Going up to those who had died, he would chant “Narayana! Narayana!”

 

Source : Madhuramurali English Edition

 

CAUSELESS MERCY

Excerpts from Sri Swamiji's lecture on Ekadasa Skandam, Dec 2011

Once, a Mahan was struck with dysentery. He did not have any money; was very poor. He was admitted into a hospital. At the hospital he was being given drips and other medications. But he did not take notice of all these things. Going up to those who had died, he would chant “Narayana! Narayana!”

The only blessedness (bhAgyam) of that dead one was that he had been admitted in that hospital by chance (yadrucchaya)!

What was the relationship between him and the Sadhu? patram, pushpam, phalam, tOyam! Nothing! Did he do any puja? Did he desire this? That is verily Sadhu krupa!

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Our immensely compassionate Sri Sri Anna looked at this youth with benevolence and said tenderly, “Chant as much as possible, chant whenever possible. That is enough.”

Source : Madhuramurali English Edition

 

The DIVINE LIFE OF SRI SRI ANNA –

by HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

 

After several centuries, Dravida desha the birthplace of Bhakti, finally found the meaning of this highest state of bhakti, which cannot be explained in words, but fully just seen in the persona of Sri Sri Anna alone. Such an avatara of parama prema is very rare.

 

So what is the path shown by our Sri Sri Anna, who was in such an elevated divine state, to all the people who are withering, as we saw earlier, due to the tempestuous winds of Kali? An incident that took place in the divine life of Sri Sri Anna this year, aptly captures and makes clear the path that he showed the world.

 

Our Sri Sri Anna had taken ill. At that time, a young man obtained Nama upadesa from Sri Sri Anna. Before leaving his presence, the young man asked Sri Sri Anna, “How much japa should I do? And when should I do it?” Our immensely compassionate Sri Sri Anna looked at this youth with benevolence and said tenderly, “Chant as much as possible, chant whenever possible. That is enough.”

 

Such a simple path to attain Bhagavan, that can be followed by anyone and is apt for any time, can be shown only by avatara purushas who descend as an absolute embodiment of compassion. To the lotus feet of our Sri Sri Anna, who is such a form of immeasurable love and an embodiment of the boundless compassion of Bhagavan, we prostrate again and again a million times over.

Sri Sri Premikendra Sadguru Maharaj ki – Jai!

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

 

He did not carry the chakra in His hands; turning in his hands the beads of a Nama japamala, that are apt for this Age, he moved about.

 

Source : Madhuramurali English Edition

The DIVINE LIFE OF SRI SRI ANNA –

by HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

No doubt that yoga, yAga, vratha, jnAna vichAra are all glorious paths that can enable us to attain Bhagavan. Butnow people are struggling immensely, caught as they are in the tempestuous winds of ‘Kali’. Simply fulfilling daily needs is itself a huge challenge today. The current lifestyle, food habits, the present state of society – none of these are even slightly conducive for the above-mentioned spiritual paths; in fact, they are actually detrimental to the sadhanas mentioned above. When this is the case, if we tell someone to do yoga, or vichara, or sacrificial rituals, what will he or she ever do?

 

So, deciding that these people cannot be taken ashore through sadhana, but only through infinite, causeless Grace (krupa), Bhagavan descended as our Sri Sri Anna. He did not come sounding the shankha; he came sweetly sounding Srimad Bhagavatam which “bestows one with jnana-bhakti-vairagya the moment it is listened to, and takes them ashore“. He did not carry the chakra in His hands; turning in his hands the beads of a Nama japamala, that are apt for this Age, he moved about. He did not come holding His sturdy Kaumodaki (mace); he came to grace us with the sweet words of Bhagavat guna on his tongue, that were strong enough to melt the stoniest ofhearts. He did not come flashing the divine light of His sharp sword Nandaki; he came to shower the divine sound of the Mahamantra that could sharply root out the sorrow of all. He did not come with a lotus in His hand spreading its fragrance; he came to spread the divine fragrance of prema bhakti. He did not come with a Vanamala swinging on his wide chest; he came adorned with a simple mala of Tulasi beads. Giving up His grand yellow silken robes, he donned a simple white dhoti. Sri Sri Anna’s lovely form is indeed the embodiment of Bhagavan’s divine, pure prema (love). For several hundreds of years, Dravida desha had forgotten what true prema was.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Declaring “I shall descend Myself!”, He then incarnated as Sri Sri Anna.

Source : Madhuramurali English Edition

 

The DIVINE LIFE OF SRI SRI ANNA –

by HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

 

Centuries rolled by; and what happened earlier now repeated itself. Bhakti Devi looked at her birthplace of Dravida desha. She felt very distressed seeing how the true form of bhakti had disappeared there. She again sought Sage Narada and prayed to him, “You should only save me once again!" Sage Narada, who was well aware of all the three worlds inside out, replied, “Devi, what happened earlier was at the beginning of Kali Yuga. At that time I was able to somehow re-establish bhakti by the grace of Sage Sanatkumara. But now Kali Yuga has matured and deepened. O Bhakti Devi, come with me! Let us go together to Bhagavan and pray to Him directly!”

 

So, to the same northern shore of Ksheerabdi (Ocean of Milk) that Lord Brahma and Bhoomi Devi had gone formerly for the avatara of Sri Krishna, now went the son of Brahma and Bhakti Devi. Seeing that it was Sage Narada who had come, and that too with Bhakti Devi who was dearer to Him than life itself, would Bhagavan not shower His grace?

 

As soon as they went and prayed, the compassionate, lotus-eyed Bhagavan Sri Krishna appeared holding His divine conch and discus and wearing His brilliant yellow silk garment. Declaring “I shall descend Myself!”, He then incarnated as Sri Sri Anna.

 

Now, the whole of Tamil Nadu is reverberating and overflowing with Srimad Bhagavata parayanam, the divine name Radhe-Krishna on the tongue, sadhusangas, gopichandan, tulasimalas, Divyadesa kainkaryam, Hare Rama Mahamantra, Bhakta charitrams, and more. Brindavan, Pandharpur, Puri Jagannatha Kshetras have all become close to Tamil Nadu today. What we did parayanam of in Srimad Bhagavata Mahatmyam before, has now truly unfolded in front of our very eyes in Tamil Nadu today. 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

 

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare  

Only those fortunate men who devotedly drink in the nectar of Shrimad Bhagavatam get cured of the maladies of Kali.

Nama Article 11th December 2017

Sri Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal - Vaishnava Samhita

Bhoopadeva Charithram: Vol. I, Book 1 , Chapter 8. Shloka 25 & 26

 

Shrimad Bhagavatam Tena Yatra Yatra Prakirtitam

Tatra Tatra Kalih Nashtah Sarva Dharma Vinashakah

 

Kali, that causes the destruction of all dharma was eradicated wherever he conducted the Shrimad Bhagavata recitation.

 

Pibanti Ye Naraa Bhaktya Shrimad Bhagavatamrutam

Tesham Punya Aatmanameva Kalirogo Vinashyati

 

Only those fortunate men who devotedly drink in the nectar of Shrimad Bhagavatam get cured of the maladies of Kali.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare 

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare 

Then with great joy, Bhoopadeva visited every village and conducted Shrimad Bhagavata Saptaha Yajna. Singing the glories of Lord Krishna was his life's fulfilment.

Nama Article 10th December 2017

Sri Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal - Vaishnava Samhita

Bhoopadeva Charithram: Vol. I, Book 1 , Chapter 8. Shloka 21 & 24

 

Upayam Iha Vakshyami Tasya Upashamanaya Cha

Na Anya Dharmasya Saamarthyam Shrimad Bhagavatam Vina

 

Bhagavan said, "Now I shall show you the way to subdue this Kali. In this respect only Shrimad Bhagavatam has the capacity to achieve the end and not any other dharma."

 

Tatah Prahrushto Viprastu Pratigramam Charan Bhuvi

Saptahayagnyam Krutavan Krishna Keertana Tatparah

 

Then with great joy, Bhoopadeva visited every village and conducted Shrimad Bhagavata Saptaha Yajna. Singing the glories of Lord Krishna was his life's fulfilment.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare 

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare 

Due to the evil tendencies of Kali even the scholars consider the recitation of the glory of the Divine Names as mere rhetoric and they lead an ostentatious life.

Nama Article 9th December 2017

Sri Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal - Vaishnava Samhita

Bhoopadeva Charithram: Vol. I, Book 1 , Chapter 8. Shloka 13

 

Nama Keertana Maahaatmyam Kalidoshena Panditah

Arthavaada Iiti Smritva Dambhaacharaa Vasanti Hee

 

Due to the evil tendencies of Kali even the scholars consider the recitation of the glory of the Divine Names as mere rhetoric and they lead an ostentatious life.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare 

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare 

The saints who had knowledge of the truth and were men of perception, prescribed singing of the glories for Lord Vasudeva in the various Shastras, as the only remedy for the maladies of Kali.

Nama Article 8th December 2017

Sri Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal - Vaishnava Samhita

Bhoopadeva Charithram: Vol. I, Book 1 , Chapter 8. Shloka 12

 

Kali Dosha Vinaashaaya Vaasudevasya Keertanam

Viheetam Sarva Shastreshu Munibhih Tatvadarshibhih

 

The saints who had knowledge of the truth and were men of perception, prescribed singing of the glories for Lord Vasudeva in the various Shastras, as the only remedy for the maladies of Kali.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare 

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare 

All happiness available on this earth and in the spiritual realm are based on dharma. Hence, dharma must be adhered to.

Nama Article 7th December 2017

Sri Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal - Vaishnava Samhita

Bhoopadeva Charithram: Vol. I, Book 1 , Chapter 8. Shloka 10 & 11

 

Dharma Moolam Jagat Sarvam Dharma Moolah Swayam Harih

Dharma Moolam Sukhaanchaiva Swadharmam Paalayedatah

 

The root of the existence of the universe is dharma. Lord Shri Narayana Himself is rooted in dharma. All happiness available on this earth and in the spiritual realm are based on dharma. Hence, dharma must be adhered to.

 

Babhoovuhu Naastikaah Sarve Naraah Samskara Varjitaah

Mahaa Paapavashadeva Vimukha Harikirtane

 

Slipping away from the denoted path of righteousness, all people became sinners and turned into atheists completely forgetting the recitation of the glory of Lord Hari.

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare 

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare 

Sri Krishna tells Uddhava, 'Mayanukulena', that he makes everything favourable for a life of devotion.”

Nama Article 6th December 2017

Source: Madhuramurali - Bhagyam Aho Bhagyam!

 

"There is a song in Rasa. 'What more do I need?' In our Radhika shatakam, the song 'kim mama varaniyam...' also brings out the same bhava (feeling). It is a great fortune which cannot be attained easily (Namakirtan (chanting of the divine names), kathashravanam (spiritual discourse), and Bhagavath kainkaryam (service to the Lord) by the blessings of the Guru.).

 

When blessed with this kind of a fortune, one feels, and indeed should feel apprenhensive about continuing to do this service without a break. Just as Brahma sang in praise of Lord Krishna, 'Thathre anukampam sukameekshamana:', if one is fortuitous to have received the blessings of the Lord, He himself makes everything favourable to the devotee. In the eleventh canto of Srimad Bhagavatham, Sri Krishna tells Uddhava, 'Mayanukulena', that he makes everything favourable for a life of devotion."

 

After a brief silence, Sri Sri Anna continued, "In his Prabodhasudhakara, Sri Adishankara says, 'Nidhrahara vihareshwanadhara:'. Likewise, without bothering too much about food, sleep and leisure, one should listen to the discourses on the Lord everyday."

 

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare 

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare 

He who reads the blessed life-story of mahatma Shri Shankara obtains all the great accomplishments of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha (righteousness wealth, pleasure and liberation). He will gain intense devotion to Lord Achyuta

Nama Article 14th November 2017

Sri Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal - Vaishnava Samhita

Adishankara Charithram Vol. I, Book 1 , Chapter 7 Shloka 27 to 29

 

Atha Shri Shankaracharyo Gatva Kailasaparvatam

Antardadhe Mahayogi Svena Rupena Samsthitah

 

Then, Shri Shankaracharya the noted yogi reached Mount Kailasa and there, he dissolved into the Eternal Self and vanished

 

Yah Pathet Punyacharitam Shankarasya Mahatmanah

Prapnuyad Dharmam Arthancha Kaamam Kaivalyameva Cha

 

He who reads the blessed life-story of mahatma Shri Shankara obtains all the great accomplishments of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha (righteousness wealth, pleasure and liberation).

 

Achyute Cha Paraam Bhaktim Vairagyam Vishaye Sukhe

Samprapya Paramam Gnyanam Shakshvatam Mokshamapnuyat

 

He will gain intense devotion to Lord Achyuta and detachment from sense pleasures. He will obtain Transcendental wisdom and finally get ever lasting salvation.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare 

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare 

Knowledge of this concealed truth is the real device for achieving liberation. Unflinching devotion to Lord Vasudeva is the tool for obtaining such divine wisdom.

Nama Article 13th November 2017

Sri Sri Krishna Premi Swamigal - Vaishnava Samhita

Adishankara Charithram Vol. I, Book 1 , Chapter 7 Shloka 1 to 6

 

Nirgunancha Niraakaaram Shakshwatam Shivam Achyutam

Satyam Gnyaanam Param Brahma Sarva Kaarana Kaaranam

 

The Supreme Absolute Being, devoid of attributes and form, Immortal and Eternal, and never loosening. Its grip over the dear ones and the embodiment of eternal truth and wisdom, is the root cause of all existence.

 

Sashaktikam Param Brahma Paramatmeti Geeyate

Tasya Maaya Parashaktih Prakritih Trigunatmika

 

The Absolute Being wielding Absolute Power is deemed as the Supreme Soul. Prakriti (Inert Nature) endowed with three modes (Satva, Rajas and Tamas) is the Divine power of the Supreme Being which exists as Maya (Divine Illusion).

 

Sa Upadhikam Param Brahma Jeeva Ityabhidhiyate

Mahakasho Yatha Loke Kumbheshu Paridrushyate

 

The Supreme Being, which wears the Upadhi is called Jiva. It is seen, as the eternal sky is seen inside pots as reflected image.

 

Prakritih Purushaschapi Vaasudevo Hee Naparah

Tasmad Advaitamevaasti Neha Naanaasti Kinchana

 

Prakriti and Jiva are one and the same as Lord Vasudeva, that is they are integral parts of Lord Vasudeva. Hence there remains only Monism or Adwaita. There are not many different existences.

 

Yada Swarupagnyanena Dwaitamoho Vinashyati

Tadaa Sadyo Vimuktah Syatsarva Samsara Bandhanaat

 

The Jiva becomes liberated from all worldy bonds when he obtains true wisdom of his form and when the delusion of his mind regarding dual existence is destroyed.

 

Aparoksha Gnyanameva Paramam Moksha Sadhanam

Vaasudeva Para Bhakti Tasya Sadhanamuchyate

 

Knowledge of this concealed truth is the real device for achieving liberation. Unflinching devotion to Lord Vasudeva is the tool for obtaining such divine wisdom.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare 

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare