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Sarvagya Summary of last session (April 30) by Shri Mohan Khandekar Shri Vijay ji started the session with the topic of Shri Ramchandra ji weeping, talking to trees and Shiv ji calling him Sacchidanand.  We must go deeper to grasp the real meaning behind what we see. Because believing what we see is “lower understanding”and Vedanta cannot be understood with this.  He further explained the meaning of word Manoj in two different ways: मनोज =मन +उज.  उज=Unborn. Brahman superimposes and through Maya creates the mind. Therefore unborn.  Manoj मनोज= मन+इजा(इच्छा). The other word for Manoj is Kamdev which represents मन की इच्छा. Shivji is destroyer of Manoj (Rajasic and Tamasic desires) 50:1/2: Tulsidas ji calls Shri Ram “Sarvgya (सर्वज्ञ) just like Shivji. Sati is puzzled. “How can be This Man be सर्वज्ञ (Brahman)?” She wonders.  50:3 Tulsidas ji uses the word Antarjami (अंतरजामी), which means The One Who Rules our “inside”. The Feminine nature can be removed with the Masculine nature through Resolve (निश्चय). 50:4 Here Sant ji refers to Knowledge and Devotion.  Vijay ji’s comments: Knowledge without Guru is not possible and Devotion without Ishwar is impossible. Saints and sages lead us to Ishwar with Devotion.   51:1 Shivji gets exasperated with Sati’s doubt and wonders whether she is testing Him. Vijay ji’s comments: we must have full devotion and faith to Guru. Here Sati (shishya) does not have unwavering faith towards Shiv ji (Guru).  51:2 Shiv ji advises Sati to use her power of dispassion and discrimination to eliminate her doubt.  As long as we do not use our power of Shravanam and Mananam, we will not receive The True Knowledge. The word derived from the letter श्र is श्रुती and we need to do श्रवण of the Shruti.  51:3/4 Tulsidas ji refers to Sati as Dakshakumari (दक्षकुमारी).  Shiv ji knows that her doubtful mind will not lead to her welfare.  Shri Ram is referred as Sukhdhama, providing us with internal Bliss. Vijay ji’s comments: the word क्ष represents logic. One will never reach Bhagwan with logic.  Doha 52: Without Shiv ji’s knowledge, Sati disguises as Sita and approaches Prabhu Ram. (A disciple should never hide anything from the Guru). Harih Aum!

Shiva and Sati Summary of last session (April 16) by Shri Mohan Khandekar. Shri Vijayji started the session with a discussion of indescribable and attribute-less Brahman becoming Sagun, Sakaar Ishwar with the power of Maya.  Our actions can take us upto Ishwar (cause and effect) but how do we transcend to the causeless cause (Bhahman)?   All the religions point us to Ishwar/Father etc.  Only Advaita philosophy describes the principle of “one without second”.  Vijayji elaborated further with two theories: Parinamvad: Theory of an effect being hidden in the cause and effect cannot exhibit the cause (Milk is the cause and butter being the effect). Viparyvad: Butter is IN the milk (Cause and effect being the same) Vijayji recapped Doha 48 and the story of Muni Bhadwaj and about He asking about Shri Ram. 49: Describes the strangeness of Shri Ram story. Ram is called Parmatma, Ishwar and a human in different contexts.  Only the wise can interpret appropriately but others misinterpret and misunderstand.  49:1 This describes tearful Shri Ram.  We should not look at the tears (body) but understand the emotions behind.  49:2 Vijayji split the word Manoj मनोज= मन+इजा(इच्छा). The other word for Manoj is Kamdev which represents मन की इच्छा. Shivji is its destroyer of Manoj.  49:3/4 Sati is puzzled when she sees Shivji who is the Ishwar of the whole universe, is concerned for a grown up tearful prince.  Doha 50: Here Tulsidasji speaks about Brahman, which is all pervading, without Maya, Unborn, Indescribable even by Vedas.   How can you compare That  Brahman to This Man (Shri Ram)? Why is He being called Sacchidanand? 50/1: Here Vijayji drew similarities between Shiv and Vishnu and encouraged discussion amongst the group.  50:2/3 Sati’s dilemma continues.  On one hand she knows qualities of Shivji like He is All Knower, His words are unquestionable etc. But on the other hand she was not sure about His disturbed mind.  50:4 Being a mind reader, Shivji knows what Sati is contemplating and advises her not to keep any doubt in mind.  Harih Aum!

Navdha Bhakti Summary of last session (April 9) by Shri Mohan Khandekar. Shri Vijayji started the session by explaining the meaning of the words Laxman and Laxmi.   All their life they both have only one focus, Bhagwan (Vishnu, Ram). One gets freedom with knowledge and scriptures through Shravanam and Mananam.  Vijayji recapped Doha 47:1/2. Who is Bhavani?  The one who can create and destroy. (The word refers to both Sati and Parvati).  Shiv ji explains Bhakti to Agasthi muni. Vijay ji referred to chapter 7 of Bhagavad Geeta.  Krishna talks about his love towards four kinds of devotees to whom He gives whatever they want.  चतुर्विधा भजन्ते मां जना: सुकृतिनोऽर्जुन | आर्तो जिज्ञासुरर्थार्थी ज्ञानी च भरतर्षभ || 16|| He further went on to explain Navdha Bhakti, a devotion divided into nine parts which are, Shravanam — Listening to the names of and stories about God Keertanam — Chanting or singing about God Smaranam — Remembering God throughout the day Paada sevanam — Serving God willingly Archanam — Worshiping God Vandanam — Praising God selflessly and with total submission Daasyam — Serving God Sakhyam — Developing a friendship with God Aatma Nivedanam — Surrendering oneself to God; Self-realization or samadhi                                                               We will learn about Shabri bhakti in detail in Aranyakand.  48:1 Ravan upon severe austerity received a boon from Brahmaji. His demand for a death from a human being was granted. ( A wish is fulfilled upon Tapsya).   According to Shankaracharya, a man who performs actions followed by Upasana will reap the fruits but they are of lower nature.  Instead  they should be doing them together to reach Brahmaloka. Do action for Him and Upasana to reach Him. 48:3 Vijay ji broke the word ईशा. ई: ईश्वर, शा:शासन. As long as we do not acquire qualities of a qualified student (अधिकारी), Paramatma can not rule us.  The story of Marich was further elaborated. Marich was at fault three ways.  1. He was born as a Rakshas  2. He listened to his uncle Ravan and cunningly disguised as golden deer (सुवर्ण मृग)  3. He called Laxman and not Ram at the time of death. Therefore in spite of surrendering to Shri Ram at the end, he failed to get liberation (Laxman represents Samsara).  48:4 Sanjog-Viyog: Liberation is possible only when you totally surrender to Ram (Ramakar Vratti).  Hairh Aum!

Shamshay & Bhram Summary of last class April 2 by Shri. Mohan Khandekar Vijay ji starts the class by giving us the importance of Bhakti. A jnani has to ask for Bhagavan to come to him.  Bhagavan however goes to Bhaktas naturally. Unless there is Bhakti, one cannot get rid of moha (Maya).  He gives us examples of Bhaktas like Kevat, Guha and Shabari to who Bhagavan goes Himself! He then goes to tell us the story of Suteeksh muni. He served Agastya Muni.  He mocks him by asking Suteekh muni to bring Shri Rama, Sita Mata and Lakshmana for gurudakshina.  Since then, he always had Shri Rama in mind! Shri Rama just went to him. Suteeksh muni took his “Gurudakshina” directly to Agastya Muni. Such is the importance of Bhakti! Knowledge (vidya) can be a huge block for realization in the form of arrogance. Shri Tulsidas had explained before regarding sandeha, moha and bhram. He goes in detail on these.  He talks about sandeha (samshay) – one who has walked but who hasn’t reached. One can get over this with Veda Tattva. One should know who to ask for help. When one needs Bhakti should approach someone whose entire life is of a Bhakta.  He talks about moha (avidya). Only Shri Rama can take that away. Shri Tulsidas has Sevak Bhava. Vijay ji differentiates between samshay and bhram.  One doesn’t know that one is wrong when one has samshay but one with bhram knows that he is wrong. He reviews 46 chaupai. Ram Charita Manas is not to be taken as a story. We have to find where is Shri Rama inside us. How to love that Rama. That is the secret.  Jnani should have faith in Guru Parampara and Shastras. We should love Guru Parampara and have faith in Rama Charita Manas. Even if we don’t know anything, we should surrender everything to Bhagavan Shankar and Bhagavati Parvathy. They will take care of us. We have Mahamoha, so we need Maha Kaali to take care of this Mahishasura!  47.1  During Treta Yuga, Sambhu (Lord Shiva) went to Kumbhaj (Agastya muni). Sati is mentioned here – avidya maya. Jagat is caused by sati. They are together with agastya muni. 47.2 Lord Shiva was there for a month and heard RamKatha from muni. He was extremely happy with that.  To gain any knowledge  one has to be an adhikari. That is a qualification that is a must.  A Bhakta should have a solid relationship of love with Bhagavan. Madhusudhan Saraswati says that Bhakti is above Jnana.  47.3 Adhibhoot – Parvathy; Pralay – is when avidya is destroyed. There is no moha. Parvathy brings this for us.  When Guru gives jnana, one should give back!  We get selfish. A real Shishya asks Guru what he could do for him. We need to understand that a real Bhakta’s life is full of Seva.  If Daksha kumari had listened to the story in full it would have taken care of the moha.  47.4 Shri Rama left for the forest – dandaka van after his promise to his father.  When Lord Shiva was listening to Ram Katha, Shri Rama was already born – taken avatar. The avatar was “gupt” hidden and abstract.  Do. 48 A & So. B  Lord Shiva wishes to see Shri Rama, and is restless. He didn’t know where he was born.  Sati didn’t know what was going on in Lord Shiva’s mind. Jai Shri Ram Harih Aum

Muni Bharadhwaj Summary of last session (March 26) by Shri Mohan Khandekar. Shri Vijayji started the session by explaining Bhakti Shastra. There is no difference between Bhakti Marg and Gyan Marg.   They are like two sides of a coin, however Gyan Marg is enriched by  knowledge along with devotion.   Ramchari Manas is full of vedantic principles which removes our strong beliefs. For example, it is believed that a person gets freedom after death.  What dies is the gross body and what gets freedom is the subtle body (Videha Mukti). However as per Shankaracharya, one can get freedom before death (Sadeha Mukti).  With this introduction, Vijay ji brought our attention to the four questions posed by Muni Bhardwaj to Muni Yagyawalk about Shri Ram. 1. About whom are you talking about? (Naam) 2. Where does He live? (Dhaam) 3. How do we recognise Him? (Roop) 4. What is His “occupation”? (Leela) 46:1 Bharadwaj muni respectfully asks to clear his doubts. (Doubts are cleared by a Guru in the lineage of Guru Shishya parampara).  46:2 Muni Yagyawalk knows that Muni Bharadwaj is a supreme devotee of Shri Ram through Shriti, Upasana and Gyan and wants to dive deeper to acquire more knowledge. Tulsidas ji uses the word Mudha (मूढा), which means humble, humility.  46:3/4 Here Tulsidas ji uses a beautiful analogy. He compares the ignorance to the demon Mahishasur and Ram katha to the powerful Kali thereby depicting the story of Mahishasur Mardan.   He further compares Ram Katha to the moonlight and the sage, saints who get extremely delighted by it to the Chkur bird. Here Vijayji explained two words in detail.  Bhavani= Bhav+Ani, means the one who can create and destroy the samsar.  This word also indicates  Sati, Parvati. Mahadev= Maha=Dev, means supreme light.  46: “The conversation between Shiv and Parvati, when explained, will remove the ignorance” Munivarya declares humbly.  Jai Shri Ram. Harih Aum!

Tripurari Summary of last session (March 19) by Shri Mohan Khandekar. Shri Vijay ji started the session by reminding us that Ramcharit Manas can be understood in three ways: Literal Meaning, through our senses. Indicative meaning (भावार्थ), through Karmakand and Upasana Adhytmaic meaning Vendantic knowledge. He then spoke about the Holi which was celebrated all over the world with lots of joy and happiness.  Celebration of Holi is an universal expression of various colours. Colourful faces eliminate the divisions within the society.  It is time to overcome emotions, such as anger and jealousy. It is a time to forget and forgive!  But what is the deeper Adhyatmik meaning behind ? Vijay ji referred to Verse 13, Chapter 4 of Bhagavad Geeta, चातुर्वर्ण्यं मया सृष्टं गुणकर्मविभागश: | तस्य कर्तारमपि मां विद्ध्यकर्तारमव्ययम् || 13|| Shri Krishna points us to the three Gunas of Prakriti, Sattva (white), Rajas (Red) and Tamas (black).  These three colours are the foundation of the human race. After the brief introduction Vijay ji brought out attention to Ramcharit Manas.   Valmiki Ramayan and Ramcharit Manas are also called Panchama Veda (पंचमवेद). Tulsidas ji explained all Vedas through Ramcharit Manas.  Doha 45 and the Sorathas, continue the dialogue between Muni Bharadwaj and Muni Yagyavalk.  Muni Bhardwaj knows the strength of Ramnaam japa.  He also knows that Lord Shiva does it constantly. Moreover all four kinds of living beings (अंडक, श्वेदज, उदबीज, जरायू) acquire freedom after death in Kashi by reciting Ramnaam. “Kindly explain to me Munishwar, who is this Ram?” Muni Bhardwaj asks respectfully.  “I along with everyone know the one, who is the son of king Dashrath and killed  the demon Ravana.”But who is “this” one which even Lord Shiva worships?.   Please explain to me because you are wealth of knowledge” Muni Bhardwaj continues with his queries and seeks an answer.  Doha 46 has the word Tripurari. Vijay ji broke it into three: त्री: Three पूर: body/state (Gross, Subtle, Causal/ Waking, Dreaming, Deep sleep) अरी: beyond. The one who goes beyond these three is Tripurari (त्रिपुरारी) Jai Shri Ram. Harih Aum!

Sita Mata Summary of last session (March 12) by Shri Mohan Khadekar. Shri Vijay ji started the session by describing the Bhardwaj Muni Ashram in Prayag, where Shri Ram is greatly cherished.  Prayagraj is also called Tirthraj. There is no need to go to any other Tirth Yatra once you visit this place.  Doha 44 The first line represents Geeta and refers to the subject of Brahman and Upasana.   The second line points us to Bhagvatam with a reference to devotion. Here Vijay ji elaborated the meaning of the word Bhakti. Sita Mata: personification of Bhakti.  Sita/Ram: Bhakti/Gyan.  What is Vidya and Avidya Maya? Any Shakti taking us towards knowledge is Vidya Maya and away from it is Avidya Maya.  44:1 Tulsidas ji continues to sing glories of Prayagraj, where devotees spend a month of Magh, take bath in River Ganga and joyfully attend the Satsang at Muni Bharadwaj Ashram.  Vijay ji’s comments: Every householder must go on Tirth Yatra for a month once a year, where through Satsang, one acquires knowledge of the true way of life.  44:2/3 Tulsidas ji is telling us a story, when Rishi Bharadwaj respectfully requested the revered Muni Yagyavalk to stay longer at his Ashram and clear his doubts, saying ” Munivarya, please do not misunderstand me.  I am not asking a question to test you but to get a clear and concise answer because you have a wealth of knowledge”.  Doha 45: The above story underlines the importance of closeness (and openness) between Guru and Shishya.  Failing to do so, transfer of knowledge is not possible.  Jai Shree Ram Harih Aum!

Mahavakya Summary of last session (March 5) by Shri Mohan Khandekar. Shri Vijay ji started the session by comparing Ramcharit Manas to Mansarovar and the importance of following self righteousness (स्वधर्म).  If we fail to do so, there will be no Saryu, no water (no thoughts).  Just like, the Supreme has no qualities, water too has no characters.  It is pure and cool. Sat, Chit and Anand are the “qualities” of the attribute less Bhagwan.  This epic Granth,  Ramcharit Manas is also called Mahakavya because it contains following topics: Description of lake Illustration of a mountain Account of River(s) Narration about an ocean Interpretation of different seasons Vijay ji revisited  42:1 and expounded the 17 characters of water described by Tulsidas ji.  This water (Ramcharit Manas) generates plenty of happiness and culminates sins and negativity. Doha 43, 43:1  After offering respects to Muni Yagyavalk, Muni Vasishtha and Muni Bhardwaj, Tulsidas ji begins the story of Shri Ram.   Vijay ji’s comments: The Saints, Sages and Munis are like Bhagwan.  Blessings from them shall bring you closer to Him. He further elaborated about various locations of Prayags.  Shri Ram’s blessings showered upon an equanimous and a compassionate devotee create the Holy Prayagraj within.    43:2 When the sun changes direction at the time of Sankranti, everyone, including Devatas, Daitya and humans take a dip at Triveni sangam (Prayagraj) and pay their respects. 43:3 Tulsidas ji continues with the description of the devout city, Prayagraj, which is home of many Ashrams, with a special mention of Muni Bharadwaj’s Ashram which is beautiful and peaceful.  Vijay ji commented about  six Venimadhav and an Akshayavat (an indestructible Banyan tree), worshipped by many  with shraddha.  Doha 44: Tulsidas ji points us towards the path of knowledge for Self realization with devotion and understanding of various elements (तत्व).   Here Vijay ji gave a detailed explanation of Sankhya philosophy with a focus on Causal body, Subtle body and their respective elements.  He also discussed Karmakand and Upasana. In short, Devotion+Detachment= A true Devotee.  Harih Aum!

Vrtti to Reach Shri Rama Summary of last session (February 26) by Shri Mohan Khandekar. Shri Vijayji started the session with the topic of Vratti vyapti and Phal vyapti. Our thought is our Vratti.   Many thoughts arise within us but only one thought can give us liberation. Unfortunately we run after “desire prompted” thoughts, which cover our intellect (Vratti vyapti).   Let these multiple thoughts be replaced by a single thought , a thought of reaching the Self (Phal vyapti). Vijayji re-visited Tulsidas ji’s narration of various seasons. He compared Ramcharit Manas to the flowing river, Saryu.  The stories on the banks of the river change just like the six seasons.  These seasons represent our emotions as well.  For example: Hemant:  Kaam (lust) Grishma: Krodh (anger) Varsha:  Lobh (Greed ) Shishir: Mad (Ego) Sharad: Moha (attachment) Vasant: Matsar (jealousy) We need to change our Vrtti to reach Shri Ram.  41:4 Vijayji explained the meaning of the words Sati and Sati Pratha which was initiated by wrong people for wrong reasons. Sitaji’s virtues are compared to  the clean and clear water of river Sarayu.  Doha 42 Tulsidas ji compares the affection and interaction of four brothers to the sweetness of the water of river Saryu.  Vijay ji’s comments: The number four stands for four principles (धर्म अर्थ काम मोक्ष) and four Vedas.  The interactions/activities of the body arise from five elements (earth, water, fire. air and space). 42:1,2 Tulsidas ji humbly sings the glories of the water of river Sarayu, which  not only quenches the thirst of a devotee but purifies the mind.   Similarly, reading, listening and understanding Ramcharit guides us on the right path.  This water provides spiritual strength, culminates sins from Kaliyug, removes negativity and gives permanent freedom from the cycle of birth and death. 42:3 A bath in this devout river can destroy the above-mentioned six enemies (षटरिपू). Here Vijay ji referred to Verse 21, Chapter 16 of Bhagavad Geeta, where Shri Krishna describes these six enemies: त्रिविधं नरकस्येदं द्वारं नाशनमात्मन:  काम: क्रोधस्तथा लोभस्तस्मादेतत्त्रयं त्यजेत् The  destruction of these enemies can only happen when one practises discrimination, dispassion and six fold qualifications. 41:4 Here Tulsidas ji gives a beautiful example to explain Real from unreal.  Just like a deer runs after the “mirage water” (unreal) to douse its thirst, a samsari chases the material  objects to fulfill his desires thereby getting entangled in the sorrows of death and birth.  Surrendering to Shri Ram is the only way for a Jeevanmukti.  Doha 43: After extensively talking about various qualities of river Sarayu and offering his respects to Guru, Tulsidas ji is now embarking upon the main topic of Ramcharit.  Harih Aum!

Sarayu Summary of last session (February 19) by Shri Mohan Khandekar. Shri Vijayji started the session by reiterating the importance of understanding Ramcharit Manas.  Just like a firm foundation is necessary for a good building, knowledge of a subject is required for a sound comprehension of it.  Shri Shankaracharya divided Vedas into two: Karma (Upasana) and knowledge. The Karma/ upasana comprises of rituals, pooja and receiving fruits from unseen Devis and Devatas. One can ascend to Swargalok, Pitrulok, Devlok with Karma and Upasana but not Brahamalok.   While doing Karma, follow the principle of nature. Do not expect anything in return, give up doership and offer everything to HIM.   Karma and Upasana offered together is called Karma Upasana Samucchya. (कर्म उपासना सम्मुचया). They are principally done for chitta shuddhi. Sant Tulsidas ji has talked in great length about Mansarovar and river Sarayu.  These two can be interpreted at three levels. External world (gross body), Internally and by thoughts (subtle body).  Modification of thoughts with knowledge will remove ignorance and will eliminate “snake”, thereby  revealing the “rope”.   This is achieved with the help of scriptures, in guidance of Guru, having unwavering belief and devotion towards both.  41:1,2,3,4: “River Sarayu looks beautiful in all the seasons (ऋतू)” Tulsidas Ji notes and goes on describing the”highlights” of each season.   These include Shiv-Parvati vivah (Hemant), birth of Shri Ram (Shishir), the auspicious occasion of Shri Ram-Sita vivah (Vasant), followed by sorrowful event of Prabhu Shri Ram entering exile (Grishma-hot and unpleasant). In a fierce fight, victory over  demons by devas is compared to season Varsha. This is followed by healthy crops. Shri Ramchandra’s kingdom brings joy, pleasure and happiness (Sharad).  Just like these seasons, thoughts arising within us are of different qualities and moods.  The Pristine, pure and still water of the river Sarayu is compared to the divine qualities of Ma Sita and the calm nature of Bharat.  Harih Aum!