Shraddha
Dhyānamulam gurormurtih pujamulam guroh padam,
The root of meditation is the Guru’s form; the root of worship is the Guru’s feet,
Mantramulam gurorvakyam,
Moksamulam guroh kripa,
Jako raksak gurudhni kaha kari sake aur,
Hari ruthe to thor hai, guru ruthe nahin thor
Lakshminatha samarambham yamunacharya madhyamam,
Asmadacharya paryantam vande guruparamparam,
Yo nityamacyutapadambuja yugmarukma vyamohatastaditarani trinaya meno,
Asmadgurorbhagavatosyadayekasindhoh ramanujasya charanau saranam prapadye
The root of mantra is the Guru’s word; the root of liberation is the Guru’s grace,
For the one whose protector is the Guru, what can others do?
If God is displeased, the Guru can save you; if the Guru is displeased, there is no refuge,
Starting from Lakshminatha and in the middle Yamunacharya,
Up to my own Guru, I salute the lineage of Gurus,
He who is always enchanted by the golden pair of the Lord’s feet sees other desires as insignificant as grass,
I surrender to the feet of my Guru, the divine and compassionate ocean, Ramanuja
My beloveds,
Our human life is not for indulgence in worldly desires because this body is not your own. This body is full of grace. It should be called a body of grace because the human body is not obtained through many types of sacrifices, many types of donations, and numerous yogas. That Supreme Being, who is firm, concerned for everyone, giving supreme joy and happiness to everyone, the doer of good deeds, sometimes when this life becomes very miserable, compassion arises in them
Kabahuk karunā kara nar dehī,
When will you, O compassionate Lord, show mercy and give me the human body,
Det īs binu hetu sanehī
You who give without any reason, out of sheer love and affection?
Here, the word ‘reason’ is used because God has no need for us, He does not expect anything from us. Whether we worship Him, give donations, build His temple, or do any other work for Him, He does not even think about it. He only has one thought: that this living being should perform such good deeds on earth that their light merges with His light, i.e., they attain liberation. In this Kali Yuga, yoga, meditation, and concentration have no significance for that liberation. For this era, the glory of the name has been sung in the scriptures; it has been stated in the Vedas and Puranas. Therefore, let us chant the name of Narayan once.
Shri Narayan Narayan Narayan,
Narayan is the Supreme Brahman,
Om Narayan Narayan Narayan,
Lakshmi Narayan Narayan Narayan,
Om Narayan Narayan Narayan
Narayan is the Supreme Soul,
Narayan is the supreme religion,
there is nothing beyond Narayan
Gaj aur grah lare jal bītar,
The elephant and the crocodile fought in the water,
Larat larat gaj harayana. Shrimaan ……..
Til bhar soond rahi jal upar,
Tab hari naam ucharayana. Shrimaan ……..
Gaj ki ter suni Raghunandan,
Garud chhod pag dharayaṇa. Shrimaan ……..
Chakra Sudarshan grah sir katayo,
Gaj ke phand chhurayana. Shrimaan ……..
Bhilni ke ber Sudama ke tandul,
Ruchi ruchi bhog lagayayana. Shrimaan ……..
Duryodhan ghar mewa tyagi,
Saag Vidur ghar parayana. Shrimaan ……..
Chandrasakhi bhaj Balakrishna chhavi,
Yam ke phand chhurayana. Shrimaan ……..
Jo Narayana naam let hai,
Maat-pita kul tarayana. Shrimaan ……..
Om Narayana Narayana Narayana
As they fought, the elephant began to lose. Shrīman ……..
Only the tip of the elephant’s trunk remained above the water,
Then he uttered the name of Hari. Shrīman ……..
Hearing the call of the elephant, Raghunandan (Lord Vishnu) left Garuda and stepped forward. Shrīman ……..
With the Sudarshan Chakra, he cut off the crocodile’s head,
And freed the elephant from the trap. Shrīman ……..
The berries of the tribal woman and the rice of Sudama,
He accepted both with great relish. Shrīman ……..
He rejected the rich food at Duryodhan’s house,
And accepted the simple greens at Vidura’s house. Shrīman ……..
Chandrasakhi sings the glory of child Krishna,
Who frees from the noose of Yama (death). Shrīman ……..
Those who chant the name of Narayana,
Liberate their mother, father, and entire lineage. Shrīman ……..
Narayan is the supreme element. He is the God of gods, He is the essence.
Saints have accepted Narayan as the supreme element. Tulsidas Ji also accepted the supreme element. He clearly said –
Neel saroharu shyam tasan ataru barij nayan,
The one who has a blue lotus-like complexion, dark and fragrant, with eyes like a lotus flower,
Karau so mam ur dham sada chhir sagar sayan
May that one, who resides in the ocean of milk, always make my heart his abode
Vinay Patrika – Goswami Tulsidas
May the one who rests in the ocean of milk reside in my heart. Meera also says the same – I am a maid of Narayan, dancing with anklets on my feet. Kabir Das Ji also said – Kabir says listen, brothers and saints, worship the mind of Sarangpani. Sarangpani means – one who holds the bow named Sarang in his hand, i.e., Shri Hari Narayan. Every saint has considered this as the ultimate truth. When ascetics meet each other, they greet with ‘Namo Narayan’. Every saint, every sage, ascetic, Vedas, Puranas, and scriptures have accepted this as the supreme truth. In the Punjab region, Baba Nanakdev Ji accepted this above all –
Naam niranjan neer Narayana,
The pure and spotless name of Narayana,
Rasna simarat paap bilayana,
Narayana ghat ghat paragas,
Narayana sab mahin nivas,
Narayana kahte narak na jaai,
Narayana sev sakal phal paai,
Narayana man mahin adhaar,
Narayana bohith sansar,
Narayana sadhu sang Narayana,
Bar bar Narayana gayan,
Vastu agochar guru mil gai,
Narayana uth Nanak das gahi
Chanting it with the tongue dissolves all sins,
Narayana shines in every heart,
Narayana resides in all beings,
By chanting Narayana’s name, one does not go to hell,
Serving Narayana grants all rewards,
Narayana is the support in the mind,
Narayana is the boat to cross the world.
With the company of saints, chant Narayana,
Again and again, sing the name of Narayana,
The unmanifested treasure is obtained by meeting the Guru,
Nanak’s servant rises by holding on to Narayana
Nanak Dev Ji says that throughout my life I was called by the name of Nirankari, but now by the grace of Guru Maharaj, it has happened – Narayan bows to you, such a Guru should be revered, you free me from bondage. Narayan devotees met me and gave me the name, leading me to Narayan’s refuge. They named me Nanakdas; but I am still not satisfied. Nanak wants to be the servant of the servant – I want to become Dasatudas because my cycle of birth and death, the bondage of Yamaraj, the beatings of Yamaraj, and the happiness of materialism can be given only by that Supreme Being. My Guru Maharaj told me this. I asked how and when should I serve, he said – all the time; while eating, drinking, bathing, washing, sitting, standing, sleeping, waking, keep remembering the name. This will alleviate your sorrows.
Dukh bhanjan tera naam ji, dukh bhanjan tera naam ji,
Your name, O Reliever of Sorrow, your name relieves all sorrow,
Aathon pahar aradhiye, pooran satguru gyaan ji,
Jis ghat vasai paarabrahm, soi subhava thau ji,
Jam kankar ner na aavi, rasnaam hari gun gau ji,
Seva surat na janiyaan, na jaapai aradh ji,
Ot teri jagjivanaan, mere thakur agam agadh ji,
Bhap kirpal gusaiyaan, tane sog santa ji,
Tati vaud na lagai, satigur rakhe aap ji,
Gur Narayana, dayu garu, guru sacca sirjanahar ji,
Guru tui sab kichu paaiyaan, jan Nanak sada balihar ji,
Ram Ram bol, tu Krishna Krishna bol,
Par Hari bol, Hari bol, Hari Hari bol,
Man Radhe Radhe bol, chahe Krishna Krishna bol,
Par Hari bol, Hari bol, Hari Hari bol,
Bol Lakshmi Narayana ki jay,
Worship day and night, for the true Guru imparts complete wisdom,
Where the Supreme Brahman resides, that place is truly blessed,
The messengers of death do not come near, when the tongue sings the praises of Hari,
Service and contemplation are not known, nor is meditation performed,
Your protection, O Life of the World, O my Master, is beyond comprehension,
O Gracious Lord, you remove the sorrows of the saints,
The scorching wind does not touch them, for the True Guru himself protects,
Guru Narayana, compassionate Lord, the True Creator,
Through the Guru, everything is obtained, servant Nanak is forever a sacrifice,
Chant Ram Ram, or chant Krishna Krishna,
But chant Hari, chant Hari, chant Hari Hari,
O mind, chant Radhe Radhe, or chant Krishna Krishna,
But chant Hari, chant Hari, chant Hari Hari,
Say victory to Lakshmi Narayana
There is not the slightest difference between Narayan, Ram, Krishna, Govind, Gopal, etc. One day Baba Nanak Dev Ji was sitting in a state of confusion. He was contemplating in his mind, it was a matter of great concern whether I should worship Ram, then Krishna would be displeased, and if I worship Krishna, then Narayan would be displeased. If I accept Narayan and Krishna, then Govind Ji would be displeased. Such a bad thought came into the mind.
At that moment, Guru Maharaj arrived. He said, “Nanak! What are you worried about in your heart?” Nanak replied, “No worries, Maharaj.” Guru Maharaj said, “There certainly is; you have come to differentiate among God’s names.” He said –
Ram Rama Ram Rama Ram Rama ur dhariye,
Keep Ram, Ram, Ram in your heart,
Govind Keshav Madan Gopal ek khan na bisariye,
Vinvanat Nanak sarve ras karataan bhoka ek Narayana
Never forget Govind, Keshav, Madan Gopal even for a moment,
Prays Nanak, the essence of all joy and fulfillment is in the one Narayana
The creator of all joy is indeed Narayan, the one in the form of ‘Ik Onkar’. That is why it is written in Guru Granth Sahib as ‘Ik Onkar’. This is written on the Gurudwaras. He is the same one who comes as Ram, the same one who comes as Krishna. He is the same Govind, Gopal, etc.; all these are his action names. Go: Vindati Sa Govindah. Go: Indriyan Vindati Sa Govindah. The one who protects the senses, the one who protects the cows, his name is Govind – he is indeed Govind. Karsati Papam Sa Eva Krishnah. The one who destroys all sins is Krishna. That is, all his action names, whatever they may be, after performing those actions, Murlidhar, Giridhar, Gopal – all these action names are Narayan himself because Vasudev Ji had the vision of him in the prison as Narayan, in the form of Chaturbhuj. He gave the vision of Chaturbhuj to Dasharatha and Kaushalya before his birth. With four arms, holding a conch, discus, mace, and lotus, he cannot come from the womb.
Therefore, he manifested, he appeared. Then Kaushalya said – I do not need this, why did you come? I had asked for childhood play from you. Then God said, Kaushalya! So that you do not remain in doubt, see first that it is I who am giving the word. Is there any deception? Kaushalya said, you are the one. She said – Koja Suslila, Ati Priyasila, this happiness is of the highest quality. Give me that unparalleled happiness. Hearing these words, the wise one, started crying, becoming a child, immediately became four-pawed and started crying.
That Narayan is the supreme one, and from him came Ram and Krishna. Their manifestation occurs in many forms – Pralayanti Yugakshe – the end of an era occurs when the deluge happens. Punareva – the same Shrimad Narayan creates the universe again. O Nanak! In the beginning, in the middle, in the end, this one essence remains.
So my beloveds, it has been a long time since we had satsang. I was also yearning for it. It has been four or five months since I saw the lovers, it had been a long time. Seeing once in a group, when the revival of very old religions happens, it is only then that this happens. Our saint is sitting here, who is a great scholar of Ramayana. They know the entire Ramayana
They are steadfast. They once told me that there is great benefit from a large gathering –
Daras paras manjan aru paana,
Seeing, touching, remembering, and partaking (of the Lord’s presence) —
Hari paap kah ved purana
The Vedas and Puranas declare that this destroys sin
The Vedas and Puranas say that when there is this mutual gathering, then seeing – mutual eye contact happens. Touch – touching also happens. The names seeing-touching can ever be felt. Mouth brushing and drinking – mouth brushing is not a tooth twig, not toothpaste; mouth brushing is the remembrance of God, which you just took with your mouth, this is the mouth brushing. And drinking – drinking the nectar of the story through meditation. These four things cannot be obtained without satsang, there remains incompleteness. It was said in yearning. It had been many days since you were seen. On this auspicious arrival, my auspicious and blessed blessings.
Just now, through our trust, the matter came that Maharaj! It has been four or five months since satsang happened, but at this time Shraddha is going on, so we should get some information related to Shraddha. Or what is Shraddha, why should it be done? What can be the benefit of this? What harm can be caused by not doing it? Is this pretense, deceit, or something else? This is what they told us. As for the trust people, generally, it should have been said two or four days earlier, but they told us just now while coming here.
My beloveds! These days the period of Shraddha is going on, during which your satsang is happening. I consider the satsang during Shraddha more important than other satsangs because at this time, the ancestors from Pitrilok come in any form, in any way, in the form of shadow, in the form of air, to listen to the satsang with their family members because these are their days. Their salvation, their welfare, their liberation, this is our wish for the ancestors as well.
It is the misfortune of our Bharatvarsha. I should not say the misfortune of Bharatvarsha, because I do not have the stature to call Bharatvarsha unfortunate, but I am saying it. It is the misfortune of our Bharat, and that misfortune is because people have argued and debated in many ways not to perform Shraddha. Many believe that Shraddha is a meaningless thing, does the dead person get food? Does the dead person need to be sent parcels? Does the Brahmin’s meal reach the ancestors? Such arguments and ironies have spread among the masses in our Bharatvarsha. I feel sad about it, and I do not feel sad. I feel sad because those poor souls do not have the knowledge of religious scriptures, they have not read or seen them. From the beginning, children are taught – B-A-T – bat, bat means a stick. C-A-T – cat means a cat. R-A-T – rat, rat means a mouse. When we start teaching the fight between the mouse and the cat from the beginning and later on, we start teaching them various other subjects and send them to America, England, etc. They have not observed our religious scriptures and by talking from one ear to another, the phrase ‘Karn Karn Jap Japna:’ (repeating what they hear) has spread. One said to another that it is nonsense. They said, yes, it is nonsense because they have not observed the religious scriptures. By observing the religious scriptures, it is known what Shraddha is and why it should be performed. This can only be obtained from the observation of the scriptures, and we do not observe them. That is why I spoke a little about misfortune.
Shraddha is proven by the sages. Our mass population must do it. I want to establish the proof of every scripture and mention the names of the scriptures. Baba Ji, eating kheer or Brahmins eating kheer, the method of Shraddha does not run for them. Those Brahmins will get it today or tomorrow, and if they do not get it, will they die without kheer? It is not like that. The scriptures’ proof is there. These scriptures (holding up the scriptures in hand) are what I have brought so that if any devotee wants to argue, I am ready for the argument. Right now, I have the scriptures available, which are Puranas, Mimamsa, they are available and present. Therefore, I have brought them if anyone wants to argue. Otherwise, I am not sitting for arguments.
The importance of Shraddha has come from our ancient times, from the beginning itself, it is not new. When the creation of the universe was done, at the same time, the word Shraddha was created. Our God created the Lokalok. Created three worlds, created fourteen realms. In them, Shiva Lok was also created, Brahma Lok was also created, Pitru Lok is well documented, Deva Lok is documented, Gandharva Lok is documented. These are within the fourteen worlds. When the fourteen worlds were created, we cannot exclude Pitru Lok. According to the scriptures, Pitru Lok is also present. And this is found in all the eighteen Puranas, Brahma Purana, Bhagavata Purana, Padma Purana, Bhavishya Purana, etc., and also in the Upanishads that Pitru Lok exists. Now, when Pitru Lok exists, then performing rituals for it is also necessary for us. Just as we worship Deva Lok, worship Brahma Lok, worship Shiva Lok, worship Narayan Lok,
Will we cut off Pitru Lok? According to the scriptures, Pitru Lok also exists, and in this materialistic age, we are forgetting them.
We do not get free from fashion, how can we then talk about the ancestors? We do not get free from our businesses. Now we are busy with both fashion and work. Who will remember Pitru Lok! But my beloveds! In this growing materialism, forgetting them (the ancestors) is not a good thing. When they decide the creation of many worlds, we obtain Pitru Lok. In Brahmapurana, in chapters 84 and 85, it is clearly written – Shraddha Vidhanatah Kritam Narah. Poornasukh Bhavet. Meaning that by performing Shraddha according to the method and rules, a human becomes completely happy. Brahman Priyatamam Jagatah Jeevo Priyatamah. By pleasing the Brahmins, the living beings of the world become happy. Therefore, as long as a human being is alive, they should perform Shraddha. If by nature, he does not do it – Oh, what is the point, it is a farce, deception; then for such people, it is clearly written in Brahmapurana, Padmapurana, Brahmavaivarta Purana, etc. – Atipita: Shariradrityam Pivanti. That means the ancestors suck the blood of that living being. Now if it is said that they suck blood, are they demons? They are not demons; they are ancestors. But you take a simple matter. A son does not listen to his father, and he performs bad deeds. So, isn’t he exploiting his father? Day and night, the father worries, sighs, goes to gurus, makes vows to the goddess, makes vows to God, “Cure my son, cure my daughter.” Then tasyāḥ raktaṃ pivanti te. Those ancestors drink the blood of that human being. If you want, you can see these Puranas. That’s why I have brought them. I am providing proof from the Puranas that such and such is written in a particular Purana. This is found in Brahmavaivarta Purana, in Padma Purana.
Performing Shraddha is not only for the ancestors. The one who performs Shraddha worships the entire world. In it, Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, yogis, rishis, ascetics, sages, and even the ancestors of one’s lineage, meaning living beings and even grass, are satisfied. It does not only satisfy the ancestors. The one who performs Shraddha satisfies all the beings of the world. The question arises that we offered one Pindadan, how did the entire world get satisfied with it? It got satisfied because when he takes the mental resolve, the priests make him do it, and they say – Brahma Priyatam, Shiva: Priyatam, Rudra: Priyatam, Narayana: Priyatam, Sanaka: Priyatam, Sanatana: Priyatam, Sanatkumara: Priyatam, Chalatavrokumara: Priyatam, Saptarishi:
Dear ones, tell me, sitting in one place, you are satisfying everyone. The leftover, you put it in grass, in Tulsi. You made the life of Tulsi green, made the life of Peepal green. You put it in grass, made the life of grass green. And in it, the sesame seeds that are found, you uplift thousands, thousands of ants, animals, small and big. Have you not satisfied the whole world? This is the proof of the scriptures that he performs the worship for the entire world. It is further written that the three times, the three goddesses, and the great-grandfather, grandfather, and father; if the father is alive, then the next three generations, he continues to satisfy them. Who? The person performing Shraddha. This is the proof of the scriptures. ‘Poojita: Bhavishyanti’ means he surely performs the worship of all these. This proof is from Varaha Purana. In Varaha Purana, this clear proof is found. Many scriptures have declared that whoever performs Shraddha during these days, there is no greater virtue than this, this is the highest virtue.
It is not that only the ancestors benefit from this, not at all. They will definitely get it, but the seeker who performs Shraddha also gets its full benefit. It is written for him – Ayu: Putro Yashah Swargah Keertih
Pushtim Balam Shriyam. In Yama Smriti, Yamaraja is saying, “Hey Chitragupta! You write this, those who perform Shraddha, their lifespan definitely increases, they do not face untimely death, their sons are good – Ayuh Putro Yashah Svargah, meaning they attain heaven, their fame increases, and ‘Pushtim’, – their body becomes strong. ‘Balah’ their strength increases, and ‘Shriyam’ meaning they become dear to the gods, sages, and ancestors, everyone. This is written in Yama Smriti. It is being said from there. This proof is given from Yama Smriti meaning Shraddha is excellent in every way, it is blissful. It brings happiness to life, and it improves every work and in the end, Shraddha also grants salvation.
My dear ones! The ancestor realm is not ordinary. The blessing power of ancestors is hundred times stronger than that of gods. Gods are not our relatives, brothers, or kin. They say, Yatkartavyam Tat Bhoktavyam – as you do, so shall you reap. If one serves and worships them for six months, he will receive their grace. Victory to Hanuman, the ocean of knowledge and virtues….. Reciting this a hundred times will make Hanuman’s shadow appear. And we have a relationship with the ancestors. This soul has a relationship in the ancestor realm. They are our relatives, some are uncles, some are elder uncles, some are aunts.
That means they have a hundred times more blessing power than the gods. King Dasharatha got the Putreshti Yajna performed by Sage Shringi; they invoked the ancestors.
If the Shraddha rituals are performed properly, then the soul does not return to this earthly realm. Instead, it goes to a higher realm. This is what God is saying. They didn’t need to eat kheer (sweet rice pudding). If you tell a Brahmin to eat kheer, they might do so, but the gods didn’t need to. They were impartial gods.
The scriptures detailing the procedures of Shraddha describe many methods, and reading or listening to them is also beneficial. Today’s satsang is focused on Shraddha so that if any seeker hasn’t performed Shraddha yet or won’t do it, they will still gain benefits from just listening. This is perhaps why the trust members included this topic. There might be some lazy people who don’t even know how to give water, only how to drink it. They have said that we will benefit just by listening. This also serves as proof that merely listening to it brings benefits. And those who, under the influence of attachment, disregard it, saying it’s all nonsense, what’s there in Shraddha? What does it matter? It’s all nonsense, a waste of money, etc.
Those who believe this – “they face terrible suffering” – means they are surrounded by great diseases, great calamities, sufferings, and their ancestor world does not protect them. This proof is being read from the Brahma Purana. The Brahma Purana says – Those who do not perform Shraddha, the ancestors drink their blood. Those who disregard Shraddha out of attachment, their ancestors drain their blood, wealth, lifespan, and health. This is written in the Brahma Purana; you can read it if you want. They don’t stop there, they also curse. “Shaapam datta prayanthi cha – may you be destroyed.” Because they have the authority to curse.
My dear ones! If you say why should we perform Shraddha for them, then know that you have some property, wealth, inheritance from your parents and grandparents. If you say, I have nothing from my father and grandfather, all the land we had was left in the village or we donated it, still, your physical body was created from the father’s semen and mother’s ovum, where will you take it? They have given it to you. Now that they have given this to you, they also want something in return.
The question arises, why do the ancestor worlds desire from us? The desire is yours as well as theirs. Only those who have a lot of merits go to the ancestor world. The ancestor world is also of 8 types, not one, but eight divisions. Four of them are embodied and four are unembodied. This is evidenced by the Puranas. The embodied gods who are there are worshipped, and those who are in the celestial path are also worshipped. They can do everything but they cannot donate food and water. They go to the ancestor world. They are more ascetic than the gods. They have the power to grant boons. They are stronger than the gods, not weaker. And they are radiant, powerful, lustrous, and renowned, but they cannot give food donations with their hands. Therefore, in the absence of food donations, whatever their descendants, family members, and relatives give them during Shraddha, they receive. The rest, when they receive, they will give blessings, they will grant fearlessness, saying may you be blessed, may you increase a hundredfold, may you increase a thousandfold. They will bless because they have received food. This is mentioned in the Harit Smriti that when they curse, the son and daughter will be born but they will become useless, they will become criminals, thieves, robbers, adulterers, wrongdoers, corrupt, they will not be brave, they will not be charitable, they will not be righteous. When they get married, naturally, children will be born.
But that progeny will not be worthy of being called offspring. “Na tatra virah na jayante” – When they curse, no valiant or renowned progeny can be born in that house, only weak and miserable ones. Therefore, it is very important to receive their blessings. This is evidenced in the Harit Smriti. “Shraddha narodkuvarno narakam pratiyanti te” – In other words, not from the Vishnu Smriti or the Vishnu Purana, but from the Vishnu Smriti, it is mentioned that those who do not perform Shraddha, ‘te narakam yati’ – those ancestor people curse them saying go to hell. They are sending us to hell, so you go to hell too. They give such a curse. ‘Te narakam yati’ – they go to hell.
The meaning of Shraddha is not just to offer food balls. “Shraddhaya diyate shraddha jayate sa eva shraddhah” – that which is done with devotion is called Shraddha. Now a question arises, Guru Ji! If they serve you too, then are they performing your Shraddha? No, no. Look, it is not a laughing matter. It may be that someone sitting here has this question in their mind. Therefore, I am addressing this question beforehand. Just as we select an auspicious time with Shraddha for a child’s wedding, do we then ask what happened to the child’s Shraddha that was performed on that date? No. Shraddha is only performed after death, as it is the scriptures say that ‘Maranat yat shraddham kurvit sa eva shraddhah.’ Meaning, when a being leaves this earth, dies, departs, and the ritual performed for them with reverence is called Shraddha by the scriptures. That is called Shraddha. It is done for those who are no longer on this earth. We are living face to face with you, you will keep doing Shraddha or non-Shraddha for them, what does reverence matter in this? You will perform Shraddha, I will give love. But for those who are not on this earth, doing it with reverence – that is Shraddha. This is a rule by the scriptures, it is called Shraddha. This is the proof of Shraddha – Shraddha prajayate yasmati shraddham.
How do ancestors receive the offerings made during Shraddha, this doubt arises. Many people say that is a Brahmin like a letterbox, that if you put food or offerings in his stomach, the ancestors will receive it. This is said nowadays. The educated people of today argue this way. But their argument is wrong, because the ancestors definitely receive the food meant for them.
Many doubt that if our ancestor is in the form of an ant, then offering the food balls (pind) would kill it.
Where was the pind offered? That means our ancestor was destroyed. And if the pind is given to an elephant, then it’s like ‘a camel’s mouth matter of ‘jeera’. What would happen to the elephant with that? If our ancestor has gone into the form of an elephant, a horse, or an ant, such arguments can be made. My dear ones! Here the scriptures provide evidence, it is stated that there is a Shraddha realm. In that realm, the food we have offered is received. The system there is such that an ant receives food suitable for an ant, an elephant for an elephant, a gandharva for a gandharva, ancestors for ancestors, and spirits for spirits. They come from Brahmaloka, Shivaloka, Vaikuntha, and Mrityuloka to receive the offerings from their descendants, their family members, where their department is – the Shraddha department. Just like in your department, there is a branch for salary distribution, i.e., the treasury, you go there to receive your salary. Similarly, the regular duties have created a system in the ancestor’s realm for how the offerings reach them.
It is said, how do the offerings we send reach them? Two goddesses named Swaha and Swadha were created. Swaha delivers food to the deities, and you say ‘Swaha’ while performing the yajna. As you said, ‘Om Namo Narayanaya Swaha.’ It reaches the realm of Narayana, ‘Rudraya Swaha,’ ‘Ramaya Swaha,’ ‘Rambhadraya Swaha,’ ‘Ramachandraya Swaha’; the goddess Swaha delivers it there. The one named Swadha the goddess is responsible for delivering the food to the ancestors. What you have given is delivered by her to the specific realm where our ancestors reside. Who? The goddess named Swadha. Hence it is said –
Swaha Swadha Namostute
Swaha, Swadha, I bow to you
In our Brahmapurana, Brahmavaivarta Purana, and Bhavishya Purana, there is a story mentioned in these three Puranas. When Lord Ramachandra went to exile, he performed the ritual of offering food at the bank of the Tamasa river and prayed that if his ancestors had become Gandharvas, he offers his salutations, if they had become gods, he offers his salutations, if they had become spirits, he offers his salutations. Lord Ramachandra himself prayed and offered the food. When Lord Ram was offering the food, Mother Sita was also sitting there. Mother Sita got up and left from there. Lord Ram performed the ritual properly. He asked Sita, Sita! Why did you get up and leave from there? Then Sita said, Lord! I cannot say anything. He asked, why? She replied, I left because when you took the form of a sage and went to seek permission for exile, our father-in-law couldn’t bear it and after you turned your back –
Ram Ram kahi Ram kahi Ram Ram kahi Ram,
Chanting Ram, Ram, Ram, Ram, Ram, Ram,
Tani parihari Raghubar birahen rau gayau suradham
Leaving his body in separation from Raghubar (Ram), the king went to the abode of the gods
Seeing you in this form, he passed away. I have also adopted the attire of a hermit. Hearing this, Lord Ram said, I don’t understand. Sita Ji said, Maharaj! When you were invoking the ancestors for the shraddha and the Brahmin priests were seated, I saw my father-in-law Dasaratha Ji, my grandfather-in-law, and my great-grandfather-in-law with my own eyes. They came at your invocation and when you called the Brahmin priests for the meal, I saw the ancestors come and partake in the meal in their presence. I moved away from there because seeing my hermit attire, Dasaratha Ji might die again. They have already become spirits and ancestors, and after becoming ancestors, they might abandon their bodies again. That is why I moved away from there. Sita Ji is saying that she saw this with her own eyes. This is written in the Brahmapurana, Vainyavarta Purana, and Vishnu Purana, all three Puranas. This is not just my words. In this way, we get this evidence.
Atheists or more educated people say that is there a letterbox to send the offerings of shraddha to the ancestors? How do they receive these items? Today, humans have also made several arrangements. What kind of arrangements have been made? Pounds are used in England, our currency (money) is not used there. And dollars are used in America. Guilder is used in Holland. Rupee is used in India. If we go to England and do not have pounds, but have dollars or Indian notes, will we starve there? No. That’s why we have made arrangements that we can exchange our currency (money) notes to buy pounds. Humans have made an arrangement where each country’s currency can be obtained in that country, whether in the pocket or elsewhere. My beloved! Our credit card will only be made when we do something for the ancestors, give them something or serve them or provide them food and water. Only then will the credit card be made. Otherwise, how will it be made? When the credit card is made here, your ancestors will receive food suitable for ants if they are ants, food for cows if they are cows, food for any animals they have become, food for elephants if they are elephants. Why won’t they receive it? It is the effect of the donations and virtues you have given; it has its own impact. Therefore, wherever our ancestors go, the controller who is God himself will provide according to the needs of the ancestors. This is the work of his department. When ordinary humans
If such a department can be made, then how can the Pitr (ancestral) department be reached and where can it be sent, can’t God make it so? You just give it with devotion. I am not saying this from my mind, but quoting from Chaturvarga Chintamani. This evidence has been quoted from Chaturvarga Chintamani. In other words, I will say that we should perform Shraddha with devotion.
There is doubt that I do not have money to perform Shraddha, where will I get the money to make kheer? When there is no money, where will I get puri? Where will I bring the Brahmin from? It is not available. I will ask for Dakshina, now I do not have it. What should I do? You should not have such worries at all. If we have a lack of money, it doesn’t matter. In the absence of money, we should not stop performing Shraddha. We can collect grass or wood from somewhere, gather four paise or two rupees and offer pind etc. It is possible that someone might argue that we live in a place where there is no grass. Grass dries up in the mountains, so what should we do? If there is no wood, what should we do? If no one buys wood, what should we do? Even then, there is no need to worry. Do not stop performing Shraddha rituals. Even if you do nothing, cut a handful or two of grass from somewhere and feed it to a cow, taking the name of the ancestors. Your Shraddha is done.
Even if you do not get grass, or you do not get a cow (nowadays the government does not allow keeping cows), still you should perform Shraddha, this is what the scriptures say. If we have nothing, not even a single penny, then the scriptures say, at that time, sit in solitude with devotion, raise both hands and say, “Oh my Pitrs (ancestors)! I have nothing but devotion and feelings. I am poor, I am penniless, accept my Shraddha.” This is the evidence of the scriptures. Oh, tell me, how many simple things the scriptures have told us. We are well-off. We are consuming our father’s wealth, he left something – property, assets, money. So what is going away from us by giving some of it to them? And the ancestors receive the food that we give. This solid proof is found in Padma Purana, Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Karma Purana. Otherwise, “te raktam pivanti” – they suck the blood of the family members. They exploit religion. And when the ancestors are pleased – chalanti tasya vardhante, they increase our four things. Ayurvidya yashobalam – age, knowledge, fame, and strength are increased. These solid proofs are given. Oh son! Yours will definitely increase, not decrease. This is our blessing. You have satisfied us. As for Moksha, regarding that
What is the thought? Moksha is related to the soul. The soul is protected by the Guru, by the scriptures. The ancestors are related in one way – through dharma, rituals, and ancestral debt. When we repay the ancestral debt, we start practicing dharma, good conduct, and deeds. Through dharma practice, dharma is protected, and then Moksha is attained. This is the evidence of the scriptures; it has no relation to us, it provides evidence. It says – “Dharma protects those who protect it.” By protecting dharma, we are protected by dharma. Thus, ancestral debt should be repaid, this is what the scriptures say. Oh, beloved ones, the means of repaying the ancestral debt is Shraddha. This is the primary means. This is the method; it should be followed. If Shraddha is not performed, there will be no means to repay the ancestral debt. The act of Shraddha is a ritual, a method. It should be done at a specific time. Pay attention to all matters, this is what the scriptures say.
(On the other side) a leaf or anything else – it is auspicious for you. This is because any task that begins is auspicious. At that time, one should not think about what this task is. What is auspicious in it? Only the beginning of the task should be considered.
Therefore, start the Shraddha. Only start the process of Shraddha; what happens in it, what does not happen, should not be thought about. All these thoughts should not come into mind.
The scriptures say that “Shraddhaya Diyate Yascha Shraddham” meaning Shraddha is that which is given with faith. Now the doubt arises that Guru Ji! If they serve you, are they performing your Shraddha? No, no. Look, it is not a matter to laugh about. It is possible that someone sitting here has this question in mind. Therefore, I am addressing this question first. Just as we get an auspicious time for a child’s marriage through Shraddha, will we ask what happened to your child’s Shraddha on the date of fruits? No. Shraddha is performed only after death, as it is said in the scriptures that ‘Maranaat Yat Shraddham Kritam Sa Eva Shraddhah’. That is, when a being departs from this world, dies, and for whom the work done with Shraddha is called Sa Eva Shraddhah by the scriptures. Its name is Shraddha. It is performed for those who are no longer on this earth. We are here face-to-face, you will continue to perform it with or without Shraddha, what is there to it. If you do it with faith, I will give love. But for those who are not on this earth, to perform it with faith awakened – Sa Eva Shraddhah. This is what the scriptures have ordained, its name is Shraddha. The proof of this Shraddha is given – Shraddha Prajayate Yasyeti Shraddham.
There arises a doubt about how the Pitras receive the offerings given during Shraddha. Many people say that is a Brahmin a letterbox, that if you put a letter, meaning food items, in his stomach, the Pitras will receive it. This is said nowadays. The educated of today argue this way. But this argument is wrong, because the provision of food for the Pitras is certain.
Many people doubt that if our Pitra is in the form of an ant, then through Pinda he will die. Where is Pinda performed? That would mean the destruction of our Pitra. And if Pinda is given to an elephant, then it would be like ‘a cumin seed in an elephant’s mouth’. What will happen to the elephant with that? If our Pitra has gone into the form of an elephant, horse, or ant, such arguments can be made. My dear ones! Here the scriptures provide evidence, the scriptures have proof that there is a Shraddha realm. In that realm, the food we have given is received. According to the arrangement there, the ant gets according to the ant, the elephant gets according to the elephant, the Gandharva gets according to the Gandharva, the Pitra gets according to the Pitra, and the spirit gets according to the spirit. They come from Brahmaloka, Shivaloka, Vishnuloka, or Mrityuloka to receive the offerings from their descendants and family in the Shraddha division. For example, in your department, there is a branch for salary distribution, which is the treasury, and you go there to receive your salary. Similarly, even in regular activities, the Pitra realm and its arrangement have been made to ensure how the offerings reach the Pitras.
It is said, how does what we send reach them? Two goddesses named Swaha and Swadha were created. Swaha delivers the food to the gods by invoking her name during the Yajna. For instance, when you say, Om Namo Narayanaya Swaha, it goes to the realm of Narayana, Rudraya Swaha, Ramaya Swaha, Ramachandraya Swaha; Swaha Devi delivers it there. The goddess named Swadha’s task is to deliver the food to the Pitras. What you have given, she ensures it reaches the realm where our Pitras reside. Who? The goddess named Swadha. Therefore, it is said –
Swaha Swadha Namostute
Swaha, Swadha, I bow to you
Those who are deprived of the rituals of Pind Daan and offering water, that is, Shraddha and Tarpan, their ancestors also fall into a lower state.
You read the Ramayana. Lord Ram is performing Shraddha rituals, offering Pind Daan, praying – “Protect all my ancestors who have become spirits or celestial beings.” There is proof in the Ramayana, proof in the Gita, proof in Guru Granth Sahib, proof in various religious texts, proof within the Karma Kanda, proof in various Puranas, and proof in Smritis. My beloveds! I have not brought this text here for debate, but I have brought it before you so that if any devotee wants to see, they can read thoroughly after the Satsang, they can read in the library of the Ashram. Read the Agni Puranas related to ancestors! My beloveds! This is not a concocted story. To be fortunate, to be prosperous, to be glorious, to be energetic, to be ascetic, to produce good offspring, ancestor worship is very important. That is why Baba Ji says to you, ever since you have met him, he says, “Brother! Feed your ancestors a little food and drink. They will be happy, and they will make you happy.” So, we say, “A piece of gold – one piece, one piece means equal to the size of a mustard seed; or one man, ten men, hundred men, whatever it is, they will bless the ancestors.”
Therefore, definitely offer (it). I am not saying to give it today. I am not begging, I provided evidence that doing so, the drop of rain that falls on these kalash (vessels) that are being made, it goes to the peace of the ancestors. That is why golden kalash are placed. Is it necessary to place a golden kalash on the temple, or is it to enhance its beauty? Absolutely not. It has no beauty. It is placed only so that the ancestors find peace. My beloveds! Today, the trust members have brought up the topic. Hence, I have spoken very briefly about matters related to the ancestors.
Narayana. Narayana. Narayana.
Summary
The discourse elaborates on the pivotal role of the Guru in spiritual life, emphasizing that the Guru’s form, words, and grace are the foundation of meditation, worship, and liberation. It highlights the supremacy of Narayana, asserting that all divine forms like Ram, Krishna, and Govind are manifestations of the same supreme being. The discourse also delves into the significance of Shraddha, the ritual for honoring ancestors, explaining its spiritual and material benefits. By performing Shraddha with devotion, individuals receive the blessings of their ancestors, which ensures prosperity, health, and protection from misfortune.
Moreover, the discourse addresses common misconceptions about Shraddha, clarifying that the offerings made during the ritual are received by the ancestors through divine intermediaries. It stresses that Shraddha is not only a duty but also a means of repaying ancestral debt, which in turn leads to spiritual growth and success in life. The discourse encourages devotees to embrace the teachings of the Guru, worship Narayana, and perform Shraddha with sincerity, as these practices are essential for a fulfilled and righteous life.
Important Points
- The Guru’s form, words, and grace are central to meditation, worship, and liberation.
- Narayana is the supreme divine principle, encompassing all forms of God.
- All divine names like Ram, Krishna, Govind, and Gopal are manifestations of Narayana.
- Chanting Narayana’s name is the highest form of devotion.
- Shraddha is a vital ritual that honors and satisfies one’s ancestors.
- Performing Shraddha ensures the blessings of the ancestors, leading to prosperity and health.
- The offerings made during Shraddha are received by ancestors through divine intermediaries.
- Ancestors have the power to bless or curse their descendants based on the performance of Shraddha.
- Shraddha is a means of repaying ancestral debt and is essential for spiritual growth.
- Devotion and sincerity in performing Shraddha are more important than material offerings.
- The blessings of ancestors are more powerful than those of the gods.
- Neglecting Shraddha can lead to misfortune and suffering.
- The Guru’s guidance is crucial in understanding and performing Shraddha correctly.
- Shraddha benefits both the ancestors and the performer, ensuring a virtuous life.
- The discourse encourages embracing the teachings of the Guru and the practice of Shraddha.
