LORD KRISHNA

His Lilas and Teachings

By
SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA
Sri Swami Sivananda
!"nder !#
The Divine Li#e S!cie$y
S%RV%& LOV%& 'IV%&
()RI*& M%DITAT%&
R%ALI+%
S! Says
Sri Swami Sivananda
A DIVIN% LI% SO,I%T* ()BLI,ATION
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; The Divine Li#e Tr"s$ S!cie$y
ISBN <.=>3?7=37.=?
("6lished By
TH% DIVIN% LI% SO,I%T*
(9O9 SHIVANANDANA'AR@7A/ ./7
Dis$$9 Tehri='arhwal& )$$ar (radesh&
Himalayas& India9
Om
Dedica$ed
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L!rd Krishna
The W!rld=Teacher
and l"$e=Bearer
!#
Vrindavana
Om
BANANDA K)TIRC
RISHIK%SH
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Swee$ Sel#&
L!rd Krishna was $he ("rna Ava$ara wi$h .0 Kalas9 %very w!rd !# His $eachings and every
ac$ !# His was #"ll !# s"6lime !6Dec$ less!ns !# m!men$!"s im4!r$ $! h"mani$y9
S$"dy His $eachings $! )ddhava9 DrinE $he nec$ar !# Srimad Bhagava$a9 Sing His gl!ries9
Re4ea$ His grand man$ra OM Nam! Bhagava$e Vas"devaya9 D! $!$al sel#=s"rrender "n$! Him9 *!"
will s!!n a$$ain "ni!n wi$h Him9
Sivananda
%KASLOKI BHA'AVATAM
1Bhagava$a in One Verse5
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Oda" devaEidevigar6haDananaP g!4QgRhe vardhanaP
mOyO4S$anaDQvi$O4aharaTaP g!vardhan!ddhOraTam U
EaPsacchedanaEa"ravOdihananaP E"n$Qs"$O4OlanaP
e$ad6hOagava$aP 4"rOTaEa$hi$aP VrQERWTalQlOmR$am UU
In days !# y!re& $he L!rd& 6!rn !# DevaEiXs w!m6& 6r!"gh$ "4 in $he h!"se !# '!4i
1*as!da5& Eilled $he wicEed ("$ana !# ill"sive #!rm& and li#$ed $he '!vardhana hill& Eilled Kamsa
and $he s!ns !# $he K"r" race and 4r!$ec$ed $he s!ns !# K"n$i9 Th"s is reci$ed $he essence !# $he
ancien$ Bhagava$a ("rana c!nsis$ing !# $he nec$arine s$!ries !# $he deeds !# L!rd Krishna9
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,HAT)HSLOKI BHA'AVATAM
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DYOnaP 4aramag"hyaP me yadviDYOnasamanvi$am U
sarahasyaP $adaPgaP ca gRhOTa gadi$aP mayO UU
1a5 Hear #r!m Me $he m!s$ secre$ En!wledge c!"4led wi$h $he essen$ial eZ4erience and i$s
c!m4!nen$ 4ar$s9
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yOvOnahaP ya$hO6hOv! yadrS4ag"TaEarmaEa[ U
$a$haiva $a$$vaviDYOnamas$" $e madan"grahO$ UU
165 May y!" realise 6y My 'race $he En!wledge !# Mysel# and wha$ #!rm& :"ali$ies and
ac$i!ns I am end!wed wi$h9
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ahamevOsamevOgre nOnyadyO$sadasa$4aram U
4aVcOdahaP yade$acca y!9avaViWye$a s!9asmyaham UU
.9 Be#!re $he crea$i!n I al!ne eZis$ed9 There was n!$hing& Sa$ !r Asa$ 1eZis$ence !r
n!n=eZis$ence59 I am Tha$ which remains a#$er diss!l"$i!n9
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79 )nders$and $ha$ $! 6e Maya !r ill"si!n which is dev!id !# any 4"r4!se& which is n!$ $! 6e
#!"nd in $he Sel# and which is "nreal liEe ligh$ and darEness9
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4raviW\Onya4raviW\Oni $a$hO $eW" na $eWvaham UU
29 As $he 4rimary elemen$s are amalgama$ed& wi$h !ne an!$her and als! se4ara$e #r!m !ne
an!$her a$ $he same $ime& s! I 4ervade $he wh!le "niverse and am als! se4ara$e #r!m i$9
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A9 The as4iran$s sh!"ld& 6y $he me$h!ds !# Anvaya=Vya$ireEa 14!si$ive and nega$ive5& En!w
$ha$ $hing which eZis$s always and everywhere9
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e$anma$aP samO$iW\ha 4arameTa samOdhinO U
6havOnEal4aviEal4eW" na vim"hya$i Earhici$ UU
1c5 %Z4erience $his Tr"$h $hr!"gh $he highes$ Samadhi s! $ha$ y!" will n!$ 6e dis$"r6ed even
6y ill"s!ry !6Dec$s9
vi
SAL)TATIONS TO LORD KRISHNA
1r!m '!4ala$a4ani )4anishad5
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nam! viVvasvarS4Oya viVvas$hi$yan$ahe$ave U
viVveVvarOya viVvOya g!vindOya nam! nama[ UU . UU
.9 T! Thee O '!vinda& wh! is !# $he #!rm !# $his "niverse& wh! is $he ca"se !# i$s
4reserva$i!n and des$r"c$i!n& wh! is i$s L!rd& nay& wh! is $he "niverse i$sel#@I 4r!s$ra$e9
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nam! viDYOnarS4Oya 4aramOnandarS4iTe U
ERWTOya g!4QnO$hOya g!vindOya nam! nama[ UU 7 UU
79 Sal"$a$i!ns $! Sri Krishna !r '!vinda& $he L!rd !# $he '!4is& wh! is an em6!dimen$ !#
Kn!wledge and S"4reme Bliss9
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nama[ Eamalane$rOya nama[ EamalamOline U
nama[ EamalanO6hOya EamalO4a$aye nama[ UU 2 UU
29 (r!s$ra$i!ns $! Sri Krishna wi$h l!$"s=liEe eyes& $he L!rd !# LaEshmi& wh! wears a
garland !# l!$"ses& wh! has a l!$"s s4r"ng #r!m His navel9
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6arhO4QbO6hirOmOya rOmOyOE"T\hamedhame U
ramOmOnasahaPsOya g!vindOya nam! nama[ UU A UU
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A9 T! Thee& O '!vinda !r Rama& wh! ar$ $he swan in $he mind=laEe !# LaEshmi& wh!se
dec!ra$ed cr!wn !# 4eac!cE=#ea$hers deligh$s $he hear$s !# men& wh! 4!ssesses an "n#ailing
in$ellec$@I 4r!s$ra$e9
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vRWa6hadhvaDavandyOya 4Or$hasOra$haPye nama[ UU ? UU
?9 (r!s$ra$i!ns "n$! Thee& O chari!$eer !# ArD"na& $he des$r!yer !# Kesi and ,han"ra& $he
des$r!yer !# $he en$ire #amily !# Kamsa& wh! is w!rshi44ed 6y L!rd Siva wh! has $he 6"ll as His
em6lem9
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veT"nOdavin!dOya g!4OlOyOhimardine U
EOlindQESlal!lOya l!laE"TbaladhOriTe UU 0 UU
09 Sal"$a$i!ns "n$! Sri Krishna& $he 4r!$ec$!r !# c!ws& wh! des$r!yed $he 4ride !# ser4en$
Kaaliya& wh! deligh$s $he hearers wi$h His mel!di!"s #l"$e& wh! wears 6ea"$i#"l ear=rings
1K"ndala5 and wh! 4lays D!y#"lly !n $he 6anEs !# Kaalindi 1*am"na59
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nama[ 4raTa$a4OlOya VrQERWTOya nam! nama[ UU > UU
>9 I 4r!s$ra$e $! Sri Krishna wh! deligh$s $he '!4is wh! s"rr!"nd Him liEe s! many l!$"ses
wi$h 6ea"$i#"l #aces& wi$h His eleva$ing dances and wh! 4r!$ec$s $h!se wh! $aEe re#"ge in Him9
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("$ana and $he grea$ dem!n Trinavar$a@I 4r!s$ra$e9
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niWEalOya vim!hOya V"ddhOyOV"ddhavairiTe U
advi$QyOya maha$e VrQERWTOya nam! nama[ UU / UU
/9 Sal"$a$i!ns "n$! Sri Krishna& $he s"4reme N!n=d"al Being& wh! is ever 4"re& wh! is #ree
#r!m del"si!n& wh! is wi$h!"$ 4ar$s& and wh! is $he enemy !# $he im4"re=minded9
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4rasQda 4aramOnanda 4rasQda 4arameVvara U
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.39 Be graci!"s& O Bliss A6s!l"$eH Be 4leased& O S"4reme L!rdH Heal me& O L!rd& wh! am
6i$$en 6y $he ven!m!"s c!6ra !# men$al and 6!dily a##lic$i!ns9
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..9 Sri Krishna& $he L!rd !# R"Emini& O W!rld=TeacherH The enchan$er !# $he hear$s !#
'!4is& O L!rd& li#$ me "4 #r!m $his !cean !# 6ir$hs and dea$hs 1Samsara59
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adharaP madh"raP vadanaP madh"raP nayanaP madh"raP hasi$aP
madh"ram U
hRdayaP madh"raP gamanaP madh"raP madh"rOdhi4a$eraEhilaP
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Swee$ are His li4s and His mien is swee$9
Swee$ are His eyes as His smiles are swee$9
Swee$ is His hear$ as His 6earing is swee$9
The L!rd !# swee$ness is en$irely swee$9
L!rd Sri Krishna is en$irely swee$9
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vacanaP madh"raP cari$aP madh"raP vasanaP madh"raP vali$aP
madh"ram U
cali$aP madh"raP 6hrami$aP madh"raP madh"rOdhi4a$eraEhilaP
madh"ram UU 7 UU
Swee$ are His w!rds as His ac$i!ns are swee$9
Swee$ is His dress as His 4!s$"re is swee$9
Swee$ is His gai$ as His ges$"res are swee$9
The L!rd !# swee$ness is en$irely swee$9
L!rd Sri Krishna is en$irely swee$9
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Swee$ is His #l"$e and His #!!$=d"s$ is swee$9
Swee$ are His hands& as His 6l"e #ee$ are swee$9
Swee$ is His dance and His #riendshi4 is swee$9
The L!rd !# swee$ness is en$irely swee$9
L!rd Sri Krishna is en$irely swee$9
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Swee$ is His charm as His #!rehead is swee$9
The L!rd !# swee$ness is en$irely swee$9
L!rd Sri Krishna is en$irely swee$9
FFF9
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FFFF9
FFFFF9
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FFFFFF9
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9
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EaraTaP madh"raP $araTaP madh"raP haranaP madh"raP ramaTaP
madh"ram U
vami$aP madh"raP Vami$aP madh"raP madh"rOdhi4a$eraEhilaP
madh"ram UU ? UU
Swee$ are His lim6s as His s4!r$ing is swee$9
Swee$ are His g"iles as His 4ranEs are swee$9
Swee$ is His m!"$h and His res$ing is swee$9
The L!rd !# swee$ness is en$irely swee$9
L!rd Sri Krishna is en$irely swee$9
Zv

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V
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F9
9
F9
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FFFFF FFIFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFIFFFFFFFF
g"YDO madh"rO mOlO madh"rO yam"nO madh"rO vQcQ madh"rO U
salilaP madh"raP EamalaP madh"raP madh"rOdhi4a$eraEhilaP
madh"ram UU 0 UU
Swee$ is His 4earl and His garland is swee$9
Swee$ is *am"na and Her ri44ling is swee$9
Swee$ is $he s$ream and $he l!$"s is swee$9
The L!rd !# swee$ness is en$irely swee$9
L!rd Sri Krishna is en$irely swee$9
FFFFFF9
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FFF1FFFFFF1IFFIFF1FFFFFF1FFeFFFFFFFFFeFFFFFFFFF
FLFF9
FFFFFFFF
-FFFFFF>F-FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTFIFFFFFFFFFF1KF9
g!4Q madh"rO lQlO madh"rO y"E$aP madh"raP m"E$aP madh"ram U
dRW\aP madh"raP ViW\aP madh"raP madh"rOdhi4a$eraEhilaP madh"ram
UU > UU
Swee$ are His maids and His #r!lics are swee$9
Swee$ is His l!ve and His 4ar$ing is swee$9
Swee$ are His 4e$s and His leavings are swee$9
The L!rd !# swee$ness is en$irely swee$9
L!rd Sri Krishna is en$irely swee$9
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FF
F
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FFFFFFFFFFF1FFF-FFFFFF1FFF-FFFFFF19
FFIFFF9
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hFIFFF9
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g!4O madh"rO gOv! madh"rO yaW\irmadh"rO sRW\irmadh"rO U
dali$aP madh"raP 4hali$aP madh"raP madh"rOdhi4a$eraEhilaP
madh"ram UU < UU
Swee$ are His ma$es and His c!ws are swee$9
Swee$ is His s$a## as His crea$i!n is swee$9
Swee$ is His wra$h as His graces are swee$9
The L!rd !# swee$ness is en$irely swee$9
Zvi
L!rd Sri Krishna is en$irely swee$9
Om Nam! Bhagava$e Vas"devaya9
Om Nam! Bhagava$e Vas"devaya9
INTROD),TION
L!rd Krishna@The S"4reme L!rd
Sal"$a$i!ns $! L!rd Krishna& $he S"4reme L!rd& wh! is $he Indweller !# !"r hear$s& wh! is
%Zis$ence A6s!l"$e& Kn!wledge A6s!l"$e& Bliss A6s!l"$e& wh! is $he S!"l !# $his "niverse& wh!
6es$!ws Imm!r$ali$y !n His dev!$ees& wh! is $he s!"rce #!r every$hing and wh! $!!E a h"man #!rm
#!r $he 6ene#i$ !# $he g!ds and His dev!$ees& $! des$r!y wicEedness and $! es$a6lish righ$e!"sness9
I 6!w $! $ha$ (ara Brahman& $he S"4reme Sel#& #r!m wh!m is 6!rn $his mys$eri!"s "niverse&
6y wh!m al!ne i$ is "4held& and in wh!m al!ne i$ is diss!lved& wh! is L!rd Krishna Himsel#9
L!rd Krishna was $he highes$ incarna$i!n !# $he grea$ Vishn"9 He was $he "ni:"e and
cr!wning incarna$i!n !# all9 He was $he ("rna Ava$ara& $he (er#ec$ Incarna$i!n9 He had siZ$een
Kalas !r rays9 He was a n!6le sci!n !# $he ill"s$ri!"s *adava dynas$y9 He was a w!rld=$eacher9 He
was $he !ne L!rd !# l!ve9 He was a l!ver !# men9 His divine #!rm h!lds $he hear$ !# India ca4$ive in
chains even $!day9
The Bhagava$a& $he Maha6hara$a& $he Vishn" ("rana@all 4r!claim wi$h !ne v!ice $ha$
$here was n!ne $! ma$ch Sri Krishna in 6ea"$y and elegance !# #!rm in all $he $hree w!rlds9
His enchan$ing #!rm wi$h #l"$e in hand is w!rshi44ed in $he myriad h!mes !# India9 I$ is a
#!rm $! which is 4!"red !"$ dev!$i!n and s"4reme l!ve #r!m $he hear$s !# c!"n$less dev!$ees n!$
!nly in India 6"$ als! in $he Wes$9
He was a n!6le em6!dimen$ !# all $he grea$ :"ali$ies !# head and hear$9 He was $he $!wering
geni"s !# His age9 He was a grea$ his$!rical #ig"re9 His s4!r$s !# childh!!d c!n$ain c!"n$less
!6Dec$=less!ns #!r all $hinEing men9 He was a gl!ri!"s and eZ$ra!rdinary 4ers!nali$y9
%very w!rd !# L!rd KrishnaXs $eachings and every ac$ !# His is #"ll !# s"6lime and grand
!6Dec$=less!ns !# m!men$!"s im4!r$ $! h"mani$y in a varie$y !# ways9
W!rshi4 !# Sri Krishna has 6een 4rac$ised in India #r!m $he very c!mmencemen$ !# $he
w!rldXs c"l$"re9 I$ is a 4ar$ !# $he Veda i$sel#9 I$ is n!$ a new c"l$9 Sri Krishna has 6ec!me $he m!s$
c!mm!n !6Dec$ !# w!rshi4 in $he wh!le !# India9 %ven in La$via 1%"r!4e5 h"ndreds !# ladies
w!rshi4 Sri Krishna and re4ea$ His Man$ra@OM NAMO BHA'AVAT% VAS)D%VA*A9
L!rd Krishna was grea$ in En!wledge& grea$ in em!$i!n& grea$ in ac$i!n& al$!ge$her9 The
scri4$"res have n!$ rec!rded any li#e m!re #"ll& m!re in$ense& m!re s"6lime& m!re grand $han His9
Zvii
Th!"gh L!rd Krishna a44eared in h"man #!rm& He had an A4raEri$iEa& divine 6!dy9 He did
n!$ $aEe any 6ir$h9 He did n!$ die9 He a44eared and disa44eared $hr!"gh His *!ga Maya9 This is a
secre$& En!wn !nly $! His dev!$ees& *!gis and sages9
L!rd Krishna has 4layed vari!"s 4ar$s d"ring His s$ay in $he w!rld9 He dr!ve $he chari!$ !#
ArD"na9 He was an "n4aralleled s$a$esman9 He was a mas$er m"sician9 He gave less!ns $! Narada in
$he ar$ !# 4laying $he Vina9 The m"sic !# His #l"$e $hrilled $he hear$s !# $he '!4is and !# all9 He was
a c!wherd in Nandaga!n and '!E"l9 He eZhi6i$ed miracles even when he was a child and a 6!y9 He
Eilled many RaEshasas9 He sh!wed Visvar!!4a $! His m!$her9 He did Rasalila& $he secre$s !# which
can !nly 6e "nders$!!d 6y dev!$ees liEe Narada& Radha& $he '!4is and Sri '!"ranga9 He $a"gh$ $he
s"4reme $r"$hs !# *!ga& BhaE$i and Vedan$a $! ArD"na and )ddhava9 He had mas$ery !ver $he
siZ$y=#!"r ar$s9 Tha$ is why He is regarded as an Ava$ara wi$h siZ$een Kalas !r 4!wers9
Ava$ara
Ava$aras a44ear #!r s4ecial reas!ns in s4ecial circ"ms$ances9 Whenever $here is m"ch
"nrigh$e!"sness& whenever c!n#"si!n and dis!rder se$ in !n acc!"n$ !# "nrigh$e!"sness and 6a##le
$he well=!rdered 4r!gress !# 4e!4le& whenever $he 6alance !# h"man s!cie$y is "4se$ 6y sel#ish&
r"$hless and cr"el 6eings& whenever irreligi!n and Adharma 4revail& whenever $he #!"nda$i!ns !#
s!cial !rganisa$i!ns are "ndermined& Ava$aras a44ear $! es$a6lish Dharma and $! res$!re 4eace9
Ava$ara is a descen$ !# '!d #!r $he ascen$ !# man9 A ray #r!m $he Hiranyagar6ha descends
!n ear$h wi$h migh$y 4!wers $! Eee4 "4 $he harm!ny !# $he "niverse9 The w!rE d!ne 6y $he
Ava$aras and $heir $eachings 4r!d"ce a 6enign s4iri$"al in#l"ence !n h"man 6eings and hel4 $hem in
$heir "4ward divine "n#!ldmen$ and Sel#=realisa$i!n9
The Ava$ara c!mes $! reveal $he divine na$"re in man and maEes him rise a6!ve $he 4e$$y
ma$erialis$ic li#e !# 4assi!n and eg!ism9
'rea$es$ mani#es$a$i!ns are called Ava$aras 4r!4er9 Avesha& Amsa 14ar$ial5 and Kala
Ava$aras& Rishis& M"nis& (r!4he$s& Messiahs& S!ns !# '!d& messengers !# '!d are min!r
mani#es$a$i!ns9
The Ava$aras "s"ally c!me wi$h $heir 4ar$ic"lar #av!"ri$e gr!"4s !r c!m4ani!ns9 L!rd
Rama came wi$h LaEshmana& Bhara$a and Sa$r"ghna9 L!rd Krishna came wi$h Balarama& $he
Devas and Rishis9 SanaEa came wi$h Sanandana& Sana$ K"mara and Sana$ana9
S!me liEe Sri SanEara& Raman"Da& c!me as $eachers and s4iri$"al leaders9 S!me& liEe
,hai$anya& are 6!rn $! ins$il dev!$i!n in $he hear$s !# 4e!4le and $"rn $heir minds $!wards '!d9
Ava$aras 4r!4er liEe Krishna c!me !nly when $here is wide s4read ca$as$r!4he in $he land9
Many Ava$aras have discharged !ne #"nc$i!n& 6"$ KrishnaXs ac$ivi$ies were many=sided9
Hence He is s$yled as ("rnava$ara& !r $he ,!m4le$e Incarna$i!n9
Zviii
Krishna in $he ("ranas
Agni& Brahma& (adma& Brahma=Vaivar$a& Vishn" and Bhagava$a ("ranas $rea$ !# $he li#e !#
Krishna9 The Brahma and (adma ("ranas have dev!$ed several cha4$ers $! $his s"6Dec$9
Brahma=Vaivar$a& Vishn"& and Bhagava$a ("ranas have dev!$ed wh!le sec$i!ns and 6!!Es $! $he
descri4$i!n !# Krishna=,hari$a9
Radha 4lays an im4!r$an$ 4ar$ in $he gr!w$h !# la$er Vaishnavism9 N! men$i!n !# Radha is
made in $he Vishn" and $he Bhagava$a ("ranas9 I$ is in $he (adma as well as in $he Brahma=Vaivar$a
$ha$ a de$ailed acc!"n$ !# $he Radha c"l$& $he real na$"re !# Radha and Her c!m4ani!ns& $heir names&
$heir mys$ical signi#icance& $heir rela$i!n wi$h Sri Krishna in $he Rasa Lila is given9 In $he
Brahma=Vaivar$a ("rana grea$ im4!r$ance $! $he Radha elemen$ in $he Krishna w!rshi4 is given9 In
$he Vishn" and $he Bhagava$a ("ranas $he 4hil!s!4hical as4ec$s !# Sri Krishna and His w!rshi4 are
deal$ wi$h9
His Li#e
L!rd Krishna was Lila=("r"sh!$hama& $he s4!r$ive #!rm !# '!d9 He was a *!geshvara9 He
was a (rema=M"r$i9 L!rd Rama was a Maryada ("r"sh!$hama9 He was an ideal s!n& an ideal
6r!$her& an ideal h"s6and& an ideal #riend and an ideal Eing9 He can 6e $aEen $! em6!dy all $he
highes$ ideals !# man9 He led $he ideal li#e !# a h!"seh!lder in !rder $! $each h"mani$y9
Krishna was a man !# ac$i!n9 He was a his$!ry=maEer and righ$er !# wr!ngs9 He s$!!d #!r
D"s$ice and righ$e!"sness9 His 4!licy was $! de#end $he !44ressed #r!m $he !44ress!r9 He was a
mas$er !# s"4er4hysical 4!wers9 He was a man !# En!wledge and a w!rld=$eacher9 He was a divine
m"sician9 He was $he L!rd !# *!gis9 He was $he #riend !# ArD"na and )ddhava9 His imm!r$al
$eachings $! ArD"na and )ddhava !n *!ga& BhaE$i and cnana are "ni:"e9 %ven n!w $hey s$ir $he
hear$s !# $he readers and g!ad $hem !n $he s4iri$"al 4a$h and ins$il 4eace in$! $heir hear$s9
L!rd Krishna was $he grea$es$ Karma *!gin !# all $ime9 He held "4 $he $!rch !# wisd!m9 He
was an em6!dimen$ !# wisd!m and sel#less ac$i!n9 He c!m6ined in his li#e all $ha$ is 6es$& highes$&
4"res$ and $he m!s$ 6ea"$i#"l& s"6lime and grand in heaven and ear$h9 He was all l!ve #!r $he
c!wherd=6!ys& c!ws& and $he '!4is9 He was $he #riend and 6ene#ac$!r !# $he 4!!r and $he hel4less9
He was a versa$ile geni"s9
Krishna was a $h"nder6!l$ $! $he wres$lers assem6led in $he arena !# Kamsa and ye$ he had
$he s!#$es$ hear$ am!ng men9 He was *ama& Dea$hc!me& "n$! Kamsa& ,"4id "n$! $he '!4is& $he
!6Dec$ !# c!ns$an$ medi$a$i!n #!r *!gins and dev!$ees& $he #!rm !# 6liss and 6ea$i$"de $! $he sages&
and a child $! his 4aren$s9 He was ,"4id "n$! ,"4id himsel# 1SaEsha$ Manma$ha=Manma$ha59
L!rd Krishna was an em6!dimen$ !# h"mili$y& $h!"gh He was $he L!rd !# $he "niverse9 He
6ecame $he chari!$eer !# ArD"na9 He $!!E "4!n Himsel# $he d"$y !# washing $he #ee$ !# $he visi$!rs&
v!l"n$arily& a$ $he $ime !# $he RaDas"ya *aDna 4er#!rmed 6y *"dhish$hira9
The Bhagava$a ("rana says $ha$ Sri Krishna lived #!r .7? years !n ear$h 1fI=vi9 7?59
ZiZ
S$"den$ Li#e
Sri Krishna received his ins$r"c$i!ns #r!m Sandi4ani& a sage !# Avan$i4"ra9 He lived wi$h
his $eacher liEe an !rdinary s$"den$9 He was meeE& h"m6le and !6edien$9 He led a la6!ri!"s li#e9 He
ga$hered #"el #r!m $he w!!ds #!r his 4rece4$!rXs h!"seh!ld9 He ins4ired his classma$es wi$h l!ve9
S"dama was Sri KrishnaXs classma$e9 S"dama was la$er !n En!wn 6y $he name !# K"chela9
Sri Krishna had w!nder#"l re$en$ive mem!ry9 I# he heard any$hing !nce& he w!"ld re$ain i$
in mem!ry& h!wever di##ic"l$ i$ migh$ 6e9 He mas$ered $he siZ$y=#!"r ar$s in siZ$y=#!"r days9
He was ma$chless in 4hysical s$reng$h9 He learn$ $he ar$ !# archery and mili$ary science
"nder his $eacher9 When his sch!!l career was !ver& a$ $he re:"es$ !# his $eacher& he resc"ed his
$eacherXs s!n #r!m (anchaDanya& a sea=m!ns$er& 6y wh!m $he 6!y had 6een carried away9 Krishna
slew (anchaDanya and $!!E away his c!nch k(anchaDanyaX& resc"ed $he 6!y #r!m *ama& and handed
him !ver $! his $eacher9
%m6!dimen$ !# Mercy
L!rd Krishna a44eared as (ara=Brahman 6e#!re $he sages& as $he s"4reme Reali$y 6e#!re $he
*!gis& as $he L!rd !# Bea"$y 6e#!re $he '!4is& as Warri!r 6e#!re $he warri!rs& as a child 6e#!re
Vas"deva and DevaEi& as $he L!rd !# Dea$h 6e#!re Kamsa& as King !# Eings 1Samra$5 6e#!re $he
Eings& acc!rding $! $he view and "nders$anding !# $he seer !r s"6Dec$9 The !6Dec$ is $he same9 I$
a44ears di##eren$ acc!rding $! $he view=4!in$ !# $he 6eh!lder9
L!rd Krishna is s$yled as !ne wh! s$eals 6"$$er& 6eca"se he "sed $! ea$ 6"$$er s$eal$hily in $he
h!"ses !# $he '!4is !n acc!"n$ !# his eZ$reme l!ve #!r $hem9 B"$ he really s$eals $he evil $h!"gh$s !#
dev!$ees and #ills $heir minds wi$h divine $h!"gh$s9 This s$ealing !# 6"$$er was a s!r$ !# s4!r$ 1Lila5
when he was a 6!y& $! ins$il deligh$ in $he hear$s !# $he '!4is wh! were His dev!$ees9 The '!4is
liEed $his immensely9 They were eagerly eZ4ec$ing Krishna $! c!me and ea$ $heir 6"$$er9 He really
s$eals !r ca4$iva$es $he hear$s !# His dev!$ees& maEes $hem #!rge$ $he w!rld& draws $heir minds
$!wards His 6lessed #ee$ and maEes $hem enD!y everlas$ing 4eace and 6liss9 He s$eals $he le$$er
BDaC in $he #eeling BDas!hamC 1I am servan$5 !# dev!$ees and maEe $hem #eel $he righ$
signi#icance !# BS!hamC 1I am He5& !r $heir iden$i$y wi$h $he S"4reme Sel#9 L!rd Krishna says in
$he 'i$a& BI give My dev!$ees $he *!ga !# discrimina$i!n9C 1,ha4$er If=.395 H!w merci#"l is L!rd
KrishnaH 'l!ry $! Him and His NameHH
He had $he Bhava !# m!$her even #!r ("$hana wh! came $! Eill Him and gave her salva$i!n9
He gave salva$i!n even $! His 6i$$eres$ enemies& Kamsa and Sis"4ala wh! ins"l$ed Him !4enly in
$he RaDas"ya *aDna9 Then wha$ $! s4eaE !# $h!se wh! are highly dev!$ed $! Him`
Once Sri Krishna said $! his wi#e R"Emini& B(rincess& y!" have n!$ d!ne well in marrying
me a#$er reDec$ing $he !##ers !# grea$ 4!$en$a$es and Eings9 I have n! Eingd!m9 I live !"$ !# #ear in a
ci$y !n $he sh!re !# $he sea9 My charac$er and c!nd"c$ is 4ec"liar and n!$ acc!rding $! $he general
"sage9 Very #ew "nders$and me9 The wives !# men liEe mysel# always mee$ wi$h miseries9 I l!ve $!
ass!cia$e wi$h $he 4!!r and $he #allen& and $here#!re $he rich d! n!$ liEe $! mee$ men liEe me9 I have
ZZ
n! a$$achmen$ #!r wi#e& children& weal$h& !r l"Z"ry9 Men liEe me live c!n$en$ed wi$h $heir !wn
selves9 There#!re& O (rincess !# Vidar6haH *!" have made a mis$aEe in marrying me9C
This li$$le s4eech will $ell "s $he grea$ness !# L!rd Krishna9 He was eZ$remely Eind and
merci#"l $!wards $he meeE and $he h"m6le9
A 'rea$ Warri!r
L!rd Krishna was an "nda"n$ed warri!r even #r!m his $wel#$h year9 He 6eing ann!in$ed 6y
K"6Da and garlanded 6y S"dama& a #l!wer=seller& en$ered $he 4lace !# sacri#ice in Dhan"ryaDna
4er#!rmed 6y Kamsa and 6r!Ee $he grea$ 6!w9 Kamsa sen$ an ele4han$ named K"valaya4eeda $!
Eill Krishna9 Krishna Eilled $he ele4han$ and en$ered $he arena9 Then he Eilled $he ch!sen a$hle$es !#
Kamsa& vil9& ,han"ra and T!shalaEa9 Krishna g!$ "4!n $he 4la$#!rm !n which Kamsa was sea$ed&
ca"gh$ h!ld !# his hair& $hrew him d!wn !n $he gr!"nd and Eilled him9
Krishna #!"gh$ 6ravely wi$h carasandha& em4er!r !# Magadha and Kalayavana9 carasandha&
#a$her=in=law !# Kamsa was very m"ch enraged when Krishna Eilled Kamsa9 He invaded Ma$h"ra
seven$een $imes] Krishna dr!ve !"$ carasandha every $ime9
He #!"gh$ wi$h Bana& $he $h!"sand armed Eing !# S!ni$4"r9 KrishnaXs s!n Anir"ddha had
secre$ly married BanaXs da"gh$er )sha and was living wi$h her9 Bana was in#!rmed !# $his9 He
im4ris!ned Anir"ddha9 Krishna #!"gh$ wi$h Bana and c"$ !## his arms and re$"rned $! DwaraEa
wi$h Anir"ddha and )sha9
Therea#$er he Eilled (a"ndra& Eing !# Kar"sha wh! denied KrishnaXs divini$y and ass"med
Vishn"Xs c!nch& disc"s& cl"6 and l!$"s and declared Himsel# $! 6e $he real Vaas"deva9
The wicEed Sis"4ala challenged Krishna in *"dhish$hiraXs RaDas"ya *aDna9 Sri Krishna
$hrew His ,haEra a$ Sis"4ala and c"$ !## his head9 Similarly he slew Dan$avaE$ra als!9
Salva& Eing !# Sa"6ha and #riend !# Sis"4ala& waged war wi$h Krishna $! avenge his #riendXs
dea$h9 Salva was 4"$ $! dea$h 6y L!rd Krishna9
*!geshvara
*!" can even c!"n$ $he s$ars and $he 4ar$icles !# sand in $he seash!re 6"$ i$ is n!$ 4!ssi6le $!
c!"n$ $he marvell!"s and her!ic deeds and gl!ri!"s ac$i!ns !# Sri Krishna& $he L!rd !# $he $hree
w!rlds9
When He was a child he did c!"n$less miracles9 He sh!wed Visvar!!4a $! His m!$her&
*as!da& in His m!"$h while he yawned9 He "4r!!$ed $he *amala ArD"na $rees9 He danced !n $he
Kaaliya ser4en$9 He raised '!vardhana hills !n his li$$le #inger $! 4r!$ec$ '!E"l #r!m $he heavy
rains ca"sed 6y Indra9 He gave eyesigh$ $! $he 6lind Vilvamangal9 He gave "nlimi$ed cl!$h $!
Dra"4adi9 He gave c!smic visi!n $! ArD"na9
ZZi
Sri Krishna a$e a 4ar$icle !# vege$a6le $ha$ remained in $he vessel !# Dra"4adi& when
D"rvasa came $! seeE *"dhish$hiraXs h!s4i$ali$y wi$h a large n"m6er !# #!ll!wers& when Dra"4adi
hersel# had #inished her meal and $here was n!$hing $! 4lace 6e#!re $he g"es$s9 He made $hem #eel as
i# $hey had a m!s$ s"m4$"!"s meal when $hey were $aEing 6a$h9 They had $! g! 6acE wi$h $heir
heads d!wn wi$h a sense !# shame9 He s"44lied ineZha"s$i6le cl!$hs $! Dra"4adi& when she was
6eing dragged in $he c!"r$ !# D"ry!dhana9 He held $he '!vardhana hills !n His #inger9 He
m"l$i4lied Himsel# and a44eared in c!"n$less #!rms in Rasa Lila9 He m"l$i4lied Himsel# in$!
vari!"s #!rms& when Brahma Ee4$ $he '!4as and calves away #r!m KrishnaXs view9 ,an a h"man
6eing d! $his` I$ is !nly a *!geshvara wh! can 4er#!rm $hese grea$ miracles9
Wh! can descri6e $he gl!ry !# L!rd Krishna& $he L!rd !# *!gis and $he s"4reme L!rd !# $he
$hree w!rlds& $he s!"l !# $he "niverse` D"rvasa and c!"n$less disci4les were sa$is#ied& when L!rd
Krishna a$e a small 4ar$icle !# vege$a6le9 This i$sel# clearly 4r!ves $ha$ L!rd Krishna is $he !ne S!"l
$ha$ dwells in all 6eings9
The sage Narada wished $! #ind !"$ h!w Krishna c!"ld lead a ha44y married li#e wi$h his
.0&333 wives9 He visi$ed $heir mansi!ns and #!"nd Krishna in every !ne !# $heir h!mes engaged in a
varie$y !# d"$ies9 Wha$ a grea$ marvelH Narada was s$"nned9 D!es $his n!$ 4r!ve $ha$ Krishna is $he
L!rd !# *!gis and is L!rd Hari Himsel#`
Krishna is $he Bh"$a=Bhar$a 1$he L!rd !# all 6eings59 He is in #ac$ $he h"s6and !# all w!men
in $his w!rld9 The real h"s6and is $he L!rd !nly9 I$ is $! dem!ns$ra$e $his $! $he w!rld $ha$ L!rd
Krishna incarna$ed Himsel# as $he s!n !# DevaEi and Vaas"deva9
A 'rea$ S$a$esman
Sri Krishna was a grea$ s$a$esman9 The w!rld has n!$ wi$nessed a grea$er s$a$esman $han Sri
Krishna9 He was a c!m4ani!n !# li6er$y and a 4eacemaEer9 He had w!nder#"l #!resigh$ and held
eZ$remely li6eral views9 %ven when he was a 6!y& he $a"gh$ 4e!4le $he essen$ials and $he $r"e
signi#icance !# religi!n& when he r!se agains$ $he 4!4"lar w!rshi4 !# Indra #!r ge$$ing rains9
Krishna was $he grea$es$ !# $he 4!li$ical her!es9 He was $he grea$es$ s$a$esman !# all $ime9
He was a Eing=maEer9 He was $he #!"nder !# $he ci$y !# DwaraEa9 He was a grea$ his$!rical 4ers!n9
He was $he s4iri$"al leader and savi!"r !# manEind9 He was $he grea$es$ !# s4iri$"al her!es9
He was a44!in$ed as $he 4eacemaEer $! s$!4 $he civil war $ha$ was $! 6e #!"gh$ 6e$ween $he
Ka"ravas and $he (andavas9 *"dhish$hira sen$ Krishna $! neg!$ia$e wi$h Ka"ravas9 He made a l!ng
and wise eZh!r$a$i!n $! D"ry!dhana9 The $hrilling and s!"l=s$irring s4eech delivered 6y Sri Krishna
6e#!re $he c!"r$ !# Dhri$harash$ra 4r!ves $ha$ He was $he grea$es$ s$a$esman9 He said $!
D"ry!dhana& BO (rince !# $he Bhara$a raceH MaEe 4eace wi$h $he wise& 6rave and righ$e!"s
(andavas9 (eace al!ne 6rings ha44iness $! #riends& rela$i!ns and $he wh!le w!rld9 He wh! d!es n!$
ac$ acc!rding $! $he wise ins$r"c$i!ns !# his #riends mee$ wi$h des$r"c$i!n and s!rr!w9C
Sri KrishnaXs 4!li$ical insigh$ and wise s$a$esmanshi4 were admired 6y $he a6les$ r"lers !#
his $ime9 His wise c!"nsel was s!"gh$ 6y Eings and r"lers9
ZZii
His Teachings
c"s$ hear $he m!s$ val"a6le ins$r"c$i!ns !# Sri Krishna $! )ddhava9 Sri Krishna says-
B'iving n! a$$en$i!n $! 4e!4le wh! la"gh in ridic"le& #!rge$$ing $he 6!dy and insensi6le $! shame&
!ne sh!"ld #all 4r!s$ra$e !n $he gr!"nd and 6!w $! all 6eings d!wn even $! $he d!g& $he ,handala&
$he c!w and $he ass9 See every$hing in Me and Me in every$hing9 S"rrender y!"rsel# "n$! Me9 D! all
ac$i!ns #!r My saEe9 ,"$ !## all s!r$s !# a$$achmen$s9 Have 4er#ec$ "nswerving dev!$i!n $! Me9 Sing
my gl!ries9C
'i$a $eachings are Karma (radhana9 L!rd Krishna has laid grea$ s$ress !n $he im4!r$ance !#
NishEamya Karma& whereas His $eachings $! )ddhava are BhaE$i (radhana9 He has em4hasised
m"ch !n $he im4!r$ance !# BhaE$i $! )ddhava9 In $he 'i$a als! $he L!rd has laid grea$ im4!r$ance
!n sel#=s"rrender in $he las$ cha4$er BSarvadharman 4ari$yaDya MameEam Saranam VraDa9C
,all !# $he l"$e
The #l"$e is $he sym6!l !# (ranava9 I$ is $his #l"$e $ha$ a$$rac$ed $he dev!$ed '!4is& $he
maidens !# VraDa $! mee$ $heir 6el!ved L!rd !n $he 6anEs !# $he sacred *am"na9 The divine mel!dy
!# $he #l"$e was enchan$ing9 I$ had w!nder#"l 4!wer9 When i$ en$ered $he c!re !# $he hear$ $hr!"gh
$he cavi$y !# $he ears& i$ made $he hearer #!rge$ all his dear rela$i!ns& $he w!rld& and even his !wn
sel#9 I$ made $he hearer dance in ecs$asy and #illed his hear$ wi$h 4"re l!ve9 The s!"nd !# $his divine
#l"$e $hrilled $he hear$ wi$h ra4$"r!"s deligh$ and ins$illed new li#e and D!y9 I$ 4r!d"ced
'!d=in$!Zica$i!n in all 6eings and in#"sed li#e even in insen$ien$ !6Dec$s9 The swee$ness !# $he
m"sic was "ns"r4assed9 He wh! heard !nce $he m"sic !# KrishnaXs #l"$e& cared n!$ #!r $he nec$ar !#
heaven !r $he 6liss !# M!Esha9
The #l"$e and i$s m"sic had s$irred $he s!"ls !# $he '!4is9 They were n!$ mas$ers !#
$hemselves9 The w!rld was n!$hing $! $hem9 They #el$ irresis$a6ly drawn $!wards Sri Krishna9 They
had nei$her shame n!r #ear in leaving $heir h!mes9 There was a s!"l=awaEening in $hem9 Their mind
was n!$ !# $his w!rld9 Their h"s6ands and 6r!$hers s$!44ed $hem in vain9 Wh! can resis$ $he $!rren$
!# divine l!ve #!r $he L!rd`
The l!ve $ha$ $he '!4is 6!re $!wards Krishna was a divine l!ve9 I$ was $he "ni!n !# s!"ls9 I$
is n! "ni!n !# seZes9 I$ is $he as4ira$i!n !# $he civa$man $! merge in (arama$man9 I$ is $he 6lending
!# $he individ"al s!"l wi$h $he S"4reme S!"l9
The '!4is were $he sages !# DandaEa #!res$ in $heir 4revi!"s 6ir$hs9 They wished $!
em6race L!rd Rama9 They were 4r!mised sa$is#ac$i!n in $he la$er Ava$ara9 They g!$ 6lended in$!
$he (arama$man in $he Krishna Ava$ara9
O L!rd KrishnaH O Mas$er=m"sician !# $he $hree w!rldsH Will y!" n!$ 4lay !nce again $he
same #l"$e a$ $his cri$ical D"nc$"re& when $here is cha!s everywhere and in#"se new li#e !# divine
l!ve and D!y`
ZZiii
O L!rdH Le$ "s hear !nce m!re $ha$ all"ring m"sic !# $he #l"$e which s$illed and calmed $he
vi6ra$i!ns and agi$a$i!ns !# anima$ed crea$"res& $ha$ divine mel!dy which m!ved inanima$e !6Dec$s&
$ha$ celes$ial m"sic which 6r!"gh$ $! $he 6anEs !# *am"na $he #lying 6irds& wandering c!ws&
r!aming deer and made $hem gale a$ Thee& #!rge$#"l !# $hemselves9
Origin !# Bhagava$a
Sri Vyasa was medi$a$ing !n $he sacred 6anEs !# $he Sarasva$i9 His hear$ was in a dis$"r6ed
c!ndi$i!n9 He had n! sa$is#ac$i!n and 4eace9 He re#lec$ed wi$hin himsel#& BI have !6served s$ric$
Brahmacharya9 I have 4aid d"e regard $! $he s$"dy !# $he Vedas& $! $he w!rshi4 !# 4rece4$!rs and
sacred #ires9 I have !6eyed $he c!mmands !# my 4rece4$!rs9 I have eZ4lained $he meaning !# $he
Vedas in $he #!rm !# $he Maha6hara$a wherein Dharmas and !$her $hings can 6e clearly "nders$!!d
6y w!men& S"dras and !$hers9 S$ill I $hinE my w!rE is n!$ #"lly d!ne9C
A$ $his D"nc$"re Narada a44eared 6e#!re Sri Vyasa9 Narada said& B*!" have #"lly En!wn all
$ha$ is En!wa6le9 *!" have wri$$en $he eZcellen$ Bhara$am which c!n$ains every$hing9 H!w is i$
y!" #eel "neasy and dissa$is#ied`C
Sri Vyasa said& BI :"i$e agree wi$h wha$ y!" say9 S$ill I have n! sa$is#ac$i!n9 I wan$ $! En!w
$he ca"se !# i$ #r!m y!"9 *!" are 6!rn !# Brahma and y!" 4!ssess in#ini$e En!wledge9C
Narada said- BO grea$ M"niH Th!" has$ $rea$ed !# Dharma and !$her $hings 6"$ $h!" has$ n!$
reci$ed $he gl!ry !# Vaas"deva9 !r $his reas!n& I $hinE& $he L!rd is n!$ sa$is#ied9 There#!re& O
6lessed !neH wri$e a6!"$ $he vari!"s gl!ri!"s deeds !# L!rd Krishna& s! $ha$ all 4e!4le may !6$ain
$he #inal emanci4a$i!n 6y En!wing $hem9 This "niverse is als! an as4ec$ !# Bhagavan& 6eca"se i$s
crea$i!n& 4reserva$i!n and diss!l"$i!n 4r!ceed #r!m Him9 Th!" En!wes$ all $his $hysel#9 B"$ $h!"
has$ sh!wn $! !$hers !nly a 4!r$i!n !# $his Tr"$h9 There#!re& O sageH sing $he gl!ry !# $he
Omni4resen$ Hari& 6y En!wing which even $he wise reach $he end !# $heir :"es$9 The wise En!w $his
al!ne and n! !$her $! 6e $he remedy #!r $he miseries !# 6eings $ha$ are re4ea$edly $!ssed in$!
Samsara9C There"4!n Sri Vyasa wr!$e Srimad Bhagava$a and a$$ained 4er#ec$ 4eace !# mind9 He
$a"gh$ i$ $! his s!n& S"Ea9
The Bhagava$a ("rana
The ("ranas h!ld a "ni:"e 4lace in $he his$!ry !# religi!"s li$era$"re !# $he Hind"s9 They
c!n$ain mine !# En!wledge and in#!rma$i!n !n all 4hil!s!4hical and religi!"s $!4ics9 Sr"$is !r
Vedas cann!$ 6e easily "nders$!!d 6y $he c!mm!n 4e!4le9 S! $he all=merci#"l Vedavyasa
c!m4!sed $he eigh$een ("ranas #!r $he 6ene#i$ !# manEind and eZ4lained in an easy way $he s"6$le
$r"$h and $he dee4 4r!6lems !# $he Sr"$is9 They are indeed an encycl!4aedia !# Hind" religi!n and
e$hics9
The ("ranas c!n$ain #a6les& #airy=$ales& 4hil!s!4hy& religi!n& my$h and legend9 A Wes$ern
reader can hardly a44recia$e $he $eaching and val"e !# !"r ("ranas "nless he is c!nversan$ wi$h $he
me$h!ds em4l!yed 6y $he Indian Rishis in inc"lca$ing $he $r"$hs !# 4hil!s!4hy and religi!n9 The
$asE !# $he ("ranas is $! 4!4"larise $he Vedic $r"$hs 6y means !# narra$ives& s$!ries and anecd!$es9
ZZiv
Bhagava$a is a 4rac$ical g"ide #!r all9 I$ $eaches $ha$ '!d=realisa$i!n al!ne can give
salva$i!n #!r man& and sh!ws $he ways $! a$$ain '!d=c!nsci!"sness9 I$ $eaches $ha$ '!d al!ne really
eZis$s and $ha$ '!d=realisa$i!n is $he 6e=all and end=all !# li#e9 I$ $eaches "s $! realise '!d
everywhere and always and in every si$"a$i!n !# li#e9 I$ is indeed a w!nder#"l 6!!E9 I$ is a grea$
$reas"re #!r man9
Bhagava$a is $he s!lace !# li#e9 I$ is "ni:"e in i$s 6ea"$y and charm& in i$s dic$i!n and
4hil!s!4hy9 I$ is a val"a6le $reas"re=h!"se !# divine En!wledge9 A s$"dy !# $his 6!!E ins4ires
dev!$i!n& ins$ils En!wledge and Vairagya9 The gl!ries !# L!rd Vaas"deva are vividly descri6ed in
$his 6!!E9
The a"$h!r !# $his 6!!E is $he grea$ Vyasa9 He $a"gh$ $his $! his s!n& S"Ea9 There are many
c!mmen$aries !n $his 6!!E9 Sridhara SwamiXs c!mmen$ary is $he m!s$ #am!"s and a"$h!ri$a$ive
!ne9
The Bhagava$a is $he m!s$ 4!4"lar and eZal$ed !# all ("ranas9 I$ is held in $he highes$ es$eem
6y $he Vaishnavas in all 4ar$s !# India9 I$ is a m!n"men$al w!rE am!ngs$ $he dev!$i!nal w!rEs
which are $he 4ride and gl!ry !# $he SansEri$ li$era$"re9 Vyasa himsel# says $ha$ Srimad Bhagava$a is
$he :"in$essence !# $ha$ gigan$ic w!rE Maha6hara$a and i$ is $he ri4e #r"i$ !# $he wh!le Vedic
li$era$"re9
I$ is $he m!s$ #av!"ri$e 6!!E wi$h 4reachers and religi!"s $eachers9 The 6!!E is w!rshi44ed
in all Hind" h!"ses9 I$ is reci$ed all !ver India 6y learned ("ndi$s& Sadh"s and Sannyasins9
cnana& BhaE$i and Karma are assigned $heir res4ec$ive 4laces in $his 6!!E9 Karma is
4rescri6ed #!r $h!se wh! are very m"ch a$$ached $! $he 6!dy and $his w!rld9 cnana is 4rescri6ed #!r
$h!se wh! are de$ached and dis4assi!na$e 1ViraE$a59 BhaE$i is 4rescri6ed #!r $h!se wh! are nei$her
very m"ch a$$ached n!r very m"ch de$ached and wh! are indi##eren$9 I$ $eaches all a6!"$ Bhagava$a
Dharma !r $he religi!n !# l!ve9
All $ha$ is n!6le and ins4iring in Hind" Religi!n& 4hil!s!4hy and c"l$"re is #!"nd in
Bhagava$a9 The highes$ $r"$hs !# religi!n and 4hil!s!4hy and $he highes$ 4rinci4les !# e$hics are
6ea"$i#"lly eZ4lained in $his marvell!"s and "ni:"e 6!!E9
A$$rac$ive s$!ries are a means em4l!yed 6y $he Hind" Rishis and sages #!r $eaching
m!rali$y& 4hil!s!4hy and religi!n9 The a"$h!r !# $he Bhagava$a has $aEen rec!"rse $! $his me$h!d9
The s$!ries and anecd!$es g!ad and l"re $he mind $! $he $r"$hs !# religi!n9 They are liEe
s"gar=c!a$ed $a6le$s9 They serve $he 4"r4!se !# en$er$aining $he 4e!4le !# "ndevel!4ed minds9
Transla$i!n !# $his grea$ 6!!E in$! a #!reign lang"age can never 6ring $he charm and 6ea"$y
!# $he !riginal& h!wever er"di$e& sEil#"l and 4!wer#"l $he $ransla$!r may 6e9
The Bhagava$a c!nsis$s !# eigh$een $h!"sand Sl!Eas& $hree h"ndred and $hir$y=$w! cha4$ers
and $welve SEandhas9 The 6!!E is named Bhagava$a 6eca"se i$ s4eaEs !# $he gl!ry !# Bhagavan !r
Vishn"9 I$ is !ne !# $he m!s$ a"$h!ri$a$ive !# Hind" scri4$"res9 I$ is a w!rE !# grea$ re4"$e in India9 I$
ZZv
eZercises a direc$ and 4!wer#"l in#l"ence !n $he !4ini!ns and #eelings !# $he 4e!4le9 I$ has ac:"ired
a w!nder#"l h!ld !n $he minds !# Hind"s9 I$ c!n$ains $he essence !# all $he ("ranas9
In Bhagava$a ("rana al!ne $he his$!ry !# $he "niverse is sys$ema$ically deal$ wi$h9
L!rd Krishna is $he cen$ral #ig"re !# $his "ni:"e 6!!E9 I$ is an a"$h!ri$a$ive 6!!E !n
dev!$i!n9 Bhagava$a $eaches dev!$i!n $ha$ is ass!cia$ed wi$h cnana 1BhaE$iy$iE$a=cnana59 I$ d!es
n!$ div!rce En!wledge #r!m BhaE$i9 I$ $eaches $ha$ cnana is eZ$remely hel4#"l $! i$s 4er#ec$
a$$ainmen$9 In Bhagava$a $he $reacle !# BhaE$i is miZed wi$h $he eliZir !# cnana9
The $eachings given 6y L!rd Krishna $! )ddhava !n $he eve !# His de4ar$"re #r!m $his
w!rld& are w!nder#"l9 These are c!n$ained in $he eleven$h SEandha9 Sri Krishna clears all $he d!"6$s
!# )ddhava& His #riend& #!rem!s$ disci4le and $he chie# !# $he *adavas9 He gives ins$r"c$i!ns !n a
varie$y !# s"6Dec$s9 B"$ $he !ne ringing n!$e is- BSee Me in every$hing9 S"rrender y!"rsel# $! Me9
D! all ac$i!ns #!r my saEe9 ,"$ !## all s!r$s !# a$$achmen$s9 Have 4er#ec$ "nswerving dev!$i!n $!
Me9 Sing My gl!ries9C
The Bhagava$a Dharma as $a"gh$ 6y $he nine sages $! King Nimi in $he 6eginning !# $he
eleven$h SEandha& is $hrilling and s!"l=s$irring9 The $en$h SEandha c!n$ains all $he Lilas !# $he L!rd9
The y!"$h#"l s4!r$s and 4as$imes& $he #"ns and #r!lics !# $he divine child Sri Krishna& K"mara Lilas&
Brindavan Lilas& Ma$h"ra Lilas& DwaraEa Lilas& K"r"Eshe$ra Lilas and (ra6hasa Lilas are
descri6ed in $his SEandha9 I$ c!n$ains /3 cha4$ers9
The $en$h SEandha cann!$ 6e "nders$!!d 6y $h!se wh!se hear$s are #illed wi$h 4assi!n and
l"s$#"l $endencies9 The as4ec$ !# l!ver and 6el!ved #!"nd in every religi!n cann!$ 6e c!m4rehended
6y 4e!4le wh! are immersed in w!rldliness9 The $en$h SEandha c!n$ains $he !"$4!"rings !# $he
hear$ !r $he eZ4ressi!ns !# ra4$"r!"s l!ve !# $he h"man s!"l when i$ is #reed #r!m $he im4"ri$ies !#
$he mind9 When $he im4"ri$ies !# $he mind are rem!ved& and $he hear$ is $h!r!"ghly 4"ri#ied& $he
h"man s!"l is na$"rally drawn !r a$$rac$ed $!wards $he L!rd and is #inally a6s!r6ed in Him9
The Bhagava$a 4rescri6es vari!"s Einds !# medi$a$i!n $! s"i$ di##eren$ $y4es !# as4iran$s9 A
6eginner is asEed $! medi$a$e !n $he Vira$ ("r"sha9 He m"s$ $hinE $ha$ $he wh!le "niverse is $he
6!dy !# $he L!rd9 This is given in $he sec!nd SEandha9 In $he same SEandha and in $he $hird als!&
medi$a$i!n !n $he #!rm !# $he L!rd in $he hear$& and !n His vari!"s lim6s 6eginning #r!m $he #ee$& is
descri6ed9 In $he eleven$h SEandha medi$a$i!n !n $he l!$"s !# $he hear$ wi$h $hree layers& Agni as $he
#irs$& S"rya as $he sec!nd& and M!!n as $he $hird& !ne !ver $he !$her& is 4rescri6ed9 In $he same
SEandha !ne is asEed $! medi$a$e !n $he #!rm !# L!rd Krishna #irs$& and $hen $! #iZ $he mind !n e$her
!r $he s"4reme ca"se& and #inally $! merge i$ in $he (ara=Brahman9
Bhagava$a Sa4$ahas are held all $hr!"gh!"$ India9 The wh!le Bhagava$a is reci$ed wi$hin
seven days9 This 4r!vides a g!!d !ccasi!n #!r lis$ening $! and "nders$anding $he wh!le !#
Bhagava$a9 *!" sh!"ld c!nd"c$ Sa4$aha in y!"r h!"se !nce every year9 This will c!n$ri6"$e $! y!"r
ha44iness and 4r!s4eri$y9 %very !ne !# y!" sh!"ld have a c!4y !# $he Bhagava$a in y!"r h!"se9
ZZvi
%nd !# (ariEshi$
Once "4!n a $ime (ariEshi$ wen$ !n a h"n$ing eZc"rsi!n9 He g!$ #a$ig"ed and #el$ in$ense
$hirs$9 S! he en$ered $he c!$$age !# $he sage SamiEa9 The sage was a6s!r6ed in medi$a$i!n and s! he
was n!$ aware !# $he 4resence !# $he Eing9 (ariEshi$ was very m"ch ann!yed $ha$ $he sage did n!$
$rea$ him wi$h h!s4i$ali$y9 "r$her& he was very m"ch $!rmen$ed 6y h"nger and $hirs$9 He $h!"gh$&
BThis sage is 4re$ending $! 6e a6s!r6ed in c!n$em4la$i!n in !rder $! av!id $he "s"al c!"r$esies and
$he !rdinary h!s4i$ali$y d"e $! me9 He is sh!wing his c!n$em4$ $! me9C Then he 4icEed "4 wi$h $he
edge !# his 6!w $he carcass !# a ser4en$& $hrew i$ as a garland !ver $he necE !# $he sage and walEed
away9
The y!"$h#"l s!n !# $he sage& Sringi& wh! was 4laying !n $he 6anE !# $he adD!ining river
wi$h !$her 6!ys& came $! En!w #r!m s!me 4layma$e $ha$ King (ariEshi$ had 4"$ a dead ser4en$ !ver
$he necE !# his #a$her9 He c"rsed $he Eing and said $ha$ $he ser4en$ TaEshaEa sh!"ld 6i$e him !n $he
seven$h day $here#r!m& #!r his mischiev!"s and indecen$ ac$9 The 6!y $hen ran $! $he c!$$age and
saw $he ser4en$ !n $he necE !# his #a$her and cried 6i$$erly9 The sage was r!"sed 6y $he c!mm!$i!n
se$ 6y his s!n9 He !4ened his eyes& $hrew !## $he dead snaEe and asEed $he 6!y $he ca"se #!r his
lamen$a$i!n9 The 6!y $!ld him all $ha$ had ha44ened9
The sage was very m"ch a##lic$ed a$ his c"rse and said& BO my s!n& y!" have 6een very
ign!ran$ and rash9 Kings are $he em6!dimen$ !# L!rd Vishn" !n ear$h9 They 4r!$ec$ $heir s"6Dec$s
$hr!"gh $heir 4!wer& D"s$ice and 4res$ige and main$ain law and !rder9 I# $here is n! Eing& $here will
6e anarchy in $he land9 His d"$ies are di##ic"l$ and ard"!"s9 He has seri!"s res4!nsi6ili$ies9 I# $he
Eing 4"nishes y!" as y!" deserve& y!" may 6e a$ leas$ 4"ri#ied !# $he sin ca"sed 6y y!"r c"rse9 B"$
$he King (ariEshi$ is a grea$ dev!$ee9 He will never re$alia$e9 He will acce4$ y!"r c"rse $hanE#"lly as
an eZ4ia$i!n #!r his $h!"gh$lessness9 "r$her& he is n!$ $! 6e 6lamed a$ all9 I have #ailed in my d"$y as
a s"6Dec$& in n!$ giving $! him $he res4ec$ d"e $! his ranE and 4!si$i!n9 I have #ailed in my d"$y as a
h!s$& in n!$ giving him #!!d and wa$er9 He did n!$ deserve a$ all a c"rse #r!m y!"9 May '!d #!rgive
y!" #!r $he sin y!" have c!mmi$$ed in y!"r ign!rance9C
Then $he sage sen$ his disci4le $! $he Eing in#!rming him !# his s!nXs #!lly and en$rea$ed him
$! $aEe $he necessary 4reca"$i!ns $! g"ard his 4reci!"s li#e9
King (ariEshi$ reached his 4alace& and res$ed himsel# #!r s!me $ime9 He re4en$ed very m"ch
#!r his #!!lish and rash ac$i!n9 The disci4le !# $he sage came $! him wi$h $he message9 The Eing #el$
in$ensely relieved in mind9 He acce4$ed $he c"rse as an a$!nemen$ and a 6lessing in disg"ise9
He re#lec$ed wi$hin himsel#& BI l!s$ my "nders$anding and sense !# righ$ and wr!ng !n
acc!"n$ my weal$h and 4!si$i!n9 I was 4"##ed "4 wi$h 4ride9 I have 6ec!me m!re wise n!w9 I have
devel!4ed Vairagya9 The c"rse will eZ4ia$e my sin#"l ac$ $!wards a grea$ sage9 I$ gives me $ime $!
#iZ my mind !n L!rd Krishna& wh!se #riendshi4 al!ne can 6es$!w e$ernal 6liss9C
Th"s saying& King (ariEshi$ en$r"s$ed his Eingd!m $! his s!n and sa$ !n $he sacred 6anEs !#
$he 'anga wi$h a s$r!ng de$ermina$i!n n!$ $! rise #r!m $here $ill his mind was a6s!r6ed in L!rd
Krishna and his m!r$al c!il was $hr!wn away9
ZZvii
The news reached $he ears !# $he Rishis9 They all assem6led $! wi$ness $he dev!$i!n !# $he
migh$y Eing9 The Eing welc!med $hem wi$h #!lded hands and asEed $heir advice as $! h!w he c!"ld
6es$ "$ilise his $ime in $he service !# L!rd Krishna9 Vari!"s Rishis 4rescri6ed vari!"s me$h!ds9 A$
$his m!men$ S"Ea arrived] King (ariEshi$ re4ea$ed his :"es$i!n $! $he sage9
S"Ea re4lied& BL!rd Krishna sh!"ld always 6e $h!"gh$ !#9 His name sh!"ld always 6e !n
y!"r li4s9 His Lilas and :"ali$ies sh!"ld always 6e heard and medi$a$ed "4!n9 His 4resence sh!"ld
always 6e #el$ 6y y!"9 This is $he !nly 6es$ way !# "$ilising y!"r $ime and remem6ering Him a$ $he
$ime !# dea$h which will lead $! e$ernal 6liss9
BD! n!$ $hinE& O grea$ King (ariEshi$& $ha$ y!" have !nly a sh!r$ weeE 6e#!re y!"9 RaDarshi
Kha$wanga rendered grea$ hel4 $! $he Devas in 6a$$le9 The Devas $!ld him $! asE #!r a 6!!n in re$"rn
#!r his services9 Kha$wanga asEed $he Devas $! $ell him h!w m"ch "neZ4ired $ime $here was in his
lease !# li#e #!r him $! enD!y $he 6!!n which he earned9 He was $!ld $ha$ he had !nly !ne M"h"r$a
1!ne h!"r5 6e#!re him9 He desired $ha$ he migh$ a$$ain "ni!n immedia$ely wi$h $he L!rd9 The Devas
said& kBe i$ s!X9 He c!ncen$ra$ed his mind !n $he L!rd wi$h grea$ dev!$i!n and a$$ained e$ernal
6liss9C
S"Ea c!n$in"ed& BThere#!re& O KingH #iZ y!"r mind wi$h in$ense dev!$i!n !n $he L!rd9 D!
n!$ $hinE !# $he $hings !# $his w!rld9 Lis$en $! $he gl!ries !# L!rd Krishna and His mani#!ld Lilas9
These are s"mmed "4 in $he Bhagava$a which I learn$ #r!m my #a$her Sri Vyasa9C
There"4!n S"Ea reci$ed Bhagava$a $! Eing (ariEshi$9 King (ariEshi$ heard i$ wi$h in$ense
dev!$i!n and c!ncen$ra$i!n& #iZed his mind !n $he L!rd and a$$ained "ni!n wi$h Him9
The a$e !# N!n=Believers
S!me ign!ran$ and $h!"gh$less 4e!4le say $ha$ L!rd Krishna is an !rdinary man !nly& wi$h
s!me g!!d :"ali$ies9 They say $ha$ he has c!me #r!m l!wer s$ages9 S!me #ind #a"l$ wi$h his li#e and
charac$er9 They say- BKrishna is n!$ $he L!rd9 He is n!$ an Ava$ara9 He is a 4assi!na$e c!wherd wh!
l"s$#"lly 4layed wi$h $he '!4is9C
Th!se wh! #ind #a"l$ wi$h $he L!rd have n! idea !# His grea$ness and gl!ry& as $hey have n!$
4rac$ised *!ga& as $heir #a"l$s have n!$ 6een 4"rged 6y $he 4rac$ice !# *ama and Niyama& and as
$hey have n!$ $aEen rec!"rse $! Sa$sanga wi$h sages9 They have n! real insigh$ in$! Adhya$mic
science9
,an $here 6e a $inge !# 4assi!n in $he L!rd` Was He n!$ a 6!y !# seven years a$ $he $ime !#
Rasa Lila` Wh! can "nders$and $he secre$ !# Rasa Lila and Madh"rya Bhava& $he c"lmina$i!n !#
highes$ BhaE$i& A$manivedana !r $!$al s"rrender $! $he L!rd` I$ is !nly Narada& S"Ea Deva&
,hai$anya& Mira& Ramananda !r $he '!4is $ha$ c!"ld "nders$and $he secre$ !# Rasa Lila9 Did He n!$
m"l$i4ly as c!"n$less Krishnas` ,an a h"man 6eing 4er#!rm $his mirac"l!"s deed`
c"s$ lis$en $! wha$ Sri Swami Madh"s"dana Saraswa$i& a *!gi !# highes$ realisa$i!n says- BI
En!w n!$ any$hing higher $han $he l!$"s=eyed Krishna wi$h hands ad!rned wi$h #l"$e& l!!Eing liEe a
ZZviii
heavy=laden cl!"d wi$h His #ace shining liEe $he #"ll m!!n9 Le$ $he *!gis& wi$h $heir mind
c!n$r!lled 6y $he 4rac$ice !# medi$a$i!n& vis"alise $ha$ Nirg"na& ac$i!nless& indescri6a6le and
s"4reme cy!$i& i# $hey wan$] 6"$ #!r "s& $ha$ 6l"e=shining #ig"re $ha$ m!ves here and $here !n $he
6anEs !# $he Kaalindi #iver& ever c!mes 6e#!re !"r eyes9C
Wha$ is $he #a$e !# s"ch 4e!4le wh! cavil and car4 agains$ $he L!rd` c"s$ lis$en& BTh!se
dev!id !# reas!n $hinE !# Me as an !rdinary h"man 6eing having $aEen a 6!dy #r!m $he
"nmani#es$ed s$a$e !n acc!"n$ !# (rara6dha9 They En!w n!$ My s"4reme na$"re& im4erisha6le&
m!s$ eZcellen$ 1'i$a cha4$er VII@7A59 The #!!lish disregard Me& when clad in h"man sem6lance&
ign!ran$ !# My s"4reme na$"re& $he grea$ L!rd !# 6eings9 %m4$y !# h!4e& em4$y !# deeds& em4$y !#
wisd!m& senseless& $hey verily are 4!ssessed !# $he decei$#"l& 6r"$al& dem!niacal na$"re 1If@..&
.759 They enwra44ed in darEness& $hinE wr!ng $! 6e righ$ and see $hings in a 4erver$ed ligh$9 These
men En!w nei$her ac$i!n n!r ren"ncia$i!n& nei$her 4"ri$y n!r righ$ c!nd"c$& nei$her $r"$h n!r
"4righ$ness9 They d! n!$ En!w wha$ !"gh$ $! 6e d!ne and wha$ !"gh$ n!$ $! 6e d!ne9 Del"ded 6ir$h
a#$er 6ir$h& $hey wander in $he w!rldly mire !# Samsara& s"##ering inn"mera6le ills and miseries& and
never a$$ain salva$i!n9C
%4il!g"e
I$ is very di##ic"l$ #!r 6"sy 4e!4le $! g! $hr!"gh $he wh!le 6!!E !# Bhagava$a9 There#!re& I
have c!ndensed Sri KrishnaXs li#e& Lilas and Teachings in $his 6!!E in a m!s$ 4ala$a6le and $as$e#"l
#!rm9 %ven i# y!" s$"dy !ne !r $w! 4ages daily& y!" will devel!4 dev!$i!n $!wards $he L!rd and
a$$ain e$ernal 4eace& 6liss and imm!r$ali$y9
May y!" all drinE $he nec$ar !# Bhagava$aH May y!" all 6e end!wed wi$h #ai$h and dev!$i!n
$! $he L!rdH May y!" all lead a li#e !# 4"ri$y and righ$e!"snessH May L!rd Krishna 6e y!"r cen$re&
ideal and g!alH May His 6lessings 6e "4!n y!" allH May $he $r"$hs !# Bhagava$a 6e revealed "n$!
y!" all& liEe $he AmalaEa #r"i$ in hand& $hr!"gh $he grace !# Sri KrishnaH 'l!ry $! Sri Vyasa and $!
Sri S"EaH
May L!rd Krishna& $he D!y !# DevaEi& $he very li#e !# Radha& $he indweller !# !"r hear$s& $he
6el!ved !# $he '!4is 4r!$ec$ and g"ide y!" allH May y!" all hear !nce m!re His swee$ #l"$e& $he
celes$ial m"sic !# $he s!"lH May He 6ec!me $he chari!$eer !# $his 6!dyH May y!" all a6ide in Him
#!r ever and enD!y $he e$ernal 6liss and s"4reme (eaceHH
Ananda K"$ir&
RISHIK%SH&
>$h A4ril& ./A2
Sivananda
ZZiZ
,ONT%NTS
%Easl!Ei Bhagava$am9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 iv
,ha$"hsl!Ei Bhagava$am 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9v
Sal"$a$i!ns $! L!rd Krishna 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9vii
Sri Krishnash$!$$arasa$anamas$!$ram 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 Z
The S!ng !# Swee$ness 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9Ziv
In$r!d"c$i!n9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 Zvii
(ar$ I
LILAS
L!rdKrishna9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .
Bir$h!#L!rdKrishna 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 97
Bir$hday,ele6ra$i!n9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 A
("$anaXsDeliverance9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 A
Over$"rning!#$he,ar$9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 A
TheKilling!#Trinavar$a9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 ?
Sh!wing,!smicVisi!n$!*as!da 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9?
Naming,erem!ny9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 ?
S4!r$s!#$he,hild9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0
Tying!#Krishna9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0
The*amala=ArD"naTrees9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 >
Ther"i$Seller9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 >
Brindavan 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9<
Deliverancer!mVa$sas"ra9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 <
Deliverancer!mBaEas"ra9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9<
Deliverancer!mAghas"ra9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9<
BrahmaXsDel"si!n9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 /
Deliverance!#Dhen"Eas"ra9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .3
B!ysand,!wsSavedr!m$he%##ec$!#(!is!n9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .3
'race!n$heKaliyaSer4en$ 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9.3
Swall!wing!res$ire9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 ..
(ralam6as"ra9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 ..
The!res$ire9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .7
TheM"sic!#$hel"$e 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9.7
TheS$ealing!#,l!$hes9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .2
Krishnaand$heVedic*aDna9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .2
A6!li$i!n!#IndraXsW!rshi49 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9.?
Raising!#'!vardhana9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .?
,!r!na$i!n!#Krishna 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9.0
NandaResc"edr!mVar"na9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .>
,!mmencemen$!#RasaLila9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .>
'!4isS"##er(angs!#Se4ara$i!nandSearch#!rL!rdKrishna9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 73
'!4iEa'i$am9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 72
SriKrishnaS"ddenlyA44earsand,!ns!les$he'!4is9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 7?
ZZZ
'!4isXL!ve9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 7>
Secre$!#RasaLila 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 97/
RasaLila 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 22
(ar$ II
T%A,HIN'S
Krishnaand)ddhava9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 20
Avadh!!$aXsS$!ry 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 2/
Samsara9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 A0
B!ndageandLi6era$i!n 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9A/
Sadh"andBhaE$i9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 ?.
'l!ry!#Sa$sanga9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 ?7
The'"nas 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9?A
H!w$!Wi$hdrawr!m$heSense=O6Dec$s9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 ??
BhaE$i*!ga 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9?<
Me$h!d!#Medi$a$i!n9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0.
TheSiddhis9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 07
TheVi6h"$is!r(!wers!#$heL!rd9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0?
TheD"$ies!#$heBrahmacharinand$heH!"seh!lder 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 0<
TheD"$ies!#Vana4ras$hisandSannyasins 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9>2
cnanaandViDnana9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 >>
*amaandNiyama 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9<3
TheThree(a$hs-Karma&BhaE$iAndcnana 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9<.
'"naandD!sha 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9<A
TheTa$$vas9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 <<
(raEri$iand("r"sha 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9/3
Reincarna$i!n9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 /.
%nd"rance 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9/A
SanEhya9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 //
Sa$$va&RaDasandTamas9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .3.
Aila'i$a9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .32
Kriya*!gaandId!l=W!rshi49 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .30
cnana*!ga 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9..3
BhaE$i*!ga9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 ..?
(ar$ III
TH% BHA'AVATA DHARMA
TheBhagava$a(a$h9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 ..<
KaviIns$r"c$s9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 ../
HariIns$r"c$s 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9.73
An$ariEshaIns$r"c$s9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .77
(ra6"ddhaIns$r"c$sH!w$!,r!ssMaya 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9.72
(i44alayanaIns$r"c$s!n$heNa$"re!#$heL!rd 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .7?
Avirh!$raIns$r"c$s!nKarma*!ga9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .70
Dr"mila&$heS!n!#cayan$iDescri6es$heL!rdXsAva$aras 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .7<
,hamasaIns$r"c$s9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .23
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Kara6haDanaIns$r"c$s9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .27
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SriKrishnaEarnamri$am9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .2?
K"n$iXs(rayer9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .20
(rahladaXs(rayer 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 .2<
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(ar$ I
LILAS
L!rd Krishna
Hari OmH
Om Nam! Bhagava$e Vas"devayaH
Sal"$a$i!ns $! Sri Krishna& $he L!rd !# '!4is& $he chari!$eer !# ArD"na& $he des$r!yer !# sins&
$he $eacher !# manEind& L!rd !# LaEshmi& 6el!ved !# R"Emini& Radha and Sa$ya6hama& wh! is an
em6!dimen$ !# Bliss& wh! is $he )niverse i$sel# and wh! 6!re $he '!vardhana hill !n $he $i4 !# His
li$$le #inger9
Bh"devi was very m"ch !44ressed 6y $he 6"rden !# several As"ras in $he #!rm !# ha"gh$y
Eings9 There#!re she s!"gh$ re#"ge in Brahma9 Brahma said& BL!rd Narayana is g!ing $! incarna$e
in $he h!"se !# Vas"deva as Krishna9 Adisesha will 6e 6!rn as his elder 6r!$her $! d! service $! Him9
The celes$ial w!men als! will 6e 6!rn in $he w!rld $! serve Him9 The sages will $aEe $he #!rm !#
c!ws9 *!" will n!$ 6e $r!"6led any m!re9 L!rd Krishna will 4"nish $he wicEed and es$a6lish
Dharma9C
Kamsa im4ris!ned his #a$her )grasena& $he Eing !# $he *ad"s& $he Bh!Das and $he
AndhaEas9 He himsel# reigned !ver $he Eingd!m9 He wi$h $he s"44!r$ !# carasandha& $he Magadha
Eing& his #a$her=in=law& !44ressed $he *ad"s9 The dem!n chie#s BaEa& ,han"ra& Dhen"Ea& ("$ana&
Kesi& Bana& Bha"ma& (ralam6a& Trinavar$a& Mahasena& M"sh$iEa& Arish$a and Dvivida als! hel4ed
Kamsa9
In $he ci$y !# Ma$h"ra a Eing named S"rasena reigned !ver $he Eingd!m !# S"rasena9 He
was $he chie# !# $he *ad"s9 On !ne !ccasi!n in $ha$ ci$y& Vas"deva& $he s!n !# S"ra& ascended his
chari!$ as 6ridegr!!m wi$h his 6ride DevaEi9 !r $he 4r!cessi!n& Kamsa $he s!n !# )grasena and
6r!$her !# DevaEi dr!ve $he chari!$ $! 4lease his sis$er9
On $he way an aerial v!ice said $! Kamsa& BOh #!!lH The eigh$h child !# DevaEi& y!"r sis$er
wh!m y!" are $aEing& will Eill y!"9C A$ !nce $he wicEed Kamsa ca"gh$ his sis$er 6y $he hair and
$ried $! Eill her wi$h $he sw!rd in his hand9 Vas"deva 4aci#ied Kamsa and s4!Ee $! him in swee$
w!rds& BO KamsaH *!" are 4raised 6y $he warri!rs9 *!" will have $! 6ring gl!ry $! $he Bh!Das9 *!"
are a grea$ her!9 H!w can y!" Eill a w!man and $ha$ $!! y!"r sis$er& d"ring $he marriage !ccasi!n9
This is n!$ a 4r!4er ac$9 This will 6ring grea$ disgrace and sin !n y!"9 Be n!$ a#raid !# $he aerial
v!ice9 I will s"rrender $! y!" all $he children #r!m wh!m $he #ear arises9C
Kamsa desis$ed #r!m his wicEed ac$9 Vas"deva 4raised him and reached his 4alace9
.
LILAS
The siZ children !# DevaEi were Eilled 6y Kamsa9 Kamsa 4"$ #e$$ers #!r DevaEi and
Vas"deva9 The seven$h c!nce4$i!n was $ha$ !# a ray !# Anan$a9 This was $he 6!y SanEarshana& s!
called #r!m his 6eing drawn away #r!m DevaEiXs w!m69
The L!rd !rdered *!ga Maya& His !wn SaE$i and said& BO 6lessed DeviH '! $! $he hamle$
VraDa in Nanda '!E"la9 There lives R!hini& $he wi#e !# Vas"deva9 There is Adisesha my !wn Amsa
14ar$ial Ava$ara5 in DevaEiXs w!m69 TaEe him away and 4lace him in R!hiniXs w!m69 I will 6e 6!rn
as $he s!n !# DevaEi9 *!" m"s$ 6e 6!rn in $he w!m6 !# *as!da& $he wi#e !# Nanda9C
*!ga Maya agreed and wen$ $! $he ear$h and ac$ed acc!rdingly9 The all=4ervading L!rd
en$ered $he mind !# Vas"deva in #"ll #!rm9 DevaEi sh!ne wi$h $he h!ly s4iri$ !# $he "niversal L!rd
im4ar$ed men$ally 6y Vas"deva9 Vas"deva and DevaEi did severe 4enance in $heir #!rmer lives $!
have Krishna as $heir child9
Kamsa was m!re wa$ch#"l a$ $he eigh$h $ime9 He Ee4$ DevaEi and Vas"deva "nder cl!se
c"s$!dy9 Krishna was 6!rn in $he 4ris!n h!"se9
Kamsa saw divine s4lend!"r in $he #ace !# his sis$er& as she was #illed wi$h $he h!ly 4resence
!# $he L!rd9 He $h!"gh$ wi$hin himsel#- BHari& $he des$r!yer !# my li#e has already en$ered her9
Wha$ c!"ld I d! n!w in $his emergency` The grea$ L!rd will s"rely #"l#il his res!lve9 The m"rder !#
a w!man and $ha$ $!! !# a sis$er in c!n#inemen$& will cer$ainly des$r!y my #ame& 4r!s4eri$y and
li#e9C He desis$ed #r!m his #ierce res!lve !# Eilling his sis$er9 He har6!"red in$ense ha$red #!r $he
L!rd9 While si$$ing !r lying d!wn !r s$anding !r ea$ing !r walEing !r drinEing& his mind was !n $he
L!rd9 He saw $he wh!le w!rld as 4ervaded 6y $he L!rd9 He devel!4ed dev!$i!n $hr!"gh ha$red
1Vaira BhaE$i59
Brahma wi$h R"dra& and Rishis liEe Narada& and Devas came and 4raised $he '!d in $he
w!m6& BO HariH By Thy Ava$ara $he 6"rden !# $his Bh"devi is rem!ved9 O Blessed M!$her DevaEiH
$he s"4reme L!rd has incarna$ed in y!" #!r !"r gl!ry and well=6eing and $he wel#are !# $his w!rld a$
large9 *!"r s!n will 6ec!me a Savi!"r9 Kamsa will 6e des$r!yed s!!n9 ear n!$9C
Bir$h !# L!rd Krishna
Then $he a"s4ici!"s h!"r came9 The s$ar R!hini was shining9 I$ was ViDaya M"h"r$a9 The
elemen$s were eZ$remely 4leasan$ a$ $he 6ir$h !# Krishna9 Winds were 6l!wing a"s4ici!"sly9 The
s$ars were shining wi$h l"s$re9 The laEes were #illed wi$h l!$"ses9 L!rd Krishna incarna$ed a$
midnigh$ !n $his ear$h9 The g!ds 4layed divine m"sic9 The Kinnaras and 'andharvas sang9 Siddhas
and ,haranas 4raised9 The Vidyadharas 1vari!"s grades !# celes$ial 6eings5 danced al!ng wi$h
A4saras& sages and Devas9 There was a rain !# #l!wers #r!m $he heavens in D!y9
Vishn" incarna$ed wi$h l!$"s eyes& wi$h #!"r hands& armed wi$h c!nch& disc& mace and l!$"s&
wi$h $he diam!nd Ka"s$h"6a& wi$h $he marE Sriva$sa ad!rning $he ches$& wearing silE (i$am6ara&
wi$h ear !rnamen$s made !# diam!nds& wi$h $he cr!wn made !# several emeralds& wi$h 6racele$s in
$he l!wer and "44er arms and val"a6le wais$=s$ring9 Vas"deva saw $his marvel !# a divine child9
7
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
Vas"deva 4raised Him& BTh!" ar$ En!wn $! me already as $he S"4reme Being9 Th!" ar$ an
em6!dimen$ !# En!wledge and 6liss9 Th!" ar$ sea$ed in $he hear$s !# all 6eings9 Th!" ar$ $he wi$ness
!# $he minds !# all9 Th!" ar$ 6ey!nd Maya and Avidya9C
DevaEi 6eheld marEs !# Vishn" !n her s!n and 4raised Him& BTh!" ar$ 6eginningless&
Omni4resen$& sel#=l"min!"s& a$$ri6"$eless& changeless and ac$i!nless9 Th!" ar$ $he s!"rce and 4lace
!# diss!l"$i!n #!r every$hing9 Kindly d! n!$ sh!w me $his #!rm wi$h #!"r hands9 Le$ me see y!" as
an !rdinary child9 Wi$hdraw $his divine $ranscenden$al #!rm9 We are a#raid !# Kamsa9C
The L!rd said& BLe$ 6!$h !# y!" !#$en medi$a$e wi$h l!ve !n Me as a s!n and as $he S"4reme
Being as y!" will !6$ain e$ernal 6liss and imm!r$ali$y9C
The L!rd ass"med $he #!rm !# a hands!me 6a6y $hr!"gh $he 4!wer !# his !wn Maya9 The
L!rd said& BI# y!" are a#raid !# Kamsa& $hen $aEe me $! '!E"la and 6ring my Maya $ha$ is 6!rn $here
!# *as!da immedia$ely9C Vas"deva $!!E $he 6a6y and came !"$9 The sen$ries 6ecame s$"4e#ied
"nder $he in#l"ence !# L!rdXs Maya and $he 4e!4le were all aslee49 The d!!rs which were l!cEed&
!4ened !# $heir !wn acc!rd9 There was gen$le rain9 Adisesha s4read #!r$h his h!!ds liEe an "m6rella
$! ward !## rain9 The dee4 *am"na which was in #l!!ds wi$h s$r!ng c"rren$s& made way #!r
Vas"deva9
Vas"deva 4laced $he child near $he 6ed !# *as!da and $!!E $he #emale 6a6y #r!m $here] he
re$"rned 6acE $! his 4ris!n=h!"se and 4laced $his Maya child near DevaEi and 4"$ !n his #e$$ers as
6e#!re !n his legs9
The sen$ries ran and $!ld Kamsa !# $he 6ir$h !# $he child #!r DevaEi9 Kamsa s!!n g!$ "4
#r!m his 6ed& re4aired $! $he 4lace where DevaEi was c!n#ined& and en$ered $he r!!m in which she
was lying9 The hel4less DevaEi $!ld Kamsa& BO KamsaH This child is y!"r niece9 I$ is n!$ 4r!4er #!r
y!" $! Eill a #emale child9C Kamsa $hrea$ened his sis$er and seiled $he child 6y her hands and dashed
i$ !n a s$!ne9
The child sli44ed #r!m his hands and r!se high "4 in$! $he sEy9 I$ was seen as $he sis$er !#
Vishn" wi$h eigh$ hands9 She was wearing $he divine garland and r!6es and !rnamen$s and ad!rned
wi$h $he 6!w& $riden$& Eni#e& c!nch& disc and mace9 She was 4raised 6y $he Siddhas& 'andharvas and
Kinnaras9
She said& BO #!!lH Wha$ 6ene#i$ are y!" g!ing $! derive 6y Eilling me` He wh! is g!ing $!
$aEe y!"r li#e is 6!rn elsewhere9 He is y!"r !ld enemy9 D! n!$ h"r$ in vain $hese hel4less 4ers!ns&
DevaEi& Vas"deva and !$her children9
Kamsa was s$r"cE wi$h w!nder when he heard $he w!rds !# $he child9 He released DevaEi
and Vas"deva and $!ld $hem in h"mili$y& BO 6lessed s!"lsH Th!"gh I have Eilled y!"r children& d!
n!$ 6e a##lic$ed a$ hear$9 (e!4le rea4 $he #r"i$s !# $heir Karmas in s4i$e !# $hemselves9 I d! n!$ En!w
wha$ #a$e awai$s me a#$er dea$h9C He released $hem #r!m $heir #e$$ers9
Kamsa called his c!"nsell!rs and $!ld $hem all $ha$ '!ddess Maya had s4!Een9 The
Minis$ers said& BI# i$ 6e s!& O Eing !# Bh!Da& we will Eill all children whe$her $en days !ld !r n!$&
2
LILAS
whe$her #!"nd in $!wns& villages !r 4as$ime gr!"nds9 Vishn" is $he r!!$ !# $he Devas9 The r!!$s !#
Dharma are $he Vedas& c!ws& $he Brahmanas& Ta4as and *aDna9 There#!re 6y all means we shall Eill
$he Veda=En!wing& *aDna=4er#!rming and asce$ic Brahmanas& and c!ws $ha$ s"44ly $he sacri#icial
ghee9 Brahmanas& Vedas& asce$icism& $r"$h& res$rain$ !# $he senses& res$rain$ !# $he mind& #ai$h&
Eindness& #!r6earance and sacri#ices@$hese are $he 4ar$s !# $he 6!dy !# Vishn"9 There#!re $he 6es$
way $! Eill him is $! Eill $hese9C
Kamsa !rdered $he dem!ns $! d! hav!c in all 4laces and re4aired $! his 4alace9
Bir$hday ,ele6ra$i!n
On $he 6ir$h !# his s!n& Nanda 6ecame very ha44y9 A$ '!E"la& Nanda 4er#!rmed $he 6ir$h
cerem!ny !# his s!n wi$h grea$ 4!m49 He invi$ed Veda=En!wing Brahmins and 4er#!rmed $he na$al
sacramen$ and w!rshi4 !# $he ances$!rs and '!ds in $he 4rescri6ed manner9 His gi#$s Enew n!
6!"nds9 The Brahmanas "$$ered $heir 6lessings9 The m"sicians and 6ards sang9 The h!"ses !# VraDa
were dec!ra$ed wi$h #lags and #es$!!ns9 The h!"ses were swe4$ well and s4rinEled wi$h #ragran$
wa$er9 The '!4as 4"$ !n val"a6le cl!$hes& c!a$s and $"r6ans& and assem6led in NandaXs h!"se wi$h
vari!"s 4resen$s in $heir hands9
The '!4is miZed sa##r!n 4!wder and !il and a44lied i$ $! $he child and sang deligh$#"l s!ngs
a6!"$ $he child& 6lessing him wi$h l!ng li#e9 They dec!ra$ed $hemselves wi$h dress& !rnamen$s and
c!llyri"m9 They s4rinEled each !$her wi$h wa$er miZed wi$h $"rmeric 4!wder9 r!m $ha$ very day&
$he VraDas !# Nanda reached $he heigh$ !# 4r!s4eri$y in every res4ec$9
("$anaXs Deliverance
By KamsaXs !rders& $he #ierce dem!ness ("$ana wen$ a6!"$ Eilling children in $!wns&
villages and 4as$"re lands9 Her !nly !cc"4a$i!n was $! Eill 6a6ies9 She had $he 4!wer $! m!ve in air
and ass"me any #!rm she liEed9 This wanderer !# $he sEies en$ered '!E"la a$ will and ass"med $he
#!rm !# a hands!me w!man9 She en$ered $he h!"se !# Nanda and saw $he divine child in $he cradle&
$he dea$h $! $he wicEed& wi$h la$en$ 4r!wess and s4lend!"r& liEe #ire s"6merged in ash9 The cr"el
("$ana $!!E $he 6a6e !n her la4 and s"cEled i$ wi$h her 6reas$s c!n$aining 4!is!n9 The L!rd
s:"eeled her 6reas$s 6y his hands and s"cEed $hr!"gh $hem her vi$al 6rea$h9 She screamed #!r$h&
BLe$ g!9 Le$ g!9 N! m!re9C Her eyes 6"lged !"$9 A$ las$ she #ell dead liEe a grea$ m!"n$ain9
The '!4is wi$h R!hini and *as!da came r"shing $! $he s4!$ and $!!E "4 $he child& which
was 4laying #earlessly !n $he 6!dy !# ("$ana wh! was #reed #r!m her sins as she s"cEled $he L!rd9
The sm!Ee $ha$ ar!se !"$ !# her 6"rning 6!dy was #ragran$& liEe $ha$ !# sandal w!!d& as $he $!"ch !#
Sri KrishnaXs 6!dy 4"ri#ies even $he enemy9 ("$ana 6ecame $he #!s$er m!$her !# $he L!rd& al$h!"gh
she had $he evil in$en$i!n !# Eilling $he child9
Over$"rning !# $he ,ar$
The cerem!ny !6served !n $he child 6eing a6le $! s$and !n his legs& and $he 6ir$hday
cerem!ny were !6served $!ge$her9 There was a grea$ #eas$ a$ $he h!"se !# Nanda9 A#$er c!m4le$i!n
!# $he 6a$h& *as!da #!"nd $ha$ her child cl!sed His eyes in slee4 and s! she 4"$ Him $! 6ed "nder a
A
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
car$ which c!n$ained vessels #"ll !# milE and c"rd9 A#$er s!me $ime& $he child !4ened His eyes and
cried #!r His milE9 As *as!da was 6"sily engaged in receiving her g"es$s& she did n!$ hear Sri
KrishnaXs cry9 He $hen EicEed $he car$ wi$h His #ee$9 The car$ was "4se$& $he vessels were 6r!Een& $he
wheel and aZle were "4$"rned& and $he y!Ee was sha$$ered9 The '!4is and '!4as were s$r"cE wi$h
w!nder9 They c!"ld n!$ acc!"n$ #!r $his w!nder#"l 4hen!men!n9 The 6!ys wh! were 4laying $here
$!ld $he '!4as and $he '!4is& $ha$ $he child Krishna while crying had !ver$"rned $he car$ 6y His
EicEs& 6"$ $he la$$er c!"ld n!$ easily 6elieve wha$ $hey said9 They did n!$ realise $he immeas"ra6le
s$reng$h !# $ha$ child9
The Killing !# Trinavar$a
One day *as!da was #!ndling $he child !n her la49 S"ddenly Krishna 6ecame very heavy
liEe a r!cE9 She was n!$ a6le $! 6ear $he weigh$ !# $he child and s! she le#$ $he child !n $he gr!"nd
and 4r!ceeded $! d! s!me h!"seh!ld w!rE9 A dem!n Trinavar$a 6y name& a servan$ !# Kamsa&
carried away $he child in $he #!rm !# a whirlwind a$ $he ins$iga$i!n !# Kamsa9
The wh!le '!E"la was wra4$ in d"s$ and darEness #!r s!me$ime9 The dem!n reached $he
sEy 6"$ he was n!$ a6le $! 4r!ceed #"r$her !n acc!"n$ !# $he heaviness !# Krishna9 The child gri44ed
his necE $igh$ly and $he dem!n was s$rangled9 He 6ecame 4!werless and c!"ld n!$ $hr!w d!wn $he
w!nder=child9 His eye6alls 4r!$r"ded9 He #ell 6rea$hless #r!m $he sEy wi$h all his lim6s sha$$ered !n
$he s$!nes 6el!w9 The '!4is and $he '!4as saw Krishna lying "nsca$hed and ha44y !n $he ches$ !#
$he dead As"ra and 6ecame immensely ha44y9 They res$!red $he child $! *as!da9
Sh!wing ,!smic Visi!n $! *as!da
One day *as!da $!!E her child !n her la4 and s"cEled Him9 She Eissed her s!n again and
again9 c"s$ a$ $ha$ $ime $he child yawned9 When he !4ened His m!"$h& $he m!$her saw $he wh!le
"niverse wi$hin i$9 She saw $he sEy& $he s4ace 6e$ween $he ear$h and $he sEy& $he s"n& $he m!!n& $he
s$ars& $he #!"r :"ar$ers& #ire& air& !ceans& c!n$inen$s& m!"n$ains& rivers& #!res$s& islands& and all $hings
in $he "niverse& anima$e and inanima$e9
*as!da wh! saw $he wh!le "niverse wi$hin $he m!"$h !# her !wn s!n& sh"ddered and cl!sed
her eyes immedia$ely in grea$ #ear9 She was s$r"cE wi$h w!nder9
Naming ,erem!ny
'argacharya was $he #amily 4ries$ !# $he *ad"s9 He came $! VraDa& NandaXs '!E"la& !ne
day a$ $he re:"es$ !# Vas"deva9 Nanda d"ly received him and said& B*!" are versed in $he Vedas9
The science !# as$r!l!gy has 6een 4r!4!"nded 6y y!"9 (lease 4er#!rm $he naming cerem!ny !#
$hese $w! 6!ys9C 'arga re4lied& BI am En!wn as $he 4ries$ !# $he *ad"s9 I# I c!nd"c$ $he naming
cerem!ny !# y!"r s!n& Kamsa migh$ s"s4ec$ y!"r s!n $! 6e $he eigh$h s!n !# DevaEi9C Nanda
4r!mised s$ric$ 4rivacy9 'arga 4er#!rmed $he cerem!ny in a :"ie$ and "n#re:"en$ed 4lace9
'arga said& BThe s!n !# R!hini shall 6e called Rama !r $he charming !ne& as he will charm
his #riends and rela$ives 6y his vir$"es9 He will 6e called 6y $he name kBalaX !n acc!"n$ !# his
in#ini$e s$reng$h9 This will 6e sec!nd name9 He will 6ring $!ge$her all $he *ad"s and rem!ve all
?
LILAS
di##erences& and s! he will 6e called 6y $he name kSanEarshanaX9 This darE c!m4leZi!ned child
ass"mes $he h"man #!rm in every *"ga9 He has already a44eared in $hree c!l!"rs& whi$e 1S"Ela5&
red 1RaE$a5 and yell!w 1(i$a59 N!w he has g!$ $he 6lacE c!l!"r9 There#!re his name will 6e Krishna9
*!"r s!n has very many names and #!rms9 He will 6ring y!" 4r!s4eri$y and deligh$9 He will 4r!$ec$
y!" agains$ all dangers9 *!" will $h!r!"ghly $ri"m4h !ver all di##ic"l$ies9 He will 6ring eZ$reme
deligh$ $! all '!4as& c!ws and '!E"la as well9 O NandaH *!"r s!n is e:"al $! $he L!rd Narayana 6y
his '"na& #!rm& #ame& grande"r and 4!wers9C
S4!r$s !# $he ,hild
1Bala Lila5
Krishna 6ecame very na"gh$y9 He w!"ld "n$ie $he calves !# $he '!4is 6e#!re $he milEing
$ime9 He w!"ld s$eal $heir milE& 6"$$er and c"rds and divide $he remnan$s a#$er ea$ing am!ng $he
m!nEeys and 6reaE $he 4!$s& i# $hey did n!$ ea$9 He made h!les in $he 4!$s hanging in $he $ri4!d& $!
#ind !"$ $heir c!n$en$s] and a#$er En!wing $he c!n$en$s $hr!"gh $he h!le& he w!"ld 4lace a m!r$ar
6el!w and m!"n$ !n i$ $! reach $hem& i# $he 4!$s were !"$ !# reach9 He w!"ld ill"mine $he darE r!!m
6y $he gli$$er !# his !wn 6!dy and $he Dewels& $! serve his 4"r4!se9
Once a '!4i $!!E h!ld !# Krishna 6y $he hand and wen$ $! in#!rm his m!$her a6!"$ his
mischie#9 Krishna mirac"l!"sly esca4ed #r!m her hand9 She #!"nd $he missing child near his
m!$her9 She #el$ a6ashed and re$"rned $! her h!"se9
One day Balarama and $he !$her 6!ys c!m4lained $! *as!da $ha$ Krishna had ea$en ear$h9
*as!da g!$ a#raid $ha$ $his migh$ a##ec$ Sri KrishnaXs heal$h9 She re6"Eed Krishna& BO my na"gh$y
childH Why did y!" ea$ ear$h in secre$`C Sri Krishna re4lied& BO m!$herH I did n!$ ea$ ear$h9 These
6!ys have $!ld a lie9 %Zamine my m!"$h9C *as!da said& BO4en y!"r m!"$h& my childHC Sri Krishna
!4ened His m!"$h9 Therein she saw $he wh!le "niverse !# anima$e and inanima$e $hings& $he sEy&
$he cardinal 4!in$s& $he m!"n$ains& c!n$inen$s& seas& $he wh!le ear$h& air& #ire& $he s"n& $he m!!n and
$he s$ars& $he seven Dvi4as& $he 4lane$s& $he Devas& $he mind& $he senses& $he $hree '"nas and $heir
m!di#ica$i!ns& $he civa& $ime 4rim!rdial ma$$er& Karma and i$s seeds& even Brindavan and hersel#9
She was amaled& and 6egan $! re#lec$ $h"s& BIs $his a dream !r a s$range visi!n !# '!dXs ill"si!n !r
d!es my child 4!ssess any in6!rn *!gic 4!wers`C She said& BSal"$a$i!ns $! $he L!rd& I $aEe shel$er
"nder Him wh!se Maya 4r!d"ces $he wr!ng n!$i!ns@This is Nanda& my h"s6and9 This is my s!n9 I
am *as!da9 This is mine9C She had $he $r"e En!wledge& 6"$ she l!s$ her mem!ry !# $he visi!n 6y $he
*!ga Maya !# $he L!rd9 She again Enew Krishna $! 6e her !wn s!n and 4laced him !n her la49
Tying !# Krishna
One day *as!da was ch"rning $he c"rd hersel# and singing $he deeds !# her s!n9 Krishna
came $! His m!$her and wan$ed $! 6e s"cEled9 He $!!E h!ld !# $he ch"rning r!d and s$!44ed her
ch"rning9 *as!da 4laced Him !n her la4 and s"cEled her darling #r!m her 6reas$s9 The milE $ha$ was
6!iling !n $he !ven !ver#l!wed $he 4!$9 She 4"$ her s!n d!wn when He was ye$ "nsa$is#ied and wen$
away in has$e $! rem!ve $he 4!$9 Krishna 6ecame very angry9 He 6i$ his li4s& 6r!Ee $he milE=4!$ wi$h
a s$!ne9 He wen$ $! an!$her r!!m and 6egan $! ea$ 6"$$er s$eal$hily9
0
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
*as!da came 6acE a#$er a sh!r$ $ime and #!"nd $he 4!$ !# c"rd 6r!Een $! 4ieces9 Krishna had
already le#$ $he 4lace9 *as!da a$ !nce g"essed $ha$ i$ was her s!nXs d!ing9 She #!"nd Krishna
s$anding !n an !ver$"rned h"sEing=s$and #reely dividing $he c!n$en$s !# $he hanging 4!$s am!ng $he
m!nEeys9 *as!da :"ie$ly a44r!ached Him wi$h a s$icE9 Krishna g!$ d!wn in has$e #r!m $he
h"sEing=s$and and ran away as i# in #ear9 *as!da ran a#$er Him and ca"gh$ Him a$ las$9 She $hrew
away $he s$icE and $ried $! $ie Him $! $he h"sEing=s$and wi$h a c!rd] 6"$ when she 6egan $! 6ind Him
$he c!rd was #!"nd $! 6e sh!r$ 6y a #ew inches9 She 6r!"gh$ an!$her 4iece !# c!rd and D!ined i$ $! $he
!riginal !ne9 When $his als! 4r!ved $! 6e $!! sh!r$& she added an!$her 4iece again9 Wi$h every !$her
4iece she added& $he r!4e was s$ill sh!r$ 6y a #ew inches9 She g!$ amaled9
Krishna #!"nd !"$ $ha$ His m!$her was $h!r!"ghly eZha"s$ed and her 6!dy was 6a$hed in
swea$9 He $!!E 4i$y !n her and all!wed Himsel# $! 6e 6!"nd $! $he h"sEing=s$and9
The *amala=ArD"na Trees
*as!da was engr!ssed in her h!"seh!ld d"$ies9 Sri Krishna $h!"gh$ !# li6era$ing $he $w!
ArD"na $rees wh! had 6een s!ns !# K"6era in $heir 4revi!"s li#e& Nala K"6ara and Manigreeva 6y
name9 They were end!wed wi$h immense weal$h& 6ea"$y and s4lend!"r] 6"$& !n acc!"n$ !# $heir
4ride& $hey had 6een $"rned in$! $rees& 6y NaradaXs c"rse9
The $w! s!ns !# K"6era were 4laying wi$h 'andharva girls in a river& in a naEed s$a$e9
Narada ha44ened $! 4ass $ha$ way9 The celes$ial damsels #el$ ashamed a$ $heir n"di$y& and a$ !nce
4"$ !n $heir cl!$hes& as $hey were a#raid !# $he c"rse 6y $he Rishi9 B"$ $he $w! *aEshas did n!$ care
$! d! s!9 Hence Narada gave a c"rse& BThese $w! s!ns !# K"6era are eZ$remely ign!ran$ and
ins!len$9 Le$ $hem 6ec!me $rees9 B"$& $hey shall n!$ l!se mem!ry 6y my #av!"r9 A#$er !ne h"ndred
Deva years& $he $!"ch !# Sri Krishna shall save $hem9C These s!ns !# K"6era 6ecame a 4air !#
ArD"na $rees in Brindavan9
Sri Krishna a44r!ached $he $rees& *amala and ArD"na& drawing $he h"sEing=s$and 6ehind
him 6y #!rce9 He 4laced Himsel# 6e$ween $he $rees and "4r!!$ed $hem9 They #ell d!wn wi$h a
$erri6le crash9 Tw! Siddhas came !"$ !# $he $rees and ill"mina$ed $he 4lace wi$h $heir l"s$re9 They
4raised L!rd Krishna and $hen r!se "4wards9
Hearing $he $erri6le n!ise& $he '!4as and '!4is came $! $he s4!$9 They all saw $he $w!
ArD"na $rees #allen $! $he gr!"nd9 The 6!ys $!ld $hem wha$ $hey had seen9 They said& BThis is all
KrishnaXs d!ing9 He gave a 4"ll and $he $w! $rees #ell d!wn wi$h a crash9 We #"r$her saw $w!
4ers!ns c!ming !"$ !# $he $rees9C B"$ $he '!4as and $he '!4is c!"ld n!$ 6elieve wha$ $he 6!ys said9
They $h!"gh$ $ha$ i$ was n!$ 4!ssi6le #!r $he small child $! "4r!!$ $he $w! $rees& and $hey were
w!nder=s$r"cE9
The r"i$ Seller
One day Krishna heard a w!man sh!"$ing& BO 4e!4leH ("rchase #r"i$s9C He :"icEly $!!E a
hand#"l !# grain and has$ened $! her side $! ge$ s!me #r"i$s& $h!"gh He is $he L!rd wh! c!n#ers all
#r"i$s !# all w!rEs and w!rshi49 The w!man #illed 6!$h his hands wi$h #r"i$s and in re$"rn $!!E $he
grain and 4"$ i$ in her 6asEe$9 Her 6asEe$ 6ecame #"ll !# gems and 4reci!"s s$!nes9
>
LILAS
Brindavan
A '!4a& )4ananda 6y name& wh! was a wise man said $! $he '!4as& BI$ is n!$ sa#e n!w $!
dwell any m!re in '!E"l9 Many 4!r$en$s have !cc"rred here9 This 4lace has 6ec!me "nsa#e #!r !"r
children9 This child Krishna was saved wi$h grea$ di##ic"l$y #r!m ("$ana9 Thr!"gh $he grace !# Hari
$he car$ did n!$ #all !n him9 He was carried "4 in$! $he cl!"ds 6y $he As"ra9 He #ell !n a r!cE and was
4r!$ec$ed 6y $he grea$ '!ds9 Achy"$a !nly 4r!$ec$ed him when $he $rees #ell d!wn9 Le$ "s $aEe !"r
children and g! $! Brindavan $his very day wi$h !"r a$$endan$s and #!ll!wers9 Tha$ !nly is a #i$ 4lace
#!r !"r ca$$le& '!4is and '!4as9 There are l!vely hills& 4as$"re lands& #resh verd"re& her6s and
4lan$s9C
The '!4as "nanim!"sly eZ4ressed $heir a44r!val and said& BTha$ is g!!d9 Tha$ is g!!d9
Well said9 Well said9C They all 4r!ceeded $! Brindavan9 Balarama and Krishna saw '!vardhana&
Brindavan and $he 6anEs !# $he *am"na and 6ecame immensely deligh$ed9 They $ended $he calves
in $he c!m4any !# '!4a 6!ys9 They 4layed wi$h !$her 6!ys as !rdinary children9
Deliverance r!m Va$sas"ra
Once Krishna and Balarama were 4laying wi$h !$her c!wherd 6!ys and $ending $he calves
!n $he 6anE !# $he *am"na9 An As"ra ass"med $he #!rm !# a cal# and g!$ miZed am!ng $he herd9 He
had $he evil in$en$i!n !# Eilling Krishna and Balarama9 Krishna disc!vered $he As"ra in $he #!rm !#
a cal# in $he mids$ !# his calves and 4!in$ed him !"$ $! Balarama9 Then He silen$ly a44r!ached $he
dem!n9 He ca"gh$ him 6y $he hind legs and $ail and whirled him r!"nd and r!"nd his head and
s$r"cE him agains$ a $ree9 The As"ra died9 The c!wherd 6!ys 4raised Sri Krishna and sh!"$ed&
BWell d!ne& well d!ne9C The Devas sh!wered #l!wers !n Sri Krishna9
Deliverance r!m BaEas"ra
One day $he c!wherd 6!ys wen$ $! a $anE $! drinE wa$er9 They saw a h"ge m!ns$er !r As"ra
in $he #!rm !# a BaEa 1crane5& wh! was a #riend !# Kamsa9 The As"ra s"ddenly r"shed a$ Sri Krishna
$! s$riEe Him wi$h his hard 6eaE9 Sri Krishna held $he $w! 6eaEs a4ar$ and $!re $hem as"nder liEe a
6lade !# grass9 The As"ra died9 The g!ds rained #l!wers !n Krishna9
Deliverance r!m Aghas"ra
One day Krishna was 4laying wi$h $he 6!ys in $he #!res$9 A$ $ha$ $ime a migh$y As"ra called
Agha& wh! was $he y!"nger 6r!$her !# ("$ana and BaEas"ra& came $here "nder $he direc$i!n !#
Kamsa9 %ven $he Devas wh! were rendered imm!r$al 6y Amri$a were a#raid !# Agha9 Aghas"ra
re#lec$ed wi$hin himsel# $h"s& BThis is $he slayer !# my 6r!$her and sis$er9 I will $aEe revenge n!w
and Eill Krishna al!ng wi$h Balarama and his #riends9C
The wicEed As"ra ass"med $he h"ge 6!dy !# a 6!a=c!ns$ric$!r& !ne *!Dana 1< miles5 in
leng$h and s$!"$ liEe a 6ig hill9 The eZ$remi$ies !# his !4en m!"$h $!"ched $he cl!"ds and $he ear$h9
I$ Ee4$ !4en i$s cave=liEe m!"$h in !rder $! swall!w Krishna and his ass!cia$es9 All $he 6!ys wi$h all
$heir calves cla44ed $heir hands and wi$h a smile en$ered $he m!"$h !# $he ser4en$9 The ser4en$ did
n!$ cl!se i$s m!"$h9 I$ wai$ed wi$h i$s m!"$h !4ened #!r Krishna9 Krishna en$ered $he m!"$h !# $he
<
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
ser4en$ and eZ4anded Himsel# $! h"ge dimensi!ns in $he $hr!a$ !# $he As"ra9 The As"ra died9
Krishna gave #resh li#e $! $he c!wherd 6!ys and calves and came !"$ wi$h $hem #r!m $he m!"$h !#
$he As"ra9 A 6rillian$ ligh$ emana$ed #r!m $he h"ge 6!dy !# $he ser4en$ and en$ered $he 6!dy !#
Krishna9
BrahmaXs Del"si!n
Sri Krishna 6r!"gh$ $he c!wherd 6!ys $! $he sandy 6anE !# $he *am"na9 They all $!!E $heir
6reaE#as$9 The calves had s$rayed away s!mewhere and c!"ld n!$ 6e #!"nd9 The c!wherd 6!ys were
!ver$aEen wi$h s"dden #ear9 They were a6!"$ $! ge$ "49 Krishna s$!44ed $hem and said $ha$ he
w!"ld #ind !"$ $he calves9 He s$ar$ed in search !# $he calves9 Brahma came $! $he s4!$ and rem!ved
$he calves and $he 6!ys $! s!me sec"red 4lace and vanished9
Krishna c!"ld n!$ #ind $he calves9 He re$"rned $! $he sandy 6anE !# $he *am"na and #!"nd
$ha$ $he c!wherd 6!ys als! had disa44eared9 He a$ !nce Enew $ha$ i$ was all $he w!rE !# Brahma9
The L!rd Himsel# ass"med $he #!rm !# $he calves and $he c!wherd 6!ys in !rder $! 6ring D!y $! $he
c!ws& $! $he m!$hers !# $he c!wherd 6!ys and $! Brahma himsel#9 All $he calves and 6!ys resem6led
eZac$ly $he calves and 6!ys $ha$ were missing9 The m!$hers 6ecame m!re a$$ached $! $heir s!ns&
6eca"se Krishna Himsel# ass"med $he #!rm !# $heir s!ns9 The c!ws als! 6egan $! sh!w
eZ$ra!rdinary l!ve $! $heir calves9
Krishna wen$ !n 4laying his diverse 4ar$s #!r !ne year9 When !nly #ive !r siZ days remained
#!r $he c!m4le$i!n !# $he year& Balarama saw !ne day $ha$ $he c!ws were graling !n $he s"mmi$ !#
$he '!vardhana Hill9 They saw $heir calves graling near VraDa9 On acc!"n$ !# eZ$reme a##ec$i!n&
$hey ran $!wards $he calves $hr!"gh a 4a$h which was m!s$ di##ic"l$ #!r ei$her men !r 6eas$s $! 4ass9
MilE #l!wed #reely #r!m $heir "dders9 %ven c!ws which had given 6ir$h $! new calves came $! $heir
#!rmer calves and 6egan $! s"cEle $hem a$ $heir "dders9 He !6served $ha$ $he 4e!4le !# VraDa had
increased a##ec$i!n and l!ve #!r $heir s!ns9 He 6egan $! re#lec$ wi$hin himsel# $h"s BI have never
6e#!re wi$nessed s"ch dee4 a##ec$i!n 6e$ween $he c!ws and $he calves $ha$ had 6een weaned l!ng
ag!9 The residen$s !# VraDa l!ve $heir s!ns m!re $han Krishna9 S"rely L!rd Krishna has eZhi6i$ed
His *!ga Maya9C Balarama !4ened his eyes and saw $ha$ $h!se calves and c!wherd 6!ys were n!ne
!$her $han Sri Krishna Himsel#9
Then he said $! Krishna& BO L!rdH These calves and c!wherd 6!ys are nei$her Devas n!r
Rishis9 They l!!E all liEe Thee& O KrishnaH Wha$ is $his grea$ mys$ery` Kindly eZ4lain9C There"4!n
Krishna eZ4lained $! Balarama wha$ had ha44ened9 He in#!rmed him !# $he $ricE 4layed 6y
Brahma9 Balarama came $! En!w every$hing9
Brahma re$"rned $! VraDa9 He saw $he 6!ys and $he calves9 He saw $ha$ Sri Krishna was
4laying wi$h $he c!wherd 6!ys and calves even as He had 6een d!ing a year 6e#!re9 He c!"ld n!$
maEe any dis$inc$i!n 6e$ween $h!se he 4laced "nder his !wn Maya and $h!se wh! were crea$ed 6y
$he Maya !# Krishna9 Brahma wan$ed $! del"de Krishna& 6"$ He himsel# 6ecame del"ded9 All $he
c!wherd 6!ys and calves a44eared $! him in $he #!rm !# Sri Krishna9 All 4!ssessed $he 6l"e
c!m4leZi!n and were clad in $he yell!w silEen r!6es9 All had #!"r hands and $he divine wea4!ns9
All w!re cr!wns !n $heir head& ear=rings e$c9 Seeing $his w!nder#"l sigh$ Brahma was amaled and
/
LILAS
s$"4e#ied9 Sri Krishna drew !## $he veil !# Maya9 Brahma regained his c!nsci!"sness and #!"nd Sri
Krishna al!ne searching #!r $he calves and 6!ys9
Brahma #ell a$ $he #ee$ !# Krishna again and again wi$h $ears in his eyes and 4raised Him9
Deliverance !# Dhen"Eas"ra
One day Sridaman& chie# 4layma$e !# Balarama and Krishna& S"6ala& S$!Ea and !$her
c!m4ani!ns a44r!ached Krishna and Balarama and said& BN!$ #ar !## is an eZ$ensive gr!ve !#
4almyra $rees9 I$s 6ea"$y is indescri6a6le9 There are r!ws !# $rees #"ll !# ri4e 4almyra #r"i$s9 B"$
n!6!dy can en$er i$& 6eca"se !ne As"ra Dhen"Ea 6y name wi$h many !# his Ein& 4reven$s 4e!4le
#r!m en$ering $he gr!ve9 He has $he #!rm !# an ass9 He has already Eilled many men9 There#!re
4e!4le d! n!$ en$er $he 4lace !"$ !# #ear9 We smell $he #ragrance !# $he #r"i$s even #r!m here9 They
are very $em4$ing9 We wan$ $! $as$e $hem9C
Balarama 6!ldly en$ered $he #!res$ and sh!!E $he $rees vi!len$ly9 N"mer!"s #r"i$s #ell d!wn
#r!m $he $rees9 When $he As"ra heard $he s!"nd !# $he #all !# $h!se #r"i$s& he r"shed #!r$h and
vi!len$ly EicEed Balarama !n his ches$ wi$h his hind #ee$9 Balaram $!!E h!ld !# $he ass 6y 6!$h i$s
hind #ee$ and whirled r!"nd his head and h"rled i$ wi$h #!rce agains$ a very large 4almyra $ree9 The
As"ra died9 Then all $he Ei$h and Ein !# Dhen"Ea a$$acEed 6!$h Balarama and Krishna9 They were
all Eilled 6y Rama and Krishna9 The c!m4ani!ns !# Krishna and Rama a$e $he 4almyra #r"i$s $! $heir
hear$Xs c!n$en$9 A#$er $he dea$h !# Dhen"Ea and his rela$ives& 4e!4le en$ered $he gr!ve #earlessly
and $he ca$$le als! #reely graled !n $he 4as$"re in $ha$ gr!ve9
B!ys and ,!ws Saved r!m $he %##ec$ !# (!is!n
Once Krishna wi$h!"$ Balarama 6"$ wi$h his !$her 4layma$es& wen$ $! $he *am"na& a#$er
wandering $hr!"gh $he #!res$ !# Brindavan9 As $he c!wherd 6!ys and $he c!ws and $he calves were
!44ressed 6y $he hea$ !# $he s"mmer& $hey #el$ eZ$remely $hirs$y9 They dranE $he 4!is!ned wa$er !#
$he *am"na9 They #ell dead !n $he 6anE !# *am"na s!!n a#$er $hey dranE i$9 Sri Krishna revived
$hem 6y a mere glance radia$ing #!r$h $he li#e=giving nec$ar9 They regained $heir c!nsci!"sness& g!$
"4 #r!m $he edge !# $he wa$er and 6egan $! l!!E a$ !ne an!$her in grea$ as$!nishmen$9 They came $!
En!w $ha$ $hey #ell dead 6y drinEing $he 4!is!n!"s wa$er !# $he *am"na and $ha$ Sri Krishna
6r!"gh$ $hem 6acE $! li#e 6y his graci!"s l!!Es9
'race !n $he Kaliya Ser4en$
!rmerly& 'ar"da "sed $! ea$ snaEes9 All $he snaEes came $! an agreemen$ wi$h 'ar"da and
every m!n$h a snaEe was !##ered as sacri#ice $! 'ar"da a$ $he #!!$ !# a 4ar$ic"lar $ree !n $he new
m!!n day9 All snaEes "sed $! !##er $! 'ar"da $heir share !# sacri#ice9 'ar"da was highly 4leased
wi$h $his arrangemen$9 B"$ $he ser4en$ Kaliya& s!n !# Kadr"& was very 4r!"d !# his s$reng$h9
There#!re he did n!$ maEe any !##ering himsel# $! 'ar"da 6"$ $!!E away $he !##erings made 6y
!$hers9 'ar"da was incensed and a$$acEed him9 Kaliya was !ver4!wered in $he #igh$9 He s!"gh$
shel$er in a dee4 4!!l !# wa$er in $he *am"na9
.3
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
Once "4!n a $ime 'ar"da ca"gh$ a #ish in $ha$ 4!!l !# wa$er and was a6!"$ $! ea$ i$9 Rishi
S!"6hari said& BO 'ar"daH D! n!$ ea$ $his #ish9C 'ar"da did n!$ 4ay any a$$en$i!n $! $he w!rds !# $he
Rishi9 The wailings !# $he !$her #ishes $!"ched $he hear$ !# $he Rishi9 In !rder $! save $he #ishes& $he
Rishi 4r!n!"nced a c"rse !n 'ar"da $ha$ he w!"ld die i# he en$ered $ha$ 4!!l any m!re9
Kaliya Enew a6!"$ $his9 There#!re he s!"gh$ shel$er in $ha$ 4!!l !# wa$er wi$h his #amily9
Sri Krishna n!$iced $ha$ $he m!s$ ven!m!"s snaEe had rendered $he wa$er !# $he *am"na
4!is!n!"s9 He wan$ed $! eZ4el $he ser4en$ #r!m $he river in !rder $! 4"ri#y $he wa$er9 Sri Krishna
$igh$ened His girdle& clim6ed a l!#$y Kadam6a $ree& and D"m4ed in$! $he 4!!l !# wa$er9 The ser4en$
#iercely a$$acEed Krishna and s$"ng Him in His vi$al 4ar$s9 I$ c!m4le$ely encl!sed Him in i$s c!ils9
The c!ws we4$ and $he '!4a 6!ys 6ecame senseless9 Nanda and !$her '!4as came !"$ in search !#
Krishna9 They saw Him in $he gras4 !# $he 4!wer#"l ser4en$ and we4$ 6i$$erly9
Sri Krishna eZ$rica$ed Himsel# #r!m $he cl"$ches !# $he ser4en$9 He 6egan $! s4!r$ wi$h i$9
He g!$ "4!n i$s h!!ds and danced "4!n $hem9 I$ had !ne $h!"sand h!!ds& !ne h"ndred 6eing $he
chie#9 The ser4en$ v!mi$ed 6l!!d9 Sri Krishna $ram4led d!wn wi$h His #ee$ each !ne !# $he h!!ds9
The 6!dy !# $he ser4en$ was sha$$ered9 The ser4en$ s!"gh$ $he 4r!$ec$i!n !# $he L!rd9 The wives !#
$he ser4en$ 4raised Krishna and 4rayed #!r $heir h"s6andXs li#e9 The L!rd s$!44ed His dance9 Kaliya
sl!wly rec!vered c!nsci!"sness9
Krishna said& BO ser4en$H D! n!$ s$ay here any m!re9 '! $! $he sea immedia$ely wi$h all
y!"r Ei$h and Ein and& wives9 Le$ $he wa$er !# $he *am"na 6e "sed 6y $he c!ws and men9 I En!w $ha$
y!" le#$ RamanaEa island #!r #ear !# 'ar"da and came $! live in $his 4!!l9 B"$ n!w& as y!"r h!!ds
6ear $he marEs !# My #ee$& 'ar"da will n!$ $!"ch y!"9C There"4!n Kaliya 4r!ceeded $! $he
RamanaEa island in $he sea wi$h his wives& #riends and children9 The wa$ers !# $he *am"na $hen
$"rned as swee$ as nec$ar i$sel#9
Swall!wing !res$ ire
The #!res$ was :"i$e dry d"e $! in$ense hea$ !# s"mmer9 A$ midnigh$ a grea$ wild #ire
s"ddenly 6r!Ee !"$ and s"rr!"nded $he 4e!4le !# VraDa !n all sides and $hrea$ened $! c!ns"me $hem
all9 They s!"gh$ re#"ge in Sri Krishna9 They cried !"$& B(ray& 4r!$ec$ "s #r!m $his h"ge
all=c!ns"ming #ire9 O L!rd& we are n!$ a#raid !# dea$h 6"$ we cann!$ leave y!"r l!$"s #ee$9C
Sri Krishna 4erceived $he hel4less c!ndi$i!n !# His dev!$ees and swall!wed "4 $ha$ dread#"l
#ire9 L!rd Krishna 4!ssesses in#ini$e 4!wer9 This was n! ac$ !# w!nder !n His 4ar$9
(ralam6as"ra
One day& Balarama& Krishna and !$her 6!ys ad!rned $hemselves wi$h red c!rals& $"#$s !#
4eac!cE #ea$hers& garlands and 6ea"$i#"l #!res$ #l!wers9 S!me 6egan $! dance& while !$hers 6egan $!
sing a$ $he $!4 !# $heir v!ice9 An As"ra named (ralam6a& disg"ised himsel# as a '!4a 6!y and
miZed wi$h $he !$her 6!ys9 His in$en$i!n was $! carry away 6!$h Sri Balarama and Sri Krishna9 The
All=En!wing Krishna #!"nd him !"$ 6"$ he #eigned #riendshi4 in !rder $! Eill $he As"ra9 Sri Krishna
made a 4r!4!sal $! His #riends9 He said& BO #riendsH Le$ "s divide !"rselves in$! $w! 4ar$ies and
..
LILAS
4lay9C There"4!n $he 6!ys divided $hemselves in$! $w! 4ar$ies9 S!me ch!se $! 4lay "nder $he
leadershi4 !# Sri Balarama and !$hers "nder $he leadershi4 !# Sri Krishna9 The de#ea$ed 4ar$y had $!
carry $he mem6ers !# $he vic$!ri!"s 4ar$y !n $heir 6acEs $! a cer$ain 4!in$9
In $he c!"rse !# $he 4lay& Sridama& Vrisha6ha and !$her 6!ys 6el!nging $! Sri BalaramaXs
4ar$y gained vic$!ry9 There#!re Sri Krishna carried Sridama& Bhadrasena carried Vrisha and
(ralam6a carried Sri Balarama9 (ralam6a ran wi$h Balarama 6ey!nd $he marE9 Balarama s"s4ec$ed
s!me$hing evil9 (ralam6a res"med his !wn h"ge #!rm9 Balarama hi$ $he As"ra !n his head wi$h his
s$r!ng #is$ and smashed $he head !# $he As"ra9 The As"ra v!mi$ed 6l!!d and #ell dead9 The c!wherd
6!ys were grea$ly as$!nished and sh!"$ed& BWell d!neH Brav!9C
The !res$ ire
The ca$$le s$rayed away #r!m $he BhadiraEa #!res$9 A h"ge wide #ire s"ddenly 6r!Ee !"$ in
$he #!res$9 The c!wherd 6!ys a44r!ached Sri Krishna& #!r 4r!$ec$i!n9 They said& BO Krishna& !"r
6el!vedH We $aEe shel$er "nder Thy #ee$9 The wild #ire $hrea$ens $! red"ce "s $! ashes9 Th!" ar$ $he
L!rd !# in#ini$e 4!wer9 (ray 4r!$ec$ "s9 *!" are !"r !nly L!rd9 We de4end !n y!" al!ne9C
Sri Krishna said& BMy dear c!m4ani!nsH D! n!$ 6e a#raid] cl!se y!"r eyes9C There"4!n $he
6!ys sh"$ $heir eyes9 Sri Krishna asEed $hem $! !4en $heir eyes9 When $hey !4ened $heir eyes $hey
#!"nd $hemselves !nce m!re in BhadiraEa #!res$9 They were grea$ly s$r"cE wi$h w!nder when $hey
saw $ha$ all $heir c!ws had 6een mirac"l!"sly saved #r!m $he #ire9 O6serving $he *!gic 4!wer !# Sri
Krishna and $heir mirac"l!"s esca4e #r!m $he wild #ire& $he 6!ys $h!"gh$ $ha$ Sri Krishna was n!
h"man 6eing 6"$ m"s$ 6e imm!r$al '!d9
The M"sic !# $he l"$e
The #!res$ was l!vely and charming !n acc!"n$ !# $he a"$"mn9 The wa$er was very clear9 A
gen$le 6reele was 6l!wing9 Sri Krishna wi$h Balarama& c!ws and c!wherd 6!ys& en$ered $he #!res$
$! enD!y $he 6ea"$y !# $he scene9 He 6egan $! 4lay !n His #l"$e9 The '!4is #!rg!$ $hemselves when
$hey heard $he m"sic9 The m"sic !# $he #l"$e s$eals $he hear$s !# all9
S!me '!4is said& BThe #l"$e !"gh$ $! have d!ne grea$ meri$!ri!"s deeds9 Tha$ is $he reas!n
why i$ direc$ly enD!ys $he nec$ar !# Sri KrishnaXs li4s9 The wa$er $ha$ n!"rished i$ is $hrilling wi$h
D!y and $he 4lan$ #r!m which i$ $!!E i$s 6ir$h is shedding $ears !# D!y in $he #!rm !# h!ney& D"s$ as
dev!$ees !# '!d shed $ears !# D!y when dev!$ees $aEe 6ir$h in $heir !wn #amily line9C
O$her '!4is said& BThis Brindavan has s4read $he #ame !# $he ear$h even $! VaiE"n$ha&
6eca"se i$ has !6$ained $he grace !# 6eing marEed wi$h $he #!!$4rin$s !# Sri Krishna9 H!w 6ea"$i#"l
d!es Brindavan l!!E #r!m $he $!"ch !# Sri KrishnaXs l!$"s #ee$H There is n! 4lace !n ear$h liEe
BrindavanH
BWhen Sri Krishna 4lays !n His enchan$ing #l"$e& $he 4eac!cEs dance in D!y Eee4ing $"ne
wi$h $he m"sic9 They $aEe $he s!"nd $! 6e $he mild r!ar !# cl!"d9 Hearing $he m"sic !# $he #l"$e !$her
animals s$and m!$i!nless9 %ven $he deer hear $he m"sic !# $he #l"$e and maEe an !##ering !# $heir
l!ving glances9 %ven celes$ial w!men 6ec!me a6s!r6ed in $he m"sic and l!se $heir eZ$ernal
.7
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
c!nsci!"sness9 The c!ws drinE $he nec$ar !# m"sic wi$h ears erec$ and s$and m!$i!nless wi$h
$ears !# D!y in $heir eyes9 The calves eagerly lis$en $! $he m"sic and s$and wi$h $heir m!$herXs milE in
$heir m!"$hs9 %ven $he 6irds si$ high !n $rees and silen$ly hear $he enra4$"ring m"sic !# $he #l"$e9
%ven $he whirl4!!ls in $he rivers sh!w $heir s$r!ng desire $! mee$ Sri Krishna9 The rivers sh!w $heir
l!ve $! Sri Krishna9 They s$!4 $heir c!"rse $! hear $he swee$ m"sic !# Krishna9 Wi$h $heir arms !#
waves $hey $hr!w !##erings !# l!$"ses and $aEe h!ld !# Sri KrishnaXs #ee$ in !rder $! em6race $hem9
L!!E a$ $he cl!"ds in $he sEy9 They s4read $hemselves !ver Him liEe an "m6rella9 When He 4lays
!n $he #l"$e in $he h!$ s"n& $hey s4rinEle !n Him sh!wers liEe !##erings !# $iny whi$e #l!wers and
$h"s !##er $hemselves a$ $he #ee$ !# Krishna9
BBlessed is '!vardhana& $he 4rince am!ng m!"n$ains& 6eca"se Krishna drives ca$$le !n i$s
sides and i$ maEes i$s !##erings !# r!!$s& delici!"s #r"i$s and #resh wa$er #!r drinEing9 Wha$ a grea$
miracle d!es $his #l"$e 4layHC
The '!4is "sed $! #!rge$ $hemselves 6y descri6ing $he vari!"s s4!r$#"l ac$ivi$ies !# Sri
Krishna and singing $hem9 They 6ecame merged in Krishna 1Tanmaya59
The S$ealing !# ,l!$hes
The c!ld seas!n 1Heman$a5 se$ in9 The girls !# NandaXs VraDa !6served a v!w and
w!rshi44ed '!ddess Ka$yayani 1D"rga59 They a$e !nly $he 4"res$ #!!d9 They 4rayed& BO
Ka$yayaniH O r"ler !# $he "niverse& O grea$ '!ddess !# w!nder#"l *!gic 4!wersH Le$ $he s!n !#
Nanda 6e !"r h"s6and9 We 6!w $! y!"r #ee$9C They !6served $he v!w #!r a m!n$h9 They $!!E $heir
6a$h every day in $he river *am"na in $he early m!rning9 One day& $hey le#$ $heir cl!$hes !n $he 6anE
and wen$ d!wn in$! $he river $! 6a$he9 They sang $he 4raise !# Krishna and s4!r$ed in grea$ D!y in $he
river9
Sri Krishna $!ge$her wi$h all His #riends wen$ $! $he 6anE !# $he #iver $! #"l#il $he !6Dec$ !#
$heir v!w9 He $!!E away $heir cl!$hes and :"icEly clim6ed $he neares$ Kadam6a $ree9 He asEed $he
girls $! c!me "4 and $aEe $hem9 They did s!9 Krishna re$"rned $he cl!$hes9
Krishna $hen said $! $he '!4is& BO vir$"!"s and 4"re girlsH I En!w y!"r res!lve9 The v!w
y!" $!!E has 6een !6served well9 *!" wan$ $! w!rshi4 Me9 I a44r!ve !# i$9 *!" will s"cceed9 Th!se
wh! dev!$e $heir mind and hear$ $! Me will n!$ !6$ain $he limi$ed !6Dec$s !# desire !# $his w!rld& #!r
when I 6ec!me $he !6Dec$ !# $heir desire& $heir desires ge$ 6"rn$9 c"s$ as a grain #ried !r 6!iled d!es
n!$ germina$e& s! als! $he desires direc$ed $!wards Me cann!$ lead $! w!rldly enD!ymen$s9 '! 6acE
$! VraDa9 *!"r !6Dec$ in w!rshi44ing Ka$yayani is gained9 *!" will s4!r$ wi$h me d"ring $he
c!ming a"$"mnal nigh$s9
Krishna and $he Vedic *aDna
Sri Krishna acc!m4anied 6y Balarama and $he c!wherd 6!ys wen$ #ar away #r!m
Brindavan9 I$ was $he s"mmer seas!n9 The rays !# $he s"n were eZ$remely severe9 The $rees gave
shade9 Krishna said& BL!!E& my #riendsH H!w n!6le=minded $hese $rees areH They live !nly #!r $he
g!!d !# !$hers9 They s"##er #r!m $he winds& $he rains& $he s"n and $he #r!s$9 Their li#e is $he 6es$ li#e9
They s"s$ain !$her #!rms !# li#e9 They d! n!$ send away any !ne disa44!in$ed9 They give s!me$hing
.2
LILAS
$! wh!ever may a44r!ach $hem9 They !##er $heir leaves& #l!wers& #r"i$s& r!!$s& 6arE& #ragrance& D"ice&
#"el& 6"ds& resin& ashes& charc!al& $ender sh!!$s& shade& e$c9& and sa$is#y $he wan$s !# all living
crea$"res9 O# all living 6eings& $h!se wh! d! g!!d $! !$hers 6y $heir lives& weal$h& wisd!m and $heir
w!rds D"s$i#y $heir 6ir$h9C
S!me !# $he 6!ys 6ecame h"ngry and a44r!ached Sri Krishna and said& BH"nger is
!44ressing "s9 Kindly #ind !"$ s!me means $! a44ease i$9C Sri Krishna said& BO #riendsH The
Brahmins& versed in $he Vedas& are 4er#!rming a grea$ sacri#ice called Angirasa #!r $he 4"r4!se !#
a$$aining Heaven in a 4lace which is a$ a sh!r$ dis$ance #r!m here9 '! $! $heir sacri#icial hall9 TaEe
!"r names and asE $hem #!r #!!d9C
The 6!ys wen$ $! $he sacri#icial hall and asEed #!r #!!d #r!m $he Brahmins9 The Brahmins
$"rned a dea# ear $! $hem9 They l!!Eed "4!n Sri Krishna as an !rdinary m!r$al and ign!red His
re:"es$9 *aDna was all in all #!r $hem& 6"$ $hey disregarded $he L!rd !# $he *aDnas9 They $h!"gh$ $ha$
$hey were s"4eri!r $! Krishna9 When $he Brahmins said nei$her kyesX n!r kn!X& $he c!wherd 6!ys
l!s$ h!4e& re$"rned disa44!in$ed& and re4!r$ed $he #ac$s $! Sri Krishna9 Krishna la"ghed and said&
BriendsH '! $! $he wives !# $he Brahmins $his $ime9C They did9 The ladies has$ened $! Krishna wi$h
dishes #"ll !# ea$a6les !# all s!r$s des4i$e $he 4r!$es$s !# $heir h"s6ands& 6r!$hers and s!ns9
Sri Krishna said& BO 6lessed ladiesH Welc!me $! y!" all9 (lease $aEe y!"r sea$s9 Tell me
wha$ I sh!"ld d! #!r y!"9 *!" have c!me !nly $! see Me9 I am A$man and $here#!re $he m!s$
6el!ved9 Th!se wh! care #!r A$man have "nc!ndi$i!nal and "nswerving dev!$i!n $!wards Me9 The
(rana& B"ddhi& mind& 6!dy& wi#e& children& rela$ives and weal$h 6ec!me dear #!r $he saEe !# A$man
!nly9 Wha$ can $here 6e m!re dear $han A$man` N!w y!" have seen Me9 '! 6acE $! y!"r h"s6ands9
They have $! 4er#!rm $he sacri#ices wi$h y!"r hel49C
The wives !# $he Brahmins said& BO L!rdH We have s!"gh$ y!"r #ee$ !nly9 We have
a6and!ned !"r rela$ives9 Le$ "s wear in !"r l!cEs $he wrea$h !# T"lasi leaves $ha$ may #all #r!m y!"r
#ee$9 O"r h"s6ands& 4aren$s& s!ns& 6r!$hers and rela$i!ns will n!$ acce4$ "s9 We will 6e discarded 6y
every!ne else in $he w!rld9 We have n! !$her s"44!r$9 We have laid !"rselves a$ y!"r #ee$9 Be
graci!"s $! eZ$end y!"r 4r!$ec$i!n $! "s9 Le$ "s 6e Thy servan$s9C
Sri Krishna said& BO 6lessed ladiesH '! 6acE $! y!"r h!mes9 *!"r h"s6ands& s!ns& 4aren$s&
e$c9& will n!$ 6e dis4leased wi$h y!"9 By my c!mmand& all 4e!4le& even $he Devas& will a44r!ve !#
y!"r c!nd"c$9 *!" have 6een acce4$ed 6y Me9 There#!re $he wh!le w!rld will h!n!"r y!"9 Mere
4hysical nearness $! Me !r direc$ c!n$ac$ wi$h Me is n!$ necessary #!r l!ve !r dev!$i!n9 ThinE !#
Me wi$h all y!"r hear$9 *!" will s!!n a$$ain Me9C
The wives !# $h!se Brahmins re$"rned $! $he sacri#icial hall9 The Brahmins did n!$ #ind #a"l$
wi$h $heir 6ehavi!"r9 When $he Brahmins came $! En!w $ha$ Sri Krishna was '!d Himsel#& $hey
re4en$ed very m"ch #!r $heir c!nd"c$9 !r #ear !# Kamsa $hey c!"ld n!$ g! $! Brindavan9 They
w!rshi44ed Krishna a$ h!me9
.A
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
A6!li$i!n !# IndraXs W!rshi4
One day& Krishna !6served $ha$ $he 4e!4le were 4re4aring #!r $he w!rshi4 !# Indra9 He
asEed His #a$her Nanda BTell me& O #a$herH Wha$ is $his !ccasi!n #!r y!"r grea$ #es$ivi$y` Wha$ is
$he !6Dec$` T! wh!m is i$ in$ended` By wh!m and h!w is $he sacri#ice $! 6e 4er#!rmed`C
Nanda re4lied& BMy 6el!ved childH Indra is $he L!rd !# $he cl!"ds9 He will give "s rain 6y
w!rshi44ing him9 The rains give li#e $! all 6eings9 There#!re& 4e!4le w!rshi4 Indra 6y $hese
sacri#icial !##erings9 Wha$ever is le#$ a#$er !##ering him in sacri#ice& we "se #!r !"r s"6sis$ence in
!rder $! a$$ain $he $hree !6Dec$s !# li#e& vil9& Dharma 1righ$e!"sness5& Ar$ha 1ear$hly 4!ssessi!ns5
and Kama 1w!rldly enD!ymen$s59 Indra is $he dis4enser !# $he #r"i$ !# !"r eZer$i!ns9C
Krishna re4lied& BO revered #a$herH By $he #!rce !# Karma a crea$"re is 6!rn& and 6y $he
#!rce !# Karma i$ 4asses away9 The 6ir$h and dea$h !# men are sha4ed 6y $heir !wn Karma9
Ha44iness and misery& #ear& sa#e$y& $hese are all $he e##ec$s !# Karma9 I# $here 6e any '!d wh!
dis4enses $he #r"i$s !# Karma& he m"s$ als! #!ll!w $ha$ Karma9 He cann!$ ac$ inde4enden$ly9 When
4e!4le are g!verned 6y $heir !wn Karma& where d!es Indra c!me in` Wha$ has Indra $! d! wi$h
crea$"res here wh! sim4ly #!ll!w $he c!"rse !# $heir Karmas` Beca"se he is n!$ a6le $! al$er wha$ is
#iZed #!r men 6y Na$"re& wha$ is 4redes$ined 6y $he la$en$ 4!$en$iali$ies !# !neXs 4as$ deeds9
Sva6hava !r Karmic $endency is decreed 6y #a$e9 Man is s"6Dec$ $! his na$"re #!rmed 6y $he la$en$
SamsEaras !# his 4as$ deeds9 He #!ll!ws his !wn na$"re9 The wh!le "niverse c!nsis$ing !# Devas&
As"ras& men& e$c9& lives& m!ves and has i$s 6eing in Na$"re9 By $he #!rce !# his Karma a crea$"re
a$$ains $! several c!r4!real eZis$ences high !r l!w& and als! l!ses $hem9 Karma is !neXs g"ide9
Karma is $he s"4reme r"ler9 BWha$ can Indra d!` There#!re& le$ "s maEe !##erings $! !"r c!ws& !"r
Brahmins& !"r hills& and #allen 4e!4le9 Le$ d!gs 6e 4r!4erly #ed9 Le$ $he c!ws 6e s"44lied wi$h
#!dder9C
Nanda and !$her '!4as a44r!ved wha$ Krishna said9 They did every$hing in acc!rdance
wi$h Sri KrishnaXs ins$r"c$i!ns9 They made !##erings $! $he c!ws& $! $he Brahmins and $! $he hill
'!vardhana9 They wen$ r!"nd $he hill9 Krishna said& BI am $he Hill9C Sri Krishna ass"med an!$her
gigan$ic #!rm and mani#es$ed Himsel# !n $he $!4 !# $he hill in !rder $! c!n#irm $he #ai$h !# $he
'!4as9 He $!ld $he 4e!4le $ha$ He was $he dei$y 4residing !ver $he m!"n$ain9 He $hen 6egan $!
c!ns"me $he !##erings $ha$ were made $! $he Hill9
Raising !# '!vardhana
Indra 6ecame eZ$remely angry wi$h Nanda and $he !$her '!4as9 He sen$ #!r$h his cl!"ds and
winds and $here were rains& $h"nder and hail=s$!rms in Brindavan9 Krishna li#$ed "4 $he '!vardhana
hill wi$h !ne hand and $he 4e!4le !# Brindavan wi$h $heir c!ws $!!E shel$er 6enea$h $he m!"n$ain9
There was c!n$in"!"s rain #!r seven days9 Sri Krishna held "4 $he hill #!r seven days c!n$in"!"sly
wi$h!"$ m!ving an inch9
Indra was :"i$e amaled9 His 4ride was des$r!yed9 He wi$hdrew $he cl!"ds and winds9 The
'!4as wen$ $! $heir !wn 4laces wi$h $heir c!ws and 4r!4er$y9 Sri Krishna se$ d!wn $he m!"n$ain in
i$s !riginal 4lace9
.?
LILAS
The '!4as were s$r"cE wi$h w!nder9 They came $! Nanda and said& BThis 6!y !# seven
years "4r!!$ed $he '!vardhana hill #r!m $he ear$h and held i$ "4 wi$h !ne hand c!n$in"!"sly #!r
seven days9 This marvell!"s #ea$ cann!$ 6e d!ne 6y an !rdinary man9 *!"r s!n is cer$ainly $he L!rd
!# all L!rds9 He is $he A$man !# all 6eings9C
Indra and S"ra6hi came d!wn #r!m Heaven9 Indra #ell a$ $he #ee$ !# Sri Krishna and gl!ri#ied
Him9 Indra said& BTh!" ar$ $he #a$her& $he 4rece4$!r and $he s"4reme L!rd !# all $he w!rlds9 In !rder
$! #"l#il $he desires !# y!"r dev!$ees& y!" ass"me a 4ers!nal #!rm a$ y!"r !wn will9 Th!se wh! liEe
mysel# are ign!ran$ and are c!ncei$ed as r"lers !# $he w!rld& ge$ c"red !# $heir 4ride and $!"ch !#
ha"gh$iness 6y Thy grace and Darshan9 They $hen $aEe $! $he 4a$h !# dev!$i!n9 O L!rd& each !# y!"r
ac$s is in$ended #!r $he 4"nishmen$ and c!rrec$i!n !# $he wicEed9 I disregarded y!" as I was
in$!Zica$ed wi$h $he 4ride !# weal$h and 4!wer9 I was dev!id !# 4"re "nders$anding& discre$i!n& and
discrimina$i!n& and s! I was ign!ran$ !# y!"r grea$ness9 O L!rd& #!rgive meH 'ran$ me 4"re
in$ellec$9 ree me #r!m my 4ride9 Sal"$a$i!ns "n$! Thee again and again9C
Krishna said $! him& BO IndraH I did y!" a grea$ #av!"r 6y ca"sing a 6reaE in y!"r *aDna9
*!" were eZ$remely 4r!"d !# y!"r 4!si$i!n and 4!wer and s! y!" #!rg!$ Me9 I did $his in !rder $!
maEe y!" remem6er Me9 (!wer and 4!si$i!n 4r!d"ce in$!Zica$i!n in men and Devas9 They 6ec!me
ha"gh$y9 They are rendered 6lind 6y 4!wer and 4!si$i!n9 I# I wish $! d! #av!"r $! any !ne& I $aEe
away his 4!wers and weal$h9 O IndraH '! $! y!"r celes$ial a6!de and d! y!"r d"$ies in a sa$is#ac$!ry
manner9 A6and!n 4ride c!m4le$ely9 !ll!w my c!mmandmen$s9 Try $! realise c!ns$an$ly My
4resence9 May y!" 6e ha44yHC
,!r!na$i!n !# Krishna
S"ra6hi 1Kamadhen"5& $he divine m!$her !# c!ws $hanEed Sri Krishna #!r $he services d!ne
$! her children and said& BO KrishnaH O grea$ *!ginH O Inner r"ler !# allH O Achy"$aH Th!" ar$ $he
4r!$ec$!r !# $he "niverse9 Th!" ar$ $he S"4reme Dei$y9 This "niverse is Thy #!rm9 Th!" ar$ $he r!!$
!# $his w!rld9 We have #!"nd !"$ L!rd in Thee9 Th!" shal$ 6e !"r Indra #!r $he g!!d !# c!ws&
Brahmanas and $he Devas9 By $he c!mmand !# Brahma& we shall ins$all $hee as !"r Indra9C
Having $h"s s4!Een $! Krishna& S"ra6hi 6a$hed Him wi$h her !wn milE9 Indra al!ng wi$h
!$her Devas& 6y $he c!mmand !# $he Deva m!$hers& 6a$hed Him wi$h $he wa$er !# $he AEasa 'anga
1Heavenly 'anga5 6r!"gh$ 6y Airava$a in i$s $r"nE9 They all 4r!claimed Krishna $! $he w!rld 6y $he
name '!vinda& 1'!@Indra& c!ws& Swarga@Vinda@a$$ain59 The Rishis& 'andharvas&
Vidyadharas& Siddhas and ,haranas all D!ined $he ina"g"ra$i!n cerem!ny9 The $hree w!rlds
6ecame #"ll !# D!y9 ,!ws $hen #l!!ded $he ear$h wi$h $heir milE9 The rivers #l!wed wi$h milE and
!$her 6everages9 Trees yielded swee$ h!ney9 Rich cr!4s were harves$ed !n #ields n!$ 4l!"ghed 6y
$he hand !# man9 M!"n$ains !##ered 4reci!"s Dewels9 %ven $he wild animals 6ecame mild9
Having $h"s cr!wned Krishna as $he L!rd and (r!$ec$!r !# c!ws and '!E"la& and having
4r!claimed Him as '!vinda and !6$ained His 4ermissi!n& Indra re$"rned $! Swarga wi$h $he '!ds
and !$hers9
.0
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
Nanda Resc"ed r!m Var"na
Nanda Ee4$ #as$ !n an %Eadasi day and w!rshi44ed canardana9 He wen$ $! 6a$he in $he river
*am"na !n Dvadasi9 I$ was s$ill darE9 He en$ered $he river a$ dead !# nigh$9 An As"ra& a servan$ !#
Var"na& seiled Nanda and $!!E him $! his mas$er9
The '!4as missed Nanda and called !"$ $! Balarama and Krishna9 On hearing $hem& $he
L!rd saw $ha$ Nanda had 6een carried away $! Var"nal!Ea9 Krishna en$ered $he wa$er and wen$ $!
Var"nal!Ea9
Var"na w!rshi44ed Sri Krishna and said& BT!day my 4"r4!se is gained9 I 6!w $! Thee& O
gl!ri!"s L!rdH Thy #a$her has 6een 6r!"gh$ here 6y my ign!ran$ and #!!lish messenger9 Kindly
4ard!n me9 Here is Thy #a$her9 (lease $aEe him 6acE9 I had $he #!r$"ne& $! see Thee& 6eca"se Thy
#a$her was 6r!"gh$ here9C L!rd Krishna $!!E 6acE His #a$her9
Nanda in#!rmed $he '!4as !# wha$ he had seen9 ,!"ld Krishna 6e any !$her $han Isvara`
The '!4as wished #erven$ly $ha$ L!rd Krishna migh$ $aEe $hem $! His s"4reme a6!de9 The
All=En!wing Sri Krishna Enew $his9 He $!!E $he '!4as $! $he 4!r$i!n !# *am"na called
Brahmahrada9 They were made $! 4l"nge in i$9 There $hey saw $he regi!n !# VaiE"n$ha& $he s"4reme
a6!de !# Krishna& #ar away #r!m $he limi$s !# (raEri$i9 Nanda and !$hers were immensely deligh$ed&
when $hey had a visi!n !# $ha$ regi!n9 There $hey saw Krishna9 They were m!s$ ha44y $! see
Krishna amids$ $he chan$ers !# Vedic hymns9 They were all s$r"cE wi$h w!nder9
,!mmencemen$ !# Rasa Lila
Krishna !nce 4r!mised $he '!4is $ha$ $hey shall enD!y His c!m4any in $he c!ming nigh$s9
Seeing $h!se a"$"mnal nigh$s L!rd Krishna wished $! enD!y Himsel# wi$h $he hel4 !# $he
inc!nceiva6le 4!wer !# *!ga Maya and $! sa$is#y $he l!ng craving !# $he '!4is9 The m!!n
a44eared !n $he h!ril!n9 He 4layed !n His #l"$e s! swee$ly as $! enchan$ $he '!4is and $! s$eal $heir
hear$s9
Hearing $ha$ swee$ m"sic which Eindles $he #ire !# divine l!ve and in$ensi#ies $he desire $!
mee$ '!d& $he '!4is wi$h $heir hear$s ca4$iva$ed 6y L!rd Krishna& "n4erceived 6y !ne an!$her in
$heir a$$em4$s $! mee$ Him& has$ened $! $he 4lace where $heir 6el!ved L!rd was& wi$h $heir ear=rings
r!cEing $! and #r!9
S!me le#$ $heir h!"ses while milEing $he c!w9 S!me did n!$ wai$ $! see $he 6!iling !# milE9
S!me did n!$ $aEe d!wn 6!iled whea$ #r!m $he !ven9 S!me were serving #!!d9 S!me had 6een
s"cEling $heir 6a6es& s!me had 6een serving $heir h"s6ands& s!me had 6een $aEing $heir meals&
s!me had 6een cleansing $heir 6!dies& s!me had 6een 4ain$ing $heir eyes wi$h c!llyri"m9 B"$ $hey
all le#$ $heir w!rE hal#=#inished9 They h"rriedly wen$ $! Krishna wi$h $heir garmen$s and !rnamen$s
all in dis!rder in c!nse:"ence !# $heir grea$ h"rry9
.>
LILAS
They were 4r!hi6i$ed and !6s$r"c$ed 6y $heir h"s6ands& 4aren$s& 6r!$hers and !$her
rela$ives9 B"$ $hey were g!ing as i# in a $rance9 Their hear$s had 6een c!m4le$ely charmed 6y
'!vinda9 They did n!$ $"rn 6acE $! $heir h!me9
S!me '!4is were sh"$ "4 6y $heir rela$ives and #riends9 They c!"ld n!$ maEe $heir way !"$9
They 6egan medi$a$ing !n Krishna wi$h $heir eyes sh"$9 Their $h!"gh$s had 6een already dev!$ed $!
Krishna9 They held Him #as$ in $heir minds9 Their sins were 6"rn$ "4 6y $he in$ense #ire !#
"n6eara6le se4ara$i!n #r!m $heir m!s$ 6el!ved L!rd9 The e##ec$s !# $heir g!!d w!rE were rem!ved
6y $he ha44y em6races !# Achy"$a enD!yed in medi$a$i!n9 Their 6!nds !# ac$i!n were $!$ally
severed a$ $ha$ very m!men$9 They gave "4 $heir 6!dies c!m4!sed !# $he '"nas& and a$$ained $he
S"4reme S!"l !r (arama$man even $h!"gh $hey $h!"gh$ !# Krishna as $heir 4aram!"r and even
$h!"gh $hey medi$a$ed !n Him as $heir 6el!ved9
The L!rd wh! is "nchanging& in#ini$e& dev!id !# all :"ali$ies& wh! is 6ey!nd $he range !# $he
$hree '"nas& mani#es$s Himsel# in $he w!rld #!r $he 4r!s4eri$y !# $he 4e!4le 6eca"se He is $heir
c!n$r!ller9
Wh!ever always medi$a$es !n Hari whe$her $hr!"gh desire& anger& #ear& a##ec$i!n&
#riendshi4 !r reverence& 6ec!mes "ni#ied wi$h Him9 *!" sh!"ld n!$ $here#!re 6e as$!nished a$ $his&
in $he case !# $he gl!ri!"s "n6!rn L!rd& $he L!rd !# even $he Mas$ers !# *!ga9 All& even $he l!wes$
li#e #!rms& may 6e emanci4a$ed $hr!"gh His grace9
When $he '!4is drew near& Krishna addressed $hem $h"s- BO Blessed !nesH Wha$ g!!d can I
d! #!r y!"` Is VraDa enD!ying sec"ri$y and sa#e$y` Tell me $he !6Dec$ !# y!"r c!ming here9 The nigh$
is #ear#"l9 ierce animals are r!aming a6!"$9 '! 6acE $! VraDa9 This is n!$ a 4lace #!r w!men9 *!"r
#a$hers& m!$hers& 6r!$hers& s!ns and h"s6ands m"s$ 6e searching #!r y!"9 D! n!$ ca"se anZie$y $!
$hem9 *!" have seen $he 6ea"$y !# $he #!res$9 Re$"rn $! VraDa9 Serve y!"r h"s6ands& calves and
children wh! are crying9 S"cEle $hem and milE $he c!ws9 I# y!" have c!me here !n acc!"n$ !# $he
#!rce !# y!"r l!ve #!r Me& i$ is !nly na$"ral] 6eca"se all 4e!4le l!ve Me9
BDev!$i!n $! h"s6and is $he !ne grea$ religi!n #!r w!men9 The s"4reme d"$y !# a w!man is
$! wai$ "4!n and d! service $! her h"s6and wi$h in$ense dev!$i!n9 She m"s$ seeE $he well=6eing !#
her rela$ives and n!"rish her children9 W!men wh! l!ng #!r higher heavenly regi!ns sh!"ld n!$
deser$ $heir h"s6ands even i# $hey 6e wicEed& !ld& diseased !r 4!!r& ill=6ehaved& awEward&
4enniless& "nless he is a #allen man9 !r a w!man 6!rn in a n!6le #amily& i$ is m!s$ de$es$a6le $!
res!r$ $! a 4aram!"r9 I$ 6rings misery and in#amy and is a hindrance $! $he a$$ainmen$ !# Heaven9
There#!re i$ !"gh$ $! 6e $!$ally c!ndemned9 O '!4isH *!" may 6ear l!ve $! Me in !$her ways s"ch
as hearing My vir$"es and deeds& 6y seeing My #!rm and medi$a$ing !n Me and 6y singing My
gl!ries $han 6y living near Me9 There#!re 4lease re$"rn $! y!"r h!mes9C
The '!4is said- BO Almigh$y L!rdH I$ is n!$ #i$ #!r Thee $! "$$er $hese "nEind w!rds9 We
have a6and!ned every$hing and s!"gh$ Thy #ee$ al!ne9 D! n!$ a6and!n "s9 Acce4$ "s Thy dev!"$
servan$s& D"s$ as L!rd Narayana acce4$s His dev!$ees9 *!" En!w $he secre$ !# all Dharma9 *!" are
:"i$e righ$ when y!" say $ha$ $he na$"ral d"$y !# w!men lies in 6eing $r"e& !6edien$ and "se#"l $!
$heir h"s6ands& children& rela$ives and #riends9 !ll!wing Thee& wh! ar$ !"r s4iri$"al advis!r and
L!rd& we d! $he will !# !"r h"s6ands and !$hers9 *!" are $he g!al !# $h!se religi!"s ins$r"c$i!ns9
.<
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
*!" are $he s!le L!rd9 *!" are $he m!s$ 6el!ved !ne& $he rela$ive& $he Mas$er] $he Sel# !# all 6eings9
*!" are !"r real h"s6and9 (ers!ns well versed in $he Sas$ras #ind deligh$ in Thee al!ne wh! ar$ $heir
!wn e$ernally 6el!ved A$man9 They !##er $heir l!ve $! y!" and y!" al!ne9 Wha$ 4"r4!se c!"ld 6e
gained 6y h"s6ands !r s!ns and !$hers& s!"rces !# misery as $hey are` *!" are $he c!ns$an$ s!"rce
!# ha44iness #!r "s9
BThere#!re d! $h!" sh!w #av!"r $! "s and 4ermi$ "s $! serve Thee9 (ray d! n!$ c"$ !## !"r
l!ng cherished h!4es regarding Thee9 D! n!$ drive "s #r!m y!"r #ee$9 O"r hear$s which were ere
l!ng engaged in !"r h!"ses& are n!w s$!len 6y Thee9 O"r #ee$ cann!$ m!ve even a single s$e4 away
#r!m y!"9 H!w $hen can we g! 6acE $! VraDa` And wha$ shall we d! $here`
BO $h!" deares$ !neH %Z$ing"ish $he #ire $ha$ has 6een Eindled in !"r hear$ 6y $he #l!!d !#
nec$ar !# Thy li4s& Thy swee$ smiles& l!ving glances and enchan$ing m"sic9 I# n!$& we shall all!w $he
#ire !# se4ara$i!n $! c!ns"me !"r 6!dy& and shall a$$ain y!"& liEe *!gins& $hr!"gh medi$a$i!n9
BO L!rd !# l!$"s=liEe eyesH The m!s$ 6el!ved !# $h!se wh! live in $he #!res$H In $he #!res$ we
did !nce $!"ch Thy l!$"s #ee$ $ha$ a##!rd deligh$ $! LaEshmi9 Th"s 6lessed 6y Thee& #r!m $ha$ $ime
#!rward& we are "na6le $! s$and 6e#!re any !$her even #!r a m!men$9 H!w can we serve !"r
h"s6ands and children`
BSri LaEshmi #!r wh!se graci!"s glances all !$her g!ds 4er#!rm rig!r!"s 4enances& even
$h!"gh 4!ssessing an "nrivalled 4lace !n Thy 6!s!m& ye$ c!ve$s wi$h T"lasi $he d"s$ !n Thy
l!$"s=liEe #ee$& s!"gh$ a#$er and w!rshi44ed 6y Thy dev!$ees and servan$s9 Similarly we have
s!"gh$ shel$er in $he d"s$ "nder Thy #ee$9 There#!re& O $h!" s!!$her !# all a##lic$i!nsH Be $h!"
4r!4i$i!"s "n$! "s9 We have a6and!ned !"r h!mes and !"r rela$i!ns and have s!"gh$ y!"r #ee$ wi$h
$he !ne !6Dec$ !# wai$ing !n y!"9 All!w "s& wh! are 6"rning wi$h $he in$ense l!ve in#lamed 6y Thy
charming smiles and l!!Es9
BL!!Eing !n Thy #ace !verh"ng wi$h c"rly l!cEs& wi$h cheeEs 6rillian$ wi$h charming
ear=rings& wi$h li4s !ver#l!wing wi$h nec$ar& and wi$h $hy glances acc!m4anied 6y enchan$ing
smiles& Thy $w! arms $ha$ 4r!mise 4r!$ec$i!n $! $h!se wh! $aEe re#"ge in Thee& and Thy 6!s!m $ha$
deligh$ Sri LaEshmi& wh! have s"rrendered !"rselves $! Thee and 6ec!me Thy slaves9
BO m!s$ 6el!ved !neH Wha$ w!man is $here in $he $hree w!rlds wh! will n!$ w!rshi4 Thee&
having 6een charmed wi$h $he swee$& mel!di!"s m"sic !# Thy #l"$e` Having seen $his #!rm m!s$
6ewi$ching in $he $hree w!rlds wh! c!"ld hel4 i$` L!!Eing a$ $his #!rm& even $he c!ws& 6irds& $rees&
deer are #illed wi$h deligh$9 I$ is eviden$ $ha$ liEe $he #irs$ grea$ 4ers!n Bhagavan Narayana $aEing
6ir$h #!r 4r!$ec$ing $he celes$ial regi!ns& Th!" has$ $aEen 6ir$h #!r driving away #ear and a##lic$i!n
!"$ !# $he Eingd!m !# VraDa9 There#!re& O #riend !# $he dis$ressedH (lace Thy l!$"s=liEe hands !n $he
$hr!66ing 6!s!ms and aching heads !# Thy slaves9C
Having heard $he 4i$e!"s a44eal !# $he '!4is& $he L!rd !# $he grea$ *!gins was m!ved 6y
c!m4assi!n #!r $hem9 %ven $h!"gh He $aEes deligh$ !nly in $he Sel#& He smiled and gran$ed $hem
$he D!y !# s4!r$ing wi$h Him9
./
LILAS
The '!4is ga$hered r!"nd Him9 He remained #irmly #iZed in $he Sel#9 His l!ving glances
and charming smiles 6righ$ened $he c!"n$enances !# $he '!4is9 Achy"$a !# gl!ri!"s deeds sh!ne
liEe $he m!!n in $he mids$ !# s$ars9
S!me$imes He himsel# sang9 A$ !$her $imes his gl!ry was s"ng 6y $he '!4is9 Ad!rned wi$h
$he necElace called VaiDayan$i and leading h"ndreds !# gr!"4s !# '!4is& L!rd Krishna r!amed
a6!"$ wi$h $hem adding grace $! $he w!!ds !# Brindavan9
Then He came $! $he c!!l sands !# $he river which l!!Eed liEe $he #ine 4ar$icles !# re#ined
cam4h!r9 ,!!l 6reele #r!m $he *am"na charged wi$h $he #ragrance !# lilies were #l!wing D!y!"sly9
The L!rd s4!r$ed wi$h $he '!4is9
By s$re$ching His arms& 6y em6races& 6y $!"ching $heir hands& c"rling l!cEs& $highs& wais$&
6!s!m& 6y scra$ching $hem wi$h his #inger nails& ind"lging in la"ghs and D!Ees& 6y s4!r$ive glances
and enchan$ing smiles and !$her s4!r$#"l ac$s& He Eindled $he 4"res$ #!rm !# divine l!ve in $heir
hear$s and gave $hem deligh$9
When Sri Krishna& $he m!s$ gener!"s and $he Almigh$y L!rd $h"s h!n!"red $he '!4is 6y
s4!r$ing wi$h $hem& $hey were ela$ed wi$h 4ride9 They $h!"gh$ $ha$ $hey were s"4eri!r $! all w!men
in $he w!rld9
(erceiving $heir arr!gance 4r!d"ced 6y $heir g!!d #!r$"ne and als! $heir grea$ 4ride&
Keshava 1Krishna5 s"ddenly disa44eared #r!m $he s4!$ $! c"r6 $heir 4ride and $! 6less $hem as well9
'!4is S"##er (angs !# Se4ara$i!n and Search #!r L!rd Krishna
Sri S"Ea said- BA$ $he s"dden disa44earance !# $he L!rd& $he damsels !# VraDa
1VraDanganas5 6ecame disc!ns!la$e9 As $hey were n!$ a6le $! #ind Him& $hey were grea$ly dis$ressed
liEe $he she=ele4han$s which miss $heir leader9 Their hear$s 6egan $! 6"rn in $he #ire !# se4ara$i!n9
Their hear$s had 6een s! m"ch $aEen "4 6y $he ges$"res& 4iercing glances& deligh$#"l c!nversa$i!n&
s4!r$s and #r!lics and m!vemen$s !# Sri Krishna& $ha$ $hey 6egan $! ac$ liEe Him in a varie$y !#
ways9 S! $hey imi$a$ed His deeds and even called $hemselves Krishna9
BIn gai$& smiles& l!!Es& way !# $alEing& m!vemen$ and $he liEe& $hey all 6ehaved liEe Sri
Krishna9 They eZhi6i$ed in $hemselves His de4!r$men$ and grace#"l ac$ivi$ies9 They c!m4le$ely
iden$i#ied $hemselves wi$h Krishna& each !ne saying $! $he !$her& kI am Krishna9X
BThey all sang l!"dly $!ge$her His 4raise and searched #!r Krishna #r!m #!res$ $! #!res$9
They en:"ired !# $he $rees& $he wherea6!"$s !# $he 6es$ !# ("r"shas& wh!& liEe e$her& is 4resen$
inside $he hear$s !# all 6eings and als! in $he !"$side w!rld9
BThey said& kO Asva$$ha& O (laEshya& O Nyagr!dha& have y!" seen $he s!n !# Nanda& wh!
has D"s$ disa44eared s$ealing !"r hear$s wi$h His l!vely smiles and glances`
73
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
kO K"r"vaEa& O As!Ea& O Naga& O ("nnaga& O ,ham4aEaH Did BalaramaXs y!"nger
6r!$her& wh!se very smiles 4"$ d!wn $he 4ride !# 4r!"d w!men and drive away $he anger !#
!##ended damsels& g! $his way`
kO 6lessed T"lasi& s! in$ensely a$$ached $! $he #ee$ !# '!vindaH Did y!" see $hy m!s$
6el!ved Achy"$a wh! always 6ears $hee wi$h $he 6ees !n His 4ers!n`
kO Mala$i& O MalliEa& O ca$i& O c"$hiEaH Have y!" seen Madhava wh! has gladdened y!"
wi$h $he $!"ch !# His hands`
kO ,h"$a 1mang! $ree5& O (riyala& O (anasa& O K!vidara Asana& cam6"& ArEa& O As!Ea&
Bilva BaE"la& Amra& Rasala& Kadam6a& Ni4a& O y!" !$her $reesH *!" wh! live #!r $he saEe !# !$hers
and dwell near $he 6anEs !# $he h!ly *am"na& $ell "s where Krishna is& 4!in$ !"$ $! "s $he way which
Krishna has #!ll!wed9
kO %ar$hH Wha$ grea$ a"s$eri$y has$ $h!" 4er#!rmed $ha$ $h!" shines$ n!w wi$h $hy hair
s$anding !n end and enD!yes$ $he D!y !# 6eing $!"ched 6y $he #ee$ !# Keshava` Is $hy D!y ca"sed 6y
$he $!"ch !# $he L!rdXs #ee$ a$ 4resen$& !r was i$ ca"sed 6y $he $read !# TriviErama !n Thy s"r#ace !r
was i$ ca"sed 6y $he em6race !# $he L!rd when He had ass"med $he #!rm !# a 6!ar`
kO deer& O #riendH Did Achy"$a 4ass $his way wi$h His deares$ lady giving D!y $! y!"r eyes
wi$h His grace#"l #ace and lim6s` I$ seems He did s!& 6eca"se here 6l!ws $he #ragrance !# $he
garland c!m4!sed !# $he K"nda #l!wer !# Krishna& which has 6een smeared wi$h $he sa##r!n !n $he
6!s!m !# His 6el!ved lady when He had em6raced her9
kO $reesH Did BalaramaXs 6r!$her g! $his way wi$h His !ne arm !n $he sh!"lder !# His
6el!ved !ne and a l!$"s in $he !$her& #!ll!wed 6y $he in$!Zica$ed 6ees !n $he T"lasi` Did He acce4$
y!"r 4r!s$ra$i!ns wi$h His l!ving glance`
kO #riendsH Le$ "s asE $hese cree4ers which $wine r!"nd $he 6ranches !# $he $rees& $heir
L!rds9 They are cer$ainly $!"ched 6y His #ingers9 Hence $hey $hrill wi$h D!y9X
BThey wandered here and $here9 They were #a$ig"ed in $heir search #!r Krishna9 They
devel!4ed a s$ill dee4er s$age !# divine l!ve9 They 4er#ec$ly iden$i#ied $hemselves wi$h L!rd
Krishna and 6egan $! imi$a$e $he vari!"s s4!r$s !# $he L!rd9 One !# $hem ac$ed as ("$ana& while
an!$her 4layed $he 4ar$ !# L!rd Krishna and s"cEed her 6reas$9 One iden$i#ied hersel# wi$h a car$&
while an!$her crying as in#an$ Krishna gave a EicE wi$h !ne #!!$ and !ver$"rned $he car$9
BAn!$her lady imi$a$ed $he ac$s !# $he Dai$ya Trinavar$a and carried an!$her lady wh! ac$ed
$he 4ar$ !# in#an$ Krishna9 One '!4i 6egan $! crawl liEe 6a6y Krishna dragging $he #ee$ Dingling
s!"nds9 One '!4i& ac$ed as Sri Krishna and an!$her as Sri Balarama9 Many !$hers ac$ed as c!wherd
6!ys9 One ac$ed as Va$sas"ra and an!$her as BaEas"ra9 One s$r"cE a$ an!$her wh! ac$ed as
Va$sas"ra and an!$her a$ s!me !ne wh! ac$ed as BaEa9
BOne liEe Krishna sh!"$ed #!r $he c!ws a$ a dis$ance calling $hem 6y $heir names and 4layed
as i$ were "4!n $he #l"$e9 O$her '!4is a44la"ded her wi$h eDac"la$i!ns !# kWell d!ne& well d!ne9X
7.
LILAS
BA g!4i wh!se mind was a6s!r6ed in Krishna 4laced her arm !n $he sh!"lder !# an!$her
lady and 6egan $! walE and said $! $he !$hers 4resen$& kI am Krishna- 6eh!ld my grace#"l gai$9X
An!$her '!4i said& kO 4e!4le !# VraDa& d! n!$ 6e a#raid !# $his rain and s$!rm9 See I am 4r!viding
y!" wi$h shel$er9X S! saying she imi$a$ed $he ac$ !# "4li#$ing $he '!vardhana hill& 6y li#$ing "4 her
"44er cl!$h wi$h !ne hand9
BOne '!4i said& kO c!wherdsH Beh!ld $his $erri6le #!res$ c!n#lagra$i!n9 Sh"$ y!"r eyes
s!!n9 I shall :"icEly 6ring a6!"$ y!"r wel#are9X
BOne '!4i clim6ed !n $he sh!"lder !# an!$her& 4laced her #ee$ !n $he !$herXs head and said&
BO wicEed ser4en$] ge$ away] d! y!" n!$ En!w $ha$ I have 6een 6!rn as a chas$iser !# $he wicEed`X
BOne '!4i ac$ed $he 4ar$ !# *as!da& and $ied an!$her wh! ac$ed as Sri Krishna $! a $hird&
wh! s$!!d #!r $he w!!den m!r$ar and said& kHere I #ind $he $hie# wh! has s$!len $he 6"$$er a#$er
having 6r!Een $he 4!$9X The '!4i wh! ac$ed $he 4ar$ !# Sri Krishna c!vered her #ace wi$h her 4alms
and 6egan $! $rem6le liEe !ne in #ear9
BHaving $h"s :"es$i!ned $he $rees and cree4ers !# Brindavan a6!"$ $he wherea6!"$s !#
Krishna& $hey n!$iced $ha$ #!!$4rin$s !# $he L!rd in a cer$ain 4ar$ !# $he #!res$9 Then $hey said&
keviden$ly $hese are $he #!!$=4rin$s !# $he high=s!"led s!n !# Nanda& as $hey sh!w $he marEs !# a #lag
1DhvaDa5& a l!$"s 1(adma5& a mace 1'ada5& a $h"nder6!l$ 1VaDra5& g!ad 1AnE"sa5& 6arley 1*ava5&
e$c9X Tracing $h!se #!!$4rin$s a li$$le #"r$her& $hey #!"nd $hey were miZed "4 wi$h $he #!!$4rin$s !# a
girl9 Then $hey were very m"ch a##lic$ed in $heir hear$s9
BThe '!4is said- kWh!se #!!$4rin$s are $hese` Wh! is $his girl& wh! has g!ne res$ing her
arm !n $he sh!"lder !# $he s!n !# Nanda& as a she=ele4han$ g!es wi$h her l!ver& $he chie# !# $he
ele4han$s` ,er$ainly $ha$ girl has #erven$ly ad!red $he Almigh$y L!rd Krishna and s4ecially
4r!4i$ia$ed Him9 Tha$ is $he reas!n why '!vinda is 4leased $! $aEe her a4ar$& leaving "s all 6ehind9
O #riendsH The d"s$ #r!m $he l!$"s #ee$ !# '!vinda is highly 6lessed& #!r Brahma& R"dra and $he
'!ddess LaEshmi h!ld $hese d"s$ 4ar$icles !n $heir heads #!r a6s!l"$i!n #r!m all sin9
BThese #!!$4rin$s !# $he girl grea$ly 4ain !"r hear$s& 6eca"se she has led Achy"$a away and
is al!ne enD!ying $he nec$ar !# His li4s in secl"si!n9
BHere we d! n!$ #ind $he im4ressi!n !# her #ee$9 I$ seems $ha$ $he s!les !# her $ender #ee$
6eing 4ricEed wi$h grasses and $h!rns $he 6el!ved L!rd has carried her !n His sh!"lder9 The
im4ressi!ns !# L!rd KrishnaXs #ee$ are dee4er here as He carried $he girl9 L!!E a$ $hem& h!w dee4
are $he im4ressi!ns !# $he l!ve=s$ricEen Krishna "nder a heavy l!ad9 He m"s$ have 6!rne $he girl !n
His sh!"lders here9 Here He 4laced her d!wn $! 4l"cE #l!wers and $!"ched $he ear$h wi$h his $!es
!nly& #!r $he s$e4s are n!$ #"lly marEed9 S"rely He sa$ !n $his s4!$ #!r $he 4"r4!se !# c!m6ing her
hair and 4"$$ing $hese #l!wers !n $he 6raids !# her hair9
BL!rd Krishna deligh$s !nly in $he Sel# !r A$man9 He is $he (er#ec$ L!rd9 He is !ne and
indivisi6le9 He is ever 4"re9 He is #ree #r!m im4"ri$ies 1Mala5& desires& cravings9 He is $he L!rd !#
Maya9 Maya cann!$ $!"ch Him9 He eZ4eriences !neness 6"$ n!$ d"ali$y9 He was n!$ a$$rac$ed 6y $he
am!"rs !# $hese damsels !# VraDa9 H!w can $he !rdinary l"s$ !# h"man 6eings 6e a$$ri6"$ed $! Him`
77
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
*e$ $he (er#ec$ L!rd s4!r$ed wi$h $ha$ girl merely $! sh!w $! $he w!rld h!w wre$ched and misera6le
is $he c!ndi$i!n !# !ne wh! is "nder $he sway !# l"s$9
BTh"s ill"s$ra$ing $he ways !# w!men& $h!se '!4is r!amed #r!m #!res$ $! #!res$ sh!wing
"n$! !ne an!$her $he #!!$4rin$s !# Krishna9
Tha$ '!4i wh!m Krishna had led in$! $he #!res$ #!rsaEing !$hers regarded hersel# $! 6e $he
#!rem!s$ !# all w!men9 She $h!"gh$& kThe 6el!ved L!rd 4re#ers me $! all !$her '!4is wh! l!ve
Him9X
BShe 6ecame ela$ed wi$h 4ride and said $! $he L!rd in $he hear$ !# $he #!res$& kO 6el!vedH I
am "na6le $! walE any l!nger9 There#!re 4lease carry me wherever i$ 4lease$h Thee9X
kL!rd Krishna said& kWell& dear& $hen m!"n$ !n My sh!"lder9X As s!!n as $he '!4i
a$$em4$ed $! m!"n$ !n Him& He disa44eared9 The girl was l!"dly lamen$ing9 She cried in dis$ress&
kO L!rd& O l!veH O m!s$ 6el!vedH Where ar$ Th!"` O l!ng=armed !ne& Where ar$ Th!" g!ne` O
#riend& 4lease 6less me wi$h Thy 4resence9 I am Thy hel4less servan$9 k
BTh!se '!4is wh! had 6een #!ll!wing $he #!!$4rin$s !# $he Almigh$y L!rd saw a$ a dis$ance
$heir c!m4ani!n #!rsaEen 6y $he L!rd& 6ewildered and dis$ressed9 They all a44r!ached her and
heard #r!m her& h!w she enD!yed $he s4ecial #av!"r !# L!rd Krishna and h!w& $hr!"gh her !wn
wicEedness she l!s$ i$` The '!4is were highly as$!nished when $hey heard $his9
BTherea#$er& $hey again searched #!r Him in $he #!res$ s! l!ng as $he m!!n was shining9
They gave "4 $he search when darEness se$ in9
BTheir hear$s were a6s!r6ed in $he L!rd9 They $alEed !# Him al!ne9 They imi$a$ed His
s4!r$#"l ac$ivi$ies9 They were $!$ally "ni#ied wi$h Him9 They sang !nly !# His eZcellen$ :"ali$ies9
They did n!$ $hinE !# $heir h!mes9 Th"s dee4ly merged in $he c!n$em4la$i!n !# L!rd Krishna& $he
'!4is re$"rned $! $he same sands in $he 6ed !# *am"na and 6egan $! sing in ch!r"s a6!"$ Sri
KrishnaXs :"ali$ies& yearning #!r His re$"rn9C
'!4iEa 'i$am
1'!4isX S!ng5
Overwhelmed wi$h in$ense grie# a$ $heir se4ara$i!n #r!m L!rd Krishna& $he '!4is 6egan $!
sing as #!ll!ws-@
By Thy 6ir$h in $he Eingd!m !# VraDa& i$ has 6een highly 6lessed9 Tha$ is why $he '!ddess
LaEshmi has 6eg"n $! dwell here e$ernally9 We are all Thy slaves and are r!aming here and $here in
$he #!res$ in :"es$ !# Thee9 (ray reveal Thysel# "n$! "s wh! are living !nly #!r Thy saEe9 We are
wandering in $he #!res$ seeEing Thee in every direc$i!n9
72
LILAS
O L!rdH The Bes$!wer !# s"4reme enD!ymen$& O 6es$!wer !# 6!!nsH We are Thy servan$s9
Is $his n!$ really Eilling when y!" disa44!in$ "s a#$er 4iercing !"r hear$& wi$h $he sha#$ !# y!"r eyes
which r!6 $he 6ea"$y !# $he #"ll=6l!wn a"$"mnal l!$"s in a laEe`
O 6es$ !# men` Th!" has$ saved "s re4ea$edly #r!m $he des$r"c$i!n ca"sed 6y $he 4!is!n!"s
wa$er !# $he *am"na& #r!m $he RaEshasa Agha wh! had ass"med $he #!rm !# a h"ge ser4en$& #r!m
$he winds and $he rains& #r!m ligh$ning and $h"nder and wild #ire& #r!m dem!ns liEe Aris$a and
Vy!mas"ra& and #r!m all s!"rces !# #ear9
Th!" ar$ s"rely $he s!n !# *as!da9 Th!" ar$ $he wi$ness !# $he inm!s$ hear$s !# all c!r4!real
6eings9 Im4l!red 6y Brahma& $h!" has$ a44eared in $he line !# $he Sa$va$as #!r $he 4r!$ec$i!n !# $he
"niverse9
O 6el!ved !ne& O #!rem!s$ !# $he VrishnisH (lace !n !"r heads Thy graci!"s and l!$"s=liEe
4alm which 6es$!ws all 6!!ns& wi$h which $h!" h!ldes$ $he '!ddess LaEshmi and wi$h which $h!"
gives$ ass"rance !# sa#e$y $! $h!se wh!& 6eing a#raid !# $he #ear#"l Samsara& seeE re#"ge "nder Thy
#ee$9
O Th!" allayer !# a##lic$i!n !# $he 4e!4le !# VraDaH O migh$y her!H O 6el!ved L!rd wh!se
smiles 4"$ d!wn $he 4ride !# Thy dev!$eeH O #riendsH We are Thy servan$s9 (lease acce4$ "s and
sh!w "s 4!!r w!men Thy charming and l!$"s=liEe #ace9
(lace !n !"r 6!s!m Thy l!$"s #ee$ $ha$ rem!ve $he sins !# $h!se wh! 4r!s$ra$e $hemselves a$
Thy #ee$& $ha$ are merci#"l even "n$! $he 6eas$s $ha$ live "4!n grass& $ha$ are 6eing served c!ns$an$ly
6y LaEshmi& $ha$ are $he re4!si$!ry !# all 4r!s4eri$y and $ha$ had 6een 4laced !n $he h!!d !# $he
ser4en$ Kaliya9 May Th!" 6e 4leased $! 4lace Thy #ee$ !n !"r 6!s!m and rem!ve $he a##lic$i!n and
6"rning !# !"r hear$9
O L!rd !# l!$"s eyesH O graci!"s her!H (ray c!m#!r$ "s wh! are sw!!ning #!r Thee& wi$h
Thy charming s4eech which is m!s$ deligh$#"l even $! $he wise and wi$h $he eliZir !# Thy eyes9
The nec$ar !# Thy s$!ries is li#e $! $he dis$ressed9 I$ is highly 4raised 6y wise men and
dev!$ees9 The swee$ and sacred acc!"n$ !# y!"r li#e des$r!ys all sins and 6es$!ws all 6lessings $he
m!men$ i$ is heard9 I$ 6rings s!lace $! every hear$9 Th!se wh! sing $hem and cele6ra$e $hem d! $he
grea$es$ ac$ !# chari$y !n ear$h9
O decei$#"l !neH O darlingH Thy smiles& Thy hear$y la"gh& Thy l!ving l!!Es& Thy ca4$iva$ing
s4!r$s& m!s$ deligh$#"l $! c!n$em4la$e !n& Thy 4r!mises !# l!ve all have g!ne dee4ly in$! !"r hear$9
These are agi$a$ing !"r minds9
O L!rdH Thy #ee$ are as $ender as $he l!$"s9 When Th!" g!es$ !"$ !# VraDa $! grale $he c!ws&
we #eel $r!"6led a$ hear$ $! $hinE $ha$ $hey may 6e h"r$ 6y hard s$!nes& 4!in$ed grass and $h!rns9
O her!H A$ $he cl!se !# $he day& Th!" ar$ !#$en seen wi$h Thy #ace liEe "n$! a l!$"s& !verh"ng
wi$h darE c"rly hair and s4rinEled wi$h $he d"s$ raised 6y $he h!!#s !# $he c!ws9 Thy sigh$& $hen&
Eindles $he #ire !# l!ve in !"r hear$s and r!"ses $he desire $! mee$ Thee9
7A
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
O giver !# deligh$H O L!rd wh! rem!ves $he dis$ress !# 4e!4leH (lace !n !"r 6!s!m Thy
l!$"s #ee$ which #"l#il $he desires !# $h!se wh! 4r!s$ra$e $hemselves a$ Thy #ee$& which are ad!red 6y
$he l!$"s=6!rn dei$y 1Brahma5& which enhance $he 6ea"$y !# $he gr!"nd !n which $hey are 4laced&
which !"gh$ $! 6e medi$a$ed "4!n in $imes !# dis$ress and danger& and which 6es$!w 4eace $! $h!se
wh! serve $hem9
O her!H (ermi$ "s $! drinE $he nec$ar #r!m Thy li4s which eZci$es desire in !"r hear$s& which
des$r!ys all grie#& which $he #l"$e #"ll !# Thy v!ice enD!ys in #"ll meas"re& which maEes "s #!rge$
every !$her #!rm !# a$$achmen$ and which is ca4a6le !# des$r!ying all l!w 4assi!ns and l"s$ #r!m
$he mind9
When Th!" g!es$ away $! $he #!res$ d"ring $he day& a m!men$ a44ears $! "s liEe an age
wi$h!"$ Thy sigh$9 When we see Thy 6ea"$i#"l #ace graced wi$h ringle$s !# hair& we 6egin $! c"rse
$he d"ll=wi$$ed Brahma #!r crea$ing eyelids which 6y $heir #all every n!w and $hen in$err"4$ !"r
visi!n9
O Achy"$aH We have a6and!ned !"r h"s6ands& s!ns& rela$ives& 6r!$hers and #riends and
have c!me $! Thee9 Th!" En!wes$ $he reas!n !# !"r c!ming $! Thee9 We have 6een charmed 6y $he
mel!di!"s m"sic !# Thy divine #l"$e9
O deceiverH Wh!ever else& save Thee& w!"ld ever deser$ w!men wh! have $r"s$ed Thee` O
6el!ved !neH having remem6ered Thy swee$ smiling #ace& Thy a##ec$i!na$e glances& $he 6ea"$y !#
Thy 6r!ad ches$& $he a6!de !# Sri LaEshmi& we are 6"rning wi$h desire and !"r hear$s are 6ec!ming
enchan$ed9
O darlingH Thy 6ir$h is #!r rem!ving $he misery !# $h!se wh! dwell in VraDa and als! #!r $he
well=6eing !# $he "niverse9 O"r hear$ is 4ining #!r Thee9 O L!rdH D! n!$ 6e miserly9 'ran$ "s wh!
cherish !nly Thee& a$ leas$ a li$$le !# $ha$ 6alm !r remedy which will s"rely Eill all $he 4ain in !"r
hear$9
O 6el!vedH Th!" walEes$ in $his dreary #!res$ wi$h $h!se grace#"l& delica$e l!$"s #ee$& which
we very gen$ly 4lace !n !"r hard 6!s!m& les$ we sh!"ld 4ain $hem9 O L!rdH O"r wh!le li#e is
cen$red in Thee9 Th!" ar$ !"r very li#e9 Are n!$ Thy #ee$ n!w 4ained wi$h gravels` O"r mind reels $!
$hinE $ha$ Thy $ender #ee$ may 6e h"r$ 6y $he hard gravels which are s$rewn !n $he gr!"nd !# $his
#!res$9
Sri Krishna S"ddenly A44ears and ,!ns!les $he '!4is
The '!4is 6egan $h"s $! sing l!"dly and eZ$!l $he gl!ries !# Krishna9 They l!nged $! see
$heir 6el!ved Krishna9 They we4$ 6i$$erly and 4!"red #!r$h $heir lamen$a$i!ns in n!$es !# $r"e m"sic9
There"4!n& Sri Krishna a44eared in $heir mids$ wearing yell!w garmen$s and garland !# wild
#l!wers& wi$h a smiling and l!$"s=liEe c!"n$enance ca4a6le !# a$$rac$ing $he hear$ !# even $he '!d !#
l!ve9
The m!men$ $he '!4is saw Him re$"rn& $hey all s$!!d "4 wi$h $heir eyes wide !4en wi$h D!y&
D"s$ as $he lim6s revive and d! $heir #"nc$i!ns a$ $he re$"rn !# li#e9
7?
LILAS
One !# $he '!4is in grea$ D!y ca"gh$ h!ld !# $he l!$"s=liEe hand !# L!rd Krishna wi$h 6!$h
her 4alms and 6egan $! r"6 i$ gen$ly9 An!$her '!4i 4laced !n her sh!"lder Sri KrishnaXs arm
smeared wi$h sandal 4as$e9 A $hird 4laced His l!$"s #ee$ !n her 6!s!m which had 6een aching !n
acc!"n$ !# r!aming !n hard gr!"nd9
An!$her '!4i dranE wi$h $he c"4 !# her winEless eyes $he nec$ar !# $he l!$"s=liEe #ace !# Sri
Krishna& 6"$ she was n!$ sa$is#ied& D"s$ as 4i!"s 4e!4le are n!$ sa$is#ied wi$h serving His #ee$9
An!$her $!!E $he L!rd $hr!"gh $he ga$e !# her eyes in$! $he very cavi$y !# her hear$& cl!sed $he eyes
and remained liEe a *!gin merged in 6liss d"ring medi$a$i!n9
All $he '!4is 6ecame very ha44y9 They a6and!ned all s!rr!w $ha$ had 6een 4r!d"ced 6y
$heir se4ara$i!n #r!m Him& D"s$ as 4e!4le wh! are desir!"s !# a$$aining $he #inal emanci4a$i!n
!verc!me all m"ndane a##lic$i!n& 6y a$$aining Sel#=realisa$i!n9
S"rr!"nded 6y $h!se '!4is wh!se ca"se !# grie# had $hen 6een rem!ved& $he gl!ri!"s
Achy"$a a44eared highly 6ea"$i#"l liEe $he (rime ("r"sha envir!ned 6y His SaE$is !r 4!wers liEe
wisd!m& s$reng$h& Aisvarya& Sri& e$c9
Krishna $hen& in c!m4any !# $h!se '!4is& re4aired $! $he sandy 6anE !# $he *am"na $ha$
swarmed wi$h 6ees& a$$rac$ed 6y $he swee$ !d!"r !# $he #"ll=6l!wn K"nda #l!wers9 The darEness !#
$he nigh$ had l!ng 6een rem!ved 6y $he silvery rays !# $he a"$"mnal m!!n9 The 4lace 6ecame
eZceedingly deligh$#"l9 The 6anEs !# $he river were c!vered wi$h delica$e shining sands $ha$ seemed
$! 6e levelled 6y $he hand=liEe waves !# $he *am"na9
The ag!ny !# hear$ !# $he '!4is was rem!ved 6y $he D!y 4r!d"ced a$ $he sigh$ !# Sri
Krishna& which made $hem a$$ain $he end !# $heir desires liEe $he Sr"$is $ha$ lead $! realisa$i!n and
leave n!$hing $! 6e wished #!r9 They s4read !"$ $heir veils smeared wi$h sa##r!n d"s$& #r!m $heir
6!dies and made a sea$ #!r $heir 6el!ved Sri Krishna9
Therea#$er $he Almigh$y L!rd wh! is en$hr!ned in $he inm!s$ hear$ !# grea$ *!gis& sa$ "4!n
$h!se veils9 He a44eared eZceedingly 6ea"$i#"l when He sa$ in $he mids$ !# $he assem6ly !# '!4is9
He was w!rshi44ed 6y $hem9 Then He ass"med a #!rm which seemed $! c!m6ine in i$ all $he 6ea"$y
!# $he $hree w!rlds9
They welc!med Sri Krishna wi$h enchan$ing smiles and 4lay#"l glances which had eZci$ed
l!ve in $heir hear$ and 4laced His hands and #ee$ !n $heir la49 They 4raised Him and s4!Ee as i#
s!mewha$ !##ended9
The '!4is said- BS!me 4e!4le are a$$ached $! $h!se wh! are dev!$ed $! $hem9 O$hers are
a$$ached $! 4ers!ns wh! are n!$ dev!$ed $! $hem] again $here are 4e!4le wh! are a$$ached nei$her $!
$h!se wh! are dev!$ed $! $hem& n!r $! $h!se wh! are n!$ dev!$ed $! $hem9 O KrishnaH (lease eZ4lain
$! "s $he reas!n #!r $his clearly9C
The L!rd said- BO #riendsH Th!se wh! l!ve !nly when $hey are l!ved are ac$"a$ed 6y a
sel#ish m!$ive9 They are 4r!m4$ed 6y $heir !wn sel#ish in$eres$s9 There is nei$her #riendshi4 n!r
vir$"e in $his9 I$ is all #!r a sel#ish end9 In $r"$h $hey are n!$ really a$$ached $! !ne an!$her& 6"$ are
70
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
a$$ached $! $heir !wn selves and $! $heir !wn in$eres$s9 Their !nly m!$ive is gra$i#ica$i!n !# sel# and
n!$hing else9
BTh!se wh! are a$$ached $! 4ers!ns wh! are n!$ dev!$ed $! $hem are liEe 4aren$s& #"ll !#
Eindness and a##ec$i!n9 Their c!nd"c$ is g!verned 6!$h 6y righ$e!"sness and g!!dwill9 They are !#
$w! Einds& vil9& $h!se wh! are Eind& and $h!se wh! are a##ec$i!na$e9 O# $hese $he #!rmer 6y $heir
a$$achmen$ rea4 grea$ religi!"s meri$& while $he la$$er sec"re "nshaEen #riendshi49
BThen $here is a $hird class !# 4e!4le wh! are n!$ a$$ached $! 4ers!ns dev!$ed $! $hem9 Then
h!w c!"ld $hey 6e eZ4ec$ed $! l!ve $h!se wh! d! n!$ seeE $hem a$ all9 These are !# #!"r classes9 .9
Th!se wh! #ind deligh$ !nly in A$man and En!w n!$hing !# $he eZ$ernal w!rld9 79 Th!se wh! have
!6$ained $he !6Dec$s !# $heir desires9 29 Th!se wh! are "ngra$e#"l9 A9 Th!se wh! inD"re $heir
well=wishers9
BO #riendsH I d! n!$ 6el!ng $! any !# $hese classes9 I d! n!$ a$$ach Mysel# $! $h!se wh! are
dev!$ed $! Me9 This d!es n!$ mean $ha$ I d! n!$ l!ve $hem9 I d! s! in !rder $! in$ensi#y $heir
dev!$i!n& $! draw $heir hear$ all $he m!re $! Me& s! $ha$ in $heir hear$s $hey may 6e #"lly a6s!r6ed in
Me9 Then $hey will n!$ care #!r any$hing else9 They will dev!$e $hemselves c!ns$an$ly $! Me and
remem6er Me9 c"s$ as a 4enniless man& wh! acciden$ally a$$ains s!me weal$h and s"6se:"en$ly
l!ses i$& s!lely $hinEs !# $ha$ m!ney !nly and $hinEs !# n!$hing else& s! als! I 6ec!me $he !6Dec$ !#
c!ns$an$ $hinEing !# $he dev!$ees when I hide Mysel# again and again a#$er mee$ing him9
B%ven $h!"gh I am gran$ed $he d"ra$i!n !# li#e enD!yed 6y $he celes$ials& ye$ I shall never 6e
a6le $! re$"rn $he eZcellen$ services d!ne $! Me 6y y!" all& *!"r rela$i!n wi$h Me is a6s!l"$ely 4"re
and #a"l$less9 O 6el!ved '!4isH !r My saEe y!" have c!m4le$ely c"$ as"nder $he very hard $ies !#
#amily li#e9 I shall remain a de6$!r $! y!" #!r all $ime9 Le$ y!"r !wn g!!dness 6e $he !nly
rec!m4ense #!r y!"r dev!$i!n9 May y!"r !wn righ$e!"sness 6ring i$s #"lles$ rewardHC
'!4isX L!ve
'!4isX l!ve #!r Krishna was n!$ a 4hysical 4assi!n9 I$ was s"4reme l!ve9 !r $hem L!rd
Krishna was $he living '!d9 He was $he m!ving image !# $he S"4reme L!rd9 Their #ai$h was
in$ense9 When $hey $h!"gh$ !# L!rd Krishna $hey #!rg!$ $heir w!rldly ac$ivi$ies9 They were merged
in $he l!ve !# Krishna9
L!rd Krishna a$$rac$ed $heir hear$s #r!m His very 6!yh!!d9 He was a very 6ea"$i#"l child9
He was 6ea"$y incarna$e9 S! $he '!4is 6egan $! l!ve Krishna #r!m His very 6ir$h9 They caressed
and l!ved Krishna as $hey w!"ld d! $heir !wn children9 The '!4a girls !# Brindavan l!ved Krishna
as $heir !wn 6r!$her9 Is $here any seZ"al l!ve 6e$ween 6r!$her and sis$er` A sis$er l!ves her y!"nger
6r!$her9 She #!ndles him and 4lays wi$h him9 S"ch was $he rela$i!nshi4 6e$ween $he '!4is and
Krishna9
'rad"ally $he l!ve #!r Krishna ass"med $he sha4e !# in$ense (rema 1divine l!ve59 They
$h!"gh$ !# Krishna al!ne when $hey ch"rned $he c"rd& when $hey $!!E wa$er #r!m $he well9 They
sang His 4raises when $hey $!!E 6a$h9 They remem6ered Him when $hey $!!E #!!d and a$ all $imes9
Their minds 6ecame Krishnamaya 6y incessan$ 4rac$ice !# Smarana 1remem6rance5 !# $he L!rd9
7>
LILAS
I$ is 4!ssi6le $ha$ when $he '!4is grew !# age $hey migh$ have 6een m!ved 6y 4hysical l!ve
als!& as i$ is $he case wi$h every anima$ed 6eing9 Slee4& #!!d and seZ are c!mm!n $! all living
6eings9
B"$ L!rd Krishna Enew $he hear$s !# $he '!4is9 He $"rned $he hear$s !# $he '!4is $! $he
4r!4er direc$i!n 6y c!m4le$ely eradica$ing l"s$ #r!m $heir minds9 I$ is wi$h $his 4"r4!se in view $ha$
L!rd Krishna 4layed $he Rasa Lila wi$h $he '!4is9
A$ $he $ime !# Rasa Lila& He m"l$i4lied Himsel# in$! s! many Krishnas9 The '!4is were
s$r"cE wi$h w!nder and amalemen$9 All $heir idea !# 4hysical l!ve en$irely vanished d"e $! $his
miracle9 They wi$nessed $he sh!wers !# #l!wers 4!"red #r!m $he sEies 6y $he Devas9 They saw $he
Vidyadharas& 'andharvas& *aEshas& ,haranas& e$c9& singing $he 4raise !# $he L!rd9 They enD!yed
$he 6liss#"l c!m4any !# $he L!rd a$ $he $ime !# Rasa Lila& a 6liss milli!ns !# $imes grea$er $han $he
6liss $hey w!"ld enD!y $hr!"gh sense !6Dec$s9 They enD!yed $he 6liss !# Samadhi !r "ni!n wi$h '!d9
kThis is $his& $his is $ha$X@$his c!nce4$i!n !# di##erence is !nly $he del"si!n !# a man wh!se
mind is dis$rac$ed and "nc!n$r!lled and is n!$ "ni$ed $! $he L!rd9 The man !# "nc!n$r!lled mind
#alls in$! $he err!r $ha$ $here is 4l"rali$y !# !6Dec$s9 This err!r leads $! meri$ and demeri$& !r righ$ and
wr!ng& g!!d and evil9 The "nc!n$r!lled civa& wh! is 6ewildered and del"ded 6y $his diversi$y
crea$ed 6y $he na$"ral !"$ward $endency !# $he senses& #ancies himsel# as a se4ara$e "ni$ in $he w!rld
and 6egins $! en$er$ain desires and enD!ys sens"al !6Dec$s9 D"$y& n!n=4er#!rmance !# d"$y and $he
4er#!rmance !# #!r6idden ac$s 1Karma& AEarma and ViEarma5 res"l$ #r!m $his del"si!n !# diversi$y
ca"sed 6y $he mind& senses and in$ellec$9 The di##erences !# ac$i!n& inac$i!n and evil ac$i!n 4er$ain
!nly $! $he man wh! has n!$i!ns !# meri$ and demeri$& righ$ and wr!ng& g!!d and 6ad9 I$ is $he
del"si!n 6!rn !# $he c!nce4$i!n !# di##erences& $ha$ ca"ses $he eZ4eriences !r n!$i!ns !# righ$ and
wr!ng& g!!d and 6ad& meri$ and demeri$9 The Vedas s4eaE !# $he 4er#!rmance !# 4rescri6ed w!rE&
$he n!n=4er#!rmance !# 4rescri6ed w!rE& and $he 4er#!rmance !# 4r!hi6i$ed w!rE& #!r $h!se !nly
wh! have g!$ $he ideas !# righ$ and wr!ng& g!!d and 6ad& meri$ and demeri$9 One sh!"ld a6and!n
$he sense !# eg!ism& c!n$r!l $he mind and $he senses and 6eh!ld every$hing in $he "niverse as
Brahman9 One sh!"ld realise $he essence !# !neXs !wn na$"re& 6liss and harm!ny wi$h $he "niverse
and 6eh!ld $he wide=s4read "niverse in $he Sel# and $he Sel# in $he S"4reme L!rd9
He wh! has risen a6!ve g!!d and 6ad d!es n!$ re#rain #r!m d!ing wha$ is 4r!hi6i$ed #r!m a
sense !# #ear !# evil c!nse:"ences n!r d!es he d! $he 4rescri6ed d"$y in $he h!4e $ha$ i$ will c!nd"ce
$! meri$] 6"$ he ac$s !nly liEe a child9 The sense !# righ$ and wr!ng will 6e na$"ral in him
inde4enden$ly !# scri4$"ral $eachings9 He has des$r!yed all eg!ism9 The laws !# $he w!rld d! n!$
a##ec$ him9 He has n! m!re d"$ies $! 4er#!rm9 He is a6!ve Karma and Karmas cann!$ $!"ch him9 He
may& #!r $he ins$r"c$i!n !# $he w!rld& 4er#!rm w!rEs !r re#rain #r!m #!r6idden ac$s9 He will eZceed
$he limi$s !# 6!$h righ$ and wr!ng9
This w!nder#"l and "n4receden$ed eZ4erience made $he '!4is #irmly 6elieve $ha$ Krishna
was n!$ an !rdinary m!r$al9 They had #irm c!nvic$i!n $ha$ Krishna was $he L!rd Himsel#& $h!"gh
s!me$imes $hey saw Him as $he s!n !# Nanda and *as!da !nly9 The idea !# L!rd Krishna as '!d
was n!$ s$r!ng in $hem $ill $he $ime !# Rasa Lila d"e $! $he *!ga Maya !# $he L!rd9
7<
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
The s!ng !# $he '!4is 1'!4i 'i$am5 in Bhagava$a 1SEanda f=,h9 2.5 6ears am4le 4r!!# !#
$he #ac$ $ha$ $hey regarded Krishna as $he S"4reme L!rd9 They g!$ rid !# $he leas$ $inge !#
seZ=4assi!n in $hem and were a$$ached $! $he L!rd 6y $he 6!nds !# in$ense (rema 1divine l!ve59
The s"4erh"man miracles !# Krishna in his childh!!d made $hem 6elieve in his
Omniscience and Omni4!$ence9 W!"ld $here 6e a w!rse #!!l in $his w!rld wh! w!"ld have l!wer
4assi!n $!wards $he L!rd wh! is $he 6es$!wer !# all desires !# men` The L!rd is $he s"4reme ca"se
#!r all ha44iness $ha$ men eZ4erience9 Having seen Him #ace $! #ace& wha$ grea$er #!!l is $here wh!
c!"ld crave #!r l!wer 4leas"res9 W!"ld any6!dy crave #!r 6lacE s"gar 1'"r5 when s"garcandy is
availa6le in 4len$y`
r!m $his i$ is clear $ha$ $he l!ve !# '!4is $!wards Krishna was !# a divine na$"re9 They had
Ananya BhaE$i and $hey were #ree #r!m all l!wer and 6ase desires #!r seZ"al enD!ymen$9
Secre$ !# Rasa Lila
Rasa Lila is divine s4!r$ 1Kreeda5 wi$h $he dev!$ees #!r 6ringing a6!"$ $heir "ni!n wi$h $he
L!rd $hr!"gh (rema !r 4"re divine l!ve9 Rasa is $he swee$es$ D"ice !# (rema9 I$ is $he mani#es$a$i!n
!# divine l!ve !r higher em!$i!n which $aEes $he dev!$ee $! $he magnanim!"s heigh$ !# h!ly
c!mm"ni!n wi$h $he L!rd9
L!rd KrishnaXs Rasa Lila is $he mys$ery !# mys$eries9 I$ is $he secre$ !# secre$s9 I$ is n!$ a
ma$$er #!r in$ellec$"al disc"ssi!n9 I$ is a h!ly ma$$er #!r silen$ medi$a$i!n #!r dev!$ees9 I$ sh!"ld n!$
6e div"lged $! insincere cri$ics !r $h!se wh! have n! dev!$i!n $! $he L!rd9 I$ sh!"ld 6e s$"died wi$h
reverence and #ai$h9 I$ c!n$ains Madh"rya Rasa& $he cr!wning gl!ry !# BhaE$i& which leads $!
a6s!l"$e sel#=s"rrender and a6s!r4$i!n in $he L!rd9
Sri Krishna 4er#!rmed $he Rasa Lila $! des$r!y carnali$y 6y means !# 4"re l!ve !r (rema9 He
$a"gh$ h"mani$y $hr!"gh $he Rasa Lila h!w $! c!nver$ 4assi!n in$! dis4assi!n and 4"re l!ve& and
h!w $! wean $he mind #r!m $he seZ"al Vasanas and ins$inc$s9 He sh!wed $ha$ $hr!"gh Madh"rya
Rasa !ne can e##ec$ $!$al sel#=s"rrender !r A$ma=Nivedan& and a$$ain Say"Dya !r a6s!r4$i!n in $he
L!rd !r h"s6and !# !"r hear$s9
Rasa Lila was a s4!r$ 1Kreeda5 which was mean$ $! 6"ild "4 $he #ai$h& $! s$reng$hen
s4iri$"ali$y $!wards h!liness& $! im4r!ve $he minds !# $he '!4is in 4ar$ic"lar and h"mani$y in
general9
Krishna was $en years !ld when he 4er#!rmed $he Rasa Lila9 D"ring $he dance& $he '!4is
saw Krishna !nly& wi$hin& wi$h!"$& ar!"nd and everywhere9 They #!rg!$ all a6!"$ $heir h!mes&
h"s6ands& children and 4aren$s9 Their hear$s mel$ed in L!rd Krishna& $he S"4reme S!"l9 The #ire !#
dev!$i!n 6r!"gh$ a6!"$ a #"si!n !# hear$s9 The gl"e !# (rema cemen$ed $heir hear$s wi$h Krishna9
The '!4is were n!$ !rdinary w!men9 They were eZal$ed 4ers!nages9
The #ive cha4$ers !# $he Bhagava$a which descri6e $he Rasa Lila are $he 7/$h& 23$h& 2.s$&
27nd and 22rd !# $he $en$h SEanda9 When Rasa Kreeda c!mmenced& Krishna disa44eared in $he
c!"rse !# i$ $! 4"$ d!wn $he 4ride !# '!4is9 '!4is wen$ in search !# Sri Krishna9 They assem6led !n
7/
LILAS
$he sands !# $he *am"na eZ4ec$ing His re$"rn9 '!4is sang s!ng 1'!4i 'i$am59 Sri Krishna s"ddenly
a44eared in $he mids$ !# c!m4laining '!4is9 Sri Krishna danced wi$h '!4is9
The $en$h SEanda !# $he Bhagava$a is regarded as $he :"in$essence !# $he wh!le !# $he
Bhagava$a9 The #ive cha4$ers !n Rasa Lila are righ$ly c!nsidered $! 6e $he very :"in$essence !# $he
wh!le !# $he $en$h SEanda9 *!" cann!$ #ind in $he wh!le range !# $he vas$ SansEri$ li$era$"re a
$rea$ise liEe $he Rasa=4anchadhyayi !# Srimad Bhagava$a9 These cha4$ers are s!"l=s$irring& s"6lime
and mys$ical9 They are eZ$remely 4r!#!"nd and s"6$le in $heir 4hil!s!4hical c!n$en$s9
He wh! has 4er#ec$ #ai$h in $he Sas$ras and $he eZis$ence !# '!d& wh! is dev!$ed $! his '"r"&
wh! has c!n$r!lled his 4assi!ns and $he senses& wh! is end!wed wi$h 4"ri$y& dis4assi!n&
discrimina$i!n& wh! yearns #!r $he Darshan !# $he L!rd and c!mm"ni!n wi$h Him& and wh! lives in
$he mids$ !# dev!$ees and sages is a 4r!4er AdhiEari !r :"ali#ied 4ers!n $! s$"dy Rasa Lila9 !r him
al!ne $he mys$eries !# Rasa Lila and i$s divine signi#icance and im4!r$ will 6e $r"ly revealed& liEe
$he AmalaEa #r"i$ in $he 4alm !# $he hand9
!r a 4assi!na$e man& wh!se hear$ is s"rcharged wi$h carnali$y and seZ"al Vasanas& wh! has
all!wed his senses $! r"n ri!$& wh! d!es n!$ wish $! rise a6!ve $he li#e in $he senses& wh! d!es n!$
6elieve in s"4ersens"!"s $hings and higher s"4erc!nsci!"s divine li#e !# 6liss and ecs$asy& $hese
#ive cha4$ers which deal wi$h $he divine Lilas !# L!rd Krishna are n!$hing 6"$ s!me Eind !# 4r!#ane
li$era$"re9 He will n!$ 6e 6ene#i$ed in $he leas$ 6y $he s$"dy !# $his 4!r$i!n !# Bhagava$a9
Rishis and dev!$ees liEe Narada& Vyasa& S"Eadeva and '!"ranga shed 4r!#"se $ears when
$hey reci$ed $he Sl!Eas !# $he Rasa Lila9 The M"nis !# $he Naimisaranya lis$ened $! $hem wi$h dee4
em!$i!n !# divine (rema9 (ariEshi$ heard $hem !n his dea$h6ed #!r his #inal emanci4a$i!n9 (earls
have n! val"e #!r $he swine9 %ven s!& $hese s"6lime $hings which lead a sincere dev!$ee $!
c!mm"ni!n wi$h $he L!rd& have n! val"e #!r an irreligi!"s& ma$erialis$ic& 4assi!na$e man9
The wh!le Rasa Lila is 4ervaded 6y !nly 4"re divine l!ve& !r c"lmina$i!n !# BhaE$i9 I$ is a
sacred *aDna9 The individ"al s!"ls 1'!4is5 mel$ $hemselves in $he S"4reme S!"l !r L!rd Krishna in
$heir highes$ dev!$i!n9 The $w! 6ec!me !ne9 I$ is $he realisa$i!n !# !neness !# Vedan$a $hr!"gh (ara
BhaE$i9 The rela$i!n 6e$ween Sri Krishna and $he VraDa '!4is was m!s$ sacred9 There was n!$ a
$inge !# carnali$y in i$9 ,an $here 6e a $inge !# carnali$y in !ne wh! is $he crea$!r& 4reserver and
des$r!yer !# $he $hree w!rlds wh! is $he w!m6 !# all crea$ed 6eings& wh! is an em6!dimen$ !# 4"ri$y
i$sel#& wh! is $he 4r!$ec$!r !# Dharma and wh! is $he w!rld=$eacher`
The Rasa Lila had #!r i$s !6Dec$ s4iri$"al "ni#ica$i!n wi$h $he L!rd9 A6s!r4$i!n in $he L!rd !r
!neness& is !nly 4!ssi6le $hr!"gh 4"re l!ve and l!ve al!ne& which $he '!4is !# Brindavan had9 The
$ie 6e$ween L!rd Krishna and $he '!4is was divine l!ve wherein $here was n!$ $he leas$ $inge !#
4hysical 4assi!n9 The 6!nd 6e$ween Sri Krishna and $he '!4is was $he 4"res$ and h!lies$9 The
na$"re !# divine l!ve cann!$ 6e imagined 6y $he w!rldly=minded 4ers!ns& h!wever in$ellec$"al $hey
may 6e9 A w!rldly man will always $hinE !# a man and a w!man in $erms !# seZ !nly& 6eca"se his
in$ellec$ is veiled& and $he "nders$anding is cl!"ded9 He may have an idea !# $his divine l!ve $! s!me
eZ$en$& i# he remem6ers !# $he l!ve he 6ears $!wards his m!$her9 Is $his n!$ #ree #r!m carnali$y`
23
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
L!rd Krishna desired $! se$ Himsel# $hr!"gh His *!ga Maya& $! g"ide his dev!$ees $! Tr"$h
$hr!"gh $he 4leasan$ #!rm !# Lila 1s4!r$59 The Rasa Lila $eaches h!w $! c!n:"er l"s$9 The #ive
cha4$ers are in$ended $! 6ring a6!"$ a $!$al disinclina$i!n $! w!rldly ma$$ers9
I$ was an a"$"mnal nigh$9 L!rd Krishna sang $he Kala s!ngs and 4layed !n $he #l"$e a$ nigh$
!n $he 6anEs !# $he *am"na9 There was charming m!!n=ligh$9 I$ deligh$ed $he hear$s !# $he '!4is9
They r"shed #!r$h $! $he 4lace where $heir 6el!ved Krishna was9 They cas$ aside $heir h!"seh!ld
d"$ies9 Their minds were a6s!r6ed in Krishna9
L!rd Krishna said& B'! 6acE $! y!"r h!mes& l!!E a#$er y!"r h"s6ands& 4aren$s and children9
The calves and y!"r children are wee4ing9 Dev!$i!n $! h"s6and is $he !ne grea$ religi!n #!r
w!men9C
The '!4is re4lied& BO L!rdH We have given "4 every$hing #!r Thy saEe9 We have s!"gh$
Thy #ee$9 D! n!$ #!rsaEe "s9 Th!" ar$ Thysel# $he g!al !# all religi!"s inD"nc$i!ns9 Why sh!"ld we
care #!r h"s6ands !r s!ns& wh! are $he s!"rce !# misery& when we are a$$ached $! Thee@$he
c!ns$an$ s!"rce !# ha44iness` (ermi$ "s $! serve Thee9C
L!rd Krishna was very m"ch m!ved 6y $heir 4i$e!"s a44eals9 He all!wed $hem $! s$ay9 The
'!4is 6ecame very 4r!"d !n acc!"n$ !# $he c!m4any !# $he L!rd9 They $h!"gh$ $ha$ $hey were
s"4eri!r $! all !$her 4e!4le !n ear$h9 L!rd Krishna s"ddenly disa44eared in !rder $! 4"$ d!wn $heir
4ride9
The '!4is were very m"ch a##lic$ed in $heir hear$9 They searched #!r Krishna #r!m #!res$ $!
#!res$9 They asEed $he $rees and 4lan$s& $he cree4ers& $he ear$h and $he deer& i# $hey had seen $heir
6el!ved9
Tears rained d!wn $heir cheeEs9 All $heir $h!"gh$s were direc$ed $! Krishna9 They $alEed !#
Krishna al!ne9 They were #"ll !# Krishna9 They 6egan $! 4lay $he di##eren$ Lilas !# Krishna9 They
wen$ $! $he 6anE !# $he *am"na and sang in a ch!r"s a6!"$ Krishna and 4rayed #erven$ly #!r His
re$"rn9 These s!ngs are as swee$ as nec$ar9 They are very $!"ching9
Krishna a44eared wi$h a smiling #ace9 The '!4is reD!iced9 Their 4angs !# se4ara$i!n ceased9
Krishna said& BO Bel!ved '!4isH *!" have a6and!ned& #!r my saEe& y!"r h"s6ands&
children& rela$ives and #riends9 I disa44eared #!r s!me $ime in !rder $! maEe y!"r l!ve #l!w !n
s$eadily9 *!" are my m!s$ 6el!ved !nes9 I shall never 6e a6le $! re4ay $ha$ l!ve i# I live #!r ever9
*!" have #!rmed a very 4"re and h!ly rela$i!n wi$h me9C
Then Krishna danced wi$h $he '!4is9 On ei$her side !# Him $here was a '!4i& and $here was
a Krishna !n ei$her side !# a '!4i9 The '!4is #!rmed a circle9 Krishna& $he L!rd !# *!ga& was
6e$ween every $w! !# $hem9 %ach !# $hem #el$ $ha$ Krishna was near $! her9 Wha$ a grea$ miracleH I$
is !nly $he Omni4!$en$ L!rd wh! can d! s"ch a miracle !# m"l$i4lying Himsel#H D!es $his n!$
6es4eaE !# $he Omni4!$ence !# $he L!rdH The sEy 6ecame #illed wi$h h"ndreds !# chari!$s !# Devas
wi$h $heir c!ns!r$s9 They were eager $! wi$ness $he scene9 They s4rinEled #l!wers #r!m a6!ve9 The
'andharvas sang $he gl!ry !# L!rd Krishna9
2.
LILAS
Radha !r RadhiEa is $he chie# !# $he '!4is9 She made Aradhana !# Krishna9 RadhiEa means
li$erally !ne wh! maEes Radhana !r Aradhana 1w!rshi459 She was an em6!dimen$ !# l!ve9 Radha is
an em6!dimen$ !# L!rd Krishna Himsel#9 Radha and Krishna are inse4ara6le liEe hea$ and $ire9
By $he Rasa Lila& L!rd Krishna dem!ns$ra$ed $ha$ He is $he real h"s6and !r #riend9 He is $he
S"4reme ("r"sha in $his 6!dy] He is $he s"44!r$er& $he enD!yer& $he grea$ L!rd and $he S"4reme
Sel#9 1'i$a- ,ha4$er fIII=7759 He is $he mani#es$!r !# all $he senses9 He dwells in all 6eings9 He
Himsel# has $aEen $he #!rm !# 6!dy& mind& (rana and $he senses9 He is $he real ac$!r and enD!yer9
%ven $he minds !# $h!se wh! are $"rned away #r!m $he L!rd are a$$rac$ed $!wards $he L!rd 6y
means !# Sringara Rasa !r l!ve $!4ics] hence $he l!ve $!4ics !# Sri Krishna9 The 4e!4le !# VraDa
never missed $heir wives #r!m $heir side& $hr!"gh $he L!rdXs *!ga Maya9 Wha$ a grea$ miracleH One
'!4i was #!rci6ly de$ained a$ h!me 6y her 4e!4le9 Immedia$ely she le#$ her 4hysical 6!dy and
6ecame !ne wi$h $he L!rd9 D!es $his n!$ indica$e $ha$ Krishna was a S"4erman !r $he L!rd and $ha$
'!4is were n!$ a$$ached $! $he L!rd 6y $he 6!nd !# 4hysical l!ve` The '!4is were $he grea$es$
dev!$ees !# $he L!rd9 They had reached $he leni$h !# dev!$i!n 6y w!rshi44ing Him $hr!"gh
Madh"rya Bhava& $he highes$ c"lmina$i!n !# BhaE$i9
Men wh! are immersed in $he !cean !# Samsara& wh!se minds are #"ll !# seZ 4assi!n !nly&
mis"nders$and $he L!rd& and #ind #a"l$ wi$h $he divine 4lay& Rasa Lila9
(assi!n& as #!r a l!ver& is $he highes$ #!rm !# l!ve9 The L!rd sh!"ld 6e l!ved as Radha l!ved
Sri Krishna9 O# all Einds !# l!ve& RadhaXs l!ve is #am!"s in all !"r scri4$"res as $he highes$9
The $hree w!rlds cann!$ ma$ch RadhaXs l!ve9 Radha le#$ $he Rasa dance in anger and
w!"nded 4ride9 Krishna le#$ $he circle !# $he Rasa dance !# $he '!4is and wandered $hr!"gh $he
#!res$s m!"rning #!r Radha9 When He c!"ld n!$ #ind her He was m"ch grieved9 Th!"sands !#
'!4is c!"ld n!$ sa$is#y Him9 r!m $his y!" can in#er RadhaXs meri$9
Radha is an em6!dimen$ !# Maha6hava !r $he highes$ em!$i!n9 The mys$ery !# Rasa Lila
cann!$ 6e "nders$!!d 6y !rdinary dev!$ees9 Only SaEhis !r '!4is were 6lessed wi$h $he secre$s !#
$his Rasa9 The SaEhis !nly were :"ali#ied #!r $his9 BhaE$as !# San$a& Dasya and Va$salya $y4es
hardly "nders$and $his9 Th!se dev!$ees wh! ad!re Krishna wi$h Madh"rya Bhava !r SaEhi Bhava
!nly can relish $his Rasa9
'!4is l!ve was n!$ seZ"al 4assi!n9 I$ was 4"re "nsel#ish divine l!ve9 They did n!$ wish #!r
KrishnaXs em6race& 6"$ $hey $ried $heir level 6es$ $! maEe Krishna em6race Radha9 T! achieve $his
end& $hey sen$ Krishna $! Radha "nder many 4re$eZ$s9 By s! d!ing $hey enD!yed a 6liss h"ndred
milli!n $imes swee$er $han !# sel#ish enD!ymen$9 Krishna was very m"ch 4leased& when He
wi$nessed $he 4"re& sel#less l!ve !# $he '!4is9 The "nsel#ish l!ve !# $he '!4is in$ensi#ied $he (rema
Rasa9
A SaEhi !r '!4i did n!$ a$ all wish $! 4lay wi$h Krishna #!r her !wn enD!ymen$9 She reD!iced
hear$ily 6y ind"cing Krishna $! em6race Radha9 Radha is $he cree4er !# $he L!ve !# Krishna9 The
SaEhis !r '!4is re4resen$ $he leaves& #l!wers and $wigs !# $his cree4er9 I# $he nec$ar !# dalliance
wi$h Krishna wa$ers $he cree4er& $he leaves& #l!wers and $wigs reD!ice in i$ h"ndred milli!n $imes
m!re $han $hemselves i# $hey had 6een wa$ered9
27
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
I# y!" wan$ $! gain Krishna& y!" m"s$ serve Him as a '!4i9 *!" m"s$ ad!re Him wi$h $he
men$al a$$i$"de !# a '!4i9 The dev!$ee wh! w!rshi4s Krishna wi$h a '!4i Bhava& enD!ys $he
Madh"rya Rasa9
The Rasa Lila sh!"ld 6e enac$ed 6y 4"re=minded dev!$ees !nly& in cl!sed :"ar$ers #!r $he
selec$ #ew wh! have dev!$i!n9 Then !nly i$ will 4r!d"ce an indeli6le im4ressi!n !n $he s4ec$a$!rs
and ins$il dev!$i!n in $heir hear$s9 Madh"rya Bhava is $he m!s$ sacred !ne9
N!wadays sel#ish 4e!4le and #alse v!$aries wi$h im4"re hear$ 4lay $he 4ar$ !# Krishna and
Radha in !4en 4la$#!rms #!r $he saEe !# earning m!ney9 This will 4r!d"ce !nly a 6ane#"l in#l"ence
!n $he minds !# $he s4ec$a$!rs9 (e!4le sh!"ld n!$ a$$end s"ch Rasa Lilas9 They sh!"ld n!$
enc!"rage s"ch 4e!4le wh! d! m"ch harm $! $he 4"6lic 6y 6r!adcas$ing 4!is!n9 He wh! is a slave
$! his 6!dy and wh! is a slave !# l"s$& sh!"ld n!$ 4er#!rm Rasa Lila even in his mind9 I# he d!es s!&
$hr!"gh ign!rance& he is s"re $! 6e r"ined9 I$ is !nly Siva wh! c!"ld drinE $he 4!is!n $ha$ came !"$
#r!m $he !cean !# milE9
He wh! hears !r reci$es $his sacred 4lay !# L!rd Krishna wi$h $he w!men !# VraDa& will
devel!4 s"4reme dev!$i!n $! $he L!rd and shaEe !## easily in n! $ime $ha$ disease !# $he hear$ called
Kama !r 4assi!n #!r w!men9
May y!" all 4er#!rm Rasa Lila daily in $he Brindavan !# y!"r hear$& 6y mel$ing $he mind in
$he L!rd& $hr!"gh in$ense (rema liEe $ha$ !# $he VraDa '!4isH
Rasa Lila
'!vinda c!mmenced Rasa !r s4!r$ive dance wi$h $he dev!$ed and w!rshi44ing '!4is wh!
#!rmed a circle wi$h !ne an!$herXs arms in$er$wined9
Then having s$a$i!ned Himsel# 6e$ween every $w! '!4is& Krishna& $he L!rd !# all *!gas&
c!mmenced in $ha$ circle !# '!4is $he #es$ive dance En!wn as Rasa Lila wi$h His arms a6!"$ $he
necE !# $he adDacen$ '!4is9 %very '!4i #el$ $ha$ her deares$ L!rd s$!!d 6y her side9
The sEy 6ecame #illed wi$h h"ndreds !# chari!$s !# Devas and $heir c!ns!r$s9 They were
l!nging $! wi$ness $he divine dance9 Ke$$le=dr"ms were s!"nded and $here was a sh!wer !# #l!wers9
The grea$ 'andharvas and $heir wives 6egan $! sing Sri KrishnaXs 4"re gl!ry9 Then $he circle !#
Rasa dance was #illed wi$h $he s!"nds !# 6racele$s& 6angles& anEle$s and small 6ells !# $he damsels
enD!ying $he c!m4any !# $heir 6el!ved L!rd9 In $he minds !# $h!se damsels& $he gl!ri!"s L!rd& s!n
!# Vas"deva& sh!ne wi$h grea$ 6rilliance and 6ea"$y liEe a large emerald a$ $he cen$re !# a garland !#
g!lden 6eads9
Wi$h $heir meas"red s$e4s& wi$h $he grace#"l m!vemen$s !# $heir hands& wi$h $heir
6ewi$ching smile wi$h $he l!vely c!n$rac$i!n and eZ4ansi!n !# $heir eye6r!ws& wi$h shaEy 6!dies&
wi$h ear=rings r!cEing !n $heir cheeEs& wi$h $heir m!ving l!cEs !# hair c!vering $heir #!reheads&
wi$h dr!4s !# 4ers4ira$i!n $ricEling d!wn $heir #ace& and wi$h $he En!$s !# $heir hair l!!sened& $he
'!4is 6egan $! sing9 They a44eared 6ea"$i#"l liEe #lashes !# ligh$ning ill"mina$ing $he 6l"e cl!"ds9
22
LILAS
The '!4is were immensely deligh$ed a$ $he $!"ch !# Sri Krishna wh!se m"sic #illed $he
wh!le w!rld9 They sang in $he highes$ 4i$ch wi$h grea$ l!ve9
A '!4i 4r!ceeded $! sing in ch!r"s wi$h Krishna $he n!$es !# $he gam"$9 She s"ddenly
raised her v!ice $! a higher 4i$ch and sang 6ea"$i#"lly9 The L!rd highly 4raised her 6y saying Bwell
d!ne& well d!ne9C The '!4i& $h"s having 6een enc!"raged& raised her v!ice $! Dhr"va Tala9 Krishna
again h!n!"red her9
An!$her '!4i g!$ #a$ig"ed d"ring her dance9 The Dasmine #l!wers 6egan $! dr!4 #r!m her
6raid& and her 6racele$s 6ecame l!!se !n her wris$s9 She $hrew her arm r!"nd $he necE !# Sri
Krishna and 4ressed Him cl!se $! her9
An!$her '!4i smel$ !n her sh!"lder Sri KrishnaXs arms #ragran$ liEe l!$"s and smeared wi$h
sandal9 She Eissed i$ while $he hair !# her 6!dy s$!!d !n end !"$ !# ecs$asy9
An!$her '!4i 4laced her cheeE !n KrishnaXs cheeE which was 6ea"$i#"l 6y $he l"s$re !# his
ear=rings $ha$ were r!cEing !n acc!"n$ !# $he m!vemen$s !# His 6!dy in dancing9
An!$her '!4i was dancing and singing 6y His side Dingling $he anEle$s a$ her #ee$9 When she
g!$ #a$ig"ed& she 4ressed Sri KrishnaXs c!m#!r$ing l!$"s=liEe 4alms $! her 6!s!m9
Th"s $he '!4is !6$aining Achy"$a& $he 6el!ved h"s6and !# LaEshmi& and 6eing em6raced
6y His arms& sang and danced wi$h Him9
Wi$h $he 6ea"$y !# $heir #ace enhanced 6y $he lilies !n $heir ears& wi$h $heir #!reheads
dec!ra$ed wi$h #l!wing l!cEs& wi$h dr!4s !# swea$ !n $heir #ace& $he '!4is danced wi$h $he gl!ri!"s
L!rd $! $he acc!m4animen$ !# $he m"sic !# $heir 6angles and anEle$s in $he c!"r$ !# Rasa& where $he
h"mming 6ees were $he s!ngs$ers9
Sri Krishna s4!r$ed wi$h $he 6ea"$i#"l damsels& D"s$ as a child 4lays wi$h image re#lec$ed in a
mirr!r& deligh$ing $hem 6y 4ress"re !# hand& a##ec$i!na$e glances& wi$h winning la"ghs& and
enchan$ing smiles9
O (ariEshi$H Their senses were !verwhelmed wi$h D!y a$ $he c!n$ac$ !# $he L!rdXs 4ers!n9
The garlands !# #l!wers and $heir !rnamen$s were l!!sened and #ell #r!m $heir 4laces9 They were
n!$ a6le $! Eee4 $heir hair& cl!$hes and ves$s in $heir 4r!4er 4laces9 A$ $he sigh$ !# $his w!nder#"l
Rasa !# L!rd Krishna& $he celes$ial w!men were s$ricEen wi$h l!ve and #ain$ed9 The m!!n !# her
re$in"e !# s$ars s$!44ed her c!"rse and s$!!d in amalemen$9
Th!"gh $he L!rd always #inds deligh$ in Himsel# al!ne& ye$ He s4!r$ed wi$h $he '!4is in
4lay#"lness& in as many #!rms as $here were '!4is9
When $he '!4is were grea$ly #a$ig"ed& $he merci#"l L!rd wi4ed $he swea$ !## $heir #aces
wi$h His a"s4ici!"s hands9
2A
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
The $!"ch !# Sri KrishnaXs hand gave immense deligh$ $! $he '!4is9 They sang s!ngs !# His
meri$!ri!"s deeds and !##ered h!mage $! $he L!rd wi$h $he s4lend!"r !# $heir cheeEs gl!wing wi$h
e##"lgen$ g!ld ear=rings and c"rly #l!wing l!cEs& and wi$h $heir deligh$#"l glances and smiles
swee$er $han nec$ar9
Then L!rd Krishna en$ered in$! $he wa$ers !# $he *am"na al!ng wi$h $he '!4is in !rder $!
re#resh Himsel#& D"s$ as a leader !# an ele4han$=herd acc!m4anied 6y $he she=ele4han$s 4l"nges in
$he wa$ers a#$er having 6r!Een $hr!"gh $he dams9 The 6ees als! #!ll!wed Him singing His gl!ries
liEe grea$ 'andharvas9
Therea#$er Sri Krishna was s4rinEled wi$h wa$er 6y $h!se y!"$h#"l '!4is wh! l!!Eed a$
Him a##ec$i!na$ely and smilingly9 The celes$ials sh!wered #l!wers #r!m $heir aerial cars and sang
His 4raises9 Th"s $he L!rd wh! #inds deligh$ in His !wn Sel# s4!r$ed in $he *am"na liEe $he leader
!# ele4han$s9
Then Sri Krishna came !"$ !# $he wa$er and en$ered $he gr!ves !n $he 6anE !# $he *am"na
s"rr!"nded 6y 6ees and $he '!4is9 He s4!r$ed liEe an ele4han$ wi$h a 4leasan$ 6reele 6earing $he
#ragrance !# $he #l!wers !# land wa$er9
The #"ll m!!n s4read her 6righ$ and silvery rays all !ver $he ear$h9 The nigh$ eZhi6i$ed all
$he 4leasan$ #ea$"res !# a"$"mnal seas!n as de4ic$ed 6y 4!e$s9 The L!rd s4en$ $he nigh$s& 6rillian$
wi$h m!!nligh$& in $he c!m4any !# $he dev!$ed '!4is9
King (ariEshi$ said- BO sage] $he gl!ri!"s L!rd !# $he "niverse did incarna$e Himsel# 6y a
4!r$i!n !nly $! es$a6lish Dharma 1righ$e!"sness5 and "4r!!$ Adharma 1"nrigh$e!"sness59 He is $he
a"$h!r& $he $eacher and $he de#ender !# Dharma9 He m"s$ se$ $he eZam4le9 H!w $hen did He ch!!se
$! ac$ agains$ Dharma 6y maEing l!ve wi$h !$hersX wives and $!"ching $hem` Bhagavan Sri Krishna
is $he (er#ec$ Being9 He has n!$hing $! desire !r gain9 He has d!ne wha$ is de$es$a6le9 Why did he
4er4e$ra$e $his "nw!r$hy ac$` Wha$ c!"ld 6e His idea` O h!ly sageH (lease rem!ve my d!"6$ !n $his
4!in$9C
S"Ea Deva re4lied- BO KingH %ven $he L!rds !# 6eings are seen n!w and $hen $! vi!la$e
Dharma and 4er#!rm daring ac$s9 B"$ s"ch ac$s d! n!$ a##ec$ $h!se 4!wer#"l 6eings9 I$ d!es n!$
6ec!me an evil ac$ !n $he 4ar$ !# grea$ s4iri$"al 6eings9 ire c!ns"mes every$hing 6"$ remains
"n$!"ched 6y $heir evils9 I$ is ever 4"re9
BB"$ $he weaE man wh! is n!$ a mas$er !# his 4assi!ns& wh! is a slave !# his 6!dy sh!"ld
never $hinE !# s"ch ac$s& #ar less 4er#!rm $hem9 I# he d!es s"ch ac$s $hr!"gh ign!rance& he is s"re $!
6e des$r!yed& even as a man@eZce4$ R"dra@mee$s wi$h des$r"c$i!n having dr"nE 4!is!n9 I$ is
!nly R"dra wh! c!"ld drinE $he 4!is!n $ha$ came !"$ !# $he !cean !# milE9
BThe "$$erances !# $h!se 4!ssessed !# divine wisd!m sh!"ld 6e regarded as $r"$h9 ManXs
c!nd"c$ sh!"ld 6e reg"la$ed acc!rding $! $hem9 Their deeds are !nly s!me$imes $r"e9 They lead an
eZce4$i!nal li#e which is g!verned 6y eZ$ra!rdinary c!nsidera$i!ns and "n"s"al c!ndi$i!ns9 I$ is n!$
mean$ always as an eZam4le #!r !rdinary men9 An in$elligen$ man sh!"ld ac$ "4 $! $heir w!rds !r
4rece4$s !r $eachings9 They are mean$ #!r $he g!!d !# 4e!4le9
2?
LILAS
BTh!se wh! are #ree #r!m eg!ism have n!$hing $! gain 6y d!ing wha$ is declared g!!d& n!r
have any$hing $! l!se 6y d!ing an im4r!4er ac$ !r ac$ing $! $he c!n$rary9
BThey live a6!ve g!!d and evil& vir$"e and vice9 When s"ch is $he case wi$h $h!se 4!wer#"l
6eings& wha$ is g!!d and wha$ is 6ad $! Him wh! is $he L!rd !# all 6eings` Wha$ w!nder& $he
m!r$als and !$her l!wer animals and all $ha$ are #i$ $! 6e r"led& will have n!$hing $! d! wi$h 4i!"s
and im4i!"s ac$s` H!w can $he c!nd"c$ !# $he S"4reme L!rd !# $he )niverse 6e D"dged 6y $he
!rdinary h"man s$andard !# g!!d and evil`
BBy dev!$i!n $! His #ee$ and 6y 4!wer !# *!ga& even sages are #reed #r!m $he 6!nds !# g!!d
and evil9 They are n!$ #e$$ered 6y $he c!nse:"ences !# $heir ac$i!ns !r $ies !# Karma9 They ac$ as
$hey liEe9 H!w $hen can any 6!ndage 6e ascri6ed $! $he gl!ri!"s L!rd wh! has sim4ly ass"med a
#!rm a$ His !wn #ree will #!r $he 6ene#i$ !# manEind`
BHe is 4resen$ in $he hear$s !# $he '!4is and $heir h"s6ands and in $he hear$s !# all !$her
em6!died 6eings9 He is $he R"ler !# all $hings9 He ass"med a 6!dy !nly #!r His Lila !r s4!r$ing9 He
ass"med a h"man #!rm #!r 6es$!wing His grace !n His dev!$ees and eZhi6i$ed $h!se s4!r$s& $he
hearing !# which crea$es dev!$i!n in man $!wards Him9
BO (ariEshi$H The men !# VraDa never indeed #!"nd #a"l$ wi$h Sri Krishna& 6eca"se $hey
were Ee4$ s4ell=6!"nd 6y $he L!rdXs s"4reme 4!wer 1*!ga Maya5 and #!"nd $heir wives always 6y
$heir side9C
The nigh$ came $! i$s cl!se9 The dawn was a44r!aching9 The '!4is wh! were dev!$ed $!
$heir L!rd rel"c$an$ly wen$ 6acE $! $heir res4ec$ive a6!des as desired 6y Sri Krishna9
He wh! #ai$h#"lly lis$ens $!& !r reci$es& !r eZ4!"nds& $his s4!r$#"l 4lay !# Sri Krishna wi$h
$he w!men !# VraDa& !6$ains in$ense dev!$i!n $! $he L!rd& a$$ains wisd!m and very s!!n ge$s #reed
#r!m $he disease !# $he hear$ En!wn as l"s$9 He :"icEly des$r!ys his desires $ha$ are $he maladies !#
$he mind9 He s"6d"es his sel# and is #reed #r!m all ills $ha$ a##ec$ his hear$9 He annihila$es $he
sens"al im4"lse #!r ever9
(ar$ II
T%A,HIN'S
Krishna and )ddhava
Brahma and !$her Devas wen$ $! DwaraEa9 Brahma said& BO L!rdH *!" graced !"r re:"es$
$! 4r!$ec$ $he w!rld& which was !ver=r"n 6y wicEed Eings 6y $aEing an incarna$i!n in $he line !#
*ad"s9 All $ha$ we 4rayed #!r have 6een d!ne9 I$ is !ver a h"ndred and $wen$y=#ive years since Th!"
dids$ a44ear in $he line !# *ad"s9 Tha$ line is als! well=nigh eZ$ing"ished9 N!w c!me 6acE $! Thy
!wn a6!de9C
20
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
The L!rd said& Bc"s$ n!w $he des$r"c$i!n !# $he *adavas has 6eg"n 6y $he c"rse !#
Brahmins9 When $his is #inished& I shall g! $! My regi!n9C Brahma re$"rned $! his a6!de9
The L!rd said $! $he aged *ad"s& BThere are "n"s"al evil !mens !n every side9 There has
6een severe c"rse !# Brahmins !n !"r race9 Le$ "s $his very day g! $! $he very sacred 4lace !#
(ra6hasa9C The *adavas made 4re4ara$i!ns #!r g!ing $! (ra6hasa9
)ddhava n!$iced $he evil 4!r$en$s and heard wha$ Sri Krishna said9 He said $! Sri Krishna&
BO L!rdH Th!" shal$ leave $his ear$h as s!!n as $he *ad"s are des$r!yed9 O KesavaH I cann!$ 6ear $!
leave Thy l!$"s=liEe #ee$ even #!r hal# a m!men$9 O L!rd& $aEe me als! $! Thy a6!de9C
Sri Krishna re4lied& BWha$ y!" say is $r"ly g!ing $! ha44en9 I have indeed acc!m4lished
here wh!lly $he 4"r4!se !# $he g!ds& #!r which& as 4rayed #!r 6y Brahma& I incarna$ed as a 4ar$ !#
Mysel#9
BThe *adavas will 6e Eilled 6y m"$"al :"arrel9 This $!wn will 6e swall!wed "4 6y $he sea
wi$hin seven days #r!m $!day9 As s!!n as I leave $his ear$h& Kali will !ver$aEe i$ and men will
6ec!me "nrigh$e!"s9 *!" sh!"ld n!$ dwell anywhere here9
Bree y!"rsel# #r!m all a$$achmen$s9 'ive "4 y!"r a##ec$i!n #!r y!"r #riends& #amily& weal$h&
e$c9 iZ y!"r mind #irmly !n Me9 R!am a6!"$ !ver $his ear$h& seeing Me in all 6eings& l!!Eing !n all
6eings wi$h e:"al eyes9 All $ha$ y!" see !r gras4 wi$h $he senses& !r "nders$and 6y y!"r mind& are
"nreal and evanescen$9 They are crea$i!ns !# y!"r mind& and Maya9
BThis is $his& $his is $ha$@$his c!nce4$i!n !# di##erence is !nly $he del"si!n !# a man wh!se
mind is dis$rac$ed and "nc!n$r!lled and is n!$ "ni$ed $! Me9 The man !# "nc!n$r!lled mind #alls in$!
$he err!r $ha$ $here is 4l"rali$y !# !6Dec$s9 This err!r leads $! meri$ and demeri$& !r righ$ and wr!ng&
g!!d and evil9 The "nc!n$r!lled civa& wh! is 6ewildered and del"ded 6y $his a44aren$ diversi$y
crea$ed 6y $he na$"ral !"$ward $endency !# $he senses& #ancies himsel# as a se4ara$e "ni$ in $he w!rld
and 6egins $! en$er$ain desires and enD!ys sens"al !6Dec$s9 D"$y& n!n=4er#!rmance !# d"$y and $he
4er#!rmance !# #!r6idden ac$s 1Karma& AEarma and ViEarma5 res"l$ #r!m $his del"si!n !# diversi$y
ca"sed 6y $he mind& senses and in$ellec$9 The di##erences !# ac$i!n& inac$i!n and evil ac$i!n 4er$ain
!nly $! $he man wh! has n!$i!ns !# meri$ and demeri$& righ$ and wr!ng& g!!d and 6ad9 I$ is $he
del"si!n 6!rn !# c!nce4$i!n !# di##erence& $ha$ ca"ses $he eZ4eriences !r n!$i!ns !# righ$ and
wr!ng& g!!d and 6ad& meri$ and demeri$9 The Vedas s4eaE !# $he 4er#!rmance !# 4rescri6ed w!rE&
$he n!n=4er#!rmance !# 4rescri6ed w!rE& and $he 4er#!rmance !# 4r!hi6i$ed w!rE& #!r $h!se !nly
wh! have g!$ $he ideas !# righ$ and wr!ng& g!!d and 6ad& meri$ and demeri$9 A6and!n $he sense !#
eg!ism9 ,!n$r!l y!"r mind and $he senses and 6eh!ld every$hing in $he "niverse as Brahman&
Mysel#& !r y!"r !wn Sel#9 Realise $he essence !# y!"r !wn na$"re& 6liss and harm!ny wi$h $he
"niverse9 Beh!ld $he wides4read "niverse in $he Sel# and $he Sel# in Me& $he S"4reme L!rd9
B(!ssessed !# En!wledge !# $he 4"r4!r$ !# $he scri4$"res 1cnana5 and realisa$i!n !# $he
!neness !# $he Sel# and Brahman and !# $he $r"$h $ha$ Brahman is himsel# 1ViDnana5 immersed in $he
deligh$ !# Sel#=realisa$i!n and #inding $hysel# $! 6e $he Sel# !# all em6!died 6eings& $h!" will n!$
eZ4erience !6s$r"c$i!ns !r !6s$acles9
2>
T%A,HIN'S
BHe wh! has risen a6!ve g!!d and 6ad d!es n!$ re#rain #r!m d!ing wha$ is 4r!hi6i$ed #r!m a
sense !# #ear !# evil c!nse:"ences n!r d!es he d! $he 4rescri6ed d"$y in $he h!4e $ha$ i$ will c!nd"ce
$! meri$] 6"$ he ac$s !nly liEe a child9 The sense !# righ$ and wr!ng will 6e na$"ral in him
inde4enden$ly !# scri4$"ral $eachings9 He has des$r!yed all eg!ism9 The laws !# $he w!rld d! n!$
a##ec$ him9 He has n! m!re d"$ies $! 4er#!rm9 He is a6!ve Karma and Karmas cann!$ $!"ch him9 He
may& #!r $he ins$r"c$i!n !# $he w!rld& 4er#!rm w!rEs !r re#rain #r!m #!r6idden ac$s9 He will eZceed
$he limi$s !# 6!$h righ$ and wr!ng9
BThe #riend !# all 6eings& calm and :"ie$ a$ hear$& wi$h $he #irm c!nvic$i!n d"e $! En!wledge
and Sel#=realisa$i!n and seeing $he "niverse as himsel#& he n! m!re c!mes $! grie#9 He is n!$ drawn
6acE $! 6ir$hs9 He can never 6e shaEen #r!m his 4edes$al !# 6liss !r ge$ l!s$9 He can never ge$ in$! $he
4a$h !# Samsara9C
Th"s ins$r"c$ed 6y $he L!rd& $he #!rem!s$ !# dev!$ees& )ddhava& eager $! En!w $he $r"$h&
4r!s$ra$ed himsel# 6e#!re Sri Krishna and said& BO L!rd !# *!ga& $he aim& sea$ and s!"rce !# *!ga&
y!" have rec!mmended $! me c!m4le$e ren"ncia$i!n !# all w!rldly a$$achmen$s& $he 4a$h !#
ren"ncia$i!n En!wn as Sannyasa& #!r my li6era$i!n9 The giving "4 !# desires is n!$ 4!ssi6le #!r
$h!se w!rldly=minded 4e!4le wh! are addic$ed $! sense=!6Dec$s& and wh! are n!$ dev!$ed $! Thee
wh! ar$ $he Sel# !# all9 H!w is i$ 4!ssi6le $! ren!"nce desire all !# a s"dden !r see $he w!rld as
$ransi$!ry& #!r 4e!4le liEe me wh! are immersed in w!rldliness`
BI have n!$ ye$ g!$ !ver $he sense !# kIX and kMine9X I am a 4!!r crea$"re !# cl!"ded
"nders$anding9 I am 4assi!na$ely a$$ached $! $his 6!dy and i$s 6el!ngings& which are $he crea$i!n !#
Thy Maya and regard $hese as kIX and kMineX9 The a$$achmen$ $!wards s!n& #amily and 6!dy is very
s$r!ng in me9 Tell me& O L!rdH H!w I can easily #!ll!w Thy $eachings`C
Sri Krishna re4lied& BVery !#$en in $he w!rld& men wh! have insigh$ in$! $he $r"e na$"re !#
$he w!rld& wh! have $r"ly discerned $he $r"$h a6!"$ $he w!rld& li#$ "4 $heir sel# and #ree $hemselves
#r!m evil inclina$i!ns and cravings #!r w!rldly !6Dec$s 6y $heir !wn e##!r$s9
BA$man is indeed $he $eacher !# Sel#& es4ecially in $he case !# man& 6eca"se he #inds !"$ $he
#inal 6liss 6y direc$ 4erce4$i!n and in#erence9
BWise men& well=versed in SanEhya 1En!wledge5 and *!ga 4rac$ices& 6eh!ld Me :"i$e
dis$inc$ly as ("r"sha& 4ervading all 6eings and 4!ssessing all 4!wers9
BMany are $he 6!dies crea$ed wi$h !ne& $w!& $hree !r #!"r #ee$ !r many #ee$& as well as
wi$h!"$ #ee$] !# $hese $he h"man 6!dy is $he m!s$ 6el!ved !# Me9 !r& in $his h"man 6!dy& men wh!
have c!n$r!lled $heir mind and senses& wh! 4rac$ise *!ga& wh! are #iZed in medi$a$i!n& $r"ly #ind
Me !"$& $he S"4reme R"ler wh! cann!$ 6e 4erceived !r #!"nd !"$ 6y means !# $he a$$ri6"$es s"ch as
$he in$ellec$& e$c9& $ha$ are 4erceived and 6y means !# in#erence $hr!"gh $h!se indica$i!ns9
BOn $his s"6Dec$ a s$!ry !# ancien$ $imes is als! $!ld in ill"s$ra$i!n9 I$ is a c!nversa$i!n
6e$ween an Avadh"$a and *ad" !# grea$ 4r!wess and in$elligence $he s!n !# *aya$i and grands!n !#
Nah"sha& 4!wer#"l Eings !# l"nar race 1ances$!rs !# Sri Krishna59C
2<
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
Avadh!!$aXs S$!ry
*ad" wh! was versed in religi!n saw a y!"ng Brahmin Sannyasin& #"ll !# wisd!m&
wandering a6!"$ #earlessly and 4"$ him $he #!ll!wing :"es$i!n as *ad" was eager $! En!w Dharma9
*ad" asEed& BO SageH H!w did y!"& d!ing n!$hing ge$ $his clear wisd!m and ligh$ 6y which
y!" were a6le $! give "4 all a$$achmen$s and r!am liEe a child #earlessly in 4er#ec$ 6liss`
B'enerally in $his w!rld 4e!4le eZer$ $hemselves #!r vir$"e& weal$h& desire and en:"ire
a6!"$ $he A$man !nly wi$h $he m!$ive !# a$$aining l!ngevi$y& #ame and weal$h9 *!" are a6le=6!died&
#"ll !# wisd!m and sEill and g!!d=l!!Eing9 *!"r s4eech is swee$ and is liEe nec$ar and ye$ y!"
nei$her w!rE n!r eZer$ in $he leas$9 *!" liEe n!$hing9 (e!4le in $his w!rld are sc!rched 6y $he #ire !#
l"s$ and greed9 *!" are n!$ a$ all a##lic$ed 6y $he #ire9 *!" a44ear sel#=sa$is#ied and 6liss#"l& D"s$ as
an ele4han$ immersed in $he c!!l wa$ers !# $he 'anga d!es n!$ #eel $he hea$ !# $he #!res$ #ire !n $he
6anE9 (lease enligh$en me as $! $he s!"rce !# y!"r D!y !r 6liss9 Tell me h!w y!" derive 6liss in y!"r
sel# al!ne& "n$!"ched 6y sense !6Dec$s and living a s!li$ary li#e` *!" have nei$her #amily n!r
sens"al enD!ymen$9 Whence $hen is y!"r 6liss`C
Sri Krishna said& BBeing $h"s asEed and h!n!"red 6y $he in$elligen$ *ad" wh! has dev!$ed
$! Brahmins& $he n!6le Brahmin s4!Ee $! $he Eing wh! s$!!d 6ending in reverence9C
The Brahmin said& BMany are my 4rece4$!rs& O King& wh!m I res!r$ed $! $hr!"gh my !wn
"nders$anding] wi$h $he wisd!m im6i6ed #r!m $hem I r!am a6!"$ !n $his ear$h #ree #r!m
a$$achmen$s9 Lis$en wh! $hey are9
BThe ear$h& air& sEy 1AEasa5& wa$er& #ire& $he m!!n& $he s"n& $he 4ige!n& $he 4y$h!n& $he sea&
$he m!$h& $he 6ee& $he ele4han$& $he h!ney=ga$herer& $he deer& $he #ish& $he dancing girl (ingala& $he
!s4rey 1raven& K"rara5& $he child& $he maiden& $he arr!w=maEer& $he ser4en$& $he s4ider& $he 6ee$le
1$he was45@$hese& O King& are my $wen$y=#!"r '"r"s !r $eachers wh!m I have res!r$ed $!9 I have
learn$ all my less!ns #r!m $heir charac$eris$ic $rai$s9 I will h!w narra$e wha$ I learn$ #r!m each !#
$hem9
BA wise man sh!"ld n!$ swerve #r!m $he 4a$h !# righ$e!"sness& $h!"gh he is !44ressed 6y
crea$"res wh! are $hemselves "nder $he direc$i!n !# 4r!vidence9 This #!r6earance I have learn$ #r!m
$he ear$h9 I have learn$ #r!m $he m!"n$ain& which is a 4ar$ !# $he ear$h& $ha$ all !"r ac$i!ns sh!"ld 6e
#!r $he g!!d !# !$hers& and $ha$ !"r very eZis$ence is #!r $he saEe !# !$hers9 I have learn$ #r!m $he
$ree& which is als! a 4ar$ !# $he ear$h& $ha$ I sh!"ld 6e a$ $he dis4!sal !# !$hers9
BThe sage sh!"ld 6e c!n$en$ wi$h mere s"44!r$ing his li#e9 He sh!"ld never l!ng #!r wha$
gra$i#ies $he senses s! $ha$ En!wledge may n!$ 6e des$r!yed and $he mind may n!$ 6e dissi4a$ed !n
w!r$hless !6Dec$s9
BThe *!gi sh!"ld n!$ 6e a$$ached $! $he !6Dec$s& liEe $he air& al$h!"gh he is 4laced in $he
mids$ !# !6Dec$s wi$h di##eren$ a$$ri6"$es and $h!"gh he is 4laced in $he 4hysical 6!dy9 His mind
sh!"ld remain "na##ec$ed 6y $he g!!d and evil c!nse:"ences !# $he !6Dec$s& D"s$ as $he air remains
"na##ec$ed 6y $he g!!d !r 6ad !d!"r !# !6Dec$s !ver which i$ 6l!ws9 The s!"l en$ers $he 6!dy and $he
2/
T%A,HIN'S
a$$ri6"$es !# $he 6!dy seem $! 6e i$s !wn& 6"$ i$ is n!$ s!9 The air is charged wi$h !d!"r 6"$ $he !d!"r
is n!$ $he a$$ri6"$e !# $he air9 This I have learn$ #r!m $he !"$side air9
BI have learn$ #r!m $he (rana 1vi$al air5 $ha$ !ne sh!"ld ea$ $! live and n!$ live $! ea$9 He
sh!"ld n!$ ea$ $! give s$reng$h and n!"rishmen$ $! $he senses9 The #!!d sh!"ld 6e D"s$ s"##icien$ $!
#eed $he #lame !# li#e9
BA$man is all=4ervading9 I$ is n!$ a##ec$ed 6y $he 6!dy and $he 6!dily a$$ri6"$es9 This I have
learn$ #r!m AEasa which is all=4ervading and is n!$ a##ec$ed 6y cl!"ds and !$her !6Dec$s9 %ven
$h!"gh $he sage lives in $he 6!dy& he sh!"ld c!n$em4la$e $hr!"gh his iden$i$y wi$h Sel# !r A$man
which is all=4ervading liEe $he sEy 1AEasa5& which r"ns as a s"6s$ra$"m !r a $hread in $he garland !#
#l!wers $hr!"gh all m!va6le and imm!va6le !6Dec$s& which is n!$ s"6Dec$ $! any limi$a$i!n in
res4ec$ !# $ime and 4lace and which is n!$ $!"ched 6y any$hing else9
BNa$"rally 4"re& sm!!$h and swee$ is wa$er9 S! is $he sage am!ng men9 He& liEe "n$! h!ly
wa$ers& 4"ri#ies !$hers 6y mere sigh$& $!"ch and $he "$$erance !# His name9 This I have learn$ #r!m
wa$er9
BBrigh$& 4!wer#"l in En!wledge& and gl!wing wi$h asce$icism& wi$h n! rece4$acle #!r #!!d
eZce4$ $he 6elly and ea$ing every$hing& $he sage& liEe #ire& is n!$ 4!ll"$ed $here6y9
S!me$imes he remains "nn!$iced9 S!me$imes he 6ec!mes En!wn $! $h!se wh! desire
wel#are9 He ea$s $he #!!d !##ered $! him 6y 4i!"s dev!$ees and 6"rns "4 $heir 4as$ and #"$"re evils !r
im4"ri$ies9
Bire is $he same and !nly !ne& $h!"gh i$ en$ers #"els !# vari!"s s!r$s9 c"s$ as #ire 6"rns in a
$riang"lar& circ"lar& rec$ang"lar !r !$her sha4es& acc!rding $! $he sha4e and sile !# $he w!!d& s! als!
$he L!rd !# $he )niverse& wh! has crea$ed $he w!rld and en$ered in$! all 6eings& a44ears di##eren$
6eca"se !# $he di##eren$ 6!dies 1)4adhis5 in which He resides9 He en$ers $his )niverse !# vari!"s
!6Dec$s& high and l!w& crea$ed 6y His !wn Maya and a44ears $! 6e liEe every !ne !# $h!se !6Dec$s&
D"s$ as #ire d!es in di##eren$ Einds !# #"el9 Bir$h and dea$h are #!r $he 6!dy and n!$ #!r $he A$man&
and are ca"sed 6y $ime& D"s$ as $he #lames are s"6Dec$ed $! change 6"$ n!$ $he #ire9
BThe waning !r waZing c!ndi$i!ns !# $he m!!n are d"e& n!$ $! any change in $he s"6s$ance
!r l"min!si$y !# $he m!!n& 6"$& $! $he #ac$ $ha$ !nly 4ar$ !# $he s"nXs rays ge$ re#lec$ed 6y i$9 I learn$
$here#!re $ha$ $he 6ir$h& gr!w$h& decay& dea$h& e$c9& are s$a$es !# $he 6!dy and n!$ !# A$man which is
illimi$a6le& 6ir$hless and dea$hless9 The m!!n remains as i$ is& !nly $here is an a44aren$ change !ver
i$ !wing $! as$r!n!mical m!$i!ns9
BThe s"n draws wa$er 6y i$s rays and gives i$ all away in $ime9 The sage $aEes in !rder $! give
6"$ n!$ in !rder $! add $! his !wn 4!ssessi!ns9 c"s$ as $he s"n& re#lec$ed in vari!"s 4!$s !# wa$er&
a44ears $! $he ign!ran$ as many& s! als! $he A$man a44ears as s"ch in di##eren$ 6!dies !n acc!"n$ !#
$he )4adhis ca"sed 6y $he re#lec$i!n $hr!"gh $he mind9
BT!! m"ch a$$achmen$ is 6ad9 One sh!"ld n!$ have $!! m"ch a##ec$i!n !r a$$achmen$ #!r
any!ne9 T!! m"ch a$$achmen$ $!wards any$hing ca"ses !neXs !wn des$r"c$i!n9 This I have learn$
A3
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
#r!m a 4air !# 4ige!ns9 In a cer$ain #!res$& !n a cer$ain $ree& a 4ige!n 6"il$ a nes$ and wi$h his ma$e
lived $here #!r s!me years9 They were m"ch a$$ached $! each !$her in l!ve9 They reared $heir y!"ng
!nes wi$h grea$ a##ec$i!n9 One day $hey le#$ $heir y!"ng !nes in $he nes$ and wen$ a6!"$ in search !#
#!!d #!r $hem9 A h"n$er came and ca"gh$ $he y!"ng !nes 6y s4reading a ne$9 The 4aren$ 6irds
re$"rned $! $heir nes$ wi$h #!!d9 The m!$her had $!! m"ch a##ec$i!n #!r $he y!"ng !nes9 She #ell in$!
$he ne$ !# her !wn acc!rd9 The male 4ige!n als! #ell in$! $he ne$ himsel#9 The h"n$er ca"gh$ $he
4ige!ns wi$h $he y!"ng !nes9 He was :"i$e sa$is#ied and wen$ h!me9 Th"s $he misera6le #amily
man& wh! has n!$ c!n$r!lled his senses& wh! has n!$ wi$hdrawn his senses and mind #r!m $he
w!rldly !6Dec$s& wh! #inds deligh$ !nly in $he married li#e and main$ains his #amily wi$h in$ense
a$$achmen$& c!mes $! grie# wi$h all his rela$i!ns liEe $he 4ige!ns 1Ka4!$ha and Ka4!$hi59 He wh!&
a$$aining a h"man 6ir$h which is liEe an !4en ga$eway $! M"E$i !r $he #inal li6era$i!n& is merely
a$$ached $! $he h!"seh!lderXs li#e liEe $he 6ird& is c!nsidered as !ne wh! has #allen #r!m his s$a$"s9
BThe 4leas"res !6$ained $hr!"gh $he aven"es !# $he senses& whe$her in $his w!rld !r $he
neZ$& are $ransien$ and #lee$ing9 The wise man never hanEers a#$er $hem9
BThe h"ge ADagara ser4en$ remains where he is and is c!n$en$ wi$h wha$ever #!!d $ha$
c!mes $! him9 LiEe $he ADagara& !ne sh!"ld maEe n! e##!r$ 6"$ !nly swall!w $he m!"$h#"l $ha$ is
6r!"gh$ $! him 6y chance& delici!"s !r dis$as$e#"l& m"ch !r li$$le9 I# n! #!!d reaches him& he sh!"ld
lie :"ie$ even #!r a l!ng $ime wi$h!"$ any #!!d and wi$h!"$ any eZer$i!n $! ge$ i$] 6eca"se& he
sh!"ld& liEe $he ADagara& s"6sis$ !n wha$ 4r!vidence 6rings $! him !r des$iny decrees9 H!lding s$ill
$he 6!dy end!wed wi$h energy& #!r$i$"de and s$reng$h& he sh!"ld lie wide awaEe and n!$ eZer$&
$h!"gh he has s!"nd !rgans9
BThe sage sh!"ld 6e calm& 4r!#!"nd !r dee4& di##ic"l$ $! #a$h!m& illimi$a6le and imm!va6le
!r n!$ lia6le $! 6e 4er$"r6ed 6y w!rldly circ"ms$ances liEe $he $ran:"il !cean9 The !cean may
receive v!l"mes !# wa$er #r!m $he rivers a$ $imes !r may receive n! wa$er a$ !$her $imes 6"$ i$
remains $he same9 %ven s!& $he sage wh! has se$ his hear$ "4!n $he L!rd& nei$her swells wi$h D!y
when he has an a6"ndance !# enD!ya6le !6Dec$s& n!r shrinEs wi$h s!rr!w when he has n!ne9
BThe man !# "nc!n$r!lled senses& seeing a w!man& $he '!dXs Maya 1enchan$men$ crea$ed
6y $he L!rd5 and 6eing all"red 6y her 6ehavi!"r and #eelings& #alls in$! $he 6linding darEness and
c!mes $! grie#& D"s$ as $he m!$h #alls in$! $he #ire9 The #!!l& wh! wi$h his mind all"red 6y w!men&
g!ld !rnamen$s& cl!$hes and !$her $hings crea$ed 6y Maya& regards $hem as !6Dec$s !# enD!ymen$&
l!ses his c!rrec$ visi!n and 4erishes liEe a m!$h9
BThe sage sh!"ld wander #r!m h!"se $! h!"se $aEing hand#"ls #r!m each h!"se $ill he ge$s
D"s$ en!"gh #!!d #!r his s"s$enance& wi$h!"$ maEing any h!"se #eel 6"rdened& liEe $he 6ee which
ga$hers h!ney #r!m all #l!wers9
BThe in$elligen$ man sh!"ld eZ$rac$ $he essence #r!m all scri4$"res& grea$ !r small& D"s$ as $he
6ee d!es #r!m #l!wers9 The sage sh!"ld n!$ s$!re #!!d #!r $he evening !r $he neZ$ day] $he hands !r
$he s$!mach sh!"ld 6e his vessel] he sh!"ld n!$ h!ard liEe $he 6ee9 He wh! s$!res #!!d is des$r!yed
wi$h his s$!re liEe $he 6ee9
A.
T%A,HIN'S
BThe Sannyasin sh!"ld n!$ $!"ch even $he w!!den #ig"re !# a y!"ng w!man even wi$h his
#ee$9 I# he d!es s!& he w!"ld 6e ca"gh$ as is $he ele4han$ $hr!"gh i$s a$$achmen$ #!r $he $!"ch !# $he
she=ele4han$9 The wise man sh!"ld sh"n $he c!m4any !# w!men as i# i$ were dea$h $! him] #!r he
w!"ld 6e Eilled liEe a weaE ele4han$ 6y !$her ele4han$s9
BThe miser wh! h!ards weal$h& nei$her gives n!r enD!ys his riches9 Wha$ever he c!llec$s
wi$h di##ic"l$y is carried away 6y s!me!ne else& D"s$ as $he c!llec$!r !# h!ney carries away $he
h!ney c!llec$ed 6y $he 6ees9
BLiEe $he c!llec$!r !# h!ney& $he Sannyasin #irs$ enD!ys $h!se g!!d $hings which
h!"seh!lders c!llec$ $hr!"gh hard=earned weal$h in !rder $! enD!y9
BThe asce$ic sh!"ld n!$ lis$en $! sens"!"s m"sic9 He sh!"ld learn a less!n #r!m $he deer
which& enam!"red 6y $he h"n$ersX m"sic& ge$s ensnared9 The sage Rishyasringa& 6!rn !# deer&
lis$ened $! $he sens"!"s m"sic !# w!men and was easily en$ra44ed 6y $hem9 He 6ecame a $!y !r a
4layma$e in $heir hands9
Bc"s$ as a #ish $ha$ is a$$rac$ed 6y 6ai$s #alls an easy vic$im $! $he 6ai$ 6y means !# $he h!!E&
s! als! $he #!!lish man wh! all!ws his sense !# $as$e $! !ver4!wer him& wh! is s$"4e#ied wi$h $he
charms !# $as$e and delicacies 6y $he $"r6"len$ and greedy $!ng"e& mee$s wi$h dea$h9 T!ng"e !r $he
l!ve !# $as$e is m!s$ di##ic"l$ $! c!n:"er9 I# $he sense !# $as$e is c!n$r!lled& all !$her senses are
c!n$r!lled9 One cann!$ 6ec!me mas$er !# his !rgans "n$il he c!n$r!ls $he !rgan !# $as$e9 N! man can
6e said $! have c!n:"ered his senses "nless his !rgan !# $as$e is c!m4le$ely c"r6ed9 Th!"gh$#"l men
s!!n s"6d"e $heir senses 6y #as$ing9
BThere was #!rmerly in $he ci$y !# Videhas a 4"6lic w!man called (ingala9 I have learn$
s!me$hing #r!m her9 Lis$en $! i$& O KingH One day she 4"$ !n 6ea"$i#"l dress and wai$ed a$ $he d!!r
!# her h!"se in $he evening& $! receive and 6argain c"s$!mers #!r $he nigh$9 She invi$ed s!me
4ers!ns 6"$ sen$ $hem away as she $h!"gh$ s!me !$her weal$hy man w!"ld richly 4ay her9 Wi$h $his
in!rdina$e desire she wai$ed slee4less a$ $he d!!r& n!w g!ing in& n!w c!ming !"$& $ill i$ was
midnigh$9 Thr!"gh $his anZi!"s eZ4ec$a$i!n !# m!ney& she s4en$ $he nigh$ in a #ever !# h!4e& w!rry
and disa44!in$men$9 She #el$ eZ$reme disg"s$ #!r her li#e !# greed and desire which made her
"nha44y9
BIn her "$$er disa44!in$men$ she sang& kIndi##erence $! w!rldly !6Dec$s is liEe a sw!rd $! c"$
as"nder a manXs #e$$ers !# eZ4ec$a$i!n !r c!rds !# desires9 One d!es n!$ wish $! ge$ rid !# $he
6!ndage !# $he 6!dy "n$il he has 6ec!me disg"s$ed& D"s$ as n! man wi$h!"$ insigh$ in$! $he $r"$h !r
En!wledge c!"ld rid himsel# !# $he n!$i!ns !# BIC and BMineC !r $he clinging $! $he !6Dec$s9X (ingala
said& kL!H H!w del"ded am I #!r wan$ !# c!n$r!l !ver my mindH H!w #!!lish am I $! seeE $he
sa$is#ac$i!n !# desires #r!m s"ch crea$"res as menH
BDiscarding L!rd Narayana !r $he %$ernal A$man& sea$ed near in my hear$& wh! is a #i$ l!ver
and can sa$is#y me& wh! can give me everlas$ing 6liss and weal$h& I am c!"r$ing a 4"ny man wh!
cann!$ sa$is#y my desires and wh! ca"ses misery& #ear& disease& grie# and in#a$"a$i!n9 I have 6een
indeed very s$"4id9
A7
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
BOhH In vain I have a##lic$ed my s!"l 6y $his m!s$ re4r!acha6le m!de !# living& vil9& $ha$ !# a
4"6lic w!man] I have s!"gh$ weal$h and 4leas"re #r!m 4i$ia6le m!r$als& wh! are greedy and slaves
!# w!men& 6y selling my 6!dy $! $hem9
BWh!& !$her $han mysel#& w!"ld 6e $aEen $! $his h!"se which is 6"il$ !# 6!nes which are liEe
6eams& ra#$ers and 4!s$s !# a h!"se& which is c!vered !ver wi$h sEin& hair and nails& which is
#"rnished wi$h nine !4enings #!r discharging #il$h and #illed wi$h !##al and "rine`
BIn $his $!wn !# Videha& #"ll !# wise 6eings& I am $he !nly w!man wh! has $ied her h!4es&
ha44iness and desire& $! $he 6!dy9 I am $he !nly silly 6eing !r wicEed w!man wh! seeEs any !$her
s!"rce !# enD!ymen$ !r !6Dec$ !# desire $han $he L!rd wh! 6es$!ws Sel#=realisa$i!n9
BHe is $he $r"e #riend& 4r!$ec$!r& L!rd& m!s$ 6el!ved !ne& $he mas$er and $he very Sel# !r
A$man !# all em6!died 6eings] winning Him !ver& 6y giving "4 $he 6!dy $! Him& I shall enD!y His
c!m4any liEe LaEshmi and #ind everlas$ing ha44iness in Him al!ne9
BWha$ is $he "se !# serving !$hers` The #av!"rs !# g!ds and m!r$als are limi$ed 6y $ime&
ca4aci$y and vari!"s !$her !6s$acles9 Wha$ deligh$ can $he sense=!6Dec$s& men !r $he g!ds c!n#er !n
w!men` All have a 6eginning and an end9
BS"rely I m"s$ have d!ne s!me$hing in my 4revi!"s 6ir$hs $! 4r!4i$ia$e Vishn"& #!r i$ is 6y
His grace al!ne $ha$ $his Vairagya 1dis4assi!n !r disg"s$5 c"$$ing a$ $he r!!$ !# all "nh!ly desires&
has arisen in my mind9 Thr!"gh His grace !nly& I have a$$ained $he way $! everlas$ing ha44iness and
4eace9
BI# $he L!rd had n!$ 6een 4r!4i$i!"s $! me& s"ch disa44!in$men$s& as lead $! ren"ncia$i!n
and dis4assi!n& w!"ld n!$ have arisen& which ena6le !ne $! a6and!n all a$$achmen$s and a$$ain
ha44iness9
BI acce4$& wi$h h"m6le dev!$i!n& $his gi#$ !# $he L!rd !n my head9 I n!w a6and!n all vain
eZ4ec$a$i!ns and evil desires and $aEe re#"ge in $he S"4reme L!rd9 ,!n$en$ed& #"ll !# #ai$h in $he
L!rd& living !n wha$ chance 6rings $! me& I shall enD!y $he e$ernal 6liss !# $he L!rd& (arama$man9
Wh! else 6"$ $he L!rd can save $his civa wh! has #allen in$! $he dee4 4i$ !# Samsara 16ir$hs and
dea$hs5& wi$h eyes 6linded 6y $he !6Dec$s& wi$h $he visi!n r!66ed 6y $he senses& and wh! is
swall!wed "4 6y $he ser4en$ !# Time9
BWhen !ne realises $he evanescence !# $his "niverse& when he 6eh!lds $he "niverse in $he
Daws !# $he ser4en$ !# Time& he will s"rely and #irmly sc!rn $he #lee$ing& d!"6$#"l& w!r$hless&
ill"s!ry 4leas"res !# $his w!rld and $he neZ$9 He will 6ec!me very ca"$i!"s& $"rn himsel# away #r!m
$he ill"s!ry sense=!6Dec$s and will seeE re4!se in $he e$ernal 6liss !# his !wn A$man9 When !ne
6ec!mes disg"s$ed wi$h every$hing else& A$man is $he 4r!$ec$!r !# A$man& $he Sel# al!ne is $he
savi!"r !# !nesel#9C
The Brahmin said& B(ingala having $h"s de$ermined in her mind& and #iZed her mind !n $he
L!rd& gave "4 all h!4es and eZ4ec$a$i!ns d"e $! hanEering #!r l!vers& sa$ !n her 6ed wi$h a serene
mind9 She a6and!ned all "nh!ly desires $ha$ $r!"6led her and 6ecame ha44y9 She sle4$ s!"ndly wi$h
A2
T%A,HIN'S
a $ran:"il mind9 I$ is h!4e $ha$ gives "s $r!"6le9 Wi$h!"$ h!4e we are ha44y9 Desires& h!4es and
eZ4ec$a$i!ns are $he s!"rce !# grie#9 A6and!nmen$ !# all eZ4ec$a$i!ns and desires is $he grea$es$
6liss9 I$ is $he ha44ies$ s$a$e9 Vairagya is $he s!"rce !# 6liss as can 6e seen #r!m (ingala wh! sle4$
ha44ily& cas$ing aside $he hanEering #!r l!vers9
BThe s!"rce #!r a##lic$i!n and misery is indeed $he ac:"isi$i!n !# any$hing wha$s!ever $ha$
men h!ld as deares$9 B"$ $ha$ man wh! En!ws $his $r"$h& gives "4 all 4!ssessi!n and d!es n!$ $hinE
!# any ac:"isi$i!n and a$$ains "nlimi$ed ha44iness9
BAn !s4rey 1K"rara@a 6ird !# 4rey5 had a 4iece !# #lesh in i$s m!"$h9 The s$r!nger 6irds
$ha$ had n! #lesh 4!"nced "4!n i$& 6"$ $he K"rara dr!44ed $he 4iece !# #lesh and 6ecame ha44y9
Ren"ncia$i!n !# dear !6Dec$s is g!!d9 I$ gives 4eace9
BI d! n!$ care #!r h!n!"r !r dish!n!"r9 I d! n!$ $hinE !# $he h!"se& wi#e !r children9 I s4!r$ in
A$man and $aEe deligh$ in A$man and r!am !n ear$h liEe a child9
BOnly $w! are #ree #r!m anZie$ies and immersed in $he highes$ 6liss@$he child $ha$ En!ws
n!$hing and $he man wh! has realised $he S"4reme Being& wh! is 6ey!nd $he in#l"ence !# $he
'"nas9
BIn a cer$ain 4lace& a girl hersel# had $! a$$end $! $he c!m#!r$s !# $h!se wh! visi$ed $he h!"se
$! asE her in marriage when her rela$i!ns had g!ne !"$ $! s!me !$her 4lace9 As she was h"sEing $he
4addy #!r $heir meal in a s!li$ary 4lace& $he c!nch 6angles !n her wris$s made a grea$ n!ise9 The
in$elligen$ girl $h!"gh$ i$ disgrace#"l and was very m"ch ashamed !# her 4!ver$y9 She $h!"gh$ $ha$
$he 4ar$y migh$ de$ec$ her 4!!r c!ndi$i!n9 She 6r!Ee $he 6racele$s !ne 6y !ne& leaving !nly $w! !n
each hand9 %ven $h!se $w! 6racele$s 4r!d"ced a s!"nd when she wen$ !n h"sEing9 S! she rem!ved
!ne !# $hese als!9 N! s!"nd was $hen 4r!d"ced #r!m $he remaining !ne $h!"gh she c!n$in"ed
h"sEing9
BWandering !ver $he w!rld in search !# $r"$h and eZ4eriences& I learn$ #r!m $he girlXs
eZ4erience $he #!ll!wing ins$r"c$i!ns9 Where many dwell $!ge$her $here w!"ld 6e :"arrel9 %ven
6e$ween $w! 4e!4le $here w!"ld 6e !ccasi!n #!r de6a$e !r $alE9 There#!re& !ne sh!"ld live al!ne
liEe $he single 6angle !n $he hand !# $he girl9
BHaving c!n$r!lled $he 6rea$h and 4rac$ised #irmness in sea$& !ne sh!"ld& liEe an archer
$aEing his aim& #iZ !r cen$re $he mind !n $he S"4reme Sel#9 He sh!"ld 6e !n $he aler$ $! Eee4 $he
mind s$eady $hr!"gh ren"ncia$i!n& c!ns$an$ a44lica$i!n and sys$ema$ic 4rac$ice9 c"s$ as $he #ire
eZha"s$s i$sel# when $he #"el is c!ns"med& s! als! $he mind #irmly checEed in i$s !"$ward
wanderings& 6ec!mes !6livi!"s !# $he diversi$ies ca"sed 6y $he '"nas& sl!wly shaEes !## $he 6!nds
!# Karma& a6and!ns grad"ally $he im4"lsi!ns $! w!rE& ge$s #ree #r!m RaDas and Tamas $hr!"gh
increased Sa$$va& s"6sides and a$$ains $ran:"illi$y in $he a6sence !# $he #"el !# '"nas and $heir
4r!d"c$s and $he sense=im4ressi!ns which #eed i$9 I$ 6ec!mes !ne wi$h $he !6Dec$ !# medi$a$i!n9 I$
6ec!mes en$irely a6s!r6ed in $he !6Dec$ !# c!n$em4la$i!n9 Then having his mind en$irely a6s!r6ed
in $he A$man& he d!es n!$ see any$hing else a$ $ha$ $ime& inside !r !"$side& D"s$ as $he arr!w=maEer
wi$h his mind a6s!r6ed in maEing $he arr!w& did n!$ see $he Eing 4assing 6y his side9 I have learn$
c!ncen$ra$i!n !# mind #r!m $he arr!w=maEer9
AA
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
BThe wise man sh!"ld wander al!ne9 He sh!"ld 6e h!meless and 6e ever aler$9 He sh!"ld
res!r$ $! a cave and sh!"ld n!$ eZhi6i$ his real w!r$h9 He sh!"ld remain wi$h!"$ #riends9 He sh!"ld
ind"lge in as li$$le s4eech as 4!ssi6le9
BI$ is very $r!"6les!me and "seless #!r an asce$ic $! 6"ild a h!"se as his 6!dy is #lee$ing and
4erisha6le9 c"s$ as $he ser4en$ en$ers and maEes i$sel# c!m#!r$a6le in any h!le d"g 6y !$hers& s! als!
he sh!"ld maEe himsel# c!m#!r$a6le a$ every chance residence !r 4lace $ha$ c!mes in his way9 He
sh!"ld have n! #iZed a6!de9
Bc"s$ as $he s4ider 6rings $he $hread !"$ !# i$sel#& s4reads !"$ $he we6& s4!r$s in i$ and dev!"rs
i$ i$sel#& s! als! $he L!rd crea$es $he "niverse !"$ !# Himsel# $hr!"gh His Maya c!nsis$ing !# $hree
'"nas& s4!r$s in i$ and $aEes i$ 6acE again in$! Himsel#9
BWha$ever #!rm a man c!ns$an$ly $hinEs !# $hr!"gh l!ve& ha$red !r #ear& $ha$ he a$$ains in
c!"rse !# $ime $hr!"gh c!ncen$ra$i!n !n $he #!rm he $hinEs a6!"$& D"s$ as a w!rm 6ec!mes $he was49
BTh"s #r!m $he a6!ve $wen$y=#!"r 4rece4$!rs I have learn$ $he vari!"s ins$r"c$i!ns9 N!w
lis$en& O Eing& $! wha$ I have learn$ #r!m my !wn 6!dy9 My !wn 6!dy is als! my '"r"9 I have learn$
#r!m i$ dis4assi!n& discrimina$i!n and n!n=a$$achmen$9 I$ is ever "nderg!ing change and is
evanescen$9 I$ is 6!rn !nly $! die9 ,!ns$an$ misery is i$s l!$9 I$ 6ec!mes $he sea$ !# eg!ism9 One has
$! $!il $! sa$is#y i$s wan$s9 This 6rings grie# and s!rr!w9 I re#lec$ !n Tr"$h wi$h i$s hel49 I En!w $he
Tr"$h 6y a discrimina$ive s$"dy !# $he 6!dy9 I regard i$ as n!$ mine and s! I #eel n! a$$achmen$ #!r i$9
The 6!dy 6el!ngs $! $he d!gs and DacEals wh! dev!"r i$ a#$er dea$h9
B!r $he saEe !# $he c!m#!r$s !# $he 6!dy& a 4ers!n main$ains a wi#e& d!mes$ic animals&
servan$s& children& h!me and rela$i!ns and amasses weal$h wi$h grea$ di##ic"l$y9 This 6!dy 4erishes
in $he end liEe a $ree& crea$ing $he seed !# a #resh 6!dy #!r him9
BThe $!ng"e drags him $! !ne side and $hirs$ $! an!$her] $he !rgan !# re4r!d"c$i!n $! s!me
!$her] $he sEin& s$!mach and ear in s!me !$her direc$i!n] $he sense !# smell in !ne direc$i!n& $he
#icEle eye $! s!me$hing else& $he $endency #!r w!rE draws $! s!me$hing else& every !$her 4hysical
!rgan in a di##eren$ direc$i!n !# ac$ivi$y9 The senses s"cE his very li#e 6l!!d& even as $he many wives
!# !ne h"s6and9
BThe L!rd crea$ed vari!"s 6!dies s"ch as $rees& re4$iles& 6eas$s& 6irds& insec$s and #ish 6"$
was n!$ sa$is#ied wi$h $hese9 Then He made $he h"man 6!dy& which is end!wed wi$h in$ellec$& #!r
realising Brahman and He was eZ$remely deligh$ed9
BThe wise man& having !6$ained a#$er many 6ir$hs $his eZ$remely rare h"man 6!dy which
$h!"gh $ransien$ and #rail is ye$ c!nd"cive $! $he a$$ainmen$ !# high 4"r4!se& vil9& M!Esha !r $he
#inal emanci4a$i!n& sh!"ld :"icEly endeav!"r $! a$$ain li6era$i!n !r $he highes$ g!!d 6e#!re i$ #alls a
4rey $! dea$h] #!r sense=enD!ymen$ may 6e had indeed in any 6!dy9
BTh"s learning #r!m my 6!dy Vairagya& !r dis$as$e !r aversi!n $!wards w!rldly 4leas"res
and a En!wledge !# $he real 6liss !# my na$"re which is essen$ially divine& I wander !ver $he w!rld
wi$h!"$ eg!ism and a$$achmen$& wi$h $he ligh$ !# $r"e wisd!m as my ligh$9
A?
T%A,HIN'S
BVerily& $he En!wledge derived #r!m !ne 4rece4$!r cann!$ 6e very #irm and s"##icien$ly
#"ll] 6eca"se $his Brahman& $h!"gh !ne wi$h!"$ a sec!nd& is vari!"sly s"ng 6y Rishis9C
Sri Krishna said& BThe Brahmin having said s! m"ch& $!!E leave !# *ad" wh! 4aid him all
4r!4er reverence and wen$ away9 O"r ances$!r *ad" als! $!!E $! hear$ $he ins$r"c$i!ns !# $he sage&
gave "4 all a$$achmen$s and a$$ained e:"animi$y !# mind and $ran:"illi$y9C
Samsara
iSri Krishna eZ4lains $! )ddhava h!w $he civa #alls in$! Samsara9 The sch!!l !# caimini is
re#"$edj
Sri Krishna said- The man wh! has $aEen re#"ge in Me sh!"ld a$$end $! his 4ar$ic"lar d"$ies
as $a"gh$ 6y Me and !6serve $he c!"rse !# c!nd"c$ laid d!wn #!r his cas$e& !rder !# li#e !r #amily&
wi$h!"$ a$$achmen$ and wi$h!"$ cherishing desires9
Wi$h a mind& 4"ri#ied 6y $he 4er#!rmance !# d"$ies& he sh!"ld& medi$a$ing !n $he Tr"$h&
n!$ice care#"lly h!w $he e##!r$s 4r!ve a #ail"re !n $he 4ar$ !# $h!se wh! seeE w!rldly !6Dec$s and are
a$$ached $! $hem& regarding $hem as real9
c"s$ as $he visi!n !# !6Dec$s !# a slee4ing man and !# !ne wh! ind"lges in #ancies& are n!$
real& s! als! $he !6Dec$s !# desires !r $he n!$i!n !# di##erences in !6Dec$s !"$side& which is ca"sed 6y
$he sense=!rgans !r '"nas& are "nreal9
Ac$i!ns are #!"r#!ld 1.5 Kamya Karma@$h!se ac$i!ns which are d!ne #!r $he a$$ainmen$ !#
sel#ish desires& 175 Nishiddha Karma@$h!se ac$i!ns $ha$ are 4r!hi6i$ed 6y $he scri4$"res& 125 Ni$ya
Karma@$h!se $ha$ are re:"ired $! 6e daily 4er#!rmed s"ch as Sandhya& 1A5 Naimi$$iEa
Karma@$h!se $ha$ are re:"ired $! 6e 4er#!rmed !n cer$ain !ccasi!ns& s"ch as Sraaddha9 The #irs$
$w! are (ravri$$a !r sel#ish Karmas9 The Smri$is declare $ha$ $h!se wh! wan$ M!Esha !r li6era$i!n
m"s$ n!$ 4er#!rm (ravri$$a Karma9 B"$ $hey sh!"ld 4er#!rm Ni$ya and Naimi$$iEa Karmas& as $heir
n!n=4er#!rmance may give rise $! !6s$acles9
One !"gh$ $! #!ll!w $he Nivri$$i Karma& 1Ni$ya and Naimi$$iEa5 and #"ll !# dev!$i!n $! Me&
desis$ #r!m (ravri$$a Karmas which lead $! re6ir$hs9 He sh!"ld s$ar$ $he en:"iry in$! Tr"$h and
sh!"ld n!$ 4ay any a$$en$i!n $! $he inD"nc$i!ns !# W!rE9 When !ne en$ers $he 4a$h !# wisd!m& he
need n!$ care m"ch even #!r Nivri$$i Karma9
Being #iZed !n Me& in$en$ !n Me& he sh!"ld always 4rac$ise *amas and s!me$imes Niyamas
als!9 He sh!"ld serve $he 4rece4$!r& wh! is !# serene mind& wh! is learned in $he Vedas& wh! is
dev!$ed $! Me& wh! is #"ll !# Me& wh! has 6ec!me !ne wi$h Me& and wh! has realised Me as his
!wn Sel#9
He sh!"ld 6e #ree #r!m 4ride& envy& Deal!"sy& wi$h!"$ a$$achmen$& #irmly dev!$ed $! $he
'"r"& #ree #r!m im4a$ience and in$en$ "4!n En!wing $he Tr"$h9 He sh!"ld n!$ #ind #a"l$ wi$h any
and sh!"ld n!$ ind"lge in "nnecessary !r idle $alE9 He sh!"ld 6e indi##eren$ $! his wi#e& children&
A0
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
h!"se& lands& Ei$h and Ein& weal$h& e$c9 He sh!"ld see all aliEe& 6eca"se A$man is $he same
everywhere and $hr!"gh every$hing $he A$man shines9
This A$man& $he sel#=l"min!"s wi$ness& is dis$inc$ #r!m $he gr!ss and s"6$le 6!dies& D"s$ as
$he #ire $ha$ 6"rns and ill"mines is di##eren$ #r!m $he w!!d $ha$ is 6"rn$ and ill"mina$ed9 c"s$ as #ire
which en$ers $he #"el ass"mes $he a$$ri6"$es !# $he #"el s"ch as !rigin& smallness& grea$ness and
diversi$y& s! als! d!es $he dis$inc$ A$man ass"me $he :"ali$ies !# $he 6!dy9
This 6!dy& which is crea$ed 6y $he '"nas !# $he Maya !# $he L!rd& c!ns$i$"$es $he Samsara9
I$ is $he ca"se !# manXs $ransmigra$i!n9 The En!wledge !# A$man c"$s !## $he c!"rse !# re6ir$hs9
There#!re& !ne sh!"ld realise $he S"4reme Sel# in his !wn Sel#9 He sh!"ld grad"ally ge$ rid !# $he
sense !r idea $ha$ $he 4hen!menal w!rld and $he 6!dies& gr!ss and s"6$le& are real9 He sh!"ld #"lly
realise als! $ha$ A$man is se4ara$e and is 6ey!nd $he 6!dy9
The 4rece4$!r sh!"ld 6e regarded as $he main !r l!wer 4iece !# $he $w! 4ieces !# w!!d
1Arani5 "sed #!r Eindling $he sacred #ire and $he 4"4il $he "44er !ne] ins$r"c$i!n is $he 4iece 1middle
4!r$i!n5 $ha$ c!nnec$s $hem& and En!wledge is $he "ni!n $ha$ 6rings ha44iness9 The 4"re wisd!m&
which is $h"s ac:"ired #r!m $he '"r" rem!ves $he Maya !r del"si!n $ha$ is 4r!d"ced 6y $he '"nas
and c!m4le$ely 6"rns "4 $he '"nas $hemselves& which c!ns$i$"$e $he "niverse and is i$sel#
eZ$ing"ished als!& liEe #ire wi$h!"$ #"el9
iThe view !# $he MimamsaEas is n!w descri6ed9 I$ is re#"$ed als!9 Acc!rding $! $his sch!!l
!# $h!"gh$& $he s!"ls are real and many9 They d! n!$ 6elieve in Isvara9 Heaven is $heir g!al9 Karma
is every$hing #!r $hem9 Karma gives #r"i$s9 There is n! necessi$y #!r a dis4enser !r L!rd9j
I# y!" $hinE $ha$ $he d!ers !# ac$i!ns and eZ4eriencers !# 4leas"res and 4ains are many !r
$ha$ $he heaven& $ime& scri4$"res and s!"ls are e$ernal !r $ha$ $he eZis$ence !# all !6Dec$s is real and
e$ernal and $ha$ En!wledge arises and is diverse acc!rding $! $he #!rm !# !6Dec$s 4erceived@even
$hen all crea$"res are re4ea$edly s"6Dec$ed $! $he di##eren$ s$a$es !# 6ir$h and dea$h !n acc!"n$ !#
$heir rela$i!n $! $he 6!dy and $he #!rce !# $he divisi!ns !# Time9
%ven in $his case& $here is n! #reed!m !n $he 4ar$ !# $he d!ers !# ac$i!n and $he eZ4eriencers
!# 4leas"re and 4ain9 Wha$ high 4"r4!se w!"ld $hen #all $! $he l!$ !# !ne wh! is n!$ inde4enden$`
Wh!& in seeEing his highes$ g!al !r g!!d& w!"ld w!rshi4 !ne wh! is de4enden$ !n !$hers`
There is n! ha44iness even $! learned men& and ign!ran$ 4e!4le are s!me$imes wi$h!"$ $he
leas$ misery9 There is !nly eg!ism !n $he 4ar$ !# $h!se wh! $hinE $hey are ha44y !n acc!"n$ !# $heir
sEill in 4er#!rming Vedic Karmas9 I$ is mere vani$y $! s4eaE a6!"$ $he e##icacy !# Karma9 %ven i#
$hey En!w h!w $! a$$ain 4leas"re and des$r!y misery& $hey cer$ainly d! n!$ En!w $he means 6y
which $hey can ge$ !ver dea$h9 When dea$h is near a$ hand& wha$ !6Dec$s !# enD!ymen$ can give
4leas"re $! man` N!$hing gives 4leas"re $! !ne wh! is 6eing c!nd"c$ed $! $he 4lace !# eZec"$i!n9
The enD!ymen$s in heaven 4r!mised 6y $he Vedas are als! $ransien$9 They are n!$ "nall!yed
4leas"res9 %ven in Svarga& $here are Deal!"sy& rivalry& des$r"c$i!n& decay& #a"l$=#inding& ine:"ali$ies
and c!nse:"en$ "neasiness9 There is an end #!r $he enD!ymen$s9 As $he desire #!r a$$aining $he
A>
T%A,HIN'S
enD!ymen$s !# heaven is a$$ended 6y vari!"s !6s$acles& i$ is #r"i$less liEe agric"l$"re9 There#!re even
Svarga is !# n! g!!d9
The man wh! has 4r!4i$ia$ed $he g!ds 6y sacri#ices g!es $! $he Heaven ac:"ired 6y s"ch
sacri#ices& and enD!ys $he celes$ial 4leas"res liEe a Deva9 He 4"$s !n 6ea"$i#"l dress and m!ves in
$he aerial car 1Vimana5& ac:"ired 6y his !wn g!!d ac$i!ns& in $he c!m4any !# celes$ial nym4hs and
is 4raised 6y 'andharvas9 The chari!$ m!ves a$ his will9 I$ is ad!rned wi$h li$$le 6ells9 He whiles
away his $ime wi$h $he celes$ial damsels in $he gardens !# $he g!ds and d!es n!$ $hinE !# his #all9 He
enD!ys in heaven $ill $he meri$s !# his g!!d ac$i!ns are eZha"s$ed9 When $he meri$ is eZha"s$ed& he
#alls d!wn 6y $he #!rce !# $ime even agains$ his will9
I# a man ind"lges in $he 4r!hi6i$ed ac$s $hr!"gh evil c!m4any& i# his senses are n!$
c!n$r!lled& i# he is l"s$#"l& indiscrimina$e& greedy& i# he is addic$ed $! w!men& i# he ca"ses inD"ry $!
crea$"res& i# he Eills animals in vi!la$i!n !# Sas$ras and w!rshi4s gh!s$s and dem!ns& $hen he
hel4lessly g!es $! vari!"s hells and #inds $here in$ense Tamas9 He en$ers h!rri6le Tamasic 6!dies9
There#!re& Karma 1sel#ish ac$i!n5 ends in misery !nly9 By 4er#!rming Karma wi$h $he 6!dy&
men again ge$ new 6!dies9 Wha$ ha44iness is $here in $he 4!ssessi!n !# $his $ransi$!ry 6!dy` Wha$
4leas"re can $here 6e in $h"s ind"lging in ac$i!n& when !ne En!ws $ha$ $he 6!dy is m!r$al`
The heavenly s4heres and $heir r"lers& wh! live "4 $! a Kal4a& are a#raid !# Me] even
Brahma wh! lives #!r $w! (arardhas 1$en $h!"sand 6illi!ns !# years5 has #ear !# Me9
There#!re& (ravri$$i Marga leads $! miseries& s!rr!ws and 4ains9 I$ sh!"ld 6e sh"nned9
Nivri$$i Marga& which leads $! e$ernal ha44iness and imm!r$ali$y& sh!"ld 6e res!r$ed $!9
The !rgans d! ac$i!ns& and $he '"nas direc$ $he !rgans9 The civa enD!ys $he #r"i$s !# his
ac$i!ns 6eing c!nnec$ed wi$h $he '"nas and $he !rgans9
As l!ng as $here is di##erence !r dis$"r6ance !# e:"ili6ri"m in $he '"nas& s! l!ng $here is
4l"rali$y in A$man !r diversi$y !# $he s!"l9 As l!ng as $here is 4l"rali$y !r diversi$y !# $he s!"l& s!
l!ng i$ is de4enden$ !n !$hers9 S! l!ng as civa is de4enden$& i$ has #ear #r!m $he L!rd9 There#!re
$h!se wh! $aEe $! $his c!"rse !# Karma are given "4 $! s!rr!w and are del"ded9
I am called as Time& S!"l& Vedas& )niverse& Heaven& Tem4eramen$& Righ$e!"sness& Law&
e$c9] when $he e:"ili6ri"m !# $he '"nas is dis$"r6ed& when $he '"nas are miZed in di##eren$
4r!4!r$i!ns9
)ddhava said- O L!rdH H!w is i$ $ha$ Brahman is n!$ 6!"nd 6y $he :"ali$ies !# $he 6!dy
$h!"gh He is in $hem` S! l!ng as $he civa dwells in $he $rans#!rma$i!ns !# $he '"nas #!rming $he
6!dy& h!w can he hel4 n!$ 6eing 6!"nd 6y $h!se :"ali$ies` I# he is #ree liEe AEasa& h!w d!es he ge$
in$! 6!ndage`
Wha$ are $he signs !r charac$eris$ics !# #ree and 6!"nd s!"ls` H!w d! $hey live and enD!y`
Wha$ !r h!w d! $hey ea$` H!w d! $hey a$$end $! $heir 6!dily #"nc$i!ns` H!w d! $hey lie& !r si$& !r
A<
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
g!` (lease enligh$en me !n $he a6!ve 4!in$s9 *!" are Omniscien$9 *!" are $he #!rem!s$ One am!ng
$h!se wh! En!w $he answers $! :"es$i!ns9 Is $he same s!"l ever in 6!ndage !r ever in li6era$i!n`
B!ndage and Li6era$i!n
The s!"l is said $! 6e 6!"nd !r #ree wi$h re#erence $! '"nas 6"$ i$ is n!$ s! in reali$y9 As $he
'"nas have $heir !rigin in Maya& as $hey are $he crea$i!n !# Maya& $here is nei$her 6!ndage n!r
li6era$i!n9
S!rr!w and del"si!n& D!y and grie#& even $he $aEing !# a 6!dy@$hese are all d"e $! Maya9
c"s$ as a dream is !nly an ill"s!ry #ic$i!n !# $he mind& s! als! $he c!"rse !# 6ir$h !r Samsara is n!$
real9
O highly in$elligen$ !neH The civa wh! is My 4ar$& is 6!"nd wi$h!"$ 6eginning !n acc!"n$ !#
ign!rance and is li6era$ed $hr!"gh En!wledge9 He is in 6!ndage as& 6eca"se !# his ign!rance& he
#ancies he is se4ara$e #r!m Me9 He 6ec!mes #ree when he ge$s $he En!wledge $ha$ he and I are !ne9
N!w I shall $ell y!" $he di##erence 6e$ween $he 6!"nd and $he li6era$ed s!"l& living in $he
same 6!dy wi$h en$irely !44!si$e :"ali$ies9
Tw! 6irds which l!!E aliEe 1#!r 6!$h are mani#es$a$i!n !# c!nsci!"sness5 and are
c!m4ani!ns& have 6y chance 6"il$ $heir nes$ in $he same $ree 1$he 6!dy59 One !# $hese 1$he civa5 ea$s
$he #r"i$s 1$he res"l$s !# his ac$i!ns rea4ed in $he 6!dy5 !# $ha$ $ree& while $he !$her 1Isvara5 $h!"gh
n!$ $aEing any #r"i$ is grea$er in s$reng$h and is $he migh$ier !# $he $w!9
He wh! d!es n!$ ea$ $he #r"i$s 1!# Karma5 is wise9 He En!ws himsel# as well as $he !$her& 6"$
n!$ he wh! ea$s $he #r"i$s9 He wh! is D!ined wi$h Avidya 1ign!rance5 is always 6!"nd& while He wh!
is D!ined wi$h Vidya !r He 1Isvara5 wh! is #"ll !# En!wledge& is e$ernally #ree9
The wise !ne is n!$ c!ndi$i!ned 6y $he 6!dy& $h!"gh he is in $he 6!dy& liEe a man ar!"sed
#r!m dream9 B"$ $he #!!lish man wh! has a wr!ng n!$i!n is c!ndi$i!ned 6y $he 6!dy liEe !ne in $he
dreaming s$a$e9 The ign!ran$ man iden$i#ies himsel# wi$h $he 6!dy& liEe $he man in dream9
The senses 4erceive $he !6Dec$s !# $he senses9 The wise !ne d!es n!$ iden$i#y himsel# wi$h
$hese9 He is& $here#!re& n!$ a##ec$ed 6y $hem9
The ign!ran$ man& h!wever& while dwelling in $his 6!dy which is "nder $he c!n$r!l !# 4as$
ac$i!ns& in which $he senses ac$& $hinEs $ha$ he is $he d!er and 6ec!mes $h"s 6!"nd d!wn9
The wise !ne& 6eing $h"s #ree #r!m a$$achmen$ in s"ch ac$s as slee4ing& si$$ing& walEing&
6a$hing& seeing& $!"ching& smelling& ea$ing& hearing& e$c9& d!es n!$ 6ind himsel# liEe $he ign!ran$
man] #!r& in $h!se ac$s he realises $ha$ $he '"nas 1senses5 4erceive and n!$ his Sel#9 He d!es n!$
iden$i#y himsel# wi$h $hem9 He s$ands as a silen$ wi$ness !# $he ac$ivi$ies !r eZ4eriences !# $he
!rgans9 %ven $h!"gh he is living in $he mids$ !# (raEri$i& s$ill he is "n$!"ched 6y i$ liEe $he sEy& $he
s"n and $he air9 He dwells in $he 6!dy& 6"$ is n!$ a$$ached $! i$9 The s"n 6ec!mes re#lec$ed in wa$er&
A/
T%A,HIN'S
6"$ is n!$ a$$ached $! wa$er9 The air m!ves a6!"$ all ar!"nd& 6"$ d!es n!$ 6ec!me a$$ached $! any
!6Dec$9 AEasa is all=4ervading& 6"$ i$ is n!$ a$$ached $! any$hing9
By $he #!rce !# dis4assi!n& $he visi!n 6ec!mes clear9 All d!"6$s are rem!ved9 The wise !ne
rises as i$ were #r!m slee4 and wi$hdraws himsel# #r!m $he diversi$ies !# $he 6!dy and !$her ma$erial
!6Dec$s9 His d!"6$s are cleared 6y $he eye !# wisd!m $ha$ $he civa is Brahman& his desires are c"$
away 6y $he sw!rd !# n!n=a$$achmen$ !r Vairagya] he sees Brahman everywhere& and is n!$ any
m!re del"ded 6y $he a44earance !# diversi$y !r 4er4leZi$y9 c"s$ as $he man wh! awaEes #r!m a
dream is n! m!re del"ded 6y $he eZ4eriences he wen$ $hr!"gh in $he dream& s! $he wise man is never
again del"ded 6y m"l$i4lici$y9
He wh!se 6rea$hs& $he senses& mind and in$ellec$ d! $heir #"nc$i!ns wi$h!"$ $h!"gh$s !#
4"r4!se !r 4lans& is #reed #r!m $he a$$ri6"$es !# $he 6!dy $h!"gh dwelling in $he 6!dy9 He is #ree
#r!m $he 6!nds !# Karma& $h!"gh s$ill envel!4ed 6y $he 6!dy9
He wh! is n!$ a##ec$ed in $he leas$ when he is inD"red 6y !$hers and w!rshi44ed 6y any6!dy
is a wise man9 He nei$her 4raises n!r 6lames !$hers #!r $heir g!!d !r 6ad deeds !r w!rds9 He is #ree
#r!m meri$s and demeri$s9 He En!ws n! meri$s !r demeri$s9 He l!!Es !n all wi$h an e:"al eye9 He
d!es n!$ d! any$hing& he d!es n!$ say any$hing& he d!es n!$ $hinE !n any$hing& g!!d !r 6ad9 He #inds
deligh$ in his !wn A$man9 He is immersed in his !wn 6liss !# $he Sel# and wanders a6!"$ liEe an
iner$ ma$$er heedless !# $he !"$side w!rld9
I# a man well=versed in $he Vedas is n!$ #iZed in Brahman& i# he has n! direc$ in$"i$ive
Sel#=realisa$i!n& his la6!"r 6ec!mes #r"i$less liEe $ha$ !# a man wh! Eee4s a 6reeding c!w $ha$ 6ears
n! cal#9
He wh! main$ains a c!w $ha$ has ceased $! yield milE& an "nchas$e wi#e& a 6!dy $ha$ is "nder
an!$herXs c!n$r!l& a w!r$hless and a wicEed s!n& weal$h which is n!$ 6es$!wed !n deserving 4e!4le&
and s4eech in which My gl!ry d!es n!$ #ind eZ4ressi!n& is !ne wh! g!es #r!m misery $! misery9
The wise man !"gh$ n!$ $! ind"lge in $ha$ 6arren s4eech in which $here is n! men$i!n !# My
gl!ri!"s sacred deeds in rela$i!n $! $he crea$i!n& main$enance and des$r"c$i!n !# $he w!rld !r $! My
s4!r$#"l Ava$aras !r 6ir$hs which are liEed 6y $he 4e!4le very m"ch9
One sh!"ld rem!ve $he del"si!n !# diversi$y in A$man $hr!"gh s"ch discrimina$i!n9 He
sh!"ld desis$ #r!m every$hing else and sh!"ld s$!4 all ac$ivi$ies9 I# $h!" ar$ n!$ a6le $! #iZ $he mind
s$eadily !n $he Brahman& $hen 4er#!rm all ac$i!ns wi$h!"$ eZ4ec$a$i!n #!r #r"i$s& !##ering $hem $!
Me "nc!ndi$i!nally9
mN!w Sri Krishna 4r!ceeds $! inc"lca$e BhaE$i !r dev!$i!n9j
O )ddhavaH The man !# #ai$h a$$ains "nswerving dev!$i!n $!wards Me& $he %$ernal One& 6y
lis$ening $! $he very a"s4ici!"s s$!ries !# Mine $ha$ 4"ri#y $he w!rlds& 6y singing c!ns$an$ly& 6y
remem6ering My deeds and lives& 6y d!ing all ac$i!ns #!r My saEe& 6y $aEing Me as his s!le re#"ge
and 6y 4"rs"ing d"$y& desire and weal$h #!r My saEe !nly9
?3
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
He 6ec!mes my dev!"$ w!rshi44er& a$$aining dev!$i!n #!r Me $hr!"gh ass!cia$i!n wi$h $he
sages9 He s"rely a$$ains $! Me as indica$ed 6y $he sages9
Sadh" and BhaE$i
)ddhava said- BO m!s$ gl!ri!"s L!rdH Wh! acc!rding $! Thee is a Sadh"` Wha$ s!r$ !#
Sadh" d!es Th!" 4re#er m!s$` Wha$ dev!$i!n w!"ld 4r!ve #r"i$#"l $!wards Thee` Wha$ s!r$ !#
BhaE$i a44r!ved 6y Rishis& s"ch as Narada and !$hers& is m!s$ acce4$a6le $! Thee`
O R"ler !# all 4ers!ns& O L!rd !# $he "niverse& may i$ 4lease Thee $! $ell $his $! me& #!r I
have #allen a$ Thy #ee$9 I am dev!$ed $! Thee and I have s"rrendered mysel# $! TheeH O L!rdH Th!"
ar$ $he S"4reme Brahman& in#ini$e liEe $he sEy& $he ("r"sha wh! is 6ey!nd $he Maya and $he '"nas9
Th!" ar$ incarna$ed !n ear$h !# y!"r !wn #ree will9C
Sri Krishna said& B,!m4assi!na$e& wi$h!"$ ill=will !r enmi$y $! any crea$"re& #!r6earing&
end"ring& #irm in $r"$h& !# #a"l$less mind& same $! all& d!ing g!!d $! all wi$h his mind "n$ain$ed 6y
desires& sel#=res$rained& mild& 4"re& gen$le and 4i!"s& wi$h!"$ 4!ssessi!ns& 4enniless& 4hysically
inac$ive& m!dera$e in #!!d and drinE& wi$h c!n$r!lled mind& #irm& seeEing re#"ge in Me& and
medi$a$ive& care#"l& vigilan$& !# a 6alanced mind& #"ll !# #!r$i$"de& having c!n$r!l !ver $he siZ#!ld
waves 1h"nger& $hirs$& s!rr!w& del"si!n& decay and dea$h5& n!$ seeEing res4ec$ #r!m !$hers 6"$
res4ec$ing !$hers& eZ4er$& #riendly& merci#"l& wise@s"ch is a Sadh" !r sage9
He wh!& En!wing my inD"nc$i!ns and 4r!hi6i$i!ns in $he 4er#!rmance !# !neXs !wn Dharma
!r d"$ies !# li#e& even a6and!ns $hem all #!r my saEe and w!rshi4s Me& is $he 6es$ !# all Sadh"s9
Th!se wh!& En!wing !r n!$ En!wing& Bwh! I am& wha$ I am and h!w m"ch and wha$ s!r$ I
am&C w!rshi4 Me wi$h $heir mind and hear$ n!$ drawn $! any !ne else& are in My !4ini!n $he 6es$ !#
My dev!$ees9
T! see& $!"ch and w!rshi4 My sym6!ls !r images and My dev!$ees& $! serve and ad!re
$hem] $he h"m6le reci$al !# My gl!ry and !# My deeds] in$ense eagerness and #ai$h in lis$ening $!
My s$!ries& medi$a$ing !n Me& !##ering !nesel# in My service] $he rec!"n$ing !# My 6ir$hs and
w!rE& $he !6servance !# My s4ecial days& #es$ivi$ies in My $em4les wi$h s!ngs& dance and
ins$r"men$al m"sic in c!m4any] 4r!cessi!ns& maEing !##erings !# w!rshi4 !n all s4ecial days !# $he
year& ini$ia$i!n acc!rding $! Vedic ri$es and $! Eee4 v!ws in My h!n!"r] en$h"siasm in ins$alling
My images #!r w!rshi4 and endeav!"r wi$h his !wn means !r wi$h !$hers hel4 in c!ns$r"c$ing
gardens& 4arEs& !rchards& 4laygr!"nds& and $em4les& dedica$ed $! Me] $! d! service in My $em4le
liEe a servan$ s"ch as swee4ing& washing and dec!ra$ing i$ wi$h #ig"res and drawings] $! 6e #ree
#r!m 4ride and hy4!crisy] n!$ 6ragging 6"$ Eee4ing silen$ a6!"$ his !wn g!!d deeds& n!$ "sing even
a ligh$ !##ered $! Me #!r any 4riva$e 4"r4!se !r sel#ish ends@$hese are $he s"re ways #!r !6$aining
My grace and e$ernal 6liss9 These are $he indica$i!ns !# BhaE$i9 These will ins$il dev!$i!n in !neXs
hear$9
Wha$ever is m!s$ desired 6y $he 4e!4le in general and wha$ever is in$ensely liEed 6y !nesel#
sh!"ld 6e !##ered $! Me9 Tha$ !##ering will $end $! everlas$ing g!!d !r in#ini$e res"l$s9
?.
T%A,HIN'S
The s"n& $he #ire& $he Brahmana& $he c!w& $he Vaishnava 1dev!$ee5& $he sEy& air& wa$er& ear$h&
$he hear$ and all 6eings@$hese& O #riend& are $he !6Dec$s wherein $! w!rshi4 Me9 These are $he
shrines #!r My w!rshi49 These are $he eleven 4laces #!r My w!rshi49
I am $! 6e w!rshi44ed in $he s"n $hr!"gh Vedic hymns& in $he #ire $hr!"gh !6la$i!ns !# ghee&
in $he Brahmana $hr!"gh h!s4i$ali$y& in $he c!ws 6y $he !##er !# grass& in $he dev!$ee $hr!"gh
res4ec$& Eind $rea$men$ and c!rdial rece4$i!n& in $he AEasa !# $he hear$ $hr!"gh reg"lar medi$a$i!n&
in $he air 6y regarding i$ as (rana& in wa$er 6y !##erings !# li6a$i!n and wi$h vari!"s ar$icles s"ch as
wa$er& leaves& #l!wers& e$c9& in $he ear$h 6y sacred Man$ras& in $he 6!dy !r !neXs !wn Sel# wi$h
ea$a6les& and in all 6eings& !ne sh!"ld w!rshi4 Me as Kshe$raDna& wi$h e:"al visi!n9
In all $hese a6!des !r 4laces !# w!rshi4 !ne sh!"ld wi$h a serene and c!ncen$ra$ed mind&
medi$a$e !n My 6enign #!rm wi$h #!"r hands& in which are $he c!nch& disc& mace and l!$"s9 He wh!
$h"s w!rshi4s Me $hr!"gh Ish$a 1maEing sacri#ices5 and ("r$i 1c!ns$r"c$i!n !# $anEs& gardens&
$em4les& e$c95 wi$h c!ncen$ra$i!n& remem6ers Me and serves $he Sadh"s !r $he righ$e!"s& a$$ains
4er#ec$ dev!$i!n $! Me9
O )ddhavaH %Zce4$ 6y dev!$i!n $ha$ is ac:"ired $hr!"gh $he ass!cia$i!n !# Sadh"s $here is
hardly any !$her way #!r salva$i!n& #!r I am $heir chie# s"44!r$& g!al and res!r$9 O s!n !# *ad"sH
N!w I am g!ing $! $ell $hee $his 4r!#!"nd secre$& even $h!"gh m!s$ c!n#iden$ial& 6eca"se $h!" ar$
My servan$& #riend and c!m4ani!n9
'l!ry !# Sa$sanga
I am n!$ s! easily a$$aina6le 6y *!ga& SanEhya !r discrimina$i!n& Dharma& s$"dy !# $he
Vedas& Ta4as& ren"ncia$i!n& li6eral gi#$s& chari$a6le ac$s& ri$es s"ch as Agnih!$ra& #as$s& v!ws&
*aDnas& secre$ Man$ras& res!r$ $! 4ilgrimages& *amas& Niyamas 1m!ral r"les5& as Sa$sanga
1c!m4any !# Sadh"s5 which 4"$s an end $! all a$$achmen$s9
I$ is !nly 6y ass!cia$i!n wi$h $he wise and $he righ$e!"s& $ha$ many wh! were !# a RaDasic !r
Tamasic na$"re@s"ch as Vri$ra& s!n !# $he sage Twash$ri& (rahlada& $he Dai$yas& $he As"ras and $he
RaEshasas& 'andharvas& A4saras& Nagas& Siddhas& ,haranas& '"hyaEas and Vidhyadharas& many
6eas$s and 6irds& and am!ng manEind Vaishyas& S"dras& w!men and !"$cas$es wh! are $he l!wes$
6y 6ir$h@have a$$ained Me9
Vrisha4arva& Bali& Bana& Maya& Vi6hishana& S"griva& Han"man& cam6avan $he 6ear&
'aDendra $he ele4han$& ca$ay" $he v"l$"re& T"ladhara $he merchan$& Dharmavyadha $he #!wler&
K"6Da $he h"nch6acEed 4er#"me=seller& $he '!4is in VraDa& $he wives !# $he Brahmanas engaged in
sacri#ices in Brindavan and !$hers@all $hese did n!$ s$"dy $he Vedas& did n!$ si$ a$ $he #ee$ !# grea$
men !# learning #!r $he saEe !# En!wledge& $hey did n!$ !6serve any v!ws !r #as$s& $hey did n!$
4er#!rm Ta4as 6"$ $hey a$$ained Me $hr!"gh $he ass!cia$i!n wi$h sain$s and Sadh"s9
Thr!"gh l!ve al!ne& devel!4ed $hr!"gh $he c!m4any !# sain$s& $he '!4is& and even $he
c!ws& $rees& 6eas$s& ser4en$s& and !$hers !# d"ll=wi$$ed na$"re& 6ecame 4er#ec$ed and easily a$$ained
Me wh!m !ne d!es n!$ a$$ain 6y maEing grea$ endeav!"rs $hr!"gh *!ga !r SanEhya& chari$y& v!ws&
Ta4as& sacri#ices& $eaching and s$"dy !# $he Vedas !r ren"ncia$i!n9 When I was $aEen 6y AEr"ra $!
?7
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
Ma$h"ra wi$h Balarama& $he '!4is& wi$h $heir hear$s given $! Me $hr!"gh in$ense dev!$i!n& were
grea$ly a##lic$ed a$ hear$ !n acc!"n$ !# My se4ara$i!n9 N!$hing 6"$ Me c!"ld give $hem any deligh$
!r in$eres$9 !r $he '!4is& $h!se very nigh$s which $hey s4en$ liEe a m!men$ wi$h Me $heir m!s$
6el!ved !ne& while a$ Brindavan& 6ecame $! $hem& in My a6sence& liEe *"gas9 Wi$h $heir hear$s and
minds #iZed !n Me& $hr!"gh in$ense l!ve and a$$achmen$& $hey were n!$ c!nsci!"s !# $heir 6!dies !r
$heir rela$ives !r wha$ was near !r a$ a dis$ance& D"s$ as sages d! n!$ En!w names and #!rms in $he
s$a$e !# Samadhi !r s"4erc!nsci!"s c!ndi$i!n liEe $he rivers merged in $he wa$ers !# $he !cean9
The ign!ran$ '!4is& wh! were n!$ aware !# My real na$"re as S"4reme Brahman $!!E Me as
$heir 6el!ved 4aram!"r and ye$ $hey a$$ained Me& $he S"4reme Brahman& 6y h"ndreds and
$h!"sands& $hr!"gh $he 4!wer !# Sa$sanga !r h!ly ass!cia$i!n9 There#!re& O )ddhava& a6and!n
inD"nc$i!ns and 4r!hi6i$i!ns& $he c!"rse !# (ravri$$a Karma and Nivri$$a Karma& which is ye$ $! 6e
s$"died !r wha$ is already s$"died& rise a6!ve $he r"les and c!"n$er=r"les9 ,are n!$ #!r Sr"$is !r
Smri$is& #!r 6iddings and #!r6iddings9 TaEe re#"ge in Me al!ne wh!le=hear$edly and wi$h all
dev!$i!n@$he A$man !# all 6eings9 Th!" shal$ have n! #ear #r!m any :"ar$er #r!m any ca"se !r
ca"ses9
The L!rd said- BThis (arama$man& wh! gives li#e $! all& is mani#es$ in $he ,haEras !r cen$res
!# $he s4inal c!l"mn9 He has en$ered $he M"ladhara ,haEra wi$h $he (rana and $he s"6$les$ #!rm !#
s!"nd 1(ara59 A#$er 4assing $hr!"gh less s"6$le #!rms& s"ch as (asyan$i& Madhyama& wha$ are
4erce4$i6le $! $he mind !nly& He a$ las$ c!mes !"$ as very gr!ss s!"nd 1VaiEhari5 c!nsis$ing !#
sylla6le& 4i$ch and le$$er& Ma$ra 1meas"res5& Svara 1accen$s5& and Varna 1le$$ers !# $he al4ha6e$59C
iN!$e- Ar$ic"la$i!n is $he las$ and gr!sses$ eZ4ressi!n !# divine s!"nd energy9 The highes$
mani#es$a$i!n !# s!"nd energy& $he 4rimal v!ice& $he divine v!ice is (ara9 The (ara v!ice 6ec!mes
$he r!!$ ideas !r germ $h!"gh$s9 I$ is $he #irs$ mani#es$a$i!n !# v!ice9 In (ara $he s!"nd remains in an
"ndi##eren$ia$ed #!rm9 (ara& (asyan$i& Madhyama and VaiEhari are $he vari!"s grada$i!ns !# s!"nd9
Madhyama is $he in$ermedia$e "neZ4ressed s$a$e !# s!"nd9 I$s sea$ is hear$9
The sea$ !# (asyan$i is navel !r $he Mani4"ra ,haEra9 *!gis& wh! have s"6$le inner visi!n&
can eZ4erience $he (asyan$i s$a$e !# w!rd which has c!l!"r and #!rm] which is c!mm!n #!r all
lang"ages and which has $he vi6ra$ic h!m!genei$y !# s!"nd9 Indians& %"r!4eans& Americans&
ca4anese& 6irds& 6eas$s& all eZ4erience $he same Bhavana !# a $hing in $he (asyan$i s$a$e !# v!ice !r
s!"nd9 'es$"re is a s!r$ !# m"$e s"6$le lang"age9 I$ is !ne and $he same #!r all 4ers!ns9 Any
individ"al !# any c!"n$ry will maEe $he same ges$"re 6y h!lding his hand in his m!"$h in a
4ar$ic"lar manner when he is $hirs$y9 As !ne and $he same 4!wer !r SaE$i& w!rEing $hr!"gh $he ears
6ec!me hearing& $hr!"gh $he eyes 6ec!me seeing& and s! #!r$h& $he same (asyan$i ass"mes
di##eren$& #!rms !# s!"nd when ma$erialised9 The L!rd mani#es$s Himsel# $hr!"gh His Mayaic
4!wer& #irs$ as (ara Vani in $he M"ladhara ,haEra] $hen ma$erialises Himsel# as (asyan$i in $he
Mani4"ra ,haEra a$ $he navel& $hen as Madhyama in $he hear$ and $hen even$"ally as VaiEhari in $he
$hr!a$ and m!"$h9 This is $he divine descen$ !# His v!ice9 All $he VaiEhari is His v!ice !nly9 I$ is $he
v!ice !# Vira$ ("r"sha9
c"s$ as #ire eZis$s in $he w!!d as la$en$ hea$& which $hr!"gh vig!r!"s #ric$i!n mani#es$s as a
s4arE wi$h $he hel4 !# $he wind& $hen as small #lame and #inally as a 6ig 6laling #ire $hr!"gh !6la$i!n
!# ghee& s! is my mani#es$a$i!n in $he #!rm !# s4eech9 The hea$ c!rres4!nds $! $he (ara Vani& $he
?2
T%A,HIN'S
s4arE $! $he (asyan$i& $he small #lame $! $he Madhyama and $he 6ig 6laling #ire $! $he VaiEhari !r
a"di6le #!rm !# s!"nd9j
Th"s $he s4eech is My mani#es$a$i!n9 Ac$i!n& m!$i!n& eZcre$i!n& smelling& $as$ing& seeing&
$!"ching& hea$ing& c!gi$a$i!n& En!wledge& $he #ac"l$ies !# desire !r will& discrimina$i!n& D"dgmen$&
iden$i#ica$i!n& S"$ra !r $he c!smic in$elligence !r energy& $he m!di#ica$i!ns !# Sa$$va& RaDas and
Tamas@all $hese are similarly My mani#es$a$i!ns9
This Isvara is !ne& "nmani#es$ed !r "ndi##eren$ia$ed in $he 6eginning9 B"$ as He is $he res!r$
!r s"44!r$ !# $he $hree '"nas& as He is $he ca"se !# $he l!$"s !# $he "niverse& He 6ec!mes
di##eren$ia$ed in $ime and a44ears as many& D"s$ as a seed $hr!wn in$! $he ear$h 4r!d"ces many
!##sh!!$s and eZhi6i$s many #!rms9
c"s$ as a 4iece !# cl!$h eZis$s in $hreads& s! als! $his "niverse res$s !n $he A$man as I$s war4
and w!!#9 This $ree !# Samsara is a very !ld !ne wi$h!"$ a 6eginning9 Ac$ivi$y is i$s na$"re9 I$
4r!d"ces #l!wers 1Karma5 and #r"i$s 1i9e9& enD!ymen$5 and M!Esha 1$he #r"i$s !# Karma59 I$ has g!$
$w! seeds 1vir$"e and vice5& a h"ndred r!!$s 1c!"n$less desires5& $hree $r"nEs 1Sa$$va& RaDas& Tamas5
and eleven min!r 6ranches 1$he $en !rgans and $he mind5] i$ yields #ive Einds !# essence 1s!"nd&
$!"ch& #!rm& $as$e and smell5] i$ has a nes$ #!r $he $w! 6irds 1civa and (arama$man5& $hree 6arEs] 1$he
$hree h"m!"rs Va$ha 1wind5& (i$$a 16ile5& Sleshma 14hlegm5 !r $he nerv!"s& 6ili!"s and 4hlegma$ic
$em4eramen$s] and $w! #r"i$s 14leas"re and 4ain5 and eZ$ends "4 $! $he S"n9 He wh! g!es 6ey!nd
$he S"nXs s4here is n!$ s"6Dec$ $! re6ir$h9
The v"l$"res living in villages 1'ridhras i9e9& $he greedy h!"seh!lders wh! are a$$ached $!
d!mes$ic li#e5 ea$ !ne !# $he #r"i$s i9e9& misery] $h!se wh! live in $he #!res$ 1Sannyasins5 and wh! are
#"ll !# discrimina$i!n and wisd!m and hence called Hamsas 1swans5 ea$ $he !$her i9e9& enD!y $he
e$ernal 6liss !# $he A$man9 He wh!& $hr!"gh $he #av!"r !# his '"r"& En!ws $he !ne L!rd as
6ec!ming many $hr!"gh Maya& En!ws $he Tr"$h and "nders$ands $he Vedas9
Wi$h $he aZe !# En!wledge shar4ened 6y $he !ne=4!in$ed dev!$i!n ac:"ired 6y $he service
and w!rshi4 !# $he '"r"& d! $h!" calmly and s$eadily c"$ as"nder $his $ree !# Samsara and !n
a$$aining (arama$man d! $h!" lay d!wn $hy wea4!n i9e9& s$!4 y!"r endeav!"r $! a$$ain
Sel#=realisa$i!n9
The '"nas
The L!rd said- BSa$$va& RaDas and Tamas are $he $hree :"ali$ies !# mind and in$ellec$
1(raEri$i5 6"$ n!$ !# A$man9 There#!re& !ne sh!"ld c!n$r!l !r s"6d"e $hr!"gh Sa$$va $he !$her $w!&
and c!n$r!l Sa$$va 6y Sa$$va i$sel#9
When Sa$$va gr!ws in man& he a$$ains Dharma !r righ$e!"sness which $aEes $he #!rm !#
dev!$i!n $! Me9 Thr!"gh $he "se !# Sa$$vic $hings& Sa$$va devel!4s and $hence Dharma9 Tha$
Dharma !# ma$chless 4!wer which is 6r!"gh$ !n 6y an increase !# Sa$$va des$r!ys RaDas and Tamas9
When 6!$h !# $hese are des$r!yed& Adharma which is an !"$c!me !# RaDas and Tamas is als!
:"icEly des$r!yed9
?A
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
The scri4$"res& wa$er& men& land& $ime& w!rE& 6ir$h& medi$a$i!n& Man$ras and 4"ri#ica$!ry
cerem!nies@$hese are $he $en ca"ses which devel!4 !r 4r!m!$e $he Sa$$va '"na9 O# $hese& wha$ $he
sages 4raise are Sa$$vic& wha$ $hey c!ndemn are RaDasic9
A man !"gh$ $! "se and ass!cia$e wi$h !nly Sa$$vic $hings and 4ers!ns& #!r $he devel!4men$
!# Sa$$va] $hence arises Dharma #r!m which En!wledge arises and gr!ws $ill $he direc$ realisa$i!n !#
A$man is a$$ained and all $he ca"ses !# m"ndane 6!ndage are $!$ally annihila$ed9
iN9B9@Th!se scri4$"res which are Sa$$vic and which lead $! $he a$$ainmen$ !# Brahman
sh!"ld 6e s$"died9 N!vels and w!r$hless 6!!Es sh!"ld n!$ 6e read9 One sh!"ld n!$ "se scen$s& wine&
!4i"m& ,ana6is Idica e$c9 He sh!"ld miZ wi$h sain$s and n!$ wi$h w!rldly=minded 4e!4le9j
He sh!"ld "se $he h!ly wa$ers9 He sh!"ld selec$ :"ie$ s!li$ary 4laces& 6"$ n!$ highways and
gam6ling h!"ses9 Brahmam"h"r$a !r $he $ime 6e#!re s"nrise is 4re#era6le #!r medi$a$i!n& n!$ $ha$
4eri!d !# $ime which will ca"se dis$rac$i!n9 The !6liga$!ry and "nsel#ish w!rEs al!ne sh!"ld 6e
4er#!rmed 6"$ n!$ sel#ish deeds9 Ini$ia$i!n in$! 4"re #!rm !# religi!n is necessary9 Ini$ia$i!n ca"ses a
sec!nd 6ir$h9 Medi$a$i!n sh!"ld 6e !n $he L!rd !r Nirg"na Brahman9 Man$ras s"ch as OM& Sri
Ram& OM Namasivaya& OM Nam! Narayanaya& OM Nam! Bhagava$e Vas"devaya are $! 6e
4re#erred& n!$ $h!se which 6ring w!rldly 4r!s4eri$y9 The mind m"s$ 6e 4"ri#ied9
By $hese Sa$$vic 4"rs"i$s& Sa$$va increases9 When Sa$$va 4revails in man& $he wh!le na$"re
6ec!mes Sa$$vic9 One eZ4eriences 4er#ec$ sereni$y which is $he essence !# Sa$$va9 This is Dharma9
Adharma is $he !44!si$e !# $his9 I$ leads $! dis$rac$i!n and res$lessness9 Dharma is #!ll!wed 6y
wisd!m9 When $he mind is serene& $r"$h is re#lec$ed in i$& $r"$h is #"lly realised9 When $he '"nas
$hemselves are des$r!yed& when $here is direc$ in$"i$ive realisa$i!n !# Brahman& $he En!wer& $he
En!wa6le and En!wledge 6ec!me !ne and $he same9 The Tri4"$i !r $he $riad vanishes9
c"s$ as $he #ire $ha$ is 4r!d"ced 6y $he #ric$i!n !# $he 6am6!!s in a #!res$ 6"rns "4 $he #!res$
and is $hen eZ$ing"ished 6y i$sel#& s! als! $he 6!dy which is 4r!d"ced 6y $he dis$"r6ance !r
in$ermiZ$"re !# $he '"nas is des$r!yed liEe $he #ire9 The 6!dy des$r!ys $he '"nas $hr!"gh
En!wledge mani#es$ed in i$9C
H!w $! Wi$hdraw r!m $he Sense=O6Dec$s
)ddhava said- BO Krishna& generally 4e!4le En!w $ha$ $he !6Dec$s !# $he senses lead $!
misery9 H!w is i$ $hey s$ill r"n a#$er $hem& liEe a d!g& an ass !r a g!a$`C
The L!rd said- BIn $he hear$ !# an indiscrimina$ing man& $he wr!ng n!$i!n !# kIX wi$h regard
$! 6!dy arises] $hen $he $erri6le RaDas $aEes 4!ssessi!n !# $he mind& which 6y i$s !wn !rigin is
Sa$$vic9 D!"6$s and desires arise in $he mind which is #illed wi$h RaDas9 He $hinEs& kI sh!"ld enD!y
s"ch and s"ch a $hing in s"ch and s"ch a way and s! !n9X Then $he mind dwells "4!n $he eZcellen$
a$$ri6"$es !# an !6Dec$ kOh& h!w 6ea"$i#"lH Wha$ a nice $hing&X and ge$s a s$r!ng liEing !r an
in!rdina$e hanEering #!r i$9
??
T%A,HIN'S
The #!!lish man is !ver4!wered 6y desires and cravings9 He has n! c!n$r!l !ver his senses9
As he is del"ded 6y $he s$r!ng c"rren$ !# RaDas& he En!wingly d!es ac$s which are seen $! 6ring
miseries !r evil #r"i$s9
The man !# discrimina$i!n is als! dis$rac$ed 6y RaDas and Tamas& 6"$ as he is c!nsci!"s !#
$heir evils he slee4lessly c!n$r!ls his mind and 4rac$ises c!ncen$ra$i!n !# mind9 He is n!$ a$$ached $!
$hem9
Being aler$ and diligen$ !ne sh!"ld sec"re #irmness in $he sea$ and c!n$r!l $he 6rea$h& and
having se$ $he mind !n Me& sl!wly 4rac$ise c!ncen$ra$i!n9
This is $he *!ga as $a"gh$ 6y My disci4les SanaEa and !$hers& in !rder $! wi$hdraw $he mind
s"ccess#"lly #r!m every$hing and #iZ i$ !n Me9C
)ddhava said& BO KesavaH H!w& when and in wha$ #!rm did y!" ins$r"c$ *!ga $! SanaEa
and !$hers` (lease in#!rm me !# $he same9C
The L!rd said- BSanaEa and !$hers& $he s!ns !# Brahma 6!rn !# his mind& re:"es$ed $heir
#a$her $! $ell $hem !# $he s"6$le and "l$ima$e g!al !# *!ga9 SanaEa and !$hers said& kO L!rdH The
mind is a$$ached $! $he sense=!6Dec$s and $he sense=!6Dec$s in#l"ence $he mind9 The !6Dec$s im4lan$
$hemselves in $he mind as $endencies9 The mind en$ers $he '"nas 1!6Dec$s5 and na$"rally 6ec!mes
a$$ached $! $hem and $he '"nas& i9e9& $he !6Dec$s when eZ4erienced en$er $he mind as desires9 H!w
can !ne wh! wan$s $! a$$ain $he #inal emanci4a$i!n 4r!d"ce a se4ara$i!n 6e$ween $he $w!` H!w #!r
!ne wh! wan$s $! cr!ss !ver $he !6Dec$s& wh! seeEs $! g! 6ey!nd $hem and a$$ain M!Esha& d! $hey
cease $! ac$ and re=ac$ "4!n each !$her`C
The L!rd said- BThe grea$ L!rd Brahma& $he crea$!r !# 6eings c!n$em4la$ed 6"$ c!"ld n!$
ge$ $! $he r!!$ !# $he :"es$i!n as his mind was !n w!rE9 S! he medi$a$ed !n Me $! ge$ all
a"$h!ri$a$ive answer #!r $he same9 I a44eared 6e#!re him as a swan9 They 1SanaEa and !$hers5 4aid
Me d"e reverence& came #!rward& 6!wed a$ My #ee$ and in $he 4resence !# Brahma asEed Me $he
:"es$i!n& BWh! ar$ $h!"`C The answer $ha$ I gave $! $he sages wh! were anZi!"s $! En!w $he $r"$h& I
shall n!w re4ea$ $! y!"& )ddhava9
BO BrahmanasH I# y!"r :"es$i!n rela$es $! A$man& $hen A$man is n!$ many9 S! $he :"es$i!n
d!es n!$ arise9 Wh! will re4ly $! wh!m` Wha$ is $he 6asis !n which I can give a #"ll answer $! y!"r
:"es$i!n` I# y!"r :"es$i!n rela$es $! $he 6!dy& $hen als! $he elemen$s !# which $he 6!dy is c!m4!sed
are $he same in all 6eings9 A$man als! is $he same in all9 There#!re y!"r :"es$i!n& BWh! ar$ Th!"`C
is meaningless9
Wha$ever is 4erceived 6y $he mind& s4eech& sigh$ and $he !$her senses is Mysel#9 There is
n!$hing 6esides Me9 )nders$and $his righ$ly9
The !6Dec$s !r $he '"nas invade $he mind and $he mind ge$s en$angled in $he !6Dec$s !r
'"nas& O s!ns9 The sense=!6Dec$s 1'"nas5 and $he mind $h"s m"$"ally 6lended !r in$er$wined #!rm
!# $his 6!dy !# $he civa wh! is Mysel#9
?0
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
iN!$e@The r"nning !# $he mind !"$side $hr!"gh $he aven"es !# $he senses and $he res"l$an$
eZ4erience !# $he mind 6y eZ$ernal !6Dec$s are 4r!d"ced 6y $he civaXs iden$i#ying himsel# wi$h $he
6!dy 1)4adhi5 6eca"se !# del"si!n !r ign!rance9 The essence !# $he civa is Brahman !r Mysel#9 I#
$he mind which is c!nnec$ed wi$h $he !6Dec$s& is $he essence !# civa& $hen $heir se4ara$i!n is n!$
4!ssi6le9 B"$ $he essence !# civa is Brahman9 Mind is !nly a$$ri6"$ed $! civa9 The mind is !nly
s"4erim4!sed !n $he civa9 On acc!"n$ !# $his s"4erim4!si$i!n !# $he mind !n $he civa& he is
a44aren$ly c!nnec$ed wi$h $he !6Dec$s9 civaXs c!nnec$i!n wi$h $he !6Dec$s is $hr!"gh $he mind9 The
Sel# sh!"ld 6e wi$hdrawn #r!m 6!$h $he mind and $he !6Dec$s 6y medi$a$ing !n kI am Brahman9X
T"rn $he mind #r!m $he eZ$ernal !6Dec$s 6y re#lec$ing !n $he "nreali$y !# $he !6Dec$s and iden$i#ying
y!"rsel# wi$h Brahman9 By realising y!"r iden$i$y wi$h $he S"4reme Sel# y!" will #ind !"$ $ha$ $he
!6Dec$s have n! eZis$ence9 By w!rshi44ing $he L!rd& y!" can c!m4le$ely res$ in y!"r !wn $r"e
essen$ial na$"re as $he In#ini$e& Sa$chidananda Brahman9j
One sh!"ld iden$i#y himsel# wi$h Me and a6and!n $he mind which is a$$ached $!
sense=!6Dec$s 6y dwelling !n $hem c!ns$an$ly& as well as sense=!6Dec$s $hemselves which in#l"ence
$he mind $hr!"gh cravings& Vasanas and desires9
WaEe#"lness& dream and slee4& are $he $hree s$a$es !# $he mind ca"sed 6y $he '"nas9 The
Sel# is 6ey!nd all $hese s$a$es9 I$ is dis$inc$ #r!m $hem& as I$ is c!ncl"sively En!wn and 4r!ved $! 6e
$heir wi$ness9
The 6!ndage ca"sed 6y $he mind im4ar$s $he ac$i!ns !# $he '"nas $! $he civa9 There#!re&
6eing #iZed !n Me& $he #!"r$h 1T"riya5 which is 6ey!nd $he $hree s$a$es& !ne sh!"ld ge$ !ver $he
6!ndage !# mind9 Then i$ is 4!ssi6le $! a6and!n $h!se '"nas !r !6Dec$s and $heir $h!"gh$s9
This 6!ndage !# civa is ca"sed 6y AhamEara& eg!ism !r $he sense !# kI=ness&X which is $he
ca"se !# all evils9 One sh!"ld a6and!n eg!ism and give "4 all $h!"gh$s !# mind and !# $he
c!nnec$i!ns ca"sed 6y $he mind and iden$i#ica$i!n wi$h $he mind& 6y res$ing !n $he T"riya !r $he
$ranscenden$9
S! l!ng as $he idea !# diversi$y !r mani#!ldness is n!$ des$r!yed 6y reas!ning& man is really
ign!ran$& slee4ing while he is waEing& D"s$ as he is waEe#"l in dreams9
All $hings !$her $han A$man are "nreal9 The di##erences ca"sed 6y $hem s"ch as BHe is a
Brahmin&C BHe is a S"dra&C BHe is a h!"seh!lder&C BHe is a Sannyasin&C $he di##eren$ des$ina$i!ns
s"ch as Svarga and many ac$s !# Karma which are $he ca"ses !# vari!"s #r"i$s and even Karma i$sel#
are all "nreal liEe $hings seen 6y !ne in a dream9
He wh! enD!ys in $he waEe#"l s$a$e $hr!"gh all his senses $he !6Dec$s eZ$ernal and $ransien$&
and wh! in dreams eZ4eriences !6Dec$s similar $! $hem in his mind& wh! in slee4 wi$hdraws himsel#
#r!m $hem all& is !ne and $he same A$man@$he wi$ness !# $he $hree s$a$es and $he L!rd !# $he
senses9 This is 4r!ved #r!m $he 4ersis$ence !# mem!ry in all $hese s$a$es9 The same mem!ry r"ns
$hr!"gh all $hese s$a$es9
Re#lec$ well !ver $his& $ha$ $he $hree s$a$es !# $he mind are ca"sed in Me 6y $he '"nas
$hr!"gh My Maya9 Kn!wing $his de#ini$ely annihila$e eg!ism which is $he s!"rce !# all d!"6$s 6y
?>
T%A,HIN'S
$he sw!rd !# En!wledge& shar4ened 6y reas!ning and $he 4rece4$s !# $he grea$ sages and $he Sr"$is&
and w!rshi4 Me wh! dwells in $he hear$9
L!!E "4!n $his "niverse as a del"si!n& a 4lay !# $he mind& n!w seen and $he neZ$ m!men$
des$r!yed& liEe a dream& and eZ$remely inc!nsis$en$ liEe $he circle descri6ed 6y a #ire6rand 1Ala$a
,haEra59 One c!nsci!"sness a44ears as many9 The $hree#!ld dis$inc$i!n !# waEing& dream and
dee4=slee4 which is ca"sed 6y $he $rans#!rma$i!n !# '"nas is Maya9
Wi$hdraw y!"r senses #r!m $his !6Dec$ w!rld9 A6and!n all desires9 Be calm and remain
:"i$e immersed in $he 6liss !# y!"r !wn Sel#9 Be silen$ and #ree #r!m ac$i!n9 I# ever $he "niverse is
eZ4erienced& i# s!me$imes $his s$ill a44ears& i# a$ $imes y!" will have eZ4erience !# $he !6Dec$ in
y!"r daily li#e #!r ge$$ing $he necessi$ies !# li#e& i$ will n!$ ca"se del"si!n in y!" as y!" have !nce
$hr!wn $hem aside as "nreal 6"$ will linger as a mem!ry !nly $ill $he #all !# $he 6!dy9
The 4er#ec$ man& wh! has $h"s gained wisd!m and realised his $r"e essen$ial na$"re& d!es
n!$ see $he $ransien$ 6!dy si$$ing !r s$anding& whe$her i$ m!ves away #r!m i$s 4lace !r c!mes 6acE&
D"s$ as a man wh! is "nder in$!Zica$i!n !# li:"!r d!es n!$ see whe$her his cl!$h remains !n !r sli4s
!r #alls #r!m his 6!dy9
The 6!dy is indeed "nder $he sway !# des$iny and i$ wai$s wi$h $he (ranas and $he senses $ill
$he Karma& $he ca"se !# i$ eZha"s$s i$sel#9 B"$ $he man wh! has a$$ained Samadhi in *!ga and
realised $he Tr"$h d!es n!$ care #!r $he 6!dy and $he !6Dec$=w!rld which are all liEe dreams9 He has
n! a$$achmen$ $! his 6!dy and $he sense=!6Dec$s9
O SagesH I have eZ4lained $! y!" $he secre$ and essen$ial $r"$h !# SanEhya !r $he science
which discrimina$es 6e$ween $he Sel# and n!$=Sel# and *!ga !r $he science which $eaches h!w $!
c!ncen$ra$e $he mind !n $he Sel# and a$$ain Samadhi9 Kn!w Me $! 6e Vishn" wh! has c!me here $!
eZ4lain Dharma $! y!" and enligh$en y!" !n religi!n and 4hil!s!4hy9
O eZcellen$ Brahmins& I am $he s"4reme g!al !r $he end and $he aim !# *!ga and SanEhya&
!# $r"$h& 4rac$ical and $he!re$ical& !# 4r!wess and weal$h& !# gl!ry& #ame& 4!wer& s4lend!"r and
sel#=c!n$r!lH
All $he e$ernal vir$"es 1eZcellen$ :"ali$ies s"ch as e:"al visi!n& n!n=a$$achmen$& e$c95 a6ide
in Me wh! is 6ey!nd (raEri$i !r a$$ri6"$es& wh! is $he A6s!l"$e& $he #riend and $he 6el!ved A$man9
Th"s SanaEa and !$her sages had $heir d!"6$s cleared 6y Me& w!rshi44ed Me wi$h grea$
dev!$i!n and sang My 4raises9
Being d"ly w!rshi44ed and 4raised 6y $h!se grea$ sages& I came 6acE $! My a6!de 6e#!re
$he very eyes !# Brahma9
BhaE$i *!ga
)ddhava said- BO Krishna& $h!se versed in $he Vedas s4eaE !# vari!"s means !r c!"rses !#
a$$aining M!Esha9 Are all !# $hem e:"ally im4!r$an$ !r !nly !ne is $he #!rem!s$ !# $hem`
?<
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
BTh!" $!! has$ $a"gh$ $he 4a$h !# dev!$i!n $! $he L!rd 6y which $he mind ge$$ing rid !#
a$$achmen$ $! every$hing merges in Thee9C
The L!rd said& BThese w!rds !# mine En!wn as $he Vedas were des$r!yed 6y Time a$ $he
diss!l"$i!n !# $he "niverse9 I$ was #irs$ $a"gh$ 6y Me $! Brahma and $herein is $a"gh$ $he Dharma !r
$he righ$e!"s c!"rse !# dev!$ing $he mind $! Me9 He declared i$ $! his eldes$ s!n Man"& #r!m wh!m
Bhrig" and !$her grea$ Brahma Rishis& seven in n"m6er& learn$ i$9
r!m $h!se #a$hers& $heir s!ns& $he '!ds& Danavas& '"hyaEas& men& Siddhas& 'andharvas&
Vidyadharas& ,haranas& Kimmdevas 1hal# g!ds5& Kinnaras& Nagas& RaEshasas& Kim4"r"shas and
!$hers als! learn$ i$9 B"$ $he na$"ral $endencies !# $h!se are di##eren$ 6eing $he !"$c!me !# Sa$$va&
RaDas and Tamas9
The $endencies !# men are di##eren$ acc!rding $! $he di##erences in $heir na$"re9 S!& di##eren$
4a$hs have 6een s4!Een !#9 I$ is !n acc!"n$ !# $hese na$"ral $endencies $ha$ 6eings and $heir $h!"gh$s
di##er9 Acc!rding $! $heir na$"re& di##eren$ eZ4ressi!ns #l!w #r!m $hem all9 Beings and minds are
di##eren$ia$ed acc!rding $! $heir $em4eramen$& na$"re and $endencies9 Acc!rding $! $heir na$"res&
$he in$er4re$a$i!n !# $he Vedas is vari!"s9
Th"s acc!rding $! di##erence in na$"re& $he $h!"gh$s and ideas !# men di##er #r!m genera$i!n
$! genera$i!n] while s!me di##er !n acc!"n$ !# ins$r"c$i!ns handed d!wn $! $hem $hr!"gh a
s"ccessi!n !# $eachers& and $here are als! !$hers wh! g! agains$ $he Vedas9 Beca"se !# $his
di##erence !# na$"re !r in$ellec$& di##eren$ sch!!ls !# $h!"gh$ 6ased !n $he same a"$h!ri$y !# Vedas
ar!se9 S!me men 6ecame a$heis$s wh! h!ld here$ic views and have n! #ai$h in $he Vedas9
O 6es$ !# men& 4e!4le del"ded 6y My Maya descri6e vari!"s $hings as means $! $he highes$
g!!d acc!rding $! $heir Karma !r !cc"4a$i!n and $as$e9
As means $! $he g!al s!me men$i!n d"$y] !$hers #ame& 4leas"re& $r"$h#"lness& c!n$r!l !# $he
senses and c!n$r!l !# $he mind] ye$ !$hers men$i!n $heir !wn weal$h& !r $he l!rdly 4!wer !r gi#$ !r
#!!d] and s!me men$i!n sacri#ice& a"s$eri$y& chari$y& v!ws& m!ral r"les 1*amas and Niyamas5
"niversal and 4ar$ic"lar9
The res"l$s a$$ained 6y $hese means& 6eing $he !"$c!me !# w!rE& have a 6eginning and an
end& ca"se misery and end in Tamas9 They give small and $ransien$ 4leas"res and are a$$ended wi$h
s!rr!w9
Where is $ha$ 6liss $! 6e #!"nd in !6Dec$s $ha$ is $! 6e #!"nd in Me` H!w can !ne wh! is
a$$ached $! sense=!6Dec$s& enD!y $ha$ 6liss which a man wi$h his mind given "4 $! Me and #ree #r!m
a$$achmen$ $! all !$her $hings& ge$s #r!m Me`
T! !ne wh! craves #!r n!$hing& wh! has n!$hing $! !wn !# $he w!rld& wh! has c!n$r!lled his
senses and mind& wh! regards all e:"ally& wh! #inds 4er#ec$ deligh$ in Me al!ne& all $he direc$i!ns
are #"ll !# 6liss9 iZed in Me& and #inding 6liss in Me& all is 6liss#"l $! My dev!$ee9
?/
T%A,HIN'S
He wh! has s"rrendered his mind $! Me d!es n!$ seeE #!r $he 4!si$i!n !# Brahma& !r $ha$ !#
Indra !r an %m4er!rXs $hr!ne !r L!rdshi4 !ver $he ne$her regi!ns& !r $he a$$ainmen$ !# *!ga 4!wers
!r even M!Esha #r!m which $here is n! re$"rning] #!r he desires n!$hing else 6"$ Mysel#9
Nei$her Brahma& n!r Siva& n!r Balarama& n!r LaEshmi& n!r My !wn #!rm is s! very dear $!
Me as $h!" ar$ $! Me9
I always #!ll!w $he sage& wh! desires n!$hing& is 4er#ec$ly $ran:"il& ha$es n!ne& regards
every$hing e:"ally& in !rder $! 4"ri#y Mysel# 6y $he d"s$ !# his #ee$9
Th!se grea$ s!"ls wh!se mind is n!$ $!"ched 6y desires& wh! are a6s!l"$ely #ree #r!m sin&
wh! are 4enniless& serene& and c!m4assi!na$e $! all crea$"res& wh! are dev!$ed $! Me d! a$$ain $!
$ha$ limi$less 6liss#"l s$a$e which 6el!ngs $! Me 6"$ n!$ $! !$hers9
My !rdinary dev!$ee wh! has ye$ n! c!n$r!l !ver his senses is generally n!$ !ver4!wered
6y sense=!6Dec$s $h!"gh !nly $r!"6led 6y $hem& !n acc!"n$ !# his s$r!ng dev!$i!n9 c"s$ as #ire
gr!wing in$! a #lame 6"rns all #"el in$! ashes& s! $he dev!$i!n "n$! Me& O )ddhava& $!$ally 6"rns all
sins9 O )ddhava& nei$her *!ga& n!r En!wledge& n!r Dharma& n!r s$"dy !# $he Vedas& n!r a"s$eri$y
n!r ren"ncia$i!n 4r!4i$ia$es Me !r wins Me& s! m"ch as $he well devel!4ed and "nswerving
dev!$i!n $! Me d!es9 I& $he 6el!ved A$man !# $he righ$e!"s& am a$$ained !nly 6y "ndivided dev!$i!n
and #ai$h9 Dev!$i!n $! Me 4"ri#ies even !"$cas$es and rem!ves $heir c!ngeni$al im4"ri$y and saves
$hem #r!m 6ir$hs9
Vir$"e "ni$ed wi$h $r"$h#"lness and c!m4assi!n !r learning wi$h a"s$eri$y d!es n!$ en$irely
4"ri#y !ne wh! is des$i$"$e !# dev!$i!n $! Me9
H!w can $he mind 6e 4"ri#ied wi$h!"$ dev!$i!n $! Me which is charac$erised 6y mel$ing !#
$he hear$& $he hair s$anding !n end and $ears !# D!y $ricEling d!wn $he cheeEs`
A dev!$ee !# Mine wh!se s4eech is 6r!Een 6y s!6s& wh!se hear$ mel$s& wh! wi$h!"$
shyness s!me$imes wee4s 4r!#"sely& !r la"ghs !r sings l!"dly and dances& n!$ !nly 4"ri#ies himsel#
6"$ 4"ri#ies $he wh!le w!rld9
c"s$ as g!ld 6l!wn in $he #ire l!ses i$s im4"ri$ies and regains i$s !wn real #!rm& s! als! $he
mind shaEes !## i$s im4"ri$ies and i$s $endencies !# Karma and desire #!r w!rE 6y means !# dev!$i!n
$! Me& regains i$s !wn $r"e #!rm and a$$ains $! Me9
The m!re $he mind is 4"ri#ied 6y lis$ening $! my sacred s$!ries and $he re4e$i$i!n !# My
names& $he m!re i$ sees $he s"6$le essence !# $hings and $he s"6$le Reali$y& D"s$ as $he eye $!"ched
wi$h c!llyri"m !r "ng"en$ d!es $hr!"gh i$s enhanced 4!wer !# sigh$9
ThinE !# !6Dec$s and y!"r mind will 6e a$$ached $! !6Dec$s9 ThinE !# Me and y!"r mind will
6e merged in Me al!ne9 There#!re #iZ y!"r mind !n Me& 4"ri#ied 6y dev!$i!n& a6and!ning all !$her
$h!"gh$s !# "nreal !6Dec$s which are liEe $he dreams !r #ancies9
03
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
Sh"n #r!m a dis$ance $he c!m4any !# w!men and !# $h!se wh! Eee4 $he c!m4any !#
w!men9 Be sel#=c!n$r!lled9 '! $! a s!li$ary 4lace which is c!ngenial and $hen slee4lessly medi$a$e
!n Me wi$h!"$ 6reaE9 Be !n $he aler$9 Be vigilan$9 ShaEe !## le$hargy and laliness9 There is n!$ s!
m"ch misery& s! m"ch 6!ndage #r!m !$her :"ar$ers as #r!m $he c!m4any !# w!men and !# $h!se
wh! ass!cia$e wi$h $hem9
Me$h!d !# Medi$a$i!n
)ddhava said- BO L!rd !# l!$"s eyesH (lease $ell me h!w and in wha$ as4ec$ 4ers!nal !r
im4ers!nal& c!ncre$e !r a6s$rac$& an as4iran$ a#$er M!Esha sh!"ld medi$a$e !n Thee` Tell me wha$
is $he na$"re !# $ha$ medi$a$i!n& wha$ i$ is& in wha$ manner& and in wha$ #!rm`C
The L!rd said- BSi$$ing !n an even sea$ wi$h his 6!dy erec$ in a c!m#!r$a6le 4!s$"re& 4lacing
$he $w! hands !n his la4 and #iZing $he eyes !n $he $i4 !# his n!se& !ne sh!"ld cleanse $he 4assage !#
(rana 6y means !# inhala$i!n 1("raEa5& re$en$i!n 1K"m6haEa5 and eZhala$i!n 1RechaEa5 !# $he
6rea$h and sh!"ld als! 4rac$ise sl!wly in $he inverse !rder& Eee4ing $he senses "nder c!n$r!l9
OM& wi$h $he s!"nd !# a 6ell& eZ$ends all !ver #r!m M"ladhara "4wards9 He sh!"ld 6y
(ranayama 4"sh "4wards $he sacred sylla6le OM which is "nin$err"4$ed liEe a l!$"s #i6re& $hr!"gh
$he hear$ and maEe i$ ring liEe a 6ell and again add $! i$ $he v!wel9
Th"s !ne sh!"ld 4rac$ise $he (ranayama acc!m4anied 6y OM $en $imes& $hrice daily9 He
sh!"ld men$ally re4ea$ OM c!n$in"!"sly d"ring inhala$i!n and eZhala$i!n9 Wi$hin a m!n$h !ne
shall 6e a6le $! c!n$r!l $he (rana9 Wi$hin $he 6!dy $here is $he l!$"s !# $he hear$ wi$h i$s s$alE a6!ve
and $he #l!wer d!wnwards& #acing 6el!w& wi$h eigh$ 4e$als and 4erica49 I$ is als! cl!sed9 Medi$a$e
!n i$ as #acing "4wards and #"ll 6l!wn9 On $he 4erica4 $hinE !# $he s"n& $he m!!n and $he #ire !ne
wi$hin $he !$her9 Medi$a$e !n $he #!ll!wing #!rm !# Mine wi$hin $he #ire which is g!!d and very
a"s4ici!"s #!r medi$a$i!n9
My #!rm@symme$rical& graci!"s& gen$le& wi$h #!"r l!ng and 6ea"$i#"l arms&
well=devel!4ed and 6ea"$i#"l necE& 6ea"$i#"l cheeEs and a grace#"l smile9
Wi$h MaEara K"ndalas !r shining 4endan$s ad!rning symme$rical ears& clad in a cl!$h !#
g!ld& darE c!m4leZi!ned liEe a cl!"d& wi$h $he s4lendid Sriva$sa marE and LaEshmi !n $he ches$9
Ad!rned wi$h c!nch& disc& mace& l!$"s and a garland !# wild=#l!wers 1Vanamala5& wi$h #ee$
ad!rned wi$h ringing anEle$s and $he ches$ res4lenden$ wi$h $he e##"lgence !# $he Ka"s$"6ha gem9
DecEed wi$h a 6rillian$ cr!wn& 6racele$s and a wais$=6and 6ea"$i#"l in every #ea$"re&
ca4$iva$ing $! $he hear$& wi$h $he #ace and eyes 6eaming wi$h graci!"sness and very $ender& !ne
sh!"ld medi$a$e !n $his #!rm !# $he a6!ve descri4$i!n Eee4ing $he mind s$eady9 He sh!"ld
c!ncen$ra$e $he mind !n all $he #ea$"res9 He sh!"ld wi$hdraw $he senses #r!m $heir !6Dec$s wi$h a
s$r!ng mind& and wi$h $he hel4 !# $he chari!$eer in$ellec$ as g"ide& he sh!"ld direc$ $he mind $! My
wh!le 6!dy9 Then he sh!"ld c!ncen$ra$e !n !ne 4ar$ !nly& My smiling #ace9 He sh!"ld n!$ medi$a$e
!n any$hing else9 Then wi$hdraw $he mind #r!m $he #ace and #iZ i$ !n AEasa !r $he s"4reme ca"se9
'ive "4 $ha$ als!9 Res$ !n Me as $he 4"re Brahman dev!id !# all a$$ri6"$es9 ThinE !# n!$hing a$ all9
0.
T%A,HIN'S
Le$ $he Tri4"$i vil9& Medi$a$!r& !6Dec$ !# medi$a$i!n and medi$a$i!n vanish9 Le$ $hem 6ec!me !ne9
!rge$ $he $ri4le di##erences9 This is $he highes$ NirviEal4a Samadhi9
He wh! has $h"s a$$ained 4er#ec$ a6s!r4$i!n& wh! has c!m4le$ely merged his mind sees
himsel# in Me and als! sees Me in himsel# liEe ligh$ "ni$ed $! ligh$9 The del"si!n a6!"$ !6Dec$s&
#ini$e En!wledge and ac$i!n shall $hen c!m4le$ely disa44ear #!r $he *!gin& wh! $h"s c!ncen$ra$es
his mind $hr!"gh in$ense medi$a$i!n and a$$ains !neness wi$h Me !r Samadhi9 This is $he #r"i$ !#
Samadhi9C
The Siddhis
The L!rd said- BThe *!gi wh! has c!n$r!lled his senses and (ranas& wh! is 6alanced& and
wh! c!ncen$ra$es $he mind !n Me& a$$ains vari!"s 4!wers !r Siddhis9C
)ddhava said- BTell me& O Krishna& wha$ Eind !# 4!wer c!mes 6y any 4ar$ic"lar Eind !#
c!ncen$ra$i!n and h!w` H!w many are $hese 4!wers` I$ is Th!" wh! c!n#eres$ 4!wers !n $he
*!gins9C
The L!rd said- B%igh$een are $he 4!wers declared 6y $h!se wh! are eZ4er$s !r ade4$s in
*!ga9 %igh$ !# $hese 6el!ng $! Me9 They are higher 4!wers9 They are n!rmally $he 4!wers !#
Isvara9 They eZis$ in a s!mewha$ lesser degree in $h!se wh! a44r!ach $he s$a$e !# Isvara9 The
remaining $en are d"e $! highly devel!4ed Sa$$va '"na9
Anima& $he 4!wer !# 6ec!ming as small as an a$!m& Mahima $he 4!wer $! ass"me $he
6igges$ sile& 'arima& $he 4!wer !# 6ec!ming very heavy& Laghima $he 4!wer !# 6ec!ming very
ligh$@$hese are $he 4!wers 6el!nging $! $he 6!dy9
(ra4$i& $he 4!wer $! ac$ wi$h $he senses !# all 6eings in ass!cia$i!n wi$h $heir 4residing
dei$ies] (raEamya& 4!wer !# enD!ying all !6Dec$s seen !r "nseen 1heard $hr!"gh $he scri4$"res59
Isa$va& r"lershi4 !r L!rdshi4 1eZercising an in#l"ence !ver all as L!rd- Vasi$va&
n!n=a$$achmen$ $! !6Dec$s 14!wer !# sel#=c!n$r!l5] $! 6e #ree #r!m $he desire #!r sens"!"s
enD!ymen$s& Kamavasayi$va] $he 4!wer !# a$$aining all desires@These are my eigh$ na$"ral&
essen$ial and in#ini$e Siddhis9 They n!rmally eZis$ in Me9
,essa$i!n !# h"nger and $hirs$& hearing #r!m a dis$ance 1D!!rasravana5& seeing #r!m a
dis$ance 1D!!radarshana5& swi#$ness !r m!$i!n !# $he 6!dy liEe $ha$ !# wind 1Man!Dava5] ass"ming
any #!rm a$ will 1Kamar"4am5] en$ering in$! an!$herXs 6!dy 1(araEaya 4ravesham5] D!ining in $he
recrea$i!n !# $he g!ds 1Devanam saha Ereedan"darshanam5] dea$h a$ !neXs !wn will 1Svachhanda
mri$y"5] $he a$$ainmen$ !# desire #!r !6Dec$s 1*a$hasanEal4a Samsiddhi5] $! c!mmand "n!44!sed
everywhere@$hese are $he $en Siddhis $ha$ rela$e $! $he '"nas9
Kn!wledge !# $he 4as$& 4resen$ and #"$"re 1TriEalaDnana5& c!n$r!l !ver $he 4airs !# !44!si$es
s"ch as hea$ and c!ld& reading !$herXs mind& c!"n$erac$ing $he in#l"ence !# #ire& s"n& wa$er& 4!is!n
and $he liEe] invinci6ili$y !r n!$ 6eing !verc!me 6y any6!dy 1(araDaya5@$hese are #ive smaller
Siddhis9
07
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
These are $he 4!wers $ha$ are !6$ained $hr!"gh *!gic c!ncen$ra$i!n9 N!w En!w #r!m Me
wha$ 4!wers can 6e a$$ained 6y a 4ar$ic"lar c!"rse !# c!ncen$ra$i!n and in wha$ manner $hey can 6e
a$$ained9
He wh! c!ncen$ra$es !n Me 4resen$ in $he s"6$le Bh"$as& regarding Me $! 6e !# $he s"6$le
#!rm& he wh! $h"s c!n$em4la$es Me in $he s"6$le #!rm !# $ha$ 4rinci4le& he wh! #iZes his mind !n
Me as 4ervading $he Tanma$ras& he wh! c!ncen$ra$es !n Me as $he #ive 4rim!rdial a$!ms ac:"ire
$he 4!wer !# Anima !r $he 4!wer !# 6ec!ming an a$!m9
He wh! c!ncen$ra$es his mind !n Me as 4ervading Maha$ Ta$$va ac:"ires Mahima !r $he
4!wer !# 6ec!ming vas$ !r 6ig& !r $he 4!wer !# increasing in sile9 He wh! c!ncen$ra$es !n Me as
4!ssessed !# $he adD"nc$ !r )4adhi !# e$her and $he !$her elemen$s a$$ains $he 4!wer !# Mahima& $he
res4ec$ive vas$ness !# $h!se elemen$s9
He wh! c!ncen$ra$es !n Me regarding Me as $he s"6$le ca"se !# $he 4rim!rdial a$!ms and as
$he L!rd 4ervading $he a$!ms& a$$ains $he 4!wer !# Laghima !r $he 4!wer !# 6ec!ming very& very
ligh$9 He can ascend $he s"n al!ng i$s rays9
He wh! c!ncen$ra$es his mind !n Me regarding Me as $he L!rd 4ervading $he Sa$$vic
AhamEara and as $he Inner R"ler !# all $he senses& a$$ains $he 4!wer !# (ra4$i9 He 6ec!mes $he
4residing Dei$y !# each !# $he !rgans9 He can direc$ $hem any way he wishes9 He can $!"ch $he
m!!n wi$h his #inger9
He wh! c!ncen$ra$es $he mind !n Me as 4!ssessing $he adD"nc$ !# Maha$ Ta$$va !r c!smic
mind which is 6!rn !# AvyaE$a !r $he "nmani#es$ed& he wh! w!rshi4s himsel# as $he 4!r$i!n !#
Maha$ Ta$$va and always merges his mind in s"ch Ta$$va& he wh! Eee4s $he mind #iZed !n Me
4resen$ in $he S"$ra !r Maha$ Ta$$va& a$$ains $he 4!wer !# (raEamya& $he 4!wer !# enD!ying all
!6Dec$s seen !r heard9 He !6$ains (raEasyam !r !mniscience9
He wh! c!ncen$ra$es his mind !n Vishn"& $he R"ler !# Maya !r $he $hree '"nas as $he
An$aryamin !# Time& wh!se #!rm is Time& a$$ains $he 4!wer !# Isa$va !r all=r"ling 4!wer9 He ge$s
$he 4!wer $! c!n$r!l $he civas& $heir 6!dies and minds9
He wh! c!ncen$ra$es his mind !n Narayana& $he $ranscenden$al !r T"riya& called als!
Bhagavan& a$$ains $he 4!wer !# Vasi$va !r sel#=c!n$r!l9
He wh! c!ncen$ra$es his mind !n Me& $he 4"re Brahman 6ey!nd $he '"nas& a$$ains $he
highes$ 6liss while all desires end9
He wh! c!ncen$ra$es his mind !n Me as $he 4"re em6!dimen$ !# vir$"e and $he L!rd !#
Sve$advi4a& 6ec!mes 4"re and #ree #r!m $he siZ waves 1Shad"rmis5 !r changes vil9& h"nger& $hirs$&
grie#& del"si!n& decay and dea$h $ha$ a##ec$ $he 6!dy9
He wh! c!ncen$ra$es !n AEasa and merges his mind in $he same can hear dis$an$ s!"nds9 He
wh! "ni$es $he eye wi$h $he s"n and $he s"n wi$h $he eye and c!n$em4la$es Me $here wi$h his
02
T%A,HIN'S
c!ncen$ra$ed mind can see even dis$an$ !6Dec$s9 He devel!4s $he s"6$le 4!wer !# visi!n $!
see $he wh!le "niverse9
By merging $he mind !n Me and maEing $he 6!dy !ne wi$h Vay"& $he *!gi can $aEe $he
6!dy swi#$ly wherever $he mind g!es9 By maEing $he mind as $he ma$erial ca"se& $he *!gi ass"mes
any #!rm he liEes 6y c!ncen$ra$ing !n Me9 When $he *!gi wishes $! en$er in$! an!$herXs 6!dy& he
sh!"ld c!n$em4la$e himsel# as 4resen$ in $ha$ 6!dy9 Then $he (rana leaves his 6!dy and en$ers in$! i$
6y 4assing $hr!"gh $he eZ$ernal air liEe a 6ee9
He wh! c!n$r!ls $he 6rea$h and is a6le $! grad"ally $aEe i$ al!ng $he siZ ,haEras !# $he 6!dy
"4 $! $he head !r Brahmarandhra has $he 4!wer $! live as l!ng as he liEes and cas$ !## his 6!dy a$
will9 Si$$ing !n $he heel and li#$ing $he (rana $! $he hear$& ches$& $hr!a$ and cr!wn !# head and $aEing
i$ $! Brahman $hr!"gh $he !4ening in $he head& Brahmarandhra& $he *!gi sh!"ld cas$ !## $he 6!dy9
I# !ne wishes $! s4!r$ in $he celes$ial gardens& he sh!"ld $hinE !# $he Sa$$va in Me9 Then $he
celes$ial damsels 6!rn !# Sa$$va will wai$ !n him wi$h aerial cars9
In wha$ever #!rm a$ any $ime $he *!gin may re#lec$ !n a 4ar$ic"lar !6Dec$ c!ncen$ra$ing $he
mind !n Me wh! am !# $r"e and in#alli6le will& he ge$s $ha$ very #!rm9
He wh! has a$$ained $! My s$a$e& $he s"4reme and A6s!l"$e R"ler $hr!"gh c!ncen$ra$i!n
a$$ains My 4!wers and can c!n$r!l !$hers liEe Mysel#9 He never #inds his c!mmand dis!6eyed
anywhere& liEe Mine9
The *!gin wh!se mind is 4"ri#ied 6y dev!$i!n $! Me and wh! is $h!r!"ghly versed in
c!ncen$ra$i!n !n '!d a$$ains $he 4!wer $! see $he 4as$& 4resen$ and #"$"re and $he h!"r !# 6ir$h and
dea$h !# his !wn and !$her lives9
The *!gic 6!dy !# $he *!gi wh!se mind has #!"nd res$ 6y "ni!n wi$h Me is n!$ des$r!yed
6y #ire and $he liEe& D"s$ as a:"a$ic animals are n!$ a##ec$ed 6y wa$er9
He wh! medi$a$es !n My #!rms ad!rned wi$h Sriva$sa& wea4!ns& !rnamen$s& 6anner&
"m6rella and ch!wry never s"##ers a de#ea$9
T! $he *!gi wh! w!rshi4s Me wi$h $he c!ncen$ra$i!n in $he a#!resaid manner& $he a6!ve
men$i!ned 4!wers c!me in $heir en$ire$y9
All 4!wers are a$$aina6le 6y $he *!gi wh! has c!n$r!lled his mind& senses& 6rea$h and 6!dy
and wh! c!ncen$ra$es !n Me wi$h #ai$h and dev!$i!n9
B"$ in $he case !# !ne wh! 4rac$ises $he 6es$ c!"rse !# *!ga !# dev!$i!n $! Me& !6$ains My
grace and a$$ains "ni!n wi$h Me& $hese 4!wers are mere !6s$acles and $hings $ha$ ca"se was$e !#
$ime9 These *!gic 4!wers are c!nsidered !6s$acles& #!r 6y ind"lging in $hem and 4erha4s
inadver$en$ly a6"sing s"ch 4!wers& $he dev!$ee may ge$ re$arded in $he 4r!gress $!wards Me9 He
may #!rge$ himsel# and l!se his hard earned 4enance 6y dev!$i!n in Me& 6y ind"lgence in s"ch
*!gic 4!wers9
0A
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
Thr!"gh c!ncen$ra$i!n !n Me& My dev!$ee na$"rally a$$ains all $h!se 4!wers $ha$ are said $!
res"l$ #r!m 6ir$h& !r dr"gs !r Ta4as !r Man$ras] $here#!re !ne !"gh$ n!$ res!r$ $! $he c!"rse !# *!ga
in !$her ways9
I am $he ca"se !# $hese *!gic 4!wers9 I am $he L!rd !r 4!wer#"l Mas$er !# $he 4!wers9 I am
als! $he L!rd !# *!ga& !# En!wledge& !# Dharma eZ4!"nded 6y $h!se versed in $he Vedas and !# $he
$eachers !# Brahman9
I am $he A$man !# all 6eings9 I am $heir indwelling s!"l9 I am wi$hin and wi$h!"$ $hem& n!$
encl!sed 6y any$hing& D"s$ as $he #ive Bh"$as are wi$hin and wi$h!"$ $he crea$"res and als! eZis$
se4ara$ely9C
The Vi6h"$is !r (!wers !# $he L!rd
)ddhava said- BTh!" ar$ $he S"4reme Brahman wi$h!"$ 6eginning !r end& "nc!vered& 6y
any$hing9 Th!" ar$ $he ca"se !# $he 4r!$ec$i!n& main$enance& dea$h and 6ir$h !# all 6eings9
BO L!rdH $he Brahmins wh! En!w $he $r"e sense !# $he Vedas w!rshi4 Thee in Thy $r"e
#!rm& and as $he Tr"$h in all 6eings grea$ and small& high and l!w] 6"$ Th!" ar$ "nEn!wn $! $h!se
wh! have n!$ c!n$r!lled $heir mind !r have n! $raining9
BTell me !# $he several 4!in$s in res4ec$ !# which $he grea$ Rishis !r sages w!rshi4 Thee in
dev!$i!n in $he several 6eings and here6y a$$ain $! 4er#ec$i!n9
BO ,rea$!r !# all 6eings] O An$aryamin !r Inner R"ler] Th!" ac$es$ and dwelles$ in $hem
c!ncealed #r!m $heir view9 Del"ded 6y Thee $hey d! n!$ see Thee& 6"$ Th!" sees$ all9
BO L!rd !# 6!"ndless gl!riesH (ray $ell me !# $h!se gl!ri!"s #!rms which are mani#es$ed 6y
Thysel# severally !n $he ear$h& in $he heavens& in $he ne$her w!rld and in all :"ar$ers9 I 6!w $! Thy
l!$"s #ee$ which are $he s!"rce !# all h!ly wa$ers& which are $he s!"rce !# all 4"ri$y and in which are
cen$red all sacred 4laces9C
The L!rd said- BO 6es$ !# $h!se wh! can maEe en:"iries and are a6le in 4"$$ing :"es$i!ns9
This very :"es$i!n was 4"$ $! Me 6y ArD"na& wh! was a6!"$ $! #igh$ wi$h $he enemies !n $he #ield !#
K"r"Eshe$ra9
Believing $ha$ $he slaying !# his rela$ives #!r $he saEe !# Eingd!m was re4r!ach#"l and
"nrigh$e!"s and $hinEing& kI am $he slayer& he is slain 6y me&X ArD"na wi$h $he sense !# an !rdinary
man desis$ed #r!m #igh$ing9
Then& !n $he eve !# 6a$$le& he was made $! "nders$and 6y Me $hr!"gh reas!ning& and he $hen
s4!Ee $! Me in $he same way !n $he 6a$$le#ield as $h!" has$ n!w d!ne9
O )ddhavaH I am $he A$man& #riend and $he S"4reme R"ler !# all 6eings9 I am Mysel# all $he
6eings9 I crea$e& 4r!$ec$ and des$r!y $hem9
0?
T%A,HIN'S
I am $he m!$i!n !# $h!se $ha$ m!ve and I am Time !# $h!se wh! 6ring $hings "nder $heir
in#l"ence9 O# vir$"es I am even=mindedness& and in $hings 4!ssessing 4r!4er$ies& I am $heir essen$ial
and na$"ral a$$ri6"$e9
Am!ng $h!se $ha$ are end!wed wi$h '"nas I am $he c!smic (rana& and I am $he c!smic
In$elligence 1Maha Ta$$va5 am!ng all vas$ !r 6ig $hings9 I am $he s"6$le civa !r s!"l am!ng all s"6$le
$hings& and !# all $ha$ are invinci6le I am $he mind9
O# $he Vedas I am Brahma !r Hiranyagar6ha& $he $eacher wh! #irs$ $a"gh$ $hem] !# Man$ras I
am OM !r (ranava c!nsis$ing !# A& )& and M9 O# all $he le$$ers I am kAX and !# all $he me$res I am
$he 'aya$ri9
I am Indra am!ng $he '!ds& Agni am!ng $he Vas"s& Vishn" am!ng $he Adi$yas and
Nilal!hi$a am!ng $he R"dras9 Am!ng Maharshis 1Brahmin sages5 I am Bhrig"] am!ng RaDarshis
1r!yal sages5 Man"] am!ng Deva Rishis 1celes$ial sages5 I am Narada and am!ng c!ws
Kamadhen"9
Am!ng $he grea$ Siddhas I am Ka4ila& am!ng 6irds I am 'ar"da] am!ng all 4r!geni$!rs I am
DaEsha] am!ng (i$ris I am Aryaman9
Kn!w Me& O )ddhava& $! 6e (rahlada& $he Eing !# $he As"ras& am!ng Dai$yas] $! 6e m!!n
1S!ma5 am!ng s$ars and 4lan$s] $! 6e K"6era am!ng *aEshas and RaEshasas9
I am Airava$a am!ng $he grea$ ele4han$s] am!ng $he a:"a$ic crea$"res I am Var"na $heir
L!rd] I am $he s"n am!ng !6Dec$s $ha$ give hea$ and ligh$] and I am $he Eing am!ng men9
I am )cchaisravas 1IndraXs h!rse5 am!ng h!rses and g!ld am!ng me$als& *ama am!ng
$h!se wh! c!n$r!l and Vas"Ei 1$heir Eing5 am!ng ser4en$s9
I am Anan$a 1$heir Eing5 am!ng $he Nagas] I am $he li!n am!ng all 6eas$s wi$h h!rns !r
$"sEs] I am $he #!"r$h Ashrama 1Sannyasa5 am!ng $he #!"r 4eri!ds !# li#e and I am $he #irs$ !r
Brahmin am!ng cas$es& O sinless One9
I am $he 'anga am!ng $he rivers& $he !cean am!ng $he reserv!irs !# wa$er9 I am $he 6!w
am!ng wea4!ns& and Siva@$he des$r!yer !# $he $hree ci$ies@am!ng $h!se wh! wield $he 6!ws9
I am M!"n$ Mer" am!ng a6!des and $he Himalayas am!ng inaccessi6le 4laces9 I am $he
Asva$$ha 14i4al $ree5 am!ng $rees] I am *ava 16arley5 am!ng all $he 4lan$s $ha$ yield #!!d9
I am Vasish$ha am!ng 4ries$s and Brihas4a$i am!ng 4rece4$!rs !r En!wers !# Brahman9 I
am SEanda am!ng generals and Brahma am!ng $he righ$e!"s !r $h!se wh! 4"$ 4e!4le in $he
righ$e!"s 4a$h9
I am Brahma=*aDna !r $he s$"dy !# $he Vedas am!ng sacri#ices] !# all $he v!ws I am $he v!w
!# harmlessness !r n!n=inD"ry] !# 4"ri#ying agencies I am $he wind& #ire& s"n& wa$er& s4eech and
A$man] !# all $hings $ha$ are 4"re I am $he 4"ri$y9
00
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
I am $he 4er#ec$ c!n$r!l !# mind 1Samadhi5 am!ng $he *!gis] I am $he c!"nsel !r 4!licy !#
$h!se wh! seeE $! c!n:"er] I am $he D"s$ice in all laws !r !rdinances] I am discrimina$i!n@6e$ween
A$man and Ana$man@am!ng $he discerning #ac"l$ies] and I am $he d!"6$ !# $h!se wh! en$er in$!
$he de6a$e in $he $he!ry !# 4erce4$i!n9
I am Sa$ar"4a 1wi#e !# Man"5 am!ng w!men and !# men I am Svayam6h"va Man"& $he s!n
!# Brahma9 I am Narayana am!ng sages !r sain$s and Sana$E"mara am!ng celi6a$es !r
Brahmacharis9
I am ren"ncia$i!n 1Sannyasa5 am!ng vir$"es and I am $he 4r!mise !# 4r!$ec$i!n agains$ #ear
!# all vir$"!"s d"$ies] !# all ca"ses !# sec"ri$y I am c!n$em4la$i!n !r in$r!s4ec$i!n9 O# secre$s I am
swee$ w!rds and silence] and !# $he 4airs I am $he (raDa4a$i 1Brahma5 wh! !"$ !# his 6!dy crea$ed
$he #irs$ 4air Man" and Sa$ar"4a9
O# $h!se $ha$ are reg"lar I am Samva$sara 1$he year5] !# $he seas!ns I am $he Vasan$a
1s4ring5] !# m!n$hs I am Margaseersha 1la$$er hal# !# Decem6er and #irs$ hal# !# can"ary5 and !#
s$ars I am $he A6hiDi$9
I am $he Kri$ay"ga !r Sa$ya *"ga am!ng *"gas and !# $he wise& 6rave and $he
s$eady=minded I am Devala and Asi$a] !# $he dividers !# $he Vedas I am Dvai4ayana and !# men !#
wisd!m I am S"Era& 4!ssessed !# sel#=c!n$r!l9
I am Vas"deva am!ng $he L!rds !r Ava$aras and !# $he dev!$ees I am $hysel#9 I am
Han"man am!ng $he Kim4"r"shas] and !# Vidyadharas I am S"darsana] 1I am ,haEra !r
S"darshana am!ng wea4!ns59
I am $he sa44hire 16l"e s$!ne !r r"6y5 am!ng 4reci!"s s$!nes] !# $he 6ea"$i#"l I am $he
l!$"s=6"d] I am $he sacred K"sa am!ng $he many varie$ies !# grass] and !# !6la$i!ns I am $he
clari#ied 6"$$er !r c!wXs ghee9
I am $he #!r$"ne !# $he 4ersevering and $he #ra"d !# $he decei$#"l] I am #!r6earance !r
#!r$i$"de !# $he 4l!dding !r $he 4ains$aEing& and I am $he Sa$$va 14"ri$y !r g!!dness5 !# $h!se wh!
have Sa$$va9
Kn!w $ha$ I am #irmness and resis$ance in $he s$r!ng and dev!$i!n am!ng $he dev!$ees] !#
$he nine #!rms w!rshi44ed 6y dev!$ees& I am $he #irs$ and $he m!s$ im4!r$an$ mani#es$a$i!n&
Vas"deva9
I am Visvavas" am!ng 'andharvas and ("rvachi$i 1)rvasi5 am!ng A4saras9 I am $he
#irmness !# m!"n$ains and am $he smell in a6s$rac$ !# ear$h9
I am $he swee$ $as$e in wa$er& and $he s"n am!ng $he res4lenden$] I am $he 6rilliance in $he
s"n& m!!n and s$ars and $he s!"nd in e$her9
I am Bali am!ng $he w!rshi44ers !# Brahmanas and I am ArD"na am!ng warri!rs9 I am
indeed $he !rigin& s"s$enance and diss!l"$i!n !# all 6eings9
0>
T%A,HIN'S
I am $he m!$i!n& s4eech& eZcre$i!n& $alEing& enD!ymen$& $!"ch& sigh$& $as$e& hearing and
smelling !# $he !rgans9 I c!ns$i$"$e $heir #"nc$i!ns9 I am indeed $he sense !# all $he senses9
%ar$h& air& e$her& wa$er& ligh$& eg!ism& in$elligence& $he siZ$een m!di#ica$i!ns !# (raEri$i vil9&
$he #ive Tanma$ras& $he $en !rgans and mind& ("r"sha and (raEri$i] Sa$$va& RaDas and Tamas and $he
S"4reme Brahman@all $hese I am9 I am als! $heir en"mera$i!n& $heir En!wledge and realisa$i!n !#
Tr"$h9
N!$hing eZis$s wi$h!"$ My 4resence in My $w!#!ld as4ec$& !# $he L!rd and $he civa&
a$$ri6"$e and s"6s$ance& $he indwelling s!"l and gr!ss !r s"6$le 6!dy D"s$ as a $hing cann!$ 6e
wi$h!"$ i$s 4r!4er$y9
I can c!"n$ $he a$!ms !# $he elemen$s in c!"rse !# $ime 6"$ My 4!wers and gl!ries dis4layed
in crea$ing cr!res !# w!rlds are indeed 6ey!nd c!"n$ing i9e9& in#ini$e9
Wherever $here are maDes$y& #!r$"ne& 4r!s4eri$y& 4!wer& 6ea"$y& #ame& weal$h& m!des$y&
li6erali$y& sacri#ice& 4r!wess& #!r6earance& #!r$i$"de& s"6$le "nders$anding and En!wledge@$here I
am mani#es$ed9
I have $h"s descri6ed $! y!" sh!r$ly all $hese mani#es$a$i!ns !# Mine9 They are !nly
m!di#ica$i!ns !# $he mind and are s!meh!w eZ4ressed $hr!"gh s4eech9 They are !nly a 4ar$ !#
Mysel#9 My real na$"re is 6ey!nd $he descri4$i!n !# w!rds !r $he gras4 !# $he mind9
,!n$r!l $he s4eech& c!n$r!l $he mind& c!n$r!l $he 6rea$h and $he senses& c!n$r!l als! $he
im4"re mind 6y $he 4"re mind& c!n$r!l $he sel# 6y $he Sel#9 Then y!" will n! m!re re$"rn $! $he
w!rld9
!r $he man wh! has n!$ 4er#ec$ly c!n$r!lled his s4eech and mind& his v!ws& a"s$eri$ies and
gi#$s leaE !"$ as wa$er d!es #r!m an "n6"rn$ 4!$9
There#!re wi$h dev!$i!n $! Me !ne sh!"ld c!n$r!l s4eech& mind& and $he (ranas9 He sh!"ld
#iZ his mind in Me wi$h #irm dev!$i!n9 Then he will a$$ain $he #inal g!al easily9C
The D"$ies !# $he Brahmacharin and $he H!"seh!lder
)ddhava said- BTh!" has$ already descri6ed $he Dharma !r $he righ$e!"s c!"rse called
BhaE$i !r dev!$i!n as 6ene#icial $! all h"man 6eings wh! !6serve $he r"les laid d!wn #!r $he
di##eren$ cas$es !r !rders !# li#e9 O L!rd !# l!$"s=liEe eyesH (lease $ell me in de$ail !# $he Dharma
4ec"liar $! each 6y 4rac$ising which a man may devel!4 dev!$i!n $! Thee9
BO Migh$y=armed L!rdH O Madhava& $he En!wledge !# $he %$ernal Tr"$h& Brahman& $he
righ$e!"s c!"rse !# $he highes$ charac$er $ha$ Th!" eZ4!"nd $! Brahma in $he #!rm !# a swan& is n!$
4erha4s remem6ered in $he m!r$al w!rld& O Slayer !# #!es& as i$ was $a"gh$ l!ng ag!9
0<
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
BO Achy"$aH O$her $han Thysel# $here is n!ne $! $each& $! 4rac$ise and main$ain Dharma !n
ear$h& and even in $he c!"r$ !# Brahma where $he sciences and all $he dei$ies 4residing !ver $he
disci4lines are 4ers!nally 4resen$9
BO Madh"s"danaH When Th!"& $he !rigina$!r& de#ender and eZ4!"nder !# i$& leaves$ $he
ear$h& religi!n and Dharma $!! will die9 Wh!& O L!rd& will $hen eZ4!"nd $he l!s$ Dharma`
BTh!" En!wes$ all $he Dharmas9 (ray eZ4lain $! me& O L!rd& $he Dharma $ha$ leads $! Thy
dev!$i!n& h!w and #!r wh!m i$ is laid d!wn`C
The L!rd said- BO )ddhava& y!"r :"es$i!n is righ$e!"s& #!r i$ will have $he way $! M!Esha
#!r men wh! !6serve $he d"$ies !# cas$e and !rder !# li#e9 Lis$en $! my eZ4!si$i!n !# $he same9
In $he 6eginning& in $he Kri$a !r Sa$ya *"ga& men had 6"$ !ne cas$e which was En!wn as
Hamsa9 Men a$$ained $he c!ns"mma$i!n !# $heir desires #r!m $heir very 6ir$h9 They had 6y na$"re
all $heir !6Dec$s acc!m4lished9 They were in #"ll $!"ch wi$h Me and Enew $ha$ $he !6Dec$ !# $heir
lives was $! w!rshi4 Me9 Hence i$ was called $he Kri$a *"ga 1$he $ime $ha$ maEes every$hing ready
#!r men& achieved59
In $ha$ 4rimeval age& $he sacred sylla6le OM was $he Veda and I was Dharma in $he #!rm !#
a 6"ll having #!"r #ee$9 Men !# $ha$ age were 4"re and #irm in Ta4as9 They medi$a$ed !n Me& $he
4"re !ne9
In $he 6eginning !# Tre$a& O 6lessed !neH The Vedas 6ecame revealed #r!m My hear$
$hr!"gh $he (rana& !"$ !# which I 6ecame $he sacri#ice wi$h i$s $hree main charac$eris$ics vil9& $he
H!$a& Adhvary"& and )dga$a wh! 4er#!rm $he di##eren$ #"nc$i!ns !# a Vedic sacri#ice9
The #!"r cas$es Brahmana& Ksha$riya& Vaisya and S"dra wi$h $heir se4ara$e d"$ies and
callings were crea$ed #r!m $he #ace& hands& $highs and legs !# $he Vira$ ("r"sha res4ec$ively9 The
h!"seh!lderXs li#e had i$s !rigin #r!m My $highs& $he s$"den$ li#e #r!m My hear$& $he li#e !# a
Vana4ras$ha in $he #!res$ #r!m My ches$ and $he li#e !# Sannyasa #r!m My head9
The na$"ral charac$eris$ics !r $endencies !# $he di##eren$ cas$es and !rders !# li#e am!ng men
were acc!rding $! $he 4lace !# $heir !rigin] $h!se 6!rn !# $he l!wer mem6ers had in#eri!r $endencies
and $h!se 6!rn !# $he higher had s"4eri!r charac$eris$ics !r $endencies9 ,!n$r!l !# $he mind and $he
senses& medi$a$i!n& cleanliness& c!n$en$men$& 4a$ience& #!r6earance& s$raigh$#!rwardness& dev!$i!n
$! Me& c!m4assi!n and $r"$h#"lness@$hese are $he charac$eris$ics !# $he Brahmana9
MaDes$y& s$reng$h& #!r$i$"de& her!ism& end"rance& li6erali$y& eZer$i!n& #irmness& dev!$i!n $!
$he Brahmana and r"ling 4!wer& h!nes$y& $hese are $he charac$eris$ics !# a Ksha$riya9 ai$h& a s$r!ng
dis4!si$i!n $! give& a6sence !# hy4!crisy& service $! $he Brahmins& $! 6e ever !n $he l!!E !"$ #!r
amassing weal$h@$hese are $he charac$eris$ics !# $he Vaisya9
Service $! $he $wice=6!rn& $! $he c!ws& $! $he g!ds& $! 6e c!n$ended wi$h wha$ he ge$s
$here#r!m@$hese are $he charac$eris$ics !# $he S"dra9
0/
T%A,HIN'S
)ncleanliness& #alseh!!d& $he#$& lacE !# #ai$h& a$heism& :"arrels!meness wi$h!"$ ca"se& l"s$&
anger& greed@$hese are $he charac$eris$ics !# a #i#$h class wh! are 6ey!nd $he 4ale !# $he #!"r cas$es9
Harmlessness& $r"$h#"lness& #reed!m #r!m $he#$& l"s$& anger& c!ve$!"sness and an e##!r$ $!
d! wha$ is agreea6le and 6ene#icial $! all 6eings@$his is $he c!"rse !# Dharma !r c!mm!n d"$y !#
all cas$es9
Having had $he reg"lar c!"rse !# 4"ri#ica$!ry ri$es and $he sec!nd 6ir$h !# ini$ia$i!n En!wn
as $he sacred $hread cerem!ny& a DviDa !r $wice=6!rn sh!"ld dwell in $he h!"se !# his 4rece4$!r wi$h
c!n$r!l !ver his senses& and s$"dy $he Vedas when called "4!n $! d! s! 6y him9
He sh!"ld wear a girdle !r wais$=6and made !# sacred grass& deersEin as "44er garmen$&
r!sary !# R"draEsha 6eads and $he h!ly $hread and carry a s$a##& wa$er 4!$ and s!me K"sa grass9 He
sh!"ld wear ma$$ed hair& m"s$ n!$ was$e his $ime in 6ea"$i#ying his #ace and 6!dy and av!id
c!l!"red sea$s9
He sh!"ld !6serve silence while 6a$hing& ea$ing& !##ering !6la$i!ns $! $he #ire& re4ea$ing His
Man$ra and answering calls !# na$"re9 He sh!"ld n!$ c"$ his hair in $he arm=4i$s and 4riva$e 4ar$s9
He sh!"ld !6serve s$ric$ Brahmacharya and never maEe any c!nsci!"s 6reaE9 I# he 6ec!mes
"nc!nsci!"sly im4"re& he sh!"ld have a 6a$h and re4ea$ $he 'aya$ri& c!n$r!lling $he 6rea$h !r
4rac$ising (ranayama9
A#$er a$$ending $! cleanliness in $he m!rning and evening& he sh!"ld silen$ly re4ea$ his
Man$ra wi$h c!ncen$ra$i!n and !##er his w!rshi4 $! $he #ire& $he S"n& $he 4rece4$!r& c!ws& Brahmins&
s"4eri!rs& elderly 4e!4le and $he g!ds9
He sh!"ld regard $he 4rece4$!r as Mysel# and never disregard !r l!!E d!wn "4!n him as a
man9 He sh!"ld n!$ #ind !"$ de#ec$s in $he 4rece4$!r $aEing him $! 6e a man& #!r $he 4rece4$!r
re4resen$s all $he g!ds and he is $he a6!de !# all $he g!ds9
In $he m!rning and evening he sh!"ld 6ring his alms !r wha$ever else he may have received&
$! his 4rece4$!r and ea$ wi$h m!dera$i!n wha$ever is 4ermi$$ed 6y $he 4rece4$!r9
He sh!"ld always w!rshi4 $he 4rece4$!r serving him as a servan$& 6y #!ll!wing him when he
is g!ing s!mewhere& res$ing near him when he is aslee4& si$$ing 6y his side $! sham4!! his lim6s
when he is $ired and 6eing near him wi$h #!lded 4alms ready $! carry !"$ his c!mmands9
,!nd"c$ing himsel# $h"s he sh!"ld live in $he h!"se !# his 4rece4$!r sh"nning c!m#!r$s and
main$aining 4er#ec$ celi6acy $ill $he c!"rse !# learning is #inished9
iN!$e- There are $w! $y4es !# Brahmacharins@$he )4aE"rvana and $he Naish$hiEa9 The
#!rmer en$ers $he h!"seh!ld li#e a#$er $he c!m4le$i!n !# his s$"dy9 He generally gives 4resen$s $! his
4rece4$!r& re$"rns $! his h!"se and en$ers $he 'rihas$hasrama9 The Naish$hiEa main$ains li#e=l!ng
celi6acy9 The a6!ve is $he descri4$i!n !# $he d"$ies !# $he #!rmer9 N!w $he d"$ies !# a Naish$hiEa
Brahmachari are descri6ed9j
>3
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
I# he wishes $! a$$ain $he Brahmal!Ea& he sh!"ld !6serve rigid celi6acy and s"rrender his
6!dy $! his 4rece4$!r as a $ri6"$e #!r $he ins$r"c$i!ns he received #r!m him9
Being sinless and 4!ssessed !# $he l"s$re !# Brahman& he sh!"ld w!rshi4 Me& $he S"4reme
Being& in $he #ire& $he 4rece4$!r& his !wn Sel#& and in all 6eings wi$h a #eeling !# iden$i$y !r !neness9
He wh! is n!$ a h!"seh!lder sh!"ld av!id seeing& $!"ching& c!nversing !r D!Eing e$c9& wi$h
w!men and als! seeing !$her animals in seZ"al in$erc!"rse9
,leanliness& $he si44ing !# wa$er 4re4ara$!ry $! religi!"s #"nc$i!ns 1Achamana5& 6a$hing&
!##ering 4rayers in $he m!rning& n!!n and evening& s$raigh$#!rwardness& visi$ing !# h!ly 4laces&
re4e$i$i!n !# $he Man$ra& av!idance !# $hings n!$ $! 6e $!"ched !r ea$en& and !# 4ers!ns n!$ $! 6e
$alEed $!& dev!$i!n $! Me 4resen$ in all 6eings& and c!n$r!l !# mind& s4eech and 6!dy@$hese& O
)ddhava& are $he !6servances !r r"les !# disci4line 1Niyamas5 which are c!mm!n #!r all $he !rders
!# li#e9
Th"s& $he Brahmin wh! 4rac$ises rigid celi6acy shines liEe #ire& and i# he is "nsel#ish& his
desires are 6"rn$ 6y in$ense a"s$eri$ies and he a$$ains dev!$i!n $! Me9
Then& i# he desires $! en$er $he li#e !# a h!"seh!lder a#$er having 4r!4erly s$"died $he Vedas&
he sh!"ld !##er his DaEshina 14resen$s5 $! his 4rece4$!r and wi$h his 4ermissi!n 4er#!rm $he "s"al
a6l"$i!n !r 6a$h i9e9& 4er#!rm $he ri$e !# c!ncl"ding $he s$"den$=li#e !r Brahmacharya Ashram9
NeZ$& he may en$er $he li#e !# a h!"seh!lder& $he hermi$Xs li#e in $he #!res$& !r $he li#e !# a
Sannyasi9 He may 4ass #r!m !ne Ashram $! an!$her wi$h his mind in$en$ !n Me9 He sh!"ld n!$ give
"4 $he Ashrams al$!ge$her9
I# he wishes $! lead $he li#e !# a h!"seh!lder& he sh!"ld marry an "n6lemished girl !# $he
same cas$e #ree #r!m de#ec$s !# 6ir$h& ha6i$s and :"ali$ies& wh! m"s$ 6e y!"nger in age& and i# he
desires $! marry any !$her he sh!"ld d! s! a#$er $he a6!ve marriage in $he d"e !r s"cceeding !rder
i9e9& a Brahmin c!"ld marry in $he $hree !$her cas$es] a Ksha$riya in $he $w! l!wer] Vaishya in $he
S"dra cas$e] $he S"dra in his !wn cas$e9 I$ sh!"ld n!$ 6e d!ne in $he inverse !rder9
T! 4er#!rm sacri#ices& $! s$"dy $he Vedas& and $! dis$ri6"$e chari$a6le gi#$s are d"$ies
c!mm!n $! all $he $wice=6!rn9 T! acce4$ gi#$s& $! $each $he Vedas& and $! hel4 !$hers $! 4er#!rm
sacri#ices are d"$ies !# $he Brahmins !nly9
I# a Brahmin $hinEs $ha$ $he acce4$ance !# gi#$s w!"ld de4rive him !# his Ta4as& s4iri$"al
4!wer and gl!ry& he sh!"ld $ry $! live 6y $he !$her $w! means vil9& $eaching and hel4ing !$hers $!
4er#!rm sacri#ices 1i9e9& ac$ing as a 4ries$5] i# he c!nsiders $hem harm#"l he sh!"ld maEe his living
6y gleaning $he grains !# c!rn $ha$ lie sca$$ered in $he #ields as "seless9
The 6!dy !# a Brahmin is indeed n!$ in$ended #!r enD!ying $ri#ling !6Dec$s !# desire9 I$ is #!r
rig!r!"s Ta4as here and in#ini$e 6liss herea#$er9
>.
T%A,HIN'S
A Brahmin wh! is c!n$en$ed wi$h wha$ he ge$s 6y gleaning grains le#$ in $he #ields and
#!ll!ws $he 4"res$ and highes$ c!"rse !# Dharma and discharges his d"$ies c!nsis$ing !# h!s4i$ali$y
e$c9& dev!$ing his mind $! Me wi$h!"$ a$$achmen$ $! !$her $hings& s"rely a$$ains (eace !r M!Esha&
$h!"gh c!n$in"ing in $he h!"seh!lderXs li#e9
c"s$ as a 6!a$ saves a dr!wning man #r!m $he sea s! als! I s!!n 4r!$ec$ #r!m calami$ies $h!se
wh! li#$ "4 a Brahmana 1dev!$ee5 dev!$ed $! Me #r!m his di##ic"l$y !r mis#!r$"ne9
The Eing #"ll !# wisd!m and c!"rage sh!"ld resc"e his s"6Dec$s #r!m calami$ies liEe a
#a$her9 c"s$ as $he leader !# ele4han$s saves !$her ele4han$s in his herd& s! als! he sh!"ld resc"e
himsel# 6y his !wn e##!r$s wi$h #irmness9
A Eing wh! d!es his d"$y in $his manner shaEes !# all his sins !n ear$h& g!es $! heaven in a
celes$ial car res4lenden$ liEe $he s"n& and enD!ys in $he c!m4any !# Indra& $he Eing !# $he g!ds9
In adversi$y a Brahmin may $ry $! ge$ !ver i$ 6y $aEing $! $he VaishyaXs $rade& 6y selling !nly
$he 4ermi$$ed ar$icles9 I# he is s$ill !ver$aEen 6y mis#!r$"ne& he may live 6y $he sw!rd& 6"$ never
res!r$ $! d!g=liEe servili$y 6y serving $he l!w9
In adversi$y a Eing !r a Ksha$riya may live 6y $he VaishyaXs 4"rs"i$s 1agric"l$"re5 !r 6y
h"n$ing& !r 6y g!ing !"$ liEe a Brahmin 6"$ never 6y serving $he l!w9
A Vaishya in adversi$y may lead $he li#e !# a S"dra9 A S"dra may ad!4$ $he 4"rs"i$ !#
maEing ma$s and $he liEe9 B"$ when he is !"$ !# di##ic"l$y he sh!"ld n!$ wish $! main$ain himsel# 6y
a des4ica6le 4r!#essi!n9
A h!"seh!lder sh!"ld acc!rding $! his means daily w!rshi4 $he Rishis& $he (i$ris& $he g!ds&
$he l!wer animals and men c!nsidering $hem as #!rms !# Mine& wi$h $he s$"dy !# $he Vedas& Svadha
and Svaha !##erings& #!!d and $he liEe res4ec$ively9 This is $he (ancha Maha *aDna9 %very
h!"seh!lder sh!"ld 4er#!rm $his daily9
Wi$h $he weal$h $ha$ is !6$ained 6y chance !r is ac:"ired 6y h!nes$ means& he sh!"ld
4er#!rm $he a6!ve sacri#ices !nly in $he D"s$ c!"rse wi$h!"$ 4"$$ing his servan$s $! $r!"6le and
wi$h!"$ $aZing his de4enden$s9 He sh!"ld main$ain himsel# and his de4enden$s and 4er#!rm
sacri#ices9 He sh!"ld n!$ s$arve his #amily in !rder $! 4er#!rm his sacri#ices9
He sh!"ld have n! a$$achmen$ $! his #amily9 He sh!"ld n!$ #!rge$ '!d even $h!"gh he is a
h!"seh!lder9 The wise man sh!"ld regard $he "nseen enD!ymen$s !# heaven and $he liEe as $ransien$
and 4erisha6le as $h!se !# $his visi6le w!rld9
The ass!cia$i!n wi$h s!ns& wi#e& rela$ives and #riends is liEe $he chance mee$ing !# $ravellers
!r c!=4assengers in a D!"rney9 They de4ar$ wi$h $he #all !# each 6!dy as dreams #!ll!wing slee4 d!9
c"s$ as a 4ers!n cas$s !## $he !6Dec$s !# his dream when he rises #r!m slee4& s! als! he sh!"ld 6e
4re4ared $! shaEe his mind !## $hem a$ any $ime9
>7
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
One wh! re#lec$ing $h"s lives a$ h!me wi$h!"$ a$$achmen$ and eg!ism liEe a g"es$& is n!$
6!"nd 6y $he h!me& and is #ree9
Having wi$h dev!$i!n w!rshi44ed Me al!ne 6y means !# all $he religi!"s d"$ies laid d!wn
#!r $he h!"seh!lder& he may lead $he li#e !# a h!"seh!lder !r en$er $he #!res$ !r i# he has 4r!geny
may 6ec!me a Sannyasin9
B"$ he wh! is s$r!ngly a$$ached $! his h!"se& wh! is anZi!"s a6!"$ his children and weal$h&
wh! is #"ll !# 4assi!n #!r w!men is a #!!lish man9 He is del"ded and 6!"nd 6y $he n!$i!ns !# kIX and
kmineX9
BAlas& my aged 4aren$s& my wi#e and y!"ng children are wi$h!"$ 4r!$ec$!r eZce4$ mysel#9
H!w c!"ld $hey wh! are hel4less and a##lic$ed live wi$h!"$ me`C Th"s $his #!!lish man c!ns$an$ly
$hinEs !# $hem& wi$h his hear$ dis$rac$ed 6y $h!"gh$s !# h!me9 Then he dies and #alls in$!=6linding
darEness i9e9& he $aEes a l!w 6ir$h9C
The D"$ies !# Vana4ras$his and Sannyasins
The L!rd said- BHe wh! desires $! re$ire in$! $he #!res$& sh!"ld en$r"s$ his wi#e $! $he care !#
his s!n !r en$er $he #!res$ wi$h her and live 4eace#"lly in $he #!res$ in $ran:"il medi$a$i!n s4ending
$he $hird 4ar$ !# his li#e #r!m ?. $! >?9
He sh!"ld live !n r!!$s& #r"i$s and !$her #!res$ ar$icles !# die$ and cl!$he himsel# wi$h 6arEs&
grass !r leaves !r a deer=sEin9 He sh!"ld all!w his hair& nails and 6eard $! gr!w& sh!"ld 6a$he $hrice
a day and lie !n $he 6are gr!"nd9 iHe sh!"ld n!$ give m"ch a$$en$i!n $! $he 6!dy9 He sh!"ld n!$
$hinE m"ch !# 6!dy9 Then he will have m"ch $ime $! $hinE !# A$manj9
In s"mmer& he sh!"ld d! 4enance in $he mids$ !# #ive #ires i9e9& #!"r ri$es all r!"nd and $he
s"n a6!ve& wi$h!"$ seeEing any shade9 In $he rainy seas!n he sh!"ld d! 4enance immersed in wa$er
"4$! $he necE9 Th"s he sh!"ld 4rac$ice a"s$eri$y9
He sh!"ld ea$ #!!d c!!Eed !ver a #ire& !r wha$ ri4ens na$"rally in $he c!"rse !# $ime !r wha$
is 4!"nded in $he m!r$ar !r $he s$!ne !r in $he m!r$ar !# his !wn $ee$h9
He sh!"ld himsel# c!llec$ #r!m wi$hin $he #!res$ i$sel# all his means !# living having a $r"e
insigh$ in$! $he 4lace& $ime and s$reng$h9 He sh!"ld n!$ ea$ $hings 4r!c"red and s$!red "4 a$ s!me
4as$ $ime9
The hermi$ sh!"ld !##er !6la$i!ns #iZed #!r $he 4ar$ic"lar !ccasi!ns& wi$h grains $ha$ gr!w in
$he #!res$ and n!$ wi$h animal sacri#ice men$i!ned in $he Sr"$i9
Agnih!$ra& Darsa 1!6servances d"ring $he new m!!n5& ("rnamasya 1!6servances d"ring $he
#"ll m!!n5& as well as ,ha$"rmasya sacri#ices are 4rescri6ed e:"ally #!r $he Vana4ras$ha 6y $he
Vedic $eachers9
>2
T%A,HIN'S
Wi$h his 6!dy red"ced $! a sEele$!n 6y $he Ta4as s! 4er#!rmed& $he hermi$ !r #!res$ recl"se
w!rshi4s and 4r!4i$ia$es Me and a$$ains $! Me $hr!"gh Maharl!Ea and !$her s$ages9
Wh! is a grea$er #!!l $han he wh! will was$e #!r $he #"l#ilmen$ !# 4e$$y desires s"ch as
enD!ymen$ in heaven e$c9& s"ch grea$ Ta4as 4er#!rmed wi$h c!nsidera6le di##ic"l$y and calc"la$ed $!
c!n#er li6era$i!n !r M!Esha`
When $he hermi$ is "na6le $! !6serve his d"$ies !n acc!"n$ !# shaEing !# $he lim6s
c!nse:"en$ !n !ld age& he sh!"ld wi$hdraw his sacred #ires in$! himsel#& and wi$h his mind in$en$ !n
Me& en$er in$! $he #ire9
When he is $!$ally disg"s$ed wi$h $he enD!ymen$s !# $he w!rlds res"l$ing #r!m Karma&
realising $ha$ $hey are a$$ended wi$h miseries& 4ains and s!rr!ws and are n!$ e$ernal& he sh!"ld
a6and!n $he #ires and 6ec!me a Sannyasin9
Having w!rshi44ed Me acc!rding $! 4rece4$s and sacri#iced "n$! Me as !rdained 6y $he
Vedas and given every$hing $! $he 4ries$s& he sh!"ld wi$hdraw $he #ire in$! himsel# and 6ec!me a
Sannyasin wi$h!"$ l!nging and caring #!r any$hing9
T! $he Brahmin wh! $ries $! 6ec!me a Sannyasin& $he g!ds will& in $he #!rm !# his wi#e and
!$her rela$i!ns& 4"$ !6s$acles& $hinEing $ha$ he may $ranscend and a$$ain $! Brahman9
I# $he Sannyasi Eee4s a sec!nd 4iece !# cl!$h i$ sh!"ld 6e !nly as m"ch as c!vers $he
l!in=cl!$h9 %Zce4$ in $imes !# danger he sh!"ld n!$ have any$hing $ha$ he has already relin:"ished a$
$he $ime !# $aEing !rder !$her $han his s$a## and his 6egging 6!wl9
He sh!"ld 4lace his #!!$ !n $he gr!"nd a#$er l!!Eing well9 Be#!re every s$e4 $ha$ he $aEes
wi$h his #ee$ he sh!"ld eZamine $he 4a$h wi$h his eyes $! see n! li#e is des$r!yed 6y s"ch s$e4& He
sh!"ld drinE wa$er #il$ered $hr!"gh a cl!$h& sh!"ld "$$er w!rds which are $r"$h#"l and d! $ha$ which
his reas!n sanc$i!ns as 4"re !r righ$9
Silence 1M!"na5& a6and!ning !# sel#ish w!rEs !r inac$i!n& and c!n$r!l !# $he 6rea$h !r (rana
are $he res$rain$s !# s4eech& 6!dy and mind res4ec$ively9 One wh! has n!$ $hese& never 6ec!mes a
Sannyasi 6y sim4ly carrying a 6am6!! s$a##9 A Sannyasi av!iding $h!se wh! are re4r!ach#"l sh!"ld
ge$ his alms #r!m $he #!"r cas$es 6y g!ing $! n!$ m!re $han seven h!"ses which are n!$ already
a44!in$ed9 He sh!"ld 6e c!n$en$ed wi$h wha$ he ge$s9 He sh!"ld n!$ $hinE !# $he #!!d 6e#!rehand9
He sh!"ld n!$ en$er$ain $he ideas BI will ge$ $his #!!d #r!m $his h!"se and an!$her Eind !# #!!d #r!m
$ha$ h!"se and $he liEe9C He m"s$ n!$ !6$ain m!re #!!d $han wha$ is ac$"ally s"##icien$ #!r !ne meal9
He sh!"ld $aEe s"ch alms $! $he river& $anE !r laEe !"$side $he village9 He sh!"ld $aEe a 6a$h
and 4"ri#y his #!!d 6y s4rinEling wi$h wa$er and !##er 4!r$i!ns $! $he dei$ies and all crea$"res and
silen$ly all $ha$ remains wi$h!"$ saying any$hing9
He sh!"ld wander !n $his ear$h al!ne wi$h!"$ a$$achmen$ $! any6!dy& wi$h mind and senses
"nder c!n$r!l9 His s4!r$ and enD!ymen$ sh!"ld 6e in his Sel# !nly9 He sh!"ld #ind recrea$i!n and
>A
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
deligh$ in his Sel# !nly9 He sh!"ld #ind recrea$i!n and deligh$ in his !wn A$man !nly9 He sh!"ld see
all !6Dec$s aliEe9 He sh!"ld have e:"al visi!n and see Brahman $! 6e !ne and $he same everywhere9
The sage sh!"ld res!r$ $! a l!nely& sec"red and c!ngenial s4!$ and sh!"ld c!n$em4la$e !n
Brahman as iden$ical wi$h Me& wi$h his mind 4"ri#ied 6y in$ense dev!$i!n $! Me9
He sh!"ld re#lec$ !n $he na$"re !# his 6!ndage and release $hr!"gh $he ligh$ !# En!wledge9
B!ndage c!nsis$s in $he dis$rac$i!n !# $he senses and release c!nsis$s in 6ec!ming #ree #r!m $heir
c!n$r!l9 His c!n$em4la$i!n will c!nvince him $ha$ $he En!wledge !# his "ni$y wi$h Brahman is
emanci4a$i!n and $ha$ a6sence !# $he same iden$i$y wi$h $he 6!dy crea$es eg!ism and Karma !r
6!ndage9 He realises $ha$ ac$i!ns wi$h desire #!r gra$i#ica$i!n !# $he senses crea$es 6!ndage and $ha$
res$rain$ !# $he senses leads $! salva$i!n9
There#!re $he sage sh!"ld c!n$r!l $he senses and $he siZ enemies 1Shadvarga !r shad "rmis5
vil9& h"nger& $hirs$& s!rr!w& del"si!n& decay and dea$h 6y $he #!rce !# dev!$i!n $! Me and r!am
a6!"$ l!!Eing "4!n every$hing as Mysel#9 Deriving grea$ 6liss and 4eace #r!m $he Sel# wi$hin& he
sh!"ld c!n$in"e $he c!"rse !# medi$a$i!n having ren!"nced 4e$$y desires9
He may #!r $he saEe !# alms D"s$ en$er ci$ies& village& hamle$s and assem6lies !# 4ilgrims9 He
sh!"ld r!am !ver $he land a6!"nding in h!ly 4laces& rivers& m!"n$ains& #!res$s and hermi$ages9
He sh!"ld ge$ his alms m!s$ly #r!m $he hermi$ages !# Vana4ras$his wh! have re$ired in$!
$he #!res$& #!r his mind is 4"ri#ied 6y $aEing $he #!!d c!nsis$ing !# grains gleaned #r!m $he #ields and
he s!!n #rees himsel# #r!m del"si!n and a$$ains 6liss !r li6era$i!n9
He sh!"ld never regard $his w!rld as real 6eca"se i$ "nderg!es change and 4erishes9 He
sh!"ld n!$ regard swee$ #!!d and !$her $hings as real #!r $he !6Dec$s !# gr!ss visi!n d! 4erish9
There#!re& wi$h a mind #ree #r!m a$$achmen$ $! $his w!rld and $he neZ$& he sh!"ld give "4 all
ac$ivi$ies $ha$ $end $! enD!ymen$s in $hem9
Having realised 6y #!rce !# reas!n $ha$ $his "niverse& $he 6!dy& $he mind& s4eech and (ranas
are all Maya !r a del"sive s"4erim4!si$i!n !n A$man& $he Sel#=cen$red sage sh!"ld $aEe a #irm h!ld
!# his !wn A$man and ren!"nce $he #!rmer "49 He sh!"ld n!$ again $hinE !# $hem9
N!w $he d"$ies !# $he (aramahamsas are descri6ed9 He wh! is #"ll !# wisd!m and
ren"ncia$i!n& wh! is dev!$ed $! Me wi$h!"$ caring even #!r salva$i!n sh!"ld m!ve a6!"$ wi$h!"$
any !"$ward marEs !# Sannyasa and sh!"ld 6e a6!ve all #!rmali$ies9
Th!"gh he is wise& he sh!"ld 4lay liEe a child] $h!"gh he is sEilled in every$hing& he sh!"ld
6ehave liEe a sim4le$!n] $h!"gh he is a man !# er"di$i!n& he sh!"ld $alE liEe an !rdinary man] and
$h!"gh he is well=versed in $he Vedas& he sh!"ld 6ehave liEe an !rdinary man& wi$h!"$ $hirs$ing #!r
a44la"se !r name and #ame9
He sh!"ld n!$ $aEe deligh$ in eZ4laining !r "4h!lding $he Vedas rela$ing& $! sacri#icial
d"$ies] he sh!"ld n!$ 6e an "n6eliever in $he Vedas9 He sh!"ld n!$ ind"lge in vain disc"ssi!ns !r
em4$y de6a$es9 He sh!"ld n!$ $aEe 4ar$ !r side in w!r$hless disc"ssi!ns9
>?
T%A,HIN'S
The sage sh!"ld n!$ 6e a#raid !# !$her men] n!r sh!"ld he #righ$en $hem9 He sh!"ld n!$ 6e
veZed 6y !$hers n!r sh!"ld he veZ !$hers9 He sh!"ld 4"$ "4 wi$h harsh w!rds9 He sh!"ld never
ins"l$ any6!dy] #!r $he saEe !# $he 6!dy he sh!"ld n!$ liEe a 6r"$e& 6e a$ enmi$y wi$h any9
The !ne S"4reme A$man a6ides in $he 6!dies !# all 6eings and in !neXs !wn 6!dy& D"s$ as $he
same m!!n ge$s re#lec$ed in di##eren$ vessels !r eZ4anses !# wa$er9 All 6!dies are !# $he same na$"re
als!& as $hey are made "4 !# $he same #ive elemen$s9
(!ssessed !# #!r$i$"de& he sh!"ld n!$ gr!w des4!nden$& i# he d!es n!$ ge$ #!!d a$ any $ime !r
anywhere n!r reD!ice i# he is liEely $! ge$ m"ch] #!r 6!$h $hese are in $he hands !# (r!vidence 1My
hands5 and $hey are c!n$r!lled 6y des$iny9
He sh!"ld $ry $! ge$ his #!!d9 He sh!"ld n!$ leave $his als! $! des$iny& 6eca"se i$ is 4r!4er $!
s"44!r$ li#e9 By s"44!r$ing li#e he is a6le $! inves$iga$e in$! $he Tr"$h and 6y En!wing i$ he ge$s
emanci4a$i!n9 He sh!"ld ea$ $he #!!d rich !r 4!!r& g!!d !r 6ad which 6y chance he ge$s] s! als!& he
may acce4$ cl!$hes !r a 6ed as chance may 6ring him9 iA (aramahamsa& need n!$ av!id c!m#!r$s i#
$hey c!me 6y chance9 A$$achmen$ $! Vairagya is as m"ch an evil as a$$achmen$ $! Raga i$sel#9 A
(aramahamsa sh!"ld 6e a6!ve Raga and Vairagya9 This is $he real $es$9 S!me are a$$ached $!
Vairagya $ill $he end !# li#e9 Vairagya !nly is $heir g!al9 S"ch 4e!4le have n!$ a$$ained $he real s$a$e
!# e:"animi$y !# a civanm"E$a9 A (aramahamsa sh!"ld Eee4 $he same s$a$e !# mind when he ge$s
c!m#!r$s !r when he is "nder 4riva$i!n9 A$$achmen$ $! Vairagya al!ne is !ne=sided devel!4men$9 I$
is im4er#ec$i!n9 S!me Sannyasins wh! have n! Vairagya& wh! d! n!$ 4rac$ise Vairagya& wh!se
minds are #"ll !# Vasanas say& BWe have g!$ men$al n!n=a$$achmen$9 We need n!$ 4rac$ise any
Vairagya9 We are a6!ve $he 4airs !# !44!si$es9 We are Advai$ins wh! have g!$ cnana Nish$a9C
These are del"ded s!"ls9j
The sage may& as I& $he S"4reme R"ler& s4!r$#"lly d! !6serve cleanliness& wash his m!"$h
and 6a$he and g! $hr!"gh all !$her !6servances& n!$ wi$h a sense !# c!m4"lsi!n "nder r"les9
He has n! idea !r 4erce4$i!n !# di##erences& 6eca"se i$ has 6een dis4elled 6y his realisa$i!n
!# Me9 Till $he #all !# his 6!dy he may s!me$imes have a $race !r a sem6lance !# i$ and a#$er $ha$ he
a$$ains a s$a$e !# e:"ali$y wi$h Me9 T! $he sage wh! has realised his "ni$y wi$h Me& $he w!rld will
n!$ a44ear real $h!"gh he may miZ in $he w!rld9 iTh!"gh he may a$ $imes #!rge$ his 6liss#"l na$"re
!n acc!"n$ !# $he 6!dy and ge$ del"ded& he will s!!n regain En!wledge 6y My grace and cas$ aside
s"ch $em4!rary del"si!n9 This will !cc"r !nly in $he case !# $h!se wh! have a$$ained glim4ses !#
Brahman9 Th!se wh! are es$a6lished in Bh"ma& wh! have a$$ained $he #"ll realisa$i!n will n!$ 6e
s"6Dec$ $! any Eind !# del"si!n !r di##erence9j
He wh! has 6ec!me disg"s$ed wi$h $he w!rEs and $he !6Dec$s !# desire which necessarily
land him in miseries& wh! has c!n$r!lled $he mind 6"$ has n!$ ye$ made en:"iries a6!"$ $he religi!n
$ha$ lead $! Me& sh!"ld 6e$aEe himsel# $! a sage and maEe him as his 4rece4$!r9
Till he realises Brahman he sh!"ld serve his 4rece4$!r liEe "n$! Me wi$h care and dev!$i!n9
He sh!"ld have 4er#ec$ #ai$h in him and sh!"ld n!$ #ind #a"l$s in him9
>0
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
B"$ he wh! has n!$ c!n$r!lled $he siZ h"man #rail$ies !r Shad )rmis vil9& s!rr!w& del"si!n&
h"nger& $hirs$& decay& dea$h& wh! all!ws his senses $! r"n ri!$& wh! has n! discrimina$i!n& wh! has
n!$ a$$ained dis$as$e #!r $he $ransien$ 4leas"res !# $his w!rld !r $he neZ$& wh! "ses Sannyasa as a
means !# livelih!!d is a vi!la$!r !# Dharma !r a des$r!yer !# religi!n9 He chea$s $he g!ds& himsel#
and Me wh! dwells in his Sel#9 His dir$y sins !r im4"ri$ies are n!$ ye$ washed !##9 There#!re he #alls
#r!m $his as well as #r!m $he !$her w!rld9 He is de4rived !# 6!$h $his li#e and $he li#e $! c!me9
The main d"$ies !# a Sannyasi are c!n$r!l !# $he mind and n!n=inD"ry] $h!se !# a Vana4ras$hi
are a"s$eri$y and discrimina$i!n !r En!wledge] $h!se !# a h!"seh!lder are 4r!$ec$i!n !# $he lives !#
animals and 4er#!rmances !# sacri#ices] $he main d"$y !# a Brahmachari is wh!lehear$ed service $!
his 4rece4$!r9
,eli6acy wi$h !ccasi!nal gra$i#ica$i!n a$ 4rescri6ed $imes 1Ri$"dharma5& Ta4as& 4"ri$y&
c!n$en$men$ and Eindness $! 6eings are als! d"$ies !# a h!"seh!lder9 W!rshi44ing Me is a d"$y
c!mm!n $! all9
He wh! $h"s c!ns$an$ly w!rshi4s Me 4rac$ising $he d"$ies laid d!wn #!r him and d!es n!$
give his mind $! any !$her and wh! $hinEs !# Me in all 6eings& s!!n a$$ains #irm dev!$i!n $! Me9
O )ddhavaH Thr!"gh s"ch "nswerving dev!$i!n a 4ers!n a$$ains $! Me& $he S"4reme R"ler
!# all $he w!rlds and all 6eings& $he !rigina$!r and des$r!yer !# all& $heir ca"se& $he Brahman9
Having his mind $h"s 4"ri#ied 6y $he 4er#!rmance !# his d"$ies and realising My na$"re& he
a$$ains En!wledge 1cnana5 and realisa$i!n 1ViDnana5 and reaches Me in a sh!r$ $ime9
This is $he righ$e!"s c!"rse !# c!nd"c$ !# $h!se $ha$ are in $he 4ale !# Varna and Asrama
sys$em and $ha$ c!"rse a$$ended wi$h dev!$i!n $! Me 6ec!mes $he 6es$ means !# a$$aining
emanci4a$i!n !r M!Esha9
S! I have answered y!"r :"es$i!n& as $! h!w 4ers!n discharging $he d"$ies !# his cas$e !r
s$age !# li#e wi$h dev!$i!n $! Me& a$$ains $! Me& $he Highes$9C
cnana and ViDnana
The L!rd said& BHe wh! is end!wed wi$h $he!re$ical En!wledge !# $he Sas$ras and wh! has
a$$ained Sel#=realisa$i!n als!& sh!"ld #inally resign $! Me $ha$ En!wledge als!& En!wing $he
"niverse !# di##erences $! 6e an ill"si!n !r $he res"l$ !# mere Maya9
T! a man !# wisd!m I al!ne am 6el!ved9 I al!ne am his 4"r4!se !r $he desired g!al and $he
means $here$!9 I am his Svarga as well as M!Esha9 There is n!$hing else 6"$ Me which is dear $!
him9
Th!se wh! have a$$ained cnana 1$he!re$ical En!wledge5 and ViDnana 1Sel#=realisa$i!n5
a$$ain $! My s"4reme a6!de !r $he highes$ g!al9 The sage is $he m!s$ 6el!ved !# Me 6eca"se he
h!lds Me "4 wi$h his En!wledge9
>>
T%A,HIN'S
Ta4as& 4ilgrimage $! h!ly 4laces and h!ly wa$ers& re4e$i$i!n !# $he Man$ra& chari$a6le gi#$s&
and many !$her 4"ri#ying ac$s are n!$ s! hel4#"l $! a$$ain $ha$ 4er#ec$i!n which c!mes $hr!"gh a ray
!# direc$ Sel#=realisa$i!n9
There#!re& O )ddhavaH Kn!w $hysel# in !rder $! have Sel#=realisa$i!n& and 4!ssessed !#
cnana and ViDnana& w!rshi4 Me wi$h a dev!"$ hear$9
By means !# $he sacri#ice !# En!wledge and Sel#=realisa$i!n& sages have w!rshi44ed Me& $he
A$man and L!rd !# all sacri#ices in $heir !wn Sel# 1hear$5& and have a$$ained 4er#ec$i!n 1M!Esha59
O )ddhavaH The $hree#!ld m!di#ica$i!n vil9& 6ir$h& dea$h& decay !r $he gr!ss& s"6$le and
ca"sal 6!dies $ha$ a44ears $! 6e in $hee is merely Maya !r ill"si!n& #!r i$ !cc"rs in $he middle 6"$ i$
d!es n!$ eZis$ in $he 6eginning !r a$ $he end9 When 6ir$h and s"ch !$her s$a$es a##ec$ $his
m!di#ica$i!n 16!dy5 wha$ is $ha$ $! y!"` Beca"se in $he case !# an ill"s!ry !6Dec$ wha$ really eZis$s
in $he 6eginning and end al!ne eZis$s in $he middle als!9C
)ddhava said- BO L!rd !# $he "niverse& O L!rd wh! ar$ in $he #!rm !# $he "niverse& 4lease
$ell me h!w $he ancien$ and 4"re En!wledge $!ge$her wi$h dis4assi!n& ren"ncia$i!n and realisa$i!n
may 6e #"lly a$$ained9 (lease als! $ell me a6!"$ $he me$h!d !# dev!$i!n $! Thee which is s!"gh$ a#$er
6y $he grea$ sages and even Brahma9
O L!rdH In $he #ear#"l 4a$h !# Samsara& harassed 6y $he $hree#!ld #ires vil9& Adhya$mic
1diseases e$c95& Adhidaivic 1$h"nder& ligh$ning e$c95 and Adhi6ha"$ic 1sc!r4i!n=6i$e& snaEe=6i$e e$c95
and s"6Dec$ed $! severe $rial& O L!rd& I d! n!$ see any shel$er !$her $han $he "m6rella !# Thy #ee$ $ha$
sh!wers nec$ar vil9& $he 6liss#"l M!Esha9 O m!s$ gl!ri!"s L!rd& 6eca"se !# my greed #!r $he #lee$ing
w!rldly 4leas"res I have g!$ in$! $he Daws !# $he 4y$h!n 1$ime5 which has dragged me in$! $he a6yss
!# $he never=ending series !# 6ir$hs and dea$hs9 Li#$ me "4& #r!m $his 4i$ and graci!"sly s4rinEle me
wi$h Thy s!!$hing w!rds !# wisd!m $ha$ c!nd"ce $! M!Esha !r $he #inal emanci4a$i!n9C
The L!rd said- B!rmerly Eing *"dhish$hira asEed Bhisma& $he #!rem!s$ !ne !# $h!se
versed in $he l!ve !# Dharmas& in eZac$ly $his way $! which we all lis$ened9
A#$er $he Maha6hara$a war was !ver& #illed wi$h s!rr!w #!r $he sla"gh$er !# his Einsmen and
#riends& Dharma4"$ra s!"gh$ $he advice !# Bhishma& and a#$er asEing him :"es$i!ns !n vari!"s
s"6Dec$s #inally asEed $his :"es$i!n a6!"$ emanci4a$i!n !r M!Esha9
I shall $ell y!" !# $hese which I heard #r!m $he li4s !# Bhishma and which are 4regnan$ wi$h
high 4rece4$s !n ren"ncia$i!n& ViDnana 1realisa$i!n5& #ai$h& sinceri$y and dev!$i!n9
Tha$ is $r"e ViDnana& I c!nsider& 6y which !ne sees in all 6eings $he nine ivil9& (raEri$i&
("r"sha& Maha$ 1in$ellec$5& AhamEara 1eg!ism5 and $he #ive Tanma$ras 1#ive r!!$=ma$$er !r #ine
ma$$er !r S"Eshma Bh"$as5j& $he eleven vil9& $he #ive !rgans !# ac$i!ns& $he #ive !rgans !#
En!wledge and mind& $he #ive elemen$s vil9& ear$h& wa$er e$c9& and $he $hree '"nas& Sa$$va& RaDas
and Tamas and als! sees $he !ne in all $hese 6eings9
><
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
N!w ViDnana is !nly $his9 The sage d!es n!$ n!w see $he many 4rinci4les $! 6e real !r h!w
$he many is 4ervaded 6y $he !ne9 He n! m!re 6eh!lds $hings 4ervaded 6y $he !ne as 6e#!re9 He
remains c!nsci!"s !# $he !ne s"4reme ca"se& Brahman and !# n!$hing else9 He realises $ha$ $he
s$a$es !# !rigin& s"6sis$ence& and des$r"c$i!n rela$e !nly $! $he $hings $ha$ are c!ns$i$"$ed !# $he $hree
'"nas9
Tha$ which& when !ne !6Dec$ is $rans#!rmed in$! an!$her& eZis$s a$ i$s 6eginning& middle and
end& and remains 6ehind& when $h!se !6Dec$s re$"rn $! $heir ca"se& is indeed $he real !r $he eZis$ing
Sa$9
The Vedas& direc$ 4erce4$i!n& $he sayings !# grea$ men and in#erence are $he #!"r (ramanas
!r 4r!!#s !# En!wledge9 The w!rld !# $rans#!rma$i!n d!es n!$ s$and $he $es$ !# any !# $hem s! $he
wise man 6ec!mes dis4assi!na$e $! all $hings and ren!"nces $he w!rld9
All w!rEs are s"6Dec$ $! change9 They 6ear $he seed !# s!rr!w and have a limi$ !# $ime9 They
can never crea$e everlas$ing ha44iness9 There#!re $he wise man sees all $he regi!ns $ha$ may 6e
a$$ained 6y ac$i!ns& #r!m $ha$ !# Brahma d!wnwards& as misera6le and $ransi$!ry even liEe $he
w!rld $ha$ is seen9
O sinless !neH I have already $!ld y!" !# BhaE$i *!ga9 I shall again $ell y!" $he chie# means
#!r $he a$$ainmen$ !# dev!$i!n $! Me9 Hear again wha$ I say9
ai$h in $he nec$ar=liEe $ales !# My deeds& eZ4!"nding $hem $! !$hers a#$er hearing&
c!ns$an$ly singing !# Me& s$eadiness in w!rshi44ing Me& singing hymns in 4raise !# Me& deligh$ in
d!ing service $! Me& 6!wing $! Me wi$h all $he eigh$ 4ar$s !# $he 6!dy& w!rshi4 !# My dev!$ees
which is even grea$er $han $he w!rshi4 !# Me& realisa$i!n !# My 4resence !r eZis$ence in all 6eings&
l!!Eing "4!n all 6eings as Mysel#9
M!ving $he lim6s in d!ing ac$s dedica$ed $! Me& singing My :"ali$ies& direc$ing daily $alEs
$!wards Me 6y $alEing a6!"$ My a$$ri6"$es& resigning !r !##ering $he mind $! Me& $he giving "4 !#
all desires& giving "4 weal$h& enD!ymen$& c!m#!r$s and ha44iness #!r My saEe& 4er#!rming
sacri#ices& gi#$s and !6la$i!ns& re4ea$ing Man$ras& 4rac$ising v!ws and a"s$eri$ies all #!r My saEe&
$hese are $he chie# means #!r $he a$$ainmen$ !# dev!$i!n $! Me9
O )ddhavaH Th!se men wh! have s"rrendered $hemselves $! Me devel!4 dev!$i!n $! Me 6y
s"ch 4i!"s ac$s9 When !nce $hey a$$ain My dev!$i!n& n!$hing else remains $! 6e realised in $his
"niverse9
When $he mind #"ll !# Sa$$va and 4er#ec$ly serene is resigned "n$! Me&@$he A$man& and
dev!$ee a$$ains righ$e!"sness& En!wledge& dis4assi!n !r ren"ncia$i!n and divine 4!wers !# $he s$a$e
!# Isvara9
B"$ when $he mind r"ns a#$er $he 4leas"res !# $he senses& when i$ is se$ !n any$hing di##eren$
#r!m Mysel# i9e9& !n $he 4hen!menal !6Dec$s& when i$ r"ns as$ray wi$h $he senses& i$ 6ec!mes very
im4"re wi$h RaDas and ge$s a$$ached $! "nreal !6Dec$s and $h"s i$ 6ec!mes 4erverse and $he man
>/
T%A,HIN'S
devel!4s $he very reverse !# $he a6!ve :"ali$ies vil9& "nrigh$e!"sness& ign!rance& a$$achmen$ and
weaEness9
BWha$ever 4r!m!$es dev!$i!n $! Me is Dharma] realisa$i!n !# $he !neness !# A$man is
cnana !r wisd!m] n!n=a$$achmen$ $! sense !6Dec$s !r $he $hree '"nas and $heir 4r!d"c$s is
dis4assi!n] and $he s$a$e !# Isvara is $! 4!ssess Anima and !$her 4!wers9C
*ama and Niyama
)ddhava said- BO Slayer !# enemiesH O# h!w many Einds are *ama and Niyama als!` Wha$
is Sama` Wha$ is Dama& O Krishna` Wha$ is Ti$iEsha` Wha$ is Dhri$i` Wha$ is Dhanam` Wha$ is
Ta4as` Wha$ is Sa"ryam` Wha$ is Sa$ya` Wha$ is Ri$a` Wha$ is Tyaga` Wha$ Dhanam is w!r$h
c!ve$ing` Wha$ is *aDna` Wha$ is DaEshina` Wha$ is $he s$reng$h !# a man` Wha$ is Bhaga` Wha$
is La6ha` Wha$ is Vidya` Wha$ is Hri` Wha$ is (ara Sree` Wha$ is S"Eha` Wha$ is D"Eha` Wh! is
a ("ndi$` Wh! is a #!!l` Wha$ is $he 4a$h` Wha$ is $he wr!ng 4a$h and i$s reverse` Wha$ is heaven`
Wha$ is hell` Wh! is a rela$i!n` Wha$ is a h!"se` Wh! is rich` Wh! is 4!!r` Wh! is a Kri4ana`
Wh! is a L!rd` O L!rd !# $he righ$e!"s& may Th!" 6e 4leased $! answer $hese :"es$i!ns !# mine& as
well as $heir !44!si$es9C
The L!rd said& B*ama c!nsis$s !# Ahimsa 1n!n=inD"ry5& Sa$ya !r $he 4rac$ice !# $r"$h&
As$eya 1n!n=s$ealing5& Asanga 1n!n=a$$achmen$5& Hri 1m!des$y& shame5& Asanchaya
1n!n=acc"m"la$i!n !# weal$h !r wan$ !# s$!ring #!r $he #"$"re5& As$iEya 1#ai$h in '!d5&
Brahmacharya 1celi6acy5& M!"na 1silence5& S$airyam 1s$eadiness& 4a$ience5& Kshama 1#!rgiveness5&
A6haya 1#earlessness59
Niyama c!nsis$s !# Sa"cha 16!dily and men$al 4"ri$y5& ca4a 1re4e$i$i!n !# Man$ras !r names
!# $he L!rd5& Ta4as 1a"s$eri$y5& H!ma 1!##ering !# !6la$i!ns in $he sacred #ire5& Sraddha 1#ai$h5&
A$i$hya 1h!s4i$ali$y5& Archana 1daily w!rshi45& Tir$ha$ana 14ilgrimage5& (arar$eha 1w!rEing #!r $he
6ene#i$ !# !$hers59 T"sh$i 1c!n$en$men$5& and Acharya Sevana 1service !# $he $eacher !r 4rece4$!r59
I# $hese gr!"4s !# $welve vir$"es are righ$ly 4rac$ised $hey will s"rely 4r!d"ce res"l$s
acc!rding $! $he desire !# $he 4rac$i$i!ner9 They will give ei$her ma$erial 4r!s4eri$y !r li6era$i!n9
Sama is #iZing $he mind !n Me and n!$ mere men$al :"ie$ness !r calmness9 Dama is $he
c!n$r!l !# $he senses9 Ti$iEsha is #!r6earance !r #!r$i$"de9 I$ is $he 6earing !# grie# !r a##lic$i!ns9
Dhri$i is res$rain$ !# $he !rgans !# $as$e and re4r!d"c$i!n9 T! re#rain #r!m harming !$her crea$"res is
$he highes$ gi#$ 1Dana59 Ta4as is really $he giving "4 !# desires9 Sa"rya 1val!"r !r her!ism5 is $he
c!n:"es$ !# !neXs na$"re9 Sa$ya is $he 4rac$ice !# e:"ali$y !r l!!Eing "4!n every$hing wi$h an e:"al
eye9
Ri$am is& $he wise say& s4eech 6!$h swee$ and $r"$h#"l9 Sa"cha !r 4"ri$y is n!n=a$$achmen$ $!
Karma9 Tyaga is $he giving "4 !# w!rE9 The weal$h $! 6e c!ve$ed #!r is Dharma9 I Mysel# am *aDna9
The s4iri$"al $eaching !r im4ar$ing !# En!wledge is DaEshina !r religi!"s rem"nera$i!n !r
sacri#icial gi#$9 ,!n$r!l !# (rana is $he highes$ s$reng$h9
<3
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
Bhaga is my divine s$a$e having $he siZ a$$ri6"$es9 The 6es$ 4r!#i$ is dev!$i!n $! Me9 Vidya
!r learning is $he rem!val !# $he idea !# se4ara$i!n #r!m Sel#9 I$ is $he annihila$i!n !# $he idea !#
4l"rali$y in $he Sel#9 Hri is n!$ merely m!des$y9 I$ is shrinEing #r!m 4r!hi6i$ed ac$i!n !r evil deeds9
Sri is n!$ merely riches 6"$ vir$"es s"ch as s4iri$ !# inde4endence& a6sence !# desire9 S"Eha !r
ha44iness is $he $ranscending !# 4leas"re and 4ain9 D"Eha !r misery is $he hanEering !r l!nging
a#$er sense=4leas"res9 A ("ndi$ !r sch!lar is !ne wh! can dis$ing"ish 6e$ween 6!ndage and
li6era$i!n9
A #!!l is !ne wh! iden$i#ies himsel# wi$h $he 6!dy& wh! $hinEs $ha$ $he 6!dy and i$s
6el!ngings are A$man9 The righ$ 4a$h is $ha$ which leads $! Me9 The wr!ng way is $ha$ which
dis$rac$s $he mind9 The increase !# Sa$$va is heaven9 The increase !# Tamas is hell9 The rela$ive is
$he 4rece4$!r i9e9& Mysel#& O #riend9 The h!"se is $he h"man 6!dy9 The rich man is he wh! is #"ll !#
eZcellen$ :"ali$ies9
He is 4!!r wh! is disc!n$en$ed9 He wh! has n!$ c!n$r!lled his senses is mean& !r hel4less9
He is Isvara wh! is n!$ a$$ached $! $he !6Dec$s !r $he '"nas9
O )ddhavaH I have #"lly answered all y!"r :"es$i!ns9 Well wha$ is $he "se !# dila$ing !n $he
charac$eris$ics !# meri$ and de#ec$ 1'"na D!sha5` T! di##eren$ia$e 6e$ween g!!d and 6ad is de#ec$9
T! 6e #ree #r!m 6!$h is g!!d9 T! $hinE !# eZcellen$ 4!in$s and de#ec$s is 6ad] n!$ $! $hinE !# $hem
6!$h is g!!d9C
The Three (a$hs- Karma& BhaE$i And cnana
)ddhava said- BO L!rd !# l!$"s=liEe eyesH kT! d!X and kn!$ $! d!X] kKarma is $! 6e
4er#!rmedX and kKarma is n!$ $! 6e 4er#!rmedX& inD"nc$i!ns and 4r!hi6i$i!ns@6!$h are Thy
inD"nc$i!ns in $he Vedas9 The Vedas s4eaE !# meri$s and demeri$s in c!nnec$i!n wi$h Karma9 They
s4eaE !# Varna and Ashrama& !# di##erences in $ime& s4ace& age and !6Dec$s& !# Svarga and NaraEa9
H!w can Thy w!rds c!nsis$ing !# inD"nc$i!ns and 4r!hi6i$i!ns lead men $! $he #inal
emanci4a$i!n !r M!Esha wi$h!"$ $he En!wledge !# dis$inc$i!n 6e$ween g!!d and 6ad !r meri$ and
de#ec$`
O L!rd& $he Vedas& Thy w!rds are $he highes$ s!"rce !# ill"mina$i!n #!r $he manes& $he g!ds
and men& regarding $his "nseen s"ch as M!Esha !r Svarga& as well as $he means and ends9
The idea !# dis$inc$i!n as g!!d and 6ad& righ$ and wr!ng is derived #r!m Thy !wn c!mmand
in $he #!rm !# Vedas 6"$ n!$ 6y !neXs #ancy9 I$ is n!$ inna$e9 The same scri4$"res "ndermine all ideas
!# di##erence9 I# $ha$ dis$inc$i!n is denied !r re#"$ed 6y $he same Vedas& I am 4"llled and
c!n#!"nded9 There#!re& Eindly enligh$en me !n $his 4!in$9C
The L!rd said- BIn !rder $! lead $hem $! #inal ha44iness $hree *!gas !r ways have 6een
$a"gh$ 6y Me9 They are cnana 1En!wledge5& Karma 1w!rE5 and BhaE$i 1dev!$i!n59 There is n! !$her
means wha$s!ever !# a$$aining M!Esha9
<.
T%A,HIN'S
cnana *!ga is #!r $h!se wh! are disg"s$ed wi$h $he 4er#!rmance !# Karma and have
ren!"nced i$9 Karma *!ga is #!r $h!se wh! are n!$ disg"s$ed wi$h $he 4er#!rmance !# Karma 6"$ are
a$$ached $! i$ and wh! desire #!r i$s #r"i$s9
He wh! has a #ai$h in My ac$i!ns e$c9& 6y s!me g!!d #!r$"ne& and a$ $he same $ime& is nei$her
disg"s$ed wi$h& n!r in$ensely a$$ached $! w!rE& is #i$ #!r BhaE$i *!ga9
One sh!"ld 4er#!rm w!rE s! l!ng as he d!es n!$ #eel disg"s$ #!r i$ !r as l!ng as he is n!$
drawn 6y l!ve #!r Me !r "n$il he has devel!4ed #ai$h and venera$i!n #!r lis$ening $! s$!ries a6!"$ Me
and $elling $hem $! !$hers e$c9
O )ddhava& he wh!& #!ll!wing $he Dharmas !r d"$ies !# his !wn Varna and Ashrama& and
4er#!rms sacri#ices wi$h!"$ any desire #!r #r"i$s& d!es n!$ g! $! heaven !r hell& 4r!vided he d!es n!
4r!hi6i$ed ac$9
He wh! 4rac$ises $he d"$ies !# his !wn Varna and Ashrama& !6serves 4ie$y and d!es n!$hing
wr!ng !r 4r!hi6i$ed ac$i!n& a$$ains 4"re En!wledge and devel!4s dev!$i!n $! Me& remaining in $his
very w!rld9
%ven $h!se in heaven and hell desire $his w!rld 6eca"se $his li#e is c!nd"cive #!r devel!4ing
En!wledge and dev!$i!n whereas $h!se $w! regi!ns !r $he 6!dies wi$h which $he residen$s !#
heaven and hell are end!wed are n!$ "se#"l #!r $ha$ 4"r4!se9
The wise man d!es n!$ wish #!r heaven !r hell9 He d!es n!$ even wish #!r h"man eZis$ence&
#!r c!nnec$i!n wi$h $he 6!dy ca"ses sel#ish dis$rac$i!ns and del"si!n9 He g!es as$ray $hr!"gh
a$$achmen$ $! $he 6!dy9
Being aware !# $his #ac$& he sh!"ld 6e vigilan$ and s$rive #!r li6era$i!n 6e#!re $he a44r!ach
!# dea$h& En!wing $ha$ $he 6!dy al$h!"gh i$ is 4erisha6le& can hel4 him in $he a$$ainmen$ !# his g!al
!r $he highes$ g!!d9 Seeing $ha$ $he $ree !n which i$ 6"il$ i$s nes$ is 6eing c"$ 6y cr"el men& $he 6ird
a6and!ns i$s a$$achmen$ $! $he nes$ and $ree and 6ec!mes ha44y 6y leaving i$s h!me9 %ven s!& $he
wise man wh! !6serves and "nders$ands $ha$ his s4an !# li#e is 6eing c"$ sh!r$ 6y $he r!$a$i!n !#
days and nigh$s& sh"dders wi$h #ear and realises $he (arama$man !r $he S"4reme Sel# 6y
a6and!ning all a$$achmen$s9 Then he is #ree #r!m all ac$ivi$ies9 Then he gives "4 all ac$ivi$ies and
$here6y a$$ains 4er#ec$ #reed!m #r!m (raEri$i and remains 4eace#"lly9
Tile h"man 6!dy which is $he 4rimal s!"rce !# all a$$ainmen$s& is a s$r!ng 6!a$& s! hard $!
sec"re& ye$ wi$hin easy reach& s! chea4 when !nce a$$ained9 The 4rece4$!r is a$ $he helm !# $his 6!a$
and I am $he #av!"ra6le wind $ha$ drives i$9 The man wh! d!es n!$ s$rive $! cr!ss $he !cean !# 6ir$hs
wi$h s"ch a 6!a$ and wi$h s"ch means as $hese is $r"ly Eilling himsel#9
When $he *!gi #eels disg"s$ #!r Karma and 6ec!mes dis4assi!na$e he sh!"ld Eee4 $he mind
in a s$a$e !# c!ncen$ra$i!n 6y $he 4rac$ice !# medi$a$i!n !n $he A$man wi$h his sense "nder c!n$r!l9
When in $he ac$ !# c!ncen$ra$i!n $he mind 6egins immedia$ely $! wander and is "ns$eady& he sh!"ld
6e !n $he aler$ and 6ring i$ 6acE "nder his c!n$r!l grad"ally wi$h "nremi$$ing e##!r$s a#$er all!wing i$
$! g! in i$s wandering c!"rse a li$$le9
<7
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
D! n!$ all!w $he mind $! g! i$s !wn way al$!ge$her9 Kee4 y!"r (ranas and senses "nder
c!n$r!l and 6ring $he mind "nder y!"r c!n$r!l wi$h $he hel4 !# $he in$ellec$ s$reng$hened 6y Sa$$va9
This s!r$ !# c!n$r!l !# $he mind is $he highes$ *!ga& D"s$ liEe $he c!n$r!l !# an "nr"ly h!rse9
The h!rseman slacEens $he reins a$ #irs$ 6"$ never le$s g! $he reins9 Similarly $he *!gi all!ws $he
mind $! wander a li$$le $! have i$s !wn way #!r a while& Eee4s a vigilan$ wa$ch !ver i$s m!vemen$s
and $hen 6rings i$ grad"ally "nder his c!n$r!l9
Re#lec$ !n $he !rigin and diss!l"$i!n !# all !6Dec$s in $he !rder !# crea$i!n and in $he reverse
!rder acc!rding $! $he SanEhya me$h!d9 D! $his $ill $he mind 6ec!me calm9
When $he man 6ec!mes disg"s$ed wi$h $he w!rld and is end!wed wi$h dis4assi!n& when he
is a6le $! re#lec$ !n wha$ his 4rece4$!r has $a"gh$ him& his mind a6and!ns i$s evil dis4!si$i!n 6y
vir$"e !# $he re4ea$ed eZercises in medi$a$i!n9
The mind sh!"ld 6e made $! $hinE !# $he !nly w!r$hy $hing (arama$man& 6y means !# *ama
and !$her 4rac$ices !# *!ga !r 6y a c!rrec$ and $h!r!"gh eZamina$i!n !# $he $w! ca$eg!ries and $he
En!wledge gained $here6y 1re#lec$ing !n $he $r"e signi#icance !# Ta$ Tvam Asi MahavaEya5@6"$
6y n! !$her means9
I# $he *!gi d!es s!me re4r!acha6le and im4r!4er ac$ inadver$en$ly& he sh!"ld 6"rn $he sin
6y *!ga al!ne 6"$ n!$ 6y any !$her means i9e9& n!$ 6y eZ4ia$!ry ri$es9 ica4a !# Man$ra !r $aEing
L!rdXs name& medi$a$i!n !n $he L!rd !r Brahman& Kir$an& Brahma ,hin$an !r Brahma Vichara will
6"rn $he sin !# im4"ri$y9j
Adherence $! $he d"$ies !# !neXs !wn s4here is said $! 6e vir$"e 1righ$59 By maEing $his
dis$inc$i!n 6e$ween meri$ and de#ec$ a res$ric$i!n is 4laced !n ac$s $ha$ are 6y na$"re im4"re #!r $he
4"r4!se !# ena6ling 4e!4le $! rem!ve a$$achmen$ $! $hem9
He wh! has reveren$ial #ai$h in $ales a6!"$ Me& wh! #eels disg"s$ #!r all ac$i!ns& wh! En!ws
$ha$ all desires are miseries and is ye$ inca4a6le !# ren!"ncing $hem& s"ch a man sh!"ld w!rshi4 Me
wi$h sincere dev!$i!n and #irm #ai$h] $h!"gh eZ4eriencing $h!se desires and !6Dec$s he sh!"ld
c!ndemn $hem as leading $! misery9
I# a man c!ns$an$ly w!rshi4s Me 6y means !# BhaE$i *!ga men$i!ned a6!ve& all $he desires
!# his hear$ are des$r!yed as I Mysel# dwell in his hear$9
The 6!ndage is 6r!Een as"nder& all his d!"6$s are dis4elled and his Karmas are des$r!yed
when I& $he A$man !# all& am realised9
The 4rac$ice !# En!wledge !r dis4assi!n is n!$ !# any "se $! $he *!gi wh! has in$ense
dev!$i!n $! Me and has his mind #iZed in Me& and wh! is Mysel#9
Wha$ever is a$$ained 6y righ$e!"s d"$ies& a"s$eri$ies& En!wledge& dis4assi!n& *!ga& chari$y
and many !$her means !# a$$aining g!!d@all $ha$ My dev!$ee #"lly a$$ains $hr!"gh $he !ne c!"rse
!# dev!$i!n $! Me@even heaven& !r li6era$i!n& !r My a6!de& i# he cares $! have i$9
<2
T%A,HIN'S
My BhaE$as wh! are s!lely dev!$ed $! Me d! n!$ desire any$hing even i# i$ 6e !##ered 6y
Me& n!$ even #inal li6era$i!n !r a6s!l"$e M!Esha9
There#!re $! wan$ n!$hing is $he grea$ and m!s$ e##icaci!"s way $! a$$ain $he highes$ g!!d9
There#!re he wh! has n! desires and cares #!r n!$hing a$$ains dev!$i!n $! Me9
Meri$s and de#ec$s which arise #r!m 4er#!rmance !# ac$i!ns enD!ined and 4r!hi6i$ed d! n!$
a##ec$ $h!se dev!$ees wh! are eZcl"sively dev!$ed $! Me& $he S"4reme Being wh! is 6ey!nd $he
in$ellec$9 They are 6ey!nd $he limi$s !# '"na 1meri$5 and D!sha 1de#ec$59
Th!se wh! $h"s 4rac$ise $hese 4a$hs $! My a$$ainmen$& $he $hree *!gas $ha$ I have D"s$
$a"gh$& a$$ain My a6!de !# 6liss !r realisa$i!n !# Brahman9
'"na and D!sha
1Meri$ and De#ec$5
Th!se wh! d! n!$ #!ll!w $he $hree 4a$hs vil9& $he 4a$hs !# BhaE$i& cnana and Karma& 6"$ wh!
!nly seeE& $he #"l#ilmen$ !# 4al$ry desires 6ec!me s"6Dec$ $! 6ir$h and dea$h9
Dev!$i!n $! $he d"$ies !# !neXs cas$e !r s$age !# s$a$i!n !# li#e is '"na !r meri$9 The reverse
is D!sha !r de#ec$9 This is $he 4r!4er de#ini$i!n !# '"na and D!sha9 This is $he c!ncl"sive view in
res4ec$ !# 6!$h meri$ and de#ec$9
("ri$y 1S"ddhi5 !r im4"ri$y 1As"ddhi5& righ$ !r meri$ 1'"na5 !r wr!ng !r de#ec$ 1D!sha5&
a"s4ici!"sness 1S"6ha5 !r ina"s4ici!"sness 1As"6ha5 are $erms a44lied $! $he same !6Dec$s in
rela$i!n $! religi!n 1Dharma5& s!cie$y 1Vyavahara5 and living 1*a$ra5 res4ec$ively9
I have eZ4lained !r laid d!wn Achara !r r"les !# li#e #!r $h!se& wh! wan$ $! 6e g"ided 6y
Dharma9 In !rder $! En!w $he righ$e!"s 4a$h as dis$inc$ #r!m $he "nrigh$e!"s& h!w a cer$ain c!"rse
is admissi6le in a Brahmana !r Ksha$riya and $he liEe and wha$ may 6e ad!4$ed #!r $he saEe !#
6arely s"s$aining li#e& O sinless !ne& $his c"s$!mary c!"rse !# c!nd"c$ has 6een eZ4lained 6y Me as
Man" and !$her law=givers& $! $h!se wh! are dis4!sed $! 6ear $he 6"rden $ermed $he righ$e!"s
c!"rses !# Karma9
The 6!dy !# all 6eings #r!m Brahma d!wn $! $he leas$ inanima$e 4ar$icle is c!m4!sed !#
ear$h& wa$er& #ire& air and e$her9 They are all ens!"led 6y A$man9
O )ddhava& $h!"gh $heir 6!dies are $h"s similar& ye$ $he Vedas have crea$ed dis$inc$ names
and #!rms as Varna& Ashrama& in !rder $ha$ crea$"res may a$$ain $heir dis$inc$ 4"r4!se vil9& Dharma&
Ar$ha& Kama !r M!Esha in res4ec$ !# 6!dies !# $he same Eind& w!rEing "nder $he r"les laid d!wn #!r
each9 iThe !6Dec$ is $! 4"$ a limi$ $! $he na$"ral inclina$i!ns and $here6y $! sec"re Dharma& Ar$ha
e$c9j
In !rder $! reg"la$e ac$i!ns I enD!in meri$s and de#ec$s regarding $hings in res4ec$ !# 4lace&
$ime and !$her c!ndi$i!ns9
<A
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
Th!se lands where $here is n! 6lacE deer and where dev!$i!n $! Brahmanas is a6sen$ are
im4"re9 %ven i# $hey are #"ll !# deer& $he $rac$s En!wn as KiEa$a and $h!se $ha$ are 6arren sh!"ld 6e
c!nsidered as im4"re "nless $here 6e righ$e!"s 4e!4le in $hem9
Tha$ $ime is g!!d when i$ is #i$$es$ #!r 4er#!rming Vedic d"$ies& ei$her 6y i$s !wn na$"re !r
6y $he 4r!4er s"44ly !# $he re:"ired ar$icles& whereas $ha$ Time is c!nsidered 6ad !r "n#i$ when $he
Vedic !6servances cann!$ 6e a$$ended $! #!r lacE !# $hings and !$her circ"ms$ances9
,er$ain $hings 6ec!me 4"re !r im4"re when $hey are in c!n$ac$ wi$h cer$ain !$her $hings& 6y
4"ri#ica$!ry cerem!ny& 6y $ime& 6y :"ali$y !r v!l"me& grea$ !r small] cer$ain $hings d! !r d! n!$
de#ile any !ne acc!rding as he is !r he is n!$ 4hysically a6le $! a6ide 6y $he r"le& as he En!ws !r n!$&
is rich !r 4!!r& !r as he is a##ec$ed 6y $hem wi$h re#erence $! 4lace& s$a$e and !$her circ"ms$ances9
iRain wa$er $ha$ is c!llec$ed in a $anE is regarded 4"re a#$er $en days9 !!d 6ec!mes im4"re i# i$ is
Ee4$ #!r s!me h!"rs9 A 4!$ !# wa$er is easily rendered im4"re 6"$ n!$ s! $he wa$er !# a $anE9 I# a man
En!ws !# $he 6ir$h !# his s!n wi$hin $en days& he is "nder 4!ll"$i!n9j
The 4"ri#ying 4r!cess !# grain& w!!d& 6!ne 1liEe iv!ry5& $eZ$iles& $hreads& li:"ids& h!"seh!ld
"$ensils& sEins& ear$hen $hings& !il& ghee& g!ld& sEins and me$allic wares is d!ne as $he case may 6e 6y
$ime& air& #ire& ear$h and wa$er ei$her singly !r in c!m6ina$i!n9
I# any$hing is smeared wi$h s!me im4"re s$"##& $ha$ which 4"ri#ies i$ is c!nsidered $he
4"ri#ier& $ill i$ rem!ves $he smell and $he c!a$ing !# $he im4"ri$y and res$!res i$ $! i$s na$"ral s$a$e9
Ba$hing& chari$y& Ta4as& cerem!nies liEe $he wearing !# $he sacred $hread& remem6ering $he
L!rd and His name& Sandhya& 4rayer and medi$a$i!n acc!rding $! s$ages !# li#e and s$reng$h 4"ri#y a
man9 Th"s 4"ri#ied& a $wice=6!rn sh!"ld 4r!ceed $! d! his d"$y !r religi!"s ac$s9
The 4"ri$y !# $he Man$ras arises #r!m 4r!4erly En!wing i$ #r!m $he 4rece4$!r9 Man$ra has
#!rce& 4"ri$y and e##icacy9 Ac$i!ns 6ec!me 4"re i# $hey are !##ered "n$! Me9 The 4"ri$y !# $he a6!ve
siZ #ac$!rs vil9& 4lace& $ime& s"6s$ance& agen$& Man$ra and s4eci#ied ac$s leads $! righ$e!"sness& and
$he a6sence !# i$ $! "nrigh$e!"sness9
S!me$imes wha$ is said $! 6e g!!d may 6ec!me 6ad and wha$ is 6ad may 6ec!me g!!d in
$he ligh$ !# $he r"le !r !n acc!"n$ !# an inD"nc$i!n9 Th"s $he r"le $ha$ de#ines $hings as g!!d and 6ad
ac$s a6!lishes $heir dis$inc$i!n9
In $he case !# $h!se wh! have !nce #allen& any !# $heir ac$s c!mm!n $! all in $ha$ s$a$e !r $he
d!ing !# any evil deed d!es n!$ 6ec!me $he ca"se !# #"r$her #all] ass!cia$i!n wi$h $he !44!si$e seZ is
all!wa6le in $he case !# a h!"seh!lder] #!r $he 4ers!n already lying l!w !n $he gr!"nd has n! #ear !#
a #"r$her #all9
r!m wha$ever !ne a6s$ains& !ne ge$s rid !# $ha$9 This is $he righ$e!"s c!"rse !r c!nd"c$ $ha$
leads $! $he ha44iness !# men and rem!ves $heir s!rr!w& del"si!n and #ear9
By mis$aEing eZ$ernal !6Dec$s $! 6e g!!d& man ge$s a$$ached $! $hem] #r!m a$$achmen$ arises
$he desire $! 4!ssess $hem and desire leads $! :"arrel am!ng men9
<?
T%A,HIN'S
Dis4"$e !r :"arrel genera$es in$ense anger which is #!ll!wed 6y c!n#"si!n !r in#a$"a$i!n9
In#a$"a$i!n des$r!ys his in$elligence and sense !# righ$ and wr!ng9
O g!!d !ne& when $he in$elligence 6ec!mes cl!"ded and 4erver$ed !n acc!"n$ !# Tamas& he
is red"ced alm!s$ $! n!$hing9 LiEe a man in sw!!n !r liEe a dead man he #alls #r!m his 4"r4!se !r
misses $he g!al !# his li#e9
He is 4assi!na$ely a$$ached $! !6Dec$s and En!ws nei$her himsel# n!r $he S"4reme Sel#9 He
in vain vege$a$es liEe a 4lan$ and merely 6rea$hes liEe $he 6ell!ws9
BTh!se wh! 4er#!rm *aDna a$$ain SvargaC@sayings liEe $hese which are c!n$ained in $he
Vedas which $rea$ !# $he #r"i$s !# w!rEs d! n!$ s4eaE !# #inal 6liss9 They d! n!$ sh!w a way $!
salva$i!n9 They are !nly $em4$ing w!rds really mean$ #!r $he a$$ainmen$ !# M!Esha& D"s$ liEe w!rds
said $! a child $! ind"ce him $! $aEe medicine9 The #a$her says& BDrinE $his 6i$$er medicine9 I shall
give y!" s"gar candy9C The child $aEes $he medicine9 B"$ $he s"gar candy is n!$ wha$ he ge$s& #!r his
real gain is rec!very #r!m disease9 %ven s! $hese ind"cemen$s will crea$e a $as$e in men #!r a$$aining
Sel#=realisa$i!n9 (e!4le are led 6y means !# $hese $em4$ing 4r!s4ec$s $! a$$ain $he #inal
emanci4a$i!n9
r!m $heir very 6ir$h men are a$$rac$ed $! sense=!6Dec$s& $! $heir lives& and 4!wers& and $!
$heir rela$ives9 These are !nly s!"rces !# misery and 6!ndage9
H!w can $he Vedas rec!mmend sense enD!ymen$s $! 4e!4le& wh!& ign!ran$ !# $heir 4"r4!se&
are already wandering in $he 4a$h !# misery and #alling in$! 6linding darEness& and wh! #!ll!w $he
$eachings !# $he Vedas 1Karma Kanda5` Why sh!"ld $he Vedas $each $hem a$$achmen$ $! s"ch
$hings` S!me ign!ran$ 4e!4le say s! wi$h!"$ En!wing $he 4"r4!r$ !# $he Vedas9 They $alE !# $he
#l!wery descri4$i!ns !# $he #r"i$s !# w!rEs men$i!ned in $he Karma Kanda !# $he Vedas9 B"$ $h!se
wh! En!w $he $r"e meaning !# $he Vedas d! n!$ $alE a6!"$ $he 4r!mise !# #r"i$s9 iThe view $ha$ $he
Veda $eaches $he way $! $he a$$ainmen$ !# Svarga !r #lee$ing 4leas"res is inc!rrec$9 The real 4"r4!se
!# $he Veda is $! $each $he way $! #inal emanci4a$i!n9j
Th!se wh! are #"ll !# desires& wh! are mean and greedy& wh! mis$aEe #l!wers #!r #r"i$s i9e9&
wh! regard "nreal !6Dec$s as real are del"ded 6y sacri#ices 4er#!rmed wi$h $he hel4 !# #ire& which
lead $hem $! (i$riyana !r $he 4a$h !# sm!Ee9 They are 6!rn again !n $his ear$h a#$er $em4!rary
enD!ymen$ in Svarga9 They never En!w $he $r"$h !# $heir !wn Sel#9
O dear !ne& $h!"gh I am sea$ed in $heir hear$& $h!"gh I am $he ca"se !# $he "niverse& ye$ $hey
d! n!$ En!w Me& 6eca"se $hey !nly $alE !# sacri#icial ac$s and seeE $! sa$is#y $heir !wn a44e$i$es liEe
$h!se wh!se eyesigh$ is dimmed 6y mis$9
I# !ne has a 4assi!n #!r Eilling animals& i$ is res$ric$ed $! sacri#ices9 He may sa$is#y i$ !nly in
sacri#ices9 I$ is n!$ a r"le c!m4elling any6!dy $! Eill9 These wicEed 4e!4le wh! wan$ $! sa$is#y $heir
senses d! n!$ "nders$and My view=4!in$9 They $aEe deligh$ in Eilling animals #!r $heir !wn 4leas"re
and w!rshi4 $he g!ds& $he (i$ris and gh!s$s 6y Eilling animals in sacri#ices9
<0
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
Imagining $! 6e real $ha$ w!rld 1Svarga5 which is "nreal liEe a dream and !nly 4leasing $!
$he ear& $hey $hirs$ a#$er enD!ymen$s $here and wi$h $ha$ h!4e s4end $heir m!ney in sacri#ices& D"s$ as
a merchan$ s4ends his m!ney in s4ec"la$i!n and in $he h!4e !# 4r!#i$9
(e!4le wh! are r!!$ed in RaDas& Sa$$va and Tamas& w!rshi4 Indra and !$her g!ds wh! als!
are ass!cia$ed wi$h RaDas& Sa$$va and Tamas& 6"$ $hey d! n!$ w!rshi4 Me9
They $hinE& kw!rshi44ing $he g!ds here 6y means !# sacri#ices& we shall g! $! heaven and
enD!y $here and a$ $he end !# $he 4eri!d !# enD!ymen$ shall again 6e 6!rn here in n!6le #amilies and
a$$ain vas$ 4!ssessi!ns9X
Men wh!se minds are drawn away 6y $hese h!neyed w!rds !# $he scri4$"res& wh! are 4r!"d
and greedy d! n!$ relish even a re#erence $! Me9
The $hree divisi!ns !# $he Vedas really $rea$ !# $he iden$i$y !# civa and Brahman9 They are
really mean$ $! c!nvey $he $r"$h !# $he !neness !# $he individ"al s!"l and $he S"4reme S!"l9 B"$ $he
Man$ras 1Vedas5 are indirec$ in $heir meaning9 They say $hings which are n!$ wha$ $hey a44ear $! 6e
!n $he s"r#ace and I liEe $his indirec$ness9 iBeca"se !nly $h!se 4"re and 4i!"s men wh! "nders$and
$he $r"e signi#icance will ren!"nce w!rEs9 I# $hese are !4enly eZ4ressed& all 4e!4le will a6and!n
w!rEs 6e#!re $hey are ready !r #i$ $! "nders$and $he $r"$hs !# Vedan$a9j
The Sa6da Brahman !r $he Veda is very di##ic"l$ $! "nders$and9 I$ is $he 4r!d"c$ !# (rana&
$he #ac"l$y !# s4eech and men$al #ac"l$y9 I$ is c!ndi$i!ned 6y $he (ranas& $he mind and $he !rgans9 I$
is m!s$ s"6$le& "nlimi$ed& very dee4 and "n#a$h!ma6le liEe $he !cean9
S4eech !r s!"nd has a s"6$le and gr!ss #!rm9 (ara& (asyan$i and Madhyama are s"6$le9 They
remain dee4 and "n#a$h!ma6le liEe $he !cean9 Only VaiEhari 6ec!mes mani#es$ed in $he Vedas
!rigina$ing in (ranava and a44earing $hr!"gh $he le$$ers !# $he al4ha6e$ and $he me$res9 (ara is
mani#es$ed in $he (rana& (asyan$i in mind& Madhyama in $he Indriyas9 Tha$ s$age which is a6!"$ $!
iss"e $hr!"gh $he v!cal !rgans as ar$ic"la$e s4eech is En!wn as VaiEhari9 VaiEhari #inds
mani#es$a$i!n in ar$ic"la$e eZ4ressi!n9
I$ is charged wi$h My 4resence and s$reng$hened 6y Me& wh! am 4er#ec$& "nchanged and
"nlimi$ed in 4!wers and i$ is 4erceived as s!"nds !r OM in all 6eings 6y $he inner *!gic visi!n !#
*!gis liEe $he slender #i6res in a l!$"s s$alE9
c"s$ as a s4ider 4r!Dec$s i$s we6 #r!m i$s hear$ $hr!"gh i$s m!"$h& s! als! $he L!rd
Hiranyagar6ha wh!se #!rm is $he Vedas 4r!Dec$s !"$ !# OM !r (ranava $hr!"gh His mind& $he
Vedas& which 4r!ceed in a $h!"sand ways graced wi$h c!ns!nan$s& v!wels& as4ira$es& semi=v!wels
ev!lved !"$ !# (ranava and which 6ec!mes eZ4ressed in$! w!nder#"l #!rms !# s4eech !r lang"age
wi$h #!"r d!minan$ me$res9 Hiranyagar6ha wi$hdraws every$hing in$! Himsel# a$ $he end !# a cycle&
D"s$ as $he s4ider als! wi$hdraws i$s we6 in$! i$sel#9
S!me !# $he me$res are- 'aya$ri& )shniE& An"sh$"4& Briha$i& (anE$i& Trish$"4& caga$i&
A$iDaga$i& A$ichandas& A$yash$i and A$ivira$9
<>
T%A,HIN'S
Wha$ $he Vedas lay d!wn& wha$ $hey eZ4lain& wha$ $hey reca4i$"la$e and deal #!r
disc"ssi!n@$he secre$ !# $his n!6!dy En!ws in $his w!rld !$her $han Mysel#9
BThe Vedas lay d!wn r"les $! w!rshi4 Me9 They descri6e Me9 I am descri6ed in vari!"s
#!rms9 Wha$ is s$a$ed $herein $! 6e re#"$ed is als! I9 This is $he meaning !# all $he Vedas9 The Vedas
$ha$ $rea$ !# Me as $heir s"6s$ra$"m s$a$e $ha$ d"ali$y and di##erence are merely ill"si!n and are $he
res"l$ !# Maya9 They deny #inally all di##erences and cease $! d! $heir #"nc$i!n9C
The Ta$$vas
)ddhava said- BO L!rd !# $he "niverseH H!w many Ta$$vas 1ca$eg!ries !r $he #"ndamen$al
4rinci4les !r 4rim!rdial #ac$!rs5 are $here in $he w!rld as descri6ed 6y $he sages !r Rishis` S!me
give $he n"m6er as $wen$y=eigh$& !$hers eleven& nine& #ive and $hree9 The Rishis gave $he n"m6er
di##eren$ly9
S!me say i$ is $wen$y=siZ& !$hers $wen$y=#ive& s!me s4eaE !# seven& s!me nine& !r siZ !r #!"r
!r eleven& seven$een& !r siZ$een& and s!me again $hir$een9
Kindly $ell me& O Imm!r$al One& $he 4"r4!se !r s$and4!in$ which $he Rishis have in view in
giving $he n"m6er di##eren$ly9C
The L!rd said- B%ach n"m6er is c!rrec$ acc!rding $! $he eZ4!si$i!n and s$and4!in$ !# $he
4ar$ic"lar $eacher wh! #iZes $he n"m6er acc!rding $! his views9 !r $h!se wh! acce4$ $he 6asis !#
My Maya and eZ4lain $hings& wha$ $he!ry is n!$ 4!ssi6le $! main$ain` iThe disc"ssi!n a6!"$ $he
n"m6er is "seless9 The 4rinci4les are in$er4ene$ra$ing9 This !rder and $heir n"m6er are $here#!re
di##eren$ly "nders$!!d9 This "niverse is an ill"si!n9 There#!re !ne may have any s!r$ !# view !# $he
"niverse9 Mirage is #alse9 T! $alE !# $he de4$h !# $he wa$er in $he mirage& h!w m"ch $he ear$h has
6ec!me we$ 6y $he wa$er !# $he mirage is all "seless9j
There need 6e n! disc"ssi!n i# $he $eacher "nders$ands each !$hers s$and4!in$9 B"$ i# $he
$eacher has eg!ism and i# his mind is cl!"ded 6y My #!rces !# del"si!n& disc"ssi!ns inevi$a6ly
arise9 BI$ is n!$ as y!" say9 Wha$ I say is $he #ac$C@This s!r$ !# dis4"$e !ver $he iss"e is d"e $! My
4!wers Sa$$va& RaDas and Tamas which are very di##ic"l$ $! ge$ rid !#9
r!m $he vari!"s c!m6ina$i!ns !# $hese 4!wers !r 4rinci4les& arise $he ma$$er #!r dis4"$e
vil9& di##erence in $he!ries9 When !ne a$$ains calmness !# mind 1Sama5& and sel#=c!n$r!l 1Dama5 $he
di##erence ceases $! 6e seen and $he disc"ssi!n !r dis4"$e vanishes wi$h i$9
There is m"$"al in$er4ene$ra$i!n am!ng $he 4rinci4les9 S! $heir en"mera$i!n 4r!ceeds in a
rela$i!n !# ca"se and e##ec$ in acc!rdance wi$h $he view !# $he 4ar$ic"lar eZ4!nen$9
In $he same Ta$$va whe$her i$ is ca"se !r e##ec$ all $he !$her Ta$$vas !r 4rinci4les are #!"nd
incl"ded9 iThe e##ec$s s"ch as 4!$& cl!$h& !rnamen$s& e$c9& are inheren$ in a s"6$le #!rm in $he ca"se
1clay& $hread !r g!ld5& which again in$er4ene$ra$es !r 4ermea$es $hr!"gh $he e##ec$s9j
<<
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
S!me !# $he elemen$ary $r"$hs as given 6y a se$ !# $eachers will incl"de $w! !r m!re !# $he
elemen$ary $r"$hs as given 6y !$hers& acc!rding $! $he s$and4!in$& $he $eacher se$s "4 #!r himsel#9 In
$racing e##ec$s $! $heir ca"se& !r in disc"ssing ca"se and e##ec$& acc!rding $! $he ingen"i$y and l!gic
!# each $eacher& $he n"m6ers migh$ 6e arranged !r sh"##led9
The rela$i!n !# $hese 4rinci4les as ca"se and e##ec$ and $heir n"m6er may vary acc!rding $!
$he 4!wer !# s4eech which any $eacher may c!mmand& and every s"ch 4!si$i!n sh!"ld 6e acce4$ed
as c!rrec$& 6eca"se $here is an eZ4lana$i!n #!r i$9
As man is "nder $he in#l"ence !# 6eginningless ign!rance& he cann!$ have Sel#=realisa$i!n
wi$h!"$ $he hel4 !# a 4rece4$!r9 He wh! En!ws Brahman !nly can im4ar$ $ha$ En!wledge !# $he
Sel#9 S"ch a 4rece4$!r is (arameshvara wh! is dis$inc$ #r!m $he civa9 Hence s!me h!ld $ha$ $he
4rinci4les are $wen$y=siZ9
S!me h!ld $ha$ $he 4rinci4les are $wen$y=#ive9 Beca"se $here is n! di##erence a$ all 6e$ween
$he ("r"sha 1S!"l5 and Isvara 1'!d59 I$ is n!$ righ$ $! $aEe $hem as $w! di##eren$ 4rinci4les9
Kn!wledge is 6"$ an a$$ri6"$e !r 4r!4er$y !# (raEri$i9
(raEri$i is e:"ili6ri"m !# $he '"nas which 6el!ng !nly $! (raEri$i and n!$ $! A$man9 The
'"nas are Sa$$va& RaDas and Tamas& $he ca"ses res4ec$ively !# $he s"6sis$ence& !rigin and
des$r"c$i!n !# $he w!rld9
Kn!wledge is $he res"l$ !# Sa$$va& ac$ivi$y !# RaDas and ign!rance !# Tamas9 Time is Isvara
wh! ca"ses $he dis$"r6ance in $he '"nas9 Sva6hava !r $endency is S"$ra !r Maha$ Ta$$va9
("r"sha& (raEri$i& Maha$ 1VyaE$a5& AhamEara& AEasa& air& #ire& wa$er and ear$h@$hese are
$he nine 4rinci4les I men$i!ned9
The ear& sEin& eye& n!se and 4ala$e are $he #ive !rgans !# En!wledge 1cnana Indriyas5] $he
$!ng"e& hand& leg& geni$als and an"s are $he #ive !rgans !# ac$i!n 1Karma Indriyas59 O dear !ne& $he
mind is 6!$h9 These are $he eleven 4rinci4les !r Ta$$vas9
S!"nd& $!"ch& #!rm !r c!l!"r& $as$e and smell are $he #ive sense=!6Dec$s9 S4eech& w!rE&
m!$i!n& eZcre$i!n& genera$i!n are $he #"nc$i!ns !# $he !rgans !# ac$i!n9
In $he 6eginning when $his "niverse is 4r!Dec$ed& (raEri$i ass"mes $he #!rms !# ca"se and
e##ec$ $hr!"gh $he '"nas s"ch as $he Sa$$va e$c9& and is lia6le $! every s"ch s$a$e !r m!di#ica$i!n9
B"$ $he in$elligen$ ("r"sha remains "nm!di#ied9 He sim4ly wi$nesses $he w!rE !# (raEri$i9
Maha$ Ta$$va and !$her 4rinci4les are charged wi$h 4!wer $hr!"gh $he glance !# $he
("r"sha9 Being s"44!r$ed 6y $he (raEri$i $hey c!m6ine $!ge$her and #!rm $he "niverse9 A$ every
s$age !# crea$i!n $he graci!"s immanence !# ("r"sha direc$s !r gives $he necessary im4e$"s #!r $he
crea$i!n9
S!me h!ld $ha$ $he #"ndamen$al 4rinci4les !r ca$eg!ries are !nly seven and $hey are $he #ive
elemen$s 6eginning wi$h AEasa& civa& and $he S"4reme Sel# which is $he s"6s$ra$"m !r s"44!r$ !#
</
T%A,HIN'S
6!$h $he seer and $he seen& $he s"6Dec$ and $he !6Dec$9 r!m $hese seven arise $he 6!dy& $he senses
and $he (ranas9
Again acc!rding $! an!$her view $hey are siZ vil9& $he #ive elemen$s and $he S"4reme Sel#&
wh! has made all $his vil9& $he 6!dy& $he w!rld and every$hing else and en$ered in$! $hem9
Where #!"r is given as $he n"m6er& $he A$man and $he $hree main elemen$s vil9& ear$h& wa$er
and #ire which #!rm $he envel!4e !# $he A$man in di##eren$ 6!dies are al!ne incl"ded9 The "niverse
is 4r!d"ced 6y $hese #!"r9 I# i$ 6e eleven& $he A$man& $he #ive elemen$s and $he #ive senses #!rm $he
ca$eg!ries9
Where seven$een is given as $he n"m6er& $he #ive elemen$s& $he #ive !6Dec$s 1Vishayas&
s!"nd& $!"ch e$c95 $he #ive senses 1ear& sEin e$c95 wi$h $he mind and A$man are incl"ded9 When
siZ$een is $he n"m6er given& $he A$man i$sel# is $aEen as $he mind9 The mind is incl"ded in $he
A$man9 When $hir$een is given& $he #ive elemen$s& $he #ive !rgans& $he mind and $he $w!#!ld A$man
as civa and (arama$man maEe "4 $he $hir$een 4rinci4les9
When eleven is given as $he n"m6er& $he A$man& $he #ive elemen$s and $he #ive !rgans are
$aEen in$! acc!"n$9
When nine is given as $he n"m6er& $he eigh$ (raEri$is vil9& (raEri$i& Maha$& eg!ism& and $he
#ive s"6$le elemen$s and $he ("r"sha maEe "4 $he nine 4rinci4les9
Th"s $he di##eren$ ways !# recE!ning $he 4rinci4les have 6een ad!4$ed 6y $he sages !r
Rishis9
%very view is c!rrec$9 There is s!me reas!n #!r i$9 ,an $here 6e any$hing wr!ng in wha$ $he
wise say`C
(raEri$i and ("r"sha
)ddhava said- BO Krishna& $h!"gh $he (raEri$i and ("r"sha seem 6y na$"re dis$inc$ #r!m
each !$her& ye$ $heir dis$inc$i!n is n!$ eviden$ as $hey are never #!"nd a4ar$9 A$man is seen in (raEri$i
16!dy5 and (raEri$i is seen in A$man9
O ("ndariEaEsha 1l!$"s=eyed5& Omniscien$ L!rd& O L!rd !# (raEri$i& may Th!" 6e 4leased
$! rem!ve $he grea$ d!"6$ in my mind wi$h Thy w!rds sEilled in reas!ning9 Thr!"gh Thy grace
4e!4le derive En!wledge and $hr!"gh Thy 4!wer $hey l!se $heir En!wledge9 There#!re Th!" al!ne
En!wes$ $he $r"e c!"rse !# Thy Maya and n! !$her9C
The L!rd said- BO 6"ll am!ng menH (raEri$i and ("r"sha are essen$ially di##eren$9 They are
en$irely dis$inc$ en$i$ies9 (raEri$i is insen$ien$ and changing9 ("r"sha is sen$ien$ and "nchanging9
The 6!dy is $he m!di#ica$i!n !# $he $hree '"nas9 This "niverse is c!ns$i$"$ed !# $hree '"nas9 The
c!m6ina$i!n !# $he $hree '"nas has 4r!d"ced $his "niverse9 I$ is s"6Dec$ $! m!di#ica$i!ns9 A
dis$"r6ance in $he e:"ili6ri"m !# $he $hree '"nas has 4r!Dec$ed $his "niverse9
/3
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
O dear !ne& My Maya c!m4!sed !# $he $hree '"nas crea$es $hr!"gh $hese '"nas c!"n$less
m!di#ica$i!ns and n!$i!ns9 The m!di#ica$i!n !r $he "niverse is $hree#!ld vil9& Adhya$ma 1rela$ing $!
$he 6!dy5& Adhidaiva 1rela$ing $! $he g!ds5& Adhi6h"$a 1rela$ing $! $he crea$"res59
The eye !r $he !rgan !# seeing is Adhya$ma] c!l!"r !r #!rm is Adhi6h"$a] $he ray !# $he s"n
!r $he 4residing dei$y S"rya !r s"n is Adhidaiva9 These de4end "4!n !ne an!$her #!r $heir
mani#es$a$i!n] 6"$ $he s"n which is in $he sEy eZis$s inde4enden$ly9
B"$ A$man which is $he ca"se !# all $hese 1Adhi6h"$a e$c95 is di##eren$ #r!m $hem9 "r$her
He gives ligh$ $! all agen$s $ha$ ill"mina$e $hings $hr!"gh His !wn sel#=l"min!si$y9 Similarly are $!
6e viewed $he senses !# $!"ch& hearing& $as$e& smell and $he mind e$c9 The sEin is in rela$i!n wi$h
$!"ch and air] $he ear wi$h s!"nd and $he :"ar$ers& $he $!ng"e wi$h $as$e and Var"na] $he n!se wi$h
smell and $he Aswins] $he mind wi$h SanEal4a and $he m!!n] B"ddhi wi$h discrimina$i!n and
Brahma] ,hi$$a wi$h mem!ry and Vas"deva] AhamEara wi$h iden$i#ica$i!n and R"dra9
The m!di#ica$i!n 6r!"gh$ a6!"$ 6y $he dis$"r6ance !# $he '"nas is 4r!d"ced !"$ !# Maha$
which has i$s ca"se $he (raEri$i and $ha$ 6ec!mes& $he $hree#!ld AhamEara vil9& VaiEariEa& Tamasa
and Aindriya& $he ca"se !# del"si!n and d!"6$ charac$erised 6y ign!rance9 1Sa$$viEa is Adhidaiva]
Tamasic is Adhi6h"$a] RaDasic is Adhya$ma59
The dis4"$e as $! whe$her $he A$man is !r is n!$& $he dis4"$e $ha$ cen$res !n a di##erence !#
views merely is $he res"l$ !# n!$ realising $he A$man9 Th!"gh i$ is $h"s 6aseless& i$ d!es n!$ vanish
#r!m $h!se wh!se mind is $"rned away #r!m 6eh!lding $heir A$man9C
Reincarna$i!n
)ddhava said- BO L!rd& h!w d! $h!se wh!se mind is n!$ dev!$ed $! Thee $aEe !n and give
"4& $hr!"gh $heir !wn ac$i!ns& 6!dies high and l!w` This 4!in$ cann!$ 6e 4r!4erly "nders$!!d 6y
crea$"res !# 4!!r "nders$anding9 M!s$ly $here are n!ne indeed in $his w!rld wh! En!w $his as $hey
are del"ded 6y Thy Maya9C
The L!rd said- BThe mind !# men im4rin$ed wi$h Karma !r #"ll !# Karma !# ac$ive
$endencies d"e $! 4as$ ac$i!ns& m!ves wi$h $he #ive senses #r!m 6!dy $! 6!dy& #r!m !ne 4lane $!
an!$her9 The A$man wh! is dis$inc$ #r!m i$ #!ll!ws $he mind "nder $he den!mina$i!n !# kIX !r #!rce
!# eg!ism9
The mind a#$er dea$h& $hinEs !# s"ch !6Dec$s seen !r heard !# as $he Karma !# men 4lace
6e#!re i$9 I$ awaEes "n$! $h!se !6Dec$s i$ $hinEs !# and slee4s !ver $he 4as$ !r 4revi!"s !6Dec$s9 The
mem!ry $ha$ c!nnec$s $he 4resen$ wi$h $he 4as$ s$a$es dies away in c!nse:"ence9 The new 6!dy is
remem6ered and $he !ld 6!dy is #!rg!$$en9
When !ne l!ses all $h!"gh$s !# !neXs 6!dy in $he 4receding li#e $hr!"gh his in$ense
a$$achmen$ $! $he 4resen$ 6!dy $hr!"gh s!me ca"se !r !$her& $ha$ "$$er #!rge$#"lness is his dea$h9
Man !6$ains a Deva 6!dy !r a l!w 6!dy which "nderg!es in#lic$i!ns !r $!r$"res a#$er his dea$h9 He
en$irely #!rge$s his #!rmer 6!dy ei$her $hr!"gh in$ense enD!ymen$ in $he #!rmer case !r $hr!"gh 4ain
in $he la$$er case9 This is $he dea$h !# $he civa wh! iden$i#ied wi$h his #!rmer 6!dy and n!$ $he
/.
T%A,HIN'S
annihila$i!n !# his 6!dy i$sel#9 The civa iden$i#ies himsel# wi$h $hese new 6!dies and #!rge$s en$irely
his #!rmer 4hysical 6!dy9 The c!nnec$i!n wi$h $he #!rmer 6!dy is en$irely c"$ !## in his mind9 This
c!ns$i$"$es his dea$h wi$h re#erence $! his #!rmer 6!dy9
The 6ir$h !# a civa is $he acce4$ance !# a 6!dy as his !wn Sel#9 I$ is even liEe dream !r #ancy9
In dream !r #ancy a man d!es n!$ En!w his 4resen$ Sel# as $he #!rmer Sel#9 The mind
a$$aches i$sel# $! a new 6!dy and ca"ses a 6ir$h in$! $ha$ 6!dy9 He d!es n!$ remem6er his rela$i!n $!
his 4revi!"s 6!dy 6eca"se dea$h and $he new 6!dy en$irely c"$ !## $he mem!ry9 He $hinEs himsel# $!
6e a new man& al$h!"gh he is n!$ new9
c"s$ as a man in dream& crea$es and sees many 6!dies& s! als! $his $hree#!ld divisi!n vil9&
Adhidaiva e$c9& which is $he crea$i!n !# $he mind& is $he ca"se !# 4erceiving di##erence as $he
eZ$ernal and in$ernal $hings 4r!Dec$ed !n $he real A$man and is $he s!"rce !# evil liEe !ne wh! gives
6ir$h $! a wicEed s!n9 Th!"gh a #a$her may have nei$her #riend n!r enemy& he is a##ec$ed 6y $he
c!nnec$i!ns #!rmed 6y his wicEed s!n9 Similar is $he case wi$h A$man9 O dear !ne& every m!men$
crea$"res are c!n$in"ally 6!rn and die9 B"$ $his is n!$ 4erce4$i6le !n acc!"n$ !# $he eZ$reme s"6$le$y
and inc!nceiva6le vel!ci$y !# $ime9 As in $he case !# #lames& c"rren$s !# wa$er !r $he #r"i$s !# a $ree&
s! in $he case !# all crea$"res& age and !$her c!ndi$i!ns are 4r!d"ced 6y $ime in "n6r!Een
s"ccessi!n9
As in $he case !# #lames $he n!$i!n and $he s$a$emen$ $ha$ $his is $ha$ very lam4& !r in $he case
!# s$reams $ha$ $his is $ha$ very wa$er are #alse& s! als! are $he n!$i!n and $he s$a$emen$ $ha$ $his is
$ha$ very man which men !# "nreal li#e #alsely h!ld in $heir mind and $alE a6!"$9 The 4ar$icles !#
#lame and wa$er are c!n$in"ally changing9 The #lame is di##eren$ a$ every m!men$9 The s$ream
6rings di##eren$ 4ar$icles !# wa$er $! a s4!$ a$ every m!men$9 The "nders$anding and $he w!rds !#
ign!ran$ men are all c!n#!"nding 6eca"se $hey s4eaE and $hinE 6elieving $ha$ $he same 6!dy
c!n$in"es9
Nei$her is $his man 6!rn n!r d!es he die 6y $he seed !# his !wn Karma9 He is imm!r$al9 The
n!$i!n !# 6ir$h and dea$h is i$sel# a del"si!n wi$h re#erence $! Sel#9 Thr!"gh ill"si!n even $he "n6!rn
seems $! 6e 6!rn& even $he imm!r$al seems $! die liEe #ire in a 4iece !# w!!d $h!"gh Agni c!n$in"es
$! eZis$ $! $he end !# Kal4a9 ,!nce4$i!n& em6ry! s$a$e& 6ir$h& childh!!d& 6!yh!!d& y!"$h& middle
age& !ld age and dea$h@$hese are $he nine s$a$es !# $he 6!dy9
These imaginary s$a$es& high and l!w& rela$ing $! $he 6!dy& s!me !ne $hinEs as his !wn
$hr!"gh ass!cia$i!n wi$h $he '"nas and s!me !ne a6and!ns $hem $hr!"gh $he grace !# $he L!rd and
$he 4rac$ice !# discrimina$i!n9
OneXs !wn 6ir$h and dea$h may 6e in#erred #r!m $h!se !# !neXs s!n and #a$her9 The A$man
wh! is $he wi$ness& wh! En!ws $ha$ $he 6!dies !nly are s"6Dec$ $! 6ir$h and dea$h is n!$ a##ec$ed 6y
ei$her 6ir$h !r dea$h9
He wh! sees $he !rigin !# a $ree #r!m a seed and i$s des$r"c$i!n& is dis$inc$ #r!m $he $ree9 S!
als! $he seer !r wi$ness !# $he 6!dy is dis$inc$ #r!m i$9
/7
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
One is 6!"nd d!wn $! $he wheel !# 6ir$h and dea$h 6y lacE !# discrimina$i!n9 The ign!ran$
man d!es n!$ $h"s see $he A$man $! 6e dis$inc$ #r!m $he (raEri$i 16!dy5 and $aEes $hem 6!$h $! 6e
iden$ical9 He is del"ded 6y $he sense=!6Dec$s and #!rges #!r himsel# an endless chain !# 6ir$hs and
dea$hs9
One 6ec!mes a sage !r a '!d 6y ass!cia$i!n wi$h Sa$$va& As"ra !r man 6y ass!cia$i!n wi$h
RaDas& and a gh!s$ !r a 6eas$ 6y ass!cia$i!n wi$h Tamas9
c"s$ as a man seeing $he 4er#!rmance !# singers and dancers inv!l"n$arily imi$a$es $hem in
his mind& s! als! even $he A$man is made $! imi$a$e $he a$$ri6"$es !# $he in$ellec$ 6y wi$nessing i$s
:"ali$ies9
c"s$ as $he $rees re#lec$ed in m!ving wa$er seem $! 6e m!ving als!& s! als! $he ear$h seems $!
r!ll when $he eyes are r!lling9 The m!vemen$s !# $he (raEri$i are s"4erim4!sed !n $he imm!va6le
A$man9
c"s$ as imagina$i!ns and dream visi!ns are "nreal& s! als! $he Samsara !r $he eZ4erience !#
!6Dec$s is "nreal $! A$man& O )ddhava9
Bir$hs and dea$hs are as "nreal as are dreams 6"$ $hey have an eZis$ence even as !6Dec$s in
dream have an eZis$ence9 %ven $h!"gh $he w!rld is "nreal& $he Samsara d!es n!$ vanish $! $ha$ man
wh! is $hinEing !# $he sense=!6Dec$s liEe $he eZ4eriences !# evils in dream9
There#!re& O )ddhava& d! n!$ ind"lge in enD!ying $he !6Dec$s $hr!"gh $he !"$g!ing !rgans9
Never all!w y!"r mind $! 6e $ain$ed 6y desire and r"n !"$ $hr!"gh $he aven"es !# $he senses9 N!$e
$ha$ $he del"si!n !# 4l"rali$y is ca"sed 6y ign!rance and n!n=4erce4$i!n !# $he A$man9
Wha$ever !$hers may say !r d! "n$! y!"& d! n!$ care $he leas$ a6!"$ $ha$& 6"$ $hr!"gh
single=minded dev!$i!n& 4a$ience& discrimina$i!n& en:"iry and medi$a$i!n realise $he A$man9
Wha$ever wicEed 4e!4le migh$ d! $!wards y!"& even i# $hey 6ea$& ins"l$& ridic"le& sc!rn& 6ind !r
de4rive y!" !# y!"r means !# living& s4i$ a$ y!"& d! 6!dily inD"ry $! y!"& $hr!w dir$ !r eZcre$i!ns a$
y!" $! draw y!" #r!m y!"r 4enance& even i# y!" are $h"s harmed in vari!"s ways 6y $he ign!ran$
and 4"$ in di##ic"l$ies& remem6er $ha$ y!" are $he imm!r$al s!"l and $ha$ n!$hing can a##ec$ !r $ain$
y!" i# y!" Eee4 y!"r mind 4"re and realise y!" are $he imm!r$al A$man and n!$hing else9C
)ddhava said- BI$ is very di##ic"l$ $! discard !r end"re $he ins"l$s !# $he wicEed and Eee4
4eace !# mind9 %Zce4$ y!"r dev!$ees wh! have #irm #ai$h in y!"r grace& wh! have $aEen shel$er a$
Thy #ee$& wh! 4rac$ise $he religi!n $a"gh$ 6y Thee& wh! are even=minded& n! !$hers incl"ding even
$he learned can !verc!me $he #rail$ies !# na$"re !r $he #!rce !# *!"r Maya9 H"man na$"re is h"man
na$"re& O L!rd9 I$ is $!! s$r!ng !r 4!wer#"l #!r men9 There#!re& O 6es$ !# $eachersH O L!rd !# $he
"niverse& An$aryamin !# all& Eindly eZ4lain& h!w even an !rdinary m!r$al can a$$ain s"ch
$ran:"illi$y !# mind $! disregard $he $a"n$s and ins"l$s !# $he wicEed9 (lease eZ4lain $! me in s"ch a
way $ha$ I may gras4 i$9C
/2
T%A,HIN'S
%nd"rance
1S!ng !# an asce$ic@S$!ry !# Avan$i Brahmin5
The L!rd said- BO disci4le !# Brihas4a$i $here is n!$ in $he w!rld a sage wh! can c!n$r!l his
mind when he is 4ierced 6y harsh w!rds !# $he wicEed9
%ven arr!ws aimed and direc$ed wi$h #!rce a$ $he m!s$ vi$al 4ar$s !# a man will n!$ give s!
m"ch 4ain as $he cr"el harsh w!rds !# $he wicEed which ranEle in $he hear$ #!r ever9
O )ddhava& I shall narra$e $! y!" a very sacred s$!ry !# ancien$ $imes9 Lis$en $! i$ wi$h ra4$
a$$en$i!n9 I$ was reci$ed 6y an asce$ic wh! was ill=$rea$ed 6y $he wicEed& 6"$ wh! 6!re i$ wi$h grea$
4a$ience and #!r$i$"de& and wh! $h!"gh$ i$ was all d"e $! his !wn 4as$ ac$i!ns9 This was s"ng 6y him9
There lived in Avan$i a very weal$hy Brahmin9 B"$ he led a very misera6le li#e9 He earned
m!ney 6y $he evil ways !# $he w!rld9 He did 6"siness9 He was miserly& c!ve$!"s and very irri$a6le9
He did n!$ s4end any$hing in chari$y9 He did n!$ gree$ his rela$i!ns !r g"es$ wi$h Eind w!rds even9
He never even a$$ended $! $he c!m#!r$s !# himsel#& his wi#e& children !r servan$s9 He was a h"man
ir!n=sa#e h!arding and g"arding m!ney9 He dwel$ in a h!"se "nEn!wn $! all religi!"s ac$ivi$ies9
As he led s"ch a miserly and im4"re li#e& his s!ns and rela$ives did n!$ liEe him9 His wi#e&
da"gh$ers and servan$s g!$ s! m"ch disg"s$ed $ha$ $hey w!"ld n!$ d! wha$ he liEed9 He $!!E
4leas"re !nly in h!arding m!ney9 He was des$i$"$e !# righ$e!"sness9 He never enD!yed his li#e9 S!
he l!s$ 6!$h $his li#e and $he neZ$9 The g!ds 4residing !ver $he #ive *aDnas !r daily sacri#ices grew
very angry9
O li6eral )ddhava& his s$!cE !# meri$s was eZha"s$ed $hr!"gh his neglec$ !# $he #ive
claiman$s9 %ven $he weal$h which he had h!arded wi$h grea$ 4ains and eZer$i!n was l!s$9
O )ddhava& s!me !# his weal$h was $aEen 6y his rela$ives9 Thieves laid $heir hands !n s!me9
He l!s$ an!$her 4!r$i!n 6y $he anger !# $he g!ds !r calami$ies !r acciden$s and 6y $he la4se !# $ime9
S!me !# i$ was $aEen 6y men and Eings9 When his weal$h was $h"s l!s$ he was neglec$ed and cas$
away 6y his !wn 4e!4le9 He was very m"ch a##lic$ed a$ hear$ when he re#lec$ed $ha$ his weal$h had
never 6een "sed #!r $he sa$is#ac$i!n !# his !wn desires !r #!r righ$e!"sness9
He shed $ears when he re#lec$ed !n his 4i$ia6le c!ndi$i!n and his v!ice was ch!Eed9 He
devel!4ed in$ense disg"s$ #!r $he w!rld9 He a$$ained Vairagya !r dis$as$e #!r w!rldly 4!ssessi!ns
and enD!ymen$s liEe an asce$ic9
He said $! himsel#& BMy eZ4erience has indeed 6een 6i$$er9 AlasH W!e "n$! meH I deserve i$9
I have $!rmen$ed my 6!dy in h!arding weal$h9 I have n!$ "$ilised $he weal$h #!r $he a$$ainmen$ !#
my desires !r righ$e!"sness9 I have gained nei$her righ$e!"sness n!r my !wn 4leas"res9
'enerally $he weal$h !# $he miserly d!es n!$ c!n$ri6"$e $! $heir c!m#!r$ !r ha44iness9 I$ !nly
leads $! $heir a##lic$i!n in $his w!rld and leads $hem $! hell and l!ss !# $heir s!"l a#$er $heir dea$h9
/A
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
The s4!$less #ame !# a ren!wned man and $he eZcellen$ :"ali$ies !# a vir$"!"s man are
s4!iled 6y greed& h!wever li$$le i$ may 6e& D"s$ as a small 4a$ch !# whi$e sEin !r le"c!derma s4!ils
even $he m!s$ 6ea"$i#"l #!rms9
In ac:"iring weal$h& in im4r!ving i$ when g!$& in 4r!$ec$ing i$& in s4ending i$& in i$s l!ss and
"se& men eZ4erience !nly eZer$i!n& #ear& anZie$y and del"si!n9
The#$& inD"ry $! !$hers& #alseh!!d& hy4!crisy& l"s$& anger& 4ride& ha"gh$iness& disc!rd&
enmi$y& dis$r"s$& envy& !ver=ind"lgence in w!men& wine and gam6lings@$hese #i#$een evils
4er$aining $! men have indeed& $heir s!"rce in weal$h9 There#!re !ne wh! is desir!"s !# !6$aining
$he highes$ g!!d sh!"ld a6and!n $he evil En!wn as weal$h #r!m a dis$ance9
Als! 6r!$hers& wives& #a$hers and #riends #all !"$ and s!!n 6ec!me enemies #!r $he saEe !# a
small s"m !# m!ney9
!r $he saEe !# a li$$le m!ney $hey :"arrel and 6ec!me enraged9 They a6and!n all 4ri!r
remem6rance and a##ec$i!n& and !"$ !# Deal!"sy s$and in $he way !# !ne an!$her& a$$acE and Eill !ne
an!$her9
Having a$$ained a h"man 6ir$h which is c!ve$a6le even 6y g!ds and a high 4lace vil9& $he
#!rem!s$ li#e !# a Brahmin& $h!se wh! neglec$ $his and s4!il $heir !wn in$eres$s 1vil9&
Sel#=realisa$i!n5 s"rely reach $he m!s$ misera6le end9
Having a$$ained $his h"man 6!dy& $he ga$eway $! heaven and emanci4a$i!n& which m!r$al
man w!"ld 6e a$$ached $! weal$h& $he a6!de !# all evil`
The miser wh! h!ards and g"ards his weal$h liEe a *aEsha& wh! d!es n!$ share i$ wi$h $he
g!ds& $he Rishis& $he (i$ris& rela$ives& #riends& l!wer animals wh! all deserve a share& and d!es n!$
"se i$ #!r his !wn sel#& #alls d!wn9
My li#e and s$reng$h were carelessly s4en$ in $he vain ac:"isi$i!n !# weal$h& 6y which men
!# discrimina$i!n a$$ain $heir g!al9 Wha$ can I d! n!w in my !ld age`
Why d! even learned men wh! En!w $ha$ weal$h is $he s!"rce !# all evils eZer$ m"ch $!
!6$ain weal$h which $ends $! n! g!!d 4"r4!se` S"rely $his w!rld is $!$ally del"ded 6y $he Maya !#
s!me!ne9
Wha$ is $he "se !# weal$h !r !$her ac:"isi$i!ns& desire !r !6Dec$s !# desire& #!r a man wh! is
in $he gri4 !# dea$h` Wha$ is $he "se !# Karma as i$ will !nly inv!lve him in a never=ending series !#
6ir$hs and dea$hs`
,er$ainly $ha$ gl!ri!"s L!rd Hari& wh! is $he L!rd !# $he "niverse& wh! is $he em6!dimen$ !#
all $he g!ds& is immensely 4leased wi$h me& #!r He has 6r!"gh$ me $! $his s$a$e in which I am
end!wed wi$h Vairagya !r dis4assi!n which is a ra#$ !r a 6!a$ #!r me $! cr!ss $he !cean !# Samsara
!r !cean !# 6ir$hs and dea$hs9
/?
T%A,HIN'S
I shall lead $he res$ !# my li#e& i# a$ all $here is any le#$& in 4enance& I shall #ind deligh$ in
A$man !nly9 I shall d! all $ha$ $ends $! $he a$$ainmen$ !# highes$ g!!d9 I shall lead a vir$"!"s li#e and
s$rive #!r my salva$i!n9 May $he g!ds& $he r"lers !# $he $hree w!rlds 6less me $! a$$ain $his s$a$e9 RaDa
Ka$wanga& a$$ained $he a6!de !# Brahma wi$hin an h!"r9C
The L!rd said- BHaving $h"s res!lved in his mind& $he grea$ Brahmin !# Avan$i c"$ !## all
desires and als! $he En!$ !# eg!ism in his hear$ and 6ecame a Sannyasin9 He als! 6ecame $ran:"il in
mind9
He wandered al!ne !ver $he ear$h wi$h 4er#ec$ c!n$r!l !ver his mind& senses and (ranas and
he D"s$ en$ered $!wns and villages #!r $he saEe !# alms9 N! !ne Enew wh! he was9 WicEed 4e!4le
s"rr!"nded& m!cEed and ill=$rea$ed $he !ld and "gly m!nE in vari!"s ways9
S!me $!!E away his 6am6!! s$a##& s!me his 6egging 6!wl and wa$er 4!$& s!me his sea$ and
s!me!ne his r!sary and s!me again& his $!rn cl!$hes9
They w!"ld !##er $! give $hem 6acE and when he came near la"gh a$ him and re#"se $! give
$hem9 S!me$imes $hey re$"rned $h!se $hings 6"$ again sna$ched $hem #r!m him9 A$ !$her $imes
when he was ea$ing his alms near a laEe !r a $anE& $hey w!"ld 4!"r eZcre$i!ns !r s4i$ !ver his head9
They made him s4eaE when he was !6serving silence and 6ea$ him i# he did n!$ d! s!9
O$hers said& kThis man is a $hie#9X S!me $ied him wi$h a r!4e and s!me said& kKill him& Kill
him9X S!me a6"sed and $a"n$ed him and said& kHe is a r!g"e 4!sing himsel# $! 6e a righ$e!"s man9
Having l!s$ all his weal$h and 6eing a6and!ned 6y his rela$ives& he has $aEen $! $his c!"rse !# li#e9X
kOh& he is very s$r!ng9 He end"res all $a"n$s and remains "nshaEen liEe a m!"n$ain9 He is
very res!l"$e liEe a her!n9 He wan$s $! gain his 4"r4!se 6y silence9X
S!me m!cEed him !#$en& while !$hers $ied him wi$h r!4es $! a 4illar !r a $ree& maEing s4!r$
!# him as i# he were a $!y !r a 6ird9
Wha$ever a##lic$i!n !r $r!"6le $h"s 6e#ell him ca"sed 6y $he elemen$s !r $he g!ds !r his !wn
6!dy& he $h!"gh$ $hey were 4redes$ined and $here#!re m"s$ 6e 4a$ien$ly 6!rne9
%ven $h!"gh he was ins"l$ed and $rea$ed wi$h c!n$em4$ 6y wicEed men& even $h!"gh $hey
$ried $! maEe him a6and!n his sain$ly c!"rse he s$"cE $! his 4a$h !# righ$e!"sness& :"i$e s$eadily and
sang $he #!ll!wing s!ng9
The Brahmin said& kNei$her $his 6!dy n!r $hese 4e!4le n!r $he g!ds& n!r $he A$man& n!r
4lane$s& n!r Karma n!r $ime is $he ca"se !# my 4leas"re !r 4ain9 The wise say !r $he Sr"$is declare
$ha$ i$ is $he mind $ha$ is $he $r"e ca"se !# 4leas"re and 4ain& as i$ se$s in m!$i!n $he wheel !#
Samsara9
The mind crea$es desire and $he liEe9 I$ maEes $he vari!"s '"nas #"nc$i!n and $hr!"gh $hem
6rings a6!"$ vari!"s Karmas& g!!d& 6ad !r indi##eren$ #!r $he a$$ainmen$ !# s"ch desires9 By s"ch
/0
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
ac$i!ns man ge$s in$! 6!ndage !r Samsara 1chain !# 6ir$hs and dea$hs5 and a$$ains di##eren$ Einds !#
6ir$h acc!rding $! $he na$"re !# his ac$i!ns9
A$man is $he sel#=e##"lgen$& inac$ive& silen$ wi$ness !# $he ac$ivi$ies !# $he mind9 He is $he
#riend !# $he civa9 The civa iden$i#ies himsel# wi$h $he mind !n acc!"n$ !# ign!rance& and $hinEs he
is $he ac$!r9 In reali$y i$ is $he mind $ha$ d!es every$hing& wh! enD!ys sense=!6Dec$s $hr!"gh desires
and mindXs ac$ive :"ali$ies and $h"s 6ec!mes 6!"nd9
,hari$y& $he 4er#!rmance !# d"$ies !# his !wn Varna and Ashrama& $he !6servance !# *amas
and Niyamas& $he s$"dy !# $he Vedas& vir$"!"s ac$i!ns and $he g!!d !6servances as #as$ing !n
%Eadasi@all $hese lead $! $he c!n$r!l !# mind9 The c!n$r!l !# $he mind is $he highes$ #!rm !# *!ga9
When !neXs mind is c!n$r!lled and $ran:"il& !# wha$ "se are chari$y and $he res$ #!r him` I#
his mind is "nc!n$r!lled and res$less& !# wha$ "se& again& are $his chari$y and $he res$`
The g!ds and $he !rgans 4resided !ver 6y $hem& are "nder $he c!n$r!l !# $he mind& 6"$ $he
mind never c!mes "nder $he c!n$r!l !# any !ne else9 This is a #!rmida6le '!d s$r!nger $han $he
s$r!nges$9 There#!re& he wh! can c!n$r!l $he mind is indeed $he '!d !# g!ds9
Wi$h!"$ c"r6ing !r c!n:"ering $his s$r!ng invinci6le enemy !# irresis$i6le #!rce wi$hin& $ha$
c"$s $he very vi$al 4ar$s& s!me #!!lish 4e!4le $ry $! achieve vic$!ries !"$side crea$ing #riends&
enemies& !r ne"$rals9 Th!se wh! d! n!$ c!n:"er $he mind maEe #riends and enemies9
Del"ded men $hinE& kThis is my 6!dyX and $hey g! as$ray9 They mis$aEe $his 6!dy& a mere
crea$i!n !# $he mind $! 6e $heir !wn and $heir selves9 They are del"ded 6y $he wr!ng n!$i!ns !# kIX&
k$hineX and kheX9 They $hinE kHe is di##eren$X and $h"s wander in $he "nlimi$ed wilderness !#
ign!rance9
I# $he 6!dy is $he ca"se !# 4leas"re and 4ain& $he A$man has n!$hing $! d! wi$h i$& 6eca"se i$
c!ncerns $he $w! 6!dies which are made "4 !# $he same ear$h9 The $w! 6!dies are really !ne 6!dy9 I#
4e!4le are $he ca"se !# my 4leas"re and 4ain& $he A$man !r s!"rce !# 6liss immanen$ in me as $he
!nly real e$ernal #ac$!r& is 4resen$ in all !# $hem9 I# s!me$imes any !ne 6i$es his !wn li4s !r $!ng"e
wi$h his !wn $ee$h inadver$en$ly& wi$h wh!m sh!"ld he 6e angry #!r $he 4ain`
I# $he dei$y is $he ca"se !# 4ain& $he A$man has n!$hing $! d! wi$h i$& 6eca"se i$ is rela$ed $!
$w! dei$ies i9e9& $! $he $w! !rgans 4resided !ver 6y $he $w! dei$ies9 The Deva$as wh! g"ide $he
senses are $he same in all 6eings9 I# y!" 6ea$ an!$her man in his hand& $he 4residing dei$y !# $he hand
vil9& Indra is $he same in 6!$h9 Wha$ has $his $! d! wi$h $he A$man` I$ always remains "na##ec$ed9 I#
s!me$imes& in $he same 6!dy !# a man !ne lim6 s$riEes agains$ an!$her& wi$h wh!m sh!"ld he
6ec!me angry`
I# $he A$man is $he ca"se !# 4leas"re and 4ain& s"ch eZ4erience m"s$ 6e c!nsidered "nreal as
$he Vedas declare $ha$ $he essence !# A$man is 6liss and $ha$ all $hings 6"$ A$man are "nreal and
$ransi$!ry9
/>
T%A,HIN'S
I# $he A$man !r !neXs !wn Sel# is $he ca"se !# 4leas"re and 4ain& eviden$ly n!$hing in $ha$
case ha44ens #r!m an!$her9 In $ha$ case $he ca"se is !neXs !wn na$"re& 4leas"re and 4ain are !# $he
essence !# i$sel#& 6eca"se $here is n!$hing 6esides $he A$man9 I# $here 6e& i$ m"s$ 6e "nreal9
There#!re h!w c!"ld $here 6e $hen any !ccasi!n #!r anger` Wi$h wh!m sh!"ld !ne 6ec!me angry`
There is nei$her 4leas"re n!r 4ain9 A$man !nly really eZis$s9
I# $he 4lane$s 6e $he ca"se !# 4leas"re and 4ain& wha$ have $hey $hen $! d! wi$h A$man wh! is
"n6!rn& 6eca"se $he 4lane$s a##ec$ $he 6!dy !nly` "r$her& !ne 4lane$ eZercise an adverse in#l"ence
!n an!$her 4lane$9 The A$man is en$irely di##eren$ #r!m ei$her $he 4lane$ !r $he 6!dy9 Wi$h wh!m
$hen sh!"ld !ne 6ec!me angry`
I# w!rE 6e $he ca"se !# 4leas"re and 4ain& h!w can i$ a##ec$ !r $!"ch $he 4"re& ac$i!nless and
Imm!r$al A$man& 6eca"se w!rE is 4!ssi6le $! any agency which ha44ens $! 6e "nin$elligen$ and
in$elligen$` B"$ $he 6!dy is "nin$elligen$ and $he A$man is 4"re in$elligence9 There#!re Karma
which is s"44!sed $! 6e $he ca"se #!r 4leas"re and 4ain d!es n!$ eZis$ a$ all9 Then wi$h wh!m sh!"ld
!ne 6ec!me angry`
I# Time 6e $he ca"se !# 4leas"re and 4ain& h!w can i$ a##ec$ $he A$man& 6eca"se A$man is
Himsel# Time9 ,er$ainly #ire cann!$ 6e adversely a##ec$ed 6y hea$& n!r sn!w 6y c!ld9 The 4airs !#
!44!si$es cann!$ a##ec$ $he imm!r$al A$man which is 6ey!nd $hem9 There#!re wh! sh!"ld 6e angry
wi$h wh!m`
He wh! has a$$ained ill"mina$i!n has #ear #r!m n! !ne else9 The A$man which is 6ey!nd
(raEri$i is n!$ a##ec$ed 6y $he 4airs !# !44!si$es9 AhamEara !nly is $he ca"se !# Samsara9 AhamEara
!nly is a##ec$ed 6y $he 4airs !# !44!si$es9
S! I shall 4rac$ise $his dev!$i!n $! $he S"4reme Sel# which $he m!s$ ancien$ Rishis had& and I
shall cr!ss $he "nlimi$ed !cean !# ign!rance9
The L!rd said- BThis was $he s!ng s"ng 6y $ha$ sage wh! l!s$ his weal$h and a$$ained
dis4assi!n& wh! r!amed !ver $he ear$h as a Sannyasin #ree #r!m anZie$y and wh! remained
"nshaEen #r!m his righ$e!"s c!"rse& $h!"gh he was $h"s ill=$rea$ed and ins"l$ed 6y $he wicEed9
The ca"se !# ha44iness !r misery is n! !$her $han !neXs sel#9 I$ is a del"si!n !# $he mind9 This
w!rld c!nsis$ing !# #riends& ne"$rals and enemies which a##ec$s a man wi$h 4leas"re and 4ain is a
del"si!n !# $he mind ca"sed 6y ign!rance9
There#!re& O childH ,!n$r!l $he mind 4er#ec$ly 6y #iZing i$ !n Me9 Res$rain $he ac$ivi$ies !#
$he mind 6y $he #!rce !# y!"r in$ellec$9 This is $he very gis$ !# *!ga9 This is in 6rie# all *!ga9 This is
$he highes$ aim and end !# *!ga9
Wh!ever wi$h a serene mind s$"dies& reci$es 6e#!re !$hers !r hears $his s!ng !# $he $ran:"il&
sel#=res$rained Sannyasi immersed in Brahman is n!$ !ver4!wered 6y $he 4airs !# !44!si$es9C
/<
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
SanEhya
The L!rd said- BN!w I shall $ell y!" a6!"$ $he SanEhya sys$em 4r!4!"nded 6y $he ancien$
seers 1Ka4ila and !$hers5] having En!wn $his& man can a$ !nce cas$ aside $he del"si!n ca"sed 6y
diversi$y9
In $he 6eginning 6e#!re $he !rigin !# $he *"gas 1in (ralaya5 and in $he Sa$ya *"ga a$ $he
6eginning !# $he cycle& when 4e!4le were s$r!ng in de$ermina$i!n& $here was 6"$ !ne $hing wi$h!"$
di##erence& $he 4er#ec$ c!nsci!"sness 1seer5 !r Brahman9 There was n! divisi!n !# seer and seen !r
En!wer and En!wa6le& s"6Dec$ and !6Dec$9 I$ was all !ne h!m!gene!"s c!nsci!"sness& 4"re ,hi$
al!ne 1,hinma$ra59 All $he !6Dec$ive eZis$ence was !ne and $he same9 I$ was a6s!r6ed in Brahman9
The seer and $he wh!le "niverse were !ne and $he same9
Tha$ grea$ $hing Brahman& $he a6s!l"$e Tr"$h& $he h!m!gene!"s essence& $he !nly living
Reali$y which is 6ey!nd $he reach !# mind and s4eech 6ecame $w!#!ld 6y means !# Maya& $he
visi6le& !6Dec$ive "niverse& and $he $hinEing s"6Dec$9 O# $he $w!& !ne is (raEri$i 4!ssessed !# $w!
as4ec$s vil9& ca"se and e##ec$& and $he !$her is cnana !r En!wledge a6s!l"$e which is called ("r"sha9
T! give #r"i$s $! $he Karmas !# civas I dis$"r6ed $he e:"ili6ri"m !# $he (raEri$i9 When I
agi$a$ed her "nder $he eye !# ("r"sha& Sa$$va& RaDas and Tamas 6ecame mani#es$9 The '"nas gave
rise $! S"$ra 1$hread5& als! called Maha$ which is always D!ined $! S"$ra9 r!m $he $rans#!rma$i!n !#
Maha$ was 4r!d"ced eg!ism which ca"ses del"si!n in $he civa9
%g!ism is $hree#!ld@Sa$$vic !r VaiEaric& RaDasic !r TaiDasa and Tamasic9 Mind and $he
eleven g!ds !r 4residing dei$ies !# !rgans came #r!m Sa$$vic AhamEara& $he !rgans came #r!m
RaDasic AhamEara& $he Tanma$ras !r $he #ine 4ar$icles !# ma$$er 1$he r!!$ elemen$s !r S"Eshma
Bh"$a5 came #r!m Tamasic AhamEara9 AhamEara is 6!$h sen$ien$ and insen$ien$9
Im4elled 6y Me all $hese 4rinci4les "ni$ed $!ge$her $! #!rm $he %gg which was an eZcellen$
a6!de #!r Me9 I dwel$ in $ha$ %gg which was #l!a$ing in wa$er9 r!m My navel grew $he l!$"s called
$he "niverse9 The sel#=6!rn Brahma& mani#es$ed in $ha$ l!$"s9
S$reng$hened 6y Ta4as 1En!wledge5 wi$h $he hel4 !# RaDas& and $hr!"gh My grace he& $he
Mas$er !# $he "niverse& $he "niversal s!"l crea$ed $he $hree w!rlds Bh"r& Bh"vah and S"vah wi$h
$heir 4r!$ec$!rs 1L!Ea4alas59
The S"vah 1heaven5 6ecame $he a6!de !# $he g!ds] $he Bh"var 1An$ariEsha5 !# $he Bh"$as]
Bh"r 1ear$h5 !# men and $he s4heres 6ey!nd $he S"var !# $he Siddhas] $he s4heres 6el!w $he ear$h !#
$he As"ras and Nagas9 Ac$i!ns charac$erised 6y $he $hree '"nas lead $! $he $hree w!rlds vil9& Bh"r&
Bh"var and S"vah9 Mahar& cana& Ta4as are a$$ained 6y *!ga& Ta4as and ren"ncia$i!n9 My a6!de&
VaiE"n$ha which is 6ey!nd $he seven L!Eas is a$$ained 6y BhaE$i *!ga9
By Me wh! am Time and $he dis4enser !# all Karmas& $his w!rld wi$h i$s diverse Karmas
rises and sinEs in $his s$ream !# $he '"nas& i9e9& !ne is led $! higher li#e in regi!ns "4 $! Brahmal!Ea
!r $! l!wer li#e d!wn $! 4lan$s !r cl!d !# ear$h9
//
T%A,HIN'S
The smalles$ !r $he highes$& $hinnes$ !r $he s$!"$es$ $hing $ha$ is seen $! eZis$ is all made "4 !#
$he $w! 4rinci4les& (raEri$i and ("r"sha9
Tha$ #r!m which a $hing $aEes i$s !rigin and in$! which i$ diss!lves eZis$s als! in $he middle9
Tha$ al!ne is real9 Tha$ which is $he 6eginning and a$ $he end !# a $hing is als! in $he middle9
Wha$ever is $he 6eginning !# any$hing !r i$s end& is als! i$s middle and $h"s i$ is $he real eZis$ence&
6"$ $he m!di#ica$i!ns have a mere rela$ive !r em4irical eZis$ence liEe $he !rnamen$s !# g!ld and
ear$hen ware9
Tha$ is !nly real which gives rise $! $he !riginal $rans#!rma$i!n which is a$ $he 6eginning
and a$ $he end9 Brahman is $he !nly A6s!l"$e Reali$y which is never s"6Dec$ $! m!di#ica$i!ns9 The
e##ec$ has a 6eginning and an end9 All e##ec$s de4end "4!n Brahman #!r $heir s"6sis$ence as e##ec$s9
(raEri$i which is $he ma$erial ca"se !# $his "niverse& ("r"sha which 4ervades $he (raEri$i&
which is i$s s"6s$ra$"m !r s"44!r$ and Time which ca"ses dis$"r6ance in $he '"nas and 6rings i$s
mani#es$a$i!n@all $hese $hree am I& $he Brahman9
The crea$ive 4r!cess #l!ws !n in d"e !rder !# #a$her and s!n wi$h!"$ a 6reaE #!r $he
eZ4erience !# $he civa9 I$ las$s s! l!ng as $he 4eri!d !# 4reserva$i!n c!n$in"es acc!rding $! $he will
!# $he L!rd9
Then& $he "niverse which 4ervaded 6y Me& $he 4lace !# $he 6ir$hs and dea$hs !# vari!"s
crea$"res& 6ec!mes #i$ #!r diss!l"$i!n in$! $he #ive Bh"$as9 The !rder is reversed in (ralaya9 The
m!di#ica$i!ns are diss!lved in $he Ta$$vas !r 4rinci4les #r!m which $hey 4r!ceeded9
Th"s $he 6!dy merges in$! $he #!!d& #!!d in$! seeds& seeds in$! ear$h and ear$h in$! smell]
smell in$! wa$er& wa$er in$! $as$e& $as$e in$! #ire& #ire in$! #!rm !r c!l!"r] c!l!"r in$! air& air in$!
$!"ch& $!"ch in$! e$her] e$her in$! s!"nd9
The !rgans merge in$! $heir ca"ses& $he g!ds 1Adhidaivas5] $he g!ds in$! $he mind which
r"les !ver all and $he mind in$! Sa$$viEa AhamEara9 S!"nd is wi$hdrawn in$! Tamasic AhamEara&
and $ha$ 4!wer#"l AhamEara in$! Maha$] Maha$ in$! $he '"nas] $he '"nas in$! $he "nmani#es$ed
(raEri$i and (raEri$i in$! Time 1Kaala59
Time merges in$! civa& civa in$! Me& $he 6ir$hless A$man9 A$man is a6s!l"$e and remains 6y
Himsel# wh! is indica$ed 6y $he crea$i!n and des$r"c$i!n !# $he "niverse and wh! is $heir
s"6s$ra$"m9
When $hese 4r!cesses are medi$a$ed !n& h!w can del"si!n im4lying di##erence rise in $ha$
mind !r even i# i$ arises& h!w c!"ld i$ s$ay in $ha$ mind which re#lec$s in $his way& D"s$ as darEness
cann!$ s$ay !n rise !# $he s"n in $he sEy`
Here& I have $h"s eZ4lained $! y!" $he SanEhya sys$em !# 4hil!s!4hy in 6!$h ways i9e9& $he
!rder !# ev!l"$i!n 1crea$i!n5 and inv!l"$i!n 1diss!l"$i!n !r (ralaya5& which c"$s !## $he En!$ !#
d!"6$9 I have eZ4lained $! y!" in de$ail h!w $he #!rces !# na$"re w!rE #!r crea$i!n and h!w $hey
w!rE 6acE again #!r (ralaya !r des$r"c$i!n9 I am $he wi$ness !# all $hings grea$ and small9C
.33
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
Sa$$va& RaDas and Tamas
The L!rd said- BO 6es$ !# men& I will n!w eZ4lain $! y!" $he e##ec$ !# $he $hree '"nas
se4ara$ely in de$ail9 Lis$en $! i$ a$$en$ively9
Sama 1c!n$r!l !# $he mind5& Dama 1c!n$r!l !# $he senses5& #!r6earance& discrimina$i!n&
Ta4as& $r"$h#"lness& c!m4assi!n& mem!ry& c!n$en$men$& ren"ncia$i!n& a6sence !# greed& #ai$h&
shame !r shrinEing #r!m wha$ is "nrigh$e!"s& chari$a6leness e$c9& 1s$raigh$#!rwardness& m!des$y&
res4ec$#"lness5 and $aEing deligh$ in $he Sel# are $he a$$ri6"$es 4r!4er !# Sa$$va9
Desire& ac$ivi$y& 4ride& craving 1greed5& arr!gance 4raying #!r c!m#!r$s& idea !#
se4ara$eness& ma$erial enD!ymen$& eZci$emen$ !n acc!"n$ !# 4ride& l!ve !# #ame& a##ec$i!n& #"n&
4!wer& vi!lence and s$riving hard are $he a$$ri6"$es 4r!4er !# RaDas9
Anger& greed& "n$r"$h#"lness& cr"el$y& 6egging& hy4!crisy& #a$ig"e& :"arrel& grie#& del"si!n&
deDec$i!n& dis$ress& slee4& h!4e& #ear and ind!lence are $he a$$ri6"$es 4r!4er !# Tamas9
N!w lis$en $! $he e##ec$s !# $heir c!m6ina$i!n9 O )ddhava& $he sense !# kI=nessX& kI amX&
kMy=nessX& kI$ is mineX e$c9& is 4r!d"ced 6y $he miZ$"re !# $he $hree '"nas9 All !"r dealings !r
$ransac$i!ns $hr!"gh $he mind& !6Dec$s& senses and (ranas are $he e##ec$s !# a miZ$"re !# $he $hree
'"nas9 1*!" iden$i#y wi$h $he 6!dy and !rgans and say& BI am 6lacE& I am lean& I am 6lind9C *!"
iden$i#y wi$h !6Dec$s and say& BThis c!a$ is mine e$c9C5
Dev!$i!n $! $he 4er#!rmance !# !neXs d"$y 1Sa$$vic5& ac:"isi$i!n !# weal$h 1Tamasic5 and
sa$is#ac$i!n !# his desires 1RaDasic5 which 6ear $he #r"i$s !# #ai$h 1Sa$$vic5& a$$achmen$ 1RaDasic5 and
weal$h 1Tamasic5 are $he res"l$s !# a miZ$"re !# $he '"nas9
I# a man in$ensely gives his mind $! (ravri$$i c!"rse and i# he leads $he li#e !# a h!"seh!lder
!6serving his d"$ies laid d!wn #!r him& $his is a case !# a miZ$"re !# $he '"nas9 Man is Sa$$vic when
he has g!$ $he Sa$$vic a$$ri6"$es s"ch as Sama 1sereni$y5 e$c9& he is RaDasic i# he has desire and !$her
:"ali$ies and he is Tamasic i# he has anger and !$her :"ali$ies9
When a man !r a w!man w!rshi4s Me wi$h dev!$i!n and d!es d"$ies wi$h!"$ any sel#ish
m!$ive& $hey sh!"ld 6e En!wn as 4!ssessed !# Sa$$vic na$"re9
When $hey w!rshi4 Me #!r $he a$$ainmen$ !# desires] #!r $he saEe !# weal$h and 6lessings&
$hey sh!"ld 6e En!wn as 4!ssessed !# RaDasic na$"re] and i# $hey w!rshi4 Me in !rder $! d! inD"ry $!
!$hers& $hey are !# Tamasic na$"re9
The '"nas& Sa$$va& RaDas and Tamas a##ec$ !nly $he civa 6"$ n!$ Me9 They mani#es$
$hemselves in mind and 6ind him $! Samsara 6y a$$aching him $! $he sense=!6Dec$s9
When Sa$$va 4revails !ver $he !$her $w! '"nas man has ha44iness& vir$"e& En!wledge and
$he liEe9 When RaDas which leads $! a$$achmen$ di##eren$ia$i!n and ac$ivi$y !ver4!wers Sa$$va and
Tamas& $he 4ers!n ge$s 4ain& 6ec!mes ac$ive and seeEs a#$er #ame and weal$h9 When Tamas which
.3.
T%A,HIN'S
4r!d"ces in#a$"a$i!n& ign!rance and d"llness !verwhelms Sa$$va and RaDas& $hen he eZ4eriences
s!rr!w& s$"4!r& slee4 and 6ec!mes cr"el and v!raci!"s9
When $he mind 6ec!mes serene and cheer#"l& when $he senses are s"6D"ga$ed& when $he
6!dy is #ree #r!m #ear& when $he mind is #ree #r!m a$$achmen$& Sa$$va gr!ws "4 and maEes i$ easy $!
realise Me9
When $he mind is dis$rac$ed 6y ac$i!ns& when desires m"l$i4ly& when $he senses 6ec!me
res$less& when $he mind is always wandering& En!w 6y $hese signs $ha$ RaDas is increasing9
When $he mind cann!$ gras4& when i$ is dr!!4ing& when i$ is n!$ a6le $! re#lec$ !n $he
A$man& when i$ lang"ishes& when $he mind is vacan$& when ign!rance and deDec$i!n 4revail@En!w
6y $hese signs $ha$ Tamas is increasing9
When Sa$$va increases $he s$reng$h !# $he g!ds is enhanced& when RaDas increases $he
As"ras 4revail] when $here is an increase !# Tamas $he RaEshasas 4revail9
WaEe#"lness is d"e $! Sa$$va& dreams $! RaDas and dee4 slee4 $! Tamas9 The #!"r$h !r $he
s"4erc!nsci!"s s$a$e is A$man $ha$ is c!nnec$ed wi$h all $he $hree s$a$es9
By $he #!rce !# Sa$$va Brahmanas i9e9& $h!se wh! #!ll!w $he c!"rses laid d!wn in $he Vedas
g! higher and higher "4$! Brahmal!Ea] $hr!"gh Tamas men sinE l!wer and l!wer and $hr!"gh
RaDas $hey remain in $he middle i9e9& in $he s4here !# man9
I# a$ $he $ime !# diss!l"$i!n !# $he 6!dy& $he mind is #"ll !# Sa$$va& man a$$ains heaven] i# #"ll
!# RaDas he is 6!rn again as a m!r$al in $his w!rld] i# i$ is #"ll !# Tamas he g!es $! hell9 B"$ $h!se wh!
are a6!ve $he $hree '"nas a$$ain $! Me al!ne9 Ac$i!n $ha$ is !##ered $! Me !r $ha$ is "nsel#ish is
Sa$$vic] ac$i!n d!ne wi$h eZ4ec$a$i!n !# #r"i$s is RaDasic] $ha$ ac$i!n which 6ec!mes harm#"l !r is
hy4!cri$ical is Tamasic9
The En!wledge !# $he eZis$ence !# A$man as s!me$hing dis$inc$ #r!m $he 6!dy is Sa$$vic]
$ha$ which is !$herwise i9e9& iden$i#ies A$man wi$h $he 6!dy e$c9 is RaDasic] $he En!wledge !# $he
"nc"l$"red liEe $ha$ !# children& $he d"m6 e$c9& is Tamasic& $ha$ which c!ncerns Me is cnana which is
6ey!nd $he '"nas9
The #!res$ is a Sa$$vic dwelling] a village is RaDasic] $he gam6ling h!"se is Tamasic& and My
a6!de is 6ey!nd $he '"nas9
He wh! 4er#!rms his d"$ies wi$h n! a$$achmen$ is Sa$$vic] he wh! is 6linded 6y a$$achmen$
is RaDasic] he wh! has l!s$ $he "nders$anding !# righ$ and wr!ng is Tamasic] he wh! has $aEen
re#"ge in Me is an agen$ #ree #r!m all '"nas9
ai$h in (arama$man as $a"gh$ in $he Vedan$a Sas$ra is Sa$$vic] $ha$ in sacri#icial and !$her
Vedic d"$ies is RaDasic] #ai$h in Adharma !r irreligi!n is Tamasic] a6s!l"$e #ai$h in My service is
6ey!nd $he '"nas9
.37
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
Tha$ #!!d which is heal$hy& wh!les!me& 4"re and !6$ained wi$h!"$ e##!r$s is c!nsidered
Sa$$vic] $ha$ which gra$i#ies $he senses !r $he 4ala$e is RaDasic] $ha$ which is im4"re and inD"ri!"s $!
heal$h is Tamasic9
Ha44iness which arises #r!m his !wn Sel# is Sa$$va] $ha$ which arises #r!m $he !6Dec$s !#
sense is RaDas] $ha$ which arises #r!m ign!rance and del"si!n is Tamas] and $ha$ which arises #r!m
realising Me is 6ey!nd $he '"nas9
S"6s$ance& 4lace& $he #r"i$ 1Svarga and $he liEe5& $ime& En!wledge& ac$i!n& agen$& #ai$h& s$a$e
#!rm& g!al@all $hese are a##ec$ed 6y $he $hree '"nas9
O 6"ll am!ng men& all $hings $ha$ are 4ervaded and reg"la$ed 6y ("r"sha and (raEri$i& as
als! wha$ ever is seen& heard !r $h!"gh$ 6y $he in$ellec$ are $he 4r!d"c$s !# $he '"nas9
O gen$le !ne& $hese are $he c!"rses !# Samsara 16ir$hs and dea$hs5 #!r $he man9 They are
ca"sed 6y $he '"nas and his Karma9 He wh! has c!n:"ered $hese '"nas which arises in his mind&
and wh! is a$$ached $! Me 6y means !# dev!$i!n 6ec!mes #i$ $! a$$ain M!Esha !r en$er in$! Me9
There#!re le$ wise men& having !6$ained $his 6!dy which is $he means !# a$$aining cnana
1En!wledge5 and ViDnana 1Sel#=realisa$i!n5& shaEe !## $heir a$$achmen$ $! $he '"nas and w!rshi4
Me9
The wise sh!"ld w!rshi4 Me wi$h aler$ness& wi$h c!n$r!l !ver his senses& and wi$h!"$
a$$achmen$ $! any$hing else9 He sh!"ld c!n:"er RaDas and Tamas 6y devel!4ing Sa$$va and sh!"ld
!verc!me Sa$$va als! 6y means !# desirelessness and 6y c!ncen$ra$ing $he mind !n Me9 By s"ch
means he g!es 6ey!nd $he '"nas& a6and!ns his 6!dy and a$$ains $! Me9
S"ch a man& released #r!m $he 6!dy and #r!m $he '"nas which arise in his mind& 6eing #"ll
!# Mysel#& $he (ara Brahman& shall n!$ d! any$hing eZ$ernal !r in$ernal i9e9& leading $! Samsara !r
M!Esha9 He will have n!$hing $! d! wi$h $he !6Dec$s !# sense ei$her eZ$ernal& $hr!"gh ac$"al
c!n$rac$ !r in$ernal $hr!"gh $h!"gh$9C
Aila 'i$a
The L!rd said- BHe wh! having !6$ained $his h"man 6!dy $hr!"gh which My na$"re may 6e
realised& 4er#!rms $he righ$e!"s d"$ies and w!rshi4s Me& realises Me& $he All=6liss (arama$man
4resen$ in himsel#9
reed 6y #irm En!wledge #r!m $he ind"lgence !# '"nas& which 6rings !n $he limi$a$i!n !#
civah!!d& a man is n!$ a$$ached $! $he "nreal !6Dec$s& $h!"gh he may live in $heir mids$ in $he
4hen!menal "niverse which is !nly an ill"si!n !r mere a44earance de4ending !n Maya9
One sh!"ld n!$ Eee4 c!m4any wi$h $he wicEed and "nw!r$hy wh! seeE $! sa$is#y $heir l!w
a44e$i$es9 He wh! #!ll!ws any !ne !# $hem #alls in$! $he a6yss !# darEness& liEe $he 6lind #!ll!wing
$he 6lind9
.32
T%A,HIN'S
The highly ren!wned em4er!r ("r"ravas 1Aila5 was !verc!me wi$h grie# and des4air !n
acc!"n$ !# his se4ara$i!n #r!m )rvasi wh!m he 4assi!na$ely l!ved9 When he g!$ !ver $he s!rr!w&
he devel!4ed dis4assi!n and ren"ncia$i!n& and sang $he #!ll!wing s!ng !"$ !# sheer disg"s$ #!r his
4as$ disgrace#"l li#e9
inding $ha$ )rvasi had s"ddenly le#$ him al!ne a$ dead !# nigh$& he we4$ al!"d and
#!ll!wed her naEed crying& BO wi#e& my 6el!ved& O cr"el !ne& s$!4& s$!4& d! n!$ r"n away9C
Th!"gh )rvasi lived wi$h him #!r many years& his desire was n!$ sa$is#ied9 His mind was s!
m"ch all"red 6y )rvasi $ha$ he was n!$ aware !# $he 4assing !# $he days& nigh$s& and years9
Aila 1("r"ravas5 said- kAlas& OhH $he eZ$en$ !# my del"si!n& my "nders$anding was cl!"ded
6y l"s$H
When my necE was em6raced 6y her& I never n!$iced $hese 4!r$i!ns !# my li#e$ime 4assing
away9
Deceived 6y her& I never Enew when $he s"n r!se and when i$ se$9 Alas& c!"n$less days and
l!ng 4eri!ds !# years 4assed in $his way9
Oh& m!s$ de4l!ra6le is my del"si!n& which made an em4er!r& $he Dewel !# all Eings an
animal !# s4!r$ #!r a w!manH
I ran a#$er a w!man wh! le#$ me& s$arE naEed wee4ing 6i$$erly& an em4er!r wi$h all grande"r
and weal$h& as i# I was a mere s$raw9
Wha$ grea$ness !r 4!wer !r s$reng$h !# mind !r l!rdshi4 c!"ld $here 6e in me wh! liEe an ass
EicEed 6y a she=ass& #!ll!wed her as she was deser$ing me`
O# wha$ w!r$h is learning& Ta4as& ren"ncia$i!n& s$"dy !# Vedas& s!li$"de and silence $! !ne
wh!se hear$ is s$!len away c!m4le$ely 6y w!men`
Vain has 6een my 6!as$ !# learning9 ie "4!n me& a #!!l9 I was n!$ sensi6le !# my !wn
wel#are9 I was sel#=c!ncei$ed and s! $h!"gh$ $ha$ I was a very wise man9 Th!"gh I am an em4er!r I
was s"6d"ed 6y a w!man& liEe a 6"ll !r a d!nEey9
Th!"gh I have #!r years $as$ed $he nec$ar !# )rvasiXs li4s& my desires never g!$ :"enched 6"$
increased liEe $he #ire Eindled 6y !6la$i!ns !# ghee9
Wh! else c!"ld 4!ssi6ly 6e 4!wer#"l en!"gh $! maEe $he mind 4"re and #ree when i$ ge$s
en$angled 6y seZ desire& when i$ is carried away 6y a c!"r$esan& $han $he gl!ri!"s Adh!EshaDa& $he
Omni4!$en$ L!rd !# $h!se wh! #ind deligh$ in A$man9
Th!"gh $he graci!"s lady 1)rvasi5 $ried $! wean me #r!m my 4assi!n 6y verses #r!m $he
sacred li$era$"re& $he del"si!n !# my mind c!n$in"ed in #"ll #!rce& 6eca"se !# my wicEed na$"re and
ina6ili$y $! c!n:"er my desires9
.3A
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
The lady is in n! way $! 6e 6lamed9 She has n!$ d!ne me any harm9 I had n! c!n$r!l !ver $he
senses9 I am !nly $! 6e 6lamed9 Wha$ harm is d!ne 6y $he r!4e $! !ne& wh! ign!ran$ !# i$s $r"e
na$"re& mis$aEes i$ #!r a ser4en$`
'rea$ is $he 4!wer !# del"si!n !# na$"re9 The 6!dy which is s! very "nclean& #"ll !# 6ad
!d!"rs and decaying #lesh e$c9& 6ec!mes $he cen$re !# a$$rac$i!n and a##ec$i!n as i# $he #ragrance !#
#l!wers !r 6ea"$y !# !$her !6Dec$s eZis$ in i$& !n acc!"n$ !# ign!rance9 The s"4erim4!si$i!n is
sim4ly d"e $! Avidya !r ign!rance9 Bea"$y& #ragrance e$c9& are 4r!Dec$ed in $he 6!dy !n acc!"n$ !#
ign!rance9
Is $his 6!dy $he 4r!4er$y !# $he 4aren$s& !r $he wi#e& !r $he mas$er& !r #ire& !r d!gs and Ei$es&
!r !neXs sel#& !r $he rela$ives` This is n!$ easy $! decide9 T! $ha$ a6!mina6le 6!dy which res!lves
in$! re#"se& w!rms& ashes and d"s$ 4e!4le ge$ a$$ached saying& BOh h!w 6ea"$i#"l is a w!manXs
#ace& wi$h charming n!se and swee$ smileHC
Wha$ di##erence is $here 6e$ween $h!se men wh! deligh$ in $he acc"m"la$i!n !# sEin& #lesh&
6l!!d& $end!n& #a$& m"scles& marr!w& 6!nes& eZcre$a& "rine and vari!"s !$her #il$hy $hings@and $he
w!rms`
The man !# discrimina$i!n sh!"ld n!$ ass!cia$e wi$h w!men !r $h!se wh! are #!nd !#
w!men& 6eca"se $he mind is agi$a$ed !nly 6y $he c!n$ac$ !# $he senses wi$h $heir !6Dec$s and n!$
!$herwise9
N! 4assi!n arises #!r any$hing $ha$ has n!$ 6een seen !r heard9 There#!re $he mind !# a man
wh! c!n$r!ls his senses ge$s s$eady and $ran:"il9 I$ 6ec!mes calm and #i$ #!r c!ncen$ra$i!n !n $he
L!rd9
There#!re n! ass!cia$i!n $hr!"gh $he senses sh!"ld 6e made wi$h w!men !r wi$h $h!se wh!
r"n a#$er w!men& 6eca"se $he 4assi!ns cann!$ 6e $r"s$ed even 6y men !# wisd!m9 Wha$ $hen needs
6e said !# $h!se liEe me 1#"ll !# s$reng$h& weal$h& 4!si$i!n& 4assi!n and eg!ism5`X
Th"s singing& ("r"ravas $he King !# Eings le#$ $he regi!n !# )rvasi& sh!!E !## $he del"si!n
$hr!"gh En!wledge& realised Me and a$$ained $he 6liss !# Sel#=realisa$i!n9
There#!re $he wise man sh!"ld av!id 6ad c!m4any and ass!cia$e himsel# wi$h $he righ$e!"s
and $he wise9 Their c!m4any w!"ld maEe him "na$$ached and 4"rge his mind !# all desires9
The wise desire n!$hing9 They are inde4enden$ and d! n!$ acce4$ any gi#$s9 They dev!$e
$heir mind $! Me& have a calm mind and see Me e:"ally everywhere9 They are #ree #r!m $he n!$i!ns
!# kIX and kMineX and are 6ey!nd $he 4airs !# !44!si$es9 They are #ree #r!m a$$achmen$s !# any Eind9
O 6lessed !ne& $hey c!ns$an$ly $alE !# Me and $h!se wh! lis$en $! $alEs !r s$!ries a6!"$ Me
are a6s!lved #r!m $heir sins9
.3?
T%A,HIN'S
Th!se wh! lis$en $! $alEs !r s$!ries a6!"$ Me wi$h sinceri$y& reverence and #ai$h in $heir
e##icacy& sing $hem and are deligh$ed in $hem 6ec!me a$$ached $! Me& a$$ain #ai$h and dev!$i!n $!
Me9
!r !ne wh! has a$$ained dev!$i!n $! Me& $he Brahman !# in#ini$e& eZcellen$ :"ali$ies&
4er#ec$ in every res4ec$ and $he em6!dimen$ !# En!wledge and 6liss& is $here any !$her $hing ye$ $!
a$$ain`
c"s$ as c!ld& #ear and darEness leave a man wh! res!r$s $! $he 6lessed #ire& s! als! ign!rance&
#ear !# dea$h and all evils r"n away #r!m a man wh! ass!cia$es& w!rshi4s and lives wi$h $he wise9
The wise wh! have realised Brahman are $he s"4reme res!r$ #!r $h!se wh! rise and #all 1$aEe
higher and l!wer 6ir$hs5& are 6eing $!ssed a6!"$ and dr!wned in $he #ear#"l !cean !# Samsara 1i9e9&
6ir$hs and dea$hs5 liEe a s$r!ng 6!a$ $! $h!se wh! are a6!"$ $! 6e dr!wned in wa$er9
c"s$ as #!!d is $he li#e !# 6eings& s! I am $he shel$er $! $he a##lic$ed9 c"s$ as Dharma
1righ$e!"sness5 is weal$h $! men in $he !$her w!rld& s! $he wise are $he shel$ers !# $h!se wh! are
a#raid !# Samsara i9e9& 6ir$hs and dea$hs9
The s"n having risen 6es$!ws !nly !ne eZ$ernal eye !n 4e!4le 6"$ $he wise 6es$!w !n $hem
many eyes 1in$ernal5 i9e9& many ways !# a$$aining En!wledge9 The wise are $he veri$a6le g!ds and
$r"e #riends9 They are Mysel#& $he A$man9
Kriya *!ga and Id!l=W!rshi4
)ddhava said- BO L!rd& 4r!$ec$!r !# $he dev!$ees& O L!rd !# Sa$va$as& 4ray eZ4lain $! me
$he m!de !# w!rshi44ing Thee $hr!"gh cerem!nials@in wha$ manner and $hr!"gh wha$ means $he
dev!$ees w!rshi4& Thee`
Sages liEe Narada& $he gl!ri!"s Vyasa and Acharya Brihas4a$i& $he s!n !# Angiras say $ha$
$his c!"rse is s4ecially e##icaci!"s #!r men #!r $he a$$ainmen$ !# li6era$i!n9
O L!rd wh! 4r!$ec$s Thy dev!$ees& $ha$ ins$r"c$i!n& which& a#$er i$ had #l!wed #r!m Thy
l!$"s=liEe li4s& $he w!rshi4#"l Brahma $a"gh$ $! his s!ns& Bhrig" and !$hers& and $he L!rd Siva $! his
c!ns!r$ (arva$i& $ha$ indeed I c!nsider as $he 6es$ and $he m!s$ s"i$a6le means !# well=6eing #!r all
cas$es and !rders !# li#e& even #!r w!men and S"dras als!9
O L!$"s=eyed !ne& O L!rd !# $he l!rds !# $he "niverse& $ell me wh! is dev!$ed and a$$ached
$! Thee& a6!"$ $his means $ha$ "n$ies $he 6!nds !# Karma9C
The L!rd said- BO )ddhava& $he me$h!ds !# cerem!nial w!rshi4 given in $he sacred 6!!Es
and ad!4$ed 6y my dev!$ees are in#ini$e and vari!"s9 S! I shall descri6e i$ 6rie#ly and reg"larly #r!m
$he 6eginning9
The me$h!d !# w!rshi44ing Me is $hree#!ld vil9& Vedic& Tan$ric and miZed9 One may
w!rshi4 Me 6y any !ne !# $he $hree me$h!ds acc!rding $! his desire and $as$e9
.30
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
H!w& !n 6eing ini$ia$ed as $he $wice=6!rn acc!rding $! $he r"les laid d!wn #!r him& a 4ers!n
!"gh$ $! w!rshi4 Me wi$h dev!$i!n and #ai$h& d! $h!" learn i$ !# Me9
In an image& !r $he sacri#icial gr!"nd !r in #ire !r in $he s"n& in wa$er !r in his !wn hear$& !r in
a Brahmin he sh!"ld w!rshi4 Me& his 4rece4$!r wi$h sinceri$y and dev!$i!n and wi$h $he necessary
ar$icles9
He sh!"ld clean his $ee$h& #ace& and lim6s and $hen 6a$he #!r $he 4"ri#ica$i!n !# his 6!dy9
Ba$hing sh!"ld 6e d!ne wi$h 6!$h Man$ras& Vedic and Tan$ric 6y washing himsel# wi$h ear$h and
!$her $hings9
The Sandhya m!rning w!rshi4& n!!n and evening 4rayers as !rdained 6y $he Sas$ras sh!"ld
6e 4er#!rmed9 They sh!"ld n!$ 6e a6and!ned 6eca"se !# My w!rshi49 Then $he dev!$ee sh!"ld
6egin My w!rshi4 al!ng wi$h $hem which li#$s him "4 #r!m $he s4here !# Karma& wi$h $he res!lve
$ha$ he d!es s"ch w!rshi4 #!r a$$aining My grace and n!$ #!r any !$her desire9 He sh!"ld 4er#!rm
My w!rshi4 wi$h $he 4"res$ 4"r4!se& wi$h all $h!"gh$s direc$ed $! Me9
The images are !# eigh$ Einds@$h!se made !# s$!ne& w!!d 1sandal e$c95& me$al 1g!ld& silver&
c!44er e$c95 !r $heir miZ$"re in #iZed 4r!4!r$i!n& clay& sand& 4ic$"re 1in cl!$h5& Dewels 1crys$al5
men$al 1image #!rmed in $he mind59
In $em4les my images are !# $w! Einds@m!va6le and imm!va6le9 The m!va6le are $aEen
ar!"nd #!r #es$ivals while $he imm!va6les are #iZed9 In images se$ "4 #!r w!rshi4 in $em4les& $he
Man$ras #!r inv!Eing Me 1Avahana5 in $he image and releasing 1)dvasa5 Me $here#r!m& need n!$ 6e
re4ea$ed9
In $he case !# $he m!va6le image $here is an !4$i!n& 6"$ in $he case !# $he sacri#icial gr!"nd
e$c9& $hey are c!m4"ls!ry9
The necessary ac$s !# w!rshi4 vary acc!rding $! $he image se$ "4 #!r w!rshi49 In !rdinary
images I sh!"ld 6e inv!Eed and released a$ every $ime !# w!rshi4 while in #iZed images and
Saligramas i$ is "nnecessary $! d! s!9 ,lay images and 4ic$"res !"gh$ n!$ $! 6e washed while !$hers
sh!"ld 6e washed9 In $he #!rmer !nes s4rinEling !r wi4ing is admissi6le9
The w!rshi4 !# $he images sh!"ld 6e 4er#!rmed wi$h w!r$hy and eZcellen$ ar$icles $ha$ are
availa6le9 A sincere dev!$ee may w!rshi4 Me in $he hear$ wi$h wha$ever he can ge$ !r even merely
6y men$al !##erings9
O )ddhava& in images& 6a$hing and dec!ra$i!n are deares$ $! Me] in $he sacri#icial gr!"nd
$he c!n$em4la$i!n !# Ta$$vas !r $he l!ca$i!n !# $he dei$ies& and in #ire& !##erings s!aEed in ghee9 In
$he s"n& w!rshi4 wi$h 4rayers and Arghya !r wa$er a$ $he 4r!4er 4eri!d is deares$ $! Me] in wa$er&
wi$h wa$er and #l!wers e$c9 %ven wa$er !##ered $! Me 6y a dev!$ee wi$h #ai$h is m!s$ 4leasing $!
Me@wha$ needs $hen 6e said !# $he !##erings liEe sandal& #l!wers& ligh$& 4er#"me& incense and
vari!"s Einds !# #!!d9 B"$ a6"ndan$ !##erings #r!m !ne wh! is n!$ dev!$ed $! Me cann!$ 4lease Me
and sec"re My grace9
.3>
T%A,HIN'S
The dev!$ee sh!"ld $aEe 6a$h and c!llec$ #irs$ all $he ar$icles !# w!rshi49 He sh!"ld n!$ ge$
"4 in $he mids$ !# w!rshi4 $! ge$ $hings9 He sh!"ld si$ !n K"sa grass #acing %as$ !r N!r$h and $hen
w!rshi4 Me9 I# i$ is an image he sh!"ld #ace $he image9
Having l!ca$ed $he dei$ies in $he several mem6ers !# his !wn 6!dy and als! in $he res4ec$ive
4ar$s !# $he image& he sh!"ld $!"ch $he image wi$h his hand and clean i$ rem!ving $he #l!wers and
!$her $hings !##ered !n $he 4revi!"s day9 He sh!"ld d"ly 4"ri#y $he Kalasa !r vessel #illed wi$h 4"re
wa$er #!r s4rinEling9
He sh!"ld s4rinEle $ha$ wa$er !n $he 4lace !# w!rshi4& !n $he ar$icles !# w!rshi4 and !n
himsel# and als! $hree vessels and 4"$ in $he $hree vessels s!me !# $ha$ wa$er& and $he several ar$icles
!# w!rshi49
The w!rshi44er sh!"ld #!r $he 4"r4!se !# (adya Arghya and Achamana 4r!n!"nce !ver $he
$hree vessels $he Man$ras called BNamasC $! $he hear$& BSvahaC $! $he head and BVashadC $! $he
SiEha !r l!cEs !n $he cr!wn !# $he head and all wi$h $he 'aya$ri9
Then in his !wn 6!dy 4"ri#ied 6y Vay" and Agni he sh!"ld medi$a$e !n $he s"6$le and
s"4reme #!rm !# (arama$man sea$ed in $he l!$"s !# $he hear$ which is c!n$em4la$ed 6y Siddhas a$
$he end !# $he Nada9
Having w!rshi44ed Me in his !wn 6!dy 4ervaded 6y $ha$ s"6$le essence which is
c!n$em4la$ed as A$man and 6eing #"ll !# $ha$ 4resence& he sh!"ld inv!Ee My 4resence in $he image
and 4er#!rm Nyasa 1l!ca$i!n !# $he dei$ies in i$s di##eren$ 4ar$s5 and w!rshi4 Me9
Le$ him c!ns$r"c$ men$ally a sea$ #!r Me wi$h Dharma and !$her dei$ies #!r i$s vari!"s 4ar$s
a$$ended 6y $he SaE$is and !n $he sea$ a l!$"s !# eigh$ 4e$als wi$h e##"lgen$ 4ericar4 and #ilamen$s&
and acc!rding $! $he r"les 6!$h !# $he Tan$ra and $he Veda& !##er (adya& Achamana& #r"i$s& #l!wers
and $he liEe 1#anning e$c95 #!r $he a$$ainmen$ !# 4r!s4eri$y and $he #inal 6ea$i$"de9
He sh!"ld neZ$ w!rshi4 My wea4!ns@$he ,haEra& $he disc S"darsana& $he c!nch
(anchaDanya& $he cl"6 'ada& $he sw!rd& $he 6!w and arr!ws& $he 4l!"gh and $he 4es$le& and als! $he
!rnamen$s& $he Dewel Ka"s$"6ha& $he garland 1Vanamala5 and $he marE Sriva$sa !n $he ches$9
Nanda& S"nanda& 'ar"da& (rachanda& ,handa& Maha6ala& Bala& K"m"da& VishvaEsena& $he
4rece4$!rs and $he g!ds@$hese a$$endan$s and !$hers als! he sh!"ld w!rshi4 wi$h s4rinEling !#
wa$er and !$her 4r!cesses in $heir res4ec$ive 4laces& #acing Me9
I# $here 6e s"##icien$ weal$h& images sh!"ld 6e daily 6a$hed wi$h wa$er made #ragran$ wi$h
sandal& )seera& cam4h!r& sa##r!n& Ag"r"& Agall!ch"m wi$h s"ch Man$ras as $he Svarna=gharma
hymn 1Rig Veda 4assages5& $he s$anla called Maha4"r"sha Vidya& ("r"sha S"E$a and $he Samans
called Neerayana and s! !n9
Wi$h cl!$hes& sacred $hread& !rnamen$s& garlands !# leaves& garland !# #l!wers& scen$&
"ng"en$s& sandal #igmen$s& My dev!$ee sh!"ld ad!rn Me wi$h 4r!4rie$y and in$ense l!ve9
.3<
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
The w!rshi44er sh!"ld !##er Me wi$h #ai$h and sinceri$y Achamana& (adya 1wa$er #!r
washing $he #ee$ and m!"$h5& scen$& sandal& #l!wers9 AEsha$as& incense& ligh$ and 4resen$s !# #ine
ar$icles9
I# !ne has $he means& swee$ c!!Eed rice& !r rice which is 6!iled wi$h milE& s4ecially
4re4ared ar$icles !# #!!d wi$h ghee& di##eren$ Einds !# #l!"r caEes and swee$s& c"rd& vege$a6les&
dhall& ghee& 6"$$er& 4"ddings !# whea$ #l!"r e$c9& sh!"ld 6e !##ered $! Me9
My image may 6e washed wi$h milE& !il and !$her !in$men$s9 The dev!$ee may clean My
#ee$& $ee$h e$c9 He may ad!rn $he al$ar wi$h mirr!rs9 He may 4re4are vari!"s Einds !# #!!d #!r Me&
give Me $rea$s !# m"sic and dancing !r singing !n s4ecial days liEe #"llm!!n& newm!!n& %Eadasi
e$c9
In a 4i$ d"g in $he ear$h made acc!rding $! $he r"les wi$h a girdle& cavi$y& 4la$#!rm and al$ar&
he sh!"ld 4lace #ire and when i$ is well=Eindled& he sh!"ld c!llec$ i$ wi$h his !wn hand9
Having acc!rding $! r"les 4laced $he sacred grass 1K"sa5 r!"nd i$ and s4rinEled wa$er !n all
$he #!"r sides& having 4er#!rmed a 4r!cess called Anavadhana i9e9& 4lacing $he sacred #"el and !$her
$hings and 4laced $! $he n!r$h !# #ire& $he ar$icles $! 6e !##ered and s4rinEled& $hen wi$h a s4!!n !#
wa$er #r!m $he c!nsecra$ed vessel& he sh!"ld medi$a$e !n Me in $he #ire9
He sh!"ld c!n$em4la$e Me as 6rillian$ as mel$ing g!ld& armed wi$h a c!nch& a disc& a cl"6
and a l!$"s& having a ha44y and deligh$#"l c!"n$enance& wearing a cl!$h !# $he c!l!"r !# l!$"s
s$amens and ad!rned wi$h a 6rillian$ cr!wn& 6racele$s& wais$=6and and 6ea"$i#"l armle$s& wi$h
Sriva$sa marE !n $he ches$ and radian$ Ka"s$"6ha gem& and wearing a garland !# wild #l!wers
1Vanamala59 A#$er medi$a$ing and w!rshi44ing Me he sh!"ld 4"$ #"el s!aEed in ghee in$! $he #ire
and 4er#!rm $he $w! Agharas i9e9& 4!"ring !# ghee in $he #ire "$$ering k(raDa4a$aye SvahaX e$c9& and
als! !$her !##erings s!aEed in ghee "$$ering kAgnaye SvahaX e$c9 He sh!"ld 4!"r $he !##erings in$!
$he #ire wi$h $he M!!la Man$ra BOM NAMO NARA*ANA*AC and 4!r$i!ns !# $he !##ering wi$h
$he siZ$een verses9 He sh!"ld 4!"r daily !##erings als! $! Dharma and !$her dei$ies and $hen
kSvish$aEri$X !##ering $! Agni9
Having #inished $he w!rshi4 he sh!"ld 4r!s$ra$e himsel# 6e#!re $he image9 Then he sh!"ld
w!rshi4 $he a$$endan$ dei$ies wi$h $he !##erings and re4ea$ $he M"la Man$ra c!n$em4la$ing $he
4er#ec$ Brahman wh! is Narayana9
He sh!"ld give Me Achamana a#$er !##erings and give $he remnan$ !# s"ch !##erings $!
VishvaEsena9 Then he sh!"ld !##er Me s4ices& 6e$el leaves and again w!rshi4 Me9
He sh!"ld sing s!ngs !# 4raise& descri6e My :"ali$ies& dance and ac$ My deeds& and lis$ening
$! and $elling My s$!ries he sh!"ld remain in $ha$ 6liss#"l s$a$e #!r s!me $ime9
He sh!"ld 4raise Me wi$h vari!"s s!ngs and hymns #!"nd in $he Vedas& ("ranas& !r
c!m4!sed in $he c!mm!n lang"age !# $he 4e!4le& and 4r!s$ra$e himsel# 6e#!re Me& saying& BO
L!rd& O L!rdH Have mercy !n me9 Be graci!"s "n$! me9C
.3/
T%A,HIN'S
Having 4laced his head !n My #ee$ and h!lding $hem wi$h 6!$h his hands 1$he righ$ #!!$ wi$h
$he righ$ hand& $he le#$ #!!$ wi$h $he le#$ hand5 he sh!"ld say& BO L!rd& 4r!$ec$ me #r!m $he !cean !#
Samsara wi$h $he sharE !# Dea$h in i$& !# which I am $erri6ly a#raid9 I have $aEen shel$er in Thee9C
Having $h"s w!rshi44ed Me& and dev!"$ly 4laced !n his head s!me !# $he #l!wers and !$her
$hings !##ered $! Me& he sh!"ld rem!ve My inv!ca$i!n #r!m $he image when s"ch ri$e is necessary
6y merging $he ligh$ $ha$ was inv!Eed in $he image 6acE in $he s"4reme ligh$ in his hear$9
The dev!$ee may w!rshi4 Me in any image in which he may have #ai$h a$ any 4ar$ic"lar
$ime& in $he manner $ha$ a44eals m!s$ $! his mind and inclina$i!n& 6eca"se I am immanen$ in all
$hings& I am $he Sel# !# all& and I am 4resen$ in all 6eings& as well as in !neXs !wn Sel#9
The man wh! w!rshi4s Me $h"s 6y means !# cerem!nials& VaidiEa as well as Tan$riEa&
!6$ains #r!m Me his desired a$$ainmen$s 6!$h here and herea#$er9
Having ins$alled My image& he m"s$ have a s$r!ng $em4le 6"il$ #!r i$ wi$h 6ea"$i#"l
#l!wer=gardens a$$ached9 He sh!"ld maEe a gi#$ !# lands& sh!4s& ci$ies and villages #!r $he
c!n$in"ance !# $he daily w!rshi4 and #!r 4r!cessi!ns and #es$ivals !n s4ecial days9 By d!ing s!& he
a$$ains My 4!wers and $ha$ s$a$e in which he enD!ys $he L!rdly 6lessings liEe Mysel#9
Man a$$ains $! $he 4!si$i!n !# all em4er!r 6y ins$alling Me9 He a$$ains $he $hree w!rlds 6y
c!ns$r"c$ing a $em4le #!r I$9 He a$$ains Brahmal!Ea 6y w!rshi49 He a$$ains $! a s$a$e !# e:"ali$y wi$h
Me 6y all $he $hree9
He wh! w!rshi4s Me wi$h disin$eres$ed dev!$i!n direc$ly a$$ains Me9 He wh! w!rshi4s Me
in $his manner devel!4s 4er#ec$ dev!$i!n $!wards Me9
He wh! de4rives $he dei$ies !r Brahmins !# $he end!wmen$s made $! $hem 6y himsel# !r 6y
!$hers is 6!rn as a w!rm in dir$ and is cer$ain $! live a w!rm #!r a milli!n years9
Wha$ever #a$e awai$s $his c"l4ri$ in $he neZ$ li#e awai$s als! his hel4er& ins$iga$!r& direc$!r !r
a6e$$!r 6eca"se $hey are sharers in $he ac$9 The 4"nishmen$ is grea$er in 4r!4!r$i!n $! $he degree !#
$he sin9
Wha$ever a$$ainmen$ awai$s $he w!rEer 1in $he ac$s !# w!rshi4& 6"ilding $em4les e$c95&
awai$s als! his hel4er& his direc$!r and him wh! gladly a44recia$es him& 6eca"se $hey all d! $heir
4ar$ and in $he !$her w!rld& every !neXs share in $he #r"i$s 6eing as large as his c!n$ri6"$i!n here9C
cnana *!ga
The L!rd said- BSeeing $ha$ $he wh!le "niverse is c!m4rised !# !ne (arama$man& is
4ervaded 6y $he same (raEri$i and $he same ("r"sha and is !ne wi$h ("r"sha and (raEri$i& !ne
sh!"ld nei$her 4raise n!r c!ndemn !$herXs na$"res and ac$i!ns9
..3
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
Wh!ever cens"res !r 4raises $he na$"res and ac$s !# !$hers will 6egin $! $hinE $ha$ $he w!rld
is real and will #all #r!m his 4"r4!se !# a$$aining wisd!m9 He will $h"s s!!n ge$ l!s$9 The mind is
direc$ed $! a #alse channel and i$ devia$es #r!m $he righ$ 4a$h9
When $he senses& $he 4r!d"c$ !# RaDasic AhamEara are !ver4!wered 6y slee4& $he civa l!ses
his eZ$ernal c!nsci!"sness and eZ4eriences ill"sive dreams !r dea$h=liEe slee49 Similarly d!es $he
man wh! 4erceives di##erences 6e$ween !6Dec$s and 6eh!lds 4l"rali$y9 They d! n!$ realise $he
e$ernal A$man wi$hin 6eca"se !# $he mindXs del"si!n9
In d"ali$y wha$ is "nreal& wha$ is g!!d !r wha$ is 6ad and $! which eZ$en$` T! !ne wh! has
realised $he Sel# and 6eh!lds $he !ne A$man everywhere& wha$ is $here g!!d and 6ad !r real in $his
w!rld` Wha$ever is "$$ered 6y $he $!ng"e and c!nceived 6y $he mind is "nreal9
%ven "nreal $hings liEe re#lec$i!ns& ech!es& ill"s!ry a44earances liEe snaEe in $he r!4e e$c9&
4r!d"ce s!me e##ec$9 %ven s! $he 6!dy and !$her $hings 4r!d"ce #ear $ill dea$h !r $ill $hey are
diss!lved in (raEri$i9
The L!rd& $he A$man& 4r!Dec$s $his "niverse and is 4r!Dec$ed] main$ains i$ and is main$ained]
diss!lves i$ and is diss!lved9 Brahman !nly a44ears as $he w!rld& D"s$ as $he r!4e a44ears as $he
snaEe9
There is n!$hing real 6ey!nd $he A$man !r Brahman9 The $hree#!ld a44earance in $he
A$man 1Adhya$miEa& Adhi6ha"$iEa and AdhidaiviEa5 is 4r!ved $! 6e wi$h!"$ #!"nda$i!n9
There#!re En!w $he $hree#!ld divisi!n c!nsis$ing !# $he $hree '"nas $! 6e $he e##ec$ !# Maya9 All $he
varied 4hen!mena !# na$"re are crea$ed 6y Maya and $he $hree '"nas9
He wh! has a$$ained En!wledge 1cnana5 and Sel#=realisa$i!n 1ViDnana5 $ha$ I have declared&
nei$her 4raises n!r cens"res any6!dy9 He m!ves in $he w!rld liEe $he s"n 1which shines aliEe !n $he
wa$er !# $he 'anga as well as !n dir$y g"$$er wa$ers !n $he 4alace and $he c!$$age aliEe5 maEing n!
di##erence 6e$weeen $hings9
Kn!wing 6y means !# direc$ 4erce4$i!n& in#erence& reas!ning& scri4$"ral $eachings and
!neXs !wn Sel#=realisa$i!n $ha$ whichever has a 6eginning and an end is "nreal& !ne sh!"ld wander
in $he w!rld #ree #r!m a$$achmen$9C
)ddhava said BO L!rd& n!w $he Samsara !r rela$ive eZis$ence d!es n!$ indeed 6el!ng $!
A$man& $he sel#=l"min!"s seer& !r $! $he 6!dy 1n!n=sel#5& $he seen9 T! wh!m $hen d!es i$ 6el!ng`
The A$man is changeless& des$i$"$e !# '"nas& 4"re& sel#=l"min!"s& "n!6served 6y any$hing
and liEe #ire which ill"mines !r sha4es m!l$en ma$$er& whereas $he 6!dy is n!n=in$elligen$9 S!&
which !# $hese c!"ld 6e s"6Dec$ $! Samsara` The !ne is $he !4era$!r !r mechanic and $he !$her is $he
ins$r"men$9 The chain !# 6ir$hs and dea$hs cann!$ a$$ach $! ei$her9 H!w $hen d!es i$ arise`C
The L!rd said- BS! l!ng as $here is c!n$ac$ 6e$ween A$man and $he 6!dy& $he senses and $he
(ranas& $he Samsara is real $! !ne wh! has n! discrimina$i!n9 S! l!ng as $he !rgans !# sense and
...
T%A,HIN'S
ac$i!n draw $he mind !"$wards& $ill $hen& $he chain !# 6ir$hs and dea$hs m"s$ c!n$in"e as $he res"l$ !#
del"si!n and ign!rance9
Th!"gh $he w!rld is "nreal& ye$ $he Samsara d!es n!$ vanish $! him wh! is $hinEing !# $he
!6Dec$s& liEe evil eZ4eriences in dreams9
The dream 6rings $r!"6les !nly $! a slee4ing man& 6"$ i$ n! m!re del"des !ne wh! is wide
awaEe9 Similarly ign!rance crea$es del"si!n and $he chain !# 6ir$hs and dea$hs $! a man9 When !ne
a$$ains kEn!wledge !r Sel#=realisa$i!n he is #ree and s"ch del"si!n vanishes9
'rie#& D!y& #ear& anger& c!ve$!"sness& del"si!n& desire& as well as 6ir$h and dea$h are seen in
rela$i!n $! AhamEara 6"$ n!$ $! A$man9
Man is a$$ached $! $he 6!dy and iden$i#ies himsel# wi$h 6!dy& !rgans& $he (ranas and $he
mind9 He a6ides in $hem and 6ec!mes $he civa9 He 4"$s !n a #!rm made "4 !# '"nas and Karma
1$endencies and ac$ivi$ies5 and r"ns a6!"$ in Samsara "nder $he sway !# Kaala !r Isvara& En!wn 6y
vari!"s names s"ch as S"$ra& Maha$ e$c9
The sage c"$s !## 6y means !# medi$a$i!n and $he sw!rd !# En!wledge !6$ained #r!m $he
4rece4$!r and shar4ened 6y service $! $he 4rece4$!r& $his 6aseless AhamEara which is im6edded in
mind& s4eech& (ranas and 6!dy and wanders in $his w!rld #ree #r!m a$$achmen$9
Kn!wledge is $he discrimina$i!n 6y means !# $he Vedas and Sas$ras& Ta4as 14er#!rmance !#
!neXs !wn d"$ies5& direc$ 4erce4$i!n !r realisa$i!n& $radi$i!n& 4rece4$ and in#erence& $ha$ wha$ever
a6s!l"$e $hing eZis$s in $he 6eginning and als! a$ $he end !# $his "niverse is $he $hing $ha$ eZis$s in $he
middle als! and $ha$ al!ne is Kaala& $he giver !# ligh$ and $he ca"se9
c"s$ as g!ld is $he !nly reali$y in $he vari!"s !rnamen$s when $hey re$ain a name and #!rm& as
well as 6e#!re $hey are made in$! s"ch !rnamen$s !r a#$er $heir #!rm is des$r!yed& s! als! am I a$ $he
6eginning& a$ $he end and in $he middle !# $he "niverse9
Brahman is ViDnana 1wisd!m5 "n$!"ched 6y de#ec$s9 The $hree s$a$es& $he $hree '"nas
a44earing as $he ca"se& e##ec$ and d!er maEe $he "niverse9 The #!"r$h 1T"riya5 which $ranscends $he
$hree s$a$es is al!ne real9 The ac$!r in $he $hree s$a$es vil9& waEing& dream and dee4 slee4 is $he same9
He cann!$ dream while awaEe9 When !ne s$a$e !# ac$ivi$y is 4resen$ $he !$her s$a$es are a6sen$9 By
arg"men$ and in#erence y!" will En!w $ha$ Brahman al!ne is real #!r all $ime9
Wha$ d!es n!$ eZis$ 6e#!re !r a#$er& has n! eZis$ence in $he middle als!9 I$ is a mere name9
Tha$ al!ne 6y which any$hing is 4r!d"ced !r made mani#es$& may 6e said $! eZis$9 This is My
!4ini!n9 Wha$ever has a name and #!rm !r c!mes wi$hin $he c!gnisance !# $he mind m"s$
necessarily 6e "nreal9 The wh!le w!rld !# m!di#ica$i!n which was !riginally n!n=eZis$en$ is $he
crea$i!n !# RaD! '"na9 I$ is a 4r!Dec$i!n !# Brahman9 I$ a44ears !n acc!"n$ !# Brahman9 B"$
Brahman is sel#=eZis$en$ and sel#=l"min!"s9 I$ $hr!ws ligh$ !n !$her $hings9 I$ is Brahman $ha$
a44ears in w!nder#"l m!di#ica$i!ns as $he senses& $heir !6Dec$s& $he s"6$le elemen$s& $he mind& $he
gr!ss elemen$s and als! $he dei$ies 4residing !ver $hem9
..7
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
,learing "4 all d!"6$s a6!"$ $he A$man 6y discrimina$i!n& 6y means !# Vedas and Ta4as
and nega$i!n !# all ill"s!ry names and #!rms& $he sage sh!"ld 6e #iZed in $he 6liss !# A$man having
a6s$ained #r!m all sens"al 4leas"res9
The 6!dy is n!$ $he A$man 6eca"se i$ is ma$erial9 Als! $he !rgans& $he g!ds& $he (ranas& $he
air& wa$er& #ire& e$her& ear$h& !6Dec$s !# $he senses& $he mind& $he in$ellec$& $he ,hi$$a& $he AhamEara
and (raEri$i are n!$ $he A$man& 6eca"se $hey are all ma$$er9 These d! n!$ a##ec$ $he sage9
!r !ne wh! has realised My na$"re& wha$ 6ene#i$ is $here $! 6e derived 6y c!n$r!lling $he
!rgans which are c!ns$i$"$ed !# $he '"nas` Or wha$ l!ss c!mes $! him wh!se senses are !"$g!ing`
Whe$her $he cl!"ds ga$her !r dis4erse& wha$ is $ha$ $! $he S"n`
c"s$ as $he sEy 1AEasa5 is n!$ a##ec$ed 6y $he a$$ri6"$es !# air& #ire& wa$er and ear$h !r 6y $h!se
!# $he seas!ns& s! als! $he Imm"$a6le which is 6ey!nd eg!ism is n!$ a##ec$ed 6y $he im4"ri$ies !#
Sa$$va& RaDas and Tamas which lead $! 6ir$hs and dea$hs9
S$ill& c!n$ac$ wi$h $he !6Dec$s which are crea$ed 6y Maya sh!"ld 6e av!ided $ill a$$achmen$
which $ain$s $he mind is c!m4le$ely c"$ !"$ 6y $he 4!wer#"l wea4!n !# in$ense dev!$i!n $! Me9
When $he disease is n!$ 4r!4erly $rea$ed& i$ gives $r!"6le again and again9 Similarly a mind
#r!m which desire and Karmas are n!$ c!m4le$ely 6"rn$& $r!"6les $he im4er#ec$ *!gi wh! is
a$$ached $! every$hing and 6rings a6!"$ his #all9
Th!se im4er#ec$ "ns"ccess#"l *!gins wh! have 6een led as$ray 6y !6s$acles ca"sed 6y $he
g!ds in $he #!rm !# men 1#riends& rela$ives& disci4les e$c95 d! again 4rac$ise *!ga al!ne in $heir
#"$"re li#e !n acc!"n$ !# $he #!rce !# $heir 4revi!"s ha6i$& 6"$ $hey d! n!$ $aEe $! $he in$ensive c!"rse
!# Karma9
This 6!dy d!es any ac$ !r "nderg!es changes $ill dea$h im4elled 6y 4as$ im4ressi!ns !#
w!rE !r 4revi!"s $endencies] 6"$ $he sage& $h!"gh he is in $he 6!dy& is #ree #r!m desires and $hirs$ #!r
!6Dec$s as he has realised $he essen$ial 6liss !# $he A$man and is n!$ a##ec$ed 6y w!rE9
He wh! has #iZed his mind in $he A$man is n!$ c!nsci!"s !# $he 6!dy whe$her s$anding&
si$$ing& walEing& lying d!wn& ea$ing #!!d& 4assing "rine& !r 4er#!rming any !$her na$"ral #"nc$i!n
s"ch as seeing !r $!"ching9
%ven i# $he sage 6eh!lds $he eZ$ernal !6Dec$s& he d!es n!$ regard $hem as s!me$hing real and
!$her $han $he A$man& 6eca"se $hey have already 6een discarded as "nreal $hr!"gh reas!ning&
in#erence and discrimina$i!n& D"s$ as a man !n waEing #r!m slee4 discards $he ill"s!ry visi!ns !# $he
dream9
When a man is in 6!ndage& $he e##ec$s !# ign!rance s"ch as 6!dy e$c9& which are w!nder#"lly
wr!"gh$ 6y $he '"nas and Karma& are n!$ 4erceived dis$inc$ #r!m $he A$man9 When he a$$ains
En!wledge !# $he Sel# !r Brahma cnana& $hey disa44ear !r diss!lve9 B"$ $he A$man is nei$her
acce4$ed n!r discarded9
..2
T%A,HIN'S
c"s$ as $he a44earance !# $he s"n dis4els !nly #r!m $he eyes !# men $he veil !# darEness& 6"$
d!es n!$ crea$e any$hing new& s! als! En!wledge !# Mysel# des$r!ys $he veil !# darEness #r!m a
manXs in$ellec$9
This A$man is sel#=l"min!"s& "n6!rn& immeas"ra6le& En!wledge a6s!l"$e& Omniscien$& One
wi$h!"$ a sec!nd& indivisi6le and 6ey!nd s4eech& im4elled 6y wh!m $he s4eech and $he (ranas d!
$heir #"nc$i!ns9
The del"si!n !# $he mind las$s !nly s! l!ng as $here is $he n!$i!n !# di##erence !r d"ali$y in
$he A6s!l"$e A$man& 6eca"se $ha$ del"si!n de4ends !n $ha$ A$man9
When $he mind #ancies $ha$ $here is d"ali$y $he del"si!n arises9 A$man al!ne really eZis$s9
The d"ali$y is 6aseless9
Th!se wh! are c!ncei$ed as wise men regard $he d"ali$y 4erceived $hr!"gh names and #!rms
and c!nsis$ing !# $he #ive elemen$s as irre#"$a6le and as a 4r!ved reali$y& and h!ld $ha$ $he Vedan$ic
view is !nly a ma$$er !# mere c!m4limen$ !r gl!ri#ica$i!n9 This view is cer$ainly n!$ held 6y $h!se
wh! En!w $he $r"$h9
I# $he 6!dy !# a *!gin wh! is n!$ ri4e in his *!gic 4rac$ices& is rendered "n#i$ 6y disease and
!$her !6s$acles $ha$ may cr!4 "4 in $he c!"rse !# $he 4rac$ice& $hen $he #!ll!wing remedies are
4rescri6ed9
He sh!"ld 6y *!gic c!ncen$ra$i!n 6"rn "4 s!me $r!"6les9 He sh!"ld !verc!me hea$ and
c!ld 6y c!ncen$ra$ing !n $he m!!n and $he s"n9 He sh!"ld rem!ve s!me diseases $hr!"gh 4!s$"res
acc!m4anied 6y re$en$i!n !# 6rea$h9 He sh!"ld rem!ve s!me !$hers 6y Ta4as& Man$ras and
medicines9
He sh!"ld !verc!me s!me evils 6y medi$a$ing 6y $aEing My names& 6y singing My names
and $he liEe and s!me 1s"ch as 4ride& eg!ism5 $hr!"gh service "n$! $he grea$ mas$ers !# *!ga9
S!me $ry #irs$ $! Eee4 $his 6!dy very s$r!ng and !# "ndecaying y!"$h 6y vari!"s means and
$hen 6egin $! 4rac$ise *!ga s!lely wi$h $he !6Dec$ !# a$$aining eZ$ra!rdinary 4!wers9 This is n!$
a44r!ved 6y $he wise& 6eca"se s"ch e##!r$ is "seless& 6eca"se $he 6!dy has a#$er all an end liEe $he
#r"i$s !# a $ree9
I# $he 6!dy !# any!ne wh! daily 4rac$ises *!ga 6ec!mes s$r!ng and #ree #r!m diseases& $he
*!gin sh!"ld n!$ 4"$ #ai$h !n $hese Siddhis and give "4 his 4rac$ice9
He sh!"ld n!$ s$ill 6elieve $ha$ $he 6!dy w!"ld 6e 4ermanen$9 He sh!"ld n!$ a$$ach any
val"e $! i$9 He sh!"ld a6and!n $ha$ *!ga and dev!$e himsel# $! Me9
The *!gin wh! 4rac$ises $his c!"rse !# *!ga 6y $aEing re#"ge in Me 6y maEing Me his
all=in=all& and a6and!ns all desires is n!$ !verc!me 6y !6s$acles9 He realises $he 6liss !# his !wn
Sel#9C
..A
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
BhaE$i *!ga
)ddhava said- BI $hinE $ha$ $he 4"rs"i$ !# $his *!ga is eZ$remely di##ic"l$ #!r !ne wh! has
n!$ c!n$r!lled his mind and !rgans9 O Achy"$aH Tell me in a sim4le way h!w a man may a$$ain
realisa$i!n wi$h!"$ di##ic"l$y9
M!s$ly& O ("ndariEaEsha 1l!$"s eyed !ne5H *!gins wh! $ry $! c!ncen$ra$e $heir mind are 4"$
$! immense s"##erings in $heir a$$em4$ $! c!n$r!l i$9 They 6ec!me des4!nden$ 6eca"se !# $he
!6s$acles and di##ic"l$ies !# $he 4a$h& !r ina6ili$y $! a$$ain sereni$y !# mind& !r #ail"re in c!n$r!lling
$he mind !r eZha"s$i!n in $heir s$r"ggle $! c!n$r!l i$9
There#!re& O l!$"s=eyed !ne& O L!rd& !# $he )niverse& Hamsas 1i9e9& $h!se wh! can
discrimina$e $he essence #r!m $he cha##& wh! $aEe $he essence al!ne& D"s$ as $he swan drinEs milE
al!ne #r!m a miZ$"re !# milE and wa$er5 always res!r$ cheer#"lly $! Thy l!$"s=liEe #ee$ which
sh!wer heavenly 6liss9 Thy dev!$ees are n!$ !ver$aEen 6y Thy Maya and are $here#!re n!$ $!"ched
6y 4ride !n acc!"n$ !# $he *!ga 4rac$ices9
Th!se wh! are 4r!"d !# *!ga 4rac$ices are !ver$aEen 6y Thy Maya9 O Achy"$aH O #riend !#
all& is i$ any w!nder $ha$ Th!" 4laces$ Thysel# in $he hands !# Thy servan$s wh! res!r$ $! n!ne else
$han Thysel# #!r shel$er& #!r Th!" as Sri Rama ch!ses$ !# Thine !wn acc!rd $! maEe #riendshi4 wi$h
m!nEeys and 6ears& $h!"gh Th!" ar$ $he L!rd !# $he "niverse a$ wh!se #ee$ $he grea$ R"lers liEe
Brahma& Indra e$c9& 4r!s$ra$e $hemselves wi$h $heir shining cr!wns s$riEing agains$ $he 6!ard "nder
Thy #ee$9 Wh! $ha$ En!ws wha$ Th!" d!s$ $! Thy dev!$ees c!"ld 4!ssi6ly a6and!n Thee& $he
Direc$!r !# every sel#& $he Sel# !# all& m!s$ 6el!ved and S"4reme R"ler& $he giver !# all 6!!ns $! Thy
de4enden$s` Wh! w!"ld acce4$ $he 4leas"res !# heaven which w!"ld maEe him #!rge$ Thee` Wh!
w!"ld res!r$ $! any !$her dei$y #!r $he saEe !# w!rldly 4r!s4eri$y !r #!r $he #!rge$$ing !# Samsara
i9e9& li6era$i!n` Wha$ is i$ $ha$ c!"ld n!$ 6e a$$ained 6y "s wh! w!rshi4 $he d"s$ !# Thy #ee$` O L!rd&
$he wise wh!se D!ys increase when $hey $hinE !# Thy grace& can never even $hr!"gh a l!ng li#e !#
Brahma re4ay $heir de6$ !# gra$i$"de $! Thee& wh! drives$ away all $he evils !# all 6eings& 6eing
4resen$ !"$side as $he (rece4$!r& and inside as An$aryamin !r $he Indwelling R"ler and reveales$
Thysel# "n$! $hem9C
The L!rd said- BI will 6rie#ly descri6e $! y!" $he 4a$h !# righ$e!"sness 6y #!ll!wing which
diligen$ly !ne can !verc!me dea$h and a$$ain imm!r$ali$y9 One sh!"ld d! all w!rEs #!r My saEe&
always remem6ering Me& dev!$ing his mind and hear$ $! Me& his mind #inds deligh$ in My d"$ies9
He sh!"ld dwell in $he h!ly 4laces inha6i$ed 6y $he righ$e!"s wh! are My dev!$ees and als!
d! wha$ My dev!$ees d!& whe$her $hey are $he g!ds& As"ras !r men9
He sh!"ld c!nd"c$ #!r Me se4ara$ely !r c!nD!in$ly wi$h !$hers #es$ivals !n im4!r$an$ days
wi$h r!yal s4lend!"rs in $he sha4e !# m"sic& dances and !$her s4lendid arrangemen$s9 He sh!"ld
wi$h a 4"re mind see in all 6eings and in !nesel# Me& $he A$man wh! am 6!$h inside and !"$ and
all=4ervading and 4"re liEe $he AEasa !r sEy9
..?
T%A,HIN'S
He is regarded a wise man wh! $aEes his s$and !n 4"re En!wledge& regards all 6eings $! 6e
Mysel#& $rea$s $hem wi$h res4ec$ and 4erceives Me $! 6e $he same in a Brahmin& a ,handala& a $hie#&
!ne dev!$ed $! Brahmins& $he s"n !r a s4arE !# #ire& a cr"el man !r a Eind man9
He wh! c!ns$an$ly $hinEs !# Me in all men 6ec!mes rid !# rivalry& ha$red& Deal!"sy& re4r!ach
#!r !$hers and eg!ism9
'iving n! a$$en$i!n $! his #riends wh! la"gh in ridic"le& leaving aside $he 6!dily di##erences
$ha$ may ca"se a #eeling !# shame& !ne sh!"ld 4r!s$ra$e !nesel# !n $he gr!"nd 6e#!re every crea$"re
d!wn $! a ,handala& a c!w& an ass !r a d!g9
One sh!"ld w!rshi4 and c!n$em4la$e $h"s in $h!"gh$& w!rd and deed $ill he learns $! see Me
in all 6eings& $ill he regards all 6eings as Mysel#9
T! him wh! c!n$em4la$es Me in $he a#!resaid manner every$hing is Brahman 6y vir$"e !#
$he En!wledge $ha$ c!mes !# 6eh!lding $he A$man in all9 Seeing $he Brahman all=r!"nd& he is #ree
#r!m d!"6$s and a6and!ns all w!rE9 He is a6le $! wi$hdraw himsel# #r!m every$hing eZ$ernal9
T! regard Me as $he !ne 4resen$ in all 6eings& $! l!!E "4!n all 6eings as Mysel# in
$h!"gh$& w!rd and deed is& I $hinE& $he 6es$ !# all me$h!ds !# w!rshi49
O dear !ne& wh!s!ever dev!$es himsel# $! my w!rshi4 and service wi$h!"$ desire !r
eZ4ec$a$i!n !# reward& will never g! wr!ng !r l!se $he 6ene#i$ !# any 4!r$i!n !# his service9 N!$
even a li$$le !# $he la6!"r in My righ$e!"s c!"rse& even a 6eginning !# i$& w!"ld 6e l!s$9 There is n!$
$he leas$ chance !# #ear in $he Bhagava$a 4a$h9 %ven wha$ is !$herwise #r"i$less& 6ec!mes a Dharma
when i$ is "nsel#ishly !##ered $! Me9 S! i$ has 6een !rdained 6y Me 6eca"se i$ is "na##ec$ed 6y
'"nas& i$ is #ree #r!m desire9 I$ is a law !# righ$e!"sness $ha$ discharge !# d"$y wi$h!"$ eZ4ec$a$i!n
!# reward m"s$ lead $! g!!d9
Any $ri#ling ac$ivi$y wha$s!ever& s"ch as r"nning !r crying !r lamen$a$i!ns !"$ !# #ear !r
s!rr!w !# $he liEe& i# i$ is resigned $! Me "nsel#ishly 6ec!mes My Dharma9
This is $he wisd!m !# $he discrimina$ing and $he highes$ sEill !# $he in$elligen$ $ha$ in $his
very 6ir$h& $hey $hr!"gh $his m!r$al and "nreal 6!dy& a$$ain Me& $he Imm!r$al and $he Real9
Here I have eZ4!"nded $! y!" in 6rie# and in de$ail& in a syn$he$ic and an analy$ic manner $he
c!m4le$e 4hil!s!4hy !# Brahman which is n!$ in $he easy reach !# even $he g!ds9 This is $he essence
!# Brahma Vidya9
I have sh!wn y!" $he r!ad $! En!wledge clearly as $es$ed 6y reas!n and eZ4erience9 He wh!
En!ws $h"s has his d!"6$s dis4elled and a$$ains release !r M!Esha9
He wh! s$"dies and "nders$ands !"r disc!"rse& y!"r :"es$i!ns and My answers which
c!n$ain all $he secre$ $eachings !# $he Vedas& a$$ains $he %$ernal& S"4reme Brahman9
..0
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
Wh!ever eZ4lains $his disc!"rse clearly $! My dev!$ees is s"re $! a$$ain My grace and
merge in Me9 He will ge$ clear and #"ll En!wledge !# Brahman9 I shall !# My !wn acc!rd reveal
Mysel#9
He wh! daily s$"dies wi$h dev!$i!n $his highly sacred and 4"ri#ying eZ4!si$i!n and maEes
Me En!wn $! !$hers in $he ligh$ !# wisd!m is 4"ri#ied9
He wh! lis$ens $! $his disc!"rse daily wi$h #ai$h and cherishes dev!$i!n $! Me is n!$ 6!"nd
6y Karma9
O #riend )ddhava& have y!" well realised Brahman` Have y!" a$$ained a #irm gras4 !#
Brahman` Is y!"r d!"6$ cleared and is $he grie# $ha$ harassed y!" rem!ved`
*!" sh!"ld n!$ im4ar$ $his ins$r"c$i!n $! a hy4!cri$e& $! an a$heis$& $! a r!g"e& $! !ne wh! is
n!$ inclined $! lis$en $! i$& $! !ne wh! has n! dev!$i!n& wh! is wicEed and wh! is ha"gh$y and
decei$#"l9
*!" sh!"ld $each $his !nly $! a 4ers!n wh! is #ree #r!m $hese de#ec$s& wh! is dev!$ed $! $he
Brahmins& wh! is righ$e!"s and 4i!"s& even $! $he S"dras and w!men i# $hey are end!wed wi$h
dev!$i!n9
When $his is En!wn& an as4iran$ has n!$hing m!re $! En!w& D"s$ as a man wh! has dr"nE $he
eZ:"isi$ely swee$ nec$ar has n! craving #!r any !$her drinE !r #!!d9
The wh!le eZ$en$ !# !6Dec$s !r 4"r4!ses which men gain 6y means !# En!wledge& righ$e!"s
d"$ies& *!ga and r"ling 4!wer i9e9& all $he #!"r Einds !# 4"r4!se 1vir$"e& weal$h& desire and
li6era$i!n5 I am Mysel# $! $hee9
When a man a6and!ns all w!rEs and s"rrenders himsel# $! Me& I ch!!se $! maEe him $he
6es$ !# men9 Then he a$$ains imm!r$ali$y and 6ec!mes #i$ $! 6ec!me !ne wi$h Me9C
)ddhava said- BO ,rea$!r !# Brahma& $he grea$ darEness !# del"si!n $ha$ had !ver$aEen me
is c!m4le$ely dis4elled in Thy 4resence9 H!w c!"ld c!ld !r darEness !r #ear a##ec$ a 4ers!n wh!
s$ands 6y $he side !# #ire`
Th!" has$& !"$ !# c!m4assi!n& 6es$!wed !n me Thy servan$& $he $!rch !# S"4reme Wisd!m9
Wh! $ha$ is c!nsci!"s !# Thy grace will a6and!n Thy #ee$ and g! $! seeE shel$er "nder an!$her`
By Thee& wi$h $he wea4!n !# $r"e En!wledge !# A$man& have 6een c"$ !## s$r!ng c!rds !#
a##ec$i!n $! Dasarhas& Vrishnis& AndhaEas and Sa$va$as which had 6een s$re$ched $hr!"gh Thy
Maya #!r $he 4r!4aga$i!n !# Thy crea$i!n9
I 6!w $! Thee& O grea$ *!gin& in reverence9 (lease ins$r"c$ me wh! have #allen a$ Thy #ee$
and have $aEen s!le shel$er in Thee al!ne& h!w I may a$$ain "n#ailing and "ndying dev!$i!n $! Thy
l!$"s=liEe #ee$9 (ray& direc$ me y!"r servan$ #!r $he #"$"re $ha$ my mind may always res$ in dev!$i!n
a$ *!"r #ee$9C
..>
T%A,HIN'S
The L!rd said- B'! )ddhava $! My hermi$age called Badri a$ My c!mmand9 ShaEe !## all
evils and sins 6y $he very sigh$ !# AlaEananda& $he h!ly river $ha$ s4rang #r!m My #ee$9 *!" will 6e
4"ri#ied 6y $!"ching and 6a$hing in i$9 ,l!$he $hysel# in 6arEs9 Live !n wha$ $he #!res$ yields9 'e$ rid
!# $he l!nging #!r w!rldly !6Dec$s and c!m#!r$s9 %nd"re all hardshi4s& hea$ and c!ld9 Be calm and
well=6ehaved9 ,!n$r!l $hy senses9 iZ $hy mind !n $he A$man9 (!ssessed !# cnana 1En!wledge5 and
ViDnana 1realisa$i!n5 re#lec$ and realise wha$ $h!" has$ disc"ssed and learn$ #r!m Me9 D! My d"$ies
$! Me c!ns$an$ly9 Dev!$e $hy mind& hear$ and s4eech $! Me9 Then $h!" wil$ $ranscend $he c!"rse !#
$he $hree '"nas and a$$ain Me& $he S"4reme9C
)ddhava was "na6le in his #!ndness $! 4ar$ #r!m $he L!rd9 He was !verwhelmed wi$h grie#9
He c!"ld n!$ leave Sri Krishna9 A$ las$ he sal"$ed Him again and again& 4laced His sandals !n his
head and s$ar$ed #!r Badri9
Then having en$hr!ned Him in $he recesses !# his hear$& $he grea$ dev!$ee )ddhava reached
$he Visala 1$he grea$ BadriEashrama5 and having s$ric$ly #!ll!wed $he ins$r"c$i!ns $a"gh$ 6y $he !ne
riend !# $he )niverse& a$$ained !neness wi$h $he L!rd Hari9
He& wh! wi$h $r"e #ai$h $as$es $his nec$ar !# wisd!m $ha$ was direc$ly im4ar$ed $! $he
dev!$ed )ddhava 6y L!rd Krishna wh!se #ee$ are w!rshi44ed 6y $he grea$ *!gins& and $ha$ is
s$!red in $he 4a$h !# dev!$i!n& which is an !cean !# 6liss& a$$ains release #r!m Samsara and #rees $he
w!rld $hr!"gh his ass!cia$i!n9
I 6!w $! $he irs$ and (er#ec$ Being called Krishna& $he Revealer !# $he Vedas wh!& liEe a
6ee eZ$rac$ed $he essence !# $he Vedas c!m4rising $he highes$ En!wledge 1cnana5 and realisa$i!n
1ViDnana5 $! 4"$ an end $! $he Samsara and #ears !# li#e !# His dev!$ees& as He had eZ$rac$ed nec$ar
#r!m $he !cean and gave $ha$ $! His dev!$ees and servan$s $! drinE9
(ar$ III
TH% BHA'AVATA DHARMA
The Bhagava$a (a$h
On a cer$ain !ccasi!n $he divine sage Narada visi$ed Vas"deva& #a$her !# Sri Krishna9
Vas"deva w!rshi44ed Narada and said& BO sage& 4lease $ell me !# $h!se Dharmas !r righ$e!"s
c!"rses 1Bhagava$a Dharma5 which 4lease $he L!rd& and lis$ening $! which wi$h #ai$h and
4rac$ising i$ sincerely a 4ers!n can 6e #reed #r!m $he never=ending& $erri#ic wheel !# 6ir$hs and
dea$hs and a$$ain everlas$ing 6liss9C
Narada said- BO 6es$ am!ng men& $his res!lve !# y!"rs $! En!w Bhagava$a Dharma
1righ$e!"s ac$i!n and En!wledge5 which 4"ri#ies $he wh!le "niverse is indeed highly $! 6e 4raised9
This Bhagava$a Dharma& whe$her heard& s$"died& c!n$em4la$ed& #!ll!wed !r a44r!ved !r
a44recia$ed w!"ld a$ !nce 4"ri#y even $h!se wh! have d!ne $he w!rs$ crimes9 By Thee& $he m!s$
..<
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
a"s4ici!"s and almigh$y Narayana& wh!se name heard !r s"ng 6rings meri$& is $!day called $! my
mem!ry9
BI will $ry $! give y!" an !ld s$!ry !# a c!nversa$i!n 6e$ween $he grea$ King !# Videhas&
Nimi and $he nine sages& s!ns !# Risha6ha& in answer $! y!"r :"es$i!n9
BSvayam6h"va Man" had a s!n (riyavri$a9 His s!n was Agnidhra& #a$her !# Na6hi9 Na6hiXs
s!n was Risha6ha wh! was an Amsa !# Narayana9 He a44eared !n ear$h in !rder $! $each $he
Dharmas leading $! M!Esha9 He had a h"ndred s!ns wh! were all $h!r!"ghly versed in $he Vedas
and Brahma Vidya9 The eldes$ !# $hem was Bhara$a& a grea$ dev!$ee !# $he L!rd& in h!n!"r !# wh!m
$his land has 6een named Bhara$a Varsha9 He reigned !ver $he Bhara$a Khanda #!r s!me $ime and
ren!"nced $he Eingd!m9 He did Ta4as and w!rshi44ed Hari and a$$ained His regi!n a$ $he end !#
$hree lives9
BNine !# $hem 6ecame sages sEilled in $he 4rac$ice !# Brahma Vidya9 Their names were
Kavi& Hari& An$ariEsha& (ra6"ddha& (i44alayana& Avirh!$ra& Dr"mila& ,hamasa and Kara6haDana9
BThey realised $he "niverse& 6!$h s"6$le and gr!ss& $! 6e $he L!rd Himsel# and $! 6e n!$hing
di##eren$ #r!m $heir Sel#9 (!ssessing $he 4!wer !# g!ing "nin$err"4$edly anywhere a$ any $ime& $hey
$ravelled& desiring n!$hing& $hr!"gh $he vari!"s w!rlds !# $he Devas& sages& Siddhas& 'andharvas&
Kinnaras& Nagas& ,haranas& Vidyadharas& e$c9
BIn $he c!"rse !# s"ch $ravel& $hey came $! $he 4lace where $he gl!ri!"s Nimi was
4er#!rming a grea$ sacri#ice in $he c!n$inen$ !# Bhara$a9
BKing Nimi d"ly w!rshi44ed $hem and !##ered $hem sea$s and said& kThis h"man 6!dy is n!$
easily a$$ained 6y men9 I$ w!"ld 6reaE d!wn in a min"$e9 I$ is di##ic"l$ $! mee$ $h!se wh! are $he
dev!$ees !# L!rd Hari9 In $his Samsara& ass!cia$i!n wi$h $he righ$e!"s and $he sages even #!r hal# a
min"$e is a grea$ $reas"re $! h"man 6eings9 I$ $here#!re 6eh!ves me $! $aEe advan$age !# $his
!44!r$"ni$y and re:"es$ y!" $! $each me $he secre$ $ha$ leads $! everlas$ing g!!d !r $he #inal
6ea$i$"de9 I# y!" c!nsider me #i$ $! hear $he same& $each me $he ways and En!wledge !#
righ$e!"sness 1Bhagava$a Dharma5 6y which $he L!rd !# $he "niverse w!"ld ge$ easily 4r!4i$ia$ed
and even gran$ Himsel# $! His disci4les9XB
Kavi Ins$r"c$s
Kavi said- BThe w!rshi4 !# $he #ee$ !# Achy"$a leads $! everlas$ing g!!d9 The c!n$in"!"s
c!n$em4la$i!n and service $! $he l!$"s=liEe #ee$ !# Achy"$a #ree a man& wh! is del"ded 6y mis$aEing
$he w!r$hless 6!dy #!r $he 4"re A$man& #r!m all #ears9 I$ $eaches y!" $! #eel $he c!nsci!"sness !# His
(resence everywhere and in all $hings and a$$ain 6liss and #reed!m9 Kn!w 4er#ec$ly $h!se d"$ies
which 4lease $he L!rd and lead $! His realisa$i!n& which were $a"gh$ 6y $he L!rd Himsel# #!r $he
realisa$i!n !# A$man even $! men !# n! learning9 In #!ll!wing $he 4a$h !# Bhagava$a Dharma !ne is
n!$ !verc!me 6y !6s$acles as in $he 4a$h !# *!ga9 He may r"n al!ng $his 4a$h even wi$h cl!sed eyes
wi$h!"$ #ear !# l!sing his s$e4s& wi$h!"$ En!wing where he g!es and wha$ he d!es9 He will n!$ #all
again in$! $he darE a6yss !# Samsara9 A dev!$ee wh! has a$$ained $he grace !# $he L!rd never c!mes
$! grie#9
../
TH% BHA'AVATA DHARMA
BWha$ever a man d!es 6y his 4hysical !rgans& $!ng"e& mind and !$her senses& 6y in$ellec$ !r
himsel#& 6y $he ins$inc$s !# Na$"re !r (raEri$i& he sh!"ld resign every$hing as service $! $he S"4reme
Narayana9 The secre$ !# Bhagava$a Dharma is $h!r!"ghly $! ren!"nce eg!ism& d! every$hing as $he
servan$ !# $he L!rd and $r"s$ !nesel# $! His grace en$irely9 He sh!"ld ren!"nce $he 6ene#i$ !r
res4!nsi6ili$y !# all Karmas $! $he L!rd !nly9 Sinceri$y and #ai$h in $he L!rd will ena6le y!" $!
realise His immanence9
BThe c!nsci!"sness !# d"ali$y !r sense !# se4ara$i!n is $he ca"se !# all #ear9 The sense !#
d"ali$y maEes $he civa iden$i#y himsel# wi$h $he 6!dy and !$her "nreal !6Dec$s& s$reng$hens $he
#eeling !# eg!ism !r se4ara$i!n #r!m $he L!rd& and maEes !ne recede #r!m $he L!rd and crea$es a
#!rge$#"lness !r "nc!nsci!"sness !# !neXs $r"e Sel#9 This is ca"sed 6y $he Maya !# $he L!rd9 The
wise man $here#!re sh!"ld 6ec!me a $r"e dev!$ee !# $he L!rd and $r"s$ himsel# en$irely $! $he L!rdXs
grace and rec!gnise $he L!rd as his #riend& 4rece4$!r and $he L!rd9 He wh! is rem!ved #r!m Isvara
#!rge$s $he L!rd9 Then $here is $he wr!ng n!$i!n& kI am $he 6!dyX9 This is ca"sed 6y $he Maya !# $he
L!rd9 ear arises #r!m dev!$i!n $! $he sec!nd9 There#!re a wise man sh!"ld w!rshi4 $he L!rd !nly
wi$h "n#ailing !r "ndying dev!$i!n& En!wing his '"r" $! 6e !ne wi$h $he L!rd and A$man9 He
sh!"ld have sincere dev!$i!n $! his '"r" and $he L!rd9
BTh!"gh $he w!rld !# di##erences d!es n!$ really eZis$ i$ a44ears $! eZis$ liEe dreams
$hr!"gh $he mind !# man wh! $hinEs !# i$9 There#!re& $he wise man sh!"ld c!n$r!l $he mind which
6y i$s $h!"gh$s gives rise $! $he eZis$ence !# $he w!rld and $he di##erence !# $hings9 ,!ns$an$ly
hearing $he vari!"s ac$s !# grace 1Lilas5 d!ne 6y $he L!rd in His Ava$aras& singing al!"d His 4raise
and His graci!"s names& heedless !# ridic"le !r cens"re& $he dev!$ee sh!"ld live in $his w!rld
wi$h!"$ a$$achmen$s9
BThe dev!$ee wh! serves $he L!rd c!ns$an$ly& and devel!4s l!ve $! Him 6y singing $he
names !# his 6el!ved Hari& wi$h his hear$ c!m4le$ely mel$ing in dev!$i!n& la"ghs& wee4s& sings and
dances9 His mind l!ses i$sel# in ecs$asy and 6ec!mes en$irely !6livi!"s !# all eZ$ernal !6Dec$s9 He
walEs al!ne wi$h $he L!rd and #!rge$s $he !"$side w!rld9
BIn $he #ive Bh"$as- sEy& air& #ire& wa$er and ear$h& in $he s$ars& 4lane$s& living animals&
cardinal 4!in$s& $he $rees& rivers& laEes !r seas& and everywhere he sees $he 6!dy !# $he L!rd Hari and
6!ws $! i$9
BHe wh! w!rshi4s $he L!rd in $his way and wh! has resigned himsel# $! Him& ge$s dev!$i!n&
realisa$i!n !# $he L!rd 1An"6hava5 and dis4assi!n a$ !ne and $he same $ime& D"s$ as 6y ea$ing& !ne
ge$s sa$is#ac$i!n 1T"sh$i5& N"$ri$i!n 1("sh$i5& and relie# #r!m h"nger& all a$ !ne and $he same $ime9
The Bhagava$a "l$ima$ely a$$ains s"4reme 4eace !r M!Esha& $he highes$ s$a$e !# 6liss9 He d!es n!$
6ear any ill=will $! any crea$"re9 He is #riendly $! all9 His mind is ever #iZed a$ $he l!$"s=liEe #ee$ !#
$he L!rd9 He is ever 4"re9 He 4"ri#ies $he w!rld wi$h $he d"s$ !# his #ee$ liEe $he rising s"n9C
Hari Ins$r"c$s
Nimi $hen asEed- BWha$ are $he charac$eris$ics !# a Bhagava$a !r dev!$ee` Wha$ are $he
signs 6y which he is En!wn` H!w d!es he 6ehave $!wards !$hers` H!w d!es he $alE` Wha$ d!es he
.73
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
$alE` H!w d!es he ac$` Wha$ are all $he !$her charac$eris$ics 6y which he can 6e dis$inc$ly
rec!gnised in $his w!rld`C
Hari re4lied- BHe is $he highes$ dev!$ee wh! sees his rela$i!n $! all 6eings as 6eing Brahman
and all 6eings in his Sel# which is essen$ially Brahman9 He wh! sees $he L!rdXs 4resence and image
in every crea$ed !6Dec$& anima$e !r inanima$e and wh! sees all crea$ed !6Dec$s as 4!r$i!ns !# $he
L!rd and himsel# is $he 4er#ec$ Bhagava$a !r $he #!rem!s$ !ne am!ng $he v!$aries !# $he L!rd9 He
wh! 6eh!lds in all 6eings $he L!rd as in his !wn Sel# and 6eh!lds all 6eings in $he L!rd wi$hin
himsel#& is $he highes$ dev!$ee9
BHe wh! 6ears l!ve and res4ec$ $!wards $he L!rd& #riendshi4 $!wards his de4enden$s and
!$her dev!$ees& Eindness $!wards $he ign!ran$& and indi##erence $!wards his enemies and $h!se wh!
a6"se $he L!rd is a middle class dev!$ee9
BHe wh! w!rshi4s Hari as 4resen$ !nly in $he image and n!$ in His dev!$ees !r !$her
crea$"res is !nly a 6eginner9 He wh! w!rshi4s $he L!rd !nly in $he $em4le 6"$ is n!$ $!leran$ !# $he
dev!$ees !# !$her #!rms and is n!$ a6le $! rec!gnise $he L!rdXs 4resence everywhere is an
elemen$ary dev!$ee9
BThe highes$ dev!$ee 4erceives $he !6Dec$s wi$h his senses 6"$ d!es n!$ #eel ei$her aversi!n
!r 4leas"re9 He 4erceives $his "niverse as $he Maya !# Vishn"9
BHe is $he highes$ dev!$ee !# $he L!rd wh! 6y $he s$reng$h !# his medi$a$i!n !n Hari is n!$
a##ec$ed 6y $he changes !# li#e vil9& 6ir$h& dea$h& h"nger& $hirs$& #ear& di##ic"l$ies $ha$ a##ec$ $he 6!dy&
$he !rgans& $he 6rea$h& $he mind and in$ellec$9 The 4er#ec$ dev!$ee En!ws $ha$ 6ir$h and dea$h 4er$ain
$! $he 6!dy which is crea$ed 6y Karma& $ha$ h"nger and $hirs$ 4er$ain $! $he (rana& $ha$ $he mind
crea$es a sense !# se4ara$eness and eg!ism $here6y ca"sing #ear and maEing $he civa l!se $!"ch wi$h
$he L!rd in himsel#& $ha$ $he in$ellec$ crea$es desire& avarice e$c9& $ha$ $he senses crea$e #eelings !#
4leas"re and 4ain9 The 4er#ec$ dev!$ee diss!cia$es himsel# #r!m $he a6!ve and always remains
immersed in $he mem!ry !# $he L!rd and rec!gnises his "ni$y wi$h Him9
BHe is $he highes$ dev!$ee in wh!se hear$ $he seeds !# desire and Karma are n!$ #!"nd and $!
wh!m Vas"deva al!ne is $he s!le re#"ge9 As he d!es $he ac$i!n as a servan$ !# $he L!rd wi$h!"$
eg!ism& as his mind ever a6ides in $he L!rd& his ac$i!ns crea$e n! Karma and he is li6era$ed #r!m
6ir$hs and dea$hs9
BHe is $he #av!"ri$e !# Hari wh! has n! a$$achmen$ $! $he 6!dy& and claims n! s"4eri!ri$y 6y
6ir$h and deed& 6y cas$e& !r !rder& !r race9
BThe highes$ dev!$i!n d!es n!$ En!w kmineX and k$hineX ei$her in weal$h !r in 6!dy9 He
l!!Es "4!n all 6eings wi$h e:"al eyes9 His mind is always $ran:"il9
BHe is $he highes$ dev!$ee wh! will n!$ #!rge$ $he L!rd even #!r $he saEe !# $he weal$h !# $he
$hree w!rlds and wh! will n!$ #!rge$ even #!r hal# a min"$e !r hal# a sec!nd $he l!$"s=liEe #ee$ !# $he
L!rd which are s!"gh$ a#$er 6y $he g!ds and !$hers wh! have n!$ c!n:"ered $heir mind9
.7.
TH% BHA'AVATA DHARMA
BH!w c!"ld any a##lic$i!n arise in $he hear$ !# a dev!$ee #r!m which i$ is all rem!ved 6y $he
m!!n=ligh$ !# $he gem=liEe #inger=nails !# $he #ee$ !# $he L!rd which meas"red $he "niverse in $hree
s$e4s` H!w c!"ld $here 6e $he hea$ !# $he s"n when $he m!!n has risen` c"s$ as !ne never
remem6ers $he hea$ !# $he s"n a#$er $he m!!n has risen and #l!!ded $he w!rld wi$h i$s c!!l rays& s!
$he dev!$ee wh! medi$a$es !n $he l!$"s=liEe #ee$ !# $he L!rd& never again remem6ers $he 4ains !#
Samsara& his desires having vanished never again $! re$"rn9
BHe is $he grea$es$ !# all dev!$ees wh!se hear$ is $ied $! $he l!$"s=liEe #ee$ !# Hari 6y $he
c!rds !# l!ve and dev!$i!n9 He is never le#$ 6y Hari Himsel# wh! des$r!ys all his sins even $h!"gh
He is "nc!nsci!"sly remem6ered 6y name9
BThe name !# $he L!rd& i# "$$ered even "nc!nsci!"sly in 4ain !r dis$ress& 6y #!rce !# ha6i$
even& rem!ves all sins9 I# s"ch is $he case& i$ can easily 6e "nders$!!d $ha$ he is $he highes$ dev!$ee in
wh!se hear$ $he L!rd ever dwells& r!!$ed $here 6y $he c!rd !# a##ec$i!n9C
An$ariEsha Ins$r"c$s
1(!wer !# Maya and w!rshi4 !# $he L!rd is descri6ed5
The Eing Nimi asEed& BWha$ is $hen $his Maya !# $he S"4reme L!rd which del"des even $he
m!s$ in$elligen$ and $h!se wh! have gained $he ligh$ !# En!wledge` *!"r w!rds #"ll !# $he wisd!m
!# $he L!rd have a s!!$hing and 6ene#icen$ e##ec$ !n me& wh! is sc!rched "4 in $he #ire !# Samsara9 I
can never ge$ $ired !# hearing $he same9 I am n!$ sa$ia$ed 6y drinEing $he nec$ar !# y!"r w!rds which
descri6e $he gl!ries !# Hari& $he medicine #!r $ha$ "n6eara6le hea$ and s"##ering !# $his m"ndane
eZis$ence9C
An$ariEsha said- BMaya !# $he L!rd is $ha$ which ca"ses $he crea$i!n& 4reserva$i!n and
diss!l"$i!n !# $his "niverse9 I$ is $hr!"gh Maya !nly $ha$ $he L!rd 6ec!mes many9 I$ is $he ca"se !#
civaXs err!ne!"s idea $ha$ $he 4"re Brahman which $ranscends $he $hree '"nas is end!wed wi$h a
6!dy and s"6Dec$ $! $he sway !# $he '"nas9
BThe #irs$ and S"4reme (ers!n& $he ,a"se !# all crea$i!n crea$ed !"$ !# $hese grea$ Bh"$as&
all $hings grea$ and small& s! $ha$ $he civa may realise himsel# $! 6e n!ne 6"$ Brahman9
BHe $hen en$ered $he civas and made $hem enD!y $he '"nas9 He is en$hr!ned 6ehind $he mind
and ac$s as $he 4!werh!"se #r!m which $he civa is a6le $! #"nc$i!n $hr!"gh $he mind and $he $en
senses9 The L!rd Himsel# a44ears as $he mind and $he senses9
BThe civa enD!ys $he sense !6Dec$s $hr!"gh $he senses ill"mined 6y $he An$aryamin !r Inner
R"ler9 He 6ec!mes a$$ached $! $he 6!dy and !6Dec$s9 He $hinEs $ha$ $his 6!dy is his !wn Sel# and
iden$i#ies himsel# wi$h $he 6!dy9 On acc!"n$ !# eg!ism& he ge$s en$angled in $he never=ending whirl
!# 6ir$hs and dea$hs9
BHe d!es many ac$s wi$h $he !6Dec$ !# rea4ing $he reward 6y means !# $he Karma Indriyas
1!rgans !# ac$i!n5 which have $heir r!!$s in $he ac$s !# 4revi!"s lives enD!ys $he #r"i$s !# $he several
Karmas 6y eZ4eriencing 4leas"re and 4ain9
.77
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
BHe ge$s immersed in $he $ide !# Karma and 4asses $hr!"gh many 6!dies !r lives in
c!nse:"ence !# Karma and "nderg!es many c!"n$less miseries9 He is s"6Dec$ $! 6ir$h and dea$h as
l!ng as crea$i!n las$s9
BWhen i$ is $ime #!r $he diss!l"$i!n !# $he "niverse& Time which is 6eginningless and
endless wi$hdraws $he mani#es$ed w!rld !# s"6s$ance and :"ali$ies in$! i$s ca"se Maya& !r M!!la
(raEri$i& !r AvyaE$am9
BThere will 6e n! rain #!r a h"ndred years9 The s"n wi$h i$s #ierce rays will 6"rn $he $hree
w!rlds9 The #ire emana$ing #r!m $he m!"$h !# SanEarsana #r!m (a$ala !r $he l!wer regi!n will wi$h
$he hel4 !# $he wind& 6"rn every$hing in all direc$i!ns9
BThen $he cl!"ds will 4!"r d!wn a $!rren$ !# rain #!r !ver a h"ndred years& each dr!4 6eing
as 6ig as $he $r"nE !# an ele4han$ and $he "niverse will 6e dr!wned in wa$er9
BBrahma will merge in$! $he AvyaE$a M"la (raEri$i liEe $he #ire when all #"el is c!ns"med9
BSmell which is $he 4r!4er$y !# ear$h is $aEen 6y $he air and $he ear$h mel$s in$! $he wa$er9
Li:"idi$y& which is $he 4r!4er$y !# wa$er& is $aEen away 6y $he air& and wa$er ge$s a6s!r6ed in $he
#ire9 ire is de4rived !# i$s c!l!"r and i$ merges in$! $he air9 Air is de4rived !# i$s 4r!4er$y !# $!"ch
and i$ merges in$! $he e$her9 A#$er de4rival !# i$s 4r!4er$y e$her in $"rn merges in (raEri$i9 The
senses& $he mind and in$ellec$ wi$h $heir 4residing dei$ies merge in$! $he 4rinci4le !# AhamEara
which in i$s $"rn merges in Maha$ Ta$$va9
BThis Maya !# $he L!rd is $h"s $he ca"se !# crea$i!n& 4reserva$i!n and des$r"c$i!n !# $he
)niverse9 I$ c!nsis$s !# $hree '"nas9 I have $h"s descri6ed $! y!" $he Maya !# $he L!rd9 Wha$ m!re
w!"ld y!" liEe $! hear& O Eing`C
(ra6"ddha Ins$r"c$s H!w $! ,r!ss Maya
King Nimi asEed& BO grea$ sageH (lease $ell me& h!w can !ne wh!se mind is n!$ c!n$r!lled&
and wh! is !# d"ll "nders$anding& easily cr!ss !ver $his Maya`C
The sage re4lied- BI# y!" wan$ $! #ree y!"rsel# #r!m misery and a$$ain ha44iness& see $ha$ $he
man wh! leads a sens"al li#e #ails $! esca4e #r!m misery and $! a$$ain $he desired g!!d9 One cann!$
ge$ real las$ing ha44iness #r!m weal$h9 There is grea$ di##ic"l$y in i$s ac:"isi$i!n9 I$ 6rings always
$r!"6les& a##lic$i!ns and miseries9 There is n! ha44iness in $he 4!ssessi!n !# h!"ses& children&
#riends and rela$ives and ca$$le which are all $ransien$9
B%very man in $his w!rld dev!$es his energies #!r !6$aining 4leas"re and av!iding 4ain9 B"$
in his endeav!"r& he always #inds 4ain and $!il while $he m"ch l!nged #!r 4leas"re is evanescen$ !r
ill"s!ry9 He s$r"ggles hard $! 4!ssess !6Dec$s #!r himsel#& his wi#e and children] wi$h $he !6Dec$s& his
$!ils and res4!nsi6ili$ies increase while $he 4leas"re is !nly $em4!rary !r evanescen$9
BThe regi!n !6$ained $hr!"gh Karma is als! $ransien$9 I$ is s"6Dec$ $! change and
des$r"c$i!n9 The 4leas"res !# heaven ac:"ired 6y g!!d deeds in $his w!rld& are als! similarly
.72
TH% BHA'AVATA DHARMA
$em4!rary and evanescen$9 The 4leas"res !# heaven are n!$ als! "nall!yed9 c"s$ as Eings are a#raid
!r 6ec!me Deal!"s !# !$her Eings m!re 4!wer#"l $han $hemselves& s! als! $he civa while enD!ying $he
4leas"res !# his Karma in heaven& 6ec!mes Deal!"s !# !$hers enD!ying e:"al !r grea$er 6liss $han
himsel#9 He sees !$hers eZ4elled #r!m Heaven a$ $he end !# $heir $en"re which crea$es #ear $ha$ his
s$ay als! migh$ c!me $! a similar end9
BThere#!re $he wise man wh! desires s"4reme 6liss !# A$man sh!"ld a44r!ach a 4rece4$!r
wh! has 4er#ec$ calmness !# mind& wh! is dee4ly versed in $he Vedas and wh! has realised (ara
Brahman9
BHe sh!"ld serve $he '"r" !6edien$ly& a$$en$ively& and wi$h sinceri$y and learn Bhagava$a
Dharma !r d"$ies !# a dev!$ee !# $he L!rd #r!m him9 He sh!"ld serve $he '"r" as his '!d& which is
a s"re way !# 4leasing $he L!rd !# $he "niverse and 6ec!ming #i$ #!r His grace9
BHe sh!"ld 4rac$ise n!n=a$$achmen$ and Eee4 c!m4any wi$h righ$e!"s and $he wise9 He
m"s$ 6e Eind and c!m4assi!na$e $! his in#eri!rs& #riendly $! his e:"als and res4ec$#"l $! his
s"4eri!rs9
BHe sh!"ld Eee4 his mind and 6!dy 4"re and reg"la$e his li#e 6y #iZed r"les9 He m"s$
4er#!rm his !wn d"$ies9 He m"s$ have #!rgiveness and sh!"ld n!$ $alE idly9 He m"s$ s$"dy $he
sacred Vedas9 He m"s$ !6serve s$raigh$#!rwardness& celi6acy& inn!cence and e:"animi$y "nder $he
!44!si$e c!ndi$i!ns !# 4ain and 4leas"re& gain and l!ss e$c9 He m"s$ n!$ d! any harm $! any 6eing9
BBeh!ld A$man and Isvara everywhere9 (erceive $he immanence !# '!d in all !6Dec$s9 ree
y!"rsel# #r!m all c!nnec$i!ns9 D! n!$ 6ind y!"rsel# $! y!"r h!"se9 Have $ha$ which is easily g!$ #!r
y!"r cl!$hing9 Have any #!!d $ha$ is g!$ 6y chance9 Be c!n$en$ wi$h any$hing and every$hing9
BHave #ai$h in $he Bhagava$a Sas$ra& 6"$ d! n!$ 6lame !r c!ndemn any !$her Sas$ra9 ,!n$r!l
y!"r mind& s4eech and ac$i!ns9 S4eaE $he $r"$h9 Be calm9 Disci4line $he senses9
BHear& reci$e& sing and medi$a$e !n $he deeds& :"ali$ies and Ava$aras !# Hari9 Le$ all y!"r
eZer$i!ns 6e #!r Him !nly9 O##er $! $he S"4reme L!rd y!"r sacri#icial ac$ivi$ies& gi#$s& Ta4as& ca4a&
vir$"!"s deeds& even y!"r wi#e& children& h!"se and y!"r very li#e als!9
B,herish #riendly #eelings $!wards $he dev!$ees wh! a6s!l"$ely de4end "4!n Sri Krishna as
$heir L!rd9 W!rshi4 $he L!rd as 4resen$ 6!$h in $he m!ving and "nm!ving !6Dec$s& in righ$e!"s and
grea$ men wh! have a$$ained '!d=realisa$i!n9
BIn $he c!m4any !# Bhagava$as& learn h!w $! sing& in$erchange dev!$i!n and l!ve& remind
each !$her and s4eaE $! each !$her !# $he gl!ry !# $he L!rd& $ill y!"r hairs s$and !n end& and sing and
dance $ill y!" l!se y!"rsel# in dev!"$ c!n$em4la$i!n9
BThe dev!$ees wh! have a6and!ned $he w!rld s!me$imes wee4& s!me$imes la"gh& while
c!n$em4la$ing !n Hari9 They $alE a6!"$ Him& sing !# Him9 Having realised Hari $hey remain silen$
and enD!y $he 6liss !# $he L!rd9
.7A
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
BHe wh! $h"s $rains himsel# in $he d"$ies !# Bhagava$a Dharma and 4rac$ises $he d"$ies wi$h
#ai$h and dev!$i!n& devel!4s dev!$i!n and 6ec!mes a6s!l"$ely dev!$ed $! $he L!rd9 He easily
c!n:"ers $he L!rdXs Maya which is !$herwise "nc!n:"era6le9C
(i44alayana Ins$r"c$s !n $he Na$"re !# $he L!rd
RaDa Nimi said- B(lease eZ4lain $! me $he $r"e na$"re and charac$er !# (arama$man& $he
(er#ec$ Being called Narayana9C
(i44alayana said- BNarayana is $he ca"se !# crea$i!n& 4reserva$i!n and des$r"c$i!n !# $his
"niverse9 He is Himsel# wi$h!"$ a ca"se9 He eZis$s in $he $hree s$a$es !# waEe#"lness& dream and
dee4 slee4 and als! in !$her s$a$es as Narayana !r Brahman $he %$ernal& !r $he Highes$ Tr"$h9 He is
$he 4!wer=h!"se #r!m which $he 6!dy& senses& mind& in$ellec$ and (rana derive $he #!rce #!r $heir
ac$ivi$ies& and anima$ed 6y Him al!ne& $he 6!dy& $he senses& $he mind and $he (rana eZis$ and d!
$heir #"nc$i!ns9 Kn!w Him& O EingH
BNei$her $he mind n!r s4eech& n!r $he eye n!r in$ellec$& n!r (rana n!r $he senses
c!m4rehend I$& D"s$ as $he #lying s4arEs #r!m a gl!wing #ire& !r $he #lames cann!$ "nders$and $he #ire
#r!m which $hey s4ring9 %ven $he Vedas which s4ring #r!m Brahman cann!$ de#ine Brahman #"lly
and direc$ly9 They !nly $each y!" $! realise Brahman 6y nega$ive e4i$he$s9 Th!"gh $he w!rds are
$he means !# En!wing Brahman& $h!"gh $hey eZ4lain His meaning& $hey cann!$ mani#es$ Him a$ all9
They 4resen$ Him as an in#erence9 This A$man m"s$ 6e admi$$ed as Real %Zis$ence& 6eca"se
nega$ive descri4$i!n even is im4!ssi6le in $he a6sence !# real eZis$ence9
BBrahman shines as 6!$h $he s"6$le ca"se and gr!ss e##ec$ and als! as $ha$ which is di##eren$
#r!m $hem and $heir ca"se& 6eca"se i$ has diverse 4!wers9 Ac$i!n and ca"se are mani#es$ as
Brahman& 6eca"se Brahman !# grea$ and many 4!wers is $he ca"se !# ac$i!n and ca"se9 The (raEri$i
!r Maya which was !ne in $he 6eginning 6e#!re $he crea$i!n& divided in$! $he $hree :"ali$ies vil9&
Sa$$va& RaDas and Tamas9 I$ 6ecame S"$ra !r $he $hread 6y $he energy !# ac$i!n9 I$ 6ecame Maha$ 6y
$he energy !# "nders$anding9 Then i$ 6ecame $he civa$man $hr!"gh AhamEara9 Brahman als! shines
as dei$ies& $he senses& $he #"nc$i!ns& $he !6Dec$s& 4leas"re !r 4ain& and !$hers9
BThis Brahman never was 6!rn and never dies9 He nei$her gr!ws n!r decays& 6eca"se He is
$he Wi$ness !# $he vari!"s s$a$es !# all !6Dec$s which are s"6Dec$ $! 6ir$h and des$r"c$i!n9 He is $he
Wi$ness and Kn!wer !# $he di##eren$ s$a$es $ha$ a##ec$ $he 6!dies& s"ch as 6ir$h& gr!w$h&
m!di#ica$i!n !r change& decay& dea$h e$c9 He is $he !ne and $he same c!nsci!"s #ac$!r in $he s$ages
!# childh!!d& y!"$h& !ld age e$c9 He is an "nchanging& "ndecaying& ever c!ns$an$& sel#=l"min!"s&
4"re c!nsci!"sness9 He eZis$s always and everywhere as $he mere indes$r"c$i6le c!nsci!"sness !r
En!wledge] ye$ liEe (rana $he !ne real c!nsci!"sness is 4erceived as many "nder $he in#l"ence !#
$he senses9
BLi#e 4"rs"es $he civa $hr!"gh his vari!"s rela$i!ns !# waEe#"lness and dreams& whe$her in
eggs !r in $he w!m6s !r in $he $rees !r in $he dr!4s !# swea$9 B"$ when $he ac$i!n !# $he senses and
eg!ism disa44ear& $he civa a$$ains his essen$ial Sa$chidananda s$a$e which is #ree #r!m any change&
6eca"se his s"6$le 6!dy& $he 6asis #!r a$$achmen$& a##ec$i!ns& liEes and disliEes d!es n!$ eZis$9 The
.7?
TH% BHA'AVATA DHARMA
!nly evidence !# $he eZis$ence !# Brahman !r A$man is $he rec!llec$i!n !r mem!ry !# 6liss which
y!" enD!yed in dee4 slee4 when y!" have risen #r!m slee49
BWhen $he senses and eg!ism vanish& $he civa res$s 4eace#"lly in $he K"$as$ha Brahman in
dee4 slee49 I$ is !#$en said $ha$ $his dee4 slee4 is a vacan$ s$a$e !r vac""m !r a nega$ive s$a$e9 This is
a mis$aEe9 The man wh! rises #r!m dee4 slee4 invaria6ly says& BI enD!yed s!"nd slee49C This g!es $!
4r!ve $ha$ in s!"nd slee4 als!& $here was a #ac$!r& SaEshi !r silen$ wi$ness in him& which enD!yed
6liss and was ign!ran$ !# $he ca"se !# s"ch 6liss9 r!m $his eZ4erience !# slee4 y!" can "nders$and
clearly $ha$ $he real na$"re !# $he civa is 6liss and $ha$ he is "na6le $! realise i$& 6eca"se his mind and
senses lead him as$ray !"$wardly in a wild=g!!se chase9
B%very #eeling !# 4ain is ca"sed 6y sense !# eg!ism !r se4ara$eness #r!m $he L!rd9 This
#eeling !# se4ara$eness is an ill"si!n9 *!" sh!"ld $ry $! c!n:"er $his ill"si!n !r idea !# se4ara$eness9
When !nce $he #eeling !# eg!ism is l!s$& y!" will realise $he 6liss=!# y!"r essen$ial divine na$"re9
BWhen a man des$r!ys $he im4"ri$ies !# his mind s"ch as desire& a$$achmen$& eg!ism e$c9&
ca"sed 6y :"ali$ies and ac$i!ns 1'"na and Karma5& 6y grea$ dev!$i!n d"e $! $he desire !# !6$aining
$he #ee$ !# L!rd Hari& $he $r"e na$"re !# A$man is direc$ly revealed $! $he clear eyes9C
Avirh!$ra Ins$r"c$s !n Karma *!ga
The King Nimi said- B(lease eZ4lain $! me Karma *!ga 6y which& 6eing 4"ri#ied& a man
can s!!n #ree himsel# #r!m Karma and a$$ain $he s"4reme En!wledge !# $he Sel#& which is 4!ssi6le
!nly when he wi$hdraws himsel# #r!m $he ass!cia$i!n #r!m all !6Dec$s and $he c!"rse !# ac$ive
d"$ies9 !rmerly& 6e#!re my #a$her IEshvaE"& I 4"$ $his :"es$i!n $! BrahmaXs s!n SanaEa and !$hers&
6"$ $hey did n!$ answer i$9 (lease $ell me $he ca"se !# $heir silence9C
There"4!n Avirh!$ra said- BThere are $hree dis$inc$i!ns in Karma 1l5 Karma& $he
4er#!rmance !# necessary ac$s !r d"$ies& 175 AEarma& inac$i!n and 125 ViEarma& wr!ng ac$i!n9 This
divisi!n is acc!rding $! $he w!rds !# $he Vedas9 I$ is n!$ a mere w!rldly $alE9 As $he Vedas emana$e
#r!m $he L!rd& $hey are manda$es $ha$ sh!"ld 6e im4lici$ly !6eyed9 They are n!$ liEe w!rldly a##airs
s"6Dec$ $! disc"ssi!n !r arg"men$9 %ven learned men are 4er4leZed wi$h regard $! $he d"$ies
enD!ined 6y $he Vedas9
BAs Karma is a grea$ secre$ and a 4hil!s!4hy in i$sel# $he s!ns !# Brahma did n!$ give a re4ly
$! y!"r :"es$i!n as y!" were very y!"ng and as y!" c!"ld n!$ "nders$and $he 4hil!s!4hy !# Karma
and i$s secre$s9
BThe Vedas c!n$ain a c!de !# direc$i!ns #!r $he y!"ng9 The Vedas mean s!me$hing di##eren$
#r!m wha$ $he w!rds s"4er#icially den!$e9 c"s$ as a #a$her !##ers his 6!y s!me reward in $he sha4e !#
swee$mea$ $! ind"ce him $! $aEe a d!le !# 6i$$er miZ$"re& s! als! $he Vedas !##er reward !# heaven
in !rder $! ind"ce $he civa $!wards vir$"!"s ac$i!n9 The vari!"s c!"rses !# d"$ies are liEe medicines
enD!ined "4!n man #!r his #reed!m #r!m $he c!nse:"ences !# ac$i!n9
.70
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
BTha$ ign!ran$ man wh! #ails $! c!n$r!l his senses and neglec$s $! d! his 4rescri6ed d"$ies
which are laid d!wn in $he Vedas is led $! d! evil ac$i!ns and he re4ea$edly 6ec!mes s"6Dec$ $! 6ir$h
and dea$h !n acc!"n$ !# im4ie$y #!r $he n!n=4er#!rmance !# 4rescri6ed d"$ies9
BHe wh! ac$"ally 4er#!rms his 4r!scri6ed d"$ies& which are enD!ined "4!n him 6y $he Vedas
wi$h!"$ a$$achmen$ and eg!ism& and !##ers his w!rEs and #r"i$s $! $he S"4reme L!rd& a$$ains $! $ha$
s$a$e !r M!Esha& in which ac$i!ns and i$s e##ec$s d! n!$ a##ec$ him9 The 4r!mise !# #r"i$s in $he
Vedas is in$ended $! crea$e in$eres$ in $he ac$i!ns and $! "rge man $! d! ac$i!ns9
BHe wh! wishes $! c"$ s!!n $he En!$ !# $he hear$ 1Hridaya 'ran$hi5& which c!nsis$s !#
ign!rance& eg!ism& desire and Karma may als!& 6y $he aid !# Tan$ric ri$es& w!rshi4 $he L!rd in $he
!rdained me$h!ds9
BHe sh!"ld #irs$ !6$ain $he grace !# his 4rece4$!r and #!ll!w $he m!de !# w!rshi4 4!in$ed
!"$ 6y him9 Then he sh!"ld w!rshi4 $he s"4reme ("r"sha $hr!"gh any image which he hear$ily liEes
and which is m!s$ c!ngenial $! his mind9
BHe sh!"ld !6serve $he r"les !# cleanliness and si$ #acing $he id!l !r $he !6Dec$ !# w!rshi49
He sh!"ld 4"ri#y $he 6!dy 6y $he c!n$r!l !# 6rea$h and !$her 4rac$ices9 Therea#$er he sh!"ld ad!re
Sri Hari9
BHe sh!"ld 4"ri#y $he #l!wers and !$her ar$icles& $he gr!"nd& $he image and his !wn Sel#9 He
sh!"ld s4rinEle $he sea$ wi$h wa$er and sh!"ld w!rshi4 wi$h whichever ar$icles he c!"ld ge$ #!r $his
4"r4!se9
BHe sh!"ld arrange vessels #!r Eee4ing wa$er $! wash #ee$ and !$her $hings9 He sh!"ld
4er#!rm $he 4reliminary ri$es !# washing $he #ee$& giving wa$er #!r Achamana9 He sh!"ld medi$a$e
!n $he L!rd in $he hear$ wi$h $he 4rinci4al Man$ra9 Therea#$er he sh!"ld inv!Ee Him !n $he image&
wh!m he ad!red in his mind wi$h c!ncen$ra$i!n9
BHe sh!"ld w!rshi4 $he L!rd !##ering (adya& Arghya& Achamana& a6l"$i!n& cl!$hes and
!rnamen$s9 He sh!"ld !##er sandal& #l!wers& AEsha$as& garlands& incense& ligh$s& edi6les e$c9 He
sh!"ld sing His 4raises and 4r!s$ra$e himsel# 6e#!re Hari9
BHe sh!"ld medi$a$e himsel# $! 6e !ne wi$h $he L!rd and w!rshi4 $he #!rm !# Hari9 He
sh!"ld $aEe $he remnan$s !# $he !##erings and wear $he #l!wers e$c9& !n his head9 He sh!"ld Eee4 $he
image in $he 4r!4er 4lace and #inish $he w!rshi49 In $he end& he sh!"ld c!n$em4la$e $ha$ $he L!rd is
$aEing res$ in His !wn 4lace9
BHe wh! $h"s w!rshi4s Hari& $he (arama$man as 4resen$ in #ire& $he s"n& wa$er and $he liEe&
in $he g"es$ and in his !wn hear$& s!!n a$$ains $he #inal li6era$i!n and e$ernal 6liss9C
.7>
TH% BHA'AVATA DHARMA
Dr"mila& $he S!n !# cayan$i Descri6es $he L!rdXs Ava$aras
King Nimi said- BO sageH (lease descri6e $! me $he vari!"s 4as$& 4resen$ and #"$"re
incarna$i!ns 1Ava$aras5 !# L!rd Hari9 (lease $ell me als! !# $h!se vari!"s deeds which in His several
Ava$aras a$ His !wn will& Hari did& is d!ing and will d!9C
Dr"mila said- BWh!ever wishes $! c!"n$& $he endless :"ali$ies !# $he L!rd is n!$ 4r"den$9 He
is a man !# childish "nders$anding9 Ra$her i$ is 4!ssi6le $! c!"n$ in a very l!ng $ime $he 4ar$icles !#
d"s$ !# $he ear$h& 6"$ i$ is im4!ssi6le $! recE!n $he eZcellen$ a$$ri6"$es !# $he Omni4!$en$ L!rd& $he
s!"rce !# endless energies and His deeds9
BThe #!rem!s$ '!d& Narayana crea$ed $he egg !# $he "niverse called Vira$ wi$h $he #ive
elemen$s crea$ed 6y Himsel#& and en$ered i$ 6y an Amsa !r 4!r$i!n9 Then He was called ("r"sha9
BThe $hree w!rlds c!ns$i$"$e His 6!dy9 The !rgans !# ac$i!n and En!wledge !rigina$e #r!m
His !rgans9 He is $he s"s$aining #!rce $ha$ ena6les $he cnana and Karma Indriyas !# all $he civas $!
#"nc$i!n9 He is c!nsci!"sness 6y Himsel#9 He is $he s!"rce !# all energy and #!rce9 His 6rea$h !r
(rana is $he s!"rce !# $he s$reng$h and ac$ivi$y !# $he w!rld9 He is $he #irs$ a"$h!r !# crea$i!n&
s"s$enance and des$r"c$i!n !# $he "niverse $hr!"gh Sa$$va& RaDas and Tamas9
BIn $he 6eginning $ha$ #irs$ and 4er#ec$ ("r"sha 6ecame Brahman in ass!cia$i!n wi$h RaDas
#!r $he crea$i!n !# $his "niverse9 He 6ecame Vishn" in ass!cia$i!n wi$h Sa$$va #!r i$s main$enance9
Vishn" is $he L!rd !# sacri#ice9 He is $he mains$ay !# $he $wice=6!rn and vir$"e9 He 6ecame R"dra in
ass!cia$i!n wi$h Tamas #!r $he diss!l"$i!n !# $he "niverse9 This is $he e$ernal c!"rse !# !rigin&
s"6sis$ence& and des$r"c$i!n !# crea$"res9
BThe L!rd incarna$ed as Nara and Narayana& #!rem!s$ am!ng sages& having $ran:"illi$y !#
mind9 They were 6!rn in $he w!m6 !# M"r$i& da"gh$er !# DaEsha and wi#e !# Dharma9 The !6Dec$ !#
$he incarna$i!n was $! $each 6y 4rece4$ and eZam4le $he 4er#!rmance !# d"$y wi$h!"$ desire #!r
reward and $! eZ4!"nd $he na$"re !# A$man and $he En!wledge !# $he Sel# 6y which $he #e$$ers !#
Karma are rem!ved9 They are s$ill d!ing 4enance and are w!rshi44ed 6y $he sages !# $he $hree
w!rlds9
BIndra was very m"ch a#raid when he came $! En!w $ha$ Narayana was d!ing severe
a"s$eri$ies a$ BadriEashrama9 He $h!"gh$ $ha$ Narayana was aiming $! ge$ his eZal$ed 4!si$i!n9
Indra was n!$ aware !# $he grea$ness !# $he sage Narayana9 He sen$ ,"4id wi$h his #!ll!wers& s4ring&
c!!l 6reele and A4saras $! dis$"r6 His 4enance9 The dar$s !# ,"4id& $he a$$rac$i!n and glances !# $he
celes$ial w!men #ell !n $he sage9
BThe sage Narayana Enew $ha$ $his was $he w!rE !# Indra9 He smiled and said $! ,"4id&
Vay" and $he A4saras wh! were $rem6ling wi$h #ear& kThere is n! ca"se #!r any #ear here9 *!" are
rare g"es$s9 *!" have cer$ainly graced !"r l!nely hermi$age9 There#!re 4lease acce4$ !"r
h!s4i$ali$y9 MaEe !"r hermi$age w!r$hy !# i$s eZis$ence9X
BO King NimiH When $he L!rd 4r!mised sa#e$y and s4!Ee $h"s& $he g!ds wi$h $heir heads
6en$ d!wn in shame said $! Narayana& kO L!rdH This grace $!wards "s is n!$hing "n"s"al in Thee& O
.7<
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
L!rdH Th!" ar$ s"6Dec$ $! n! change9 Thy l!$"s=liEe #ee$ are w!rshi44ed 6y h!s$s !# sages wh! $aEe
deligh$ in Sel#=realisa$i!n9X
BThe g!ds said- kTh!se wh! w!rshi4 Thee mee$ wi$h many !6s$acles 4r!d"ced 6y $he g!ds&
6eca"se $hey are in$en$ "4!n g!ing 6ey!nd $he celes$ial regi!ns $! a$$ain Thy s"4reme a6!de9
BkB"$ $he g!ds d! n!$ 4"$ any !6s$acle !n $h!se wh! 4!"r in$! $he #ire $he !##erings which
are $heir shares9 When $h!" ch!ses$ $! 4r!$ec$ Thy dev!$ees& Th!" rem!ves$ all !6s$acles9 Thy
dev!$ees are 4r!$ec$ed 6y Thy grace and $hey !verc!me $he vari!"s !6s$acles ca"sed 6y $he Devas9
BkS!me 4ers!ns wh! ge$ !ver $he 6!ndage !# $he !cean liEe h"nger& $hirs$& hea$& c!ld& $he
cravings !# $!ng"e& $!"ch and $he enD!ymen$ !# senses& c!me "nder $he sway !# "seless anger and
are dr!wned in a 4i$ made 6y a c!wXs h!!#9 They "selessly #!rsaEe $he meri$ !# $heir very hard
Ta4as9X
BWhile $hey were $h"s 4raising His :"ali$ies& $he L!rd Narayana& crea$ed vari!"s 6ea"$i#"l&
radian$ and #"lly ad!rned ladies #!r a$$ending $! $he c!m#!r$s !# $he g"es$s9 He wan$ed $! h"milia$e
$heir 4ride als!9
BThe A4saras& wh!se 6ea"$y has dimmed 6y c!n$ras$ $! $hese new crea$i!ns wh! were
shining liEe LaEshmi& were l!s$ in 6ewildermen$ a$ $heir l"s$re and #ragrance9 Then $he Almigh$y
L!rd smilingly said $! $he h"m6led dei$ies& k,h!!se as an !rnamen$ $! Svarga !ne !# $hese wh! is
6ea"$i#"l liEe y!"9X
BThe Devas acce4$ed $he c!mmand& 6!wed $heir heads in silence and w!rshi44ed $he L!rd9
They ch!se )rvasi& #!rem!s$ am!ng $he A4saras and re$"rned $! Svarga wi$h her9
BThey 6!wed $! Indra and descri6ed $he s"4eri!r 4!wer !# Narayana9 All $he Devas lis$ened
$! i$9 Indra $rem6led in amalemen$ when he heard $his9
BThe L!rd a44eared as a swan and $a"gh$ cnana *!ga $! SanaEa and !$hers9 He incarna$ed
as Da$$a and gave ins$r"c$i!ns $! *ad"9 Then again He incarna$ed as K"mara and $a"gh$ A$ma
cnana $! Narada9 He was 6!rn as !"r #a$her& $he gl!ri!"s Risha6a9 He again $!!E an Ava$ara as
Hayagreeva 1h!rse5 #!r $he g!!d !# $he w!rld9 He des$r!yed $he dem!n Madh" Dai$ya wh! had
s$!len $he Vedas and rec!vered $hem9
BIn His incarna$i!n as #ish 1Ma$syava$ara5 he 4r!$ec$ed Man"& Ila& $he ear$h and all her6s
#r!m danger9 In His incarna$i!n as a 6!ar 1Varaha Ava$ar5 He Eilled HiranyaEsha while he was
rising "4 $he ear$h #r!m $he wa$er9 In His incarna$i!n as a $!r$!ise 1K"rma Ava$ara5& He 6!re $he
m!"n$ain !n His 6acE& when $he Devas and As"ras ch"rned $he !cean #!r $aEing nec$ar9 He released
$he dis$ressed ele4han$ chie# 1'aDendra5 #r!m $he m!"$h !# a cr!c!dile9
BHe saved $he Rishis 1ValaEhilyas5 when $hey were in danger !# 6eing dr!wned in $he sea9
He saved Indra #r!m $he sin ca"sed 6y slaying Vri$ra& a Brahmin9 He released $he celes$ial damsels
wh! had 6een hel4lessly sh"$ "4 in $he As"raXs h!"se9 He again incarna$ed as $he man=li!n
1Narasimha=Ava$ara5 $! Eill HiranyaEasi4" and release $he Devas #r!m ca4$ivi$y9
.7/
TH% BHA'AVATA DHARMA
B!r $he saEe !# $he g!ds $he L!rd Eilled $he grea$ Dai$yas in $he war 6e$ween $hem9 He
4r!$ec$ed $he w!rlds 6y His Ava$aras d"ring Manvan$aras9 He ass"med $he #!rm !# a dwar#
1Vamana Ava$ara5 and "nder $he 4re$eZ$ !# 6egging& $!!E away $his ear$h #r!m $he Dai$ya King Bali
and gave i$ $! $he s!ns !# Adi$i9
BHe incarna$ed as (aras"rama& $he #ire !# $he Bhargava race #!r $he des$r"c$i!n !# $he
Haihayas9 He eZ$ir4a$ed $he Ksha$riyas $wen$y=!ne $imes9 He incarna$ed as Rama& $he L!rd !# Si$a&
c!ns$r"c$ed a dam acr!ss $he sea and Eilled $he $en=headed RaEshasa Eing !# LanEa named Ravana9
The men$i!n !# his name is en!"gh $! cleanse $he w!rld !# sin9
BTherea#$er He will 6e 6!rn in $he race !# *ad"s #!r relieving $he ear$h !# her 6"rden9 He
will 4er#!rm many deeds which even $he g!ds cann!$ d!9 He will 6y his arg"men$s del"de $h!se
wh!& 6eing "nw!r$hy !# i$& 4er#!rm sacri#icial ri$es9 Then in $he Kaliy"ga& He will slay $he S"dra
Eings9
BO grea$ Eing !# Migh$y armsH ,!"n$less 6ir$hs and ac$i!ns !# $he highly ill"s$ri!"s
Narayana have 6een descri6ed9C
,hamasa Ins$r"c$s
The Eing said- BO sages& $he #!rem!s$ am!ng $h!se wh! have realised (arama$manH Wha$
will 6e $he c!ndi$i!n !# $h!se wh! d! n!$ w!rshi4 L!rd Hari& wh!se desires are endless and wh!
have n! c!n$r!l !ver $heir mind and senses`C
,hamasa re4lied- BThe #!"r cas$es and Ashramas !rigina$ed #r!m $he #!"r 4ar$s !# $he L!rd
vil9& #ace& arms& $high& and leg wi$h& $heir a44r!4ria$e :"ali$ies9 They are dis$inc$ly divided in$!
Brahmins& Ksha$riyas& Vaisyas and S"dras acc!rding as $hey are charac$erised Sa$$va& RaDas& Tamas
!r $heir c!m6ina$i!ns& 6y $he sereni$y !# mind and !$her :"ali$ies9
BO# $hese& $h!se wh! d! n!$ $hr!"gh ign!rance ad!re $he L!rd& $he very s!"rce !# $heir !wn
crea$i!n& !r disregard Him& #all #r!m $heir 4lace and g! d!wn $! hell9
BTh!se 4ers!ns wh! are #ar away #r!m hearing $he descri4$i!ns !# Hari and singing His
eZcellen$ a$$ri6"$es& s"ch as w!men& S"dras and !$hers are #i$ $! 6e 4i$ied 6y sages liEe y!"rsel#9
They sh!"ld 6e 4r!vided wi$h $he necessary ins$r"c$i!ns 6y Eings liEe y!"9 They als! will a$$ain
M!Esha9
BAl$h!"gh $he Brahmins& $he Ksha$riyas and $he Vaishyas are en$i$led $! a44r!ach HariXs
#ee$ $hr!"gh 6ir$h and $he cerem!ny !# wearing sacred $hread and s$"dy !# Vedas& $hey are del"ded
6y $he dis:"isi$i!ns !# $he Vedas !r $he 4r!mise in $he Vedas vari!"s #r"i$s !# an evanescen$ na$"re9
BThey have n! real En!wledge !# $he c!"rse !# Karma laid d!wn in $he Vedas9 They #ancy
$ha$ $hey are sch!lars and 6ec!me c!ncei$ed9 In reali$y $hey are $h!r!"ghly ign!ran$9 They ind"lge
in vain& silly $alEs and !6s$ina$e disc"ssi!ns !ver $ri#les and cerem!nials9 They are a$$rac$ed 6y $he
h!neyed w!rds !# Karma Kanda which descri6es $he #r"i$s $ha$ are !nly $ransien$9
.23
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
BTh!se wh! are "nder $he sway !# RaDas are cr"el9 They are 4assi!na$e and addic$ed $!
sens"al 4leas"res9 They are revenge#"l liEe ser4en$s9 They are charac$erised 6y hy4!crisy and
4ride9 They ridic"le $he 4i!"s wh! are dev!$ed $! Hari9
BThey ind"lge in seZ"al li#e9 They w!rshi4 w!men in $heir h!"ses9 They are a$$ached $!
w!men9 They s4eaE $! !ne an!$her !# $heir res4ec$ive well=6eing9 They 4er#!rm sacri#ices wi$h!"$
giving #!!d !r '"r" DaEshina and wi$h!"$ #!ll!wing $he 4rescri6ed r"les9 They 4er#!rm sacri#ices
wi$h!"$ "nders$anding $heir real na$"re9 They Eill animals $! sa$is#y $heir 4ala$e and a44e$i$e
wi$h!"$ En!wing $he c!nse:"ences $here!#9
BTh!se wicEed men are 4"##ed "4 wi$h $he 4ride !# weal$h& 4!wer& n!6le 6ir$h and #alse
learning& gi#$s& 6ea"$y& s$reng$h and a6ili$y #!r ac$i!n9 Being 6linded 6y $heir 4ride $hey des4ise $he
L!rd and His dev!$ees9
BTh!se ign!ran$ 4ers!ns d! n!$ 4ay any a$$en$i!n $! $he Vedas which 6es4eaE a6!"$ $he
gl!ry !# $he S"4reme L!rd& wh! is $he Inner R"ler !# all 6eings& and wh! is liEe e$her 4resen$
everywhere9 They #ail $! gras4 $he $r"e s4iri$ !# $he Vedas and dis$!r$ $he $eZ$s $! s"i$ $heir !wn ends&
wishes and #ancies and in$er4re$ $hem in $heir !wn way in !rder $! serve $heir 4"r4!se9
BT! ass!cia$e wi$h #emales& $! $aEe mea$ and drinE li:"!r are na$"ral $! men9 N! r"le enD!ins
$hem $! d! s!9 S!me checE is 4r!vided 6y $he Sas$ras !ver $hese $endencies 6y marriage and
sacri#ices9 T! g! $! a w!man in marriage& $! slay animals in sacri#ice and $! drinE in $he S"ragriha
cerem!ny& are sanc$i!ned 6y scri4$"res& 6"$ $! $"rn $hem away #r!m $hese c!m4le$ely which is $he
real in$en$i!n !# $he Sas$ras9 As i$ is di##ic"l$ $! wean $he mind #r!m $hese all !n a s"dden& $he Sas$ras
say& kTaEe #lesh in a sacri#ice9 DrinE in $he S"ragriha cerem!ny e$c9X
B(e!4le d! n!$ 4erceive $ha$ $he s!le& 4r!4er "se !# weal$h is $! ac:"ire righ$e!"sness& and
6y righ$e!"sness& En!wledge and $ran:"illi$y9 They was$e $heir weal$h in sel#ish and sens"al desires
and d! n!$ see $ha$ $hey are a$ any $ime wi$hin $he gras4 !# dea$h which h!vers all ar!"nd $hem9
BIn 4ar$ic"lar ac$i!ns& $he smell !# wine is sanc$i!ned9 The sacri#ice !# an animal #!r $he
ad!ra$i!n !# $he dei$ies is sanc$i!ned& 6"$ n!$ #!r sa$is#ying $he $!ng"e9 There is n! sanc$i!n in $he
Sas$ras $! $aEe mea$9 T! visi$ !neXs wi#e a$ $he Ri$" $ime #!r $he saEe !# an iss"e is sanc$i!ned& 6"$
n!$ #!r 4leas"re] 6"$ 4e!4le d! n!$ "nders$and $his 4"re c!"rse !# $heir righ$e!"s d"$ies9
BThe animals which an ign!ran$& wicEed& ha"gh$y& 4r!"d and im4i!"s man slays #!r
sa$is#ying his 4ala$e& dev!"r him in hell9
BThey ha$e L!rd Hari wh! is $heir !wn An$aryamin !r Inner R"ler and A$man in $he !$her
6!dies9 They are a$$ached $! $heir !wn 6!dies and $he 6!dies !# $heir children& and !$hers9 There#!re
$hey #all in$! dee4es$ hell9
BTh!se wh! have n!$ a$$ained En!wledge !# $he Sel# and have #"ll #ai$h in
Dharma=Ar$ha=Kama !nly& wh! 6elieve $ha$ $he 6!dy and i$s 6el!ngings are 4ermanen$& annihila$e
$heir !wn Sel#9
.2.
TH% BHA'AVATA DHARMA
BThey ind"lge in sens"al 4leas"res9 Their desires never ge$ a44eased9 They Eill $heir !wn
sel# and c!nsider ign!rance as wisd!m9 In $ime $hey ge$ disa44!in$ed in $heir desires9 Their !6Dec$s
ge$ #r"s$ra$ed and $hey 6ec!me misera6le when $hey 6ec!me "ns"ccess#"l9
BTh!se 4e!4le wh! disregard Vaas"deva are sna$ched away 6y dea$h in $he mids$ !# $heir
desires all !# a s"dden #r!m $heir #amily9 They are #!rced $! give "4 $heir h!"ses& children& #riends
and weal$h which $hey acc"m"la$ed wi$h grea$ 4ain and $r!"6le9 They are rel"c$an$ly $hr!wn in$!
$he hell !# darEness9C
Kara6haDana Ins$r"c$s
The Eing Nimi said- BBy wha$ name and #!rm and wi$h wha$ ri$es is $he L!rd w!rshi44ed in
$he di##eren$ *"gas` (lease $ell me !# $he same9C
Kara6haDana said- BO Eing& in $he #!"r ages !# Sa$ya 1Kri$a5& Tre$a& Dva4ara and Kali&
Narayana is w!rshi44ed in diverse ways as having 4ers!nali$ies !# di##eren$ h"es& names& #!rms and
!rders9
BIn Sa$ya *"ga $he L!rd is !# whi$e c!m4leZi!n9 He has #!"r arms& wears ma$$ed l!cEs& 6arE
and deer sEin& and $he sacred $hread and h!lds R"draEsha& s$a## and Kamandal"9
BIn $ha$ age men are $ran:"il in mind& have n! #eeling !# enmi$y !r ha$red9 All are #riends
and e:"als9 They 4r!4i$ia$e $he L!rd 6y $heir 4enance& medi$a$i!n and c!n$r!l !# mind and $he
senses9
BIn $his age $he L!rd is s$yled as Swan 1Hamsa5& S"4arna& VaiE"n$a& Dharma& *!gesvara&
Amala 14"re5& Isvara& ("r"sha& AvyaE$a 1"nmani#es$5 and (arama$man9
BIn $he Tre$a age He is 6l!!d=red& #!"r armed& has $hree lines !n his #!rehead and g!lden
l!cEs9 The L!rd& wh! is $he !ne 4"r4!r$ !# $he Vedas is an em6!dimen$ !# $he sacri#iced9 He is
w!rshi44ed as $he L!rd !# sacri#ices9 Sr"E 1cha4le$5 and Sr"va 1ladle5 are His s4ecial marEs9
BIn $ha$ age men ad!re $he L!rd Hari wh! is in $he #!rm !# all $he g!ds wi$h $he hel4 !# $he
Vedas9 They !6serve rigidly $he c!"rse !# righ$e!"sness& read and eZ4!"nd $he Vedas9 They
4r!4i$ia$e Him 6y sacri#ices& imagining Him in all Devas9 In $his age& $he L!rd Hari is s$yled as
Vishn"& *aDna& (risnigar6ha 1$he s!n !# (risni5& Sarvadeva )r" Krama& VrishaEa4i& cayan$a and
)r"gaya9
BIn $he age !# Dva4ara $he L!rd is darE=6l"e& is clad in yell!w silE and is marEed wi$h His
!wn wea4!ns and dis$ing"ished wi$h s4ecial marEs s"ch as Sriva$sa9 O EingH In $ha$ age& 6eing
desir!"s !# realising (ara Brahman $he m!r$als w!rshi4 Him as $he grea$ Eing acc!rding $! $he r"les
!# $he Vedas and Tan$ra9
BSal"$a$i!ns "n$! Thee& $he Vas"deva] sal"$a$i!ns "n$! SanEarshana] sal"$a$i!ns "n$! Thee
wh! are $he Divine (rady"mna and Anir"ddha9 Sal"$a$i!ns "n$! Narayana& $he Almigh$y One& $he
Rishi& $he (er#ec$ ("r"sha& $he All=4ervading grea$ A$man& $he R"ler !# $he "niverse& $he (er#ec$
.27
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
One] sal"$a$i!ns $! $he An$aryamin !# all 6eings& $he s!"l !# all crea$"res& $he L!rd !# $he "niverse9
In $his manner O EingH In $he Dva4ara& $he m!r$als 4raise $he L!rd !# $he "niverse9
BHear h!w in Kali $hey w!rshi4 Him 6y vari!"s ways laid d!wn in Tan$ras9 The wise sing
His gl!ries ad!re Him wh! is 6lacE& ye$ 6rillian$& 4er#ec$ in every lim6& ad!rned wi$h !rnamen$s&
e:"i44ed wi$h His wea4!ns and wai$ed !n 6y His a$$endan$s9
BO m!s$ eZal$ed ("r"sha& O 4r!$ec$!r !# $h!se wh! 6!w $! Thee& I 6!w $! Thy l!$"s=#ee$
which are ever w!r$hy !# 6eing medi$a$ed "4!n& which rem!ve all di##ic"l$ies& which yield all $ha$ is
wished #!r& which are $he a6!de !# all 4ie$y& which are e"l!gised 6y Siva and Brahma& which are #i$
$! 6e s!"gh$ #!r re#"ge& which des$r!y $he a##lic$i!ns !# Thy dev!$ed servan$s and which #!rm $he
ra#$ in $he sea !# Samsara9
BO m!s$ eZal$ed ("r"shaH I 6!w $! Thy l!$"s #ee$9 Th!" ar$ highly 4i!"s& 6eca"se
a6and!ning a$ $he mere w!rds !# Thy #a$her $he 4r!s4er!"s Eingd!m which i$ is hard $! ren!"nce
and which is c!ve$ed even 6y $he g!ds& $h!" dids$ en$er $he #!res$ and $here dids$ $h!" 4"rs"e $he
ill"s!ry deer a$ $he re:"es$ !# Thy 6el!ved !ne9
BTh"s& O Eing NimiH The L!rd& $he s!"rce !# all g!!d& is w!rshi44ed 6y his dev!$ees in $he
di##eren$ *"gas in $he manner a44r!4ria$e $! each *"ga as a6!ve men$i!ned9
BThe wise wh! can discern $he g!!d in each !# $he vari!"s *"gas h!ld $he Kali *"ga in high
reverence& #!r in $his age m!r$als a$$ain Sel#=realisa$i!n 6y merely "$$ering $he names !# $he L!rd
and 6y mere singing His gl!ries9
BT! m!r$als& wading $hr!"gh a never=ending D!"rney !# 6ir$hs and dea$hs& $here is n! grea$er
gain $han $heir Sel#=realisa$i!n& which gives $ran:"illi$y !# mind !r e$ernal res$ and #reed!m #r!m
$he #e$$ers !# $he w!rld9
BThe 4e!4le !# $he Kri$a *"ga desire re6ir$h in $he Kali *"ga& 6eca"se $hey can a$$ain
M!Esha 6y merely singing $he names !# L!rd Hari9 There#!re in $he age !# Kali many wh! are
dev!$ed $! Narayana will 6e 6!rn9
BO Eing& a grea$ many 4e!4le !# Dravida where #l!ws $he rivers Tamra4arni& Kri$amala&
(ayasvini& Kaveri& (ra$ichi and Mahanadi& wh! drinE $he wa$er !# $hese rivers& generally 6ec!me
dev!$ed $! $he L!rd9
BO Eing NimiH Tha$ dev!$ee& wh! has a6s!l"$ely a6and!ned all !$her d"$ies& wh! has s!"gh$
re#"ge wi$h 6!dy& mind& and s!"l a$ $he #ee$ !# M"E"nda& $he 4r!$ec$!r !# His dev!$ees& wh! is
w!r$hy !# 6eing s!"gh$ a#$er& is nei$her a slave n!r a de6$!r $! $he dei$ies& Rishis !r !$her 6eings&
rela$i!ns !r men !r (i$ris9
BI# a 6el!ved dev!$ee res!r$s $! $he #ee$ !# $he L!rd wi$h!"$ a$$rac$i!n #!r any$hing else and
resigns all desires& i# he c!mmi$s sins 6y #!rce !# circ"ms$ances& err!r !# discre$i!n !r !$herwise& !r
i# he d!es 4rescri6ed ac$i!ns 6y mis$aEe& L!rd Hari wh! is 4resen$ in $he hear$ !# His 6el!ved
dev!$ee& redeems him #r!m all sins $ha$ he migh$ have ac:"ired 6y chance9C
.22
TH% BHA'AVATA DHARMA
Narada said& BO Vas"devaH King Nimi having heard Bhagava$a Dharma #r!m $he nine
*!gis& w!rshi44ed $he sages wi$h $he 4ries$s and !$hers wh! had assem6led a$ $he sacri#ice9
BThe sages $hen disa44eared while $hey were all l!!Eing !n9 The Eing #!ll!wed $heir
ins$r"c$i!ns and a$$ained $he highes$ g!al !r s"4reme 6liss9
BI# y!" will als! sincerely #!ll!w $he a6!ve Bhagava$a Dharma wi$h #ai$h and lead y!"r li#e
#ree #r!m all a$$achmen$ y!" will als! a$$ain $he highes$ g!al9
BB!$h !# y!"& Vas"deva and DevaEi have indeed a$$ained everlas$ing #ame& as L!rd Hari
was 6!rn as y!"r s!n9
BHaving cherished $he l!ve !# a s!n $!wards Sri Krishna& y!" have 4"ri#ied y!"rselves 6y
means !# sigh$& em6races& c!nversa$i!ns& slee4ing $!ge$her& si$$ing and #eeding and !$her services9
BWhen Sis"4ala& (!"ndraEa& Salva and !$her Eings a$$ain "ni!n wi$h L!rd Krishna 6y
$hinEing Him !nly wi$h #eelings !# ha$red while lying d!wn& si$$ing "4& ea$ing !r in any !$her s$a$e&
wha$ $! s4eaE !# $hem wh! are always dev!$ed "n$! Him`
BD! n!$ c!nsider Krishna& $he An$aryamin !r $he Inner R"ler& $he S"4reme L!rd !# siZ s!r$s
!# weal$h& wh! is s"6Dec$ $! n! decay& wh!se s"4reme divine na$"re is hidden 6ehind $he m!r$al
#!rm He has ass"med a$ His will& $he L!rd !# $he "niverse& as y!"r s!n9
BHe has incarna$ed !n $his ear$h $! des$r!y $he dem!niac Eings wh! were a 6"rden !n $his
ear$h and $! 4r!$ec$ $he righ$e!"s9 He is 4laying liEe a m!r$al hiding his s"4reme 4!wers9 His #ame
#!r $he li6era$i!n !# men& is s4reading all !ver9C
BHe wh! reads $he a6!ve ins$r"c$i!ns !# $he nine sages as descri6ed 6y Narada $! Vas"deva
wi$h sinceri$y and dev!$i!n& he wh! c!mmi$s $he sacred s$!ry $! mem!ry will shaEe !## his sin here&
will have his mind 4"ri#ied and a$$ain everlas$ing 6liss9 He will 6e released #r!m $he ill"si!n !# $he
w!rld and a$$ain $! #inal li6era$i!n9 He shall a$$ain $he s$a$e !# Brahman9C
Om San$i San$i San$i
Hari Om Ta$ Sa$9
.2A
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
A((%NDIf
Sri KrishnaEarnamri$am
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lasad6arhO4QbaP lali$alali$asmeravadanaP
6hrama$ErQbO4OPgaP 4raTa$aDana$OnirvR$i4adam U
navOP6h!daVyOmaP niDamadh"rimO6h!ga6hari$aP
4araP devaP vande 4arimili$aEaiV!raEarasam UU . UU
.9 I ad!re $ha$ S"4reme L!rd Krishna wh! has ad!rned Himsel# wi$h $he cr!wn 6edecEed
wi$h $he #ea$hers !# $he 4eac!cE& wh!se #ace is #"ll !# smiles !# l!ve& wh!se eyes 4!"r d!wn a
sh!wer !# merci#"l l!!Es& wh!se 6!dy has $he c!l!"r !# $he $hicE cl!"ds 1!# $he rainy day5& wh! is
wi$h $he swee$ inn!cen$ 6ea"$y !# ad!lescence& wh! is #"ll !# Madh"rya Rasa 1divine l!ve !r
(rema5 and wh! 6es$!ws imm!r$ali$y and #rees #r!m Samsara $h!se wh! 4r!s$ra$e a$ His l!$"s=#ee$9
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manasi mama sannidha$$OP madh"ram"EhO man$harO4OPgO U
EaraEali$alali$avaPVO EO4i EiV!raER4OlaharQ UU 7 UU
79 May $ha$ gl!wing #ace !# $he L!rd #"ll !# grace& wh!se 6ea"$y is indescri6a6le& $ha$ y!"ng
6!y 1Krishna5 wi$h His 6ea"$i#"l #l"$e in hand& ever shine in my hear$9
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sOrdha samRddhairamR$OyamOnairOdhmOyamOnairm"ralQninOdai[ U
mSrdhO6hiWiE$aP madh"rOER$QnOP 6OlaP EadO nOma vil!EayiWye UU 2 UU
29 When shall I 6e a6le $! 6eh!ld $ha$ y!"ng 6!y wh! is an em6!dimen$ !# 6ea"$y& wh!
4lays very sEil#"lly !n His #l"$e and 4r!d"ces scien$i#ic and mel!di!"s $"nes #r!m i$& which is
4leasing $! $he ears and which 6es$!ws imm!r$ali$y`
.2?
A((%NDIf
K"n$iXs (rayer
1Bhagava$a- SEandha .& ,h9 <5
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namasye 4"r"WaP $vO9a9adyamQVvaraP 4raER$e[ 4aram U
alaEWyaP marva6hS$OnOman$ar6ahiravas$hi$am UU . UU
.9 I ad!re Thee& $he 4er#ec$ (rimeval Being& $he L!rd !# all& wh! is a6!ve (raEri$i& $he
"n4erceived& sea$ed wi$hin and wi$h!"$ every crea$"re9
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mOyODavaniEOcchannamaDYOdh!EWaDamavyayam U
na laEWyase mSbhadRVO na\! nO\yadhar! ya$hO UU 7 UU
79 H!w can I& an ign!ran$ w!man& w!rshi4 Thee& $he Im4erisha6le Being& wh! ar$ hidden
6ehind $he veil !# MayaH c"s$ as an ac$!r d!es n!$ iden$i#y himsel# wi$h $he ac$ he 4lays& even s! $he
ign!ran$ w!rldly=minded d!es n!$ 4erceive Thee9
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$a$hO 4aramahaPsOnOP m"nQnOmamalO$manOm U
6haE$iy!gavidhOnOr$haP Ea$haP 4aVyema s$riya[ UU 2 UU
29 Th!" ar$ hardly seen even 6y $he 4"re=minded (aramahamsas 1sages59 H!w c!"ld $hen
we& w!men& #!ll!w Thy 4a$h !# dev!$i!n and 6eh!ld Thee`
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ERWTOya vOs"devOya devaEQnandanOya ca U
nandag!4aE"mOrOya g!vindOya nam! nama[ UU A UU
.20
LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
A9 I 6!w again and again "n$! Sri Krishna& Vas"deva& $he D!y !# DevaEi& $he 6el!ved darling
!# Nandag!4a and "n$! '!vinda 1$he 4r!$ec$!r !# c!ws59
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nama[ 4adEaDanO6hOya nama[ 4adEaDamOline U
nama[ 4adEaDane$rOya namas$e 4adEaDOdghraye UU ? UU
?9 (r!s$ra$i!ns "n$! Thee wh! has$ $he l!$"s in Thy navel& 4r!s$ra$i!ns "n$! Thee wh!
weare$h a garland !# l!$"s #l!wers& sal"$a$i!ns "n$! Thee wi$h l!$"s=liEe eyes and wh!se #ee$
resem6le $he 6ea"$i#"l l!$"ses9
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vi4ada[ san$" na[ VaVva$$a$ra $a$ra Dagadg"r! U
6hava$! darVanaP ya$syOda4"nar6havadarVanam UU 0 UU
09 May calami$ies 6e#all "s& n!w and $hen& O Teacher !# $he w!rld& where6y we shall 6e
6lessed wi$h a sigh$ !# Thee which ca"ses imm!r$ali$y9
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naivOrha$ya6hidhO$"P vai $vOmaEiYcanag!caram UU > UU
>9 The man wh!se visi!n is cl!"ded 6y $he 4ride !# 6ir$h& weal$h& learning and g!!d #!r$"ne
is n!$ #i$ even $! 4raise Thee wh! ar$ easily a$$aina6le 6y $he 4!!r and $he sinless9
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w!rshi4 Thee& wh! deligh$ always in Thy !wn Sel#& wh! is 4eace and $he L!rd !# M!Esha9
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manye $vOP EOlamQVOnamanOdinidhanaP vi6h"m U
samaP caran$aP sarva$ra 6hS$OnOP yanmi$ha[ Eali[ UU / UU
/9 Th!" ar$ $he Kaala& $he R"ler !# all& $he !ne wi$h!"$ 6eginning !r end& m!ving
everywhere e:"ally9 )nres$ is !nly in $he elemen$s9 1There is n!ne in Thee59
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na veda EaVcid6hagavaPVciEQrWi$aP
$avehamOnasya nRTOP vibam6anam U
na yasya EaVciddayi$!9as$i Earhicid
dveWyaVca yasmin viWamO ma$irnRTOm UU .3 UU
.39 N! !ne En!ws& O L!rd& wha$ Th!" ar$ a6!"$ $! d!& Th!" wh! 6ehaves$ liEe an !rdinary
man9 !r Thee $here is n!ne $!! dear n!r ha$e#"l9 Di##eren$ men $hinE di##eren$ly !# Thee9
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LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
nOrOdhi$"P 4"r"g"Tairadh"nO4i 4i4r"[
EiP $!W\"marha$i sa me harir"graDO$e[ UU . UU
.9 H!w is i$ 4!ssi6le #!r me& 6!rn !# a cr"el race& $! 4raise $ha$ Hari wh!m Brahma and !$her
g!ds incl"ding sages and Siddhas wi$h $heir mind #"ll !# Sa$$va are "na6le even n!w $! 4r!4i$ia$e
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nOrOdhanOya hi 6havan$i 4arasya 4"Ps!
6haE$yO $"$!Wa 6hagavOn gaDayS$ha4Oya UU 7 UU
79 I c!nsider $ha$ weal$h& high 6ir$h& 4ers!nal 6ea"$y& a"s$eri$ies& learning& energy& wisd!m
and even *!ga 4rac$ices are inca4a6le !# winning $he grace !# $he L!rd Hari wh! was 4leased wi$h
$he grea$ ele4han$ #!r his mere dev!$i!n9
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variW\ham U
manye $adar4i$aman!vacanehi$Or$ha4rOTaP
4"nO$i sa E"laP na $" 6hSrimOna[ UU 2 UU
29 A ,handala wh! has resigned his 6!dy& s4eech and ac$i!n& weal$h and li#e $! $he L!rd is
#ar 6e$$er $han a Brahmin wi$h $he $welve #av!"ra6le c!ndi$i!ns and ye$ averse $! $he c!n$em4la$i!n
!# $he l!$"s=liEe #ee$ !# L!rd Hari9 The #!rmer 4"ri#ies $he wh!le !# his race 6"$ n!$ $he Brahmin #"ll
!# 4ride9
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yadyaDDan! 6hagava$e vidadhQ$a mOnaP
$accO$mane 4ra$im"Ehasya ya$hO m"EhaVrQ[ UU A UU
A9 The L!rd wh! is ever c!n$en$ed in His !wn Sel# d!es n!$ crave #!r $he w!rshi4 !##ered 6y
li$$le crea$"res !# small in$ellec$9 B"$ !"$ !# mercy and c!m4assi!n He acce4$s wha$ever is !##ered
"n$! Him which $"rns $! his !wn 6ene#i$& D"s$ as $he dec!ra$i!n !r grace added $! !neXs !wn #ace is
seen re#lec$ed in $he image !n $he mirr!r9
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?9 O A6s!l"$e L!rd& I am n!$ a#raid !# Thy $erri#ic #!rm wi$h #!rmida6le m!"$h& $!ng"e&
eyes shining liEe $he s"n& #ierce 6r!ws& #ear#"l $"sEs& wi$h a garland !# in$es$ines& mane drenched in
6l!!d& wi$h ears erec$ liEe s$icEs& $he r!ar $ha$ $hrea$ens $he 4r!$ec$!rs !# $he w!rld& wi$h claws
ca4a6le !# $earing !## $he hear$s !# enemies9
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LORD KRISHNA& HIS LILAS AND T%A,HIN'S
$ras$!9asmyahaP ER4aTava$sala d"[sah!grasaPsOracaEraEadanOdgrasa$OP
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6addha[ svaEarma6hir"Va$$ama $e9adghrimSlaP
4rQ$!9a4avargaVaraTaP hvayase EadO n" UU 0 UU
09 B"$ I am a#raid& O #riend !# $he dis$ressed& !# $he $erri6le wheel !# Samsara& in $he mids$ !#
which I am 4laced 6!"nd 6y my !wn Karma9 O m!s$ ad!ra6le L!rd& when wil$ Th!" 6e graci!"s
en!"gh $! call me $! Thy 4resence& $he a6!de !# imm!r$ali$y`
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yasmO$4riyO4riyaviy!gasaPy!gaDanmaV!EOgninO
saEalay!niW" dahyamOna[ U
d"[Eha"WadhaP $ada4i d"[Ehama$addhiyOhaP
6hSman 6hramO4i vada me $ava dOsyay!gam UU > UU
>9 I am a##lic$ed in $he $erri6le #ire !# s!rr!ws !# incarna$ing in vari!"s s4ecies !# 6eings&
$hr!"gh $he se4ara$i!n #r!m wha$ is 6el!ved and a$$ainmen$ !# wha$ is 4ain#"l and 6y #alling
6e$ween $he 4airs !# liEes and disliEes& where any remedy #!r grie# is !nly grie#] s$ill ign!ran$ !# i$&
O (er#ec$ Being& I wander a6!"$ in $his Samsara9 Be Th!" 4leased $! acce4$ my service and li#$ me
"4 #r!m $his dire Samsara9
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chand!mayaP yadaDayOr4i$aW!baVOraP
saPsOracaEramaDa E!9a$i$are$$vadanya[ UU < UU
<9 (raEri$i crea$es& 6y Her inscr"$a6le 4!wer !# Karma 1ac$ivi$y5 wi$h $he hel4 !# Time
"nder Thy graci!"s direc$i!n& $he mind !# "nmanagea6le s$reng$h inclined $! $he 4er#!rmance !#
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Vedic Karmas& which is $he wheel !# Samsara c!nsis$ing !# $he siZ$een s4!Ees9 O $he "n6!rn L!rdH
H!w can !ne wi$h!"$ Thy grace $ry $! a$$ain #reed!m #r!m i$`
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Oy"[VriyaP vi6havamaindriyamOviriYcO$ U
necchOmi $e vil"li$On"r"viErameTa
EOlO$man!4anaya mOP niDa6hR$ya4OrVvam UU / UU
/9 There#!re En!wing $heir na$"re I d! n!$ crave #!r $hese 4leas"res which $he ign!ran$ seeE
a#$er& vil9& l!ng li#e& weal$h& #ame& high 4!si$i!ns !# Indra "4$! Brahma even& n!r d! I wish
4!ssessi!n !# 4!wers liEe Anima& e$c9& which will 6e sna$ched away 6y Thee& O L!rd& disg"ised as
Time& I 4ray& Eee4 me always in $he vicini$y !# Thy servan$s9
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nirvidya$e na $" Dan! yada4Q$i vidvOnEOmOnalaP
madh"lavai[ Vamayand"rO4ai[ UU .3 UU
.39 O# wha$ "se are $he 4leas"res which are 4leasing !nly $! $he ears 6"$ are "nreal liEe $he
wa$er in a deser$` O# wha$ "se is $his 4hysical 6!dy& $he a6!de !# all diseases` Kn!wing $his well&
$he w!rld never 6ec!mes disg"s$ed wi$h i$9 They $ry $! 4"$ !"$ $he #ire !# desires wi$h dr!4s !#
sens"al 4leas"res which are very di##ic"l$ $! 6e !6$ained9
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