WISDOM, PERSEVERANCE AND REFUGE

BY SHRIMAD VALLABHACHARYA

Translations and Reflections by Shyamdas

 

REFLECTIONS:

 

This teaching, "Wisdom, Perseverance and Refuge", by Shrimad Vallabhacharya, speaks to the lovers of Hari on several levels. It is a practical guide, filled with wise advice on how to live in the world, deal with obstructions and maintain a rich devo-tional life. It also speaks of, in a discreet way, of the higher devotional states that flourish between the Beloved and His loved ones. Unity between the non-material perfect lila realm and this world of changes, is skillful navigated by the bhakta who is wise enough to fathom it as all the Beloved's game, strong enough to weather all karmic affliction and by being firmly situated in His sanctuary. This is Shri Vallabhacharya's essential message.

 

The blessed soul becomes engaged to the Beloved when there is a heart-felt acceptance of Bhakti, an entrance into the path of love. Then, shewill do anything for Him. She becomes the Beloved's divine lover and is committed to His seva, to His service and pleasure, a selfless spiritual art.

When the Beloved's delights are sought, there is a victory over the small self, a transformation. Then love, the yogic one, can be reciprocated.

Shri Mahaprabhuji has mentioned in his Nine Jeweled teach-ings that the bhakta must leave all forms of anxiety before the Beloved can be pleased. When the mind and heart are infested with worldly woes, His delights can not be appropriately considered. Wisdom arises when hindering concerns are left and dedication to His seva, to His service and pleasing worship are focused upon.

 

For this, three bhakti ingredients are essential. The lover of Hari must possess not only wisdom, the ability to set her priorities correctly, but she must also stand strong in her world, unmoved by negative forces. Finally her refuge in the Beloved, in her Blessed Hari must be willful and unbending.

 

Shri Mahaprabhuji begins his teaching with a definition of wisdom.

 

Sloka 1:

Always protect your discrimination and perseverance:
refuge should be carefully nourished.
True wisdom is seeing that Beloved Hari
will accomplish everything
according to His own will.

 

Reflections:

The key to wisdom and fortitude is refuge in the Beloved. When she remains in His haven, knowledge and strength flourish under His loving protection.

The bhakta's Beloved Hari, the Perfect One, is also the purifier and eradicates the sins and sorrows of His lovers. To understand this is knowledge.

 

To rely merely on the merit of one's own strength brings forth a pride, a false sense of accomplishment and is not pleas-ing to the Beloved. Wisdom is knowing without a question of a doubt that, "My Beloved will take care of me."

 

Anxiety plagues the bhakti-lover when she temporarily for-gets His loving embrace. Then, when her wisdom returns, she knows she is protected; all is seen as perfect and part of the Beloved's process, a portion of His perfect lila. When the lover rests in His glow, His sweet will is seen. Then, without asking, everything is accomplished.

 

The lover first identifies His lila, then finds His company and finally embraces her Beloved's delectable resolve. She feels it in every circumstance and while surrendering to His notions, she is purified. Her desires touch Him and when Hari recognizes her intention, the Beloved falls for her.

 

In that loving congregation, what need could there be to pray for anything besides His association? Why trouble the Be-loved when He is going to give more that what can be asked for. This is the bhakta-lover's vista, her subtle law of insight. Wisdom is knowing His perfect power, to see His decisions are lila-precise; Hari's will. Call it His sweet whim or desire, it is what makes it happen, not happened as well as what is beyond the two.

 

With insight, the lover rest firmly in His haven, she never wanders from His embrace. Whatever is essential for the lover, for her development, is always given, unasked for. In the Hari romance, the Beloved practice, even the attainment of liberation appears pale when compare to what is freely given. Shri Mahaprab-huji explains...

 

Sloka 2:

What is the use of prayer?
why request something from Him?

It arises from a doubt
in Svami's intention
in the plan of Hari-

Who is everywhere
Who is everything
Who is compelling and potent.

 

Reflections:

Why ask when it is already given? Why hanker, when the greatest riches are at hand. A prayer for something arises from a doubt that something will not arise. Prayer for this or for that is created from a forgetfulness; when the lover overlooks the fact that everything has already been taken care of.

What is given is good, what is not is also perfect. Although it is sometimes hard to discern at the time of encounter, life for the lover is always perfect. For her, gain and loss are always absolutely accurate.

What is truly needed is given, directly or indirectly. The lover never thinks, "I can get it myself." Such a one is like a dwarf in a ditch who reaches for the a lofty fruit. He tires from the stretch and then does not even know that the reward will cascades down to him, at just the right time.

The Beloved will never accomplish what is detrimental to His lover, to His bhakta. He knows for He is in all places, there at all times, the Beloved manifests everywhere, and even becomes all things. Even knowing some of this removes all doubts regarding His intentions. She see the Beloved's accomplishments every-where. This is not a passive acceptance of life. To know the Beloved's will is dynamic, its is transforming and compelling. It is her perfect part in the play of total love, the Beloved Prac-tice.

To turn from the love-games to the small self, to try to manipulate situations with exertion and achievement speculations is a fall from love, a slip from His embrace. The small self view is always narrow and ineffective. Moreover, it is plagued with the fear and false expectations of agreeable results. It lacks His essential refuge and clings to the impermanent nature of things.

Wisdom is to accept graciously whatever the Beloved gives, to feel Hari's acceptance in every situation. Wisdom is to avoid the spiritual arrogance of prideful practice and conquest con-sciousness.

These are some of her views of seva, the pleasing worship of the Beloved with one's mind, body and wealth. It arises naturally with unconditional refuge. It connects at the source and illumi-nates all portions of life. Like dirty waters that enter Ganga become Ganga and are worshiped as such, in the state of refuge, false identification is sundered, it is merged into the Higher Self and then everything becomes Ganga perfect. Everything is the Beloved's, she is the Beloved's and then the Beloved becomes hers. When Hari envelopes everything, there is a transformation. To that lover, the bhakta of Hari, Shri Mahaprabhuji speaks...

 

Sloka 3 - 4.5

 

From the bhava:
from the realization of
being under Hari's control
The lover becomes cleansed of false pride.
Then, when there is a special command-
the Beloved enters the heart.

 

In that extraordinary circumstance,
the bhava that is contemplated
is not worldly
it is separate from the body.

 

Reflections:

 

How pleasant to be under Hari's total control. In that blessed situation, you can never be taken advantage of. In illu-mination, the lover becomes spiritually adorned. The beauty of any physical body could never compare to her form. The lover of Hari, in this world or anywhere, skillfully with grace, maintains her forms. In her continual remembrance, she remains identified with the lila form. Each sense is connected, enveloped in the samadhi of her Beloved. She is under Hari's sway and then Hari falls under hers. Then, the romance is unending. The Beloved is her lila master and His response is forever appropriate and exact.

In the romance, the Hari one, the mayic world is forgotten. The force of Hari's love purifies the lover until everything else is simply forgotten.

This love affair is not made, it emerges. When a worldly romance cannot be forced to arise, then what to say of the Hari one! You can only avail yourself, ready yourself to be enveloped by Him. You can only prepare yourself by giving everything else up. Divine romance is not attained with a medita-tive effort, it is spontaneous. It is not prolonged by any prac-tice, but by intention.

In that blessed Hari romance, the focus falls effortless upon the beautiful Brahman. What follows is a total forgetfulness of samsara. For the true lover, renunciation never arises out of hatred, but from an appreciation of a higher taste. When priori-ties become refined, defined, and directed to the Beloved, other unrelated flavors appear spiritless. What is not connected with her Beloved no longer holds any interest. She wants to follow Him everywhere. Her dharma, the devotional one, is to be constantly by His side.

This is wisdom, this is also insightful.

She enters the haven of the Beloved with the help of the "holy sang", by keeping the association of His other lovers. There is no jealously amongst them. In the bhakti arena, the spirit of dedication is heightened with the mutual reflection.

Whatever situation Hari puts His bhatki-lover into or through, whether it has to do with the connected or unconnected family, with friends or with other associates, every world situa-tions occurs because of the Beloved's lila, it is seen as arising because of His sporting nature.

Everything else is unreal.

The lover who understands this, has an unconditional accept-ance of every situation. She knows and sees that Hari has created everything. Then, there is freedom, a release from all false expectations and useless concerns for the inevitable. It is seen before it happens, in all circumstances, whether worldly or divine. What does not vanish becomes consecrated.

The lover, she lives in her world with comprehension. Behind the worldly existence wells her ocean of devotion. Her service, and loyalty are all governed with the perspective of increasing His dalliance. Now, she alone can remove His anguish. This is insight, this is wisdom.

Sometimes, there is a special command, a wish that comes directly from the Beloved to His bhakta. It can arrive through the guru, it can arise in a dream, or from a celestial song. It can be seen in the heart or the Beloved can even appear directly before His lover and hand it to her.

Until the lover does not receive His directions, she contin-ues her practice and waits, all according to the revealed teach-ings. Refinement is knowing how to decipher the Beloved's special wishes from the others.

When the remarkable request arises, the lover follows the divine design and employs the communication to deepen her lila entrance. She will adorn Hari accordingly as she penetrates the special communication. The special command should never be con-fused with anything worldly, that would be to pay disrespect to the Beloved. The special command, in all cases is distinct from the bodily situation, yet it comes through it. The special com-mand never has anything to do with any worldly gain. It is not for the sake of marriage or money. The special command will never instruct the lover on how to increase worldly wealth, prestige or desire. The special command is showered to enhance the lover's lila entrance. Knowing this important distinction between the divine and worldly order makes the lover insightful.

Devotional direction is laid out by the guru and only shift-ed with the direct endorsement of Hari. The Beloved's direct directions over-ride all other instructions. They spring from the source and are undiluted truths.

For the calling to arise and take firm root, the root prac-tice is to cultivate the ability to rest in the Beloved's refuge. Then the lover, in her quest of His shelter, takes the company of other spiritually afflicted lovers who also know His union. They keep the Beloved and His ways within their devotional heart. Only to His other lovers will she share her secrets. Hari works through their assembly.

The lover is content when she receives "prasada", the Beloved's grace. She lives on His leftovers and engages in only as many worldly activities as necessary to maintain a worldly balance. Poise in all spheres is essential for the growth of devotion. For devotional stability in her romance, she renounces all sense of obstinacy in regards to anything worldly.

The lover can do this for she knows that the Beloved gives everything that is necessary. To maintain and live in this gentle harmony between all activities, worldly and divine is a matter of wisdom, it is also insightful.

Although it is necessary to obtain wealth for one's offer-ings and general living, the bhakta never sets up false stand-ards; she knows Hari provides. She follows the Beloved's will and is never inflexible. Shri Mahaprabhuji expands on that wisdom...

 

Sloka 3.5-5

 

Always, in any difficult circumstance,
do not be uncompromising.

Without being obstinate,
in all situations maintain
a keen sense of awareness.

Know what is dharma
and what is not.

This is my explanation of wisdom;
now I will speak of perseverance.

 

Reflections:

 

Always, in any difficult situation, whether it be a change in life style that occurs because of events beyond the lover's control, in wealth or misfortune, she will never force the cir-cumstances. She makes the necessary adjustments and while being flexible she remembers that it is all part of her Beloved's lila. The Lila Director creates all parts and His lover appreciates every role.

In worldly financial loss, if the opulence of the loving worship needs to be adjusted, she does so, always without obsti-nacy. If she gather's great riches, she will never falsely iden-tify with them, for she knows that the authentic affluence is wisdom, experienced in the wealth of bhava. Her spiritual value is in how deeply her devotion is felt for Hari. In the Hari relationship, the Beloved graciously accepts the lover's bhava and is never moved by other riches. She goes on, maintaining that secret relationship, and also moves responsibly through the world. In every circumstance her Hari bhava is constant. She is sensitive to the necessary adjustments and never loses sight of her Beloved. Her state is one of wisdom, it is filled with in-sight.

The loving relationship, the Hari romance and seva is the lover's priority. When other social and religious obligations arise, she attends to them only when she can slip away from the Beloved, without any disturbance. The Beloved's necessities are for her paramount. At the same time, she is also careful not to distracted any worldly situation and skillfully attends to social and religious events. She does so without upsetting her Hari bhava on her climb to His chambers.

Upon entering, when she becomes totally envelope in His loving illumination, her addiction to Him no longer allows for other activities. Yet, until that state of Hari addiction, a balance devoid of inflexibility is adopted by the lover in doings and non doings. In this regard, a keen awareness of what is righteous and what is not is always considered. It is done so while living in the spirit of that dharma where at all times and places the bhava for her Beloved reigns.

For the lover, dharma is not merely righteousness, it is the ability to have bhava for Hari at all times, in every circum-stance. If impurity arises out of either a doing or a non doing, if there is a loss of dharma, the righteous one, the lover, in her own brilliant way makes the necessary adjustments and in doing so, the secret relationship flourishes. She remembers the divine order of things and then acts accordingly. In all circum-stances, she puts her Beloved first and then arranges her worldly and religious calender. With Him first, there can never be fault, there can never be loss.

The Bhavagat dharma, the dharma of Hari is compelling, replete and capable. When the attention is there, there is always accomplishment, everywhere. The lover knows that to be obstinate in either the performance or non performance of other duties creates imbalance and equilibrium is necessary between the lives that are at once divine, spiritual and worldly. To be insightful in all circumstance while maintaining harmony is wisdom.

If the bhakta-lover is blessed with a special decree from the Beloved, in that special circumstance, she remains highly sensitive to His longings and directions. Sensitivity to the Beloved's agenda requires a constant perseverance. Even in times of stress, when the lover becomes concerned, she understands, in Shri Mahaprabhuji words that...

Hari is going to do whatever He wants,
according to His play,
so stop worrying immediately!

The bhakta-lover endures every situation. To maintain the state of constant insight, every situation must be digested, whether worldly, spiritual or divine. In Shri Mahaprabhuji's words...

 

Sloka 6

 

Perseverance is to endure
the three types of pain until death-
at all times and in all ways.

To do this, consider the body to be like buttermilk-
and understand the spiritual situation of king Bharat,
as well as the divine condition of Gopis of Vrindavan.

 

Reflections:

 

The bhakta lover endures all for the Beloved. Worldly pain comes from the body, spiritual afflictions arises from the senses, while divine distress surges from the depths of the soul.

Sometimes, suffering comes because of an examination, to test the lover's fortitude, to make her stronger. At other times, pain may come from past karma. There is also the divine suffering; it is a special award. It can come because of the lover's unfulfilled desire to be with the Beloved. It could also arrive because she desires to present something to Him, but that thing it is out of reach. These are lila afflictions and well from the love-filled heart to Hari.

Whenever any of these three-fold afflictions occur, a dis-turbance can arise in either the body, senses or soul. If not properly contained, they can become detrimental to the bhakta-lover's seva, her divine pleasing service, the Beloved Practice. But, in circumstances when the lover endures, when she lives for her Beloved's sake, she always spiritually prevails.

 

Worldly pain is like butter milk. In India, butter milk is made from yogurt. Water is first added and then it is churned. After some time, the butter separates from the watery yogurt mixture. After the butter is removed, what is left is called butter milk. This type of butter milk is considered to be "with-out essence", that is, it without butter.

As the butter milk does not feel any pain or loss of pride over the butter being removed from its substance, in a similar way, the bhakta-lover never feels and deficit from any worldly situation. This balanced view is maintained in loss or gain, whether it be in regards to wealth, wife, children, friends, or other associates. If worldly agitations creates a gulf and dis-tance from the Beloved, the lover remembers how the butter milk was churned and then without any sense of ownership, abandoned the butter and never thought of it again.

If the lover is insulted, treated unfairly, or if she is in any negative situation that arises because of contact with samsa-ra, the lover reflects back to the butter milk. The blessed butter milk was robbed of it essence, beaten up in the act, and still felt no real pain or loss. The butter milk was happy to be non-fat.

Where there are exalted relations, where the bhakta-lover has contacts in this world that are Hari related, that enhance the lover's relationship with the Beloved, those relationships are essential. The lover recognizes them and relishes that butter of devotion. They are always welcomed into the bhakta-lover's life; they deliever devotional richness.

That essence or devotional butter is to be always protected.

The pain that arises from the senses is called spiritual. Senses are agitated when they hanker after something without understanding the nature of impermanence. The also become agitat-ed when they are angry or jealous. To deal with discursive senses that disregard the Beloved, the story of Jad Bharat should be remembered. He never forgot the Hari bhava throughout his difficult and unusual journey.

 

Long ago, he was a great Indian king. India, which is now also called Bharat was name after him. After ruling for many years, he renounced his kingdom and retired to the forest for enlightenment practices. There, one day, while he was meditating on the banks of a river, a pregnant deer who was being pursued by a tiger, jumped into the river where the king was meditating. The deer died in the leap but not before giving birth to a fawn.

The king took the new born into his care and soon became excessively attached to the fawn. Shortly thereafter, death arrived unexpectedly.

Because he was constantly thinking about the fawn and what one thinks about at the time for death determines the next incar-nation, the king was born as a deer, but with complete remem-brance of his previous birth. As a deer, he stayed near to some sage's ashram and focused his mind on the highest pursuit of life. He ate the sage's leftovers and soon dropped that form and was born again, this time as a Brahman.

Not wanting to be obstructed in his path by anyone or thing, he appeared to all as a fool. After his father died, he wandered the world. Once when he was captured to be used as a human sacri-fice he remained totally fearless. When the appointed hour ar-rived, the goddess manifested in the sacrificial hall and saved him by killing all of his captors.

His wandering continued until one day, another king, who was in search of enlightenment came upon him and needed an extra bearer to carry his palaquin. King Bharat, now appearing as the Brahman fool, agreed to help carry the king, but when he didn't keep pace with the other bearers, he was reprimanded by the king. When Jar Bharat indicated that his stride was unique, the king who was looking for the great teacher, suddenly realized that he was below him. He climbed down and became his humble disciple.

It was only after many trials that king Jar Bharat attained his goal, Hari realization. Regardless of his wandering senses, he preserved and kept his focus. Similarly, the lover-bhakta who is firmly established in devotion, always preservers and becomes a vessel for His bhava, a joyful participant.

When bodily re-strictions are no longer binding, when there is remembrance, or even when the senses are agitated, in the blessed state, there is a continual underlining song and remembrance. King Jar Bharat is a guru who has shown how to endure the spiritual pain.

The divine pain, the anguish of the devotional heart is from a direct connection to the Beloved. He sports with His lovers in a lila hide and seek. Sometimes, He may delay, but when the fruit is finally given, it is sweet. Only love can influence the Be-loved. Still, the lover who desires to be taken into her Beloved's arms, uses every resource to find Him. She waits, she practice, cries and contemplates, yet the Beloved may still not appear.

The greatest example of this fire devotion is found in the intense bhakti of the Svaminis of Vrindavan, the Gopis of Braja. Some of those blessed Gopis were married to other men in the world. Once, when Shri Krshna went to the forest and sounded His sweet flute, its enchanting call brought the dairy maids of Braja, those accomplished souls, out from their worldly homes into His presence. Meanwhile, some Svaminis, who got caught in their homes, were unable to get out. They were stopped by their husbands and other family members and could not join the others in the Krshna congregation deep within the groves of Vrindavan.

Those Gopis who were caught in their homes, did not view Krishna as the divine Beloved, but simply saw Him as their para-mour. This is what really kept them caught in their homes. Their desires for the Beloved had specific motives, they were tainted with world stuff. This all restricted their bhakti movement. This delay of union afflicted their souls. They knew that they were missing the Beloved's dance, His rasa, the supreme congregation of elixir.

When they could not find their way out, they closed their eyes and meditated upon the form of their Beloved. At that moment, they experience His intense pangs of separation. In a single second, their affliction that was equal to countless years in hell, filled their beings. That fire of separation swept through their karmic lots and cleansed them of all previous obstructions.

Then, within their meditation, the blessed form of Hari emerged and embraced them. A joy arose form His contact that was equal to the concentrated pleasure of a billion years in heaven. In the intensity of the experience, those blessed lovers left their material forms and joined the Beloved in the eternal abode, they became true partners in the love games.

This all shows that the lovers of Hari can withstand the force of their own karma, they can endure the effects of time and nature. This allows them to arrive at the Beloved's door. When the delays, karmas, testing and playing are through, the purification of the lila process makes the lover's body ready for the ultimate embrace. The bhakta lover's body then becomes "nirguna", devoid of all restricting worldly stuff. Then, no more obstructions can delay the reunion and there is festival after festival.

The Svaminis who did make it out of their homes and were able to come before the Beloved, were told by Shri Krishna that they all had to return home to their worldly lives. They did not listen to His advice for they knew it was laced with double meaning. His command to go really meant to stay, and after reply-ing to Him in eleven slokas, their fortitude and spiritual endurance prevailed and Hari allowed them a dalliance that thrilled their every pore. They were able to enjoy the Beloved because of their determination and wisdom. They first recognized and then tasted the reward because of their clear priorities and uncondi-tional love. The bhakti reward was showered upon them.

The Gopis, the Svaminis of Vrindavan are the gurus of the path. Their resistance and determination are to be emulated by those who entered into the fire path of devotion. Bhaktas tell of their accomplishments in the congregations of lovers.

The divine pain, the affliction of not coming face to face with the Beloved is known to the rare lover. Along the way to His abode, so many things can come in the way, from family members and other associations. They should all be withstood. For in-stance, if the lover's spouse does not support the Hari romance, then practice is done alone. Only in cases of sever opposition does the lover seek other quarters where the relationship can be expanded and explored in peace. In the case of non-support in the devotional practice, the lover of Hari should not leave the home, for the complications involved in that could exceed the problems of the home due to poor association and food. In all cases, in loss or gain, the lover never forsakes perseverance. Shri Maha-prabhuji explains...

 

Sloka 7:

 

When there is alleviation, and things work out
because of His wish-
do not resist the accomplishment.

One should also endure false attacks
of one's spouse, family members
as well as from other people.

 

Reflections:

 

When there is a solution, and the Beloved removes suffering, the lover is not be overly righteous nor obstinate to those changes. The lover is also not obstinate about leaving the home in her quest for the Beloved. See sees all as the Beloved's lilas, and thus, all events in her life are endured. In every situation, Hari is the refuge.

If the lover's worldly partner is indifferent to the Beloved, let it be. Compassion for all the lover's associates is never forsaken. The lover's wishes all to enjoy the victory, yet if there is no inclination, to be obstinate or overly righteous is any situation is never resorted to. In struggle with anyone, animosity becomes the bhakta's poison and always delays the ultimate festival.

When the festival is delayed or worse, forgotten, when the senses focus on other things and don't remember Hari, these diversions obstruct the flow of nectar throughout the senses and being. When the attention turns towards the Beloved, then the senses can be devotionally employed in the romance. She can make Him garlands, sandal paste and other treats. These offerings are then taken as "prasada", as His grace. What is pure, delightful and offered, consecrates within and without and adorns the lover with virtues and ornaments that the Beloved keeps His eye on.

It deepens as the lover becomes absorbed into the dharma and drama of the Beloved. Then, things do not necessarily have to be renounced, they simply are given up, offered, and then enjoyed again. The Beloved returns the offerings. In the Beloved's pleasure, divine enjoyment for all participants is one of the blessed rewards.

The divine pain and its deliverance are seen as either Hari's examination or events rising because of past karmas. When the divine body is entered and used to traverse and serve in the Beloved's realms of lila pleasure, then there are no more delays. It is the bhakta's greatest asset and used in the Beloved's pleasure. By just understanding that the cause and supplier of all things is the Beloved, everything is offered back and never employed for any self gain. In this, there is liberation.

In worldly matters, complication can arise from anywhere. Dilemmas can occur because of something that is desired but not received. The mayic possibilities are endless. Whatever the case, the lover of Hari will not direct negative emotion towards any sentient being. She knows it is disruptive to not only the Hari relationship, but to Hari's lila creation as well.

As the lover's relationship deepens, the way she relates to people in her world changes. In the divine process, people who are not sensitive to the transformation sometimes become jealous. They are not seeing the process. Even if they aggressively con-front the lover, she withstands the attacks and keeps her atten-tion upon the Beloved.

Conflict can come from the work place, from employees or employer, conflict can arise from circumstances were wealth is distributed. Even if the aggression is without cause and clearly contrary to the higher sensitivities of dharma, the lover will not lower herself to engage at the level her aggressors. She understands the protective aura of the Beloved and endures. This ability to withstand all situations extends to relationships with fellow lovers of the Beloved who because of some negligence or personal trait, turn upon the their fellow lover. Still, she does not falter in her Hari position.

When everything is seen as a play of karma that is working itself out for a higher cause, the lover is able to refrain from anger, while withstanding any pain. Devotional fortitude is what allows the lover this ability. Hari's perfect connection to all things is her focus. She sees Him just before her, as well as to the side. In that blessed state, she employs her devotional angles to avoid or transform all negativities. The illumination of the Beloved's presence is her protective shield.

Now Shri Mahaprabhuji explains how to withstand obstructions and affliction that arises from the senses.

 

Sloka 8:

 

One should renounce sense activities
with mind, body and speech,
that are connected to only the small self
and not with Hari.

Even if one is powerless to do so,
it should be done knowing
the power to do so is not one's own,
but Hari's

 

Reflections:

 

When there is bhava for the Beloved, there is balance in how much the senses enjoy and refrain. When wandering senses disrupt the balance, the lover makes the necessary adjustments, with a mind and heart directed towards the divine engagement. Discord arises when devotional sensitivities are displaced and create weakness while dealing with situations.

The weakness can arise because of a loss of wealth yet the lover knows in her devotional heart that everything is the Beloved's lila. Endurance, to see the vast scope of HIs lila, this brings to her, in any situation, the true view. Shri Maha-prabhuji says...

"Even when you are anxious, realize that Hari is going to do whatever He wants according to His play, so stop worrying immediately. "

Some people can relieve their own pain while others can transcend it. When there is no ability to do either, because of being in a powerless state, then refuge practice, taking the shelter of the Beloved is the practice and the reward.

 

Sloka 9:

In the state of being powerless
Hari alone is everything and
everything should be done
with the sense of His refuge.

Thus I have spoken of fortitude
Now I will introduce the third teaching
refuge in Hari.

 

Reflections:

 

In weakness, the protector Hari stands besides His lover and makes her situation lila perfect. She sources all of her power into Hari and crosses everything else on her way to Him. She always reflects upon every condition in relationship to the Beloved, to her Hari, who is blissful, remover of obstructions and the destroyer of her sorrows.

His grace and compassion are inspiring. She finds refuge in His side long glance and feels worthy. In His inviting shelter, she no longer manipulates anything. She lives in a loving situa-tion and knows the perfection of His will.

The Hari lover, by simply knowing that she is nothing becomes everything and replete. With humility, a rare combination of being firm and gentle, she submitts to the lila and lives happily. She attains refuge effortlessly without any sense of self attainment, all with His grace and glance.

 

Sloka 9-9.5

 

In this world-
In any other,
In all situations-
Hari is the refuge.

 

Reflections:

 

When she is ready for Him, she discovers the Beloved's shelter everywhere. His romance and service becomes her true dharma, the dharma of the inner soul. Then, for the blessed one, other activities begin to feel unrelated. Her karmas are never undertaken for any other gain. She knows they will all just create a delay, a separation from her Beloved; snags in sustaining His pleasure.

With devotion, everything becomes simplified, her protection here and beyond, always Hari refuge. She undergoes no effort besides submitting to her Beloved's aspirations. Everything else is a diversion. Expanding on her refuge Shri Mahaprabhuji continues...

 

Sloka: 10.5 T0 11

 

In pain and loss
in sin and in fear,
in the obtainment of the object of desire,
in anger towards other bhaktas-
in the absence of devotion,
in conflict with bhaktas-
in the powerless state,
as well as in the state of power-
in every condition-
Hari is the refuge.

 

Reflections:

 

She sees and feels Him everywhere, at all times and in every occurrence, she has no where else to go. Loss, gain, fear, wealth, poverty, these things do not effect her, she is in love. Her reactions are different than those who have not yet fallen for Hari. Every occurrence is just another exchange with the Beloved. Even if others are displeased, she does not focus on their displeasure, but upon His pleasure. The lover can not leave the Beloved even when she feels that she is not worthy of His embrace. It is the final addiction.

Anxiety is never her response to pain that arises in her body or senses. Her reaction is refuge. Every circumstance, whether it is pure or impure, whether it arose before she became a lover, or out of apathy, after the romance begins, corrections are not undertaken with penance, but with love. She accomplishes everything by simply relying on Him and knowing that there can be no wrong by Him. She allows herself to be enveloped in the Beloved's presence and emulates those who already are.

The one in refuge can not be antagonized, nor does she have a false sense of accomplishment. She simiply has no time for these things. Her every response, even if she is in adversity glows with refuge. The lover is unshakable. Even if she feels her devotion lacks sufficient bhava, she feels no guilt, only a separation for her Beloved. In excessiveness or in shortcomings, whatever the situation, all supports are merged into the single sweet refuge. Her Hari refuge is at once the final means and attainment.

Her view is refined, her feelings find Him everywhere. She reflects upon Him in every soul and deepens her love by remember-ing His other blessed ones. This refuge is Self fulfilling.

 

Sloka 7:

 

When there is alleviation, and things work out
because of His wish-
do not resist the accomplishment.

One should also endure false attacks
of one's spouse, family members
as well as from other people.

 

Reflections:

 

When there is a solution, and the Beloved removes suffering, the lover is not be overly righteous nor obstinate to those changes. The lover is also not obstinate about leaving the home in her quest for the Beloved. See sees all as the Beloved's lilas, and thus, all events in her life are endured. In every situation, Hari is the refuge.

If the lover's worldly partner is indifferent to the Be-loved, let it be. Compassion for all the lover's associates is never forsaken. The lover's wishes all to enjoy the victory, yet if there is no inclination, to be obstinate or overly righteous is any situation is never resorted to. In struggle with anyone, animosity becomes the bhakta's poison and always delays the ultimate festival.

When the festival is delayed or worse, forgotten, when the senses focus on other things and don't remember Hari, these diversions obstruct the flow of nectar throughout the senses and being. When the attention turns towards the Beloved, then the senses can be devotionally employed in the romance. She can make Him garlands, sandal paste and other treats. These offerings are then taken as "prasada", as His grace. What is pure, delightful and offered, consecrates within and without and adorns the lover with virtues and ornaments that the Beloved keeps His eye on.

It deepens as the lover becomes absorbed into the dharma and drama of the Beloved. Then, things do not necessarily have to be renounced, they simply are given up, offered, and then enjoyed again. The Beloved returns the offerings. In the Beloved's pleas-ure, divine enjoyment for all participants is one of the blessed rewards.

The divine pain and its deliverance are seen as either Hari's examination or events rising because of past karmas. When the divine body is entered and used to traverse and serve in the Beloved's realms of lila pleasure, then there are no more delays. It is the bhakta's greatest asset and used in the Beloved's pleasure. By just understanding that the cause and supplier of all things is the Beloved, everything is offered back and never employed for any self gain. In this, there is liberation.

In worldly matters, complication can arise from anywhere. Dilemmas can occur because of something that is desired but not received. The mayic possibilities are endless. Whatever the case, the lover of Hari will not direct negative emotion towards any sentient being. She knows it is disruptive to not only the Hari relationship, but to Hari's lila creation as well.

As the lover's relationship deepens, the way she relates to people in her world changes. In the divine process, people who are not sensitive to the transformation sometimes become jealous. They are not seeing the process. Even if they aggressively con-front the lover, she withstands the attacks and keeps her atten-tion upon the Beloved.

Conflict can come from the work place, from employees or employer, conflict can arise from circumstances were wealth is distributed. Even if the aggression is without cause and clearly contrary to the higher sensitivities of dharma, the lover will not lower herself to engage at the level her aggressors. She understands the protective aura of the Beloved and endures. This ability to withstand all situations extends to relationships with fellow lovers of the Beloved who because of some negligence or personal trait, turn upon the their fellow lover. Still, she does not falter in her Hari position.

When everything is seen as a play of karma that is working itself out for a higher cause, the lover is able to refrain from anger, while withstanding any pain. Devotional fortitude is what allows the lover this ability. Hari's perfect connection to all things is her focus. She sees Him just before her, as well as to the side. In that blessed state, she employs her devotional angles to avoid or transform all negativities. The illumination of the Beloved's presence is her protective shield.

Now Shri Mahaprabhuji explains how to withstand obstructions and affliction that arises from the senses.

 

Sloka 8:

 

One should renounce sense activities
with mind, body and speech,
that are connected to only the small self
and not with Hari.

Even if one is powerless to do so,
it should be done knowing
the power to do so is not one's own,
but Hari's

 

Reflections:

 

When there is bhava for the Beloved, there is balance in how much the senses enjoy and refrain. When wandering senses disrupt the balance, the lover makes the necessary adjustments, with a mind and heart directed towards the divine engagement. Discord arises when devotional sensitivities are displaced and create weakness while dealing with situations.

The weakness can arise because of a loss of wealth yet the lover knows in her devotional heart that everything is the Beloved's lila. Endurance, to see the vast scope of HIs lila, this brings to her, in any situation, the true view. Shri Maha-prabhuji says...

"Even when you are anxious, realize that Hari is going to do whatever He wants according to His play, so stop worrying immediately. "

Some people can relieve their own pain while others can transcend it. When there is no ability to do either, because of being in a powerless state, then refuge practice, taking the shelter of the Beloved is the practice and the reward.

 

Sloka 9:

 

In the state of being powerless
Hari alone is everything and
everything should be done-
with the sense of His refuge.

Thus I have spoken of fortitude
Now I will introduce the third teaching
refuge in Hari.

Reflections:

 

In weakness, the protector Hari stands besides His lover and makes her situation lila perfect. She sources all of her power into Hari and crosses everything else on her way to Him. She always reflects upon every condition in relationship to the Beloved, to her Hari, who is blissful, remover of obstructions and the destroyer of her sorrows.

His grace and compassion are inspiring. She finds refuge in His side long glance and feels worthy. In His inviting shelter, she no longer manipulates anything. She lives in a loving situation and knows the perfection of His will.

The Hari lover, by simply knowing that she is nothing becomes everything and replete. With humility, a rare combination of being firm and gentle, she submitts to the lila and lives happily. She attains refuge effortlessly without any sense of self attainment, all with His grace and glance.

 

Sloka 9-9.5

 

In this world-
In any other,
In all situations-
Hari is the refuge.

 

Reflections:

 

When she is ready for Him, she discovers the Beloved's shelter everywhere. His romance and service becomes her true dharma, the dharma of the inner soul. Then, for the blessed one, other activities begin to feel unrelated. Her karmas are never undertaken for any other gain. She knows they will all just create a delay, a separation from her Beloved; snags in sustaining His pleasure.

With devotion, everything becomes simplified, her protection here and beyond, always Hari refuge. She undergoes no effort besides submitting to her Beloved's aspirations. Everything else is a diversion. Expanding on her refuge Shri Mahaprabhuji continues...

 

Sloka: 10.5 T0 11

 

In pain and loss
in sin and in fear,
in the obtainment of the object of desire,
in anger towards other bhaktas-
in the absence of devotion,
in conflict with bhaktas-
in the powerless state,
as well as in the state of power-
in every condition-
Hari is the refuge.

 

Reflections:

 

She sees and feels Him everywhere, at all times and in every occurrence, she has no where else to go. Loss, gain, fear, wealth, poverty, these things do not effect her, she is in love. Her reactions are different than those who have not yet fallen for Hari. Every occurrence is just another exchange with the Beloved. Even if others are displeased, she does not focus on their displeasure, but upon His pleasure. The lover can not leave the Beloved even when she feels that she is not worthy of His embrace. It is the final addiction.

Anxiety is never her response to pain that arises in her body or senses. Her reaction is refuge. Every circumstance, whether it is pure or impure, whether it arose before she became a lover, or out of apathy, after the romance begins, corrections are not undertaken with penance, but with love. She accomplishes everything by simply relying on Him and knowing that there can be no wrong by Him. She allows herself to be enveloped in the Beloved's presence and emulates those who already are.

The one in refuge can not be antagonized, nor does she have a false sense of accomplishment. She simiply has no time for these things. Her every response, even if she is in adversity glows with refuge. The lover is unshakable. Even if she feels her devotion lacks sufficient bhava, she feels no guilt, only a separation for her Beloved. In excessiveness or in shortcomings, whatever the situation, all supports are merged into the single sweet refuge. Her Hari refuge is at once the final means and attainment.

Her view is refined, her feelings find Him everywhere. She reflects upon Him in every soul and deepens her love by remember-ing His other blessed ones. This refuge is Self fulfilling.

 

This was translated by Shyamdas - whose books on Pushti Marg are well worth reading.

IAMSHYAM@aol.com

 

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