TAVASMI Basic of Pushti Marg, Ekadashi, Yamunastak

TAVASMI Basic of Pushti Marg, Ekadashi, Yamunastak June 26, 2010

Basics of PushtiMarg • PushtiMarg is the path of love and devotion for Shri Krishna. • Shri Vallabh is the ONLY Guru. • Anyone born in Shri Vallabh’s lineage is known as “GuruDwar” – Gateway to Guru Shri Vallabh. • There are approximatlely over 200 “GuruDwar”. • ONLY the direct descent of Shri Vallabh can initiate a person into PushtiMarg.

Aspect of PushtiMarg Initiation • The first step on the way to offer our love-devotion to Shri Krishna is to happily surrender one’s self to Shri Krishna. • To feel humble towards Shri Krishna, to seek protection only from Shri Krishna. • The second step is to completely dedicate ourselves and all the things that we call ours to Shri Krishna.

Donation vs. Dedication • When we donate items, we actually give them away to someone. We do not own them so we can not use what we’ve donated. • When we dedicate items, we do not give them away to anyone. We only remove our sense ownership from those things. PushtiMarg believes that whatever we have belongs to Shri Krishna.

Tiers of PushtiMarg • First tier of PushitMarg is known as “Sharan Diksha” or “Naam Diksha”. • PushtiMarg Guru recites “Shri Krishna Sharanam Mama” mantra three times in person’s right ear and places a necklace made from Tulsi, called “Kanthi” around person’s neck. • The mantra is also known as “Sharan Mantra” and “Ashtakshar Mantra” because it has eight words. • Anyone can approach the Guru to receive this first tier initiation. • The second tier of PushtiMarg Initiation is known as “Brahm-Sambandh Mantra Diksha” or “Nivedan Mantra Diksha”.

Vedant Philosophy • Hindu philosophy had six branches, one of which being Vedant (focuses on the reading, and analytically interpreting the ancient Vedic writings i.e. Upanishads) • It has many sub-schools (some are listed below)

Intro to Pushti Marg • Vallabhacharya established that the Universe (“Jagat”) as well as all the animate and inanimate objects (“Jeev”) are not different from The Supreme Being – Krishna. Krishna created the universe and all its objects from Himself. Meaning all objects are part of Krishna. • Pushti Marg is referred to as Pure-Non-Dualism – meaning ‘Absolute Oneness’. So that the Soul is One with the Supreme being. Where as other philosophies say that the soul is separate from God, etc. • The devotional movement is based on the idea that love of God should be seen as an end in itself, not as a means to something else

Ekadashi (Agyarus) • Eka mean 1; Dashi means 10 (1 + 10 = 11) • Ekadashi is when you withdraw your 10 indriyas (senses) and mind (11) from worldly, material activities and focus them on God/devotional activities • Ekadashi is different from fasting on a particular day which is done for yourself • Wanting to please a particular god • Filling a personal need or desire • Done as a personal penance

Ekadashi (Agyarus) • Not just about eating the right type of foods, but controlling your mind and senses as well • Foods: • All types of fruits • Avoid all grains (aside from Rajgaro and Moraio) • Avoid foods cooked outside • Potatoes and Sabudana • We abstain from certain foods which contain Rajas and Tamas qualities/guns and thus keeping focused towards spiritual matters (i.e. in thakorji). The foods one is allowed to take are Sattvik in nature, such as fruits, roots, nuts, etc

Ekadashi: the major ones • 24 Ekadashis in one year (12 X 2); more in Adhikmas. The bhaav behind each ekadashi is different • 5 other festival days to be observed like an ekadashi • Janmastmi (Krishna’s birth) • Ram Navmi (Ram’s birth) • Shivratri* • Vaman Jayanti • Narshi Jayanti • Occurs every 14 days on the 11th day. Moon is believed to influence our moods. On Ekadashi, the mind is easily concentrated and therefore, easier to do devotional things.

Ekadashi: 10 Indriyas • 5 Senses • Sight • Sound • Smell • Taste • Touch

Ekadashi: 10 Indriyas • 5 Motor Organs • Mouth • Hands • Feet • Reproductive Organs • Excretory Organs

Story of Ekadashi • Murdhanav (son of Nadijung) was a powerful demon king. He had a boon from Brahma that made him very powerful. He attacked many different devs, specifically devs of the Indriyas. • Brahmaji and the other Devs did a penance by keeping their senses and mind in control and summoned Vishnu. Vishnu granted them all additional powers to defeat the demons. However, despite a 1000 year war, they were not victorious. • Vishnu pondered this and went to a cave. Murdhanav followed him there.

Story of Ekadashi • By controlling his 10 senses and mind, Vishnu created a divined powered woman, Ekadashi. The lord was sleeping at this time. • Murdhanav immediately became mesmorized by her and asked her to marry him. Ekadashi replied that he who defeats me in combat shall become my husband. She defeated Murdhanav. • The lord was very pleased with her work and granted her a boon. She asked that anyone observing the Ekadashi vrat be granted moksha and their wished fulfilled.

The Nine Verse of the First Granth The nine verses (‘shloks’) of Yamunashtak …. Describes the beauty of the physical form of Shri Yamunaji–the river Yamuna Depicts the eight great strengths/powers that may be bestowed on a Vaishnav by the Spiritual-Divine form of Shri Yamunaji Illustrates the eight significant achievements that may be bestowed on a Vaishnav by the Spiritual-Divine form of Shri Yamunaji Lists the benefits a Vaishnav may receive by reciting Yamunashtak with utmost faith

The Eight Strengths/Powers… To intensify our love for Shri Krishna To resolve the issues that we may face on our path to Shri Krishna To strengthen our relationship with Shri Krishna To unconditionally dedicate ourselves to Shri Krishna To increase our worthiness to receive Shri Krishna’s Grace To transform ourselves for serving and experiencing Shri Krishna To feel Shri Krishna’s touch by way of the holy waters of Yamuna river 16

The Eight Achievements… Acquiring a body pure enough to serve and experience Shri Krishna Participating in Shri Krishna’s divine games (Leelas) Attaining the knowledge that every person/object is Shri Krishna only Saturating our consciousness only with Shri Krishna Experiencing, through our consciousness, Shri Krishna’s divine games Feeling Shri Krishna’s love even in His physical absence Experiencing Shri Krishna everywhere all the time

The Benefits... To win over our fear of the unknown and unpredictable events such as Death To triumph over our fault-infested, polluted nature To fall in love with Shri Krishna To benefit from Shri Krishna’s Grace To experience Shri Krishna’s Love

Yamunastakam: Shlok 1 Namami Yamuna Maham, Sakal Siddhi Hetum Muda, Murari Padpankaj-Sfuradmand, Renoot-katam, Tatasth Nav Kanan, Prakat Mod Pushpambunaa, Sura-asur supoojitaha, Smara Pituh Shri yam-bibhrateem I bow (Namami) to Yamunaji with my full love and devotion. She is capable of giving fulfillment of all the desires (Sakal Siddhi) of the devotee in enjoying God’s love. Yamunaji is capable of giving all kind of achievements. This shlok describes the physical state of the river. Its both banks are full of glittering sand which is believed to be as soft as lotus feet of Krishna (Murari). There are various kind of Evergreen gardens of the both banks of the river. The river water is full of scent due to flowers of the garden. Yamunaji is also worshipped by two kinds (Sura -asur) of Vraj devotees.

Yamunastakam: Shlok 2 Kalindagirimastake patadamanda poorojvalaaVilasagamanollasat Prakataganda shailonnata Saghoshagati danturaa samadhiroodha dolottammaMukundarativardhini jayati padmabandhosuta Mahaprabhuji describes that how Yamunaji can bless her devotees to increase their love towards Mukund Prabhu. Mahaprabhuji describes the physical existence of Yamunaji as river. It flows enthusiastically (With speed and splendour Poorojvalaa) from the top of Kalind mountain. The water appears to be as milk because of the force and twirls. It seems like Yamunaji is very eager to go in Vraj and meet Krishna. It also gives impression as Yamunaji is swinging of (Dolottama) jhula (swing). Yamunaji is a daughter of Sun, who is the friend of lotus (Padma).

Yamunastakam: Shlok 3 Bhuvam Bhuvan Pawaneem Adhigatamane Kashwanaihi Priyabhiriv Sevatam, Shuka Mayur Hansadibhihi, Tarang Bhuj Kankana, Prakat muktikavaluka, Nitambtat Sundareem, Namat Krishna Turya Priyam Whenever Yamunaji comes to earth from heaven, she blessed the Earth (Bhuvam Bhuvana Pawaneem). All birds like Parrot, Peacock, Swans (Hansa) serves Yamunaji. Mahaprabhuji visualize glittering (sterling) sand as her bangle’s pearls (muktikavaluka) and waves of water as beautiful divine hands (Tarang Bhuj Kankana) of Yamunaji. From the birds eye view, Yamunaji appears as beautiful with both the banks with glamorous sand and river full of water. She is favorite fourth queen of Krishna. And Mahaprabhuji asks us to bow to her (Namat Krishna Turya Priyam). 21

Yamunastakam: Shlok 4 Anant Gunbhusite, Shiva Viranchi Devastute, Ghanaghan Nibhe Sada, Dhruva Parasharaa Bhistade, Vishuddha Mathura Tate, Sakal Gop-gopi Vrute, Krupa Jaladhi Sanshrite, Mama Manha Sukham Bhavayah O! Shri Yamunaji, you have infinite (anant) divine virtues (Gun). Even Gods like Shiv, Brahama praises you. You are capable of granting wishes to devotees like Dhruv and Parasher. There are holy pilgrim places like “Mathura” on your banks (Tate). You are always surrounded with gopi’s and gopijans and you are always protected by blessings (Krupa) of Krishna. O! Yamunaji, I wish that you give me such blessings that it gives peace and happiness (Sukham) to my mind (Manha). Chanting this shlok with pure and honest heart gives tremendous mental peace and eternal happiness. 22

Yamunastakam: Shlok 5 YayaCharanPadmajaa, MuraripohPriyamBhavuka, SamagamantoBhavat, SakalSiddhidaSevatam, TayaSadrushtamiyat, KamaljaSpatneeVayat, HariPriyaKalindaya, Mansi Me sadaStheeyatam Gangaji evolved from the lotus feet (charan) of Shri Bhagavan. Gangaji became holy and pious due to merging with Yamunaji at TriveniSangam. Yamunaji made Gangaji capable of giving all achievements (SakalSiddhi) to the serving devotees. Only Laxmiji is equal and comparable to Yamunaji-but on a lesser degree. I wish that this type of Shri Yamunaji, who can take all worries of her devotees and who is also favorite (HariPriya) to Shri Krishna, come and stays put in my heart and soul (Mansi) forever (sad).

Yamunastakam: Shlok 6 Namostu Yamune Sada, Tav Charitra Matyadbhutam, Na Jaatu Yam Yatna, Bhavati Te Payaha Panat-ha, Yamopi Bhaginee Sutan, Kathamuhanti Dushtanpi, Priyobhavati Sevanaat, Tav Hareryatha Gopikah O! Shri Yamunaji, I bow (Namostu) to you with my full body and heart. Your (Tav) divine character (Charitra) is very wonderful. Just by drinking your water in Vraj, we do not have to worry about painful death. Your devotees can become favorite to Shri Krishna just like Gopijans who became favorite by doing “Katyani Vrat”. A month of fasting done in the winter. 24

Yamunastakam: Shlok 7 Mamastu Tav Sannidhau, Tanu Navatva Metavata, Na Durlabhatama Rati, Muraripau Mukundpriye, Atostu Tav Lalna, Surdhunee Param Sangamaat, Tavaiv Bhuvi Keertita, Na Tu Kadapi Pushti Sthitaih O! Shri Yamunaji, who is favorite of Shri Mukund Prabhu, I pray to you to give me divine body (Tanu Navatv) which can be used in divine Leela of the Lord and also to serve you. Only you are capable of doing so. With such a divine body, I can serve Shri Mukund Prabhu very well. Pushti Margiya Vaishnavs -Divine souls had never praised Shri Gangaji without your merging with Shri Gangaji. 25

Yamunastakam: Shlok 8 Stutim Tava Karotikah, Kamal Ja Sapatni Priye,Harer Yadanu Sevaya, Bhavati Saukhya Mamoxataha, Iyam Tav Kathadhika, Sakal Gopika Sangam Smar, Shram jalanubhi, Sakalgatra Jaihi Sangamaha O! Shri Yamunaji, you are like Laxmiji, who has good fortune. But no one is capable of praising you, because any one serving God first and then Laxmiji gets all happiness after death (Mamoxataha). But the importance of Yamunaji is the best. Here Maha Prabhuji explains the exaltation of soul just by bathing in the waters of Yamunaji and by serving Yamunaji we get blessing from her, which is helpful in exalting our soul and making us pious. As we wash our body from outside to make it look pretty, we need to have blessings in form of Yamunaji’s river water to wash our soul and body from within. Due to her blessings our mind and thoughts becomes favorable to serve Krishna.

Yamunastakam: Shlok 9 Tavashtak Midam Muda, Pathati Soorsootesada, Samasta Duritak Shayo, Bhavati Vai Mukunde Ratihi, Taya Sakal Siddhayo, Murari Puscha Santushyati, Swabhav Vijayo Bhavet, Vadati Vallabh Shree Harehe O! Shri Yamunaji! Whoever always sings these hymns of Yamunastak with happiness-joy and pleasure, will get following fruits. All the sins of person will be destroyed by virtue of her blessings. The devotee will be definitely spurred for love towards Krishna. Due to this love towards Krishna, devotee can achieve all the goals and his soul will be exalted towards the supreme Krishna. Moreover it changes the nature of the soul for the cause of exaltation and endearment to God. It also purifies mind and senses, to enjoy pure love of God. 27

TAVASMI Basic of Pushti Marg, Ekadashi, Yamunastak