Bhagavatha Apacharam! Beware! | Sri APN Swami’s #Shishya Writes

Srimathe Ramanujaya Nama:

Srimathe Nigamantha Mahadesikaya Nama:

Bhagavatha Apacharam! Beware!

Prapatti/Saranagathi is the only way to attain moksha for those us who are incapable of doing Bhakti yoga. It will undoubtedly allow us to attain Sri Vaikuntam. Prapatti is the process of surrendering ourselves at the holy feet of Perumal under the guidance of an acharya.

Life After Prapatti

Two key things a prapanna should practice after Saranagathi are:

1. We should stay away from Devathanthira Sambandam (i.e., worshipping deities other than MahaVishnu) after we surrender to lotus feet of Sriman Narayanan.

2. We should stay away from Bhagavatha Apacharam (committing sin against the devotees of Lord Vishnu). It is important to note that the most powerful sin that can make Prapatti void is Bhagavatha Apacharam.

Impact of Bhagavatha Apacharam

The impact of Bhagavatha Apacharam is beautifully explained in the vaibhavam of Koorthazhwan. It was the time when King Kulothunga was spreading Shaivism. In order to accomplish his goal, the King wanted to either convert Swamy Ramanujacharya (who was spearheading SriVaishnavism) to Shaivism or kill Him so that SriVaishnavism would not flourish. So, the King invited Swami Ramanujar for a discussion to the King’s Darbar.

Koorthazhwan one of the foremost disciples of Swami Ramanujar, pleaded Swamy Ramanujar not to go with the soldiers, as they would plan and kill Swamy Ramanujar. The world should never lose such a great Guru was Koorathazhwan’s mindset. Hence, Koorthazhwan decided to disguise himself as Swamy Ramanujar and went with the soldier to the King’s court and Swami Ramanujar managed to travel safely out of the city towards Karnataka/Melnadu. At the king’s court, Koorathazhwan (who disguised as Swami Ramanujar) disagreed with the King’s orders to accept Shaivism and hence king Kulothunga ordered his soldiers to takeaway Koorthazhwan’s eyes. Koorathazhwan didn’t wait for the soldiers to punish him and he himself took away his precious eyes.  Thus, Koorathazhwan lost his eyes.

One day, one of the fellow men asked blind Koorthazhwan, how could a person like him lose his eyes when he was Parama Bhagavatan who followed the core principles of Srivaishnavam strictly. Koorthazhwan replied – “Why not him? Maybe he saw a devoted Bhagavatan and wondered why his Thiruman Kappu (Thilakam worn on the forehead by a SriVaishnava) looked crooked thus causing Bhagavatha Apacharam. “

This incident reveal that even a simple thought would result in a greatest sin of Bhagavatha Apacharam. The point to note here is that not only words or action is considered sin even a negative thought would add sin to a Prapanna and could impact the Prapatti.

If Koorathazhwan who is known for his bhagavad bhagavata bhakthi, aacharam & anushtanam, have faced this situation, then take a moment to think of the position of people like us who are always focussed in blaming others. It must be acknowledged that it is very hard to control our mind, nevertheless through consistent practise and most importantly the guidance of right Guru we can achieve this mind control with ease.

How to rectify or resolve Bhagavatha Apacharam?

Now that we have understood that Bhagavatha Apacharam is harmful, let us see a scenario from Ramayana about Lakshmana & Sugreeva which teaches us on how to come out of Bhagavath apacharam if committed.

Sugreeva, after becoming the king of Kishikinda with the help of Rama, has agreed to help Rama to search for Seetha. Sugreeva informed Rama and Lakshmana that they will get ready and start the search after the monsoon period gets over.  Rama & Lakshmana stayed in the Rishyamukha mountain, while Sugreeva started to live happily with his family & subjects at Kishkinda.

Sugreeva ordered his Monkey army to gather and get prepared in order to start the search of Seetha once the rainy season ends. However, Sugreeva forgot to communicate his plan or updates on what’s happening to Rama as he simply trusted the friendship between them.

Rama at other end was unaware of the plans of Sugreeva and was in distress and couldn’t bear the separation of Seetha Devi. Hence, at the end of the rainy season, Rama asked Lakshmana to meet Sugreeva and remind about his promise to help in searching Sita. Lakshmana prepared himself to meet Sugreeva and confront him with his thunderous wrath. Rama stopped Lakshmana and advised him, “Dear brother Lakshmana, remeber that Sugreeva is our friend. We need to trust the relation and hence you cannot lose control of your emotions. Please stay calm when you meet Sugreeva and just remind Sugreeva about his promise to help us in searching Sita.”

Lakshmana listened to Rama carefully, however his love for Rama could not calm his mind completely. The land was vibrating for miles as furious Lakshmana walked towards Kishkinda to meet Sugreeva.

Hanuman informed Sugreeva that furious Lakshaman had arrived at Kishkinda to meet him. On understanding the purpose of Lakshmana’s visit, Sugreeva asked his capable minister Hanuman to advise on how to handle the situation in a calm manner.

कृतापराधस्य हि ते नान्यत् पश्याम्यहं क्षमम् |
अन्तरेणाञ्जलिं बद्ध्वा लक्ष्मणस्य प्रसादनात् || 4.32.17

This is the slokam from Valmiki Ramayana stated by Hanuman to Sugreeva which means – “As you (Sugreeva) have committed sin (of not keeping Ram updated), I cannot see another option other than put your hands together (Anjali/Namaskaram/Vanakkam) and ask for forgiveness to Lakshamana”.

Sugreeva learnt the great art of Anjali which is the foremost mudra to solve many big problems.  Anjali is defined as “am + jalayathi” or that which makes even Paramathma’s solid heart melt into a watery state.

When Sugreeva met Lakshmana, Sugreeva immediately apologised to Lakshmana by doing Anjali and explained the preparations he had already done in detail. He communicated that he didn’t forget the promise made to Ram and had made all arrangements except for not informing the status back to Rama.

यदि किञ्चिदतिक्रान्तं विश्वासात् प्रणयेन वा |
प्रेष्यस्य क्षमितव्यं मे न कश्चिन्नापराध्यति ||4.36.11

This is the slokam from Valmiki Ramayana stated by Sugreeva to Lakshmana which means – Out of trust or friendship if I have committed any mistake(sin) please bear with me Lakshmana, there is no prefect person (Jeevan) in this world who has not committed mistakes and hence please forgive me.

Hearing those words from Sugreeva and because of the magic of Anjali, Lakshmana cooled down and replied that he never mistook Sugreeva’s actions.

यच्च शोकाभिभूतस्य श्रुत्वा रामस्य भाषितम् |
मया त्वम् परुषाण्युक्त: तच्च त्वं क्षन्तुमर्हसि || 4.36.20

This is the slokam from Valmiki Ramayana stated by Lakshmana to Sugreeva which means – Oh! Sugreeva, on hearing the sadness of Rama being separated from His wife Seetha, I expressed my anger to you. There is no personal vengeance on you.

Swami Vedanta Desikan, inspired by this Ramayana incident and how those characters behaved, advises a simple way to make up for Bhagavata Apacharam: say sorry to the person you hurt (the Bhagavata), like using “Anjali.” in his Chillarai Rahasyam work called Anjali Vaibhavam.

Thus, is the greatness of Anjali Vaibhavam which can help us come out of Bhagavata Apacharam.

Key Take Away

Even if we have not committed a mistake knowingly, our words and actions might wound another Bhagavata. Upon realising the mistake, we must immediately apologise and attempt to right all wrongs. This is shown by Sugreeva.

On the other hand, if the other person ask for apology, we must abandon our ego and accept it which is shown by Lakshmana.

After reading this it is quite evident that there are no counselling sessions compared to learning our epics Ramayanam, Mahabharatam and puranas like Srimadh Bhagavatam, Sri Vishnu Puranam with the guidance of our Gurus who guide us.

Koodi irundhu Kuliruvom!!

Adiyen,

Smt. Priya Sathyan

Sri APN Swami’s Kalakshepa Shishayi

11-10-2023

Pareekshyakaari | Ego to Easy Go | Lessons from Bhagavad Gita | Sri APN Swami’s #Shishya Writes

Sri:

Chapter five of Swami Vedanta Desikan’s chillarai rahasyam called Abhaya Pradana Saram, is titled as “Sharanya Sheela Prakaasham” (ஶரண்ய ஶீல ப்ரகாஶம்).  In this chapter, Desikan provides an explanation of how the monkey clan (Vanaras) hailed Rama, as mentioned in a verse from Valmiki Ramayana:  ‘त्वं हि सत्यव्रतः शूरो धार्मिको दृढविक्रमः । परीक्ष्यकारी स्मृतिमान् निसृष्टात्मा सुहृत्सु च ॥'”6.17.36. 

During kalakshepam on 08-10-2023, Sri APN Swami while explaining the word परीक्ष्यकारी detailed some interesting aspects which we shall delve further in this article.  

Who is Pareekshyakaari – परीक्ष्यकारी ?

Pareekshyakaari in general emphasizes the practice of deliberate and thorough examination before taking action.  

Swami Desikan in Abhaya Pradana Saram details ‘परीक्ष्यकारी’ as அஷ்டாங்கையான बुद्धिயாலே ஆராய்ந்து செய்தருளும் கார்யம். So, परीक्ष्यकारी  is a person who has the eight characteristics of knowledge as in the slokam  ग्रहणं धारणं चैव स्मरणं प्रतिपादनम् ।  ऊहोऽपोहोऽर्थविज्ञानं ततत्त्वज्ञानं च धीगुणाः।। (காமந்தகீயம்‌). The eight virtues of wisdom ( புத்தியின் எட்டு அங்கங்கள்) listed are: 

1) ग्रहणं – Reflecting on the subject matter in one’s mind – விஷயத்தை மனதில் வாங்குதல்,

2) धारणं – Contemplating within one’s mind – மனதில் தரித்தல்‌

3) स्मरणं – Recollecting what has been learned – மறுபடி நினைத்தல்‌,

4) प्रतिपादनं – Explaining to others – பிறருக்கு எடுத்துக் கூறுதல்

5) ऊहः – Understanding matters not told by others – பிறர் கூறாத விஷயங்களை அறிதல்

6) अपोहः – Rejecting certain things among what others have said – பிறர்‌ கூறியவற்றில்‌ வேண்டாத சிலவற்‌றைத் தள்ளுதல்,

7) अर्थविज्ञानं – Clearly comprehending subject matters – விஷயங்களைத் தெளிவாய் அறிதல், 

8) तत्त्वज्ञानं  – Perceiving the genuine significance/true intended meaning – உண்மையான அர்த்தத்தை அறிதல் 

Thus, Vanaras hail that Ram is a परीक्ष्यकारी the one who possesses these eight virtues of wisdom. 

While explaining the above Sloka, Sri APN Swami provided a thought-provoking connection to the dialogue between Arjuna and Lord Krishna as in Mahabharata.

Let go of ego to make it easygoing – How Arjuna sought guidance from Krishna? 

It’s well-known that Arjuna is a skilled archer and possesses profound knowledge. He is also referred to as “Sabyasachin,” signifying his ability to adeptly shoot arrows using both his right and left hands. 

In the battlefield of Kurukshetra, such a skilled Arjuna saw the Kauravas army which included his own family, friends and teachers. Arjuna said to Krishna, “I can’t do it, I won’t do it,” showing his reluctance to fight. He felt very confused and dropped his bow and arrow since he didn’t want to fight against them. 

At that juncture, Arjuna was certain that he was in a state of confusion on whether to fight or not. But he was quite confident that because of his lack of clarity, he couldn’t make decisions. தான் தெளிவாக இல்லை, தெளிவான முடிவை எடுக்க முடியாத நிலையில் தான் இருப்பதை அர்ஜுனன் தெளிவாக அறிந்திருந்தான். 

In his state of confusion, Arjuna made one wise choice. He turned to Krishna and asked for his guidance for further action. Arjuna explicitly requested Krishna to make choices for him based on what would be best and instructed Krishna to give him clear instructions on what actions he should take at the battlefield.  Arjuna sought Krishna by saying – कार्पण्यदोषोपहतस्वभावः पृच्छामि त्वां धर्मसम्मूढचेताः ।  यच्छ्रेयः स्यान्निश्चितं ब्रूहि तन्मे शिष्यस्तेऽहं शाधि मां त्वां प्रपन्नम्‌ ॥ (Bhagavad Gita 2.7 – Arjun to Krishna ‘With my nature affected by the defect of weakness, I ask you with a mind confused about what is dharma, please tell me which is good for me. I am your disciple and please lead me.”) 

We often find ourselves in a situation similar to Arjuna’s where we are confused and not in a state to make decisions. At such situations, we make a big mistake by not seeking help because of our ego. Sri APN Swami emphasizes that this ego-driven reluctance to seek assistance makes our journey much harder. “Because of Ego, we cannot go Easy go” quoted Sri APN Swami. 

At this point, Krishna, who is known as RisHikeshan – controller of senses, takes charge to guide Arjuna.  Yes, Driver/Charioteer/Parthasarathy gets into the Driver seat to guide Arjuna on the next set of actions.  

The crucial aspect to observe is how Krishna helped Arjuna emerge from his state of confusion. As detailed in Bhagavad Gita, gradually, step by step, Krishna introduced numerous important ideas, concepts, thus encouraging Arjuna to contemplate and question them.  Arjuna gained a profound understanding of what Krishna had conveyed, and his mind became remarkably clear. Like a caring father guiding his child, Krishna provided direction to Arjuna. Our Acharyas are like that father. They lead us and reveal the path to Paramathma. Acharyas are individuals who provide guidance tailored to each student’s requirements, circumstances, and capabilities. They prepare, shape, and lead the shishya on their journey. The unwavering faith of disciples towards their Acharya works wonders.  No wonder Paramathama is known as Geethacharyan & Adi Guru!!

This newfound knowledge & clarity prompted Arjuna to inquire about the secret of divine incarnations i.e., Avatara Rahasyam of Paramathma, as seen in Chapter Four of the Bhagavad Gita. These verses are truly fascinating to ponder upon.  In this context, Arjuna recites a verse (4.4) that contains twelve implied questions. Swami Desikan in his commentary called Tatparya Chandrika for Bhagavad Gita, lists the intended questions hidden in a sloka stated by Arjuna and matches them with Krishna’s responses (verses 4.5 to 4.9). This distinct method of interpreting this verse is also one of the virtues of wisdom called ऊहः understanding matters not told by others. 

Also, it was Krishna who deliberately led Arjuna into confusion and made him turn to Him for guidance. This episode from Mahabharatha explains that the confusion created in the minds of Arjuna by Krishna is also for bringing in crystal clear clarity in Arjuna. Sri APN Swami emphasizes that in any scenario appropriate course of action depends on the specific situation. For instance, when mixing sugar in milk, you need to stir it, but when dealing with muddy water, you should let it stand still for the sediment to settle. கலக்க வேண்டியதை கலக்கி, தெளிய வைப்பதும் தேவையே. Krishna demonstrated the same in the battlefield by confusing Arjuna and thus getting him clarity. 

This episode from the Mahabharata also illustrates how Perumal showers his blessings upon his devotees. Krishna exhibits a distinct favoritism(partiality) towards His devotees, the Pandavas. 

Arjuna desired to avoid combat, but Lord Krishna compelled him to engage in the battle. We do not get all those we wish for.  We all think it is bhagavad anugraham, only when we get what we ask for. At times, not getting what we asked for is also bhagavad anugraham.   பகவானிடம் நாம் கேட்டது கிடைத்தால் அது பகவத் அனுக்ரஹம் என்று கொண்டாடுகிறோம். பகவானிடம் நாம் கேட்டது கிடைக்கவில்லை  என்றால் அதுவும் பகவத் அனுக்ரஹமே.  நமக்கு அது தேவையற்றது என்பது எம்பெருமானுக்கு தெரியுமாகையால் அதை தரவில்லை. இதுவும் அனுக்ரஹம் தானே! Imagine a child suffering from a severe cold who asks its mother for ice cream. The mother refuses the request, knowing it’s not good for the child. Can we consider this deliberate refusal by the mother to fulfill the child’s wish as a sign of her disliking the child? This action by the mother actually demonstrates her love and concern for her child. Similarly, there are instances when Bhagavan doesn’t grant our wishes because they are unnecessary for us, and He understands what is truly best for us. Just like the mother, the Supreme Being does what is beneficial for us (Hitam), even though it may appear on the surface as if He is not concerned with what pleases us (Priyam). 

In Thiruppavai, Andal expresses, “யாம் வந்த கார்யம் ஆராய்ந்து அருள்,” which means, “Hey Krishna, please carefully consider our requests and grant us only what is essential for us. Don’t simply fulfill our wishes as they are.” 

Krishna aided Arjuna by initially causing confusion, then guiding him out of that confusion to achieve a profound clarity of knowledge, ultimately ensuring that Arjuna received what was truly beneficial for him.

Indeed, it’s no surprise that Ramayana and Mahabharata (which includes Bhagavad Gita) serve as our guiding principles, and comprehending life lessons from them becomes feasible through the capable guidance of our Acharyas. 

Dhanyasmi,

adiyen

Sriranjani Jagannathan

Kalakshepa Shishyai of Sri APN Swami 

09-Oct-2023