SAUNDARYA LAHARI - 2 - kaaruNyamae Ambaal's laavaNyam ( 1/3)

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There are two very easy paths to reach God ; one is Swaroopa

Dhyanam, ( seeing the form of God ), the other is Nama

Uchcharanam ( reciting the name of God). Normally these two go

together ( Nama - Roopam). There is no difficulty in continuing to

recite God's name. Similarly, it is easy to see externally or

internally the God's beautiful form. Mahaathmas will be able to see

physically the living forms of God using their external eye itself.

However, we are able to see only the sculptures, idols externally.

However, we are able to imagine 'living' and mobile Moorthy only

through our internal eye.

 

The idol also is a living Swarupa, subsequent to Prana-pradhistai.

Vasihnavas call it with a special name 'archa avataram' . So, we are

able to see the Moorthy in the temple, be entranced in Her beauty

and without difficulty get the Bhagavath Smaranai ( divine

consciousness ? )

 

Even if the glory of Nama Ucharanam is highly emphasized in our

religion, that too is effective ( at our current status) in giving

some control, concentration and bliss to us ONLY when combined with

the Roopam (form) of the God. If we start chanting 'Rama, Rama',

then " automatically" the mind goes to think about the Ramachandra

Moorthy with ( maragatha ) green hue and with the bow (Kothadam ).

Ordinary people will feel it dry to recite the name only without

imagining the Roopa of the God.

 

When Nama Japam is done properly, it is prescribed that we should

recite the Dhyana Sloka and steady the Roopa in the mind.

 

Hence, it appears that greater effort is needed for Nama Japam, than

for the mere Darshan of the Roopa of the Lord. It appears to be much

easier and more pleasant to blissfully imagine ( mentally observe) a

beautiful form of the Lord.

 

Saundarya Lahari is like a very tasty mango ( Rasaalu) soaked in

Amritam ( nectar ). This sthothra which describes the Swarupa of

Ambaal is itself another Swarupa of Ambaal. If we also soak in that

nectar repeatedly by its Paraayanam ( recital), those who recite

also, can also become the Swarupa of Ambaal. Further, they can also

obtain liberation by merging with Ambaal, who only is the SELF

which has also become ALL.

 

FURTHER, IF WE IMBIBE THE BEAUTY ( SOUNDARYAM) OF AMBAAL, WE BECOME

FULL WITH BLISS. IT IS SUFFICIENT IF WE GET THE DARSHAN OF THE

AMBAAL; WE JUST KEEP ON, CONTINUING TO LOOK AT HER SUPREME BEAUTY.

WE GET FULFILLMENT AND THUS EVEN WE WILL BE ABLE TO GET LIBERATION (

MOKSHA).

 

This might appear to be a hyperbole. One might be tempted to

think "It is true that if we see a thing of beauty, it gives us joy

at that moment or for some time. But if one were to say ' It is

sufficient to only see Ambaal's Saundarya Lahari ( stream of

beauty) . It will give complete fulfillment. We can repeatedly soak

in it and finally obtained Advaitic bliss and liberation', one

wonders as to how it is possible. One may look at a full moon , or a

lotus in full bloom, definitely it creates a sense of joy; but how

can it create the bliss of liberation ?".

 

 

KanchiParamachaaya ( Part 6 of Dheivathin Kural on Saundarya Lahari)

 

...........To be continued

 

Pranaam.

 

Kameshwaran