thief was planning to steal some coconuts from a very richly coconut yielding tree. He came and stole. The garden owner decided to catch him and went to the market to check if those special coconuts would be for sale. He found a person selling them. He inquired and the seller became frantic and started to stutter and claim that he brought them from his own village. The garden owner said that he had left the coconuts in the tree because there was a giant serpent living atop the tree and it had bitten many workers who tried to remove the coconuts and all of them had died. The owner asked did it not bite YOU? The seller became nervous and said I felt something but I was not sure> Saying this, he fainted and fell. This is the trick of those doctors. They lie and deceive you. Many dont like Swamiji because Swamiji is straight forward and do not give false hopes. Swamiji many times does not answer your questions directly. Swamiji is not a small time street smart astrologer. Swamiji is there to guide you in your spiritual journey. I help you with your mundane problems only to divert your mind to the spiritual. But many get stuck in these. What to DO? Many suffer from tension. Meditation is a good practice to divest yourself of tension. Enjoy a sunrise. Enjoy a Sunset. You never get up till it is 8. Sri Swamiji sings Govinda Kanna

Thats why saints say that one has to forget himself while meditation. You should even forget your own breathing. Kumbhakarna used to sleep like this. His breathing while snoring was so powerful that even his servants would be blown away. One has to have control over how much he sleeps. Sri Swamiji sings Jai Jai Kapeesha

Sri Swamijis Satsang speech Nellore Ashrama 30 January 2003 In this trip we are doing may diabetes camps. Many are not aware that they are diabetics. One day it suddenly manifests when you find yourself in heart, kidney, liver or some other problems. Datta devotees are many times beset with blind belief that Swamiji will take care of their health issues. When we realize that we have diabetes, we check the new paper and go to a quack to get his medicine and we are given some Vibhooti or some herb. We take it and we feel good for two days and then it again returns. You get up in the middle of the night; fear, trembling and other such things still persist. India is especially having the problems with various healing systems, which claim to do the best. It is nothing but cheating as they do not help you in any manner. Living in the land of Yoga, Indians are one of the least exercising people. They consume unhealthy food and are beset with many illogical beliefs. Beliefs like non-eating of egg is unhealthy and that abstaining from meat is not good. We also suffer from smoking and alcohol. We have to have control over Aahaara (food), Vihaara (Exercise) and Vichaara (thinking). Many expect the housemaid to do all physical works in their house. It includes even exercising for the house lady (the audience burst in to laughter). Our life style is not healthy at all. We dont brush our teeth in the morning. There is not exercise like sweeping of floor, washing clothes or utensils. The housemaid does everything. What do you do? Sit in the living room sofa and watch the unending serials (soap) in the TV. Many of your life systems and beliefs are driven by what you learn from these TV. Many doubt the integrity of husbands and children by watching excessive TV. This is wrong. We spend for most unwanted things. You worry about your nails and falling hair whereas you must be worried about the health of your organs. You expect the Rs.10 you spend for Ashtottara to the nearby Ganapati Temple to take care of all your health issues. No. This worship can never be an insurance policy. Your belief will bring in a hefty medicine bill later. Mentally too you are facing bankruptcy. You doubt your decisions. You compare Gurus as if they are cinema stars. Gurus too have self-pride. They

cannot tolerate such belittlement from you all. I request you all to develop healthy food habits. Give up deep fried food. Eat sprouts and green leaves. Eat vegetables. Say good-bye to blind beliefs. Say welcome to real life. I am happy that the doctors today did a good health camp. It is a starting point. Go and get your health thoroughly checked once. I request you all one more thing. Pay for one poor persons total health check up. You will be doing a great work. You will certainly reap the benefits of this charitable act. Today 231 persons were screened. 5 persons were newly diagnosed to have diabetes. 4 had hypertension. 3 had Ischemic heart disease. 10 had uncontrolled diabetes. 11 had uncontrolled hypertension. ECG was taken for 80 persons. 8 persons were checked with urine sugar. 6 Echo Cardio grams were referred where it will be done free of cost. Medicines were distributed to all needed free of cost. I am happy. 6th February is a historic day. Swamiji will be installing a Marakatha (green stone like emerald) Raja Rajeshwari idol in a giant stone temple in Vijayawada Ashrama. It is an event I am looking forward to. Let me see how many Nellore faces I will see there. Depending on how many come there, I will fix my next visit to Nellore. Sri Swamiji sings Ajam Nirvikalpam Sri Swamiji sings Devi Vande Sri Lalithe When we are Dharmic, Dharma protects us. Arjuna also means one who tries. Here he tries to get Jnana. Krishna opens our inner heart and pours Jnana. Krishna in his childhood used to steal the butter. Here we wish he stole our Chitta. The more we concentrate on meditation, the closer we get to achieve it. That is why our elders insist we hear the Ramayana and Maha Bharata again and again. Because, the more we hear it, the closer we get to understand its inner and true meaning. Dont you get more enjoyment when you listen to your favorite movie song over and over. Today after going home, try to think over my speech. Think it over and over. This is called as Manana. You have to search for more messages from my lecture and inculcate it in your life. You have to assume all the relevant messages and merge in it. It is liking watching an engrossing movie. It moves us so much that we get involved in all its intellectual and emotional drama. We consider ourselves to be the hero or heroine. Many get overly engrossed and when a

fighting scene comes, he starts moving his hands in the same style as heros thundering fight. If you can be so good in movies, then why not in Puja? Why dont you emotionally get involved and worship? You have to act like Prahlada and sing like Meera Bai. I dont say you will get the same results yet. But at least start. If you start your worship in such high emotional manner, one day it may get distilled and pure and yield results. IS God your servant to act as you want? No. He is servant of a true devotee only. Do you think he easily succumbs to your two tiny almost rotten bananas, your smoky incense sticks? No. Never. Once Narada went to Vaikuntha and shouted NARAYANA NARAYANA. His tone was like shouting. Many of you have this egoistic devotion. Have we entered in to an agreement? You say We are humans and to err is human and I have to pardon as I am divine. When you expect me to pardon you, you should also be prepared for punishment. Who will suffer for your Karma? Your grand father? You act as if your very labor of coming to see me was worth the trip to Himalayas 100 times. Ignoring you is an important lesson to bring down your ego levels. Swamijis reaction to you directly reflects your Karma of that day and the devotion of that day. No other person or devotee can comment on what you deserve. You are very lucky for having admitted in to this organization. Who cares if you leave? If one person leaves, two others can take his or her place. Develop humility. Being humble is a great trait in a person. Never demand. You can expect an expensive cow to give milk only after you give good fodder. Without good food, it wont even give you proper cow dung. Bringing just the cow will not help. IT needs follow up action. Coming to me is like buying a cow. Humility is the fodder. Then you can expect milk. If not, the volunteer will send you out. Let us go back to the Narada story. Narada met Vishnu finally and Narada asks where he is going. Vishnu says There is a small farmer who is praying for me and I have to go and help him protect his crop. Narada, I have a small work for you, I want you to carry this oil lamp on your head and go around the world once. Narada is like Concorde flight. He returns soon. Vishnu asks what he was thinking while carrying the lamp? Narada replies that he was worried that the lamp would go off and was keenly praying that it would not go off. Vishnu then asks why he was not chanting the Narayana names? Narada sheepishly smiles and begs pardon and agrees that he was egoistic. Imagine you. You have to get up and prepare the children, cook for the husband and electricity goes off and the husband eats idly without chutney

and curses you. Your life goes on like this till after noon and then you sit down for the TV watching. While the correct sequence is coming, power goes off again. Cursing the government, you call your friend in other part of town to find out what happened next in the TV. Then your husband returns and says Swamiji is in town and you should get ready to go and have Darshan. Unhappy that you have to miss the evening cinema on TV, you get ready. That is your life. Work is worship. Doing it honestly and happily brings you great Blessings. Come to Mysore Ashrama. There are many staff members who have never seen a festival. They are so engrossed with what is given to them that they dont even have time to come and see Puja or watch a concert. But they get the required Blessings. They deserve it. You always get what you deserve. Since we are in family life, we can have only limited time for devotion and spirituality. Your primary concern is to keep the family happy, Dharmic and humble. You are caught in the currents of Family River. You cling to a small straw called Puja and are praying that you are rescued. You attempt to get rid of this Karmic cycle with whatever little you know. Brahma created Guru to help the teaming masses to get guidance. Dont worry. You will survive. You will get your food somehow. Even in the dire straits of Ethiopia, people are getting some food. Americans are helping them. A frog will be smacking its lips, looking at an insect blissfully ignorant that it is in the shade of a snakes hood looking down on its dinner. Be happy with what you have. You are blessed with a good family. Dont crash your mind with constant list of I want more. Feel contended with what you have. Spend time with your family. Enjoy the company of the children. Dont constantly think of their career and future. Whatever future holds in its womb, will happen. When a student gets a gold medal, some professors feel very happy. They are real Gurus. Some professors cry with jealousy. They are not real Gurus. Your devotion to the teachers, devotion to the parents, devotion to the country, devotion to your employers, devotion to those who depend on you will save you and protect you. It was this devotion and love to the people that made the great saint Ramanuja Charya to pass the secret Mantra he got from his Guru. He climbed the tall tower and loudly shouted, Chant with me Om Namo Naraayanaaya. Thousands of people who were around chanted with him. He went back to his Guru and pleaded for pardon. I have sinned twice. I gave away your Guru Mantra and I have stood on the temple tower. Please punish me. The Guru pardons him. Let me sing one Bhajan and conclude todays Satsang Prasannaanjaneyam Praseeda Praseeda

Jaya Guru Datta

Sri Swamijis Speech after Sri Chakra Puja Nellore Ashrama - 30th January 2003

Is Astrology and horoscope true? IS it a true science? Naamakarna is address. Anna Praashana is an auspicious beginning for a healthy intake of food. Naming ceremony is a happy event. All faiths follow it. All traditions consider the birth time as an important event. God is beyond time. We the mortals are bound by time (Kaala). We have a fixed numbers of breaths. Our Praana is in the control of Yama. Every inhalation and exhalation you do, loses one in your total count. You should not get angry because you inhale and exhale faster when you are angry. Your own anger can be your enemy. Taking the birth time in to consideration, which also involves the various parameters like the month, year of birth, the planetary position of that precise moment is calculated. Every second of existence will be influenced by different vibrations being emanated by countless stars in our galaxy. Astrologers follow different methods and cast your chart. They also say which star is beneficial to you and which star may not be beneficial for you. Everyone on this earth hails from different planets from former lives. When we say your Graha Bala (Strength of a particular planet) is weak, we mean that particular planet may not be beneficial to you. Then, can a Shanti Homa for that planet heal the situation? The influence of a particular planet is specified for a fixed amount of time. Doing Shanti Homa of that particular planet, you get extra strength to bear the fruits of that time. Many times we wonder why a marriage conducted after extensive horoscope match go foul. That is because the chart would have been faulty or the astrologer who checked it is a hoax. Astrologer must be versatile with some knowledge of astronomy also. Then only is he strong. Those who take threeweek astrology course claim to be great astrologer. Also people are taken on a ride when there are mass Homas for a particular planet and to remove its ill effects. It is especially true if the planet is Saturn, Ketu or Rahu. People must understand that all sciences have limitations. All your problems cannot be solved by astrology alone. Astrology is a great and important science. But

we also have to ensure that the science is kept alive by good and genius astrologers. Many of them fleece the public these days. That is why so much discussion and stormy arguments on the pros and cons of this science. The whole science is dependent on the faith of the person and the strength of the astrologer. You will not need anything in life if you lead a life of truth, helpful and simplicity. Guru Bhakti is yet another great missile in your armory Next question Is Saaligraama Puja helpful? I will give the answer in the evening Satsang. Bhakti Mala The Ashrama news magazine contains many of such answers to everyday questions. I just joked. I will speak on Saaligraama now. Saaligraama is available in Gandaki River only. It is said that a great saint by name Brinda reached the feet of Lord Krishna as a Saaligraama. There is a special insect which constantly sounds OM, Jeem and it is inside. Many of the Saaligraama have small quantity of Gold inside. The insect has taken that form after thousands of years. The insect living in that black stone constantly sounds the Beejaakshara and fills it with great vibrations. As usual there are fake Saaligraamaas. Recently there is a spurt in the availability of Saaligraama with water body inside. A true Saaligraama test is Place the Saaligraama between two copper plates. When chanted Mantras, the Saaligraama turns. The insect long dead inside would have created a Chakrani inside. The energy of that insects Beejaakshara chanting would have beneficial effects. There are several ways to detect and classify the type and nature of a Saaligraama There are Vishnu, Narasimha, Ambika, Shiva and other types of Saaligramas. Saaligraama immersed in a copper cup with water for one night and drinking the same too has benefits. Why should not one touch Swamijis feet? Is it out of Madi? Or austere? Why dont you touch fire or electric wires? In Swamijis body or feet, Swamiji would have taken the bad vibrations of people who come to me in all good faith and hope. Swamiji does not want you to touch unannounced and get those vibrations. When I am prepared, I allow touching the feet. You can even hug me. But, I must be prepared to do it. Let me make it clear. I cannot stand smoker or an alcoholic. It is like going to an operation theater in a hospital. There are some rules you have to observe. Like wise with Swamiji. Actually I dont want your Namaskara or your devotion with its physical attributes like hugging etc. Simple devotion, love and affection and yearn is enough. But what to do? There are some hard devotees who aspire

for touching. In Datta Sampradaaya (tradition), more emphasis is given to Padukas (foot wear) than to the actual Paada (feet). Even in Ramayana, Bharata took his brother (Rama)s Padukas as the true representative. It is like you take the Arati flame and consider it to be the light of the lord. It also means that your troubles should melt like the camphor with which the Arati is burning. Many are wary of this Arati concept because they are expected to put some small money in to the Arati. They are more worried that the person standing next would put more money. It is self-conscious. There are many hidden devotees who have helped Ashrama. We are grateful to them. We should never forget those who help. Never expect more. Be happy and grateful they considered you to be help worthy. You also develop the attitude to help others. When a beggar comes to home for help, do whatever you can. Be grateful to God that it is not you who is coming for help and it is someone else. Jaya Guru Datta

Sri Swamiji's Speech - February 13, 2003 - Vijayawada Ashrama As Padma Shri awardee Sri Turlapaati Kutumba Rao spoke now, devotees have enjoyed various facets of Swamiji. Many find it difficult to attribute reasons for following Swamiji. Many find it difficult to stop speaking why they follow Swamiji. There are all kinds of people. As I said earlier one day, I will chase them in all their lives to ensure they dont give up the values they learn from Swamiji. It is my feeling that those who leave Swamiji (permanently) think of Swamiji more than those who follow Swamiji. The demon Kamsa who was defeated by Lord Krishna saw Krishna more than the saint devotee Uddhava. Like wise, I will remember you forever. Once you take Vibhooti or some Prasad from Swamiji, I will not leave you. Even if your Buddhi goes to Coma, I will look for you. Whatever circumstances made you leave Swamiji; the same circumstances bring you back to Swamiji. Swamiji is as varied as peoples wants are. Swamiji is available in all colors, hues, and faces. There are limitations for every type of devotion or following. Once you cross that limit, your testing of patience and devotion starts. Balance, moderation and limitations are the key words. Balance is important. Devotion too should be moderate. Over devotion is gruelingly painful. It can harm your health also. Balanced devotion is like an enjoyable soothing music. Over devotion or unbalanced devotion is like harsh rock music. Your mind, eyes, earls lose their patience. The day you see Swamiji will be like monsoon rains. It will end the parch heart you will be suffering from. So, when Swamiji starts to rain again, dont fear that you will be inundated. Think about the new parched hearts that would have come to Swamiji. Swamiji is always correcting people, rectifying their lives and fine-tuning their mind. All these are interconnected. You can climb a hill only when your legs are in fine motion and understanding with one another. Only then can you walk for a long time along with Swamiji. Other wise you will fall down immediately. May you all get balanced devotion. Sri Swamiji sings Vishva Paala Veda Vedya Sri Swamiji sings Sri Raaja Raajeshvari Sadayae This Bhajan says that I am your house. It says my intellect is your house and that my tongue is your child. Then what about Manas? Dear Krishna Murthy, please explain

Kuppa Krishna Murthy: Swamiji sang so wonderfully well. If this mind of mine is her house, then all others in the house are her servants. Buddhi and Manas are one we think. But Swamiji differentiates them. In Yogic parlance, we hear that the unison of Manas and Buddhi is Yoga. How can this unison be achieved? Is there a course for it? The course has been given. The best way to achieve this unison is through Bhakti. It can come the day our prayers and our intentions become one and the same. For this unison, we also need Guru Kripa. When Devi sits in Buddhi, the Manas, the every monkeyed Manas too becomes her slave. Swamiji while speaking from the Kumbhabhishekam tower spoke about ensuring our spiritual salvation. Once Mother Goddess sits in our Buddhi, the sense organs and Manas become her servants. Swamiji What are these indriyas? KK: Jnana Indriyas, eyes, ears etc, The Manas gives Jnana of five types, Sparsha, Rupa, Rasa, Gandha and Shabda. They are Jnana Indriyas. The Manas gets these stimulants and the decision whether to accept them or not is done physically by the five sense organs which are speech, hands, rectum, feet, rebirth. They are the five Karma Indriyas. The Jnana and Karma Indriyas totaling five are the instruments of Manas and work for it. Though these ten are in two groups of five, they necessarily need not be friends with each other. In this Bhajan, the prayer is for Mother Goddess to make my Buddhi her home. So that these ten organs are in control. Chinmaartuke and Chitkundaje are two important words in this Bhajan. They both symbolize the total energy that pervades the world. The whole world is full of Chit (energy). There is nothing that is JADA. If Mother Goddess has to live in my Buddhi, it has to be larger than her. Isnt it? She cannot occupy something that is small than her. On the upper portion of my head, there is a thousand petal lotus. This lotus is not the lotus you see in lakes. This lotus is in the form of a small point (Bindu). Just because you assume things, how can they become true? Yes. She is represented as a Bindu of a Sumeru. We have to unite our Bindu and Mother Goddess Bindu. This unison brings the perfect happiness and concentration. You achieve a state of total and perfect happiness. In the world there is nothing called total and complete happiness? Any happiness when overdone, it starts to wane. It is not final and total happiness. Eating sweets, having

lots of money etc, etc., the happiness we get by this unison is seeing Mother Goddess in the Tripuras of three states or three worlds. We see Mother Goddess being served by Paratpara Rahasya Yogis. The Mudra in this ninth circle (strata) of worship is Yoni Mudra. . Swamiji the other day explained various types of worship like Puja, Mantra, Beejaakshara, Mudra, Mauna and Yoga. This is indeed great. Since she is the VVVVIP of this world, we have to achieve a language that is concise and complete. We cannot waste her time by long and drooling speeches. We use Pancha Brahma Mantra (When Shivas five heads are worshipped as the five Brahmas) to speak to her. This Mantra is the most secret of all. It is a very high type of worship in Brahma Vidya. This Bhajan is composed in Raaga Brindavani. Brinda means group. It means Mother Goddess protects the groups of good people. She has even protected the Devathas. Swamiji has composed these nine Bhajans as part of the Nava Avarana worship. Each Bhajan has been composed with a special Raga, which is pleasing to Mother Goddess. Sri Swamiji sings Ambika Ganapati Datta Deva Sri Swamiji has composed this Bhajan on Patamata Ashrama. This Ashrama is a great Saligrama. The Trimurtis -Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma along with their consorts have Blessed this Ashrama with the Ganapati. The Navagraha temple here protects us. This is a new Bhajan specifically composed about Patamata Ashrama in Vijayawada. To conclude this visit to Vijayawada, Swamiji will sing a song for peace. Jaya Guru Datta

Sri Swamijis Speech in Surat Ashrama 3rd November 2002 7 PM Who is the protector and who is the protected? Let us discuss this for some time. But there are mixed people in the audience. There are those who speak Gujarati, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada. But I will choose to speak in Hindi. My Hindi is baby Hindi. I may not speak as proficiently as our learned scholar Neelkanth Shastry. But, I am sure you will understand. Question: In scriptures like Dharma Sindhu, it has been made mandatory to perform certain rituals everyday. But in these modern times, they are difficult to follow. What to do? Answer: This Kaliyuga has two deficiencies. It is deficient in faith and time. Also, there is confusion in life also. If you have time to eat, drink and sleep, then you certainly have time for thinking about almighty. You have time to go to doctor, to decorate yourself, to fight with others, to go to lawyer, to go to court, but not for God. You sleep for 10 to 12 hours and you also take holidays. You have time to do business, but not for thinking about God. If you have faith, time comes by itself. Think of Puja as self-discipline. Our life needs discipline. Discipline in life breeds a disciplined mind. God never eats the fruits or flower you offer. We need God to discipline ourselves. After Puja we get tears of happiness. Tears of happiness are not salty but sweet. Tear of unhappiness or disappointment is salty. In temples, the priests decorate the image and offers worship. The priest considers that the idol is his baby and he has to care it safely. We have to develop a personal relationship with God. We have to share our happiness, joy and unhappiness with Him. Then we will get great relief and feel that a great deal of weight has been removed from our shoulders. It is a great relief. Instill faith in your worship. Dont make it a mechanical activity. Like you have faith in your breathing that it will keep you alive, you develop faith on God. Imagine how many sitting here believe that their breathing will keep going even in sleep? All of you. Otherwise you would not be here. Human body is an amazing mechanical creation. It is a creation of Love and affection. It is amazingly complex and mind boggling about its abilities. But many dont understand it and we misuse it and use it a lot less than its potential. Many make it useless. Many feel that the main purpose of this life is a cozy family, a fat bank balance, and foreign travels. But all these are so temporary. None of this comes with you when you leave the world. When you are leaving all this and going alone, why should you care for them so much? You lie a lot and they are many times for the most unimportant reason. You need wireless phone, a split air conditioner, modern life style is everything for you. You

may enjoy it for fifty years. Probably for another twenty or thirty more years. But then you will have to leave it all. If you live for 100 years, then you are an exhibition piece. Question: What is the purpose of this human life? Answer: The purpose is to have a safe journey through it. A life of help and assistance and find happiness in helping others. In case some one slips in this life, then he is born again to try once more. This is not our world. Our world is somewhere else. We have to ensure a safe passage. This is the meaning of human life. Question: In this Kaliyuga, is the future bright? Inspite of all these prayers and Pujas. Answer: Dont worry about the Yuga Dharma or about future. We are quite lucky. We have to be careful and pass along. Dont worry about Dharma. Simply go ahead. One should not worry about past or future lives. Live a calm and quiet and meaningful life. Dont worry about the world or humanity when you yourself are in a poor shape. Dont be sorry about yourself. Dont cry that you are a great sinner. Dont lead a life of desperation. Past is past. Leave it and lead a life of today. Question: Please tell about prohibited actions. Answer: Dont worry about prohibited actions and worry about the thousands of things that you are supposed to do. Dont even think of prohibited actions. Question: When everything is Gods will, isnt evil too His will? Answer: There are 3 Gunas. All that is Good is Gods. So, all your actions will happen with these 3 Gunas of Sattvic, Raajasic and Tamasic. Tamasic is evil and Devilish. It will be punished one day. Question: In Gita, Krishna says SHANKAROSMI. So, if I worship Krishna, will it also mean that I am worshipping Shiva?

Answer: Do Puja to anybody. Do something. Imagine a river. You need some boat to cross. You dont look for a specially colored boat or how strong the boatman is. Krishna says so in Gita to imply his universality. Not to proclaim supremacy over others. Gods dont have supremacy problems. It is only his followers who fight these things. There is no thing that a small idol gives small result and a big temple gives big results or that the more the famous the temple, the better the results. Everything is same. In spirituality the maxim - bigger is better does not hold good. Do, Krishna, Shiva, Rama, Hanuman, Ganapati, Datta, do not compete. They all bless us. Different paths of worship gives us different experience. That is why the verity. It is like the sweets in a cake shop. They all have sugar and are sweet. But they look different. It is the same with worshipping. Traveling to Bombay depends how much money you have. The more money you have, you can go by plane. The little less means you go by train and if you dont have anything, you have to walk and go. The experiences are different. But the Bombay is one. So, chose the method you want. Jaya Guru Datta

Guru Purnima 5-7-2001 Thursday At 7:30 AM, Pujya Sri Swamiji arrived at Nada Mandapam in a grand procession, from Datta Temple, accompanied by the Palanquin carrying the Utsava Murti of Lord Dattatreya. Veda Scholars chanting pious Mantras, musicians playing sonorous Mangala Vadyam, hundreds of devotees tunefully chanting Jaya Guru Datta ! Sri Guru Datta !. Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja at Nada Mantapam. Later Guru Pada Puja was performed to Pujya Sri Swamiji by Bala Swami. After the Pada Puja, Pujya Sri Swamiji released the English book "Shiva Kathamrita", which contains the discourses of Sri Swamiji on Dwadasha Jyotir Lingas (12 important Shiva Temples in India) Thereafter Sri Swamiji blessed the devotees with the following benedictory address in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and English. Parama Pujya Sri Swamijis Message Sri Ganeshaya Namaha. Sri Saraswatyai Namaha. Sri Pada Vallabha Narasimha Saraswati Sri Guru Dattatreyaya Namaha. Those who seek children, more so pregnant women, should not watch lunar Eclipse. Further, one must not travel during Lunar Eclipse period, as the bad effect will be there for 48 hours. However one may travel on the next day of the eclipse. In some cases, some for those the bad effect may be experienced during the next 48 days also. Lunar Eclipse period is very precious. Today is especially sacred that the Guru Purnima coincides with the day of Lunar Eclipse. No man is perfect. To attain Perfection, you have to make sincere, continuous and diligent spiritual effort for prolonged periods. There are several anniversaries like Independence Day, New Year Day, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, May Day, Birthday, Wedding Day etc. Hence let us call Guru Purnima as Guru Day, which is the most significant and sacred of all days of the year. Lord Dattatreya is the foremost primordial Preacher of philosophy. He is the Adi Guru (the First preceptor of spirituality) of the entire universe. However, His precepts are difficult to understand. Gods ways are mysterious Again and again he continues to take several incarnations to uplift the mankind, demons and the angels, as mentioned in the book Datta Darshanam, where one can have a glimpse of the supreme grandeur and the excellence of the great Master.

However, in the recent human history, Vishnu (the Protector-one of the Trinity) incarnated as Krishna just before the end of Dwapara Yuga or the beginning of Kali Yuga. (Yuga is the age. Dwapara Being the 3rd and Kali the fourth and last as per the Indian Chronology. After the cycle of these four Yugas, together termed as one Maha Yuga, again the cycle of Maha Yuga continues. The first and second Yugas are Kruta and Treta). In Bhagavad Geeta, (The Divine Song), we have been gifted by Lord Krishna with the perennial Spiritual Knowledge to some extent in detail, encompassing the various paths to perfection in a very easily understandable way. By this sacred teaching as also the super natural miraculous gracious events of Krishnas Life during the incarnation, in which he punished the guilty and saved the sincere devotees, we derive immense benefit in the realm of our journey towards Divinity and Salvation. That is why out of the all the 10 incarnations of Vishnu only Lord Krishna is extolled as the Jagadguru (the preceptor of the Universe). While the teachings of Krishna could be grasped by his Divine message and his benevolent deeds par excellent, we have further extensive writings of the pious sage Vyasa, who authored the 18 Puranas (Books of Mythology and Upa Puranas, ancillary Books of Mythology). In these voluminous works of Vyasa, we have all the detailed instructions, methodology of all the rituals and spiritual practices with ever shining examples narrated in scintillating stories of morals and righteousness. In the recent past, great preachers of Philosophy, Morality and Righteousness have uplifted the mankind by their pious conduct, sacred books and hymns that serve as the beacon lights to the seeker of spirituality. They are Adi Sankara Acharya, Ramanuja Acharya and Madhwa Acharya who preached Adwaita (Monism), Vishishtha Adwaita (Modified Monism) and Dwaita (Dualism) respectively. These are the incomparable standard torchbearers of philosophy. In this context, one must not lose sight of various Dasas (Various Devotees), who served God, the Sants (Saints), and the saintly singers like Purandara Dasa, Kanaka Dasa, Rama Dasa, Kabir, Tukaram, Meera Bai, Tyagaraja to mention a few. Their songs are of an everlasting value to the devotees as the same are the automatic outpourings of their ardent devotion. Incidentally, one must not be deluded by the mere dress the makeup or the external features of fake saints, who pose as true devotees, just only to amass wealth and to try to get name and fame by hook or crook. Everyone who wears saffron clothes, holds the Yoga Danda (Staff of Yoga), Kamandala (Water Pot), face marks (such as Vibhooti and Nama) is not to be reckoned as true Saint, or Guru by the mere external appearance.

Try to understand Guru Tattwa (True Nature of Guru) properly. Who ever can gift the disciple with spiritual knowledge is Guru. Do not escape from your essential duty to listen to study, and ponder over the precepts of the Perfect Master. Not only that, it is equally important to follow the teachings of the Sadguru in thought, word and deed. This is so because no one is permanent in this world. Just like that no possession is permanent either. A few days after the death of a person, his kith and kin, his friends and relations gradually forget the dead one. Once in year, they may remember him during the performance of the death anniversary. However it is quite unfortunate, that some ungrateful sons nowadays do not perform the rituals of the death anniversary of their deceased parents. These rituals have immense spiritual and materialistic significance. Try to think of the purpose of human life. Have you ever analysed your existence on the earth by putting the questions to yourself like Why am I born? Who am I? Where am I going? These subtle questions can be answered only by sincere service to Sadguru, and by following His Teachings without fail. I assure you that you will get salvation by doing so. The perfection of Life is to attain Salvation (Moksha). Some worldly people feel that merely acquiring Wealth and Enjoying the physical pleasures by mere marriage, begetting children, bringing them up and arranging for their education, career and marriages is just enough to do. Though all these activities may be essential in the worldly parlance, none of them can lead anyone to Divinity by themselves. The perfect Master is the true friend, Philosopher and Guide. Just as the Full moon indicates the external fullness, so also on Guru Purnima day, let us worship and emulate the perfect Master who is the sure saviour of one and all. It is essential to pray to Sadguru, to study Datta Darsanam and Sadguru Charitra (Life Hisory), to do Japa of Guru Mantra with more concentration today. By doing so you will attain Vak Shuddhi, Vak Siddhi and Mantra Siddhi. (Good Speech, Effective Speech and Attainment of the power of the Mantra). You are lucky to be here in the presence of Guru on this pious day. Many people are equally fortunate as they are worshipping Guru in the various Ashramas, Temples and homes across the globe. Follow the Master. I bless you with Knowledge, Health and Prosperity. Lastly I advise you to seek the Blessings in the same order from the Sadguru and not in the reverse order. Jaya Guru Datta

GURU PURNIMA 30.07.96 On this sacred occasion of Guru Purnima we all should, as per the tradition of Bharata, we should respect, speak to, touch, worship and pray our teachers or Gurus who have bestowed us knowledge or Mantra for our Spiritual Sadhana. This is the way and this is the Tapas. This Tapas has come from Badarayana Sage, Vyasa, the Saptarshis, Valmiki. Why is this day alone important ? Since Guru is Purna [full]. Here full does not denote form or decoration. This can be done by many. Full here denotes enlightening the six chakras and removing the darkness of ignorance. Sadguru Darshana is capable of removing sins. This is the importance of Guru Purnima. Chanting Mantra will not bring merits. We should also serve the Guru who gave the Mantra, This should be physical, Verbal and Mental. However powerful, the Mantra is, However devotion and concentration you may devote to the Mantra chanting, this Karma body needs purification. This is proper Seva. The present world asks: ' is not Manasa Seva enough ? is physical or bodily Seva necessary ?' This physical body is capable of effecting ill to a pure mind. This body needs to be taught Tapas. The Indriyas must learn Tapas. External purification is must and necessary. About two thousand years ago, it was different. But this Kaliyuga is different. In that golden age, a strong Sankalpa was enough to purify the mind and body. Both mind and body were powerful. But it is not so now. The present Manas is a servant of the Indriyas [ senses]. Kaayaka [body] purification is necessary. That is why physical seva of Guru is necessary. later come the Mantra Siddhi. Then comes Mantra Deeksha. Then how long is this physical seva necessary ? Till death. Even if you don't get Mantra Siddhi. It may not be possible to tune this body in one life. It has been pampered with luxuries. It demands hot water. We must start questioning the wants of this body. That is the start. Sitting on hard surface makes you ask for a pillow. Why do you need it ? It may look small desires. Even fan for sleeping is not necessary. Bathe in cold water. What happens after all you may shiver. That is all. The body learns its lessons. This Tapas needs no Yantra or Mantra. The help from guru is all that necessary. Vasishtha trained Rama and others made them sleep on hard surface. One

meal only. His wife was worried. Even their mother was worried. But Vasshtha was adamant that the brothers must be prepared for worst of the circumstances. See it was very useful later. Their desires were limited. We are not trained for such. But let us commence in whatever manner we can start. The Indriyas demand regular intake of food. The workings of the internal organs relies on the power and will of the mind to certain extent. As soon as you wake up, the tongue asks coffee. Start your training by delaying the coffee drinking. Later, it stops asking for coffee. This may seem small. But counts. Cheat your habits. It has cheated you so far. Now you start cheating the senses. When Ravana died in the battle with Rama, Ravana's wife Mandodari came to the battle field and bemoans the death of her husband. She says" Oh my dear Ravana. What has befallen on you ? You conquered you senses and won the three worlds. Perhaps they [ the Indriyas] were waiting to take revenge. They influenced and tempted you fully and ensured your demise". So far they commanded you. Now you take charge. Even in Ashrama many feel like smoking cigarettes. But you say to yourself that Swamiji may call you any moment and you have to stay in the Prayer hall. Prolong your stay in this prayer hall. The asking for a smoke diminishes. You will save four cigarettes that day. The demand of the Indriyas on the body has grown over the years. You cheat your wishes and try to humiliate the mind whenever it asks for excessive desires. Now the Tapas of Manas. The first complaint is that the Manas is unwilling to concentrate. The more you concentrate, the more it flickers and brings thoughts. When you put the senses and body in Tapas, the mind thinks that the 'Jeevi' is asleep.. let me go for a ride' ...thinking so , it starts to run wildly. There will be no concentration. Many thoughts come. The thoughts that the mind generated then, takes you through a topsy turvy emotional ride of your past. You remember many old and unwanted happenings and events. Then the mind paints a frightening future. Some frightening.. some pleasurable.. some related to the Indriyas .... some sinful but pleasurable ... some about your friends and neighbors .. some thoughts trusting them some thoughts suspecting them.. Like this the mind scans your existence and life when you sit for meditation. IS this why you sat for meditation ? The mind is not under control. You with a sincere motive sat for Dhyana. But the mind, like a bird. keeps fluttering.

Here, you need to hear some sounds, so that the mind is concentrated on that. That is why Swamiji says listen to music when you meditate. The mind will be engrossed is music. After listening to the music for some time, the mind will get tired and tries to sleep. That state of a sleeping mind, even for just ten minutes, is worth it. Every day this exercise is necessary. This is the Tapas of Manas. Next is Vachika Tapas [ Verbal Tapas] For this purpose we sit for Satsang and do bhajans. Our mouth will be chanting "Hare Rama Hare Rama - Rama Rama Hare Hare. Hare Krishna Hare Krishna - Krishna Krishna Hare Hare. (Swamiji gesticulates with funny actions. Swamiji cleans the ears. Swamiji scratches head, back, Swamiji yawns.....) Is this the Vaachika Tapas ? The Indriyas, The Manas the eyes all will be very active while we chant. Chanting like a tape recorder. Many devotee perform Anagha Vrata. The scene will be like this. "The devotee invites all his family members and friends to witness the Vratam. He sits to perform the Vratam and somebody enters the house. He looks at them, smiles, invites them inside and beckons them to sit, while he is doing this, the priest would have chanted the next shlokas. The next door neighbor would be watching the television with full sound. You will hear more of the TV sound that the priest's Mantras. The other neighbor's children will be playing cricket with full noise and shouts. After this fiasco called Vratam, he writes a letter to Swamiji "Swamiji, I performed Anagha Vrata. This is my twelfth Vrata, I spent five thousand rupees and served feast for two hundred people." Is this what Swamiji wants ? NO! Swamiji wants your concentration to improve. Vaachika Tapas demands that you forget everything when you sing a bhajan. The above three Tapas [Sharirika - bodily, Manas - mind & Vaachika Verbal] are important. Then there are subdivisions in these three Tapas. These develop to twenty four Tattvas. This is not the time for that discussion. In Datta Peetham, Dattatreya Sampradayam is followed. This is from time immemorial. Datta Tattva existed in all the four Yugas - Krita, Treta ,

Dwapar & Kali. Datta was the Guru of the Devatas. Even Sri Rama went looking for Datta. But only Atri and Anasuya were there. But on the day, Rama ascended the throne, Dattatreya came from nowhere, blessed Rama and Seeta and disappeared. All sages came to bless Rama that day. Datta Sampradaya, Datta tradition transcends all barriers. It is a wonderful tradition. Shankaracharya, in the Guru Ashtaka ,explains the Guru Tattva (Sri Swamiji sings "Guru Ashtaka"). What is the use a of having beautiful body, family, a heap of wealth, if the mind is not wedded to the Sacred feet of Guru ? Scholar of Six Shastras, Vedas, Poet, a Literary expert. But what is the use if the mind is not wedded to the Sacred feet of Guru ? If this is there the learning gets useful. Possessing educational qualifications from foreign universities, famous, gold medallist, well respected . What is the use of them if the mind is not wedded to the Sacred feet of Guru ? All the rulers of this world are at His feet. He is an emperor. They serve him. What is the use of him if his mind is not wedded to the Sacred feet of Guru ? He is famous for donating. His fame has spread wide and far. But what is the use of him of his mind is not wedded to the Sacred feet of Guru. Then only his fame gets qualified. Look at the story of sage Vishwamitra. Till he surrendered to a Brahma Guru, he was not called as ' Brahmarshi'. Vishwamitra performed great penance. But he did not seek a Guru. Until that happened, he was not recognized as a Brahmarshi. You may be a great devotee. You may not be interested in woman, or money, or wealth or fame. But what is the use of these if your the mind is not wedded to the Sacred feet of Guru? You may not be interested in a life in forest. You may not be interested in your wife, house, life. You are a renunciate. What is the use if the mind is not wedded to the Sacred feet of Guru ? You might have enjoyed the possession of the greatest of gems. What is its use if the mind is not wedded to the Sacred feet of Guru? Who ever listens to this Guru Ashtaka, will become true devotees. That too those who listen from the lips of a Guru, Yogi, Brahmachari. What is the use of the life, if Guru Karuna is not there ? It is like possessing the greatest car and not knowing how to drive. We should find a able driver. The Driver takes you through the best possible route. Like Krishna drove Arjuna in Maha Bharata. He drove Arjuna to safety and finally victory. At last, Krishna Tells Arjuna " If you cannot do anything, then at least surrender to me. I will help

you." You all are lucky. You have listened to the great Guru Ashtaka from Swamiji on this sacred day of Guru Purnima.