There is certain Dharma common to all of us which should be
definitely observed and followed by everyone. Some of the aspects are
- Sathyacharana – Speaking the truth at all times
- Indriyanigraha – Control of senses
- Bhutadaya - Compassion towards the entire creation by completely understanding their limitations due to their vasanas
- Dhaanam - Being liberal and sharing with the less fortunate without expecting anything in return
- Ahimsa – Not hurting anyone in thought, word and action
- Saucham - Maintaining purity of thought, word and action by overcoming greed, anger, hatred and desires
- Niradambaram – Being simple at all times
- Mangalakaram – Always being auspicious in thoughts and words and spreading positiveness all around
Our Paramapujya guru was firmly convinced that this Sanatana Haindava Dharma helped in preserving the balance and well - being of the society. Her belief originated from the moral value imparted by Her Gurus and Her father Sri Kokkanda Venkatratnam Pantulu garu. She observed the path of Dharma laid for Grihasthasrama with complete sraddha! Sri Mata was a manifestation of Dharma. Hence She was able to follow even the subtlest aspects and point out those principles to Her disciples at every possible instance by becoming a role model instead of simply preaching!
The instances narrated in the Divyacharitra and by the devotees show that She was an epitome of Dharmacharana. Let us consider a few of them
- She insisted that the pooja and other celebrations at the Peetam should always be simple. She was particular that it should be in accordance to the Vedic tradition but should not be an affair of pomp and show. Devotees were physically involved in all the activities like decorating the deities, cooking, serving food etc. but contributions in the form of money or hundi collection was never accepted and the tradition continues till date! Her personal life was so simple and disciplined that Her only goal was Being with the Self at all times. She was a representative of Niradambara Jeevatvam.
- Mata Kamalambika followed Ahimsa with utmost care and was particular not to hurt anyone in thought, word and deed. She asked Her sishyas not to talk bad about others. During Her pilgrimage to Bhadrachalam, She saw a lady who behaved childishly carrying a Krishna idol with her. The people who accompanied Mata commented on the lady as being insane. But Paramaguru immediately restrained them from talking ill and added that it would be difficult for ordinary people to understand the behaviour of those who are intensely devoted to the Lord! She even went a step ahead and said that we should avoid discussions about our religious beliefs and Devatharchana, so that we prevent people speaking ill of the religion and accruing sins, in case they do not believe our faith system. That was the stature of Her adherence to Ahimsa!
- People who came to the Peetam never returned hungry. She followed Her grihastha dharma of serving the guests sumptuously with love and care. She considered the ATHITHIS , unannounced guests to be PARABRAHMA SWAROOPAM and followed the Dharmic principle of ATHITHI DEVO BHAVA! She fed Her sishyas compassionately with food for the stomach (ANNAM) and food for the mind (JNANAM). Her compassion for birds and animals was also great that She cured the milk cows of Her milkmaid from dreadful disease. She even went to the extent of giving a decent burial to a crow that died out of electric shock when it sat on an electric pole. Her Bhutadaya was far beyond words!
- Hindu dharma considers kumkuma tilakam, pasupu parani and mangala sutra as symbols of auspiciousness for married women. They are expected to part these three things when they are widowed and this causes a great grief to that person and to those around her. When Sri Satyanarayana garu passed away, Mata Kamalamabika’s sishyas grieved and insisted that She should retain these auspicious things for the sake of the grieving sishyas. But Kamalama garu who had firm faith in the validity and correctness of Haindava Dharma refused their plea and gave a beautiful explanation for Mangalatvam and removed their ignorance as well as ours. She said that Upholding the Samskara (Purity in all aspects) was her Kumkuma, the Samsksema (Well - being) of her sishyas and devotees was her Pasupu parani and Matrutvam (Motherliness) was her Mangalasutram! What a striking analogy and explanation for auspiciousness; where is the question of her giving up these auspicious things when she always adorned herself with these everlasting qualities! Isn’t this the way we should understand our ANCIENT DHARMA instead of criticising and condemning the beliefs, faith and rituals? Thus our Pujyaguru has shown us the qualities to be developed by a Gruhini in adorning one’s self with kumkuma tilakam, pasupu parani and mangalasutram; otherwise they shall simply be ornamental and not auspicious!
- Her Indriya nigraha (control over the senses) and purity of devotion towards the Almighty, Gurus and elders were far beyond words. She retracted from the worldly affairs and kept to Herself as She advanced in Her spiritual practice.
- Paramaguru Kamalambika insisted and encouraged Her sishyas to help people in need with mercy and compassion. She was very particular that each one of us should practice Dhaana, extend Daya and Kshama (forgiveness). She warned that these qualities were waning in the society and the human beings were becoming more and more self - centred. This would lead to intolerance, violence and stressful life causing great harm to the society.
Lord Krishna
says that the Almighty shall incarnate as great masters whenever there is a
decline of righteousness, morality, good conduct etc. i.e. DharmaAcharana.
Whenever Adharma dominates and harms the innocent, good people, sages and
seers; the Lord has promised to descend as an avatar to punish the evil and
restore Dharma.
Yada yadi hi dharmasya glanir bhavati bharatha
Abhyuttanam adharmasya tadatmanam srjamy aham!!
(Chapter
4; Verse 7)
Dharma samsthapanarthaya sambhavami yuge yuge !!
(Chapter 4; Verse 8)
Only those actions based on Dharma can sustain and protect human life and creation as a whole. The Vedas instruct us
Vedo’khilo dharmamulam; Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah!
Now we understand why Sri Mata Kamalambika insisted that Dharmacharana is superior to Tapas. Let us make a holy vow to follow the Dharmic path shown by our guru parampara at all times and worship the Universal Mother as the basic
Principle of Dharma – DHARMA ADHARA
Establisher of Dharma – DHARMADHARA
Percolator of Dharma – DHARMA DHARA
Nurturer of Dharma – DHARMA VARDHINI
Since She is above all these codes we pray and proclaim Her as DHARMA ADHARMA VIVARJITHA!
JAI SREE MATA…
Yes Sir. As You said Her path is DRAMATIC PATH. She will pull into that Path. Automatically we left negatives and walk in Her Path calmly. But some times we may fail when She conducts some exams. Then She will tell us that where we are, and what we have to achieve, what are the things we require, how to get! Because SHE is our MOTHER and GURU.
ReplyDeleteDharmacharana is most difficult as it is not easiest way though righteous and victorious . But those who follow dharma with time will realize it is not only easy but also give peace and happiness. We are blessed to have GURU who has been teaching it in simple words and practically. Kamalambika kutumbam itself is great example of it. Thanks for making us read and think with these series of articles.
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