Rajnandgaon (BTI)-In the sacred discourse of Shrimad Bhagavat Mahapurana, King Parikshit asked two questions to Sage Shukadeva— first, what should a human always do? Second, what should one do when death is near? Shukadeva replied that one should always meditate on the Supreme Brahman with a focused mind. Explaining the method of devotion, he stated that attaining the Supreme Brahman is possible only through purity of mind, concentration, and inner cleansing.
These thoughts were expressed by the renowned Bhagavatacharya Pandit Arpit Bhai Sharma on the third day of the Shrimad Bhagavat Katha at Shri Aggarwal Sabha Bhavan, organized under the aegis of Aggarwal Sabha, Aggarwal Mahila Mandal, and Aggarwal Navyuvak Mandal.
Love is the Medium to Connect with the Divine
Pandit Arpit Bhai emphasized that for spiritual upliftment, one must purify the mind and listen to sacred discourses. According to Vyas Ji, before the discourse begins, a Mangalacharan (auspicious invocation) is performed, and arriving on time for the discourse is a part of Vaishnava Dharma. When a discourse is infused with love, it manifests as the very form of the Supreme Brahman.
He further explained that Guru Drona imparted the lesson of truth to his disciples. Practicing truth is difficult and has been regarded as “extremely prohibitive in excess.” When the limits of excess are crossed, they lead to downfall. The Shrimad Bhagavat also elaborates on the importance of truthful conduct.
Lord Krishna Protects His Devotees
Acharya Arpit Bhai stated that if we establish a connection with Lord Krishna, He Himself safeguards us and ensures that no obstacles hinder our lives. He cited the example of Saint Narsi Mehta, for whom Lord Krishna appeared 52 times to offer protection.
He explained that when one loves the Lord, faith emerges, and from that faith, devotion blossoms. The dust of the Guru’s feet is like kohl, which, when applied to the eyes, grants divine vision. Similarly, a sacred discourse is like a mother, bathing devotees in the nectar of compassion and devotion.
God is Bound by the Thread of Devotion
Pandit Sharma stated that the Lord is subservient to devotion. He likened God to a kite, tethered by the thread of devotion held by His devotees. When devotion matures, union with the Divine becomes possible. Citing the Kedar Raga of Narsi Ji, he melodiously sang its verses, explaining their significance.
Realization of the Supreme Eradicates Attachments and Hatred
He elaborated that just as electricity is present in water but requires a process to manifest, the Supreme Being also resides within us. When we realize that the Supreme Brahman is within, all attachments, envy, and hatred will dissolve, paving the way for love, belongingness, and bliss.
Narration of Dhruva, Jadbharat, and Ajamila Stories
During the discourse, Pandit Arpit Bhai Sharma recounted the stories of Dhruva, Jadbharat, and Ajamila in great detail. The venue was packed with devotees, particularly the women of the Aggarwal community, who listened with deep devotion.
