How to be a True Leader like Lord Ram – Ekal Bhagavat Katha Day 5

The fifth day of the grand ongoing event commenced with Pujya Bhaishri speaking of the importance of Peace of mind, which is only possible when we come out of our limited, self-centered existence and seek to connect ourselves with the vastness of collective consciousness.

Individual consciousness is what we refer to as Jīvātmā and collective consciousness is what we refer to as Paramātmā (God). One who dedicates themselves to serving this collective consciousness fulfills the purpose of life.

Pujya Bhaishri emphasized that even animals manage to procreate as well as feed themselves and their families. What is the value of a human birth if we are not able to live for more than just ourselves? As we expand and open up in loving, accepting and being compassionate for others we begin to blossom and spread fragrance in life.

For one who loves, service and renunciation comes effortlessly. Citing the example of the many volunteers who are tirelessly serving to make this Katha a success, Pujya Bhaishri noted the happiness and satisfaction they must be feeling rather than the burden of exhaustion. Such is the power of love in action, meaning, service. Service dissolves oneʼs ego and builds oneʼs morale.

We must all strive to become Vishvamitra, which means a friend to the world-at-large. Filled with the purifying stream of friendship for all in our heart, let us strive to be useful to others and be compassionate to even those who oppose or curse us. For such a person, Lord Ram Himself arrives to protect his endeavours (Yagya).

Describing the tremendous life struggles of Lord Ram that culminated in his kingdom, Pujya Bhaishri spoke of what true leadership takes. Leadership is reaching out to all strata of society, understanding their needs and including all in the stream of societal progress. Such a leader rules not the people but rather, the minds of all people. A leader who has connected with this collective consciousness is able to inspire great reform and change, as everyone feels for his pain and responds to his call to action.

Citing Dhruvji from the fourth canto of the Bhagavat as an example of this, Pujya Bhaishri described the fifth month of his Sadhana wherein young Dhruv renounced the intake of air. At this time, all of existence felt their life-air to have halted. Such is the power of one who has connected to that Highest Reality in his universal form and this is the path to lasting peace.

Lord Krishna manifested with great pomp and celebration on the fifth day of this Katha.  The first nine cantos of Bhagavat nurture the eternal bliss that manifests in the tenth canto. Pujya Bhaishri led the entire gathering into chanting and understanding the two qualifications and ten characteristics of the structure of Shrimad Bhagavat scripture as outlined in this verse spoken by Shukdevji to Parikshit:

In this way, the twelve-limbed Supreme Being is personified in this divine Shrimad Bhagavat.

Shri Brahmaswaroopanandji of Rishikesh graced the ongoing Ekal Bhagavat Katha on day five.