Sri Swamiji conducted Sri Chakra Puja and Ganapati Homa as usual in the
morning. Then Sahasra Kalasa Tailabishekam was performed to Kalagnusaman
Datta in the temple of the Ashrama. Following the Pavana Homa and Datta
Homa were performed. Many people participated in the Anagha Vratam.
The following message was given by Sri Swamiji.
We are all tiny specks of the Universal Lord - Paramatma. Though He is unseen,
He is invisible. His magnanimity is beyond our comprehension. We have drifted
far, far away from him. No doubt we are precious, being tiny specks of the
Supreme Lord. We are like various precious Ornaments glued to something
impure, something undesirable. Seeing our sorry state, our miserable condition,
the merciful Lord came down to uplift us, to rescue us in the form of Dattatreya,
the unique spiritual master of all times. He is an expert goldsmith. He
can remove the dirt and impurities of the ornament, without spoiling it
in any way. He makes it fit for decoration of the Lord. This means he purifies
and guides us properly to rejoin the supreme Lord.
A capable master and a patient disciple - this is a fine combination. Dattatreya
is an expert spiritual master. He is the perfect master. Less efficient
goldsmiths spoil the ornament. Datta does his job thoroughly well. He is
the Guru not only for humans, but also to celestials and demons. What?!
- Guru for even demons? Yes! He slowly transforms the demons and leads them
to the right path. A real Jnani, knower, does not boast of himself. Whoever
makes such an announcement is a cheat. By Guru's grace the disciple gets
salvation in a subtle way, even unknowingly.
People are attached to worldliness, that is the cause of their misery. Sadguru
cleanses us by making us perform different rituals properly. Contemplate
on the divine play of Datta. Study Jnana Vasishta, which deals with the
principle of renunciation.
Datta is the trinity in one - Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva in one form. He directed
sages to perform Pavamana Homa, which removes sins, and bestows peace and
plenty.
All the Devotees were enchanted in the musical discourse in the evening.
The following is His message.
I. Datta's protection
Swamiji explained the meaning of Sanskrit Sloka. He recited thus:
"His Body is still as He is in ecstasy. However, He moves about daily
in several subtle forms to protect and guide his disciples everywhere. Hence
I surrender to Datta, who is both, moving and unmoving. Datta's only mission
is to uplift the disciples."
Sri Swamiji rendered a song emphasizing the protective power of Datta (Jaya
janavana chitta).
II.
"Generally people say that they are fighting for peace, even at the
cost of life. This is self-contradictory. Who can a battle cause peace?
Our thoughts and words and deeds should not hurt others, no insult or injury
should be caused to others by our behavior. Before you aim at world peace
attempt at inner peace of mind yourself. Then there will be world peace.
What all we do at home generally causes tension and worry. You behave in
peaceful way with you friends and relatives. The way you keep your things,
books, clothes, utensils in your room and home should be neat and proper.
This brings in peace of mind and peace at home. Gradually the peace spreads
around."
Swamiji sang one sloka and one bhajan conveying the above ideas.
III.
Swamiji sang a bhajan of Janardana part of Maharashtra and explained its
meaning.
" The saint sings the glory of Rama who is all pervasive. By singing
the pious qualities of God again and again, one acquires such noble traits."
IV.
Swamiji rendered a bhajan and described its significance.
"Before one goes to bed, one must analyze the mistakes committed in
the day. Seek God's pardon with repentance. Do not feel proud of good achievements.
Thank God. Think of God just on getting. People convince themselves for
their mistakes. No mistake can be committed in secrecy, you cannot hide
anything wrong. The five elements of nature, sun, moon, etc. are witnessing
your deeds. Even if others point out, some adamant people don't repent,
they do not apologize. This is wrong. Whatever good or bad we do - everything
is recorded by Chitragupta, the celestial accountant of sin and merit. You
cannot deceive him. Some people do many good things, but a single big mistake
overshadows what all good they have done. Self-analysis enables them to
correct themselves.
Early in the morning, more so before sunrise, the mind will be pure and
active. For spiritual practice, music practice or studies this is the most
preferable period. Gradually the mind gets tired with the passage of daytime.
Mind is affected by the heat and strain of the day. Hence, utilize the dawn
and early morning daily in a purposeful way. Sound sleep is very essential
for good health. One must go to bed wearing clean clothes, wash your feet
before sleeping. When you are about to sleep and just on getting up, think
on God and not coffee. Thank God for the good rest of the night and the
good day he gave you. Such a daily practice makes you young and energetic.
You will be successful in your activities. It is important to observe one
principle: Don't entertain thoughts, fear or worry just on getting up. Chant
the names of god. Don't spoil the entire day with a sad beginning. "
V.
The grant finale for the music session was the sonorous singing of the rapturous
bhajan on the eternal shower of Datta's mercy. Swamiji said: " Diffidence
and disappointment disappear by Datta's grace."
The Datta Jayanti Celebrations concluded with the joyous, thrilling Raftfestival,
i.e. Udopotsavam conducted in the Saptarishi tank of the Ashrama.