Shree Hari Ram Ram
Please share your thoughts / understanding on DESIRES based on Swamiji's recent messages, addressing concerns by sadhak below. Gita Talk Moderators, Ram Ram
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Avery simple question:
Is wishing or hoping to renounce desires not a desire?
Desires cannot be renounced in Toto. Certain desires are necessary and natural due to the body or Prakriti, There are desires called dharma aviruddha kaama. In fact if you refer to 7.11 of Bhagavad Geeta, Krishna says Bhootaanaam Dharma aviruddha kaamo asmi" I am the desire which is not against the Dharma of that Bhoota.
However these desires also have some threshold limits. When these limits are crossed the Dharma Aviruddh akaama become Dharma viruddha kaama and that is when fellow beings are inconvenience needlessly thatr is Paapa (not sin).
So do not try to suppress desires but keep them in limits.
Krishna Samudrala
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Shree Hari
Ram Ram
20th February, 2012, Monday
Falgun Krishna Trayodashi, Somvar, Vikram Samvat 2068
SRI MAHASHIVRATRI VRAT
How to Renounce Desires?
Every subject must be understood properly. My talks may appear incoherent, may appear novel, but you must attempt to understand, then you will be able to grasp properly. It is not at all difficult to understand. The question is that is it possible to give up wishes and desires? What will be the state of affairs on renouncing one's desires and wants? In other words, it appears that on giving up desires, life will become useless; however, on this topic I share an important point. Listen attentively and understand it. God has said in Gitaji
"Mamaivaansho jeevaloke jeevabhootah sanaatanah |
Manashashthaaneendriyaani prakritisthaani karshati || (Gita 15/7)
The sentiments of this verse are that - An eternal fragment of My own self, having become a "Jeeva" (embodied soul), in the world of life, draws to itself the (five) senses with the mind for the sixth, which are abiding in nature. Though being a part of Me, it accepts part of Nature - body, senses, and mind as it's very own. Being a part of Me, it grabs hold of part of Nature.
To accept things that are created and destroyed as one's very own, and to want them, is itself grabbing hold of part of Nature. However, in reality, no one can grab hold of that which perishes. Perishable means destructible. Just as on having money with you makes you rich, and on having gained knowledge, you become knowledgeable, similarly, only that is called perishable which perishes and only perishes all the time. Objects that are perishable will not remain, because they are working their way towards perishing and are every moment getting destroyed.
Further listen attentively to what I am saying. By listening and understanding carefully and attentively, it can lead to great benefits, not just nominal payback. The only point is that all the workings of "Nature" are visibly perishable. "To perish" is perceptibly its Nature, and this point is in everyone's experience. The extent to which our lifespan is consumed today, that portion will never come back. In the same way, all the things of the world are getting destroyed every moment. The visible is moving towards invisible. People think that a man is born one day, but in fact, the moment he is born, the dying process starts simultaneously. Therefore every being is moving towards death. The number of days that you have lived, that many days you have died, haven't you? The word "dying" appears harsh, but what is being said is truth.
Everything is becoming non-existent. The extent to which the world appears in the form of "Existence", all of it is merging into "non-existence." Therefore, to desire perishable objects, is desiring and wanting that "non-existent." Thus what will you get from desiring the "non-existent"? That which is not there at all, which is constantly changing, which is perishing, is in essence only "non existent." If it appears that without desiring one cannot function, and you want to desire, then wish that how can all be happy? How are we to generously distribute the money, wealth, grandeur that is in our possession, which we have accumulated and hoarded, which we regard as our own? In what way can we make others happy? Those things that we see with us, through them generously fulfilling other's righteous wishes, we gain the capability of renouncing those things.
Therefore, to get rid off desires for perishable things, have such desires whereby all get rest and relaxation, all are benefited, all are uplifted, all attain salvation. Day and night remain engrossed in these thoughts.
People say that simply by having such thoughts (all get rest, all are benefited, all are uplifted, all attain salvation) what can happen? I am saying everything takes place simply by thoughts, if the sentiments are one of giving, then renunciation automatically takes place. When renunciation takes place, then nothing else remains. The sentiments should be that all the perishable things that we have in our possession, they are going away with certainty. Take advantage by utilizing them all for the welfare of others.
"Dekhat he chip jaavasi jyun taaraa parabhaat"
As the sun rises, the stars hide away, similarly this life, this world is beginning to hide and go into death. It is going into "pralay" (dissolution, end). Therefore while the objects remain, utilize them and be benefited.
If you have money-possession, then listen carefully, for how long will they be there? In other words, they are there for a very few days, thereafter they will escape. Either the money will go away, or your body will go away, or both will go away. But it will surely and most certainly go away, there is no doubt about this. If you put these in virtuous and meritorious acts, then you will be most gratified and contented. Or else you will die leaving them behind, then you will become an evil spirit, a ghost, a snake, or go to hell. Therefore the sentiments should be one of only doing good to others, for their welfare. For this, there is no need for money. Whatever knowledge, intellect, body, mind, senses that you have, through that, see how can others be benefited? Wish for this intensely and deeply. How can the maximum number of people be benefited?
Today open and spread your vision. See how much suffering is going on in this world! People are not getting food. Those who were big landlords once upon a time, at present there is not even enough food to eat in their homes. That is the state of affairs at present. Many of the gentlemen staying with me have gone to villages. They have distributed food and fodder and shared the stories of villagers. If it does not rain what will be the condition? God only knows. These are difficult times and circumstances. People from good families come and meet me at night. They do not show their face during the day. What can they do? There is no food to eat, no clothes to wear. This is the current condition. At such times, if you have things, it is a great opportunity to put these to proper use. Therefore make good use of them now.
There is no fodder for cows. Many places there is even great shortage of water. The heat is unbearable and at the same time there is no water, think about what our condition would be at such times? Give some thought to this!
You and me, wishing to take things, is like burglary, it is gluttony and extravagance. Let me et more. If not money, then let me get name and fame. let me get praises - all this is robbery. Whether you desire money-relaxation or name-fame, it is one and the same thing.
Ko vaa daridro hi vishaalatrushnah |
Shrimaanshrch ko yasya samastatoshah||
Who is needy and poor? He who has great desire and thirst is a needy person.
Needy at all times, needing and needing more - this is poverty, great poverty, a wretched state. In reality, we will become wealthy on the day that this need (thirst, craving) leaves the heart. How can all get happiness, how can welfare of all take place, how can all beings be benefited - this point is one of priceless treasures. Just as on turning the key to the treasure chest towards us, the chest is locked, one cannot get a single penny thereafter. Whereas on turning the key in the other direction, all the treasures are available. Similarly, when the sentiments are one of "I must get" then the treasure chest is getting locked. You will cry and get nothing. That very same key, if you turn in the opposite direction, the treasure chest will be always filled. The moment the craving for things goes away, those things become available (easily attainable). Therefore there will be no benefits in carrying on desiring for your self.
A question arises that if we give up desire to get, then how will life go on? Man dies, even while desiring to live. By wishing, will he be able to continue to live on? By desiring, he can neither continue to live, nor to die. Therefore it is altogether a fallacy that on giving up desires, how can man continue to live? Those who died, they had a desire to live. He who does not desire to live, nor to acquire things, will not die, even though the body dies. Even though not seen alive, saints like Goswamiji Shri Tulasidasji Maharaj with his speech, words, conduct, has continued to benefit the world, therefore though dead, are living. Those who want to live, they are surely dying. Therefore let there be a strong desire of seeing to the welfare of all.
Nowadays there is a great need of men who can serve. People think that there is a need for money. I do not believe that there is that much need for money, as there is a need for good sentiments.
There is a great need for people with good feelings that are hard working. If men with good sentiments are ready, then money will roll at their feet. Money is not such a great thing. In reality, money is not true wealth. Real wealth is having the sentiments of welfare of all. All can become wealthy in having these feelings. But what is one to do? How to explain? People have regarded money as a very great thing. I do not have the ability to explain. However, on this subject, I have done some deep studies. I have read, heard from saints and discussed with them and I too have inquired deeply into it. It is possible that this point may not be comprehended by you right now. You all have the right to know about money, but you do not wish to know, you do not accept - and there is no solution for that.
Nothing is as useless as money. Even garbage, urine-faeces is better, of a higher calibre, than money. But I am unable to explain this. However this is the truth. Money by itself is useful, not of any use, no at all. It comes to use through food, clothing, water, servants etc. It is by acquiring something or the other, that money is useful. Money by itself is not useful, however, you have given importance to the money, you have understood it to be far better than even God Realization - and better than salvation, and have become ready for hell. You have accepted the hell in the form of 8.4 million wombs, but you have not accepted your upliftment-God Realization. That greed which God has called the gates to hell, you have become immersed in that very same greed. Your entire frame of reference is directed there. Therefore how can it be understood? Arjuna said the same thing regarding the Kauravas -
Yaddhyapete na pacchyanti lobhopahatachetasah |
Kulakshayakrutam dosham mitradohe cha paatakam || (Gita 1/38)
Although these people, with their understanding (discrimination) clouded by greed, do not perceive the evil of destruction of their own families, and the sin accruing from enmity towards their own friends."
Therefore why must we not think about moving away from such sins?
You have so deeply caught hold of money, that I see myself as being incapable of making you understand. I am unable to explain, but you too are unable to make me understand why money is the greatest of all. Even if you all apply your total force, then too, you cannot make me understand money as being the greatest of all. If I understand then I will accept, because I have given much thought to this subject, I have read books, I have met with saints. What I am saying is alright, it is the truth. There is no such thing that is as useless and baseless as money. What sins can a greedy man lured by money, not commit? A greedy man can do many ruinous things. All the nonsense and ruinous acts that take place, they were all done by greedy people.
In Gitaji, Arjuna asked Lord a question, that even though one does not want to sin, then too he commits a sin - why is it so? God says- "Desire" is the reason why one commits sins. Desire for money, sense pleasures is the futility of all sins. "Let me get money" - this desire is the basis of all irrational sins, hell and injustice. This desire itself is the main seed of all unfairness and wrong doings. When there are obstructions placed on one's desires, then one becomes angry; on coming under the sway of anger, one incurs sins. The two main origin of desires is wanting sense pleasures and desire to hoard and possess. If these two desires are transformed into "may all be happy, may all get rest and relaxation," then our own desire for hoarding and sense enjoyments will be wiped out and life would become pure. You will be benefited both in this world and the world beyond. There is no doubt about this. This is a true and sure thing.
Tyaagaacchaantianataram (Gita 12/12)
One instantly gets peace from renunciation. What is renunciation? - How can others be happy? How can others get rest and relaxation? - this itself is renunciation. Let me be happy, let me get something out of it - this itself is desires. On desiring perishable things, you will surely experience lack of peace, vexation, sorrow and jealousy. You cannot be saved from it. Even if you get perishable things then in fact, you will get "that which is NOT", that which can never remain. That which is "NOT" (non-existent) at anytime, is always "NOT" (non-existent). Even if you do "NOT" get it, it is Non-existent. In the perishing, the essential element is "Perish" (to die). Therefore with these departing things, give pleasure and happiness to others. While giving pleasure, do not think that I have made them happy. Have the feeling that - the thing that belongs to him, has come in use for him. The reason is, we were not born with these things, and we cannot take them with us. While living too we cannot keep them the way we want, we cannot change them, then too we call them our own, we regard them as "mine", and "for me". You are "ansh" (fragment, part) of Paramatma (God). You are God's. You have been given such a high post. That which is ours, always remains with us. Therefore those things that appear and disappear are not ours – to the extent that even this body is not ours. But who pays attention to such talks? It is everyone's experience that we cannot exert complete rights over it; then too we regard these as our own! What a mistake this is! Just think !
If you continue to accept these things as your own, wishing "let me get even more", then surely you will be ruined. Sins will be incurred and you will be trapped in birth and death. Therefore do not have desires to acquire these. Simply, have the sentiment, how can others be happy. All the possession that you have been entitled to, in the house and family that you are born in, they have allll been received for serving. Therefore as much as you possibly can, Serve!
He whose heart is filled with the sentiments of seeing to other's welfare, for him "Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam" i.e. the entire world is his family. Not just the family he is born in, the entire world is his family. If someone causes suffering and difficulty, then too he sees to the other person's happiness and well-being.
Uma sant kayi ihayi badaayi |
Mand karat ho karayi bhalaayi ||
Saints continue to see to everyone's welfare; They do not see other's faults. On giving them sorrow, then too they will only share happiness. Just as when sugarcane is pressed in a mill, then too the juice is sweet and only sweet; because only sweetness is filled in sugarcane. "nishpeeditosi madhuramupavatikshudandah" Therefore one whose heart is filled with the sentiments of seeing to everyone's welfare, only good things takes place through him.
Brothers and sisters! God does not want a single thing in return. Simply change your sentiments. You don't need to spend a single paisa (penny). Sitting in silence, in solitude, have the sentiments that how can all be benefited? How can all attain salvation? By this you will be uplifted and benefited. By having the sentiments of taking, you will slip and fall. If you give up desires and poverty from within, then the object will surely be attained. That which is ours, how can it become someone elses? I have one other point - I have heard it from saints and read it in books. If we get rid off greed, and get rid off desire to hoard and do not mis-utilize what we have, then a new destiny is formed. With a new destiny, things come to you, the treasure house becomes open and available to you.
The thought comes in people's mind that if we give up desiring, how can we sustain? Your sustenance will take place very well. Hundreds of men are fed by those who have left greed from their heart. Even much more comes to them! It comes in abundance and in large quantity! As long as we consider ourselves to be fulfilled through things and money and we accept their need, till then things come with difficulty and they go far away. When we don't need them, when the desire does not remain, then the things come on their own to be fulfilled. For the fulfillment of their life and their wealth, wealthy people take goods to places to be received by others, whereby their life will be fulfilled. There is a saying "ghee to aadaa haathaa hi pade maangyaa ghee thodo mile." (the one who is eating, if he places his hand across his plate indicating refusal for second helping, he gets served more food, then one who asks for more).
There was a saint - He used to wear black clothes. He went to ask someone for coal, to stain his clothes black, but he did not get it. At the very same time one person brought him a seven coarse meal, to which he said - "maangyaa mile na koyalaa, bin maange pakwaan" (by asking, didn't get coal, but without asking, received a seven coarse meal). By asking man becomes worthless, he becomes lowly.
Ghur bigadi sudhare nahi koti karo upaaya |
Brahmaanandlon badh gaye, par vaaman naam na jaaya ||
God's longest "avatar" incarnation took place, but the name remained Vaman due to wanting (begging) from Bali, He took a form of a midget (52 fingers in length). The moment a man asks for something, he becomes small.
(to be continued)
From book "Kalyaankaari Pravachan – Part 2" in Hindi by Swami Ramsukhdasji
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If in doubt regarding the translation, please read the original Hindi message by Swamiji.
FOR MESSAGE IN HINDI PLEASE VISIT Date : 20th February, 2012 "ICCHAO KA TYAAG KAISE HO? "
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