January 25, 2026
One hour of plane ride or train ride or cruise ride doesn’t disorient us. Disorientation happens over long period. The Vision of Sunday class is to invest our time in Bhakti hour Vasana, our habit, our feeling. Last ten years tremendous amount of time and effort is invested into Ramayana, Bhagavatam and into auxiliaries supports of these. Now leading up to the tenth-year completion we are reviewing all of these in a systematic way in the form of Bhakti time.
Lately we are focusing on how Bhakti in other words how can I apply this. For the application of sacred it is critical to have role models. This is the importance of being part of Parampara where I am learning from someone who has learned from someone, who has learned from someone where there is tradition of masters leading to divinity. In reference how Bhakti we are learning from the best, Rishi Prahlada. Vivek ji re-reading two slokas of how Bhakti.
śravaṇaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇoḥ smaraṇaṁ pāda-sevanam
arcanaṁ vandanaṁ dāsyaṁ sakhyam ātma-nivedanam
iti puṁsārpitā viṣṇau bhaktiś cen nava-lakṣaṇā
kriyeta bhagavaty addhā tan manye ’dhītam uttamam
Rishi Prahlada with presidency here sharing for one to practice Bhakti one needs to be active. We have made Bhakti a passive experience I am listening to chanting, I am chanting but in terms of being active in Bhakti we have tended to deflect on what is the chanting of, who is this chanting for. Active is the key sentiment then the verb comes in. So far, the verbs that we have explored are 1) Active Listening, 2) Active Speaking, 3) Active Reflecting, 4) Active Serving. The key to being active in first three verbs Listening, Speaking, Reflective is clarity. As Vivek ji shared this example before, if we go to Vivek ji’s house in January to walk from front door to the car in drive way because of the amount of snow and ice one has to be very careful. But in July one can easily put foot down their foot down hard and put the next step down because there is clarity that there is brick on the ground. Why would I be active or how can I be active without clarity? Understanding pulls clarity which pulls one being Active. Design of Bhakti time is to encourage this understanding, where taking single teaching, analyzing this, personalizing this from three stand points
- Science: Why does this teaching make sense? Why should it make sense?
- Scripture: This teaching coming from a self-development map not being random.
- Story: All this is supported by a story, our Katha, how this is played out in the lives of Divinity, Bhaktas
Science: Now reviewing the Active Serving. In reference to the science, we all know through experience and through study it is through Swa-Krupa we pull Acharya Krupa. It is the disciples that work hardest on themselves, on creation who as if are supported the most by their Acharya. Vivek ji is saying as if because an Acharya doesn’t have favorites. For example, we use the portfolio that gives the most return on investment. When we have relationship with an Acharya who is actively serving it grows in us that this is real way to live.
Gururbrahmā gururviṣṇuḥ gururdevo maheśvaraḥ
Gurureva parabrahma tasmai śrī gurave namaḥ
This verse comes from Guru Gita. Guru Gita has a common quarter Tatpadam Darshitam Yena, here Tat means vision that a Guru has. When I have relationship with one who is actively serving, I start to feel that same vision of why they are serving. Vivek ji is sharing this again the word Pada means aboard, feet. A Guru is God’s feet. God comes into world; God comes into our life as a Guru. A Guru is Bhagavan Bramha, Bhagavan Vishnu, Bhagavan Shiva.
Story: Vivek ji shared how Rishi Narada carried Rishi Valmiki on his journey to joy. He challenged him, he carried him, he supported him and so, Rishi Valmiki ji has been be able to do that to millions, billions including us. This is not just a story, this is Vivek ji’s own story too. Vivek ji came to know of Pujya Swami Tejomayananda at the end of 90s when Vivek ji was avoiding him physically, emotionally but God is great. God made Vivek ji open enough to apply for Vedanta course. Pujya Swami Tejomayananda didn’t had favorites. Vivek ji was accepted without an interview. From living with Pujya Swami Tejomayananda all that Vivek ji will try to share now is more real to Vivek ji than a worldly relationship. If we feel active reflecting is important then to follow Science, Scripture and the Story.
We continue now in to the Fifth of Nine how do we follow Bhakti all oriented by Rishi Prahlada. Science: This fifth of ninth is called Archana. We are going to define for making Bhakti practical as Active Invoking. When it comes to our training, the related feeling that comes from training in contemplation, Manana what we feel in Highest Vocation or Reflect & Ask sometimes we keep it inside and don’t express this. When this boiled or distilled whatever, we are feeling inside is not tested. To be able to express the feeling of contemplation with my eyes closed, in the same way my eyes opened is very different. For invocation; this training/feeling to be expressed/tested for this to become more real.
Scripture: Scriptural reference is from Shrimad Bhagavatam from 11th Skanda Chapter 2 verse 47 where Raja is asking Rishi to describe the types of Bhaktas. Vivek ji will read, translate and how we are going to put into the context of Archana of 11.2.47
arcāyām eva haraye pūjāṁ yaḥ śraddhayehate
na tad-bhakteṣu cānyeṣu sa bhaktaḥ prākṛtaḥ smṛtaḥ
A devotee who faithfully engages in the worship into the deity in the temple but does not behave properly towards other devotees or people in general is called Prakruta Bhakta, a materialistic devotee, is considered to be lowest in the position. What is shared in verse 46 to make this more, clear is 2nd type of Bhakta is the devotee adapts, particularly adapts to humans when it comes to Bhaktas they love them; when it comes to ABhaktas they ignore them. Why is Vivek ji sharing they adapt because with adaptation there is still recognition of Dwaita, of separation. There is still label about Bhakta and ABhakta. Verse 45 precedes this, from Prakruta no 3 to Madhyama no 2 to Uttama which is no 1. Their relationship with divine is one of all. All is divine. There is no Dwaita, there is Adwaita. There is no separation so there is no Adaptation. There is the same Bhava of being with Bhaktas being with ABhaktas, being with animals, being with plants, being with stones. The Science is for us to express, test, make real our feeling. By doing so icon a Murthy. The Scripture this is an important step and there are more steps after that. This is out step one step two is to care, feel the same way to humans and finally towards all.
Story: This story is because Maha Bharata is deeply settling into Vivek ji, Ekalavya Story. Vivek ji will read section on Ekalavya from Mysticism of Mahabharata from Swami Jyothrmayananda. One day a young boy named Ekalavya a member of an outcaste for his tribe came to enroll in the royal school so that he could receive instructions from Dronacharya. According to tradition a person of his social caste could not be permitted so Ekalavya was turned away. Determined to be guided by Dronacharya yet realizing that it was impossible for him to receive guidance directly Ekalavya made clay statue of Dronacharya installed it in forest clearing that became his classroom. Then everyday Ekalvya meditated and practiced Archery in front of that statue with great devotion until in the course of time he developed skill that were more amazing than those of Arjuna. One day Dronacharya was passing through the forest with Pandavas and the dog that was accompanying them ran ahead barking loudly. Then suddenly the barking stopped and dog reappeared his mouth held open by arrows that had been so skillfully discharged that they kept him quiet without hurting his mouth at all. Seeing this Dronacharya was amazed and he and the young Princes’s started look for the archer who is skilled enough to accomplish this, incredible feet. When they found Ekalavya standing nearby with his bow and arrow Ekalvya fell at the feet of Dronacharya saying “You are my Guru. It is by your inspiration that I have learnt this before a mere statue of you. What fee should I give in gratitude for your teachings?” Dronacharya was pleased with this boy’s devotion and attainment at the same time he did not want to see anyone excel Arjuna as the greatest archer of their time. Therefore, he replied “Cut off your right thumb and give that to me as gift.” Out of deep respect to his Guru Ekalavya had immediately did, what Dronacharya had asked as a result of losing his thumb Ekalavya’s skill as an archer was greatly reduced. The behavior of Dronacharya in this incident has been seen strange for the most readers of Mahabharata yet it could be understood and viewed from broader perspective. The strong interest that Dronacharya took in Arjuna throughout his life was of immense importance in the divine plan. In that plan, Arjuna backed up by grace of Divine Arjuna one day lead, to victory in the Mahabharata war. In order to do so he had to possess great skill and confidence. On the other hand, the skill that Ekalavya had acquired would not have been used for the good of humanity. That skill would have served only for egotistical purposes and therefore there is no higher reason for him to possess it. Although Dronacharya was not aware of this on conscious level, his unconscious mind has been influenced by Krishna in the subtle matter. Therefore, his attachment to Arjuna made Dronacharya an excellent instrument of divine will at the time. It is important to know that the ancient times weapons similar to atomic and Hydrogen bombs were discharged by the psychic powers of individuals. One day Ekalavya with his egotistical mentality would have become himself a terrible arsenal having at his disposal tremendous powers that would have been utilized for evil ends. In his divine plan Krishna diminished that power by urging Dronacharya asking for thumb. And then later Krishna destroyed Ekalavya in battle thus saving earth from disaster could have been caused by the misuse of his mantra and powered weapons. Regardless of his reasons for pursuing archery with such perseverance Ekalavya did prove without shadow of doubt that intense works miracles. And like Ekalavya any human being can advance to any goals that are important to them if this is backed by intense devotion, dedication and one-pointed single effort.” Archana is invoking whatever is inside of you for this to start to be expressed and there are lots of examples and proves how this works.
Vivek ji introduced Soumya ji who has completed her one-year Vedanta course and who is Bhagya to actively engaged in Upasana to be close to one’s Guru, tradition. Soumya ji is critical to do this virtually and helped Vivek ji begin this facilitation. From today and further weeks Soumya ji is going to teach us about Pooja so this goes from something that we are passive about something that we understand and are clear about and active with.
Soumya ji started with sharing her gratitude to Vivek ji about this opportunity. Soumya ji started sharing about her background. She comes from a very traditional family and Pooja was an everyday way of life. There was morning Pooja and Pooja during festival times and then Sandhya Pooja. Her relationship with Pooja was complicated. She understood and appreciated the value of Pooja. But the discipline that went with Pooja did not sit well with Soumya ji. One has to get up at a particular time. The ritual had to be performed at a specific time in specific way not touching certain things, after bathing which was too much. At some point it became very mechanical for Soumya ji. Then things changed. Soumya ji went to study Vedanta at Chinmaya International Foundation. Swami Sharadananda ji has opened up what is Pooja and redefined it for Soumya ji which was a mind-blowing experience which has transformed how Soumya ji thinks about it, how she relates to Pooja. Soumya ji is hoping what she shares today inspires all of us to think of Pooja a very important tool for self-development. We start with what is Pooja, which is not a mechanical ritual. Soumya ji used to think her parents did it like that. But technically Pooja is not a mechanical ritual. Pooja is not blind faith. Pooja is not to sit in front of Bhagavan and ask for worldly things. Then what is Pooja? Pooja is an offering. Pooja is an expression of our love, our devotion, our gratitude without expectations. This manifests in an act where we use flowers, water, Diya, Karpooram whatever we have. It’s an act which manifests our love, our devotion, our gratitude. More than it’s an act; its mental state that Pooja takes us to. It connects us to Bhagavan. If it didn’t do that then, it’s not Pooja. Soumya ji understood Pooja after she lived weeks with Swami ji. For weeks leading up to the Pooja all Swami ji would think about all time is Bhagavan. How are you going to dress Bhagavan? What are all the offerings? What is the mala this time? What is the jewelry Bhagavan is going to wear? To Soumya ji whatever Bhagavan wears he looks good. There are only limited outfits available picking one to put one on Bhagavan. No, Swami ji used to sit with Bhagavan Laddu Gopal, clean him up, give him nice bath and talked to Bhagavan “What do you want to wear today? Not blue, yellow today?” Swami ji picks a nice yellow dress; it’s that connection that Bhava. Soumya ji used to think that this comes naturally to Swami ji. It comes naturally to all of us too. Last month Soumya ji’s niece came with 2 years old and 8 months old. So, Soumya ji has been preparing her house for these babies. So much of these little munchkin’s presence was in her being. That’s because Soumya ji felt so connected to this little baby that’s going to be around her house. It filled her heart with joy. Before she came Soumya ji was immersed thinking about this baby, didn’t think about what Soumya ji is going to share in Bhakti hour. When the baby was at her home very busy playing with her. Then after baby left Soumya ji is reliving that time with pictures, already planning her trip to these babies. This is what happens with Swami ji and Bhagavan. Pooja is connection that develops in Swami ji’s mind and it can develop in our mind. This is where Vivek ji was sharing, we can make it active. One thing to sit back and listen passively. Pooja is a step, an offering, an act but to FEEL like that is transformational. Today Soumya ji feels even if she is not be able to abide in the self as long as she can this Bhava of being with Bhagavan, she is good. It’s that impactful being with Swami ji and being a part of Swami ji’s Pooja being that transformational and impactful for her. Pooja is not to be done mechanically or mundanely. Pooja steadily, slowly, deeply and powerfully transforms how we think, how we relate, how we connect. So, for us seekers Vedanta is to be understood and Vedanta has to be lived. For the understanding part we sit in the classes like this where Vivek ji opens up the content, the scriptures, the map. How do I live it? That’s when Pooja becomes one of the powerful Sadhanas we can accomplish. As a seeker what are the two things we need to abide in the knowledge? Chitta Shuddhi, purity of mind; Chitta Ekagratha, focused mind. Pooja is the tool that helps us accomplish both. How does it help me get Chitta Shuddi? It helps me to connect to Bhagavan. What is Bhagavan? The infinite source of all virtues, all values. When I connect to Bhagavan, I feel that energy, I am charged with that energy. Imagine us continuously focused in the world I am so frustrated, vexed, unhappy, dejected wondering why things didn’t work right. If I can always be focused about, how can I dress him today, how can I praise him today, how can I worship to him today instantly the though brings so much positivity, joy, his smile and his unconditional love that I can feel his grace. It uplifts us from being connected to something that can make me feel small, incompetent or frustrated to something uplifting, elevating, builds these virtues, builds love, builds compassion, builds oneness and it gives me Chitta Shuddhi. Another reason how it gives Chitta Shuddhi is Karma Yoga is the first stage, doing our duty and offering it to Bhagavan. If we don’t know who Bhagavan is and don’t have connection with him how can we offer it to him? Pooja is how I get to know him; I build that connection with him. Yoga Pooja helps me build relationship to perform Karma so that I succeed in it. Next is Chitta Shuddhi. Most of us understand even in guided contemplation what needs to be done but my mind runs wild. How do I control my mind? Pooja helps us train this mind so gently with so much love to focus our mind. Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi says Pujanam Japaschintanam Kramaat start with Pooja where all your equipments where your body, your speech, your mind all are focused on that act. Then you move to Japa, then contemplation. Pooja is the powerful which helps us train our equipment. Once trained this equipment is ready to help us soar. Soumya ji said today’s her goal was what is Pooja, the power of Pooja as Sadhana and why as seekers we need to perform Pooja. We may ask I don’t feel the Bhava towards Bhagavan so I don’t have to, like the example of that the baby above if I don’t feel that towards the baby, I am not going to do that preparation. Bhava is not prerequisite. Perform the Pooja and this Bhava will COME to us that’s the magic of Pooja. This eight-month-old could have disappointed Soumya ji being mamas’ baby didn’t smile at Soumya ji giving tough time. It’s always a rewarding experience connecting with Bhagavan. This is a guarantee that if we spend time using Pooja as a Sadhana to worship him, to adore him, to express our gratitude we will become the right instrument for his grace. Soumya ji introduced two words Vastu Tantra, depends on the object. Purusha Tantra, depend on me. Pooja is Purusha Tantra it depends on me. It depends on how I invoke it. It is not about the object that is being worshipped. I don’t have the reality, the greatness, the purpose. It’s not about that. It is about how this helps me change, me grow. I deliberately super impose, it’s my visualization that helps me grow where as Vastu Tantra, an apple is an apple is an apple no matter who sees it. Soumya ji’s point to share about Purusha Tantra and Vastu Tantra is it is my hands. I can use the power of envisioning, power of invoking to invoke this power within me for Bhagavan. Pooja is not a specific act though there are steps in Pooja to make it more efficient and effective. Pooja is an expression of love and gratitude. To wrap up what Ekalavya did was Pooja. It was Guru Pooja that surrender, that offering, that was Pooja. If we can do it, we don’t need 16 step Pooja. If we are not trained enough, if we can’t do what Ekalavya did then we can use Pooja as a tool for our own growth and development.
In the next few weeks, we will go through the details of Pooja. Patra Chintanam, Vasthu Chintanam things we need for Pooja keeping in mind that I doing the Pooja the best I can with ingredients I have as an expression of my love. Pooja is not about making it complicated or making it is to make it joyous.
Vivek ji reflection What do you need to unlearn about the Pooja helping you in the forthcoming weeks.
Discussion Subject: Soumya ji asked the class to discuss about do we perform Pooja today. If not, why not, what’s stopping us? Will we perform Pooja?
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ROM in the past month has been before you make any decision what would the wise do?
For those who have tried this, they would have made decisions that are more dedication oriented. When we forget the wise, we become self-absorbed. When we remember the wise, we become more self-dedicated.