Month: July 2014

Disciplines such as religious fasting etc. that entail merits are generally called Vrat. To accept some rules of discipline is in itself a Vrat. For any advancement in life we have to accept some restrictive disciplines. A river is bound by the banks, tree is bound to earth, the strings of Sitar (musical instrument) are also bound and thereby music is produced. The essence of Himadri-Vrat chapter describes Vrat as a special undertaking, keeping some goal in mind, and making a resolution about it. In the spiritual field, to apply control over the pleasures of our sense organs, a solemn vow to observe regulatory discipline- that is Vrat.

The one who undertakes to observe Vrat is called Vratdhaari. He lives within the bounds of his vows, ever anxious to upkeep noble ideals. By being rock steady in the observance of Vrat and vows adds power to internal consciousness and that is why the followers of Vaidic culture, upon their children attaining understanding age, make them undergo the Yajnopavit (sacred thread) ceremony that urges them to a life within restrictive bounds. Those people whose life is devoid of any goal, Vrat, noble ideal or duty, are not able to achieve or do anything of importance. Vrat is a resolution with a special purpose in mind. Great power is enfolded within such resolution. Great accomplishments like the creation of the universe, are achieved through such powers.

The Upanishads describe this as “Ekoham Bahushyami…” God (Ishwar) bethought Himself ‘I will manifest and assume diverse names and forms’. He then underwent austerity. Meaning that resolution was made to encompass (Aitereya Upanishad). Ishwar then prepared the five Tanmatras (subtle elements), and with the aid of resolution activated them (Aitereya Upanishad ½). In the beginning all this was Atman (God) – one only. Besides Him there was no other for company. This Super soul then bethought Himself ‘This is My firm decision to create human beings’ (Aitereya Upanishad). The Rishis hint at the cryptic message that the great work like the creation of the universe was also accomplished only through (the aid of) resolution.

Resolution is a means to awaken our dormant powers. Just as a person will employ all his powers to (successfully) attain any difficult objective, in the same way, to accomplish the objective of his resolution, he gathers all his powers and uses them. In the manner of the feebleness of the scattered rays of the sun that have no effect on paper or cloth but can burn if they are concentrated (as through a magnifying glass), if a man gathers his unsteady mind and directs it to accomplishing a single task, his purpose will become fruitful.

To make a resolution means to concentrate one’s powers. In each field of activity in our lives, resoluteness of purpose is necessary to tread on the path of progress. Mahatma Gandhi said, “Life without solemness of purpose is like a house without foundation”. The strength of such solemnness of purpose is what makes this world endure. Not to have such solemness of purpose means to live with wavering indecision. Lack of courage to adopt a resolution is a sign of weakness. Such people are unable to successfully tackle any job. The greatest weakness (shortcoming) of man is his lack of resoluteness of purpose.

To remove this weakness, Vrats have been assigned a pride of place in Hindu religion. Through practice firm decisions become a matter of routine. The practical aspect of Vrat is closely linked to regulation of diet. When the observance of proper dietary principles becomes a habit, then, no matter what his field of activity is, such person’s resoluteness of purpose will always make him a leader. Thus for material and spiritual developments in life, it is absolutely necessary to cultivate the habit of Vrat. Vrat does not mean instant liberation from sins (faults) but rather a resolution to the effect that from today, with complete purposefulness, we will try to progress towards our chosen goal, and will mend any mistakes.

We shall fight the tendencies of laziness and procrastination that reside in the mind. The meaning of Vrat is, with firmness of purpose, make a resolution to progress in the direction of perfection. To err is human, but to be perfect is possible when we reach the heights of Sadhanaa (spiritual disciplines). Vrat is undertaken to reach such a stage. Vrat is a kind of austerity. ‘Tapo dvandva sahanam’. Tap (austerity) means, for achieving any auspicious goal, in our (daily) life, be prepared to face with equanimity happiness and sorrow.

This is the key to success in any field of activity. Tap (austerity) is the father of powers and accomplishments. Where there is Tap (austerity), there are to be found power, liberation, heaven, happiness, peace, bliss, wealth, knowledge, fame, and all. Any person who wants to lead a noble life must adopt Tap (austerity or Vrat) as his companion. All great people who have achieved success in the world have Tap (Vrat) hidden in their background. Those who do not undertake austerities (Tap or Vrat) face failures in their lives and blame destiny (for their failures). Despairing, they are not aware that they have dug up the very foundations of destiny and success.

Merely to observe the regulations regarding fasting is not a Vrat but proper conduct, love, disciplines, honesty, good manners, non-stealing, truth, non-killing (non-violence), unselfishness, etc., and with firmness of purpose to take a vow to practice these virtues, is also called a Vrat. The greatest Vrat is with resoluteness of purpose, to eliminate from our lives demoniac tendencies and to develop (acquire) godly qualities (daivy sampat or divine wealth). Vrat bestows all kinds of advantage at the physical and spiritual levels.

During the observance of vrat, one either completely abstains from food, or partly abstains from food and this gives physiological rest to the digestive apparatus, which in turn awakens and increases the digestive power, leading to ease (comfort) of digestion and purification of the mind. The basis of all these is dependant on healthy digestive apparatus and purity of mind. The physical body of a person who regularly observes Vrat remains free of disease. Vrat helps to prepare the proper mental groundwork for contemplation and meditation. Persons who over indulge in food exhibit grosser thoughts and intellect.

To sharpen the intellect, our scriptures prescribe the sacred precept of Vrat. The thoughts that are produced on the day of Vrat embed their powerful influence on the mind. The preceptors of our religion have woven stories and morals around Vrat that inspire us and help us make our lives full of strength (full of confidence and virtues). The fasting aspect of Vrat makes the mind strong and increases its firmness and the stories connected with Vrat, if their purport is understood, can transform the life of a person.

Today, unfortunately, people listen to the stories for their entertainment values and do not attempt to understand the significance that lies buried within the stories and also do not apply their teachings in their lives. In the Mahabharata, Santi parva (162-10) the following is written about Satya: “That which is immutable, imperishable, eternal, everlasting, and is not subject to change, in other words, is ever the same”.

There are two paths laid out in front of our lives. Prakriti (nature or matter) and Satyanarayana. There is ignorance on one side and bright sunshine of knowledge on the other side. There is darkness on one side and a heap of light shining brightly on the other side.

The Upanishad provides guidance in life: “Asato Ma Sadgamaya, Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya, Mrityorma Amritam Gamaya”. Satyanarayana Vrat points to the same direction. To progress on the path of truth is the main purpose of Satya Narayana Vrat.

I sing the Praises of my True Husband Lord; through the Naam, the Name of my Husband Lord, I blossom forth. || 7 || Meeting with the Guru, the soul-bride’s dress is transformed, and she is adorned with Truth. Come and meet with me, O brides of the Lord; let’s meditate in remembrance on the Creator Lord. Through the Naam, the soul-bride becomes the Lord’s favorite; she is adorned with Truth. Don’t sing the songs of separation, O Nanak – reflect upon God. || 8 || 3 || WADAHANS, FIRST MEHL: The One who creates and dissolves the world – that Lord and Master alone knows His creative power. Do not search for the True Lord far away; recognize the Word of His Shabad in each and every heart. Recognize the True Word of the Shabad, and do not think that the Lord is far away; He created this creation. Meditating on the Naam, the Name of the Lord, peace is obtained; without the Naam, it is a losing game. The One who established the Universe – He alone knows the Way; what can anyone say? The One who established the world cast the net over it; accept Him as your Lord and Master.

|| 1 || O Baba, they have come, and now they must get up and depart; this world is only a waystation. Upon each and every head, the True Lord writes their destiny of pain and pleasure, according to their past actions. He bestows pain and pleasure, according to the deeds done; the record of these actions stays with the soul. They do those deeds which the Creator Lord causes them to do; they attempt no other actions. The Lord Himself is detached, while the world is entangled in conflict; by His Command, He emancipates it. They may put this off today, but tomorrow they are seized by death; in love with duality, they practice corruption.

|| 2 || The path of death is dark and dismal; the way cannot be seen. There is no water, no quilt or mattress, and no food there. There is no food there, no honor or water, no clothes or decorations. The chain is put around one’s neck, and the Messenger of Death standing over his head strikes him; he cannot see the door of his home. The seeds planted on this path do not sprout; bearing the load of sin on his head, he regrets and repents.Without the True Lord, no one is his friend; reflect upon this as true. || 3 || O Baba, they alone are known to weep and wail, who meet together and weep, chanting the Praises of the Lord. Defrauded by Maya and worldly affairs, the weepers weep. They weep for the sake of worldly affairs, and they do not wash off their own filth; the world is a dream. Like the juggler, deceiving by his tricks, one is deluded by egotism, falsehood and illusion. The Lord Himself reveals the Path; He Himself is the Doer of deeds. Those who are imbued with the Naam are protected by the Perfect Guru. O Nanak, they merge in celestial bliss.

|| 4 || 4 || WADAHANS, FIRST MEHL: O Baba, whoever has come, will rise up and leave; this world is a false show. One’s true home is obtained by serving the True One; real Truth comes by being truthful. By falsehood and greed, no place of rest is found, and no place in the world hereafter is obtained. No one invites him to come in and sit down – he is like a crow in a deserted house. Caught in birth and death, separated from God for such a long time, the whole world is wasting away. Greed, worldly entanglements and Maya deceive the world. Death hovers over its head, and makes it cry.

|| 1 || Come, O Baba, and Siblings of Destiny – let’s join together; take me in your arms, and bless me with your prayers. O Baba, union with the True One cannot be broken; bless me with your prayers for union with my Beloved. Bless me with your prayers, that I may worship God with devotion; for those already united with Him, what more is there to unite? Some have wandered away from the Name of God – they have lost the Path. The Word of the Guru’s Shabad is the true game. Do not go on the path of Death; remain absorbed in the Shabad, the true form throughout the ages. Through good fortune, we meet such friends and relatives, who meet with the Guru, and escape the noose of Death.

|| 2 || O Baba, we come into the world naked, into pain and pleasure, according to the record of our account. The call of our preordained destiny cannot be altered; it follows from our past actions. The True Lord sits and writes of ambrosial nectar and bitter poison; as the Lord attaches us, so are we attached. The charmer, Maya, has worked her charms, and the multi-colored thread is around everyone’s neck. Through shallow intellect, the mind becomes shallow, and one eats the fly, along with the sweets. Contrary to custom, he comes into the Dark Age of Kali Yuga naked, and naked he is bound down and sent away again.

|| 3 || O Baba, weep and mourn if you must; the beloved soul is bound and driven off. The pre-ordained record of destiny cannot be erased; the summons has come from the Lord’s Court. The messenger comes, when it pleases God, and the mourners begin to mourn. Sons, brothers, nephews and very dear friends weep and wail. Let him weep, who weeps in the Fear of God, cherishing the virtues of God – no one dies with the dead. O Nanak, throughout the ages, they are known as wise, who weep, remembering the True One.

|| 4 || 5 || WADAHANS, THIRD MEHL: ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. BY THE GRACE OF THE TRUE GURU: Praise God, the True Lord; He is allpowerful to do all things. The soul-bride shall never be a widow; she shall never suffer sorrow. She shall never suffer – night and day, she enjoys pleasures; that soulbride merges in the Mansion of the Lord’s Presence. She knows her Beloved, the Architect of karma, and she speaks words of ambrosial sweetness. The virtuous soulbrides dwell on the virtues of God; they keep their Husband Lord in their remembrance, and they never suffer separation from Him. So praise your True Husband Lord, who is all-powerful to do all things.

|| 1 || The True Lord and Master is realized through the Word of His Shabad; He blends all with Himself. That soul-bride is imbued with the Love of her Husband Lord, who banishes her self-conceit from within. Eradicating self-conceit from within, death shall not consume her again; as Gurmukh, she knows the One. The desires of the soul-bride are fulfilled; deep within, she is drenched in His Love. She meets the Great Giver, the Life of the World. Imbued with love for the Shabad, she is intoxicated with youth; she merges into the very being of her Husband Lord. The True Lord and Master is realized through the Word of His Shabad. He blends all with Himself.

|| 2 || Those who have realized their Husband Lord – I go and ask those Saints about Him. Renouncing ego, I serve them; thus I meet my True Husband Lord with intuitive ease. The True Husband Lord comes to meet the soul-bride who practices Truth; she is attuned to the True Word of the Shabad. She shall never become a widow; she shall always be a happy bride. Deep within her being, she dwells in the celestial bliss of Samaadhi. Her Husband Lord is permeating and pervading everywhere; beholding Him ever-present, she enjoys His Love with intuitive ease. Those who have realized their Husband Lord – I go and ask those Saints about Him.

|| 3 || The separated ones also meet with their Husband Lord, if they fall at the feet of the True Guru. The True Guru is forever merciful; through the Word of His Shabad, demerits are burnt away. Burning away her demerits through the Shabad, the soulbride eradicates her love of duality; she is attuned to the True, True Lord. Through the True Shabad, everlasting peace is obtained, and egotism and doubt are dispelled. The Immaculate Husband Lord is forever the Giver of peace; O Nanak, through the Word of His Shabad, He is met. The separated ones also meet with their Husband Lord, if they fall at the feet of the True Guru.

|| 4 || 1 || WADAHANS, THIRD MEHL: Listen, O brides of the Lord: serve your Husband Lord, and contemplate the Word of His Shabad. The worthless bride does not know her Husband Lord – she is deluded; forgetting her Husband Lord, she weeps and wails. She weeps, thinking of her Husband Lord, and she constantly cherishes His virtues; her Husband Lord does not die, or go away. As Gurmukh, she knows Him; through the Word of His Shabad, He is realized. Through True Love, she merges with Him. She who does not know her Husband Lord, the Architect of karma, is deluded by falsehood – she herself is false. Listen, O brides of the Lord: serve your Husband Lord, and contemplate the Word of His Shabad.

|| 1 || He Himself created the whole world; the world comes and goes. The love of Maya has ruined the world; people die, to be re-born, over and over again. People die to be re-born, over and over again, while their sins steadily increase; without spiritual wisdom, they are deluded. Without the Shabad, the Husband Lord is not found; the worthless, false bride wastes her life away, weeping and wailing. He is my Beloved Husband Lord, the Life of the World – for whom should I weep? They alone weep, who forget their Husband Lord. He Himself created the whole world; the world comes and goes.

|| 2 || That Husband Lord is True, forever True; He does not die or go away. The ignorant soulbride wanders in delusion; in the love of duality, she sits like a widow. She sits like a widow, in the love of duality; infatuated with Maya, she suffers in pain. She grows old, and her body withers away. Whatever has come, shall all pass away; through the love of duality, all suffer in pain. They do not see the Messenger of Death; they long for Maya, and their consciousness is attached to greed.

That Husband Lord is True, forever True; He does not die or go away. || 3 || Some weep and wail, separated from their Husband Lord; the blind ones do not know that their Husband is with them. By Guru’s Grace, they meet their True Husband, and cherish Him always deep within. She cherishes her Husband deep within herself – He is always with her, but the self-willed manmukhs think that He is far away. This body rolls in the dust, and is totally useless; it does not realize the Presence of its Lord and Master. O Nanak, that soul-bride is united in Union; she cherishes her Beloved Husband forever, deep within. Some weep and wail, separated from their Husband Lord; the blind ones do not know that their Husband is with them.

|| 4 || 2 || WADAHANS, THIRD MEHL: Those who are separated from their Beloved Husband Lord weep and wail, but my True Husband Lord is always with me. Those who know that they must depart serve the True Guru, and dwell upon the Naam, the Name of the Lord. They dwell constantly upon the Naam, and the True Guru is with them; they serve the True Guru, and so obtain peace. Through the Shabad, they kill death, and enshrine the True Lord within their hearts; they shall not have to come and go again. True is the Lord and Master, and True is His Name; His Gracious Glance brings rapture. Those who are separated from their Beloved Husband Lord weep and wail, but my True Husband Lord is always with me.