Delusion, the thief who steals our Peace! – Day 2 Ekal Bhagavat Katha

On day 2, along with other wisdom shared by Pujya Bhaishri on Bhagavat Katha, Pujya Bhaishri clarifies the noble efforts in the katha to be a by-product of the Katha. The Katha was blessed by the presence of Shri Rajendradasji Maharaj and Shri Gyananandji Maharaj from Vrindavan.

Pujya Bhaishri said that it is delusion which instigates:

(1) attachment and bondage to the transient material world and

(2) an inability to feel attachment towards Eternal Lord Ram.

In this way, delusion steals our peace and leaves us in misery.

There may be light bulbs and electricity but until the switch is turned on, the circuit does not complete and the electricity does not reach the light bulbs to illuminate the room.

In the same way, God exists everywhere, at all times and we also exist. Yet, until we fully surrender to a Guru and receive His grace, the circuit is not complete and we are not enlightened. The moment our intellect is illumined, we are able to clearly see and separate the real from the unreal.

This leads to detachment from the unreal, transient sensory indulgences of the world and at the same time leads to attachment to the eternally Real Lord.

Primary Purpose of Katha

The word ‘mokshaʼ (liberation) is comprised of two words: ‘mohʼ (delusion) + ‘kshayʼ (destruction). Thus, the destruction of our delusion is moksha. This must be understood to be the primary objective of this Shrimad Bhagavat Katha.

Pujya Bhaishri emphasized that everyone should seek to understand the important discussion at hand and aim for peace. Any awareness raised about the important work of Ekal Vidyālaya and fundraising towards their noble efforts should be understood to be a by-product of this Hari Katha, not its primary purpose.

Pujya Bhaishri shared a question he had posed as a young student to his Guru, as a student at Tattvajyoti Pathshala in Rajula, regarding a line from the ‘Bhaja Govindamʼ Sanskrit hymn composed by Bhagavan AdiShankaracharya that they were learning.

Deyam Dīnajanāya ca vittam

This line encourages us to give wealth to the needy. Pujya Bhaishri pondered upon this realizing one would need to first earn wealth to have and then be able to give it to the needy.

Guruji responded in the affirmative that one must first rightfully earn to give from it but also explained to him what the four facets of the true wealth of a Brahmin are:

(1) Knowledge of the Vedas,

(2) Ascetism

(3) Moral conduct

(4) Satisfaction.

So one meaning of the word ‘dīnʼ from this is needy. One must rightfully earn and distribute this wealth to the ‘needyʼ.

The second meaning of the word ‘dīnʼ is humble – one must only give this knowledge to those who are humble and seek to be enlightened with it.

Just as fire has two qualities to burn and illumine, so does the flame of love for Shri Hari play two roles:

(1) It melts the heart that has solidified into the shape of this material world and moulds it instead into the form of Shri Krishna.

(2) It illuminates and shows one the true form of Shri Hari leading to an understanding of the beloved.

In this way, Shrimad Bhagavat as a scripture of devotion leads one to be established in permanent joy, peace and bliss by enriching our lives with the trinity of devotion, knowledge and detachment.