SANKARA'S ATMA BODHA STANZA 2

 

SANKARA’S ATMA BODHA    STANZA 2

Vedanta   can be called as the science of life. It is an explanation of the art of living. It points to the perfect  goal of  existence and offers  various methods by which sincere aspirants can succeed in their pilgrimage. The teacher, therefore, has to descend to the level of the student as the goal transcends the normal levels of experience. He has to use the vocabulary from the everyday  language  and  present  them strangely dressed up  in special  significances. The golden key that unlocks the divine knowledge is to be seen in books like ATMA BODHA that explains thoroughly the categories in Vedanta. In the introductory stanza, the advocate of Adwaita, Sankara, prescribes certain criteria or qualifications for the spiritual aspirant who wish to take up the study of his text.

                                         Bodhonya  Sadhanebhyo  hi  Sakshan- Mokshaikasadhanam

                                         Pakasya Vahnivat-Gyanam  Vina  Moksho  na sidhyati.

Just as the fire is the direct cause for cooking, without Knowledge of the Self no liberation or emancipation is possible. In comparison with various forms of discipline, Knowledge of the Self is the one direct means for liberation.

In the previous stanza, Sankara   prescribes  ATMA BODHA to those who have performed Tapas and those who have warded off their sins through austerities. He wants the aspirant to have  developed  Santam or Peace in his heart.  He must also have eschewed the temptations of the Senses. Finally, he must have an insatiable desire for liberation. All these traits are very rare in mortal men.  It is quite likely that people may mistake and feel that the above mentioned qualities are enough for the attainment of Knowledge of the Self. To remove that misunderstanding,  Sankara  affirms that the Knowledge of the Self  alone is the one direct means for liberation. Austerities, tapas, peace of mind and heart, rituals, absence of sin,  control over the senses, and a burning desire for  liberation  can never bring Knowledge of the Self. They are at best helpful factors for spiritual growth. By themselves , they can never lead  directly to liberation. Liberation takes place when one realizes  the  true Knowledge of our existence.  In other words , one  has to rediscover the glory of  his Self.

 Sankara, in this and in every other stanza, drives home the point through excellent and striking similes. Cooking food is a multiple process. We have to secure vegetables, clean them, cut them according to our need, keep ready rice, pulses, spices and other materials required. These are contributory  factors  but can never  constitute food.  It is FIRE that cooks these ingredients in to palatable food. Hence Fire is the direct cause.  In the same manner austerities, rituals, tapas, charity, calmness, purity, control of senses, discrimination of the Real and the unReal , are the means towards the end, but by themselves do not lead one to Knowledge of the self.  “UPANISHADITI BRAHMA VIDYA- the Upanishad is defined  as BRAHMA VIDYA , the Knowledge of the Self .  Brahman is synonymous to the Atma or the SELF.  SO Sankara’s ATMA BODHA is practically the teachings of the Upsnishads put in very simple words and examples as against the abstruse descriptions of the SELF in the Upanishads.

 Chapter one of  ISAVASYA  UPANISHAD  describes the SELF in these words:  “ The SELF is unmoving, indivisible; It is swifter than thought. The senses never reach it, as it is ever ahead of them.  Though  standing still it out strips those who run. And  in it does the moving spirit support the  activities of man. (4)”

It moves and it moves not; It is far and likewise near. It is inside of all this, and it is outside of all this.” (5)

 

 

                                   ADI SANKARACHARYA’S   ATMA BODHA

                                                   QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE STUDY OF THE TEXT

Tapobhih  Kshina  papanam  Santanam  Vitaraginam

Mumukshunam  Apekshyoyam   Atma bodho vidhiyathe

 

Sankara himself prescribes certain qualifications and criteria for the student who wants to study and attain the KNOWLWDGE OF THE SELF OR ATMA BODHA.  It is not as if anyone can read the text and understand and realize Knowledge. Being the highest Knowledge, those who want to attain it should have very high qualifications to understand. An elementary class student cannot sit in a class of research and feel at home. The syllabus will be different and difficult and the aspirant will feel like a fish out of water. A proper maturity of mind is essential for understanding the Vedantic principles enunciated by the great teacher Sankara. The qualities required to approach ATMA BODHA are very difficult to attain. Unless one has these qualities it is impossible to think of attaining KNOWLEDGE of the self! What are those qualities and who are those blessed individuals that can attain the knowledge of the self? Sankara clearly states in the first stanza of his great work the types of people who are eminently suited to acquire the Knowledge of the self. Sankara says:

                               “I compose the ATMA BODHA, the treatise of the Knowledge  of the SELF for those who have purified themselves by austerities and are peaceful in heart and calm, who are free from cravings and are desirous of liberation.”

There are four types of individuals in society. 1 people in sorrow and difficulties who want relief (Arthi) 2 those who want money and other things ( Artharthi) 3 Jignasu ( Pious and theistic) and 4 Mumukshu  (seeker of liberation or Moksha)  Atma Bodha  is, therefore, intended for one who wants emancipation  of the individuality from all its sense of bondage. Not only this, the four requisites are 1 the discrimination of the Real and the un Real; 2 Detachment from the  unreal ; 3 goodness and calmness; 4  compelling desire for Self re discovery. Evidently, Atma Bodha is not intended for the ordinary common man. He does not know what Tapas is. He is a blend of all the sins committed knowingly or unwittingly. He is devoid of peace or santam  because of worries and difficulties. He is buffeted by waves of desires and other senses. Last of all he is drowned in the sea of samsara and dragged down by the attachments he has developed.  He never thinks of emancipation or moksha or liberation.

Knowledge can be attained through reading books. But knowledge without proper application is useless. Mere book knowledge is utterly useless in the study of philosophy when the man enters the field of activity. An earnest seeker should digest the knowledge  gained  until it grows into convictions fit to be turned into actions.  Living in self control and an attempt to evolve into a diviine being is termed as Tapas. All spiritual activities like pilgrimage, fasting, japa, Dhyana and others  are different types of Tapas. They help in the reduction of sins.  So Atma Bodha, according to Sankara, is for one who has reduced his wrong tendencies through tapas, who has achieved more mental calmness, who has controlled  his desires, and  who is a sincere seeker of liberation from personal bondage.

 As the subject of the Text is ATMA BODHA or KNOWLEDGE OF THE SELF, it requires a standard of personality in the student. It does not disqualify the student from reading the text.  But he has to develop the qualities needed to read the text and understand it. Whoever equips himself with the needed qualities is welcome to the study and understanding of ATMA BODHA.

ADI SANKARA,S ATMA BODHA

 

                                                           ATMA BODHA OF SRI ADI  SANKARA

 

Adi  Sankara  is one of the greatest of ancient philosophers and poets. It is he that established the  Adwaita School of philosophy. He propagated the thought of the Vedas and the Upanishads that there is only the Brahman and nothing else. All other Gods with names and forms are but the manifestations of the Brahman. He is also called “ Shanmata sthapanacharya” ie one who brought the six paths of worship. He showed the people the way to worship the Gods Surya ( Sauram), Ganesha (Ganapatyam), Sakthi ( Saktam),  Vishnu (Vaishnavam), Siva (Saivam) and  Kumaraswami ( Kaumaram). Though he was the champion of Adwaita or non dualism, he composed numerous stotras  on  these deities to inculcate devotion among people. Apart from these, Sankara’s commentaries on our spiritual texts are famous. His ‘Bhajagovindam ‘ ‘Kanaka dhara Stotram,’ are very popular among the common people. His magnum opus “ SOUNDARYA LAHARI” is a classical poetic extravaganza  wherein he pours out his deep devotion to the Universal Mother Kameswari! At a later stage, Sankara embarked on introducing the theme of Vedanta to the young spiritual aspirants. One such attempt is his work on ATMA BODHA!

The thought content of ATMA BODHA is fully drawn from the Upanishads. These Upanishadic  ideas are “strung together  on the chord of his poetry, interspersed with his exquisite similes. This wonderful garland so offered by Sankara to adorn Mother Sruti is ATMA BODHA! Says Swami  Chinmayananda. It is a pity that modern man is totally drowned in the sea of Samsara or family life. His attachment to his wife, children, property and other illusory things drags him  down . He is incapable of thinking  about anything else. Under the influence of Maya he considers the real as unreal and the unreal as real. He is unable to devote any time to contemplate on ATMA or SOUL.  Is it not important for man to know why he is born on this earth and what is expected of him during his mortal existence? Is there no difference between him and the animals that eat, reproduce and die? Should he not, for a while, reflect on the purpose of his life which is temporary and likely to end sooner or later?

 Unfortunately, man thinks that he is the body!  Greatest importance is given to the body and its various activities!  He is unmindful of the ATMA or the Soul that is embedded in the innermost recess of heart. This Atma is responsible for all the actions of the body and its organs! It is the root cause of ‘ chaitanya’ or awareness  of the body. ATMA is the indweller of every creature in the universe and it is a grave mistake not to know its significance in human life.  Sankara offers this Knowledge of the Atma through his ATMA BODHA. When you say “ it is my hand” you are separate and your hand is separate! You are not the hand.  But the hand is yours. This ‘MY’ is the ATMA which is your true nature. Atma is formless, nameless, colorless, and odorless. It is indestructible, eternal.  But the body has a form, name, color, smell .It is temporary and destined to die! The Lord, in the Bhagavadgita, explains to doubting Arjuna, the cardinal difference between the body and the ATMA. After this revelation, Arjuna  readies  himself to fight and kill the Kauravas on the battlefield of Kurukshetra!

ATMA BODHA is the panacea for all the modern ills of society! The sorrows and troubles that man experiences, caught in the inextricable web of birth and death ,  can be mitigated and removed through the Knowledge of the Real Nature of ATMA. But, it is a pity and a tragedy that no real attempt is made by most of the generation. But it is not an easy task. It requires “Scientific  detachment, honest observation, logical conclusion,  and heroic decision  to overcome the trials and tribulations of life.

ATMA BODHA is a blend of sixty eight stanzas full of suggestions!  Every stanza  has a picturesque and striking  simile that tests your thinking. The examples are  like ‘hammer strokes that  nail the elusive  Vedantic  ideals’  on the spiritual student  novices. The examples are pregnant with suggestions and it is no wonder that to contemplate upon them is, in itself,  a profitable meditation for the aspirants!

MOKSHA OR EMANCIPATION

 

Every individual born on earth is expected to achieve Four important things in life. They are called the “PURUSHARTHAS.” They are 1 Dharma or righteousness 2 Artha or earning wealth 3 Kama or Desire and finally 4 Moksha  or Emancipation. In fact that is the basis for the life of man on earthI . it is also the purpose for which man is born. Man is expected to lead a life of Dharma or righteousness laid down by the Vedas and other scriptures. He should do things prescribed by the Vedas and avoid those prohibited. Artha means money. It is impossible to live without Money and one has to earn money for his livelihood. Sikshavalli  of Taittiriya Upanishad ordains, “ Satyam vada, Dharmam chara, swadhyayaan pramadaha,  Achaaryapriyam dhanamahrutya..”---Speak the Truth always; Follow Dharma; Do not neglect reading the Vedas; Lead a Vedic life following the path of Satya and Dharma. In other words, all earnings should be in accordance with Satya and Dharma.  

Kama means Desire or Wish.  For every aspect of life Dharma should be the basis. Money has to be earned in a righteous manner, not in devious ways. Similarly all desires must be satisfied according to the rules laid down in Dharma. In fact desires are too many and man is never satiated when a desire is fulfilled. One desire leads to another and there is no end for it! Man in this world is the victim of multiple unquenched desires! His craving has no end at all He is ready to go to any extent to satisfy his desires! This attitude leads to his ultimate doom. But a desire according to Dharma shall surely satisfy him and  lead  to progress. So man has to follow the path of Dharma, earn his wealth through the principles of righteousness, and at the same time satisfy his desires according to the tenets of Dharma! Any deviation from the path of Dharma is taboo and looked down upon

The last and final aspect of Man’s life on earth is Moksha or emancipation or salvation. Many definitions are prevalent on it. It is believed that Moksha  is a state obtained after death! It is also said that Moksha is a state of supreme bliss unperturbed by any mundane disturbances and troubles. It is all imagination and we do not have any evidence to know what it is! None has come down to earth to explain what Moksha  is after enjoying it! People believe that a good person, pious and religious, devoted to God and one who serves humanity selflessly shall surely attain Moksha or salvation. Bhagawan Sri Sri Satya Saibaba  gives a wonderful definition for the word Moksha! “ Moha kshaya is Moksha, ie  giving up attachment is liberation. When you gradually reduce attachment, that itself leads you to liberation

Most of us are unfit to attain Moksha because we are unable to achieve Moha Kshaya or reduce our attachments! From the child’s birth attachments add on to it. Even as it grows up these attachments increase in leaps and bounds. Involved in his material existence, man increases his burden of attachments and finds it extremely difficult to get rid of it! He is immersed in the inextricable cycle of Samsara or family life. His attachment to his wife, children, kith and kin, property weigh him down  and there is absolutely no chance for him to think of anything else, leave alone Moksha! Under the illusion of Maya he thinks that he is right while it is not so! As long as this “ mamakara” or attachment persists there is no chance of obtaining Moksha  or emancipation. One of the Azwars describes samsara or family life as a great ocean.  Desire is the waters of the ocean!  The wind of love and lust has roused the waves in the ocean! Wife is the moat! Sons are the alligators ready to swallow! Samsara is a great Ocean “ mahati  jaladhau”!  O Lord! Grant me the boat of Bhakthi to cross it”

Does it mean that Man can never attain Moksha because he is drowned in the sea of Samsara?  No! The majority of people in the world are involved in their material existence and are not bothered about moksha or salvation. But here and there, a class of rare men spring up with amazing qualities of non attachment, devotion, piety, determination, and commitment for selfless service to humanity!  A child Dhruva who left everything for the vision of Lord Vishnu, child Prahlada the ardent devotee of Sri Hari and the son of the inveterate enemy of Vishnu are perfect examples of pure non attachment or Vairagya!  There are many more illustrious people like the sage Valmiki who from being a robber,  transformed himself into the Adi Kavi of the Ramayana!  In our own days we have the great Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the epitome of Non attachment  and a model for selfless service to humanity! Saint Sri Thyagaraja is another example of one with family but who transcended all family responsibilities in his tapas on Sri Rama! There is absolutely no doubt that these eminent personalities have attained MOKSHA because of their Non attachment!!

 

                                                                     YOU YOURSELF ARE GOD

\         “ You yourself are God: There is no need  to search for Him anywhere” declares Bhagawan Sri Sri Sathya Saibaba. We are all very happy to think that we are God Himself. Outwardly it gives us great pleasure to think and imagine that we are equal to that indescribable entity called God. To compare ourselves to God who is formless and without attributes is very difficult. The God we know has many forms and names. God has wonderful powers. He is called the creator, protector and destroyer also. How can these qualities apply to us?  The Upanishads proclaim that Atma or Soul is the Brahman. “ ayamatma  Brahma”—This Atma is Brahman. Again the Upanishad confirms, “ Aham Brahmasmi”—I myself am Brahman. Being mortals as we are it is intriguing to think that we are God Himself! Then why does Swami declare that you yourself are God? In what way can we accept that we are God? We have to go a little deeper to understand the statement of Swami.

The very purpose of man on earth is to realize himself.  In other words he has to realize that he is not the body that is destroyed ultimately but the Atma or Soul that is eternal, indestructible and without attributes. The pity is that man identifies himself with the body rather than the soul. He is always concerned about his body but not the Atma embedded in the innermost recess of his heart. A simple logic establishes that the body and soul are different and separate. When you say” This is my hand”  hand  is separate and you are separate. You are not the hand. You are the owner of the hand. That owner is the Atma  or Soul that is the root cause of all action or ‘chaitanya’.  Arjuna is baffled on the battlefield of Kurukshetra  on  seeing his own kith and kin and mentors .He lays down his Gandiva and arrows and refuses to kill his own brothers and gurus! He does not want to enjoy the bloody meal.  He prefers sanyasa  to such a gory deed. It is then the Lord admonishes Arjuna and explains to him the nature of the Atma or Soul and the body. “ Naim chindantisastrani nainam dahati pavaka….” Atma cannot be wounded by arms or burnt by fire. It cannot be made wet or dried by air . It is indestructible, eternal as opposed to the transient and perishable body. Arjuna’ doubts vanish and he rises to do his Swadharma, the duty of a Kshatriya.

We are under the illusion that we are independent and act accordingly. Not a single act of ours is independent! Everything is dictated by the Atma or Soul that is present in everyone in the universe. Our Indtriyas do their activities egged on by the Atma  or Soul that is equated to the Brahman of the Upanishad. The Upanishad asserts  “ the eyes see not but That by which the eyes are made to see, know that as the Brahman. The ears hear not but That by which the ears are made to hear know that as the Brahman. We are all enveloped by Maya or illusion and it is impossible to get rid of it. Under its influence  we cosider the right as wrong and the wrong as right, The cycle of samsara has led man to a materialistic existence devoid of the thought of God.  He considers life on earth as permanent  forgetting that the frail body has to fall sooner or later. There is no time for him to think of God and the significance of the Atma in the body which is Brahman itself! The understanding should dawn upon man that he is not the body but a chip of the same block namely God Himself!

We must understand that the Atma or God  Or Soul in our body is the same in all the creatures in the universe. God is the cause of chaitanya or any form of activity. “ Ekah Paratma bahudehavarthi” say our sastras. Like the clay that forms into different pots and sizes, gold that forms into different jewels, and milk that is collected from different cows, the original object is the same. Atma is ONE but it resides in different bodies. We attach importance to the forms and bodies but not the Atma within! That is the root cause of all trouble. Atma  or God or Brahman has no form, color, name, or any attachment!  It is immortal, eternal! We are deeply attached to our families, kith and kin and property! That prevents us from realizing the Atma or God. The best way to realize  oneself is to detach yourself from these material bonds! But it is not very easy to achieve. Desires have to be curtailed. The effect of the inner adversaries or Arishadvargas has to be annulled or controlled to the maximum to come near god realization.

The company of sadhus and devotees will go a long way in developing the most important quality of Detachment. Compassion for all and service to the needy and the downtrodden is nothing but service to God who is in their hearts! Service to others helps in removing your ego or Ahankara! Over indulgence in family life should be avoided. Japa or repetition of God’s name or chanting shall help in concentration on God which shall surely lead to realization of God .The story of sage Valmiki, who transformed himself into “Adi Kavi” of the Ramayana is a classical example!  Let us, therefore, try to realize what we are and recognize the Divinity in us and improve it further for our own emancipation!!!!

ON DIVINITY

 What is Divinity and how to understand it? “ If you want to understand Divinity, you should have the firm faith that Divinity is everywhere. There is no place or object without Divinity.” declares Bhagawan Sri Sri Satya Sai baba. In fact entire creation is the act of God and hence it is Divine. Man has Divinity in himself but rarely recognizes it! He is a combination of Divine and asuric impulses. As William Wordsworth says “ Like trailing clouds of glory do we come from God who is our home.” The spark of Divinity in man is encircled by various other sheaths or layers that make it impossible for him to realize! The formidable inner adversaries viz the “ Arishadvargas” like Kama, Krodha and others suppress  the inherent Divinity in man! Hence, to a very large extent, man becomes the slave of these passions and strays away from the path of divinity. He walks the path of materialism, the path of samsara, family life full of incessant troubles! There is not even an attempt to understand his own divinity or the divinity in the entire universe and objects. It is because of this lack of understanding that humanity is caught in the inextricable web difficulties and dangers! Thus man hates another man, hates another religion, language attacks another language ending up chaos and confusion!

The life principle in man, animal, beast, bird, and every other creature is one and the same! This  is otherwise called as the Soul or Atma. Every being in the universe is blessed with this life giving principle!  In spite of his knowledge and other qualifications, man refuses to recognize this essential principle in other beings and hence all differences and difficulties. When once we recognize this life principle or divinity in every  being and creature , we become one with all! Forms, appearances, qualities, feelings, emotions and many more things may differ but we belong to the same group of divinity! When we pay respects to elders we are respecting the divinity in them not because they are aged!  That is the spirit of respect. Our ancients offered their respects to hills and dales, streams and rivers, trees and shrubs, even birds and beasts recognizing specifically the principle of divinity in them! Modern civilized man is far from doing so! Rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Cauveri, Brahmaputra are considered as divine and worshipped! Snakes too are considered divine and worshipped! Nature with all its glory and variety is the manifestation of God and hence divine!

A single object can take many forms and names. Names and forms differ but the essential thing remains the same. Lost in these forms and names we forget the essential thing. “ Mruthpinda eko bahu bhanda rupaha suvarna mekam bahu bhushanani gokshiramekam bahudhenu jatam ekah Parathma bahudeha varthi” The clay is one and the  same but pots are many and of different forms! Gold is the same but ornaments are many and of different names and shapes! Cow's milk is one and the same but it is from many different cow’s! Similarly the Atma or the life giving principle or Soul is one and the same but it is manifest in every single creature in the universe!

Man is under the illusion that he is the body! He doesn’t recognize the eternal, indestructible Atma embedded in the innermost recess of his body! He attaches more importance to his body and its acts, neglects totally the significance of the Soul! That is because he is in the grip of Maya which makes things appear real which are actually unreal! Maya lures man into thinking that unreal things are real! It is the chief reason for man's non recognition of divinity in the other person or animal or other things! The very purpose of human birth is to realize himself! What does that mean? In short, he has to realize that that he is not the frail, transitory, destructible body but the eternal, indestructible, Atma! As such  divinity is present in every creature and being that has been created by gracious God!

Man has crossed all bounds of decency and behavior in hating others and creating difficulties for himself and others! He mercilessly kills others and murders without compassion! He butchers animals without any compunction and feeds himself with their flesh! He doesn’t leave birds and snakes but makes them his food regularly! He cuts off trees without understanding that they weep even as he cuts them! Man has become so selfish and materialistic that he tramples everything under his foot and destroys for the sake of his benefit! The world has become poorer because of man's non recognition of divinity in other creatures and things! It is of paramount importance that man should realize his own Self and also the spark of divinity in every other being, creature and things! Peace and happiness shall prevail in the world if only Man recognizes his own divinity and that of every other creatures and things!

ON SACRIFICE

 “ Take to the path of Sacrifice… Sacrifice is verily God.” declares Bhagawan Sri Sri Satya Sai baba. Human existence is wound inextricably with sacrifice. It is impossible to live without sacrificing something for the other. The quality of Sacrifice is innate in every human being and even in animals. But many are not aware of this rare and precious quality. It is almost forgotten. Chances and opportunities for sacrifice do not present themselves in the lives of many individuals. As such the quality of sacrifice lies dormant and is totally neglected! Mother is the very embodiment of sacrifice. From the time of conceiving the child she sacrifices many things for the sake of her future baby! She bears the fetus in her womb for full nine months till it is delivered! She totally devotes her time, body, mind and everything for the wellbeing of the child growing in her womb! It is not an easy thing to conceive and bear a child! Sometimes it is a

 question of life and death for the mother! Her body, and mind changes and suffers to the maximum during the period of bearing the child! All these changes are borne by her in the hope that she would be bringing into the world a new, vibrant life, a son, a daughter, or a heir to her family! Though she blames her husband for making her life so painful, she is very happy at the sight of the new born and forgets all the misery and pain she has endured! She has taken the role of the Creator and brought forth  a new human being! Her happiness at this task of creation is more than a match for her patience, labor  and all other sufferings she has undergone! The statement of the Taittiriya Upanishad thus gains very great significance: “ Mathru Devo Bhava.” One who sacrifices everything for the sake of her child, no doubt, is equal to God the Creator! “ Like trailing clouds of glory do we come to God who is our home” says William Wordsworth!

We call Sacrifice “Thyaga” in Sanskrit language. Thyaga has to be done for a noble and lofty cause. Giving up certain common, ordinary things for other things cannot be called Thyaga. Preferring coffee to tea is never a sacrifice! Dedicating your heart and soul, energy and thought for an impersonal, universal benefit can be called real Thyaga or Sacrifice. How to attain immorttality being mortals that we are? The Upanishad declares very emphatically. Is it your deeds that can make you immortal?  Is it your people who can help you in making you immortal? Is it your riches and wealth that brings you immortality? All these thing can never turn a mortal into an immortal The Upanishad proclaims “ Na karmana na prajaya na dhanena thyage naikena amrutatwa masnusaha.” It is by sheer Tyaga that one attains immortality, not by one's deeds, people or riches! Civilizations have come and gone. Generations of people have dis appeared. We do not remember them all.They have died unhonoured, unwept and un sung! But in between we come across a being who makes a difference by his new flash of thought, and is ready to  die for the sake of his country and the wellbeing of humanity!! Actually he dies for others!  

 As Swami Vivekananda observes “He lives who lives for others!” That is called immortality. It is not necessary to live for a hundred or more years. It is impossible to live for long on this earth. Life is short. But within the short span of our life, we should conduct ourselves in such a way that we are remembered for ever and not eternally forgotten! In short, we should not be living dead but dead and living! That is immortality due to Tyaga or Sacrifice!

Indian History is full of persons who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the country from the clutches of British imperialism. The name of Mohandas Karam chand Gandhi should be inscribed in Golden letters. But for him India wouldn’t have secured freedom easily! He was a votary of truth. He had an iron will determination to free the country and worked day and night for the purpose! He sacrificed his barrister profession and plunged into politics! He led the freedom fighters from the front. He was jailed many a time and beaten and manhandled! But his imperturbability and perseverance as well as his indomitable will brought a bloodless revolution and made India free! His Satyagraha became the watchword for the liberation of India! Let us sacrifice our lives for the sake of the country or for any Nobel cause that may benefit the entire universe! Hi honey bunny

SIGNIFICANCE OF BODY

 Of all the wonderful creations of Almighty in the universe the human body is the best and the most complicated! Of course, various forms of Nature, the magnificent mountains, mighty trees, dense jungles, cool flowing rivers, different kinds of birds and flowers, the blue sky above us, the oceans that blow their waves tirelessly day in and day out, and spectacular varieties of animals amaze us if only we think about them for a while. That is why William Wordsworth, the Nature poet of England said in one of his poems: “ Let Nature be your teacher!” Whenever we think about our body, a conglomeration of nerves, muscles, bones, tissues, blood, and the interconnection between all these with the vital organ the heart, we are astounded at the artistic brilliance of the master architect, namely God! The material is one and the same. But how many kinds of human beings have come out of His magic hand! Not a single person is similar to the other! Physical aspects are different, conduct and character are not the same, colors are not equal, attitudes, mentalities do not agree but all human beings , men and women  have the same organs adjusted to their biological functions! It is a kind of jugglery that the Providence indulged in for the sake of His Pleasure! 

Why does Good take up this onerous task of creating human beings? Is it for the purpose of enjoyment and suffering on the earth that God has created men and women? Our scriptures say that human beings are inextricably caught in the eternal cycle of life and death and Samsara or family life! Birth takes place according to ones good or bad deeds in his previous existence. Thus he enjoys or suffers as a consequence of his acts in the previous birth! Man is the Pinnacle of God's creation and hence there should be a definite purpose for which he is created. There is no point in being involved in procreation, eating and dying. Everyone lives, including animals and other creatures but man is totally different from these animals and creatures! He has reason and commonsense and cannot afford to waste his time in useless pursuits! Our scriptures have ordained that the body has to be preserved perfectly for all actions that it performs. What exactly is the duty of the body? “ Sareera madyam khalu Dharma sadhanam”  The body is given to perform Dharma or practice righteousness! It is not to enjoy and getwhile away time in material pleasures, and get oneself  drowned in the shorelees sea of Samsara or family life! 

Providence has endowed man with wonderful gifts to make his life comfortable, worthy, noble and happy. He has given the “ Karmendriyas” organs of action--Our limbs, eyes, ears, speech, nose, mouth and above all our mind, the seat of intellect. The Senses corresponding to these indriyas or organs are  “Sabda, Sparsa, Rupa, Rasa,and Gandha” These five senses correspond to the five elements—the sky, earth, fire, water and wind or air. That is why the body is called “ Pancha bhauthika”—made up of the Five Elements! The Karmendryas are  directed by the senses and involve themselves in various actions, good or bad. But Unfotunately, more often than not, man leans towards the bad rather than the good! Our indriyas are compared to horses that go into gallop! If we lose control over them, accidents cannot be avoided. Man's intellect or Buddhi comes into the picture and with this bridle chain he can control and tame the galloping indriyas! We see things that we should not see; hear things that should not be heard; do things that are not expected to be done, think what we shouldn’t think, desire forbidden things!! In short, God given sacred and beautiful body is being abused and misused! Man doesn’t think for a moment that he is using the body against the purpose for which it is created!

“ Man has to consider every limb and organ in the body given to him by God as sacred and make proper use of it!” declares Bhagawan Sri Sri Satya Sai Baba. First of all, most of us fail to think that our limbs and organs are  sacred! We think that we can make use of our organs according to our will and pleasure!  God has also given us the Arishadvargas , our inner enemies. These unseen enemies are primarily responsible for the misdeeds and evil activities we do. Our desires can never be satiated and one leads to the other and there is no end! Our family ties and attachments lead us to more and more indiscretions.  Anger, greed, arrogance hatred add fuel to fire and we are easily led into the mire. Therefore we have to be very careful in protecting our body, mind and the senses from the onslaught of these hidden enemies. Great sages, seers, and many others have realized the significance of the body and used it for their spiritual upliftment and salvation! The job of controlling the inner enemies is a very formidable one. It requires amazing effort and determination but worthwhile in the end! How to achieve this  mastery over our enemies embedded in our nature? This is not impossible provided we persist in our endeavor!

 “ When you develop love for God, you will have fear of Sin and consequently there will be morality in society.” says  Swami in his discourses. Don’t have too many desires, less luggage more comfort makes  travel a pleasure.” All actions of ours should be dedicated to God. As Adi Sankara says all our acts of the body and the mind should be considered as worshipping God! “ Yad yad karma karomi tathadakhilam Sambho tavaradhanam!” The Azwars and Nayanmars in the south are good examples for unflagging devotion to God. They had completely surrendered themselves to the Divine Will! Sri Kulasekhara Azwar,  in his classic “ Mukundamala” clearly explains what every organ of the body is expected to do. “Jihve! Kirthaya Kesavam Muraripum chetho! Bhaja Sridharam  Panidwanda! Samarchayachyuta kathah Srotradwaya! Twam srunu Krishnam d lokaya lochanadwaya! Harer gacchanghri yugmalayam  Jighra ghrana Mukunda pada tulasim Murdhan! Namadhokshajam!  Sri Kulasekhara Azwar addresses every organ of our body and asks it to involve itself in the worship of God! “ O Tongue! Sing in praise of Kesava and  the enemy of Mura! O Mind! Worship Sridhara!  O the pair of hands!  Offer archana or puja! O Ears!  Listen to the stotras in praise of God! O Eyes! Look at Lord Krishna! O the pair of Legs! Walk along to the temple of Hari! O Nose! Smell the Tulasi at the lotus feet of Mukunda! O Head! Bow down and offer pranam to Adhikshaja!!” Let us understand the significance of our body and utilize it properly.  Let us not while away our time in useless pursuits and suffer untold miseries!

REDUCE YOUR WANTS

 “Reduce your wants to the minimum” exhorts Bhagawan Sri Sri Satya Sai Baba. Easier said than done!  Is it possible for an ordinary mortal to limit his wants? It requires very great grit and determination to practice it. Even in doing so there can be many pitfalls! It is almost impossible to limit or cutail one's wants! One want leads to the other and that again leads to next and so on! It is absolutely impossible to live without wants! God has created human beings endowing them with certain tendencies that act against him if utilized wrongly! These embedded qualities in human nature are the inner adversaries that work havoc if not used judiciously. They are called “ Arishadvargas.” These are double edged and can make or mar man in society! These six enemies of man are Kama or desire or want, Krodha or anger, Lobha of miserliness, Moha or attachment, Mada or arrogance and pride and Matsarya or jealousy or hatred! There is no single individual in the universe bereft of these inner enemies! It seems that God has given these feelings to man to test if any one, at least, will be in a position to control these inner adversaries and rise above ordinary mortal!

The first and foremost  adversary of man is Kama or desire or want! There is no life if there is no desire or want. All actions are dependent on your desire! The child wants a number of toys. It is not satisfied and wants more. As the child grows up it wants better playthings. Next it requires a bicycle. Next the desire  for a two wheeler, and next for a four wheeler and next what? There is no end for one's wants! Man's life is inextricably intertwined with more and more wants good or bad! One important desire of man is to live for long! He wants to live for ever! No person wants to die Young! He wants to live with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren! Not only that- he wants to see his Grand and great grand children married and see their children!! But everyone is conscious that our life is short and we have no control over our longevity! Dharmaraja was asked to name the most surprising thing in the world. He said that despite seeing others die everyday, people think that they would live for ever! That is the most surprising thing!

Kama or Desire can be either for something good or bad! Choice is given to man to opt for the former or latter. Man has to exercise his intellect and choose what is good for him. Otherwise he will be doomed! If he is wise he will choose the good or else he will have to suffer. Desire for God, spirituality and company of sadhus and good people shall elevate him to the next higher level of existence! On the other hand, desire for an ordinary mortal existence with family, children and property shall drown him  in the eternal sea of Samsara! Desire or Kama or Want has multiple effects. Sri Krishna in the “ Bhagavadgita”. Explains how desire leads to the ultimate doom of the individual.  “ Sangath sanjayathe kamaha kamath krodhabhi jayathe krodhathbhavathi sammohaha sammohath smruthi vibhramaha smruthi bhramsath buddhi naso buddhi nasath pranasyathi”—(chapter2 sloka 62,63) Desire emanates on one's interest. When the desire is not fulfilled man grows angry. Anger causes attachment or vyamoha. This , in turn  destroys remembrance! Worst of all, that destroys the intellect! That leads to the fall of man!!

It is not as if modern man alone is the victim of these inner adversaries, particularly, Kama or desire! Our puranas and Itihasas are replete with incidents where great Kings and sages were undone because of their Kama or desire! It was a want for the  wrong thing that made them suffer! King Nahusha wanted to become the king of God’s Indra and performed sacrifices to become eligible for the post. His anxiety and desire to reach the place ruined him! He prodded one of the sages that carried him in the palanquin with his foot! The sage, infuriated, cursed King Nahusha to become a ‘sarpa'- python! King Trisanku had a  strange desire to reach Swarga or Heaven with his mortal body! He approached his Guru, Sage Viswamitra and expressed his wish. With his great power of penance, Viswamitra sent King Trisanku up into Heaven! But Trisanku was rejected and thrown down by the Gods as none can enter heaven with the physical body!! Legend says that Sage Viswamitra created a second Heaven to satisfy his disciple! This King Trisanku dangled between earth and Heaven! The story of Ravana in the epic the Ramayana is a classic example of desire annihilates the individual. Despite his erudition, devotion to Lord Siva, and  enviable power and position Ravana was mad after women! His lust for women didn’t allow him to leave any woman untouched! Thus he dug his own grave by kidnapping  Sita, wife of Rama! Evil desire when it becomes a passion destroys the person.

Thus desire or want for good things is preferable. When the want is for money, property and such material things it is better to limit it as much as possible. Unfortunately man has become a worshipper of Mammon! All troubles in society are because of man's mad rush for money! It is necessary for man to reduce his wants as much as possible. No doubt, it requires great determination and a sense of true detachment. The Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi is an illustration of one who had almost reduced his wants to the minimum! His life changed completely after reading the book “ Unto the Last” by John Ruskin. Let us try our best to reduce our wants and live a happy and contented life without suffering and difficulties!

THE GOOD MAN

 Who is a good person? It is an interesting question. Every one considers himself or herself as good! But it is the other individual who should say whether the concerned person is good or bad. What makes a person good or bad? Is the one with property good? Is the rich and affluent a good person? Is the one with character a good individual? Is their any hard and fast rule that declares an individual as good or bad? It is surprising to note that no individual considers himself as bad! Man is a combination of good and bad, right and wrong, divine and asurac qualities! No human being is totally good or bad! When good qualities predominate he is called good! That does not mean the person has no bad qualities! When evil qualities dominate, the person is called evil or bad! But that does not mean he is devoid of good qualities! The full moon which is cool and bright has a dark spot on it! The butcher who is so cruel to animals and kills them mercilessly is kind and affectionate to his wife and children! Our society is thus  a great cluster of diverse variety of people who generally think that are all good! It is their actions, conduct and character towards their fellow beings that reveal their goodness or evil nature!

“ Love for God; fear of sin and morality in society, these are the qualities that you have to develop. Then only you will be called a good person. Be good, do good and see good” declares Bhagawan Sri Sri Satya Sai Baba! We can consider these principles as the criteria for judging people and decide if they are good or bad. Our society has progressed to such an extent that it denies the existence of God! Many have become atheists and agnostics! Scientific advancement and technological explosion have made man think that he is God! He lands on the moon and visits Mars and tries to settle there! His success in science and technology has made him arrogant and over confident! Where is the question of “ Love for God.” Idols are stolen, smuggled for profit in foreign nations and temple lands are encroached upon systematically! Debates go on to establish whether God exists or not! That is the nature of the present society! But still a small section of society is religious, full of faith in God, His Omnipresence, Omnipotence and Omniscience! They are a small minority!

 Absence of love for God has led to loss of fear for sin! People consider all their actions as right! All the religions they profess have not helped them in following the path of righteousness or Dharma. The mandate of the Vedas “ Satyam Vada Dharmam Chara”—speak the Truth, act according to Dharma or righteousness is more practiced in the breach than in the observance! Bhagawan has repeatedly insisted on these two things in every man's life. “ Bhagavath Preethi and Papa Bheethi.” ie love for God and fear of Sin. But unfortunately man has no love for God while he has, absolutely, no fear of Sin!! Again and again he commits sin with impunity! What is this sin or 'Papa?' According to the great sage Sri Vedavyasa helping others is a holy act or ' Punya' and troubling others is Sin or ' Papa. Man has grown so selfish that he is prepared to go to any extent to satisfy his wants through devious ways. His wants being limitless he deceives others, cheats them, speaks untruth, abuses others, commits fraud, strays from the righteous path and worst of all commits murder to realize his desire! There is nothing that he doesn’t do for attaining his desires and wants! He totally forgets the purpose for which God has created him!

When there is no love for God and no fear of committing sin, it is impossible to expect morality from modern man! Society is totally marred by the immorality of its people! A country's greatness is based on the morality of its society! Our ancient civilizations were noted for the morality and prosperity of the people! But today the picture is totally different! Rapes, frauds, forgeries, loots, and murders are reported daily! We have fugitives like Mallya who after defrauding banks seeks asylum in England!  Nirav Modi and Choksi emulate Mallya and try to protect themselves! Our Government is trying its best to bring then back to face law! Younger generation are adrift and do not have proper direction! Women are no longer safe in many states! Women themselves have lost their moors and become more independent than necessary! They do not care for our great tradition and are carried away by modern trends of fashion in dress and costume! Where will these trends lead us to?

Religion, instead of uniting people, has divided them. There is religious fanaticism among Muslims and language fanaticism in the South! Hindi is disliked in the South even as Sanskrit is hated! We are all children of God and the same God dwells in all hearts! This simple Truth is not realized by people and there is no proper understanding between them! Man has conquered almost everything but it is a tragedy that he has not conquered himself! He is the victim of the inner adversaries that egg him on to commit do several misdeeds and accumulate maximum sin! Love of God shall make man pious and religious! He will understand that God is manifest in all the human beings, animals and creatures and nature! By loving God he will love all creatures and understand them all! He will be afraid of Sin that shall doom him eternally! This love for God and the universe shall put him in the path of Dharma or righteousness! He will be morally strong and hate to stray away from Dharma! In other words he earns the name of being a GOOD MAN!!

 

24th ASHTAPADI ---JAYADEVA

 In her supreme ecstasy and bliss after the much desired conjugal act, Radha wants Krishna to beautify her in the following manner and addresses Him in the following words!

“ O the Son of the Yadu clan! Create the picture of the leaves of “ Makarika plant” on my heavy breasts tha  t signify Manmatha's good wishes, with your lotus hands that are very cool like the sandal paste!”

“ O My Darling!  Apply collyrium to my eyes that defy the arrows of Manmatha! It is of different hues that mock the bees that have kissed my lips!”

“ O the Auspicious Krishna! Adorn my ears that are mobile like the deer with studs! They are like chords of Love God Manmatha!

“ O Krishna! My face is pure like the lotus flower! My locks of hair falling over my face are shining like the bees! They invite you for fun! Kindly comb them with love and affection!” 

“O Madhava! My full moon like forehead is full of particles of sweat! Apply beautifully a thick bindi of  “Mrigamada”  that defeats the dark spots of the moon!”

“O Madhava!! Adorn my locks of hair similar to the fan of Manmatha's flagpost! They have slipped and loosened themselves due to our blissful conjugal act! Not only that, they are dense like peacock feathers!”

“O Auspicious Krishna! Deck my strong and heavy buttocks similar to the neck of Manmatha’s elephant with waist girdle full of precious stones! Adorn them with dress and other ornaments!”

O the One with the most charming personality! This Gita Govinda wards off all sins through remembrance of the nectar of the lotus feet of Sri Hari! This composition of poet Jayadeva is replete with with” Sringara rasa”! Kindly let the Heart be full of compassion!

Before completing his classic  “Sringara kavya” Gita Govinda, speaks of his lineage. “ Let this Gita Govinda of Jayadeva, the son of Bbhoja Deva and Rama Devi, remain for ever in the memory of friends like sage Parasara and others!”

Concluding his Composition “ Gita Govinda” Jayadeva acclaims the greatness of his work!

“ O Honey in the flower! Don’t imagine that you can equal JAYADEVA’S skill in composition!  O Sugarcane! By nature you are hard! O Grape! Who will turn to your side? O Amrita! Your arrogance has fallen! You are equal to death! O Milk! Your pride has fallen! You have lost your essence! O Sweet Mango! Weeping is your only lot! O the lips of beautiful damsels! Forget your exuberance and hang your heads in shame! You can never equal the poetic and Sringara rasa of Jayadeva! Jayadeva's smart words are not only good but full of Sringara rasa or erotic expressions!”

I have made a sincere attempt to translate the Sanskrit  ASHTAPADIiS of Jayadeva for the benefit of those who do not know Sanskrit. Translations can never bring out the true spirit of the original!  I am very happy that I have brought out the meaning of the ASHTAPADIiS of Jayadeva for the public! The ASHTAPADIiS are sung in bhajans and Nama sankirthanas but their meaning is not understood or enjoyed!

“

23rd ASHTAPADI----JAYADEVA

 “Kshana madhuna Narayana anugata manusara Radhe..”

Radha and Madhava have now come together and their pangs of separation are things of the past! Their love for each other is heightened due to the temporary separation! In their heart is the unquenched desire for enjoyment and conjugal bliss!  Both Radha and Krishna are ready for love play and conjugal act! The ambience at the bush cottage is wonderful and conducive as it is Vasantakala and eminently suitable for the Divine Lover and Radha! Gita Govinda is a Sringara kavya and the poet enumerates in detail every single act and movement of the Divine Lover Krishna and His lovely damsel Radha! Jayadeva describes, in this ASHTAPADI, the fine words full of love and feelings addressed by Krishna to His paramour Radha during the conjugal act!

“ O Radha! Worship your favourable Narayana for a moment!  Place your lotus feet on the couch made up of tender sprouts! Let the bed made of tender sprouts experience its humiliation compared to your soft and delicate feet!”

“O Radha! I will support your lotus feet with my lotus palms!  You have come to me from a very long distance! Agree to place your ringing anklets on the couch!”

“O Radha! Speak favorably like the nectar oozing from the face of the moon! I will remove the dress on your chest like the sorrow caused by your separation!”

“O Radha! Place the heavy breasts in your unattainable great chest on my chest! They are egging me on for your warm embrace! Please be amenable and liberate me from this heat of Manmatha!”

“O Damsel!  Let me taste the sweetness of the amrita of your lips! I have suffered enough by the pangs of separation! I have always fixed you in my heart! I haven’t enjoyed any fun and I am your servant! In fact, I am equal to a dead person! Bring me back to life!” 

“ Supreme amongst the virgin women! O Radha! I Am polluted by the useless feeling of anger and yet you have looked at me with consideration! Come and have the conjugal act with me! Your eyes are closing themselves as if you are blushing! Leave off this sense of difference!”

“Let this ASHTAPADI composed by  poet Jayadeva that describes in every word the bliss of Krishna shall please the ' rasikas' because of the feelings of ' Srngara' embedded in it!” 

“ Radha’s chest grew red in color! It had marks of nails imprinted on it! Her eyes too grew red for want of proper sleep! Her lips were shorn of attraction! The flowers on her locks of hair slipped as they became loose! The girdle on her waist too loosened! Krishna lost Himself in Radha though it was early in the morning!”

“Totally satisfied after the conjugal act, Radha and Madhava were extremely happy! Later, Radha, who had taken Krishna under her control, desired Krishna to beautify her with adornments and said!”

22nd ASHTAPADI----JAYADEVA

   Radha vadana vilokana vikasita vividha vikara vibhangam

In this ASHTAPADI, poet Jayadeva describes how Krishna's paramour Radha  looks at Him and the feelings that surprise and startle her!

“Krishna loved her dearly and she had played with Him for long! His face is for ever full of ananda radiating the feelings of love emanating from Manmatha! The moment he sees the beautiful face of His darling Radha, He is very much disturbed in His person! Sri Krishna looked very much disturbed like the sea that is agitated by the sight of the full moon!”

“Krishna had decked himself with a radiant, pure, garland of pearls with a great pendant on His Chest! He appeared like the flood of Yamuna waters full of dense foam! Radha saw Krishna in such a state!”

 Krishna glowed in the blue color of Indranila precious stone with His tender body beautifully adorned with garlands! He had dressed Himself with the ‘Pitambara!' Thus Krishna appeared to Radha like the black lily flower stalk encircled by the green flower dust!

“Krishna looked handsome with his vibrating looks and beautiful face! He looked much interested in plays and fun! He appeared like a lake in ‘ Sarathkala' in which dark sparrow couples played in between the lotus blossoms!”

“Radha witnessed Muralmohana with ear studs that matched the dazzling rays of the Sun! His delicate lips sported a bewitching smile that foretold His intense desire for conjugal bliss!”

“Radha saw before her, lotus eyed  Krishna who resembled the cloud with interspace brightened by the cool rays of the moon! Krishna with His pure sandal paste mark shone like the moon that rose from darkness!”

“Radha witnessed Krishna whose hair straghtened up and who appeared a little jaded on account of His conjugal bliss! He was extremely handsome on account of various adornments like garlands of precious stones and others!!”

“ O Devotees! Fix Krishna, the Lord of all worlds in your hearts, the One described by poet Jayadeva! He is the repository of all prosperity, heavy with innumerable adornments, and the greatest outcome of all our holy deeds! Worship and pay obeisance to Him!”

“Witnessing her darling Krishna in this manner, Radha was overwhelmed with emotion and joy even as tears rolled down her cheeks in a flood! Radha's maids left the bush cottage. Krishna sported a false smile on His face and approached the flower couch indicating His desire for the conjugal act! Looking at the face of Krishna, Radha biushed!”

Radha  looked at Krishna with a desire for conjugal union. Krishna took her into His warm embrace again and again and tickled her and said, O Radha! It appears that your hard and taut breasts have pierced my back and come out!” So saying, Krishna turned left and was overwhelmed with feelings of Sringara rasa!”

21st ASHTAPADI--JAYADEVA

 The pangs of separation between Radha and Krishna are now over! Radha has described in detail how she suffered in the absence of Krishna. She has become almost mad and considered herself as dead! She had searched for Krishna in all directions but in vain! Her torment had redoubled when her maid narrated to her the fun that Krishna had elsewhere! Again and again she thought about Krishna and somehow satisfied herself. She went to the rendezvous and was disappointed as Krishna didn’t appear! All these troubles and disappointment are now things of the past! Krishna has also suffered enough! He felt guilty in making Radha suffer! Now the time is ripe for the union of the Divine couple! Extremely delighted at the oncoming union of Radha and Madhava, her maid suggests how she should approach Krishna and what she should do! Jayadeva, in this ASHTAPADI, makes the maid address Radha in the following words! 

“ O Radha! With garlands of pearls dangling over your big breasts, enjoy and play with Krishna in the great  cottage where a new bed has been prepared with the petals of Asoka tree!”

“ With delicate body like the freshly blossomed flower, O Radha! Have fun and play with Madhusudana at the bush cottage in the inner chamber decked with flowers!”

O Radha! Blessed with the music of intoxicated bees, play with your black Krishna in the cottage cooled by the gentle breeze”—'Malaya marutha'

 “O Radha! You have the purest, bright and sparkling teeth! In this season of Vasantha or Spring, the cottage is reverberating with the sound of moving cuckoos!  Play and enjoy yourself with Madana Gopala!”

“O Radha! Endowed with big breasts and buttacks, enjoy yourself  in this bush cottage dense with varieties of creepers and tender shoots!”

“ O Radha! Egged on by the force of the arrows of Manmatha, you are anxious for union with Krishna!  Enjoy and play with Krishna in the cottage filled with the buzzing of the bees that are happy in drinking the honey!”

“ O Radha! Even as poet Jayadeva, happy in association with Padmavati Devi, sings this song, please approach Madhava and enjoy yourself!” 

“ O Radha! Krishna has waited for you for long and thinks about you! He is very much tired and anxious to drink deep the nectar of your lips! Adorn His thighs for a while! Krishna is capable of granting wealth and all prosperity by the movement of His eyebrows to His devotees that worship His feet! Why are you afraid of Him?”

Thus with trepidation and joy, immersed in the thought of Krishna with the sound of ringing anklets, Radha entered the cottage for union and play with Krishna!

TWENTIETH ASHTAPADI---JAYADEVA

 The words of Radha and her pathetic state move the heart of Krishna and He decides to meet Radha. Krishna has now adorned himself suitably and has pleased her by His delectable talk. He is now engaged in arranging the flowery bed at the bush cottage! In the meantime, a beautiful maid with adornments addresses Radha in the evening!

“O Radha! Krishna is making amorous advances towards you and speaking with affection! He is now prostrating at your feet! Act according to His will even as he is engaged in arranging the bed of flowers! He has taken refuge in you!”

“O Radha! Walk steadily with your heavy buttocks and breasts and the resounding diamond studded anklets! Follow the royal gait of the Swan! Enjoy Krishna’s conjugal bliss!”

“O Radha! Hear the fine and mellifluous and bewitching music of the bees! Fix your mind on group of cuckoos that praise you under the mandate of Manmatha!”

“O Radha! The creepers are dancing in the wind as if they are instigated by the tender and delicate hands of leaves! Your movement shouldn't be late even for a second!”

“O Radha! Enquire about your breasts that move like the waves of Manmatha and those had the Fortune of Sri Hari's embrace!”

“O Radha! This body of yours is ready for the conjugal bliss with Krishna! It is now clear for all your maids! O angry Radha! Reach Krishna with the loud sound of your waist belt and with love and affection! Cast away all your modesty before Krishna!”

“O Radha!  Proceed like the flower arrows of Madana! Inform the nature of your gait through the sound of your clanging Bangles!”

“This ASHTAPADI, composed by poet Jayadeva mocks at the garland of pearls, shall always remain in the neck of the devotees who have fixed Krishna in their hearts!”

19th ASHTAPADI--JAYADEVA

  Radha is terribly disappointed with Krishna. Her maid has described how Krishnahas been flirting with other Gopikas at which Radha has grown furious. She is very angry with Him. She has been waiting for Him at the rendezvous and looking for Him in all directions but in vain! She imagines her earlier experience and the conjugal bliss with Madhava! Despite her anger and disappointment with Krishna, Radha always thought about Krishna even during the pangs of separation! Meanwhile hearing the pitiable state of Radha,  Krishna finally decides to meet Radha at the rendezvous and reaches there! He pleads guilty and tries to regain her confidence. This ASHTAPADI describes how Krishna manages to make Radha happy by His skilful narrative!

“O Radha of unblemished character! If only you smile, the moonlight of your white teeth shall sweep away the darkness of my fear! Let my eyes similar to the chakora birds desire to drink deep the amrita of your sweet lips! O connoisseur Radha! Get away with your unreasonable anger towards me! My heart is burning with the fire of Manmatha!”

“ O Radha! If you are really angry with me, hurt me with your arrow like nails! Imprison me fast with your soft creeper like shoulders! Hurt me softly with your teeth! Let me enjoy happiness through any one of them!

“O my Darling! Though your eyes are radiant like the black lilies, they take the form of the red lotus! Your eyes indicate the feelings of the arrows of Manmatha!”

“O My Beloved! You are my adornment!  You are my very life! You are my priceless diamond in the sea of Samsara! Let you be very amenable to me always! My heart is moving earth and heaven to achieve this end!”

“ O My Dear! Let diamond garlands shine on your full breasts! Let your heart be pleased in full! Let the girdle on your waist resound and proclaim the mandate of Manmatha!”

“O Soft-spoken Radha! I smear 'parani' to your tender feet that mock the lotus flowers, that please me the most, that double my enthusiasm and those created specifically for conjugal bliss!””

“O Radha! Offer me your tender and delicate feet that extinguishes the poison of Madana and those that are the adornments for my head! Terrible war of Manmatha is raging within me! Let that heat be cooled down!” 

Let these smart speech and affectionate words of Krishna addressed to His paramour Radha, composed by the poet Jayadeva, the beloved of Padmavati, be the greatest songa!

“ O beautiful lady! Punish me if you think that I am at fault and offended you!  Bite me with your hard teeth! Bind me fast with your gentle, soft shoulders! Beat me with your hard Stony breasts! Why don’t you punish me according to your will and fancy? Evil minded Manmatha is battering me with his sharp arrows! My life at stake! Be happy!!”

O My dear Radha! Your beloved  Krishna himself has come to you! Do not leave Him! Your meaningless silence has hurt me very much! Let me hear your sweet and melodious voice! Your graceful looks shall ward off all my suffering! Why are you indifferent to my appeals? Please forget that and accept me as I have come to satisfy you!”

“O Radha! Your eyes are intoxicating! Your face radiates more than the light of the moon! Your gait attracts the hearts of all! Your thighs are softer than the plantain trunks! You conjugal bliss is full of subtle plays and fun! Your eyebrows are full of wonderful lines! Though you are on Earth, it appears that you have on your person heavenly beauties like Madalasa and others!”

13th ASHTAPADI---JAYADEVA

Jayadeva in these Ashtapadis glorifies the Divine Love between Radha and Madhava. He describes the pangs of separation between the two. Radha’s maid describes the ways in which Krishna is whiling away His time in the company other Gopikas! Radha is awaiting Krishna at the rendezvous which is a bush cottage! She is looking in a!! directions expecting Krishna but in vain! She is terribly disappointed and feels that there is no point in living without Krishna beside her! After making the maid speak about the suffering of Radha, Jayadeva, now makes Radha herself describe her helplessness, her erotic feelings and how badly she needs the company of her Divine Lover! The Ashtapadi is the unpacking of Radha’s immortal love for her paramour Krishna!

“ Oh! What can I do? Krishna has not turned up to Brindavan according to the time I indicated! Of what use is this youth and beauty without the company of Krishna? I have been deceived by the words of my maids! Who is there to protect me now?”

“I am tired and disgusted by searching for Madhava in the dense forest throughout the night!  Is not my Madhava responsible for the hightened feelings of love? My heart is hurt by the arrows of Manmatha!”

“How on earth will it be possible for me to endure the pangs of separation at this rendevouz without Krishna?  In stead of remaining unconscious, I think it is better for me to die!”

“ These nights of the Vasantha season are troubling me too much! Some lovelorn and lustful girl is enjoying conjugal bliss with Krishna! What can Radha the unfortunate do in this situation?”

“ The fire of pangs of separation from Krishna is burning my heart! Even so, what is the purpose of wearing these beautiful ornaments?”

“ The flower garland on my chest is piercing my heart like the cruel arrow of Manmatha! My delicate body is very much hurt because of that!”

“I am at this bush cottage beside this “ Prabbali” tree though it heightens my pangs of separation! That Krishna is not at all thinking about me!” 

“Why is it that handsome Krisha is not arriving at the rendevouz of the bush cottage? Can this be the reason? Has he followed a girl? Has He been prevented by friends who are experts in arts and revels? Otherwise, is he moving about the dark forest? Or has he missed the direction because of disturbed mind?”

Let this sweet and melodious Song of Jayadeva decked with beautiful words and picturesque, resemble  a young damsel endowed with 64 arts occupy the hearts of Devotees!!

TWELFTH ASHTAPADI-----JAYADEVA

Radha's maid tries her best to bring together Krishna and Radha who are separated and experience unbearable agony. She describes the way in which Radha is suffering the pangs of separation so that He could take pity on Radha and meet her soon.

O Jagannatha! Krishna! Hari!  Rabha has reached a bush cottage and is tormented by amorous feelings! She is looking in all the four directions with expectancy even as You are engaged in kissing other girls secretly!

O Krishna! Radha left her home enthusiastically thinking of reaching you and walked for a while. But tormented by the pangs of separation from you fell down on the ground!

O Madhava! In order to satisfy her separation from you, Radha has worn lotus stalks and tender leaves as her wrist bands! She recollects the conjugal bliss she had experienced with You earlier!  Though she is alive, she is almost dead!

O Kesava!  Radha has decked herself with wonderful ornaments and examines herself if her attire is appropriate for conjugal bliss! She looks at herself again and again and removed the dress suitable for women! She beautifies herself and readies herself for conjugal bliss! She becomes Krishna in her thoughts and spends her time!

O Madhava! She is questioning her maids again and again, “ Why is it that my paramour, Krishna hasn’t come to this rendezvous yet?”

O Madhava!  Radha left her place to meet you and reached the doors of the bush cottage. She noticed the terrible darkness at the doors similar to the dark rain bearing clouds! Mistaking it for her lover Krishna in her presence, she embraces and kisses the darkness!!

O the Spouse of Lakshmi! Radha is awaiting you at the rendezvous with all things needed for conjugal bliss! But all her enthusiasm has died down as you didn’t  arrive in time!  She feels shy and is hurt by the pangs of separation from Krishna! She is crying loudly!

This flower song of Jayadeva, called “ Dhanya Vaikunta” shall please devotees lost in bhakthi and those who can experience the erotic description of Divine Love between Radha and Madhava!

11th ASHTAPADI--- JAYADEVA

 Dhira samire Yamuna thire vasathi vane Vanamali

The graphic  of the maid has moved the heart of Radha and she is in a receptive mood! The suffering of Krishna, separated from her, has disturbed Radha! Her pangs of separation are in no way inferior to His! Taking advantage of the mood and situation, Radha's maid tries to send Radha to Madhava in some way or other! She once again starts speaking about the torment that Krishna is enduring with great difficulty! She now narrates the various and incredible ways through which Krishna expresses his anguish and pangs of separation or “Viraha!”

“O Radha! Krishna, very much interested in embracing the Gopikas, is in the garden on the banks of the Yamuna even as the gentle cool breeze passes by! Krishna, whom you please with your amorous advances, is ready with His handsome personality at the rendevouz!  Please go their quickly!”

 O Radha! Krishna is revealing the rendevouz to you and playing your name on the Divine flute! He is very much appreciating the fine dust from your body carried by the wind!”

“O Radha! Even when the birds make a fluttering noise and even when there is a rustling of the leaves in the garden, He imagines that you are coming and prepares the bed!  He looks in the direction of your coming!”

“O Radha! Consider the tinkling ornments on your tender feet as your enemies! Proceed to the bush cottage full of darkness! Wrap yourself with a black blanket and go!”

O Radha! Due to your punya in the previous birth, when you are engaged in conjugal bliss, the garland of pearls in your neck falls on the chest of Madhava! His chest resembles the dark clouds with birds and you dazzle like the lightning in the

O lotus eyed Radha! The moment you see Madhava of the beauty of a thousand Manmathas, your saree and waist girdle shall loosen themselves! With nothing on your body, why not you enjoy  on the bed arranged with tender leaves?

O Radha! Your darling Madhava is mad after you! The Night is moving very fast! I have told you already to reach Krishna! Proceed quickly and satisfy the desire of Krishna!

“O dear devotees! Even as the great Bhaktha Jayadeva sings about the Divine love of Radha and Madhava, please offer your pranams to Bhagawan Krishna wholeheartedly!”

“Let the son of Devaki, who is like the bee for the lotus face of Radha, and like Indranila precious stone in the crowns of emperors, and like Yamadharmaraja in reducing the burden of earth and the one who is the source of joy for the Gopikas and the one like the meteorite for the death of Kamsa, protect us!!”

JAYADEVA'S NINTH ASHTAPADI

 “Radhika Krishna Radhika thava virahe Kesava………”

Very much distressed at the pathetic state of Radha, her maid reaches out Krishna seated alone in a bush cottage and describes Radha’s  pangs of separation from Krishna! She has already explained to Madhava the pitiable state of Radha. Once again, in this Ashtapadi, she describes the deep distress of her friend. There is no end to the sorrow of Radha! She is for ever thinking about You and wailing in anticipation of your return! She now points out in detail the manner in which Radha’s pangs are hightened!

“ O Krishna! Radha has grown lean as she is unable to endure separation. From you! It is surprising that she considers the priceless garlands on her breasts very heavy unbearable!

“O Madhava! She is afraid of the fragrant sandal paste smeared on your body and considers it as poison! She is sighing heavily for long and endures it like the fire of Manmatha! She is weeping and her tearful eyes look like the lotus cut off from their stalk! She is searching all the directions for your presence!”

“Radha is keeping  her Palms on her still moonlike cheeks and doesn’t take them off during the evening! O Krishna! She sees in front of her the bed made of tender leaves but feels that it is fire itself!”

“O Madhava! She feels that death is nearer to her because of your separation! She is very much depressed and exclaims” Sri Hari, Sri Hari” many a time!”

“Those devotees who sing and hear the song dedicated unto the Lotus feet of Madhava shall be ever happy and prosperous!”

After describing the pitiable state of Radha and her agony in the absence of Krishna, Radha’s maid attempts to attract Krishna’s heart and change it in favor of Radha!

“ Krishna! Radha is now seriously seized with indescribable love fever! She hates herself! She weeps suddenly! She trembles at the next moment! She is drowned in sorrow! She sits in dhyana and closes her eyes! Next, she rolls down on the floor and faints!! It is proper time for you to come  and treat her just like the Divine Doctors—the Aswini Devas! Otherwise it is I’m possible for her to survive!”