Prarabdha (Fate): Harivansh Maharaj ji explains the relation and distinction between prarabdha (fate) and bhajan (devotional practices).
Prarabdha is the result of past karma.
Bhajan and prarabdha are separate entities.
Bhajan is a strong rope, holding it you can surpass all hardships.
Prarabdha cannot be affected by bhajan, but a strong bhajan can nullify the effect of prarabdha.
Bhajan as a Protective Force:
Continuous remembrance of God (Radha-Radha) in both happiness and suffering.
Bhajan is compared to holding a robust rope during turbulent waves; it ensures safety despite challenges.
Devotees like Ramakrishna Paramhans, who suffered from ailments but remained steadfast in bhajan.
Significance of Bhajan: Unwavering devotion helps overcome the toughest of prarabdha, sanctifying one's path towards attaining God.
End Times and Remembrance: At the end of life, remembering God ensures His presence and assistance.
Spiritual Knowledge and Devotion
Levels of Knowledge (Adhidaiv, Adhidham, Brahm):
Understanding different realms of spiritual knowledge leads to higher consciousness.
True knowledge involves surrendering ego to the lotus feet of the Lord.
Jñāna (Knowledge) vs Bhakti (Devotion):
Pure knowledge alongside devotion leads to divine wisdom.
Despite knowing Vedanta, surrender to the tender feet of Hari (God) is essential.
All great sages unanimously revere God's feet, advocating constant remembrance of His name.
Misconceptions and Critiques: Modern resistance against idol worship and underestimating the significance of devotional practices are seen as ignorance.
Righteous Conduct and Earnings
Ethics in Earnings:
Wealth must be earned ethically, without causing harm, deceit, or violence to others.
Earnings through upright means (honest business, land profits, fair rent) are considered pure.
Conduct and Wealth:
Reflect on actions and ensure they don't harm others, like selling harmful items or dishonest practices.
Different professional pursuits, which involve deceit or violence, were discouraged.
Offering and Prioritizing in Devotion
Offering Sequence:
There's a practice of offering food firstly to Shreeji (Radha) and then to the Guru and other deities.
Prioritizing offerings resonates with the sentiment that pleasing the Guru involves pleasing their deity first.
Guru's pleasure lies in the joy derived from the offerings made to their deity.