Sachi R

Sunday, February 26, 2023

Srimad Bhagavatam VIII.24 Conclusion - 26 February 2023

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Sunday, 26 February 2023 - Srimad Bhagavatam VIII.24 Conclusion- Satyavrata is instructed to save all life forms in the cataclysmic deluge by carrying them along with Saptarishis in a boat provided by Bhagavan and steered by the Matsya Avatara.

***

एवं विमोहितस्तेन वदता वल्गुभारतीम् | तमाह को भवानस्मान् मत्स्यरूपेण मोहयन् ॥

नैवं वीर्यो जलचरो दृष्टोऽस्माभिः श्रुतोऽपि च | यो भवान् योजनशतमह्नाभिव्यानशे सरः ॥

नूनं त्वं भगवान् साक्षाद्धरिर्नारायणोऽव्ययः | अनुग्रहाय भूतानां धत्से रूपं जलौकसाम् ॥

नमस्ते पुरुषश्रेष्ठ स्थित्युत्पत्यप्ययेश्वर | भक्तानां नः प्रपन्नानां मुख्यो ह्यात्मगतिर्विभो ॥

सर्वे लीलावतारास्ते भूतानां भूतिहेतवः | ज्ञातुमिच्छाम्यदो रूपं यदर्थं भवता धृतम् ॥

न तेऽरविन्दाक्ष पदोपसर्पणं मृषा भवेत्सर्वसुहृत्प्रियात्मनः |

यथेतरेषां पृथगात्मनां सतामदीदृशो यद्वपुरद्भुतं हि नः ॥

Translation (Prabhupada)

After hearing these sweet words from Bhagavan in the form of a fish, Rajarishi Satyavrata, being bewildered, asked Him:

“Who are You, sir? You simply bewilder us.

My Lord, in one day You have expanded Yourself for hundreds of miles, covering the water of the river and the ocean. Before this I had never seen or heard of such an aquatic animal.
My Lord, You are certainly the inexhaustible Bhagavan Narayana Sri Hari. It is to show Your mercy to the living entities that You have now assumed the form of an aquatic, a Surreal Fish.
Oh my Lord, master of creation, maintenance and annihilation, Oh best of enjoyers, Lord Vishnu, You are the leader and destination of surrendered devotees like us. Therefore, let me offer my respectful obeisance unto You.
All Your pastimes and incarnations certainly appear for the welfare of all living entities. Therefore, my Lord, I wish to know the purpose for which You have assumed this form of a fish.
Oh my Lord, possessing eyes like the petals of a lotus, the worship of the gods, who are in the bodily concept of life, is fruitless in all respects. But because You are the supreme friend and dearmost Paramatma of everyone, worship of Your lotus feet is never useless. You have therefore manifested Your form as a fish."

श्रीशुक उवाच

इति ब्रुवाणं नृपतिं जगत्पतिः सत्यव्रतं मत्स्यवपुर्युगक्षये |

विहर्तुकामः प्रलयार्णवेऽब्रवीच्चिकीर्षुरेकान्तजनप्रियः प्रियम् ॥

श्रीभगवानुवाच

सप्तमेऽद्यतनादूर्ध्वमहन्येतदरिन्दम | निमङ्क्ष्यत्यप्ययाम्भोधौ त्रैलोक्यं भूर्भुवादिकम्

त्रिलोक्यां लीयमानायां संवर्ताम्भसि वै तदा | उपस्थास्यति नौः काचिद्विशाला त्वां मयेरिता ॥

त्वं तावदोषधीः सर्वा बीजान्युच्चावचानि च | सप्तर्षिभिः परिवृतः सर्वसत्त्वोपबृंहितः ॥

आरुह्य बृहतीं नावं विचरिष्यस्यविक्लवः | एकार्णवे निरालोके ऋषीणामेव वर्चसा ॥

दोधूयमानां तां नावं समीरेण बलीयसा | उपस्थितस्य मे श‍ृङ्गे निबध्नीहि महाहिना ॥

अहं त्वामृषिभिः साकं सहनावमुदन्वति | विकर्षन् विचरिष्यामि यावद्ब्राह्मी निशा प्रभो ॥

मदीयं महिमानं च परं ब्रह्मेति शब्दितम् | वेत्स्यस्यनुगृहीतं मे सम्प्रश्नैर्विवृतं हृदि ॥

इत्थमादिश्य राजानं हरिरन्तरधीयत | सोऽन्ववैक्षत तं कालं यं हृषीकेश आदिशत् ॥

आस्तीर्य दर्भान् प्राक्कूलान् राजर्षिः प्रागुदङ्मुखः | निषसाद हरेः पादौ चिन्तयन् मत्स्यरूपिणः ॥

ततः समुद्र उद्वेलः सर्वतः प्लावयन् महीम् | वर्धमानो महामेघैर्वर्षद्भिः समदृश्यत ॥

ध्यायन् भगवदादेशं ददृशे नावमागताम् | तामारुरोह विप्रेन्द्रैरादायौषधिवीरुधः ॥

तमूचुर्मुनयः प्रीता राजन् ध्यायस्व केशवम् | स वै नः सङ्कटादस्मादविता शं विधास्यति ॥

सोऽनुध्यातस्ततो राज्ञा प्रादुरासीन्महार्णवे | एकश‍ृङ्गधरो मत्स्यो हैमो नियुतयोजनः ॥

निबध्य नावं तच्छृङ्गे यथोक्तो हरिणा पुरा | वरत्रेणाहिना तुष्टस्तुष्टाव मधुसूदनम् ॥

Sage Shuka said: "When King Satyavrata spoke in this way, Bhagavan, who at the end of the yuga had assumed the form of a fish to benefit His devotee and enjoy His pastimes in the water of inundation, responded as follows."

Bhagavan said:

"Oh King, who can subdue your enemies, on the seventh day from today the three worlds — Bhu, Bhuva and Suva — will all merge into the water of inundation.
When all the three worlds merge into the water, a large boat sent by Me will appear before you.
Thereafter, Oh King, you shall collect all types of herbs and seeds and load them on that great boat. Then, accompanied by the seven rishis and surrounded by all kinds of living entities, you shall get aboard that boat, and without moroseness you shall easily travel with your companions on the ocean of inundation, the only illumination being the effulgence of the great rishis.
Then, as the boat is tossed about by the powerful winds, attach the vessel to My horn by means of the great serpent Vasuki, for I shall be present by your side.
Pulling the boat, with you and all the rishis in it, Oh King, I shall travel in the water of devastation until the night of Lord Brahma’s slumber is over.
You will be thoroughly advised and favoured by Me, and because of your inquiries, everything about My glories, which are known as Parabrahman, will be manifest within your heart. Thus you will know everything about Me."

After thus instructing Rajarishi Satyavrata, Bhagavan immediately disappeared. Then King Satyavrata began to wait for that time of which the Lord had instructed.

After spreading kusha with its tips pointing east, the saintly King, himself facing the northeast, sat down on the grass and began to meditate upon the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vishnu, who had assumed the form of a fish.

Thereafter, gigantic clouds pouring incessant water swelled the ocean more and more. Thus the ocean began to overflow onto the land and inundate the entire world.

As Satyavrata remembered the order of Bhagavan, he saw a boat coming near him. Thus he collected herbs and creepers, and, accompanied by Saptarishis, he got aboard the boat.

The Rishis, being pleased with Rajarishi Satyavrata, said to him:

"Oh King, please meditate upon the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Keśava. He will save us from this impending danger and arrange for our well-being."

Then, while Rajarishi Satyavrata constantly meditated upon the Supreme Personality of Godhead, a large golden fish appeared in the ocean of inundation. The fish had one horn and was eight million miles long.

Following the instructions given already by Bhagavan, Rajarishi Satyavrata anchored the boat to the fish’s horn, using the serpent Vāsuki as a rope. Thus being satisfied, he began offering prayers to the Lord.

राजोवाच

अनाद्यविद्योपहतात्मसंविदस्तन्मूलसंसारपरिश्रमातुराः |

यदृच्छयेहोपसृता यमाप्नुयुर्विमुक्तिदो नः परमो गुरुर्भवान् ॥

जनोऽबुधोऽयं निजकर्मबन्धनः सुखेच्छया कर्म समीहतेऽसुखम् |

यत्सेवया तां विधुनोत्यसन्मतिं ग्रन्थिं स भिन्द्याद्धृदयं स नो गुरुः ॥

यत्सेवयाग्नेरिव रुद्ररोदनं पुमान् विजह्यान्मलमात्मनस्तमः |

भजेत वर्णं निजमेष सोऽव्ययो भूयात्स ईशः परमो गुरोर्गुरुः ॥

न यत्प्रसादायुतभागलेशमन्ये च देवा गुरवो जनाः स्वयम् |

कर्तुं समेताः प्रभवन्ति पुंसस्तमीश्वरं त्वां शरणं प्रपद्ये ॥

अचक्षुरन्धस्य यथाग्रणीः कृतस्तथा जनस्याविदुषोऽबुधो गुरुः |

त्वमर्कदृक्सर्वदृशां समीक्षणो वृतो गुरुर्नः स्वगतिं बुभुत्सताम् ॥

जनो जनस्यादिशतेऽसतीं मतिं यया प्रपद्येत दुरत्ययं तमः |

त्वं त्वव्ययं ज्ञानममोघमञ्जसा प्रपद्यते येन जनो निजं पदम् ॥

त्वं सर्वलोकस्य सुहृत्प्रियेश्वरो ह्यात्मा गुरुर्ज्ञानमभीष्टसिद्धिः |

तथापि लोको न भवन्तमन्धधीर्जानाति सन्तं हृदि बद्धकामः ॥

तं त्वामहं देववरं वरेण्यं प्रपद्य ईशं प्रतिबोधनाय |

छिन्ध्यर्थदीपैर्भगवन् वचोभिर्ग्रन्थीन् हृदय्यान् विवृणु स्वमोकः ॥

Rajarishi Satyavrata said:

"By the grace of the Lord, those who have lost their self-knowledge since time immemorial, and who because of this ignorance are involved in a material, conditional life full of miseries, obtain the chance to meet the Lord’s devotee. I accept Bhagavan as the supreme spiritual master.
In the hope of becoming happy in this material world, the foolish conditioned soul performs fruitive activities that result only in suffering. But by rendering service to Bhagavan, one becomes free from such false desires for happiness. May my supreme spiritual master cut the knot of false desires from the core of my heart.
One who wants to be free of material entanglement should take to the service of Bhagavan and give up the contamination of ignorance, involving pious and impious activities. Thus one regains his original identity, just as a block of gold or silver sheds all dirt and becomes purified when treated with fire. May that inexhaustible Supreme Personality of Godhead become our spiritual master, for He is the original spiritual master of all other spiritual masters.
Neither all the gods, nor the so-called gurus nor all other people, either independently or together, can offer mercy that equals even one ten-thousandth of Yours. Therefore I wish to take shelter of Your lotus feet.
As a blind man, being unable to see, accepts another blind man as his leader, people who do not know the goal of life accept someone as a guru who is a rascal and a fool. But we are interested in self-realization. Therefore we accept You, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as our spiritual master, for You are able to see in all directions and are omniscient like the sun.
A materialistic so-called guru instructs his materialistic disciples about economic development and sense gratification, and because of such instructions, the foolish disciples continue in the materialistic existence of ignorance. But Your Lordship gives knowledge that is eternal, and the intelligent person receiving such knowledge is quickly situated in his original constitutional position.
My Lord, You are the supreme well-wishing friend of everyone, the dear most friend, the controller, the Paramatma, the supreme instructor and the giver of supreme knowledge and the fulfilment of all desires. But although You are within the heart, the foolish, because of lusty desires in the heart, cannot understand You.
Oh Supreme Lord, for self-realization I surrender unto You, who are worshipped by the gods as the supreme controller of everything. By Your instructions, exposing life’s purpose, kindly cut the knot from the core of my heart and let me know the destination of my life."

श्रीशुक उवाच

इत्युक्तवन्तं नृपतिं भगवानादिपूरुषः | मत्स्यरूपी महाम्भोधौ विहरंस्तत्त्वमब्रवीत् ॥

पुराणसंहितां दिव्यां साङ्ख्ययोगक्रियावतीम् | सत्यव्रतस्य राजर्षेरात्मगुह्यमशेषतः ॥

अश्रौषीदृषिभिः साकमात्मतत्त्वमसंशयम् | नाव्यासीनो भगवता प्रोक्तं ब्रह्म सनातनम् ॥

अतीतप्रलयापाय उत्थिताय स वेधसे | हत्वासुरं हयग्रीवं वेदान् प्रत्याहरद्धरिः ॥

स तु सत्यव्रतो राजा ज्ञानविज्ञानसंयुतः | विष्णोः प्रसादात्कल्पेऽस्मिन्नासीद्वैवस्वतो मनुः ॥

सत्यव्रतस्य राजर्षेर्मायामत्स्यस्य शार्ङ्गिणः | संवादं महदाख्यानं श्रुत्वा मुच्येत किल्बिषात् ॥

अवतारो हरेर्योऽयं कीर्तयेदन्वहं नरः | सङ्कल्पास्तस्य सिध्यन्ति स याति परमां गतिम् ॥

प्रलयपयसि धातुः सुप्तशक्तेर्मुखेभ्यः श्रुतिगणमपनीतं प्रत्युपादत्त हत्वा |

दितिजमकथयद्यो ब्रह्म सत्यव्रतानां तमहमखिलहेतुं जिह्ममीनं नतोऽस्मि ॥

॥ इत्यष्टमस्कन्धः समाप्तः ॥

Sage Shuka continued: When Satyavrata had thus prayed to Bhagavan, who had assumed the form of a fish, the Lord, while moving in the water of inundation, explained to him the Absolute Truth.

Bhagavan thus explained to King Satyavrata the spiritual science known as Sankhya-yoga, the science by which one distinguishes between matter and spirit [called differently, it is Bhakti Yoga], along with the instructions contained in the Puranas [the old histories] and the Vedas. The Lord has explained Himself in all this literature.

While sitting in the boat, King Satyavrata, accompanied by the Rishis, listened to the instructions of Bhagavan in regard to self-realization. These instructions were all from the eternal Vedic literature. Thus Rajarishi Satyavrata and sages had no doubt about the Absolute Truth.

At the end of the last inundation [during the period of Svāyambhuva Manu] Bhagavan had killed the demon named Hayagriva and delivered all the Vedic literature to Lord Brahma when Lord Brahma awakened from his epochal slumber.

King Satyavrata was illuminated with all Vedic knowledge by the mercy of Lord Vishnu, and in this period he has now taken birth as Vaivasvata Manu, the son of the sun god.

This story concerning the great King Satyavrata and the fish incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vishnu, is a great transcendental narration. Anyone who hears it is delivered from the reactions of sinful life.

One who narrates this description of the Matsya incarnation and King Satyavrata will certainly have all his ambitions fulfilled, and he will undoubtedly return home, back to Godhead.

I offer my respectful obeisance unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who pretended to be a gigantic fish, who restored the Vedic literature to Lord Brahma when Lord Brahma awakened from sleep, and who explained the essence of Vedic literature to King Satyavrata and the great saintly persons.

The end of the Eighth Skandha

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Saturday, February 25, 2023

Srimad Bhagavatam VIII.24 - 25 February 2023

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Saturday, 25 February 2023 - Srimad Bhagavatam VIII.24- Matsyavatara - Part 1

***

This chapter is the last one in the eighth Skandha. It comes just after the culmination of the wonderful Vamana Avatara episode. Praikshit is all curiosity to hear about the very first Avatara of Maha Vishnu, called the Matsya or the fish. He enquires:

श्रीराजोवाच

भगवञ्छ्रोतुमिच्छामि हरेरद्भ‍ुतकर्मण: । अवतारकथामाद्यां मायामत्स्यविडम्बनम् ॥

यदर्थमदधाद् रूपं मात्स्यं लोकजुगुप्सितम् । तम:प्रकृति दुर्मर्षं कर्मग्रस्त इवेश्वर: ॥

एतन्नो भगवन् सर्वं यथावद् वक्तुमर्हसि । उत्तमश्लोकचरितं सर्वलोकसुखावहम् ॥

T: Parikshit asked, " Oh great Sage Shuka Sir! I would like to know from you the astounding story of the very first Avatara that Bhagavan Maha Vishnu assumed, as the Maya Matsya (Surrealistic Fish). The form of the fish is considered lowly indeed as it has almost no intellect or development to survive amidst bigger fishes. It Is a symbol of the bondage of Karma in terms of life's limitations! Then why did Bhagavan become a fish? What was His mission that the world celebrates?"

Now we should pause and consider what we have read so far. Whereas the Varaha Avatara was all strength and splendour in saving the Earth, Narasimha was all terror and might to vanquish the redoubtable Hiranyakashipu. Varaha was a "Mission to Save the Earth". Narasimha was a "Mission to save the Bhakta." Then came Kurma, in a "Mission to save the Balance." Then came Vamana, in a "Mission to restore Order." The Matsya?

This chapter gives Shuka's reply.

At the end of the previous kalpa, an Asura named Hayagriva (not to be confused with Hayagriva Avatara of Vishnu) wanted to take the Vedic knowledge away from Lord Brahma at the time of cosmic dissolution. As Brahma lay down for his epochal slumber, his mouth was open and the Vedas where prised away by Hayagriva from Brahma's open mouth. At dissolution, there was only water, water everywhere, and the Asura hid the Vedas in the water. Therefore Bhagavan took the incarnation of a fish at the beginning of the period of Svāyambhuva Manu and saved the Vedas. He went and destroyed Hayagriva Asura and retrieved the stolen Vedas.

During the reign of Chakshusha Manu, there was a Rajarishi, a king named Satyavrata, who was a great pious ruler. To save him, the Lord appeared as the fish incarnation for a second time. This was also a period of cosmic deluge. King Satyavrata later became the son of the sun god and was known as Śraddhadeva. He was established as Manu by Bhagavan.

To receive the favour of Bhagavan, King Satyavrata engaged in the austerity of subsisting only by drinking water. Once, while performing this austerity on the bank of the KritamalaRiver and offering oblations of water with the palm of his hand, he found a small fish in the water in his cupped palms.

The fish appealed to the king for protection, asking the king to keep him in a safe place. Although the king did not know that the small fish was Bhagavan Himself, yet, as a Dharmic king, he gave shelter to the fish and kept Him in a water jug. The fish, none other than an Avatara of Maha Vishnu, wanted to show His potency to King Satyavrata, and thus He immediately expanded His body in such a way that He could be no longer kept in the jug of water. The king then put the fish in a big well, but the well was also too small. Then the king put the fish in a lake, but the lake was also unsuitable. Finally, the king put the fish in the sea, but even the sea could not accommodate Him.

It is interesting that the fish said this to the king:

क्षिप्यमाणस्तमाहेदमिह मां मकरादय: । अदन्त्यतिबला वीर मां नेहोत्स्रष्टुमर्हसि ॥

T: "Oh, King! The ocean is a very unsafe place for me! There are shark whales who will eat me up! Please don't cast me into the ocean!"

The king was already dumbstruck by this Surreal Fish, Matsya. He begged, " Sir, who are You? Please reveal Yourself. My Lord, in one day You have expanded Yourself for hundreds of miles, covering the water of the river and the ocean. Before this, I had never seen or heard of such an aquatic animal."

The king no longer needed an answer. He intuited that this was Bhagavan incarnated as Matsya in answer to his prayers! Satyavrata ardently prayed to Bhagavan. We shall see that tomorrow.

Do you realise that in this Avatara, Bhagavan came as an insignificant, lowly, creature in "the Mission to invoke Karuna"!?

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Friday, February 24, 2023

Srimad Bhagavatam VIII.23 - 24 February 2023

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Friday, 24 February 2023 - Srimad Bhagavatam VIII.23- This chapter concludes the story of Bhagavan Vamana by reemphasising the many ways Ishwara takes care of all creation.

***

Summary (based on Prabhupada)

This chapter describes how King Bali and his grandfather Bhakta Prahlada entered the planet Sutala and how Bhagavan allowed Indra to reenter his heavenly planet.

The great soul King Bali experienced that the highest gain in life is to attain devotional service under the shelter of the Lord’s lotus feet in full surrender. Being firmly rooted in this thought, his heart full of ecstatic devotion and his eyes full of tears, he offered obeisances to Bhagavan Vamana. Then, with his associates, he entered the planet known as Sutala.

Thus Bhagavan satisfied the desire of Aditi and reinstalled Lord Indra.

Bhakta Prahlada, being aware of Bali’s release from arrest, then described the transcendental pastimes of Bhagavan in this material world. Bhakta Prahlada praised the Supreme Lord for creating the material world, for being equal to everyone and for being extremely liberal to the devotees, just like a desire tree. Indeed, Bhakta Prahlada said that the Lord is kind not only to His devotees but also to the demons. In this way, he described the unlimited causeless mercy of Bhagavan. Then, with folded hands, he offered his respectful obeisances unto the Lord, and after circumambulating the Lord he also entered the planet Sutala in accordance with the Lord’s order.

The Lord then ordered Shukracharya to correct any deficiencies, faults and discrepancies in King Bali’s executing the Yajna underway. Shukra expressed in full devotion to Bhagavan that Yajnas became free from fruitive actions by chanting the holy name of the Lord, and he explained how chanting can diminish all the faults of the conditioned soul. He then completed King Bali’s Yajna.

All the sages extolled Bhagavan Vamana as the benefactor of Lord Indra because He had returned Indra to his heavenly lordship. They accepted Bhagavan as the maintainer of all the affairs of the universe. Being very happy, Indra, along with his associates, placed Bhagavan Vamana ahead of himself and reentered Devaloka in their aerial vehicle.

Having seen the wonderful activities of Lord Vishnu in the Yajna of King Bali, all the gods, sages, Pitris, Bhutas and Siddhas glorified the Lord again and again. The chapter concludes by saying that the most auspicious function of the conditioned soul is to chant and hear about the glorious activities of Lord Vishnu.

I find this Vamana's story full of great spiritual value. It delineates Bhagavan in His many roles.

Bhagavan as Karmadhyaksha - the dispenser of inviolate Karma Phala. Bali was punished for his ego and rewarded for his devotion.
Avatara, to set the universe on its right course.
Purushottama, who invokes the highest devotion in Bali, Prahlada and Shukracharya.
Bhakta Paraadheena, acting as the servant of His devotees! He becomes the guard at Sutala gates to take care of Bali and Prahlada.
Dharma Guru, who guides Shukracharya.
Nitya Ananda Swarupa. Throughout Bhagavan discharged this Avatara with a smile on His face!

I found these shlokas extremely evocative:

बलिरुवाच

अहो प्रणामाय कृतः समुद्यमः प्रपन्नभक्तार्थविधौ समाहितः ।

यल्लोकपालैस्त्वदनुग्रहोऽमरैरलब्धपूर्वोऽपसदेऽसुरेऽर्पितः ॥

T: Bali said: "What an incredible effect there is of even attempting to offer respectful obeisances to You! I was bound up and unable to properly prostrate even. But my desire itself pleased You, Oh Lord! The causeless mercy You have shown to me, a fallen Asura, was never achieved even by the gods or other celestials."

प्रह्लाद उवाच

नेमं विरिञ्चो लभते प्रसादं न श्रीर्न शर्वः किमुतापरे ते ।

यन्नोऽसुराणामसि दुर्गपालो विश्वाभिवन्द्यैरभिवन्दिताङ्घ्रिः ॥

यत्पादपद्ममकरन्दनिषेवणेन ब्रह्मादयः शरणदाश्नुवते विभूतीः ।

कस्माद्वयं कुसृतयः खलयोनयस्ते दाक्षिण्यदृष्टिपदवीं भवतः प्रणीताः ॥

चित्रं तवेहितमहोऽमितयोगमायालीलाविसृष्टभुवनस्य विशारदस्य ।

सर्वात्मनः समदृशोऽविषमः स्वभावो भक्तप्रियो यदसि कल्पतरुस्वभावः ॥

T: Prahlada addressed Bhagavan Vamana: "Oh Lord! You are universally worshipped; even Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva worship Your lotus feet. Yet although You are such a great personality, You have kindly promised to protect us, the Asuras. I think that such kindness has never been achieved even by Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva or the goddess of fortune, Sri Lakshmi, what to speak of other gods or common people!"

"Oh supreme shelter of everyone, great personalities like Brahma enjoy their perfection simply by tasting the honey of rendering service at Your lotus feet. But as for us, who are all fallen Asuras, how have we received Your mercy? It has been possible only because Your mercy is causeless and spontaneous."

Oh my Lord, Your pastimes are all wonderfully performed by Your inconceivable Maya; and by her perverted reflection, the Prakriti full of Gunas, You have created all the universes. As the Paramatma of all living entities, You are aware of everything, and therefore You are certainly equal toward everyone. Nonetheless, You favour Your devotees. This is not partiality, however, for Your characteristic is just like that of a desire tree, which yields everything according to one’s desire.

श्रीभगवानुवाच

वत्स प्रह्लाद भद्रं ते प्रयाहि सुतलालयम् । मोदमानः स्वपौत्रेण ज्ञातीनां सुखमावह ॥

नित्यं द्रष्टासि मां तत्र गदापाणिमवस्थितम् । मद्दर्शनमहाह्लादध्वस्तकर्मनिबन्धनः ॥

T: Bhagavan said: "My dear son Prahlada, all good fortune unto you. For the time being, please go to the place known as Sutala and there enjoy happiness with your grandson and your other relatives and friends. You shall be able to see Me there in My usual formShankha, Chakra, Gada, Padma, in My hands guarding Sutala! Because of your transcendental bliss due to always personally seeing Me, you will have no further bondage of Karma!"

शुक्र उवाच

कुतस्तत्कर्मवैषम्यं यस्य कर्मेश्वरो भवान् । यज्ञेशो यज्ञपुरुषः सर्वभावेन पूजितः ॥

मन्त्रतस्तन्त्रतश्छिद्रं देशकालार्हवस्तुतः । सर्वं करोति निश्छिद्रं नामसङ्कीर्तनं तव ॥

तथापि वदतो भूमन् करिष्याम्यनुशासनम् । एतच्छ्रेयः परं पुंसां यत्तवाज्ञानुपालनम् ॥

T; Sage Shukracharya spoke to Bhagavan: "My Lord, You are the enjoyer and lawgiver in all Yajnas, and You are the Yajna-purusha, the person to whom all Yajnas are dedicated. If one has fully satisfied You, where is the chance of discrepancies or faults in one's performances of sacrifice?"

"There may be discrepancies in pronouncing the mantras and observing the austerities or ritualistic actions, and, moreover, there may be discrepancies in regard to time, place, person and paraphernalia. But when Your Lordship’s holy name is chanted, everything becomes faultless."

"Lord Vishnu, I must nonetheless act in obedience to Your order because obeying Your order is most auspicious and is the first duty of everyone."

ब्रह्मा शर्वः कुमारश्च भृग्वाद्या मुनयो नृप । पितरः सर्वभूतानि सिद्धा वैमानिकाश्च ये ॥

सुमहत्कर्म तद्विष्णोर्गायन्तः परमाद्भुतम् । धिष्ण्यानि स्वानि ते जग्मुरदितिं च शशंसिरे ॥

T: Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, Lord Karttikeya, the great sage Bhrigu, other sages, Pitris, and all other living entities present, including Siddhas and celestials, all glorified the uncommon activities of Bhagavan Vamana. While chanting about and glorifying the Lord, they returned to their respective abodes. They also praised the position of Aditi, mother of Vamana.

सर्वमेतन्मयाऽऽख्यातं भवतः कुलनन्दन । उरुक्रमस्य चरितं श्रोतॄणामघमोचनम् ॥

पारं महिम्न उरुविक्रमतो गृणानो यः पार्थिवानि विममे स रजांसि मर्त्यः ।

किं जायमान उत जात उपैति मर्त्य इत्याह मन्त्रदृगृषिः पुरुषस्य यस्य ॥

य इदं देवदेवस्य हरेरद्भुतकर्मणः । अवतारानुचरितं श‍ृण्वन् याति परां गतिम् ॥

क्रियमाणे कर्मणीदं दैवे पित्र्येऽथ मानुषे । यत्र यत्रानुकीर्त्येत तत्तेषां सुकृतं विदुः ॥

T: King Shuka concluded: Oh, King Parikshit! I have now described everything about the Bhagavan Vamana's wonderful activities. Those who hear about this are certainly freed from all the results of sinful actions."

"One who is subject to death cannot assess mentally the glories of Bhagavan, Trivikrama, Lord Vishnu, any more than he can count the number of atoms on the entire planet earth. No one, whether born already or destined to take birth, is able to do this. This has been sung by the great sage Vasishtha."

"If one hears about the uncommon activities of the Bhagavan Paramatma in His various incarnations, he is certainly elevated to heaven or even brought back home in liberation. Whenever the activities of Bhagavan Vamana are described in the course of worship, whether the ceremony is performed to please the gods, to please one’s forefathers (Pitris), or to celebrate a social event like a marriage, that ceremony should be understood to be extremely auspicious."

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Srimad Bhagavatam VIII.22 - 23 February 2023

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Thursday, 23 February 2023 - Srimad Bhagavatam VIII.22- Bali shows his true mettle by accepting the Lord's punishment. Bhagavan explains to him, in the presence of Prahlada who arrives there, and Brahma, that by His grace, Bali will live well in the splendid Sutala and later attain the status of Indra during Manu Savarni's period.

***

Sage Shuka now narrated what occurred after the Lord had thus spoken to King Bali.

King Bali was not chagrined at being outwitted by Bhagavan Vamana. He now spoke:

बलिरुवाच

यद्युत्तमश्लोक भवान् ममेरितं वचो व्यलीकं सुरवर्य मन्यते । करोम्यृतं तन्न भवेत्प्रलम्भनं पदं तृतीयं कुरु शीर्ष्णि मे निजम् ॥

बिभेमि नाहं निरयात्पदच्युतो न पाशबन्धाद्व्यसनाद्दुरत्ययात् । नैवार्थकृच्छ्राद्भवतो विनिग्रहादसाधुवादाद्भृशमुद्विजे यथा ॥

T: “Oh Lord, if you consider that I have reneged on my promise, I shall make good. Please therefore place Your lotus foot on my head as Your third step! I do not fear being deprived of all my possessions, living a hellish life, being arrested for poverty by the ropes of Varuna or being punished by You as much as I fear defamation.”

“Surprising as it is, the way You have punished me, yet, because You are the most worshippable Lord, I regard the punishment You have given me as a most exalted gift. Since Your Lordship is indirectly the greatest well-wisher of us, demons, You act for our best welfare by posing as our enemy. Because demons like us always aspire for a position of false prestige, by chastising us You give us the eyes by which we see the right path. Indeed, in many instances, demons become highly inimical towards You and yet are freed by You in the end!”

Just then Bhakta Prahlada himself arrived there. King Bali was deeply aggrieved that he could not offer his grandfather customary respects in his bound condition. He simply turned his eyes downward and cried. Prahlada saw first Narayana Himself there, surrounded by His attendants. He was overwhelmed with devotion.

प्रह्लाद उवाच

त्वयैव दत्तं पदमैन्द्रमूर्जितं हृतं तदेवाद्य तथैव शोभनम् ।

मन्ये महानस्य कृतो ह्यनुग्रहो विभ्रंशितो यच्छ्रिय आत्ममोहनात् ॥

T: Bhakta Prahlada said: “My Lord, it is Your Lordship who gave this Bali the very great opulence of the post of the king of heaven, and now, today, it is You who have taken it all away. I think You have acted with equal beauty in both ways. Because his exalted position as the king of heaven was putting him in the darkness of ignorance, You have done him a very merciful favour by taking away all his opulence.”

Lord Brahma then began to speak to Bhagavan, within the hearing of Bhakta Prahlada, who stood nearby with folded hands. But King Bali’s faithful queen, afraid and aggrieved at seeing her husband arrested, folded her hands and spoke as follows.

Queen Vindhyavali said: “Oh my Lord, this creation is simply Your Leela (sport) but men foolishly claim ownership and doership. That is why they offer even You alms! What good can they do for You, who are the independent creator, maintainer and annihilator of this universe?”

Lord Brahma interceded: “Bhagavan, You have done enough to teach Bali a lesson. Kindly now release him! Bali has offered his all, even his head, to You! It is certain that by offering even water, newly grown grass, or flower buds at Your lotus feet, those who maintain no mental duplicity can achieve the most exalted position within the spiritual world. This King Bali, without duplicity, has now offered everything in the three worlds. How then can he deserve to suffer this arrest?”

श्रीभगवानुवाच

ब्रह्मन् यमनुगृह्णामि तद्विशो विधुनोम्यहम् । यन्मदः पुरुषः स्तब्धो लोकं मां चावमन्यते ॥

दा कदाचिज्जीवात्मा संसरन् निजकर्मभिः । नानायोनिष्वनीशोऽयं पौरुषीं गतिमाव्रजेत् ॥

जन्मकर्मवयोरूपविद्यैश्वर्यधनादिभिः । यद्यस्य न भवेत्स्तम्भस्तत्रायं मदनुग्रहः ॥

मानस्तम्भनिमित्तानां जन्मादीनां समन्ततः । सर्वश्रेयःप्रतीपानां हन्त मुह्येन्न मत्परः ॥

एष दानवदैत्यानामग्रणीः कीर्तिवर्धनः । अजैषीदजयां मायां सीदन्नपि न मुह्यति ॥

क्षीणरिक्थश्च्युतः स्थानात्क्षिप्तो बद्धश्च शत्रुभिः । ज्ञातिभिश्च परित्यक्तो यातनामनुयापितः ॥

गुरुणा भर्त्सितः शप्तो जहौ सत्यं न सुव्रतः । छलैरुक्तो मया धर्मो नायं त्यजति सत्यवाक् ॥

एष मे प्रापितः स्थानं दुष्प्रापममरैरपि । सावर्णेरन्तरस्यायं भवितेन्द्रो मदाश्रयः ॥

तावत्सुतलमध्यास्तां विश्वकर्मविनिर्मितम् । यन्नाधयो व्याधयश्च क्लमस्तन्द्रा पराभवः ।

नोपसर्गा निवसतां सम्भवन्ति ममेक्षया ॥

इन्द्रसेन महाराज याहि भो भद्रमस्तु ते । सुतलं स्वर्गिभिः प्रार्थ्यं ज्ञातिभिः परिवारितः ॥

T: Bhagavan said: “My dear Lord Brahma, because of material opulence a foolish person becomes dull-witted and mad. Thus, he has no respect for anyone within the three worlds and defies even My authority. To such a person I show special favour by first taking away all his possessions.”

“In the cycle of birth and death again and again in different species, by one’s good Karma, one may happen to become a human being. This human birth is very rarely obtained. If a human being is born in an aristocratic family or a higher status of life, if he performs wonderful activities, if he is youthful, if he has personal beauty, good education and good wealth, and if he is nonetheless not proud of his opulence, it is to be understood that he is especially favoured by Bhagavan.”

“Although aristocratic birth and other such opulence are impediments to advancement in devotional service because they are causes of false prestige and pride, this opulence never disturb a pure devotee of Bhagavan. King Bali has become the most famous among the demons and nonbelievers, for in spite of being bereft of all material opulence, he is fixed in his devotional service.”

“Although bereft of his riches, fallen from his original position, defeated and arrested by his enemies, rebuked and deserted by his relatives and friends, although suffering the pain of being bound and although rebuked and cursed by his spiritual master, King Bali, being fixed in his vow, did not give up his truthfulness. It was certainly with the pretension that I spoke about Dharma, but he did not give up Dharma, for he is true to his word. Because of his great tolerance, I have given him a place not obtainable even by the gods. He will become King of the heaven during the period of the Manu known as Savarni."

"Until King Bali achieves the position of King of heaven, he shall live on the planet Sutala, which was made by Vishwakarma according to My order. Because it is specially protected by Me, it is free from mental and bodily miseries, fatigue, dizziness, defeat and all other disturbances. King Bali, the future Indra! You may now go and live there peacefully, surrounded by your friends and relatives. All good fortune unto you. No one will be able to conquer you, as you shall be protected by My Chakra!"

"Oh great hero, I shall always be with you and give you protection in all respects along with your associates and paraphernalia. Moreover, you will always be able to see Me there. You will also be purified of all false tendencies you may have acquired by association with Asuras and Danavas.”

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Srimad Bhagavatam VIII.21 - 22 February 2023

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Wednesday, 22 February 2023 - Srimad Bhagavatam VIII.21- Bhagavan Vamana as Trivikrama is worshipped by all. Bali accepts his fate with composure as he is punished for being unable to give the gift of land for Bhagavan's third measure. He is bound and sent to the netherworld.

***

श्रीशुक उवाच
सत्यं समीक्ष्याब्जभवो नखेन्दुभिर्हतस्वधामद्युतिरावृतोऽभ्यगात् ।
मरीचिमिश्रा ऋषयो बृहद्व्रताः सनन्दनाद्या नरदेव योगिनः ॥
धातुः कमण्डलुजलं तदुरुक्रमस्य पादावनेजनपवित्रतया नरेन्द्र ।
स्वर्धुन्यभून्नभसि सा पतती निमार्ष्टि लोकत्रयं भगवतो विशदेव कीर्तिः ॥

Sage Shuka continued: When Lord Brahma, the lotus-born one, saw his Brahmaloka bedazzled by the toenails of Lord Vamana whose raised foot penetrated the heavens, he deferentially approached Bhagavan along with sages like Marichi and Sanandana. Those who came to the Lord were adepts in all branches of knowledge and self-realized ones.

Brahma washed Bhagavan’s holy foot with the water from his kamandalu. This water became the most sanctified river Ganga that cleansed the three worlds eventually! All the gods worshipped Lord Trivikrama, manifested first as Vamana. Jambavan, the lord of bears, son of Brahma, worshipped Bhagavan and proclaimed in the three worlds the "Vijaya" of Bhagavan.

***

Seeing how Bali had lost his all to Bhagavan's Vamana avatara, the Asuras around Bali became very angry. They said they will fight and destroy Vamana for this trick, on behalf of Bali who had avowed peace during the Yajna. But Vishnu's attendants countered them decisively. Seeing his Asuras losing their lives, Bali stopped the fight. He pleaded,

हन्यमानान् स्वकान् दृष्ट्वा पुरुषानुचरैर्बलिः । वारयामास संरब्धान् काव्यशापमनुस्मरन् ॥

यो नो भवाय प्रागासीदभवाय दिवौकसाम् । स एव भगवानद्य वर्तते तद्विपर्ययम् ॥

बलेन सचिवैर्बुद्ध्या दुर्गैर्मन्त्रौषधादिभिः । सामादिभिरुपायैश्च कालं नात्येति वै जनः ॥

T: Bali said, " Oh Viprachitti, Rahu, Nemi, please hear my words! Don’t fight. Stop immediately, for the present time is not in our favour. The supreme factor Time, which represents Bhagavan, was previously in our favour and not in favour of the Devas, but now the tables are turned. No one can surpass Bhagavan as Time or Kaala by material power, by strategem, or - by intelligence, diplomacy, fortresses, mystic mantras, medicinal herbs, or by any other means. (Note the idea of bio-warfare here!)

As directed by Bhagavan, Garuda came and bound King Balihand and foot with Varuna-pasha (the bindings of the netherworld). All the Asuras fled to the netherworld as their cause was lost.

***

Bhagavan addressed Bali.

पदैकेन मयाक्रान्तो भूर्लोकः खं दिशस्तनोः । स्वर्लोकस्तु द्वितीयेन पश्यतस्ते स्वमात्मना ॥

प्रतिश्रुतमदातुस्ते निरये वास इष्यते । विश त्वं निरयं तस्माद्गुरुणा चानुमोदितः ॥

T: "Oh, King Bali, remember your gift of the three paces of land. Of your possessions, with one step I have occupied Bhuloka, and with My body, I have occupied the entire sky and all directions. And in your presence, with My second step, I have occupied the heavens. Because you have been unable to give the gift according to your promise, the rule is that you should go down to live in the hellish netherworld. Therefore, in accordance with the order of your Guru, Sage Shukracharya, your spiritual master, now go down and live there."

Bali presented the sight of a king who had lost his all, but not his spirit and composure in this adversity.

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Srimad Bhagavatam VIII.20 - 21 February 2023

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Tuesday, 21 February 2023 - Srimad Bhagavatam VIII.20- Bali incurs his Guru's curse for not retracting his offer to Vamana. Vamana assumes the Virat Rupa of Bhagavan Maha Vishnu and measures the three worlds in just two steps.

***

After hearing the cautionary advice of Shukracharya, Bali became contemplative. Because it is the duty of a householder to maintain Dharma, Artha and Kama, without compromising one for the other, Bali thought it improper to withdraw his promise to the Brahmachari.

Bali said:

स चाहं वित्तलोभेन प्रत्याचक्षे कथं द्विजम् । प्रतिश्रुत्य ददामीति प्राह्रादि: कितवो यथा ॥
न ह्यसत्यात् परोऽधर्म इति होवाच भूरियम् । सर्वं सोढुमलं मन्ये ऋतेऽलीकपरं नरम् ॥
एष वा उत्तमश्लोको न जिहासति यद् यश: । हत्वा मैनां हरेद् युद्धे शयीत निहतो मया ॥

T: “Sir, I am the grandson of King Prahlada, an exemplar of Dharma. How can I withdraw my promise because of greed for money when I have already said that I shall give this land? How can I behave like an ordinary cheater, especially toward a Brahmin? There is nothing more sinful than untruthfulness. Because of this, mother earth once said, “I can bear any heavy thing except a person who is a liar.””

“If this Brahmin really is Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped by the Vedas, He would never risk His widespread reputation; either He would lie down having been killed by me, or He would kill me in a fight.”

This disobedience of King Bali towards Sage Shukracharya incurred his great anger. He cursed Bali,

मच्छासनातिगो यस्त्वमचिराद्भ्रश्यसे श्रिय: T: “You stubborn fool, for disobeying me, you shall soon lose all your kingdom and all your wealth.”

Unmoved, Bali went ahead, and his queen Vindyavali brought the sacred pot of water. By worshipping Vamana’s feet, Bali fulfilled his promise and requested Vamana to take his gift of three measures of his footprint.

Bhagavan Vamana then immediately extended Himself into a universal body. By the mercy of Bhagavan Vamana, Bali could see that the Lord is all-pervading and that everything rests in His body. Bali could see Bhagavan Vamana as the Virat Purusha who was Supreme Maha Vishnu, wearing His crown, His yellow garment, the mark of Srivatsa where Sri Lakshmi rests on His chest, the Kaustubha jewel, a flower garland, and ornaments decorating His entire body. The Lord gradually covered the entire surface of the world, and by extending His body He covered the entire sky.

Shuka narrates in detail how all the gods, the five elements, sentient and insentient beings, and everything else appeared to the astounded assembly as a part of this Virat Purusha.

The celebration of Bali for upholding his promise at great risk by all the gods and sages now became the awestruck worship of Bhagavan.

नदीश्च नाडीषु शिला नखेषु बुद्धावजं देवगणानृषींश्च ।
प्राणेषु गात्रे स्थिरजङ्गमानिसर्वाणि भूतानि ददर्श वीर: ॥

T: Wonder of wonders, in the Virat Trivikrama's veins flowed all the rivers, all the mountains were merely His nails, in His brain resided Brahma, all the gods and Rishis rested in His breath. His body contained all sentient and insentient beings! The great hero Bali witnessed all the five elements in the Lord. Nothing was left uncovered.

With His hands, He covered all directions, and with His second footstep, He covered the entire system of the three worlds. Therefore, there was no vacant place where He could take His third footstep.

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Monday, February 20, 2023

Srimad Bhagavatam VIII.19 - 20 February 2023

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥

Monday, 20 February 2023 - Srimad Bhagavatam VIII.19- Praising Bali's dynasty and his generosity, the young Brahmin Vamana asks for 3 paces of land. Bali ridicules him saying he should ask for more from the supreme lord of the three worlds. Sage Shukracharya warns Bali.

***

Srimad Bhagavatam is eternally popular because it depicts Bhagavan's Leela. He schools each devotee differently. The variety of people and their aspirations and egos is mind-boggling. Here we have Bali, who has with might and his Guru's grace conquered the three worlds. He now feels so powerful and lordly he does not see the trap Vamana lays for him, despite warnings from his own Guru! I have reproduced the translation of verses from Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada Swami, as I do not wish to add or subtract anything. I quote only two pithy verses.

***

Text 1: Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: When the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vāmanadeva, heard Bali Mahārāja speaking in this pleasing way, He was very satisfied, for Bali Mahārāja had spoken in terms of religious principles. Thus the Lord began to praise him.

Text 2: The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: O King, you are indeed exalted because your present advisors are the brāhmaṇas who are descendants of Bhṛgu and because your instructor for your future life is your grandfather, the peaceful and venerable Prahlāda Mahārāja. Your statements are very true, and they completely agree with religious etiquette. They are in keeping with the behavior of your family, and they enhance your reputation.

Text 3: I know that even until now, no one taking birth in your family has been poor-minded or miserly. No one has refused to give charity to brāhmaṇas, nor after promising to give charity has anyone failed to fulfill his promise.

Text 4: O King Bali, never in your dynasty has the low-minded king been born who upon being requested has refused charity to brāhmaṇas in holy places or a fight to kṣatriyas on a battlefield. And your dynasty is even more glorious due to the presence of Prahlāda Mahārāja, who is like the beautiful moon in the sky.

Text 5: It was in your dynasty that Hiraṇyākṣa was born. Carrying only his own club, he wandered the globe alone, without assistance, to conquer all directions, and no hero he met could rival him.

Text 6: When delivering the earth from the Garbhodaka Sea, Lord Viṣṇu, in His incarnation as a boar, killed Hiraṇyākṣa, who had appeared before Him. The fight was severe, and the Lord killed Hiraṇyākṣa with great difficulty. Later, as the Lord thought about the uncommon prowess of Hiraṇyākṣa, He felt Himself victorious indeed.

Text 7: When Hiraṇyakaśipu heard the news of his brother’s being killed, with great anger he went to the residence of Viṣṇu, the killer of his brother, wanting to kill Lord Viṣṇu.

Text 8: Seeing Hiraṇyakaśipu coming forward bearing a trident in his hand like personified death, Lord Viṣṇu, the best of all mystics and the knower of the progress of time, thought as follows.

Text 9: Wheresoever I go, Hiraṇyakaśipu will follow Me, as death follows all living entities. Therefore it is better for Me to enter the core of his heart, for then, because of his power to see only externally, he will not see Me.

Text 10: Lord Vāmanadeva continued: O King of the demons, after Lord Viṣṇu made this decision, He entered the body of His enemy Hiraṇyakaśipu, who was running after Him with great force. In a subtle body inconceivable to Hiraṇyakaśipu, Lord Viṣṇu, who was in great anxiety, entered Hiraṇyakaśipu’s nostril along with his breath.

Text 11: Upon seeing that the residence of Lord Viṣṇu was vacant, Hiraṇyakaśipu began searching for Lord Viṣṇu everywhere. Angry at not seeing Him, Hiraṇyakaśipu screamed loudly and searched the entire universe, including the surface of the earth, the higher planetary systems, all directions and all the caves and oceans. But Hiraṇyakaśipu, the greatest hero, did not see Viṣṇu anywhere.

Text 12: Unable to see Him, Hiraṇyakaśipu said, “I have searched the entire universe, but I could not find Viṣṇu, who has killed my brother. Therefore, He must certainly have gone to that place from which no one returns. [In other words, He must now be dead.]”

Text 13: Hiraṇyakaśipu’s anger against Lord Viṣṇu persisted until his death. Other people in the bodily concept of life maintain anger only because of false ego and the great influence of ignorance.

Text 14: Your father, Virocana, the son of Mahārāja Prahlāda, was very affectionate toward brāhmaṇas. Although he knew very well that it was the demigods who had come to him in the dress of brāhmaṇas, at their request he delivered to them the duration of his life.

Text 15: You also have observed the principles followed by great personalities who are householder brāhmaṇas, by your forefathers and by great heroes who are extremely famous for their exalted activities.

Text 16: O King of the Daityas, from Your Majesty, who come from such a noble family and who are able to give charity munificently, I ask only three paces of land, to the measurement of My steps.

Text 17: O King, controller of the entire universe, although you are very munificent and are able to give Me as much land as I want, I do not want anything from you that is unnecessary. If a learned brāhmaṇa takes charity from others only according to his needs, he does not become entangled in sinful activities.

Text 18: Bali Mahārāja said: O son of a brāhmaṇa, Your instructions are as good as those of learned and elderly persons. Nonetheless, You are a boy, and Your intelligence is insufficient. Thus You are not very prudent in regard to Your self-interest.

***

श्रीबलिरुवाच

मां वचोभि: समाराध्य लोकानामेकमीश्वरम् । पदत्रयं वृणीते योऽबुद्धिमान् द्वीपदाशुषम् ॥

न पुमान् मामुपव्रज्य भूयो याचितुमर्हति । तस्माद् वृत्तिकरीं भूमिं वटो कामं प्रतीच्छ मे ॥

Text 19: I am able to give You an entire island because I am the proprietor of the three divisions of the universe. You have come to take something from me and have pleased me by Your sweet words, but You are asking only three paces of land. Therefore You are not very intelligent.

Text 20: O small boy, one who approaches me to beg something should not have to ask anything more, anywhere. Therefore, if You wish, You may ask from me as much land as will suffice to maintain You according to Your needs.

श्रीभगवानुवाच

यावन्तो विषया: प्रेष्ठास्त्रिलोक्यामजितेन्द्रियम् । न शक्नुवन्ति ते सर्वे प्रतिपूरयितुं नृप ॥

त्रिभि: क्रमैरसन्तुष्टो द्वीपेनापि न पूर्यते । नववर्षसमेतेन सप्तद्वीपवरेच्छया ॥

Text 21: The Personality of Godhead said: O my dear King, even the entirety of whatever there may be within the three worlds to satisfy one’s senses cannot satisfy a person whose senses are uncontrolled.

Text 22: If I were not satisfied with three paces of land, then surely I would not be satisfied even with possessing one of the seven islands, consisting of nine varṣas. Even if I possessed one island, I would hope to get others.

***

Text 23: We have heard that although powerful kings like Mahārāja Pṛthu and Mahārāja Gaya achieved proprietorship over the seven dvīpas, they could not achieve satisfaction or find the end of their ambitions.

Text 24: One should be satisfied with whatever he achieves by his previous destiny, for discontent can never bring happiness. A person who is not self-controlled will not be happy even with possessing the three worlds.

Text 25: Material existence causes discontent in regard to fulfilling one’s lusty desires and achieving more and more money. This is the cause for the continuation of material life, which is full of repeated birth and death. But one who is satisfied by that which is obtained by destiny is fit for liberation from this material existence.

Text 26: A brāhmaṇa who is satisfied with whatever is providentially obtained is increasingly enlightened with spiritual power, but the spiritual potency of a dissatisfied brāhmaṇa decreases, as fire diminishes in potency when water is sprinkled upon it.

Text 27: Therefore, O King, from you, the best of those who give charity, I ask only three paces of land. By such a gift I shall be very pleased, for the way of happiness is to be fully satisfied to receive that which is absolutely needed.

Text 28: Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: When the Supreme Personality of Godhead had thus spoken to Bali Mahārāja, Bali smiled and told Him, “All right. Take whatever You like.” To confirm his promise to give Vāmanadeva the desired land, he then took up his waterpot.

***

Text 29: Understanding Lord Viṣṇu’s purpose, Śukrācārya, the best of the learned, immediately spoke as follows to his disciple, who was about to offer everything to Lord Vāmanadeva.

श्रीशुक्र उवाच

एष वैरोचने साक्षाद् भगवान्विष्णुरव्यय: । कश्यपाददितेर्जातो देवानां कार्यसाधक: ॥

प्रतिश्रुतं त्वयैतस्मै यदनर्थमजानता । न साधु मन्ये दैत्यानां महानुपगतोऽनय: ॥

एष ते स्थानमैश्वर्यं श्रियं तेजो यश: श्रुतम् । दास्यत्याच्छिद्य शक्राय मायामाणवको हरि: ॥

त्रिभि: क्रमैरिमाल्ल‍ोकान्विश्वकाय: क्रमिष्यति ।सर्वस्वं विष्णवे दत्त्वा मूढ वर्तिष्यसे कथम् ॥

Text 30: Śukrācārya said: O son of Virocana, this brahmacārī in the form of a dwarf is directly the imperishable Supreme Personality of Godhead, Viṣṇu. Accepting Kaśyapa Muni as His father and Aditi as His mother, He has now appeared in order to fulfil the interests of the demigods.

Text 31: You do not know what a dangerous position you have accepted by promising to give Him land. I do not think that this promise is good for you. It will bring great harm to the demons.

Text 32: This person falsely appearing as a brahmacārī is actually the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, who has come in this form to take away all your land, wealth, beauty, power, fame and education. After taking everything from you, He will deliver it to Indra, your enemy.

Text 33: You have promised to give Him three steps of land in charity, but when you give it He will occupy the three worlds. You are a fool! You do not know what a great mistake you have made. After giving everything to Lord Viṣṇu, you will have no means of livelihood. How then shall you live?

Text 34: Vāmanadeva will first occupy the three worlds with one step, then He will take His second step and occupy everything in outer space, and then He will expand His universal body to occupy everything. Where will you offer Him the third step?

***

Text 35: You will certainly be unable to fulfil your promise, and I think that because of this inability your eternal residence will be in hell.

Text 36: Learned scholars do not praise that charity which endangers one’s own livelihood. Charity, sacrifice, austerity and fruitive activities are possible for one who is competent to earn his livelihood properly. [They are not possible for one who cannot maintain himself.]

Text 37: Therefore one who is in full knowledge should divide his accumulated wealth in five parts — for religion, for reputation, for opulence, for sense gratification and for the maintenance of his family members. Such a person is happy in this world and in the next.

Text 38: One might argue that since you have already promised, how can you refuse? O best of the demons, just take from me the evidence of the Bahvṛca-śruti, which says that a promise is truthful preceded by the word om and untruthful if not.

Text 39: The Vedas enjoin that the factual result of the tree of the body is the good fruits and flowers derived from it. But if the bodily tree does not exist, there is no possibility of factual fruits and flowers. Even if the body is based on untruth, there cannot be factual fruits and flowers without the help of the bodily tree.

Text 40: When a tree is uprooted it immediately falls down and begins to dry up. Similarly, if one doesn’t take care of the body, which is supposed to be untruth — in other words, if the untruth is uprooted — the body undoubtedly becomes dry.

Text 41: The utterance of the word om signifies separation from one’s monetary assets. In other words, by uttering this word one becomes free from attachment to money because his money is taken away from him. To be without money is not very satisfactory, for in that position one cannot fulfill one’s desires. In other words, by using the word om one becomes poverty-stricken. Especially when one gives charity to a poor man or beggar, one remains unfulfilled in self-realization and in sense gratification.

Text 42: Therefore, the safe course is to say no. Although it is a falsehood, it protects one completely, it draws the compassion of others toward oneself, and it gives one full facility to collect money from others for oneself. Nonetheless, if one always pleads that he has nothing, he is condemned, for he is a dead body while living, or while still breathing he should be killed.

Text 43: In flattering a woman to bring her under control, in joking, in a marriage ceremony, in earning one’s livelihood, when one’s life is in danger, in protecting cows and brahminical culture, or in protecting a person from an enemy’s hand, falsity is never condemned.

***

This is typical Brahmin speak from Shukracharya. He is like a lawyer advising a client who is shortly going to get an adverse verdict unless he retracts his statements. The course of life is such that a hero like Bali will never retract what he has said, even if he knows it was foolhardy to give such a promise.

***

॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥