Some Drops of Nectar from Shrimad Bhagavat Katha from Kumbhmela Nasik

Day 3 – Pujya Bhaishri explains the importance of kaam in life for devotion through the life of Tulsidasji,

Pujya Bhaishri bowed to Shri Goswami Tulsidasji several times on his birthday and spent the day’s katha expanding on his teachings and greatness. Pujya Bhaishri said that Shri Tulsidasji has greatly guided spiritual seekers. I also bow to his wife, Devi Ratna, who was so great to create such a saint.

A husband’s love is very important to every wife. A wife does not like it if her husband is only physically attached to her. She wants love. Shri Ratna Devi turned the attachment Tulsidasji had for her into devotion for God.

Devotion (bhakti) means immense attachment or love for God. Life is difficult and miserable for one who does not love anyone. Others’ love becomes our strength in life. Love is not just between a husband and wife, it can be towards a mother, sister, friend etc.

When Ratna ji went to visit her parents for a few days, Tulsidasji could not bear the separation from her. He left in the middle of the stormy night to see her. Ratna ji was surprised and shocked to see her husband at her parents. She was then concerned that so much attachment towards her cannot be a good thing. A normal woman would be happy to see such bondage from her husband. However, this is Bharat’s lady! So Ratna ji said to Tulsidasji, “So much attachment to a body of bones and muscles? If you would have had the same bondage and love for Lord Ram, it would have led to your emancipation”.

Tulsidasji was of course hurt, but he also contemplated on this and realised that his wife was right. Immediately, he dedicated his entire life to Lord Ram.

Do not abuse Kama. It is energy thorigh which the world runs and is maintained. Kama is a demi-god. We worship him during weddings also. One who has no desires (kama) within, cannot be a lover.

Do not fight kama. Chant God’s name and serve him so much that when you go to bed extremely tired having served God all day, there is no time for bad thoughts.

Day 1

On Day 1, expanding on the scenario of churning of the ocean between the demons and demi-gods, Pujya Bhaishri said that the mind is bound to be unsteady. At times it is bound with good thoughts and at other times it is overcome with bad thoughts and therefore can lead to one performing the wrong deeds.

For example, when there is a team of people organising a katha, I often see that these people are overcome with ego and therefore insist on their individual ways, thus creating conflict within themselves. This is poison coming out of the churning of the ocean. Poison is bound to come out. At such times, we must surrender ourselves to our Guru, who is the form of Lord Shiv, who drank this nectar.