The Pursuit of Bliss

(Part 4 – Synopsis of a lecture given by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on November 17, 2009, in Bhatinda, India) It matters not what name and form of God you use. Call out to Him with whatever name you prefer, whether that is in Hindi, Urdu, English, Punjabi or any other language. But this should be done with love. It should be done with as much feeling as a drowning man calls out to his beloved or a dying father says, “Bring my daughter here so I may see her for the last time!” Many people offer food to God before eating. Some sprinkle water over their food, some don’t. Their eyes are closed. Some fold their hands. This becomes an even bigger ritual when done in temples. But has there ever been a temple priest, holy man or anyone else, who opened his eyes and looked at the food after it was offered to God and asked, “What did God eat? Oh, He didn’t eat anything?” Has anyone ever felt bad as a result and cried because nothing was eaten? “He didn’t eat a single thing! How great a si...

(Part 3 – Synopsis of a lecture given by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on November 17, 2009, in Bhatinda, India) So the conclusion is that it is the mind alone that has to be purified. Whether you practice devotion to the world or to God, wherever the mind is attached is where you will have raga or love. Vairagya or without raga means to detach the mind from the world. But what do we think detachment means? “Look! That renunciate is living in the jungle! He doesn’t wear any clothing and he only eats fruits! He never speaks to anyone!” But we don’t see that he is still thinking of the world. Instead we fall at his feet thinking he is as great as God’s own father. This is due to our ignorance. Renunciation means to have no mental attachment in the world. There were uncountable Saints in the age of Sat Yuga, some who ruled over this entire earth like Prahlad, Dhruva and Ambarish. There were Saints like Vasishtha and Bharadwaj, and Lord Ram, Bharat, Lakshman, and Shatrughan – they were...

(Part 2 – Synopsis of a lecture given by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on November 17, 2009, in Bhatinda, India) Action refers to your mental motivation, your intention. Because of this, it is the mind that is the cause of your liberation from Maya or your bondage in Maya. Those who do perform religious rituals and scriptural recitations don’t do this while engaging the mind. They read the Gita, Bhagawat or Ramayan, or any other scripture with their tongue. They are merely reciting the words. Some people use prayer beads, but this is just the physical activity of the hands. Some take a ritual bath in the Ganges River. During the time they are bathing, where is their mind? “Oh, look, there’s a boat. Hey, that person is also here bathing. Oh no, my purse might get stolen!” But you are bathing in the Ganges! Do you know who Ganga Ji is? You reply, “This water.” This is the extent of your knowledge. Before bathing, ask your Guru about Ganga Ji’s personality. Invoke Ganga ji with your m...

(Synopsis of a lecture given by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on November 17, 2009, in Bhatinda, India) In India and in the world, a lot of religious activity and fervor are seen nowadays. There are so many temples, mosques, gurudwaras, and every other kind of place of worship, and although people go to these every day, and practice devotion according to their religion, still we find that sinful tendencies are increasing everywhere. So much has changed in the last 100 years – what will happen in the future? So much spiritual practice wasn’t seen in the past as is seen nowadays. When so many things are being done in the name of religion, why are there so many wrong things happening in the world? This question is asked by those who don’t believe in any religion and their question is correct. Why do people follow a religion when so many contrary results are seen everywhere? You may say that you are doing this to receive a benefit after your death. But you will receive after death only...

(Synopsis of a talk given by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on November 14, 2009, in Karnal, India) There are two types of human beings – those who have understanding and those who don’t. Those who understand are few. Those who don’t understand are in the majority. The ones who can distinguish between those who understand and who don’t are also very few in number. Everyone thinks they are knowledgeable. The first sign of not being knowledgeable is thinking that you knowledgeable. If you say to someone that he is ignorant or a fool, he feels hurt. He might start arguing and possibly get into a fight with you. It was asked of Shri Krishna, “Who is ignorant?” He replied, “The one who identifies himself with his body.” Now you all can think about this when you are alone: Are you ignorant or knowledgeable? Do you think you are the body or something more? One class of ignorant person considers himself to be the body; more ignorant than this is the person who believes he is a man or a woma...

Kripalu Trayodashi are 13 verses written by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj that are the essence of all the Vedic scriptures. They reveal in a sequential manner how to attain the ultimate aim of life. Brahm, jeev, maya tatva, Govinda Radhey. Teenon hain anadi anant bata dey. (1) There are 3 eternal entities: God, the souls, and Maya. They have no beginning and they will have no end. They have always been in existence and they will always remain in existence. Brahm jeev chetan, Govinda Radhey. Brahm shakti jeev yatey ansh bata de. (2) Supreme God and the souls are chetan, live. In gist, this means they have senses, mind, intellect, physical form and they perform actions. The soul is not independent. It is a power of God, and as such, it is called a part or ansh of God. Brahm shakti maya jada, Govinda Radhey. Jeev maya shasak brahm bata dey. (3) Another eternal power of God is Maya, which is lifeless. The governor of both Maya and the souls is God. They are both His powers that are gov...

Charity is good for the soul. Strong identification with the body makes an individual become easily attached to wealth and material goods that can be purchased with it. By donating some of your wealth you lessen your worldly attachments, thereby taking the essential step towards increasing your attachment to God. Every major religion familiarises its followers with the law of donating 10% of one’s earnings. Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj calls this spiritual income tax. You are required to pay tax on the money you earn in the world, and failure to do so results in punishment. Sometimes you get away with not paying this obligatory tax. But God, who cannot be fooled or deceived, says in the Shrimad Bhagawatam, “He, who keeps more than his share, is a thief and will be punished.” The 10% is merely an essential minimum that has to be given in return for the killing of plants you eat, the germs and insects you kill to keep your body healthy, and other essential items that God gift...

In Bhagavad Gita, the primary message is "Do your duty in the world, but keep your mind attached to Me!". Thus, what we have to do is to have 'Tana kara men mana yara men'. The mind should be constantly thinking about God while performing worldly duties. The next question is this. How do we go about working without attachment to this work? Well, you may be surprised to know that all of us are already in the habit of working in this way. In fact, 90% of our works are performed without the attachment of the mind. The series of detached actions starts right from the time we get up in the morning. You get up at six o'clock in the morning everyday. You don't really want to leave your nice and cozy bed, but you do it anyways, because your intellect reasons that if you don't do so, you will certainly be late for work. Therefore, you get out of bed reluctantly and start the morning rituals like brushing your teeth, taking a shower and so on. But note that a...

(Synopsis of a lecture given by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on October 20, 2009, Bhakti Dham, Mangarh) All souls have certain questions: Who am I? What is mine? Someone might be surprised to hear these as it seems obvious we should know who we are and what is ours, but do you truly understand them? No, you don’t. In fact, only one out of millions understands the answer to these questions, but it is essential we know them. The Kena Upanishad (2/5) states, “Oh human beings! You must find the answer to these questions in this lifetime, otherwise great harm will befall you.” What is that harm? The Katha Upanishad (2/3/4) says for millions for ages you will suffer as you are suffering now. We all experience various kinds of sufferings and binding effects of Maya. There are the 3 tap, the 5 klesh, the 5 sheaths, the 3 kinds of bodies, the 3 material qualities, the 3 kinds of karma – these produce unlimited mental and physical suffering. You will have to undergo all of these for million...

(Synopsis of a talk given by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj at Bhakti Dham, Mangarh, on October 10, 2009) Hare Ram Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Many of you don’t know about the origin of this namsankirtan, but it is essential you understand its importance. This is the only kirtan on this earth that is a mantra from the Vedas, and as such, it is eternal. All other kirtans were made by Saints after those Saints came into this world. The essence of the four Vedas are the Upanishads. There are many Upanishads like Mundaka Upanishad, Katha Upanishad, Mandukya Upanishad, Shvetashvatara Upanishad, and others. This Hare Ram sankirtan is from the Kalisantarana Upanishad. Because it is a Vedic mantra and also a sankirtan, it is referred to as a mahamantra. If anyone ever asks you why you are not using a Guru mantra in your devotional practice, you can say that the Guru mantras that originated from the sampradayas or lineages of Saints s...

Developing Desire for God They who have a natural desire for God have worked on it in previous lifetimes. If you were not born with a longing for God, you will have to develop it in this life. Ask yourself, “Why do I have such a strong desire for worldly people and material goods?” Your answer will be, “Because they will give me satisfaction and happiness.” So, it is happiness that you really want; it is satisfaction that you desire. Well, you should know that Lord Krishna is the source of unlimited happiness, and He is the one who can give you the ultimate satisfaction. First understand from the innermost core of your mind that Lord Krishna is the only one who is yours. He says in the Gita, “The individual soul is an eternal fraction of Myself.” Because you are the soul, the material world cannot be yours, nor can you be of the world. Moreover, the material world cannot satisfy the hunger of your soul, which is divine by nature. Realise that God alone can fulfill your selfish...

Thaakur Yugal Kishor Hamaaro, Chaakar hum piya pyaaree ke. Guru sevaa hee dharm hamaaro, daas naa hum shruti chaari ke. A Braj Rasik (referring to a devotee of the form of God that did leelas in Braj - Vrindavan) says that Shri Radha Krishna are my only Lord and Master. In addition, I am also devoted to serving my Guru in the same way. These are the only three personalities I serve and follow. I am no longer a slave to the four Vedas either. Scriptures say - go and surrender to a Guru who is theoretically proficient in all the scriptures, and has practical experience in the way of God-Realization. O Souls! Wake up, go and learn from the Guru about who you are, where you have to go and how to get there. Surrender your mind and intellect, serve Him and learn from Him about the nature of soul, maya, mind, intellect, God etc. and only then will you be able to progress on the practical aspect of devotion. Tu lasi Ramayan says Guru binu bhava nidhi, tarayi na koi, jo biranchi shankar sam ho...

A Gyani and a Devotee are sitting next to each other on a long flight from Los Angeles to New York. The Gyani leans over to the Devotee and asks if he would like to play a fun game. The Devotee just wants to take a nap, so he politely declines and rolls over to the window to catch a few winks. The Gyani eager to show his knowledge persists and explains that the game is real easy and a lots of fun. He explains "I ask you a question, and if you don't know the answer, you pay me $5. Then you ask me a question, and if I don't know the answer, I'll pay you $5." Again, the Devotee politely declines and tries to get to sleep. The Gyani, now somewhat agitated, says, "OK, if you don't know the answer you pay me $5, and if I don't know the answer, I'll pay you $50!" This catches the Devotee's attention, and he sees no end to his torment unless he plays, so he agrees to the game. The Gyani asks the first question. "What are the primary con...

Keeping the Heart & Mind clean We wash our clothes with clean pure water to cleanse them and rid of impurities. If we wash them with dirty water, they will only get worse. Similarly, we have to wash our hearts clean by inviting the pure personalities in. If we invite the impure into our heart, it will only get worse. The only pure personalities are God and Saints. Therefore, it is in our best interest to fill our hearts with God, His names, His forms, His pastimes, His qualities, His abodes and, most of all, His Devotees... the Saints! Ved Vyas Ji was once asked as to what in the Universe was most fortunate. His first response was - KaliYuga. Why? In SatYuga the spiritual benefit humans received from doing devotional sadhana for 1000 years is equivalent to the spiritual benefit from sadhana done for 1 year in TretaYuga. The same benefit is realized from doing sadhana for 1 month in DwaparYuga. And in KaliYuga the same spiritual benefit is received from doing sadhana for 1 day. S...

Cont.....A Short lecture by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj Yesterday it was explained that although God is causelessly gracious, He doesn’t grace everyone. Since eternity we have been under the control of Maya, due to which we have revolved in the cycle of birth and death in the 8.4 million life forms, and experienced unending suffering. Yet God has also graced some selected souls with His divine knowledge, bliss and eternal life. He even says, “Aham bhakta paradheenah.” “I walk beyond My loving devotees to be blessed by their footdust.” Once there was a great devotee of Lord Krishna named Ambarish. Ambarish was a king. Sage Durvasa, who had great yogic powers and also a very bad temper, went to Ambarish’s kingdom. Durvasa became so angry with Ambarish, that he created a kritya, a evil spirit, and ordered him to go and cut off Ambarish’s head. When God saw this, He also became angry and released His divine weapon, the chakra, and ordered it to cut off not only the demon’s head, but ...

A Short lecture by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj Great scholars and philosophers have pondered on how God is causelessly gracious. Causeless means to grace without a reason. In our world everyone is gracious with cause, no matter if it is our mother, father, son or neighbour. Gracing with cause is like a business transaction. We give something and in return we receive something from the other person. For example, when we go to a store, we give money to the shopkeeper and in return he gives us the goods we require. He doesn’t give us a discount for that, rather he takes the full price. If the shopkeeper were asked to give something worth $2000 for $200, he would say, “Have you gone crazy? Get out of my store!” It is necessary to pay the full price. This condition exists everywhere in this world. We did something for our mother, father, son, and so on. In return they graced us. This reciprocal business is found everywhere. As a result, people assume this also exists in the spiritual ...

"Sat Sattya Sattya Ho Govind Radhey Sang Sattya Sattya Ho To Lakhya Dilaa De" Radhegovind Geet You are no doubt familiar with the word 'Satsang.' 'Sat' means 'Saint,' and 'Sang' means 'Association.' If 'Sat' (Saint) is 'Sattya Sattya', (a true Saint), and the 'sang' (association) with him is 'Sattya', (true), then the ultimate goal of God-realization can be attained. The Vedas say: "Tadvijnanaartham sa Gurumevabhigachhet samitpaanih shrotriyam brahmanishtham" (Mundakopanishad) A true saint is one who possesses theoretical knowledge of scriptures and a practical experience of God. A genuine saint is one who can impart to us the theoretical knowledge of Vedas and Vedic scriptures. Furthermore, he must have attained darshan of God; he must possess the treasury of divine-love-bliss. If he has a check book but nothing in the bank, what can he give to us? If he only talks about God but is not surrende...