For Humans, Chanting the Name is the Supreme Medicine
An excerpt from the discourse of Shrimad Jagadguru Ramanujacharya Swami Shri Purushottamacharya Ji Maharaj (Peethadheeshwar – Shri Lakshminarayan Divyadham, Shri Siddhalata Ashram, Fatehabad, Haryana)
True knowledge, which leads to renunciation and devotion, is the ultimate goal
(Bhagavad Gita 1.7)
There are two types of knowledge: worldly knowledge and spiritual knowledge. Worldly knowledge is essential for achieving success in life, and spiritual knowledge is necessary for attaining peace and liberation. Both types of knowledge are valuable, but spiritual knowledge is eternal and remains beneficial even beyond this life.
Maharshi Vashistha taught both types of knowledge to his disciple Rama, emphasizing the importance of both worldly and spiritual education. Once, Rama became disillusioned with the world and asked his guru, Maharshi Vashistha, to enlighten him. Maharshi Vashistha provided Rama with spiritual wisdom, helping him overcome his disillusionment and find peace.
In the same way, chanting the name of God is considered the supreme remedy for all ailments in life. By constantly remembering God’s name, one can overcome all obstacles and find peace.
“Chanting the name is never in vain. When you remember God, engage in devotional activities, and stay in the company of saints, the fruits of your actions are always beneficial.”
Maharshi Vashistha also advised that true knowledge and devotion should go hand in hand. Only through a combination of both can one achieve true peace and fulfillment in life.
She brought the cow’s milk home and handed it to her mother. The milk was sweet and wholesome, but the mother did not drink it. She said, “This milk is not mine!”
The daughter asked in surprise, “Mother, why aren’t you drinking the milk? Didn’t you ask for it yourself?”
The mother replied, “Daughter, did you bring this milk directly from your home or did you collect it from the market like the milkman?”
The child replied, “Mother, I collected it just as you instructed.”
The mother said, “Daughter! Your father was a great ascetic; therefore, I do not consume anything brought in a deceitful manner.”
The daughter, with curiosity, asked, “Mother! What is so wrong about what I did? Doesn’t everyone do it this way?”
The mother smiled and said, “Daughter, your father always performed his penance with utmost integrity. He would never accept anything acquired through deceit. You should also never indulge in deceitful activities.”
The daughter asked, “Mother, how did Father perform penance? Did he never receive anything from anyone?”
The mother replied, “Child! Receiving anything during penance without proper means weakens its power. The person who indulges in deceit will never be able to complete their penance.”
The mother continued with wisdom, “Daughter! Your father practiced penance by living only on fruits and roots that he himself collected, and never accepted anything offered by others. He always believed in self-reliance and integrity.”
Upon hearing this, the daughter felt a deep love for her father and learned the lesson of integrity and self-reliance. Her respect for the great ascetic father grew immensely. Following his example, she too began living a life of simplicity and honesty.
My father often told me that no matter what happens in life, one must never resort to deceit, for deceit is the greatest obstacle to spiritual progress. The world is full of deceit and dishonesty, but those who walk on the path of truth and righteousness are always supported by divine power.
My father also taught me that complete surrender to God is the only way to achieve true liberation. He would say, “Once you have surrendered to God, never allow your mind to wander, and keep your focus on the divine name.”
“Surrender means dedicating your body, mind, and soul entirely to the feet of God. This is the essence of surrender.”
Yes, I have given them my ultimate blessing. They recognize my true nature, and I accept them in their true form. If they do not realize this, whether they worship Ram, Krishna, Shiva, or Guru, they will not attain anything. Only those who seek my true form, who have unwavering faith, will achieve success.
We have often heard from saints that the essence of a saint’s life lies in their devotion to God. Lord Shri Ram has said in the Ramcharitmanas:
Nishchar heen karon mahi, bhuj utha pran kinhi
I have become a wanderer without purpose; I raise my arms and offer my life
Ramcharitmanas
He vows to eliminate all evil from this earth. We are reminded of this again and again. Whenever evil rises, be it Ravana, Kumbhakarna, or any other demon, God takes a vow to destroy it. This resolve is firmly embedded in the scriptures. Even though the demons try to challenge God, their downfall is inevitable. Hence, the saints remind us to stay vigilant, as the forces of good always triumph over evil.
For the protection of the world, the saints work tirelessly. We have heard countless stories from the lives of saints where they made vows to eliminate evil, protecting the world from darkness.
Those who dedicate their lives to God, who follow the teachings of saints, achieve true peace and liberation. When we wholeheartedly follow the teachings of saints, our path becomes clear, and we are shielded from all kinds of evil.
At the same time, we must remember that God does not tolerate injustice. He ensures that those who commit sins are punished, and those who follow the path of righteousness are rewarded.
Nishchar heen karon mahi, bhuj utha pran kinhi
I have become a wanderer without purpose; I raise my arms and offer my life
Ramcharitmanas
This verse from the Ramcharitmanas inspires us to remain firm in our resolve, to stay on the path of righteousness, and to never be swayed by the forces of evil.
People will not be able to remain in their materialistic ways. Just as one cannot continue living without the air, in the same way, one cannot survive spiritually without surrendering to God. Just as a devotee relies on their faith, we should also place our faith in God with unwavering devotion. To those who practice devotion with a pure heart, God grants His blessings. One should remain true to this commitment to God every day of their life. The body, mind, intellect, and life itself should be directed towards God’s service, lacking nothing in this pursuit. This is why people often say, “To protect oneself from life’s challenges, one must seek divine shelter.”
God is forever vigilant; He knows everything. Therefore, it is important to devote one’s mind to spiritual thoughts, remain detached from worldly desires, keep focused on God’s feet, and remain dedicated to a righteous path. God is merciful to those who are devoted to Him. When you have complete devotion and attachment to God, you will attain peace.
Human birth is given to achieve truth, righteousness, and eternal happiness. Those who devote their lives to these principles find peace even after death, while those who are entangled in worldly pleasures continue to wander through countless lives without finding rest. The Bhagavad Gita explains the eternal nature of the soul:
“The soul is neither born nor does it die. It is eternal, indestructible, and ancient. It is not slain when the body is slain.”
(Gita, 2/23)
The soul is eternal, everlasting, and indestructible. It can never be destroyed by any weapon or burned by fire. This knowledge brings eternal peace to the devotee. Such a soul does not die but simply leaves the body when its time has come and continues its journey. This cycle of birth and death is a law of nature, and it continues until one attains spiritual liberation. This is the secret of eternal peace.
The world is full of people who are trapped in the materialistic cycle of pleasure and pain. But saints advise that by surrendering to God and following the guru’s teachings, one can escape this endless cycle. The true goal of life is to understand and practice this spiritual truth.
Just as a trader exchanges goods, we should exchange our materialistic desires for spiritual wisdom. This trade is the most profitable, for it leads to eternal bliss. While worldly possessions can be lost or stolen, spiritual wealth remains forever. Therefore, one should be careful in choosing what to invest in—temporary pleasures or eternal peace.
This is the teaching of the saints: life is short, and one must focus on the ultimate goal—union with God. The true aim is not to accumulate wealth or worldly achievements but to attain spiritual liberation and peace. Those who understand this live a life of contentment and joy, knowing that they are on the path to eternal peace.
Summary
The discourse by Shrimad Jagadguru Ramanujacharya Swami Shri Purushottamacharya Ji Maharaj emphasizes the significance of spiritual knowledge, devotion, and surrender as the ultimate goals in life. He distinguishes between worldly knowledge, which aids in material success, and spiritual knowledge, which is essential for peace and liberation. The teachings draw on examples from scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramcharitmanas to illustrate the importance of unwavering devotion, integrity, and the grace of God in achieving true happiness and spiritual fulfillment. The discourse encourages individuals to focus on spiritual goals over material pursuits, emphasizing that the true purpose of human life is to realize God, follow the righteous path, and attain eternal peace.
Important Points
- Two Types of Knowledge: Worldly knowledge aids in material success, while spiritual knowledge is key to peace and liberation.
- Importance of Devotion: Constant remembrance of God’s name is essential for overcoming life’s obstacles and finding peace.
- Role of Integrity: Integrity and self-reliance are crucial for spiritual progress and successful penance.
- Surrender to God: Complete surrender, involving the dedication of body, mind, and soul to God, is the essence of spiritual life.
- Divine Justice: God protects those who follow righteousness and punishes those who commit sins.
- Human Birth as a Gift: Human life is an opportunity to attain truth, righteousness, and eternal happiness through spiritual practice.
- Eternal Nature of the Soul: The soul is indestructible and continues its journey beyond physical death.
- Spiritual vs. Material Wealth: Spiritual wealth is eternal and cannot be lost, unlike material possessions.
- Saints’ Guidance: Following the teachings of saints leads to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
- Ultimate Goal: The true aim of life is to attain spiritual liberation, not accumulate worldly achievements.
