Trying to hug the truth

I've been around the western "new-age"/commercial-spirituality scene for some time. Around this scene you can find so many classes, people and books presenting their version of eastern philosophy and ancient cultures. Often you'll find among those a vary sad reality in which truth moves aside, making way to commercialism. You find teachers who dismiss legitimate criticism on their teachings simply by arguments such as "you're thinking too much " or "you're not open to new ideas". You'll find people clinging to ideas they find pleasant even when they are proven wrong, simply by the notion of "all is one" and "what the blip do we know". When asked to present valid arguments against the disproofs they simply reply that knowledge is irrelevant and simply "feeling" that it is true is enough for them. Such a notion of "knowledge is ignorance" is so very common among the neo-hinduists/neo-budhists/neo-native-americans of the west. These western followers of the orient will be very sad to hear that grate personalities such as Shankara and Buddha, the ones they respect as spiritual masters, would have shown no support whatsoever in such ideas. It is quite obvious from looking in their writings that those thinkers were indeed philosophers. They came from a culture of logical debates in an attempt to reach conclusions, seek truths through philosophical inquiry. To arguments such as "it's true because I feel it" the real, historical, Buddha would probably reply: "well then, you're a cheater!" and walk away. Postmodernism was not common these days and no one would have even think of following a guru who's ideas were disproof in front of followers eyes.

But, of course, there is a grate gap between the historical Buddha and the western Buddha "logo" of the new-age culture. Instead of showing you the truth of his teachings, he tries to drag you into it. He uses the weapon of charisma rather then the light of truth presented by the original one in public debates. Sometime, when you tell him you disagree, he tells you you are not open to new ideas. How can you disagree now? You don't want to be consider narrow minded, do you? Or sometimes he simply smiles and tells you you have to follow your hart, when in fact he wants you to follow his hart after he bought your trust with his smile. His followers are victimised indeed, but have only themselves to blame. Simply because they choose to accept a simple incorrect equation: if he smiles, then his words are true. This equation is, of course, untrue. What I say here may seem a bit harsh and some of the readers may choose to ignore such criticism and choose a softer notion instead. Well, that is exactly what I'm talking about! Just because a word is not pleasant to them, they define it as untrue. Is that a valid conclusion? Is it so hard to smile, be nice to people and say the word "love" in each sentence? Do you have to be "enlighten" to be able to do so? Well then, what makes you think there's no one using these things to sell you ideas? Common salesmen do it all the time, don't they?
This is what the Katha-Upanishad means by saying: "One path is pleasant and the other is good. The wise should choose the good" (1.2.1). It is indeed very tempting to accept the words of the one who hugs you rather then strain your head a little and try to think a little bit more. I do think that many of these "love"/"all is one" theories are based less on love and more on laziness. Truth demands hard work. To think, to read books, to successfully confront counter arguments. In a culture that sets escapism and mass-media as its ultimate goal, it is very easy to just let go of all the hard work and simply declare "all is one" and we don't need to think. In other words: laziness.
Sometimes the spiritual seeker should be harsh. Always he should insist on valid conclusions. No, it is not disrespective. On the contrary: it is the biggest respect among intellectuals. Was the Buddha disrespective when he attended public debates with counter schools? Was Shankara? Ramanuja? Madhavacharya? Patanjali? No, there is nothing wrong in following valid conclusions, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. No, it is not a sin to tell you're guru, master or yoga instructor you see an apparent faults in his teachings and ask him to explain them. Remember the words of the Bhagavad-Gita: "Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master, serve him and inquire him submissively. One who have witnessed the Truth can show it to you" (4.34). Look carefully on this quote: "Inquire him submissively". Be submissive, be respectful, yes. Always. But also inquire. Ask him. See if he has a valid logical conclusion to each and every point.If he's for real, he will answer. And if he avoid you're question, saying you should stop thinking too much or that your just being narrow minded, well, then you no longer have to be submissive. Be alert. If you read George Orwell you should know "Knowledge is ignorance" is a slogan that can be used to control you. Serve as a disciple only if he serves as a guru.
Letting go from your mind is not freedom. It'll turn you into a slave in the hands of cheaters. The mind is not you're enemy as long as it's controlled. And controlling you're mind means making it follow valid conclusions rather then whimsical desires. And the desire to cheat and be cheated is one of the most dangerous ones. Can love not be the way? Or no-mind? I'm not saying it is and I'm not saying it isn't. But the way to finding weather they are must go through logical proof. Through the mind. Only when you see the road you should start walking in it. And you see with your eyes, not your feet.
I'm not saying that the "hugging guru" can't be true. I'm not saying that every nice guy who talks about peace and love is a cheater. He doesn't have to be. Just as long as he follows certain rules. As long as he is honest and is very strict about intellectual integrity. "Truth is God" said Gandhi. If you want to reach God, worship the truth.

Kartika

The month of Kartika has started.
This month is much recommended for going on pilgrimage to holly places and temples.
It is very recommended on this month to worship Krishna's image as Sri Damudara and chant the Damodarastaka prayer found in Padma-Purana.

SRI DAMODARASTAKA

(found in the Padma Purana of Krsna Dvaipayana Vyasa, spoken by Satyavrata Muni in a conversation with Narada Muni and Saunaka Rsi.)

"In the month of Kartika one should worship Lord Damodara and daily recite the prayer known as Damodarastaka, which has been spoken by the sage Satyavrata and which attracts Lord Damodara." (Sri Hari-bhakti-vilasa 2.16.198)

(1)

namamisvaram sac-cid-ananda-rupam

lasat-kundalam gokule bhrajamanam

yasoda-bhiyolukhalad dhavamanam

paramrstam atyantato drutya gopya

(1) To the Supreme Lord, whose form is the embodiment of eternal existence, knowledge, and bliss, whose shark-shaped earrings are swinging to and fro, who is beautifully shining in the divine realm of Gokula, who [due to the offense of breaking the pot of yogurt that His mother was churning into butter and then stealing the butter that was kept hanging from a swing] is quickly running from the wooden grinding mortar in fear of mother Yasoda, but who has been caught from behind by her who ran after Him with greater speed - to that Supreme Lord, Sri Damodara, I offer my humble obeisances.

(2)

rudantam muhur netra-yugmam mrjantam

karambhoja-yugmena satanka-netram

muhuh svasa-kampa-trirekhanka-kantha-

sthita-graivam damodaram bhakti-baddham

(2) [Seeing the whipping stick in His mother's hand,] He is crying and rubbing His eyes again and again with His two lotus hands. His eyes are filled with fear, and the necklace of pearls around His neck, which is marked with three lines like a conchshell, is shaking because of His quick breathing due to crying. To this Supreme Lord, Sri Damodara, whose belly is bound not with ropes but with His mother's pure love, I offer my humble obeisances.

(3)

itidrk sva-lilabhir ananda-kunde

sva-ghosam nimajjantam akhyapayantam

tadiyesita-jnesu bhaktair jitatvam

punah prematas tam satavrtti vande

(3) By such childhood pastimes as this He is drowning the inhabitants of Gokula in pools of ecstasy, and is revealing to those devotees who are absorbed in knowledge of His supreme majesty and opulence that He is only conquered by devotees whose pure love is imbued with intimacy and is free from all conceptions of awe and reverence. With great love I again offer my obeisances to Lord Damodara hundreds and hundreds of times.

(4)

varam deva moksam na moksavadhim va

na canyam vrne 'ham varesad apiha

idam te vapur natha gopala-balam

sada me manasy avirastam kim anyaih

(4) 0 Lord, although You are able to give all kinds of benedictions, I do not pray to You for the boon of impersonal liberation, nor the highest liberation of eternal life in Vaikuntha, nor any other boon [which may be obtained by executing the nine processes of bhakti]. O Lord, I simply wish that this form of Yours as Bala Gopala in Vrndavana may ever be manifest in my heart, for what is the use to me of any other boon besides this?

(5)

idam te mukhambhojam atyanta-nilair

vrtam kuntalaih snigdha-raktais ca gopya

muhus cumbitam bimba-raktadharam me

manasy avirastam alam laksa-labhaih

(5) 0 Lord, Your lotus face, which is encircled by locks of soft black hair tinged with red, is kissed again and again by Mother Yasoda, and Your lips are reddish like the bimba fruit. May this beautiful vision of Your lotus face be ever manifest in my heart. Thousands and thousands of other benedictions are of no use to me.

(6)

namo deva damodarananta visno

prasida prabho duhkha-jalabdhi-magnam

krpa-drsti-vrstyati-dinam batanu

grhanesa mam ajnam edhy aksi-drsyah

(6) 0 Supreme Godhead, I offer my obeisances unto You. O Damodara! O Ananta! O Visnu! O master! O my Lord, be pleased upon me. By showering Your glance of mercy upon me, deliver this poor ignorant fool who is immersed in an ocean of worldly sorrows, and become visible to my eyes.

(7)

kuveratmajau baddha-murtyaiva yadvat

tvaya mocitau bhakti-bhajau krtau ca

tatha prema-bhaktim svakam me prayaccha

na mokse graho me 'sti damodareha

(7) 0 Lord Damodara, just as the two sons of Kuvera - Manigriva and Nalakuvara - were delivered from the curse of Narada and made into great devotees by You in Your form as a baby tied with rope to a wooden grinding mortar, in the same way, please give to me Your own prema-bhakti. I only long for this and have no desire for any kind of liberation.

(8)

namas te 'stu damne sphurad-dipti-dhamne

tvadiyodarayatha visvasya dhamne

namo radhikayai tvadiya-priyayai

namo 'nanta-lilaya devaya tubhyam

(8) 0 Lord Damodara, I first of all offer my obeisances to the brilliantly effulgent rope which binds Your belly. I then offer my obeisances to Your belly, which is the abode of the entire universe. I humbly bow down to Your most beloved Srimati Radharani, and I offer all obeisances to You, the Supreme Lord, who displays unlimited pastimes.

The appearance of Lakshmi Devi

Lakshmi Devi is a Divine personality who always serves the lord's feet. As Vishnus mate, the also has the power to give everyone wealth, being the power of wealth and fortune. That power is pursued by most people, but not in a good way.

Once the Devas and the Asuras, the good and evil forces of the universe, declared a truth in order to churn a life giving nectar out of an ocean of milk. Vishnu, the supreme person himself, brought a grate mountain called Mandara to serve as a churning rod. Vasuki, the king of snakes, wrapped his grate body around the mountain and the two groups were to pull on the two ends like a rope for the churning. But then the Asuras, the proud lustful demons, had a complaint: "why should we grab on the snakes backside and not the head? Let us have the head and you the back!" So proud were they. But Vishnu Bhagavan, in grate humility and with a smiley face, let them have the front. And during the churning, the Asuras suffered a grate deal from the fire coming from the serpent's thousands of mouths. Such are the choices of materialistic people, going after what seems pleasant and not what is right. And thus it is said "The good is one thing, the pleasurable is another. They lead to different places. The wise man choose the good while the one who choose the pleasurable shell not reach his goal." (Katha-Upanishad 2.1.1)

And with the life giving nectar thus churned, also manifested Lakshmi as a beautiful woman. Knowing her to be a grate devotee of God, the Devas hurry to give her their respect, worship her and chant prayers, while the Asuras quarreled over the nectar, pursuing eternal life. They also were envy of the Devas and their relations with Lakshmi. In the end, the Devas got the nectar as well while the asuras did not get anything. (You can read the full story in Shrimad Bhagvatam kanto 8)

Some believe that in order to advance spiritually one must renounce the world completely. It is, in fact, not true. The world and the forces of nature are, in fact, the lords energy. All the Devas represent a certain power of nature and those are grate servants of the lord. Lakshmi represents the power of wealth and fortune. It is not renunciation from it that the yogi should seek, but detachment. When a person is attached to a certain thing of the world, such as wealth of pleasure of the senses, it is materialism. It is worshiping a Deva as a separate "God". But a Vaishnava worships Bhagavan, the supreme personality. God. And thuse he worships the Devas as his servants and all living things as his children. And thus love of God becomes love of all.

"In human society there are various activities performed for the protection of one's wealth and life by one's words, one's mind and one's actions, but they are all performed for one's personal or extended sense gratification with reference to the body. All these activities are baffled because of being separate from devotional service. But when the same activities are performed for the satisfaction of the Lord, the beneficial results are distributed to everyone, just as water poured on the root of a tree is distributed throughout the entire tree."

(Srimad-Bhagvatam 9.8.9)

Mistress of illusion

Yesterday was Durga-Puja, a celebration in honor of Durga, the cosmic mother, personification of the material potency. Also known as Maha-Maya, "The Grate Mistress of Illusion".
Devi-Mahatmaya is a scripture in honor of Durga. It is said that anyone who reads it will have the blessing of the holly mother such as fortune and wealth. Such worship of Durga is meant for people who are attached to material things. But like all Vedic scriptures, it also gradually elevates people towards the Divine.
The Devi-Mahatmayam begins with the story of a king who was betrayed by his people and lost his kingdom. On his way, he ran across a householder who was betrayed by his family and lost all he had. As they talk, they realize they both are still attracted to the things they lost. The king is still longing to his kingdom and the householder still has feelings for those who betrayed him. Such a nasty senseless attraction for both intelligent man, both king and commoner aren't amuned to. Together they try to find out why do they have such an irrational attraction. They approach sage Sumedhas asking him why do they have this problem, and the sages answer was conclusive: it is Maya, the mistress of illusion, who is making all being after what they shouldn't be after". And then the sage started to tell them the story of that grate Devi.
According to the Vedic narrative, all that is comes from the one. God. Brahman. Param-Brahman, the supreme, is known by many names such as Narayan or Vishnu and also has many incarnations. In a small corner of his domain, lays the material creation. But most of what is, is actually the spiritual creation. In the material creation Vishnu lays down in a mystic sleep: Yoga-Nidra. At the same time he is in the spiritual world, having relationships with the souls who are there, he is also in his Yoga-Nidra sleep in the material corner of his domain. And out of that sleep, the material universes are manifested. You might say that this whole world is God's dream. And if so, Durga is his sleep. She is the very force that is manifested as the material worlds, those very same worlds in that corner of creation meant for those who chose to be apart from God, just to fulfill their desires, just until they'll choose to return home to their heavenly father.
And in this material world there are many things to attract the mind and senses. So many things that seems beautiful, hiding the fact that it is no more then one big cosmic jail. And Maya, the mistress of illusion, is guarding it's gates. By her we are trapped here. But by her mercy we can also be free from this illusion and see the supreme truth (Sanatan-Dharma). For she is the grate servant of him, the supreme lord. And in the spiritual realm she also has a form. In here she is Maha-Maya, but there she is Yoga-Maya. In here she constructs the entire world of illusion, making us forged the lord and our eternal relationship with him. But in the spiritual world, as Yoga-Maya, she helps us forget the lord's greatness so we could have a close relationship with him. Forget the lord's gratness? is that a good or a bad thing?
In the Bhagavad-Gita the lord appears as Krishna to his devotee Arjuna. They have a close relationship as friends, which is the goal of the spiritual practitioners and yogis. Arjuna is acting as the lord's friend, unaware of his supreme universal form. And then, upon his request, Krishna revels that grate universal form to Arjuna, which Arjuna finds very disturbing. How can you have a close relationship with something that grate? How can you be his friend? And so Arjuna request the lord to take back his original form as his dear friend, lord Krishna.
Also, in the Srimad-Bhagvatam it is told how Krishna appeared on earth as the child of Vasudeva and Devaki. At first, when he was born, he took his majestic form of Vishnu. But then, upon the parents request, he took the form of Gopal, the sweet baby Krishna. For only in such a form they could have a close relationship with him as their child. So sometimes, spirituality is not about seeing God as the all mighty in his greatness (even though he is), but also about forgetting this greatness. And Yoga-Maya makes it possible.
Krishna appeared on earth to Vasudeva and Devaki who were immediately persecuted by the evil king Kamsa. And then the grate mother Maya appeared there and Kamsa became so frightened. In this world she is the grate mother Durga, holding all the wepons given to her by all the celestial rulers, just to show she manifests all their strength. Like fire, she is riding a tiger through the battle filed, destroying the enemy. As such, we should pray to that grate mother Durga to destroy our illusion and bad habits, so that we'll no longer have obstacles in our spiritual path.

Maha-Maya in Vrindavan

Licking the wounds of the enemy

In Vedic scriptures, the world is often compered to a battle field and the self to a warrior. The process of Yoga, spiritual progress, is compered to a battle. So is the case in the Bhagavad-Gita where Arjuna comes face to face with his inner demons before actually going to battle. He finds out that defeating these demons may be more complicated then he thought and that he may have left himself unguarded in places he should. And here is another description of a battle:
An historical tale is told in the Devi Mhatmya about Mother Durga who was in battle against a terrible demon called Raktabija ("one who's blood is seed"). No matter how many time she wounded the demon, she could not defeat him, for that demon had a unique ability: every drop of his blood that falls to the ground would turn to a replica of the demon. Every time the mother strike the demon with one of her weapons, the drops of blood who fall to the ground would immediately turn to more enemies for her to fight. How can you defeat such a demon? in fact, if you look around you, and maybe inside you, you'll find there are many of these Raktabija demons around. You fight them, and they get stronger. They seem to be undefeated. That is the demon Mother Durga fought. But then the Divine mother found a way to defeat the demon: She expanded herself to another form of her, Kali, the black mother. Kali-Ma has a terrible dark form, holding weapons and wearing a garland of skulls. The dark mother then reached out her long tongue and start licking the demon's wounds, preventing the blood from reaching the ground. And in this way the demons deadly ability was prevented. And thous, by the licking of his wounds the demon was defeated, rather then striking him harder. You may use this information to defeate the Rakabija demons in your life.

A small Kali shrine I found in a small village in West-Bengal