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GURU 2 - Earth
THE LESSON LEARNT BY THE AVADHUTA BRAHMANA
The earth is the symbol of tolerance. By deep oil-drilling, atomic explosions,
pollution, and so on, the earth is constantly harassed by demoniac living entities.
Sometimes lush forests are cut down by greedy men with commercial interests, and
thus a wasteland is created. Sometimes the earth’s surface is soaked by the blood
of soldiers fighting in savage warfare. Yet, despite all these disturbances, the earth
continues to provide all the necessities of the living beings. In this way one may
learn the art of tolerance by studying the earth.
The Theme - Tolerance
THE LESSON LEARNT BY THE AVADHUTA BRAHMANA
A sober person, even when harassed by other living beings, should understand that
his aggressors are acting helplessly under the control of God, and thus he should
never be distracted from progress on his own path. This rule the Avadhuta brahmana
had learnt from the earth. Tolerance means to patiently endure unhappiness, such
as that provoked by the insults or negligence of others.
SLOKA RECITATION
Let us learn a sloka from the Srimad Bhagvatam which teaches us something
about the above theme.
Before teaching the present verse, the teacher should begin the class by
chanting all the verses of the 24 Gurus with the children all together.
Chant the second verse of the 24 Gurus again. Tell the children we will learn
the eleventh verse and also understand it.
Learn the second verse. (The teacher recites the sloka line by line and makes
the children repeat and memorize the sloka)
titikñavaù käruëikäù
suhådaù sarva-dehinäm
ajäta-çatravaù çäntäù
sädhavaù sädhu-bhüñaëäù
The symptoms of a sädhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living
entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his
characteristics are sublime. (Srimad Bhagvatam 3.25.21)
16
1/2 60 mins 120 mins
Let us learn a sloka from the Srimad Bhagvatam which teaches us something
Before teaching the present verse, the teacher should begin the class by
chanting all the verses of the 24 Gurus with the children all together.
Chant the second verse of the 24 Gurus again. Tell the children we will learn
Learn the second verse. (The teacher recites the sloka line by line and makes
GURU 2 - Earth
17
LESSONS FROM GURU – (HONG KONG)
The teacher can explain to the children, the lessons which this Earth guru teaches
us. The abbreviation “HONG KONG” makes it convenient for us to remember what
the guru wants to teach us.
The teacher can write down on the board the below abbreviation and ask
the children to note it down and learn it.
In this session, after explaining the meaning of HONG KONG, the teacher will be
able to narrate a maximum of four stories. The remaining stories can be continued
in the next class.
Tolerance means – HONG KONG
1. Tolerating Hardship, one must continue serving
2. The tolerant Lord gives you enough Opportunities to correct yourself
3. Saintly persons are by Nature tolerant
4. Greatness of a person estimated by his level of tolerance
5. Tolerance is the Key for a spiritual aspirant
6. Tolerate petty mindedness of Ordinary men
7. Not too much, not too less
8. Leader or Guru has to tolerate his follower’s shortcoming
STORIES
STORY 1
{TOLERATING HARDSHIP, ONE MUST CONTINUE SERVING}
For example, let us study a pastime
where someone had to tolerate many
atrocities and still continue his service
and not be affected in his
mood.
In the pastime of Krishna
lifting the Govardhan
hill, a question may be
asked, “What was it that
gave Giriraj the strength
to tolerate this difficult situation? The
situation was that Vfor seven days
and seven nights, Indra was pouring
thunder anTVd heavy rains on the
body of Govardhan. All the Vrajawasis
were protected below the hill and more
than that they were
continuously getting the
association of Krishna.
But Govardhan hill was
neither getting any shelter
and protection from the
rains and nor was he
getting to even see the Lord.
The acaryas explain that it was the touch
of Krishna’s little finger that gave him so
Krishna tolerated Sisupala’s
99 blasphemes. Only when
he blasphemed Krishna 100th
time, did Krishna react and kill
him.
This shows that Krishna
tolerates mistakes of his devotees.
Krishna is called nimisha
and animisha which means
that when a devotee makes a
mistake, Krishna closes his
eyes and when the devotee
is doing some nice service,
Krishna keeps his eyes wide open.
STORY 2
{OPPORTUNITIES TO CORRECT YOURSELF}
GURU 2 - Earth
18
STORY 3
{SAINTLY PERSONS ARE BY NATURE TOLERANT}
A sage once saw a scorpion in water
struggling. He lifted it to save its
life. It stung him. Due to the pain
he experienced he immediately
dropped it. Then again he lifted it.
Again it stung him and again he dropped
it. After a few attempts, a person who
was standing next to him asked him,
“O saintly person, are you foolish?
Why are you lifting that ungrateful
scorpion again and again. He is
biting you so badly?”
The saintly person answered,
“The nature of the
scorpion is to bite, so
it is following its nature.
And the nature of a saintly
person is to tolerate insults
and harm done to him and
still continue forgiving and
helping the suffering living
entities. Therefore I am
following my nature.”
much strength that he could tolerate
the heavy thunderbolts and torrents of
rain for seven days and seven nights.
He was very satisfied
receiving Krishna’s touch
and getting higher taste
in relation with Krishna.
Thus it was the Lord’s touch
that empowered his devotee in
assisting the Lord perform his
pastimes on the planet.
Giriraj exemplified the highest platform
in the mood of serving even at the cost
of undergoing distress himself.
Indra was overwhelmed with
desire for enjoyment. He
could not tolerate being
not respected and worshipped. He
immediately got offended and
decided to kill the vrajabasis.
rain for seven days and seven nights.
Thus it was the Lord’s touch
that empowered his devotee in
assisting the Lord perform his
in the mood of serving even at the cost
of undergoing distress himself.
Indra was overwhelmed with
not respected and worshipped. He
immediately got offended and
decided to kill the vrajabasis.
GURU 2 - Earth
STORY 4
{GREATNESS OF A PERSON ESTIMATED BY HIS LEVEL OF TOLERANCE}
19
Once, long ago, on
the shore of the
river Sarasvaté, a
discussion arose
among a group of sages as to which of
the three chief Lords-Brahmä, Viñëu or
Çiva-is the greatest. They deputed Bhågu
Muni to investigate the matter.
Bhågu decided to test the lords’ tolerance,
for that quality is a sure sign of greatness.
First he entered the court
of Lord Brahmä, his father,
without offering him any
respect. This enraged
Brahmä, who suppressed his
anger because Bhågu was his
son.
Next Bhågu went to Lord
Çiva, his older brother, who
rose from his seat to embrace
him. But Bhågu rejected the
embrace, calling Çiva a deviant heretic.
Just as Çiva was about to kill
Bhågu with his trident, Goddess
Pärvaté interceded and pacified
her husband.
Next Bhågu went to Vaikuëöha to
test Lord Näräyaëa. Going
up to the Lord, who was lying
with His head on the lap of
thegoddessoffortune,Bhågu
kicked His chest. But instead
of becoming angry, both the Lord and
His consort stood up and offered Bhågu
respects. “Welcome,” said the Lord.
“Please sit down and rest awhile. Kindly
forgive us, dear master, for not noticing
your arrival.” When Bhågu went back to
the assembly of sages and told them all
that had happened, they concluded that
Lord Viñëu is certainly supreme.
Bhågu Muni tested the tolerance of the
Lord by purposely kicking His chest, but
instead of being angry at Bhågu Muni
the Lord begged his pardon, saying that
Bhågu Muni’s leg might have been badly
hurt because His chest is too hard. The
Lord has the sign of the foot
of Bhågupäda as the mark of
tolerance.
embrace, calling Çiva a deviant heretic.
GURU 2 - Earth
20
The teacher should begin the second session of this Earth Guru with the recitation
of slokas first.
SLOKA RECITATION
The teacher should begin the class by chanting all the verses of the 24 Gurus
with the children all together.
Chant the second verse of the 24 Gurus again.
titikñavaù käruëikäù
suhådaù sarva-dehinäm
ajäta-çatravaù çäntäù
sädhavaù sädhu-bhüñaëäù
The symptoms of a sädhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living
entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his
characteristics are sublime. (Srimad Bhagvatam 3.25.21)
kià durmarñaà titikñüëäà
kim akäryam asädhubhiù
kià na deyaà vadänyänäà
kaù paraù sama-darçinäm
What can the tolerant not bear? What will the wicked not do? What will the
generous not give in charity? And who will those of equal vision see as an outsider?
(SB 10.72.19)
LESSONS FROM GURU – (HONG KONG)
>> ...Continued... >>
5. Tolerance is the Key for a spiritual aspirant
6. Tolerate petty mindedness of Ordinary men
7. Not too much, not too less
8. Leader or Guru has to tolerate his follower’s shortcoming
2/2 60 mins 120 mins
The teacher should begin the class by chanting all the verses of the 24 Gurus
Chant the second verse of the 24 Gurus again.
GURU 2 - Earth
21
STORY 5
{TOLERANCE IS THE KEY FOR A SPIRITUAL ASPIRANT}
Once a young man named Ram
approached a saintly person for
initiation and to be accepted
as disciple. The saint told Ram,
that he should practice penance
for one year and after that have a bath
and come back, he will accept him as
a disciple. So accordingly,
Ram performed severe
penance for one year. After
one year, Ram had bath
and was coming out. The guru asked
a sweeper to sweep dust on Ram after
he had had bath. Accordingly,
the sweeper broomed the road
and threw dust on Ram. Ram
became angry and ran after him
with great speed to beat him
up. Ram had bath again
and came to the saint for
initiation. The saint on seeing him said
that though he had done penance still
he had not been able to tolerate anger.
For a person aspiring to be a sadhu he
has to be tolerant. Then he asked Ram to
go back and meditate for one more year
and come back to him. One year later,
Ram had a bath and was returning
to the saint, just then the sweeper
came and touched the body of
Ram with the broom. Ram became
angry and this time chastised him
heavily with words and returned back to
the saint. The saint again told him that
he had not yet become tolerant enough.
He had to again meditate for one more
year.
This time after one year, the saint told
the sweeper to empty the entire basket
of dirt on the head of Ram. Accordingly
after Ram had his bath, the sweeper
emptied the entire contents on his head.
This time Ram smiled and thanked
the sweeper and told him that if he
had not poured the dust on his
head, then he would never had
known how to learn to
tolerate his anger. This
time the saint accepted
Ram as his disciple.
had not poured the dust on his
head, then he would never had
as disciple. The saint told Ram,
he had had bath. Accordingly,
the sweeper broomed the road
and threw dust on Ram. Ram
became angry and ran after him
with great speed to beat him
known how to learn to
tolerate his anger. This
time the saint accepted
go back and meditate for one more year
and come back to him. One year later,
Ram had a bath and was returning
STORY 6
{TOLERATE PETTY MINDEDNESS OF ORDINARY MEN }
Srila Prabhupada was in a non–
smoking section of the plane
along with his secretary. There were
some rowdy men drinking
and smoking behind them.
Srila Prabhupada’s secretary
requested the stewardess to
please ask the men to refrain from
smoking as this was a non-smoking
section of the plane. The men ignored
her request. When the secretary
began to ask the stewardess a
second time, Srila Prabhupada
quietly said to him, “We must tolerate,
otherwise, what is the
difference between us
and them!” He then said,
“Don’t be an ordinary
common man.”
otherwise, what is the
difference between us
GURU 2 - Earth
22
STORY 7
{TOLERANCE IS THE KEY FOR A SPIRITUAL ASPIRANT}
He recalled with amusement
his own experiences in
establishing his movement in
the early days in New York.
“Just like our poet, Allen
Ginsberg. He was always accusing me,
‘Swamijé, you are very conservative and
strict.’
“Actually, I told him that ‘I am never
strict, neither I am conservative. If I
become conservative, then I cannot
live here for a moment. So I’m not at all
conservative.’” We all laughed as Çréla
Prabhupäda described what he had to
tolerate. “I was cooking, and I saw in
refrigerator of Yeargen, [a young man he
was staying with] he kept some pieces of
meat for his cat. So still,
I kept my things in that
refrigerator. What can be
done? I had no place at
that time.”
STORY 8
{LEADER OR GURU HAS TO TOLERATE HIS FOLLOWER’S SHORTCOMING}
The halavä looked like a
small mountain floating
in ghee. Yet Prabhupäda
appreciated Vijayadvaja’s cooking,
especially his halavä, commenting, “The
quality is sufficient.”
Once, however, Vijayadvaja hoped to
create a large quantity of remnants by
loading up Prabhupäda’s lunch plate
with prasädam. Prabhupäda’s comment:
“When my plate is so full, I lose
my appetite.”
To please the Lord and His
devotees is the pleasure of a devotee.
Even a grain of selfishness in our attempt
spoils the preparation.
appreciated Vijayadvaja’s cooking,
GURU 2 - Earth
23
HOW IS IT RELEVANT IN MY LIFE?
It is easy to complain about anything, but it is extremely difficult to tolerate
and even more difficult to appreciate.
For example, let us study a pastime where someone had to tolerate many atrocities
and still continue his service and not be affected in his mood.
In the pastime of Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill, a question may be asked, “What
was it that gave Giriraj the strength to tolerate this difficult situation? The
situation was that for seven days and seven nights, Indra was pouring
thunder and heavy rains on the body of Govardhan. All the Vrajawasis
were protected below the hill and more than that they were continuously getting
the association of Krishna. But Govardhan hill was neither getting any shelter and
protection from the rains and nor was he getting to even see the Lord.
The acaryas explain that it was the touch of Krishna’s little finger that gave
him so much strength that he could tolerate the heavy thunderbolts and
torrents of rain for seven days and seven nights. He was very satisfied receiving
Krishna’s touch and getting higher taste in relation with Krishna. Thus it was
the Lord’s touch that empowered his devotee in assisting the Lord perform
his pastimes on the planet.
Giriraj exemplified the highest platform in the mood of serving even at the cost of
undergoing distress himself. Indra was overwhelmed with desire for enjoyment. He
could not tolerate being not respected and worshipped. Immediately got offended
and decided to kill the vrajabasis.
Gratitude means to be remember what one has done for you till the end of your life
and be thankful to him for that kind act.
Complaining shows that you are not grateful. When we complain without tolerating
we are becoming insensitive to other’s efforts. For example if our mother makes some
nice dish for us to eat, if we find that it is having a little more salt or little
less, what is our first reaction to it. If our first reaction is to criticize then
we are not tolerant. But if our first reaction is to think how to appreciate
the efforts of our mother and try to thank her for her love and care; then it means
that we are tolerant.
Srila Prabhupada mentions, “Greatness of a person is estimated by his ability to
tolerate provoking situations.”
We have to learn this from the earth. The earth bears the entire burden but still does
not complain. She continues to render her service of bearing all the burden of all
living entities on herself.
1. Nature provides for everyone’s needs, even the elephants in
desert get water.
But not for one man’s greed – man exploiting nature
2. Design of the earth.
Nature Lessons from Earth
GURU 2 - Earth
scriptural STORIES
OF EARTH
1. Earth drowned by Hiranyakashipu
(The children may perform this drama or the teacher may narrate this story.)
The Appearance Of Lord Varaha
from Çrémad-Bhägavatam, Third Canto, Chapter 13
* * * * *
CAST: Narrator, Marichi, Brahmana, Manu, Lord Brahma, Varuna, Commander,
Hiranyaksha, Lord Varaha.
24
NARRATOR Many thousands of years ago, the light of the sun and moon
suddenly became darkened, so all the demigods went, in great
fear, to Lord Brahma and asked him to explain the cause of that
darkness. Lord Brahma explained to them that, once upon a time,
the four Kumaras wanted to visit the Supreme Lord Narayana in
Vaikuntha, the spiritual world. These four Kumaras are great self-
realized devotees and are the oldest of all living creatures, and
yet by their mystic power they always appear to be small boys
of five years old. When they tried to enter the gate of Vaikuntha,
however, they were stopped by two gate-keepers named Jaya and
Vijaya, who mistook them for ordinary small boys. The Kumaras
become angry because they wanted very much to see Lord
Narayana, and thus they cursed the doorkeepers. When the Lord
heard of this, He approved this curse, for an offense to the lotus
feet of a devotee is the greatest offense one can commit.
By the Lord’s will, Jaya and Vijaya fell down from Vaikuntha and
entered the womb of Diti, destined to be born as the two most
powerful demons ever known-Hiranyakashipu and
Hiranyaksha! These two demons were so powerful that even while
they were in their mother’s womb, the sun and moon become
darkened by their prowess! And what to speak of other demigods,
even Lord Indra, king of the heavens, hid in fear of them. But of
the two demonic brothers, the demigods were especially afraid
of Hiranyaksha, who traveled all over the universe challenging
everyone, and destroying all who got in his way.
GURU 2 - Earth
25
MARICHI
BRAHMANA
MARICHI
BRAHMANA
MANU
BRAHMANA
MANU
BRAHMA
BRAHMANA
MARICHI
BRAHMA
This demon, Hiranyaksha, is so powerful that even Lord Brahma
is powerless to stop him!
But something must be done to save the earth. This Hiranyaksha
has extracted all the gold from the planet, and because of this the
earth has fallen out of its orbit, plunging into the great body of
water at the bottom of the universe!
Patience! Sri Manu has already gone to Lord Brahma with this
problem. We must wait to hear what he has to say.
Look, here they come now. (Lord Brahma and Sri Manu enter,
conversing)
So you see, my Lord, the earth is in a precarious position, and
somehow it must be rescued. I am sure it can be done by your
endeavor, and by the mercy of the Supreme Lord!
Yes, something must be done, but what can be done by we who
are engaged in the matter of creation? It is best to let the Almighty
Lord direct us. (Suddenly, Lord Brahma becomes struck with
wonder) Manu, did you see that? A small creature just flew out
of my nostril! Look-there it is, up in the sky!
It’s getting bigger!
What in the three worlds is it? It looks like a great boar, but it is
so beautiful!
Yes, it is wonderful!
It must be a manifestation of the material energy...
No, surely this is an avatara of Lord Vishnu, come to save the earth
from this catastrophe! (Varaha roars and everyone gasps. Brahma
confirms: ) Yes, it is the Supreme Lord Himself, appearing in the
form of a wonderful boar!
Outside the palace of Lord Brahma
(Marichi and other brahmanas discuss the
catastrophe)
GURU 2 - Earth
26
EVERYONE
NARRATOR
Jai! All glories to Lord Boar! (Lord Varaha roars again) Jai! All
glories to Lord Boar! Haribol! Haribol! (they bow down and offer
their obeisances)
The fabulous creature was indeed an avatara of Vishnu, known
as Lord Varaha, who had appeared in the form of a wonderful
boar. The Supreme Lord is unlimited and transcendental, and
therefore He can appear in any form He likes just for His pleasure
pastimes. Before diving into the Garbhodaka ocean to save the
earth. Lord Varaha flew into the sky, slashing the air with His
tail, His hard hairs quivering and His very glance appearing
luminous. As the Lord scattered the clouds with His hoofs and
His glittering white tusks, all the residents of the upper planets
praised the Lord by chanting Vedic hymns-and in reply, the Lord
Boar roared tumultuously, enlivening the devotees and filling the
demons with fear.
Meanwhile, the demon Hiranyaksha, having conquered space,
was busy conquering the ocean. For years he smote the wind-
tossed waves with his iron mace and struck terror into the hearts
of all the aquatic creatures. Finally he approached Vibhavari, the
capital of the watery kingdom, where Varuna, god of the ocean,
resides.
In the palace of Varuna
(Varuna sits on his throne. His military commander
enters in great anxiety
VARUNA
COMMANDER
VARUNA
HIRANYAKSHA
No, not I! Hiranyaksha cannot be checked by any mortal creature
in the universe!
Then we are doomed!
Fear not, my friend! Have faith in the Supreme Lord-He will not
leave us for lost!
(demonic roaring is heard from offstage. Commander runs in
fear. Hiranyaksha enters, falls at Varuna’s feet and challenges him
mockingly)
O Varuna! You are the most powerful of rulers and have crushed
the might of many arrogant warriors! O great Lord, please fight
with me!
GURU 2 - Earth
27
VARUNA
HIRANYAKSHA
VARUNA
HIRANYAKSHA
VARUNA
HIRANYAKSHA
VARUNA
HIRANYAKSHA
NARRATOR
(Subduing his anger) My dear Hiranyaksha, I have grown too old
for combat; besides, You are so powerful that there is no one in
the three worlds who can challenge You!
(Rising and moving towards Varuna) Yes! Ha ha ha!
No one, that is, except...
(Stopping in his tracks) Yes?
Lord Vishnu!
Lord who? Ha ha ha!
You laugh too soon, Hiranyaksha... Lord Vishnu has already
appeared within this universe for your destruction. Upon reaching
Him, your pride will be smashed and you will lie down on the
field of battle, surrounded by dogs and vultures!
(Curling up with laughter) O Varuna, you jest with me! Ha ha ha!
Don’t you know? No one can kill me-I am immortal! Ha ha ha
ha! Where is this Lord Vishnu? (spits) I will kill Him! (he exits,
roaring madly)
Lord Varaha had penetrated the Garbhodaka ocean with His
hoofs, which were like sharpened arrows, and He had found out
the limits of that ocean, although it was unlimited. Seeing the
earth lying as it was in the beginning of creation, and picking it
up very gently on His tusks, Lord Boar took it out of the water
and flew into space. Meanwhile, the demon
Hiranyaksha searched everywhere for the whereabouts of Lord
Varaha, for out of belligerent madness he wished to challenge the
Lord in battle.
28
GURU 2 - Earth
HIYANYAKSHA
VARAHA
NARRATOR
Where is this Lord Vishnu? (hears the sound of Lord Varaha’s
voice. Looks into the sky) Oh, here He is-an amphibious beast!
You big foolish animal, today I shall enliven my kinsmen by
killing You! Ha ha ha ha! Do You hear me? When Your skull is
smashed by my mace, the sages and devotees who engage in Your
devotional service will cease to exist! Ha ha ha ha! (Lord Varaha
roars again and then appears on stage)
Indeed, we are creatures of the jungle, and we enjoy searching
after dogs like you. One who is free from material entanglement
does not fear insults of the kind in which you are indulging,
because you are bound by the laws of death! Now give up your
nonsensical talk-you are supposed to be the commander of many
soldiers, so now you better take prompt steps to overthrow Me!
(continues narration as actors act it out) Hiranyaksha trembles
with rage, and hissing indignantly he deals a blow with his mace,
but Lord Varaha moves slightly and dodges the blow. Hiranyaksha
begins to brandish his mace around, but Lord Varaha strikes him
to the right of his brow. The demon, however, protects himself
by a maneuver of his own mace. In this way, the demon and the
Lord begin striking each other angrily. At this point, the demigods
appear in the sky and view the battle from their flower airplanes.
The Lord aims His mace at Hiranyaksha, but His mace is struck
by the demon and slips from His hand. The demigods cry out
in alarm, but the demon does not strike the Lord because He is
unarmed. Lord Varaha becomes even angrier because of this and
invokes His Sudarshana disc as the demigods cheer. Hiranyaksha
begins to hiss like a serpent and shouts, “You are slain!” as he
aims his mace at the Lord, who playfully knocks it down with
His left foot. Lord Varaha then says, “Take up your weapon and
try again!”
The demon picks up his mace and hurls it at the Lord, roaring
loudly. The Lord then catches it with ease and offers it back to
the demon. Hiranyaksha, feeling humiliated, takes a trident and
hurls it at the Lord, who tears it apart with His Sudarshana disc.
The demon, enraged, roars loudly and strikes his hard fist against
By the Garbhodaka Ocean
29
GURU 2 - Earth
BRAHMA
the Lord’s chest and disappears. Then he begins to employ many
magic tricks against the Lord-fierce winds, hailstorms, volleys of
stones, rains of puss, blood, bones and stool. The Lord however
dispels all this with His disc. Hiranyaksha appears again, and
from behind tries to crush the Lord with his arms, but the Lord
slips out of his arms. Hiranyaksha then begins to strike the Lord
with his fists, but the Lord then slaps him indifferently at the base
of the ear. Hiranyaksha begins to wheel, eyeballs bulging, and
with his arms and legs broken, he falls down dead.
Demigods: Jai! Jai! All glories to Lord Varaha! (Lord Varaha roars
and walks off stage, victoriously)
Oh, what a blessed death! To die by the lotus hand of the Supreme
Lord Himself... All glories to Lord Varaha who has assumed the
form of a boar to save the world! This demon was a torment to
the three worlds, but he has been slain by You so that we may live
peacefully in devotion to Your lotus feet. Lord Varaha ki Jai! Lord
Varaha ki Jai! Lord Varaha ki Jai! (kirtan)
GURU 2 - EarthGURU 2 - Earth
30
2. Lessons from Bhumi devi approaching
Lord Brahma
Mother earth was burdened by the burden of sinful leaders who were not ruling by
the principles of servant leadership but were ruling by the principles of exploitation.
In the Tenth canto we see how Bhumi devi is actually setting a scene for the birth
of Lord Krsna and Lord Balarama and seeing what happens when the leadership is
corrupt and seeing how Krsna deals with the corrupt leadership.
bhümir dåpta-nåpa-vyäja-
daityänéka-çatäyutaiù
äkräntä bhüri-bhäreëa
brahmäëaà çaraëaà yayau
Bhumi was overburdened by the burden of the leaders of the planet. The leaders
were daityas , asuras 1000s and 1000s of military phalanxes situated on this planet.
Extremely puffed up demons but they were disguised as kings. Mother earth was
very upset with such a situation realizing that she was bearing the burden of these
1000’s of demons in the guise of ruling kings.
LESSONS
1. Srila Prabhupada draws our attention that today we have many people who
are leaders but in actuality are nothing but demons in disguise. History repeats itself
and even 5000 years later mother earth is still burdened by these demons.
Once a question was posed in a talk show to Srila Prabhupada
“If monarchy is important, but is there any ideal monarch like Yudhisthira?”
Srila Prabhupada pointed towards himself and said “he”.
It was not vanity or false pride. It meant that if there is an ideal
monarch we shall offer him guidance. A brahmana guides a kshatriya
king. Five hundred years ago a similar situation existed.
The Moghul ruler Nawab Hussian Shah was ruling and he understood
that he needed good advisors if he had to rule properly. He had a maulvi
who used to guide him. He had the ability to see into the future. He told
him that there were only two people who were capable of doing this job.
They were Dabira Khaas and Sakara Malik.
When demoniac kings trouble or attack mother earth from outside it adds to the
burden. More than that one the internal demons, i.e.our heart is also burdened by
the six elements. Lust, anger, pride, greed etc.
Demons also appear in the heart. Just as the demons like Trnavarta,
Putana, Kaliya were killed by Krsna, similarly these anarthas also have
to be killed or purified. So Krishna has to appear in the heart and then
these demons will be killed.
GURU 2 - Earth
and even 5000 years later mother earth is still burdened by these demons.
31
GURU 2 - Earth
LESSONS
Janamastami
1. Whenever there is a burden of demoniac persons, janamastami
takes place. The Lord personally appears to relieve mother earth of
the intolerable burden of demons by annihilating the miscreants and
liberating the pious and to establish principles of religion. Krishna
appeared in the form of the holy name and if we allow Krsna in the form of the holy
name to come into our hearts then definitely there is purification like Bhumi devi
who also allowed Krsna to enter into her heart.
2. Seeking shelter
Mother earth was burdened 5000 years back. She is burdened even today
socially because of the leaders outside and personally because of the
demons living within.
Krishna’s appearance is the only solution.
Krishna will not appear automatically .He will appear only when we take shelter. So
mother earth approached Lord Brahma seeking shelter of the Lord, spiritual master
and of the devotees. So today’s society needs help and only when the leaders go
to the superiors to take guidance and lessons, there will be some kind of stability.
When we try to take the reins of our own lives in our hands not listening to the
advice of our authorities then destruction is inevitable.
E.g. Arjuna was confused trying to giving arguments why I should not
fight the battle. The entire first chapter is full of Arjuna trying to justify
as to why he should not fight. Atlast he realized that “I am failing, I need
help from a person who can help me” Hence we see BG 2.7 Karpanya
doso…
Similarly Mother earth realized that she has to take help from
someone who can help her therefore she approached Brahma. She
remembered that when she was in distress when Hiranyaksha had
submerged her in the ocean she had sought help from Lord Brahma
and how Lord Varaha appeared from the nostril of Brahmaji.
Brahma was instrumental in the appearance of Varaha deva.
And he saved Bhumi devi.
Conclusion
A brief recap of the guru
takes place. The Lord personally appears to relieve mother earth of

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Guru02 13 15

  • 1. GURU 2 - Earth THE LESSON LEARNT BY THE AVADHUTA BRAHMANA The earth is the symbol of tolerance. By deep oil-drilling, atomic explosions, pollution, and so on, the earth is constantly harassed by demoniac living entities. Sometimes lush forests are cut down by greedy men with commercial interests, and thus a wasteland is created. Sometimes the earth’s surface is soaked by the blood of soldiers fighting in savage warfare. Yet, despite all these disturbances, the earth continues to provide all the necessities of the living beings. In this way one may learn the art of tolerance by studying the earth. The Theme - Tolerance THE LESSON LEARNT BY THE AVADHUTA BRAHMANA A sober person, even when harassed by other living beings, should understand that his aggressors are acting helplessly under the control of God, and thus he should never be distracted from progress on his own path. This rule the Avadhuta brahmana had learnt from the earth. Tolerance means to patiently endure unhappiness, such as that provoked by the insults or negligence of others. SLOKA RECITATION Let us learn a sloka from the Srimad Bhagvatam which teaches us something about the above theme. Before teaching the present verse, the teacher should begin the class by chanting all the verses of the 24 Gurus with the children all together. Chant the second verse of the 24 Gurus again. Tell the children we will learn the eleventh verse and also understand it. Learn the second verse. (The teacher recites the sloka line by line and makes the children repeat and memorize the sloka) titikñavaù käruëikäù suhådaù sarva-dehinäm ajäta-çatravaù çäntäù sädhavaù sädhu-bhüñaëäù The symptoms of a sädhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime. (Srimad Bhagvatam 3.25.21) 16 1/2 60 mins 120 mins Let us learn a sloka from the Srimad Bhagvatam which teaches us something Before teaching the present verse, the teacher should begin the class by chanting all the verses of the 24 Gurus with the children all together. Chant the second verse of the 24 Gurus again. Tell the children we will learn Learn the second verse. (The teacher recites the sloka line by line and makes
  • 2. GURU 2 - Earth 17 LESSONS FROM GURU – (HONG KONG) The teacher can explain to the children, the lessons which this Earth guru teaches us. The abbreviation “HONG KONG” makes it convenient for us to remember what the guru wants to teach us. The teacher can write down on the board the below abbreviation and ask the children to note it down and learn it. In this session, after explaining the meaning of HONG KONG, the teacher will be able to narrate a maximum of four stories. The remaining stories can be continued in the next class. Tolerance means – HONG KONG 1. Tolerating Hardship, one must continue serving 2. The tolerant Lord gives you enough Opportunities to correct yourself 3. Saintly persons are by Nature tolerant 4. Greatness of a person estimated by his level of tolerance 5. Tolerance is the Key for a spiritual aspirant 6. Tolerate petty mindedness of Ordinary men 7. Not too much, not too less 8. Leader or Guru has to tolerate his follower’s shortcoming STORIES STORY 1 {TOLERATING HARDSHIP, ONE MUST CONTINUE SERVING} For example, let us study a pastime where someone had to tolerate many atrocities and still continue his service and not be affected in his mood. In the pastime of Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill, a question may be asked, “What was it that gave Giriraj the strength to tolerate this difficult situation? The situation was that Vfor seven days and seven nights, Indra was pouring thunder anTVd heavy rains on the body of Govardhan. All the Vrajawasis were protected below the hill and more than that they were continuously getting the association of Krishna. But Govardhan hill was neither getting any shelter and protection from the rains and nor was he getting to even see the Lord. The acaryas explain that it was the touch of Krishna’s little finger that gave him so
  • 3. Krishna tolerated Sisupala’s 99 blasphemes. Only when he blasphemed Krishna 100th time, did Krishna react and kill him. This shows that Krishna tolerates mistakes of his devotees. Krishna is called nimisha and animisha which means that when a devotee makes a mistake, Krishna closes his eyes and when the devotee is doing some nice service, Krishna keeps his eyes wide open. STORY 2 {OPPORTUNITIES TO CORRECT YOURSELF} GURU 2 - Earth 18 STORY 3 {SAINTLY PERSONS ARE BY NATURE TOLERANT} A sage once saw a scorpion in water struggling. He lifted it to save its life. It stung him. Due to the pain he experienced he immediately dropped it. Then again he lifted it. Again it stung him and again he dropped it. After a few attempts, a person who was standing next to him asked him, “O saintly person, are you foolish? Why are you lifting that ungrateful scorpion again and again. He is biting you so badly?” The saintly person answered, “The nature of the scorpion is to bite, so it is following its nature. And the nature of a saintly person is to tolerate insults and harm done to him and still continue forgiving and helping the suffering living entities. Therefore I am following my nature.” much strength that he could tolerate the heavy thunderbolts and torrents of rain for seven days and seven nights. He was very satisfied receiving Krishna’s touch and getting higher taste in relation with Krishna. Thus it was the Lord’s touch that empowered his devotee in assisting the Lord perform his pastimes on the planet. Giriraj exemplified the highest platform in the mood of serving even at the cost of undergoing distress himself. Indra was overwhelmed with desire for enjoyment. He could not tolerate being not respected and worshipped. He immediately got offended and decided to kill the vrajabasis. rain for seven days and seven nights. Thus it was the Lord’s touch that empowered his devotee in assisting the Lord perform his in the mood of serving even at the cost of undergoing distress himself. Indra was overwhelmed with not respected and worshipped. He immediately got offended and decided to kill the vrajabasis.
  • 4. GURU 2 - Earth STORY 4 {GREATNESS OF A PERSON ESTIMATED BY HIS LEVEL OF TOLERANCE} 19 Once, long ago, on the shore of the river Sarasvaté, a discussion arose among a group of sages as to which of the three chief Lords-Brahmä, Viñëu or Çiva-is the greatest. They deputed Bhågu Muni to investigate the matter. Bhågu decided to test the lords’ tolerance, for that quality is a sure sign of greatness. First he entered the court of Lord Brahmä, his father, without offering him any respect. This enraged Brahmä, who suppressed his anger because Bhågu was his son. Next Bhågu went to Lord Çiva, his older brother, who rose from his seat to embrace him. But Bhågu rejected the embrace, calling Çiva a deviant heretic. Just as Çiva was about to kill Bhågu with his trident, Goddess Pärvaté interceded and pacified her husband. Next Bhågu went to Vaikuëöha to test Lord Näräyaëa. Going up to the Lord, who was lying with His head on the lap of thegoddessoffortune,Bhågu kicked His chest. But instead of becoming angry, both the Lord and His consort stood up and offered Bhågu respects. “Welcome,” said the Lord. “Please sit down and rest awhile. Kindly forgive us, dear master, for not noticing your arrival.” When Bhågu went back to the assembly of sages and told them all that had happened, they concluded that Lord Viñëu is certainly supreme. Bhågu Muni tested the tolerance of the Lord by purposely kicking His chest, but instead of being angry at Bhågu Muni the Lord begged his pardon, saying that Bhågu Muni’s leg might have been badly hurt because His chest is too hard. The Lord has the sign of the foot of Bhågupäda as the mark of tolerance. embrace, calling Çiva a deviant heretic.
  • 5. GURU 2 - Earth 20 The teacher should begin the second session of this Earth Guru with the recitation of slokas first. SLOKA RECITATION The teacher should begin the class by chanting all the verses of the 24 Gurus with the children all together. Chant the second verse of the 24 Gurus again. titikñavaù käruëikäù suhådaù sarva-dehinäm ajäta-çatravaù çäntäù sädhavaù sädhu-bhüñaëäù The symptoms of a sädhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime. (Srimad Bhagvatam 3.25.21) kià durmarñaà titikñüëäà kim akäryam asädhubhiù kià na deyaà vadänyänäà kaù paraù sama-darçinäm What can the tolerant not bear? What will the wicked not do? What will the generous not give in charity? And who will those of equal vision see as an outsider? (SB 10.72.19) LESSONS FROM GURU – (HONG KONG) >> ...Continued... >> 5. Tolerance is the Key for a spiritual aspirant 6. Tolerate petty mindedness of Ordinary men 7. Not too much, not too less 8. Leader or Guru has to tolerate his follower’s shortcoming 2/2 60 mins 120 mins The teacher should begin the class by chanting all the verses of the 24 Gurus Chant the second verse of the 24 Gurus again.
  • 6. GURU 2 - Earth 21 STORY 5 {TOLERANCE IS THE KEY FOR A SPIRITUAL ASPIRANT} Once a young man named Ram approached a saintly person for initiation and to be accepted as disciple. The saint told Ram, that he should practice penance for one year and after that have a bath and come back, he will accept him as a disciple. So accordingly, Ram performed severe penance for one year. After one year, Ram had bath and was coming out. The guru asked a sweeper to sweep dust on Ram after he had had bath. Accordingly, the sweeper broomed the road and threw dust on Ram. Ram became angry and ran after him with great speed to beat him up. Ram had bath again and came to the saint for initiation. The saint on seeing him said that though he had done penance still he had not been able to tolerate anger. For a person aspiring to be a sadhu he has to be tolerant. Then he asked Ram to go back and meditate for one more year and come back to him. One year later, Ram had a bath and was returning to the saint, just then the sweeper came and touched the body of Ram with the broom. Ram became angry and this time chastised him heavily with words and returned back to the saint. The saint again told him that he had not yet become tolerant enough. He had to again meditate for one more year. This time after one year, the saint told the sweeper to empty the entire basket of dirt on the head of Ram. Accordingly after Ram had his bath, the sweeper emptied the entire contents on his head. This time Ram smiled and thanked the sweeper and told him that if he had not poured the dust on his head, then he would never had known how to learn to tolerate his anger. This time the saint accepted Ram as his disciple. had not poured the dust on his head, then he would never had as disciple. The saint told Ram, he had had bath. Accordingly, the sweeper broomed the road and threw dust on Ram. Ram became angry and ran after him with great speed to beat him known how to learn to tolerate his anger. This time the saint accepted go back and meditate for one more year and come back to him. One year later, Ram had a bath and was returning STORY 6 {TOLERATE PETTY MINDEDNESS OF ORDINARY MEN } Srila Prabhupada was in a non– smoking section of the plane along with his secretary. There were some rowdy men drinking and smoking behind them. Srila Prabhupada’s secretary requested the stewardess to please ask the men to refrain from smoking as this was a non-smoking section of the plane. The men ignored her request. When the secretary began to ask the stewardess a second time, Srila Prabhupada quietly said to him, “We must tolerate, otherwise, what is the difference between us and them!” He then said, “Don’t be an ordinary common man.” otherwise, what is the difference between us
  • 7. GURU 2 - Earth 22 STORY 7 {TOLERANCE IS THE KEY FOR A SPIRITUAL ASPIRANT} He recalled with amusement his own experiences in establishing his movement in the early days in New York. “Just like our poet, Allen Ginsberg. He was always accusing me, ‘Swamijé, you are very conservative and strict.’ “Actually, I told him that ‘I am never strict, neither I am conservative. If I become conservative, then I cannot live here for a moment. So I’m not at all conservative.’” We all laughed as Çréla Prabhupäda described what he had to tolerate. “I was cooking, and I saw in refrigerator of Yeargen, [a young man he was staying with] he kept some pieces of meat for his cat. So still, I kept my things in that refrigerator. What can be done? I had no place at that time.” STORY 8 {LEADER OR GURU HAS TO TOLERATE HIS FOLLOWER’S SHORTCOMING} The halavä looked like a small mountain floating in ghee. Yet Prabhupäda appreciated Vijayadvaja’s cooking, especially his halavä, commenting, “The quality is sufficient.” Once, however, Vijayadvaja hoped to create a large quantity of remnants by loading up Prabhupäda’s lunch plate with prasädam. Prabhupäda’s comment: “When my plate is so full, I lose my appetite.” To please the Lord and His devotees is the pleasure of a devotee. Even a grain of selfishness in our attempt spoils the preparation. appreciated Vijayadvaja’s cooking,
  • 8. GURU 2 - Earth 23 HOW IS IT RELEVANT IN MY LIFE? It is easy to complain about anything, but it is extremely difficult to tolerate and even more difficult to appreciate. For example, let us study a pastime where someone had to tolerate many atrocities and still continue his service and not be affected in his mood. In the pastime of Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill, a question may be asked, “What was it that gave Giriraj the strength to tolerate this difficult situation? The situation was that for seven days and seven nights, Indra was pouring thunder and heavy rains on the body of Govardhan. All the Vrajawasis were protected below the hill and more than that they were continuously getting the association of Krishna. But Govardhan hill was neither getting any shelter and protection from the rains and nor was he getting to even see the Lord. The acaryas explain that it was the touch of Krishna’s little finger that gave him so much strength that he could tolerate the heavy thunderbolts and torrents of rain for seven days and seven nights. He was very satisfied receiving Krishna’s touch and getting higher taste in relation with Krishna. Thus it was the Lord’s touch that empowered his devotee in assisting the Lord perform his pastimes on the planet. Giriraj exemplified the highest platform in the mood of serving even at the cost of undergoing distress himself. Indra was overwhelmed with desire for enjoyment. He could not tolerate being not respected and worshipped. Immediately got offended and decided to kill the vrajabasis. Gratitude means to be remember what one has done for you till the end of your life and be thankful to him for that kind act. Complaining shows that you are not grateful. When we complain without tolerating we are becoming insensitive to other’s efforts. For example if our mother makes some nice dish for us to eat, if we find that it is having a little more salt or little less, what is our first reaction to it. If our first reaction is to criticize then we are not tolerant. But if our first reaction is to think how to appreciate the efforts of our mother and try to thank her for her love and care; then it means that we are tolerant. Srila Prabhupada mentions, “Greatness of a person is estimated by his ability to tolerate provoking situations.” We have to learn this from the earth. The earth bears the entire burden but still does not complain. She continues to render her service of bearing all the burden of all living entities on herself. 1. Nature provides for everyone’s needs, even the elephants in desert get water. But not for one man’s greed – man exploiting nature 2. Design of the earth. Nature Lessons from Earth
  • 9. GURU 2 - Earth scriptural STORIES OF EARTH 1. Earth drowned by Hiranyakashipu (The children may perform this drama or the teacher may narrate this story.) The Appearance Of Lord Varaha from Çrémad-Bhägavatam, Third Canto, Chapter 13 * * * * * CAST: Narrator, Marichi, Brahmana, Manu, Lord Brahma, Varuna, Commander, Hiranyaksha, Lord Varaha. 24 NARRATOR Many thousands of years ago, the light of the sun and moon suddenly became darkened, so all the demigods went, in great fear, to Lord Brahma and asked him to explain the cause of that darkness. Lord Brahma explained to them that, once upon a time, the four Kumaras wanted to visit the Supreme Lord Narayana in Vaikuntha, the spiritual world. These four Kumaras are great self- realized devotees and are the oldest of all living creatures, and yet by their mystic power they always appear to be small boys of five years old. When they tried to enter the gate of Vaikuntha, however, they were stopped by two gate-keepers named Jaya and Vijaya, who mistook them for ordinary small boys. The Kumaras become angry because they wanted very much to see Lord Narayana, and thus they cursed the doorkeepers. When the Lord heard of this, He approved this curse, for an offense to the lotus feet of a devotee is the greatest offense one can commit. By the Lord’s will, Jaya and Vijaya fell down from Vaikuntha and entered the womb of Diti, destined to be born as the two most powerful demons ever known-Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha! These two demons were so powerful that even while they were in their mother’s womb, the sun and moon become darkened by their prowess! And what to speak of other demigods, even Lord Indra, king of the heavens, hid in fear of them. But of the two demonic brothers, the demigods were especially afraid of Hiranyaksha, who traveled all over the universe challenging everyone, and destroying all who got in his way.
  • 10. GURU 2 - Earth 25 MARICHI BRAHMANA MARICHI BRAHMANA MANU BRAHMANA MANU BRAHMA BRAHMANA MARICHI BRAHMA This demon, Hiranyaksha, is so powerful that even Lord Brahma is powerless to stop him! But something must be done to save the earth. This Hiranyaksha has extracted all the gold from the planet, and because of this the earth has fallen out of its orbit, plunging into the great body of water at the bottom of the universe! Patience! Sri Manu has already gone to Lord Brahma with this problem. We must wait to hear what he has to say. Look, here they come now. (Lord Brahma and Sri Manu enter, conversing) So you see, my Lord, the earth is in a precarious position, and somehow it must be rescued. I am sure it can be done by your endeavor, and by the mercy of the Supreme Lord! Yes, something must be done, but what can be done by we who are engaged in the matter of creation? It is best to let the Almighty Lord direct us. (Suddenly, Lord Brahma becomes struck with wonder) Manu, did you see that? A small creature just flew out of my nostril! Look-there it is, up in the sky! It’s getting bigger! What in the three worlds is it? It looks like a great boar, but it is so beautiful! Yes, it is wonderful! It must be a manifestation of the material energy... No, surely this is an avatara of Lord Vishnu, come to save the earth from this catastrophe! (Varaha roars and everyone gasps. Brahma confirms: ) Yes, it is the Supreme Lord Himself, appearing in the form of a wonderful boar! Outside the palace of Lord Brahma (Marichi and other brahmanas discuss the catastrophe)
  • 11. GURU 2 - Earth 26 EVERYONE NARRATOR Jai! All glories to Lord Boar! (Lord Varaha roars again) Jai! All glories to Lord Boar! Haribol! Haribol! (they bow down and offer their obeisances) The fabulous creature was indeed an avatara of Vishnu, known as Lord Varaha, who had appeared in the form of a wonderful boar. The Supreme Lord is unlimited and transcendental, and therefore He can appear in any form He likes just for His pleasure pastimes. Before diving into the Garbhodaka ocean to save the earth. Lord Varaha flew into the sky, slashing the air with His tail, His hard hairs quivering and His very glance appearing luminous. As the Lord scattered the clouds with His hoofs and His glittering white tusks, all the residents of the upper planets praised the Lord by chanting Vedic hymns-and in reply, the Lord Boar roared tumultuously, enlivening the devotees and filling the demons with fear. Meanwhile, the demon Hiranyaksha, having conquered space, was busy conquering the ocean. For years he smote the wind- tossed waves with his iron mace and struck terror into the hearts of all the aquatic creatures. Finally he approached Vibhavari, the capital of the watery kingdom, where Varuna, god of the ocean, resides. In the palace of Varuna (Varuna sits on his throne. His military commander enters in great anxiety VARUNA COMMANDER VARUNA HIRANYAKSHA No, not I! Hiranyaksha cannot be checked by any mortal creature in the universe! Then we are doomed! Fear not, my friend! Have faith in the Supreme Lord-He will not leave us for lost! (demonic roaring is heard from offstage. Commander runs in fear. Hiranyaksha enters, falls at Varuna’s feet and challenges him mockingly) O Varuna! You are the most powerful of rulers and have crushed the might of many arrogant warriors! O great Lord, please fight with me!
  • 12. GURU 2 - Earth 27 VARUNA HIRANYAKSHA VARUNA HIRANYAKSHA VARUNA HIRANYAKSHA VARUNA HIRANYAKSHA NARRATOR (Subduing his anger) My dear Hiranyaksha, I have grown too old for combat; besides, You are so powerful that there is no one in the three worlds who can challenge You! (Rising and moving towards Varuna) Yes! Ha ha ha! No one, that is, except... (Stopping in his tracks) Yes? Lord Vishnu! Lord who? Ha ha ha! You laugh too soon, Hiranyaksha... Lord Vishnu has already appeared within this universe for your destruction. Upon reaching Him, your pride will be smashed and you will lie down on the field of battle, surrounded by dogs and vultures! (Curling up with laughter) O Varuna, you jest with me! Ha ha ha! Don’t you know? No one can kill me-I am immortal! Ha ha ha ha! Where is this Lord Vishnu? (spits) I will kill Him! (he exits, roaring madly) Lord Varaha had penetrated the Garbhodaka ocean with His hoofs, which were like sharpened arrows, and He had found out the limits of that ocean, although it was unlimited. Seeing the earth lying as it was in the beginning of creation, and picking it up very gently on His tusks, Lord Boar took it out of the water and flew into space. Meanwhile, the demon Hiranyaksha searched everywhere for the whereabouts of Lord Varaha, for out of belligerent madness he wished to challenge the Lord in battle.
  • 13. 28 GURU 2 - Earth HIYANYAKSHA VARAHA NARRATOR Where is this Lord Vishnu? (hears the sound of Lord Varaha’s voice. Looks into the sky) Oh, here He is-an amphibious beast! You big foolish animal, today I shall enliven my kinsmen by killing You! Ha ha ha ha! Do You hear me? When Your skull is smashed by my mace, the sages and devotees who engage in Your devotional service will cease to exist! Ha ha ha ha! (Lord Varaha roars again and then appears on stage) Indeed, we are creatures of the jungle, and we enjoy searching after dogs like you. One who is free from material entanglement does not fear insults of the kind in which you are indulging, because you are bound by the laws of death! Now give up your nonsensical talk-you are supposed to be the commander of many soldiers, so now you better take prompt steps to overthrow Me! (continues narration as actors act it out) Hiranyaksha trembles with rage, and hissing indignantly he deals a blow with his mace, but Lord Varaha moves slightly and dodges the blow. Hiranyaksha begins to brandish his mace around, but Lord Varaha strikes him to the right of his brow. The demon, however, protects himself by a maneuver of his own mace. In this way, the demon and the Lord begin striking each other angrily. At this point, the demigods appear in the sky and view the battle from their flower airplanes. The Lord aims His mace at Hiranyaksha, but His mace is struck by the demon and slips from His hand. The demigods cry out in alarm, but the demon does not strike the Lord because He is unarmed. Lord Varaha becomes even angrier because of this and invokes His Sudarshana disc as the demigods cheer. Hiranyaksha begins to hiss like a serpent and shouts, “You are slain!” as he aims his mace at the Lord, who playfully knocks it down with His left foot. Lord Varaha then says, “Take up your weapon and try again!” The demon picks up his mace and hurls it at the Lord, roaring loudly. The Lord then catches it with ease and offers it back to the demon. Hiranyaksha, feeling humiliated, takes a trident and hurls it at the Lord, who tears it apart with His Sudarshana disc. The demon, enraged, roars loudly and strikes his hard fist against By the Garbhodaka Ocean
  • 14. 29 GURU 2 - Earth BRAHMA the Lord’s chest and disappears. Then he begins to employ many magic tricks against the Lord-fierce winds, hailstorms, volleys of stones, rains of puss, blood, bones and stool. The Lord however dispels all this with His disc. Hiranyaksha appears again, and from behind tries to crush the Lord with his arms, but the Lord slips out of his arms. Hiranyaksha then begins to strike the Lord with his fists, but the Lord then slaps him indifferently at the base of the ear. Hiranyaksha begins to wheel, eyeballs bulging, and with his arms and legs broken, he falls down dead. Demigods: Jai! Jai! All glories to Lord Varaha! (Lord Varaha roars and walks off stage, victoriously) Oh, what a blessed death! To die by the lotus hand of the Supreme Lord Himself... All glories to Lord Varaha who has assumed the form of a boar to save the world! This demon was a torment to the three worlds, but he has been slain by You so that we may live peacefully in devotion to Your lotus feet. Lord Varaha ki Jai! Lord Varaha ki Jai! Lord Varaha ki Jai! (kirtan)
  • 15. GURU 2 - EarthGURU 2 - Earth 30 2. Lessons from Bhumi devi approaching Lord Brahma Mother earth was burdened by the burden of sinful leaders who were not ruling by the principles of servant leadership but were ruling by the principles of exploitation. In the Tenth canto we see how Bhumi devi is actually setting a scene for the birth of Lord Krsna and Lord Balarama and seeing what happens when the leadership is corrupt and seeing how Krsna deals with the corrupt leadership. bhümir dåpta-nåpa-vyäja- daityänéka-çatäyutaiù äkräntä bhüri-bhäreëa brahmäëaà çaraëaà yayau Bhumi was overburdened by the burden of the leaders of the planet. The leaders were daityas , asuras 1000s and 1000s of military phalanxes situated on this planet. Extremely puffed up demons but they were disguised as kings. Mother earth was very upset with such a situation realizing that she was bearing the burden of these 1000’s of demons in the guise of ruling kings. LESSONS 1. Srila Prabhupada draws our attention that today we have many people who are leaders but in actuality are nothing but demons in disguise. History repeats itself and even 5000 years later mother earth is still burdened by these demons. Once a question was posed in a talk show to Srila Prabhupada “If monarchy is important, but is there any ideal monarch like Yudhisthira?” Srila Prabhupada pointed towards himself and said “he”. It was not vanity or false pride. It meant that if there is an ideal monarch we shall offer him guidance. A brahmana guides a kshatriya king. Five hundred years ago a similar situation existed. The Moghul ruler Nawab Hussian Shah was ruling and he understood that he needed good advisors if he had to rule properly. He had a maulvi who used to guide him. He had the ability to see into the future. He told him that there were only two people who were capable of doing this job. They were Dabira Khaas and Sakara Malik. When demoniac kings trouble or attack mother earth from outside it adds to the burden. More than that one the internal demons, i.e.our heart is also burdened by the six elements. Lust, anger, pride, greed etc. Demons also appear in the heart. Just as the demons like Trnavarta, Putana, Kaliya were killed by Krsna, similarly these anarthas also have to be killed or purified. So Krishna has to appear in the heart and then these demons will be killed. GURU 2 - Earth and even 5000 years later mother earth is still burdened by these demons.
  • 16. 31 GURU 2 - Earth LESSONS Janamastami 1. Whenever there is a burden of demoniac persons, janamastami takes place. The Lord personally appears to relieve mother earth of the intolerable burden of demons by annihilating the miscreants and liberating the pious and to establish principles of religion. Krishna appeared in the form of the holy name and if we allow Krsna in the form of the holy name to come into our hearts then definitely there is purification like Bhumi devi who also allowed Krsna to enter into her heart. 2. Seeking shelter Mother earth was burdened 5000 years back. She is burdened even today socially because of the leaders outside and personally because of the demons living within. Krishna’s appearance is the only solution. Krishna will not appear automatically .He will appear only when we take shelter. So mother earth approached Lord Brahma seeking shelter of the Lord, spiritual master and of the devotees. So today’s society needs help and only when the leaders go to the superiors to take guidance and lessons, there will be some kind of stability. When we try to take the reins of our own lives in our hands not listening to the advice of our authorities then destruction is inevitable. E.g. Arjuna was confused trying to giving arguments why I should not fight the battle. The entire first chapter is full of Arjuna trying to justify as to why he should not fight. Atlast he realized that “I am failing, I need help from a person who can help me” Hence we see BG 2.7 Karpanya doso… Similarly Mother earth realized that she has to take help from someone who can help her therefore she approached Brahma. She remembered that when she was in distress when Hiranyaksha had submerged her in the ocean she had sought help from Lord Brahma and how Lord Varaha appeared from the nostril of Brahmaji. Brahma was instrumental in the appearance of Varaha deva. And he saved Bhumi devi. Conclusion A brief recap of the guru takes place. The Lord personally appears to relieve mother earth of