Responsibilities and Independence – Day 2 Radha Shyam ki Katha Bhagwati

On day 2, Pujya Maharajshri in his sermon was also present and enlightened everyone on the importance of faith and surrender to a Guru as well as the reasons why crimes are committed.

Pujya Bhaishri said that this Katha is the form of Radha Krishna. Radhaji’s name is in various mantras in the Vedas, particularly in Rig Veda. Shukdevji has hinted towards Radhaji’s name twice in Bhagavat. In Rās Panchādhyāyi, Shukdevji uses the word Ramesh. Rama in the word Ramesh refers to Radha. Shri is also used for Radhaji’s name. Just like in Vishnu Sahasranām we see a thousand names of Lord Vishnu, Shri Radha also has many names. People must come out of the dilemma that Radhaji has not been mentioned in Bhagavat.

The world worships Shri Krishna while Shri Krishna worships Radha. The flow of love inside one when worshipping Shri Krishna is Radha. Radha Rani also uplifts us in life.

Yesterday was both the Independence Day of India and Raksha Bandhan. Every independent country has to be bound by rules. Hence, after Independence day, arrives Republic Day. Independence without responsibility leads to tyranny.

A learned person is free and needs to do nothing. Yet this person will perform duties to inspire others. People follow what leaders do. When towering personalities in the society stumble, many people who trustfully look up to them are affected. Shri Krishna says in Gitaji, “There is no action remaining for me but if I don’t perform actions, then others will also not act.”

Responsibilities in life as a father, mother, husband, wife, child is not a restriction. This is how one becomes eligible for liberation. This responsibility is Dharma. Using the analogy of the wheel of a car, Pujya Bhaishri said that if the wheel became egoistic and decided to detach from the axle, the wheel will go some way, fall and become still. It will not reach its goal. Observing duties is Dharma. Dharma is not just religion but it is a code of conduct.

Pujya Bhaishri wished everyone a Happy Independence Day and Happy Raksha Bandhan. He then said that this confinement consists of protection. Not just sisters tie Rakhi to brothers to protect one another, but you tie Rakhi to the one you love. For example, Indrani tied Rakhi to Indra when he was leaving for a war against demons, Laxmiji tied to King Bali, Kunta Maa tied to Abhimanyu, Katha narrators tie to protect Dharma and values. If you protect Dharma, Dharma will protect you.

After all the responsibilities, one also has a responsibility towards oneself in order to attain emancipation.

In six chapters, the importance of Bhagavat is explained by Sutji to Shaunakji and other Rishis. Naradji saw Bhakti (devotion) crying at the banks of Yamuna. Her sons, Gyan (knowledge) and Vairagya (renunciation) had become old and frail. Naradji promised her that he will establish her with her sons in every one. He recited Vedas and Gita. Gyan and Vairagya woke up but returned to sleep. Naradji was then advised to perform a good cause. Sanatkumars guided him that this good cause is Shrimad Bhagavat Gyan Yagya.

Sanatkumars narrated the Katha at the banks of Ganga called Anand taṭa in Haridwar. Sanatkumars sang the importance of Bhagavat. Bhagavat purifies one simply from listening. Meanwhile, Bhakti Maa, with her sons, Gyan and Vairagya as well as all holy waters arrived from Yamuna to Ganga. Gyan and Vairagya had woken up and regained their youth. Naradji was amazed at the importance of Shrimad Bhagavat. Bhakti, Gyan and Vairagya sat within the listeners’ hearts.

The importance of Bhagavat is also explained via the story of the Bhramin, Atmadev and his virtuous son Gokarna as well as the son who was a sinner, Dhundhukari. Dhundhukari became a ghost and could not attain liberation despite final rites at Pitru Gayā. He was liberated when he listened to Shrimad Bhagavat narrated by Gokarna.

However, not everyone who listened to the katha was liberated because they did not listen with the same faith and emotions as Dhundhukari had. Gokarna narrated the Katha once again and this time, they were all taken by God to His abode.

Shukdevji said that Katha is not available in heaven, Vaikunth or any other place except earth. Do not lose this opportunity as a human being. Parikshit was liberated in seven days upon listening to Katha.

Bhagavat consists of 12 cantos, 335 chapters and 18,000 ślokas.

With the understanding of the importance of Bhagavat, let us now enter into the first śloka of the first canto of the Shrimad Bhagavat.