Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj - Part 1

Date: 2017-09-03 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

Today is the auspicious occasion of appearance of Lord Vamanadev. There are many transcendental reasons behind each and every appearance of the Supreme Lord and by the mercy of pure devotees, we get a glimpse of the glories of such appearances. So praying to the lotus feet of Srila Gurudeva and His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, let us meditate on some of the glories of Lord Vamanadev and His dear devotee Bali Maharaj.

Bali Maharaj was performing the Vishvajit sacrifice under the guidance of the brahmanas from Bhrgu dynasty. When Lord Vamanadev - the glorious son of Mother Aditi and Kashyapa Muni entered the sacrificial arena as a dwarf brahmana, Bali Maharaj could immediately recognise His greatness and offered proper reception. In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 8.18.28 Sukadev Goswami says,

tat-pāda-śaucaṁ jana-kalmaṣāpahaṁ sa dharma-vin mūrdhny adadhāt sumaṅgalam yad deva-devo giriśaś candra-maulir dadhāra mūrdhnā parayā ca bhaktyā

Lord Shiva, the best of demigods, who carries on his forehead the emblem of the moon, receives on his head with great devotion the Ganges water emanating from the toe of Vishnu. Being aware of religious principles, Bali Maharaja knew this. Consequently, following in the footsteps of Lord Shiva, he also placed on his head the water that had washed the Lord's lotus feet.

Bali Maharaj by his extra-ordinary power had created great fear in the minds of demigods and had occupied the heavenly planets. He was enjoying the material opulence along with the other demons. But he very well knew the importance of respecting all the brahmanas. So even though he didn't realise the real identity of Lord Vamana who had appeared like a dwarf brahmana, he offered the Lord very nice welcome. He washed His lotus feet and also very nicely honoured the caranamrit - the water used to wash His lotus feet, by sprinkling it on his head.

Srila Prabhupada very beautifully explains in the purport as to how Lord Shiva, in order to give supreme respect to Supreme Lord, has placed Ganges on his head, above the symbol of moon. "On Lord Shiva's forehead is the emblem of the half-moon, yet to give supreme respect to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Shiva placed the water of the Ganges above this emblem. This example should be followed by everyone, or at least by every devotee, because Lord Shiva is one of the mahajanas. Similarly, Maharaja Bali also later became a mahajana. One mahajana follows another mahajana, and by following the parampara system of mahajana activities one can become advanced in spiritual consciousness. The water of the Ganges is sanctified because it emanates from the toe of Lord Vishnu. Bali Maharaja washed the lotus feet of Vamanadeva, and the water with which he did so became equal to the Ganges. Bali Maharaja, who perfectly knew all religious principles, therefore took that water on his head, following in the footsteps of Lord Shiva."

Bali Maharaj attained perfection in his devotional service simply by following the footsteps of the greatest Vaishnava - Lord Shambu. Mahajana yena gata sa panthah. Even if we may have so many anarthas in us, simply by trying to follow the footsteps of great devotees, we will be cleansed of our anarthas and gradually attain perfection by the mercy of Lord and His devotees. Krishna willing we shall continue to meditate more on this topic in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj - Part 2

Date: 2017-09-04 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled, "Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj" wherein we were meditating on some of the verses from Chapter 18 of eighth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. In the previous offering we saw how Bali Maharaj welcomed Lord Vamanadev Who had appeared in the form a dwarf brahmana in his sacrificial arena. Simply by following the footsteps of exalted devotees of the Lord, gradually we will attain perfection. Now we shall see further.

Bali Maharaj after washing the lotus feet of Lord Vamana, he glorified Him nicely. He felt grateful that Vamanadev had sanctified his family and the entire world by His presence. In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 8.18.32 he says,

yad yad vaṭo vāñchasi tat pratīccha me tvām arthinaṁ vipra-sutānutarkaye gāṁ kāñcanaṁ guṇavad dhāma mṛṣṭaṁ tathānna-peyam uta vā vipra-kanyām grāmān samṛddhāṁs turagān gajān vā rathāṁs tathārhattama sampratīccha

O son of a brahmana, it appears that You have come here to ask me for something. Therefore, whatever You want You may take from me. O best of those who are worshipable. You may take from me a cow, gold, a furnished house, palatable food and drink, the daughter of a brahmana for Your wife, prosperous villages, horses, elephants, chariots or whatever You desire.

We can see how charitable Bali Maharaj is. While explaining about the different modes in which charity is done, Lord Krishna says in Bhagavad-Gita verses 17.20 through 22 how charity should be done as a matter of duty, not with a feeling of grudge. Also charity given to suitable person, at a proper place and time must be done with proper respect and attention and not in neglectful manner. So Bali Maharaj very magnanimously asks Vamanadev as to what He wanted. It is very difficult position to ask/beg for charity from others.

In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 6.10.6 while describing the position of person who is begging for charity and the one is donating it - there is a nice word mentioned - "veda para-saṅkaṭam" which means knowing the pain of others. When the beggar and the donor both understand and respect the pain of each other, then that charity is indeed a glorious one. Neither will the beggar demand more than what the donor could offer, nor will donor be miser in what he is giving. So not wanting to put Vamanadev in that difficulty, Bali Maharaj voluntarily encourages Him to feel free to ask whatever He wanted. He had no reservations.

Krishna willing we shall continue to meditate more on this topic in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj - Part 3

Date: 2017-09-05 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

Now we shall see further.

Pleased by Bali Maharaj's behaviour, Lord Vamanadev appreciated him and also glorified the ancestors of Bali Maharaj - Prahlad Maharaj, Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha. Prahlad Maharaj was a pure devotee of the Lord and so it is not surprising to hear about his praise. But here we find that although Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu had behaved inimically towards Him, still being Supreme Lord, Lord Vamanadev was able to see the good qualities in the whole dynasty and appreciated the same. In fact, Lord Vamana very nicely appreciates the bravery of Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu and said how Lord Vishnu was very satisfied by their fighting prowess. Generally our tendency is to find faults even when one possess so many good qualities. But here we find Lord very genuinely appreciating the fighting spirit of Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu. When Lord killed Hiranyakasha, his brother Hiranyakashipu wanted to take revenge on Him and was looking out for Lord Vishnu. But Lord knowing his tendency to search for him outside, decided to enter inside him. In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 8.19.10 Sukadev Goswami says,

evaṁ sa niścitya ripoḥ śarīram ādhāvato nirviviśe ’surendra śvāsānilāntarhita-sūkṣma-dehas tat-prāṇa-randhreṇa vivigna-cetāḥ

Lord Vamanadeva continued: O King of the demons, after Lord Vishnu made this decision, He entered the body of His enemy Hiranyakashipu, who was running after Him with great force. In a subtle body inconceivable to Hiranyakashipu, Lord Vishnu, who was in great anxiety, entered Hiranyakashipu nostril along with his breath.

Srila Prabhupada translates the word vivigna-cetāḥ in the above verse as 'being very anxious'. His Divine Grace mentions in the purport, "The word vivigna-cetaah, "very anxious," is significant. It is not that Lord Vishnu was afraid of Hiranyakashipu; rather, because of compassion, Lord Vishnu was in anxiety about how to act for his welfare."

Lord being Supreme Father is always anxious to take us back home, back to Gohead, even though conditioned souls like us, under the influence of material modes of nature, forget to recognsie His Supremacy and glorify Him. Hiranyakashipu was hell-bent to fight and kill Lord Vishnu. But even in such circumstances, Lord was anxious about his welfare. Such is inconceivable causeless mercy of Supreme Lord.

Krishna willing, we shall continue to meditate more on this topic in the subsequent offering. Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj - Part 4

Date: 2017-09-06 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled, "Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj" wherein we were meditating on some of the verses from Chapter 18 and 19 of eighth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. In the previous offering we saw how Lord Vamanadev glorified Bali Maharaj and his ancestors. Now we shall see further.

Krishna is glorified as Varadaraja - Lord of All Benedictions. He can bestow any benediction on anyone. But in this pastime, Krishna is taking the unique role of asking benediction. Lord is atmarama and full in Himself. He lacks nothing and is never in need of anything. But Lord takes such menial roles of seeking charity from others, becoming a chariot driver, peace-messenger etc out of love for His dear devotees. Infact in Srimad Bhagavatam verse 8.19.16 Lord says to Bali Maharaj,

tasmāt tvatto mahīm īṣad vṛṇe ’haṁ varadarṣabhāt padāni trīṇi daityendra sammitāni padā mama

O King of the Daityas, from Your Majesty, who come from such a noble family and who are able to give charity munificently, I ask only three paces of land, to the measurement of My steps.

In the above verse Lord is addressing Bali Maharaj as 'varadarṣabhāt' - "person who can give charity munificiently ".

In the next verse Lord continues to say, "O King, controller of the entire universe, although you are very munificent and are able to give Me as much land as I want, I do not want anything from you that is unnecessary. If a learned brahmana takes charity from others only according to his needs, he does not become entangled in sinful activities."

By His personal practice Lord is teaching us that one should not hanker for things which are not necessary. His Divine Grace in his wonderful purport to verse 8.19.17 says, "No one can use more of the Supreme Lord's property than necessary. Lord Vamanadeva indirectly indicated to Bali Maharaja that he was occupying more land than he needed. In the material world, all distresses are due to extravagance. One acquires money extravagantly and also spends it extravagantly. Such activities are sinful. All property belongs to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and all living beings, who are sons of the Supreme Lord, have the right to use the Supreme Father's property, but one cannot take more than necessary."

Extravagance always leads to misery. Lord also insists in Bhagavad-Gita as to how we should be regulated even in our eating, sleeping, entertainments etc. If we stuff more prasadam than what we need, it will simply lead to health issues. Our beloved spiritual master HH Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj says, "Prasadam might be free. But stomach is yours." So we should take in only - "yaavad artha" - whatever is necessary. Bali Maharaj was not satisfied with allocated quota of his land, wanted to take over the heavenly planets as well and so to make him free of this anartha - Lord mercifully appeared before him in the form of Vamanadev and requested for three paces of land.

Krishna willing, we shall continue to meditate more on this topic in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj - Part 5

Date: 2017-09-07 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled, "Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj" wherein we were meditating on some of the verses from Chapter 18 and 19 of eighth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. In the previous offering we saw how Lord Vamanadev asked Bali Maharaj for three steps of land in charity. Now we shall see further.

In response to Lord Vamana dev's request of three steps of land, Bali Maharaj says that Lord Vamanadev was not prudent enough in his request. He says, "I am able to give You an entire island because I am the proprietor of the three divisions of the universe. You have come to take something from me and have pleased me by Your sweet words, but You are asking only three paces of land. Therefore You are not very intelligent."

Though the charitable nature of Bali Maharaj is very appreciable - the feeling of false-proprietorship over temporary material assets would not help one in his journey back home, back to Godhead. So inorder to help Bali Maharaj understand how envy, false-proprietorship, grabbing tendency kills one's peace of mind, Lord Vamanadev says very nicely in Srimad Bhagavatam verse 8.19.22,

tribhiḥ kramair asantuṣṭo dvīpenāpi na pūryate nava-varṣa-sametena sapta-dvīpa-varecchayā

If I were not satisfied with three paces of land, then surely I would not be satisfied even with possessing one of the seven islands, consisting of nine varshas. Even if I possessed one island, I would hope to get others. Vamanadev continues to explain how, "one should be satisfied with whatever one gets by previous destiny.

Discontent will never lead to happiness." Infact dissatisfaction immerses one in pools of depression and suffocates one to such an extent that it makes them living dead. In some cases it provokes living entities to even commit suicide. We come across so many cases wherein children commit suicide when they don't get admission into the college of their choice. While we teach children to do hard work and have high aspirations in this competitive world, many a times we fail to give them this important lesson of satisfaction, learning to accept failures, see Krishna's hand in adverse situations. When results are adverse or unfavourable, it only means that the Lord definitely has some other better plan for us. Such priceless guidance on satisfaction, patience and perseverance is available in plenty in our scriptures and we should try to pass it on to the younger generation as well.

Krishna willing, we shall continue to meditate more on this topic in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj - Part 6

Date: 2017-09-08 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled, "Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj" wherein we were meditating on some of the verses from Chapter 18 and 19 of eighth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. In the previous offering we saw how Lord Vamanadev explained to Bali Maharaj as to why He asked only for three steps of land in charity. Now we shall see further.

Lord told Bali Maharaj as to how if one is not satisfied with whatever is alloted for him, would always be in anxiety. Such discontent would only lead us to further entanglements in material life. Further explaining the importance of satisfaction Lord says in Srimad Bhagavatam verse 8.19.26, "A brahmana who is satisfied with whatever is providentially obtained is increasingly enlightened with spiritual power, but the spiritual potency of a dissatisfied brahmana decreases, as fire diminishes in potency when water is sprinkled upon it."

Greed and grabbing tendency will not help us to lead a peaceful life either now or in the next. In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 8.19.27 Lord Vamanadev further says,

tasmāt trīṇi padāny eva vṛṇe tvad varadarṣabhāt etāvataiva siddho ’haṁ vittaṁ yāvat prayojanam

Therefore, O King, from you, the best of those who give charity, I ask only three paces of land. By such a gift I shall be very pleased, for the way of happiness is to be fully satisfied to receive that which is absolutely needed.

In the above verse, the word yāvat means 'as far as' and prayojanam means 'needed'. So there are 'wants' and 'needs'. There is a saying that there are enough things in this world for everyone's need, but not to fulfil one man's greed. So there is no end to our greed. We may want so many things. But Lord knows what is needed for us and makes sure that all our needs are met. When we are satisfied with whatever we are bestowed in life, then we are in line with Krishna's will.

In one of the lectures on Srimad Bhagavatam verse 1.2.19 given in Vrindavan on October 30 1972, Srila Prabhupada beautifully explains how Lord has created the planet in a such as to meet all the needs of the living entities. Taking the example of water, His Divine Grace explains how salt in ocean water acts as a preservative for water and later when evaporated, distillation happens in the sky and comes down as clean rain water - suitable for drinking. Also rain pours on places, mountain peaks, plains and rivers and Krishna has arranged for water to be stored in the form snow, ice in some places, to flow in the rivers, to be stored in lakes, reservoirs, to be used in agriculture. So such a wonderful arrangement is made for all our needs. His Divine Grace says, "Because we have no knowledge, we do not see how things are nicely arranged by God for our maintenance. Everything is there. pūrṇāt pūrṇam udacyate pūrṇasya pūrṇam ādāya pūrṇam evāvaśiṣyate [Iso Invocation]. Everything is complete. It is our mismanagement. We, the so-called civilized human beings, we have created problems. We have created problems: "This is my land. This is my country. Why you are coming here?" Then there is fight, there is spoil of things, so many things. Because they do not know, īśāvāsyam idaḿ sarvaṁ [Isopanishad mantra 1], everything belongs to God."

Krishna willing, we shall continue to meditate more on this topic in the subsequent offering. . Hare Krishna Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj - Part 7

Date: 2017-09-09 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled, "Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj" wherein we were meditating on some of the verses from Chapter 18 and 19 of eighth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. In the previous offering we saw how Lord Vamanadev explained to Bali Maharaj as to why He asked only for three steps of land in charity. Now we shall see further.

On hearing Vamanadev's reasons for asking only three steps of land, Bali Maharaj smiled and promised to grant His wish. At that time his spiritual master Sukracarya, could realise that Vamanadev is none other than Supreme Lord, warned Bali Maharaj not to get cheated by Him. Sukracarya informed him as to how Lord Vamanadev will expand and occupy all the lands. In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 8.19.33 Sukracarya says,

tribhiḥ kramair imāl lokān viśva-kāyaḥ kramiṣyati sarvasvaṁ viṣṇave dattvā mūḍha vartiṣyase katham

You have promised to give Him three steps of land in charity, but when you give it He will occupy the three worlds. You are a rascal! You do not know what a great mistake you have made. After giving everything to Lord Vishnu, you will have no means of livelihood. How then shall you live?

Since Sukracarya was trying to deviate his disciple from serving Krishna, he is not an ideal guru. The Supreme Lord is Vishwambara - the maintainer of all the living entities and He especially never forsakes the devotees who surrender everything to Him. But unfortunately Sukracarya was misguiding Bali Maharaj. Real Guru is one who relieves a disciple from miserable material nature and directs him to Supreme Lord - the source of all bliss. Even Lord Siva instructs Mother Parvati, when she enquires him, "Who is a real guru?".

guravo bahavaḥ santi śiṣya-vittāpahārakaḥ sat guror durlabhaṁ devī śiṣya-santāpa-hārakah

There are so many gurus in this world, but they only steal away the wealth of their disciples. But a real guru is one who steals away the miseries of the disciple and such a genuine guru is very very rare.

So here we find that Sukracarya was actually concerned about his own material well-being. He and his family would be deprived of all the facilities provided by Bali Maharaj, if he gave everything in charity to Lord Vishnu. That was his real fear and concern. But instead of frankly saying this, he begins to scold Bali Maharaj. In the pretext of being well-wisher of Bali Maharaj, Sukracarya advises him not to foolishly give everything to Lord Vamanadev. He further warns Bali Maharaj that even if he doesn't listen to Sukracarya, still his attempts of charity will fail as Lord Vamanadev will occupy all three worlds in the first step, the outer space in second step and there will be nothing left to keep the third step. As a result of not keeping up the promise Bali Maharaj would be destined to hell. In this manner Sukracarya tried his best to discourage Bali Maharaj from offering charity. Krishna willing, we shall continue to meditate more on this topic in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj - Part 8

Date: 2017-09-10 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled, "Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj" wherein we were meditating on some of the verses from Chapter 18 and 19 of eighth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. In the previous offering we saw how Sukracarya, the spiritual master of Bali Maharaj warned him not to give charity to Lord Vamanadev. Now we shall see further.

Bali Maharaj realised that it is not prudent thing to obey his spiritual master. So after proper deliberation he began to speak. He told Sukracarya that he considered being truthful to the brahmana is more important for him than losing his wealth, going to hell or losing his own life. He didn't want to burden mother earth by telling lies. In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 8.20.6 he says,

yad yad dhāsyati loke ’smin samparetaṁ dhanādikam tasya tyāge nimittaṁ kiṁ vipras tuṣyen na tena cet

My lord, you can also see that all the material opulences of this world are certainly separated from their possessor at death. Therefore, if the brahmana Vamanadeva is not satisfied by whatever gifts one has given, why not please Him with the riches one is destined to lose at death?

By the merciful blessings of his grand-father Prahlad Maharaj and darshan of Vamanadev, Bali Maharaj's heart was cleansed and so he could understand now that material opulence are anyway temporary as they don't accompany us at the time of death. There is a saying that even a broken needle will not accompany us in our final journey. The material body which is so very dear to us is also burnt in the funeral pyre. So what is the point in unnecessarily holding on to temporary material assets? Best way to use our wealth is in service of Supreme Lord and in case of Bali Maharaj, he is so fortunate that the Lord has personally come and asked for charity. Bali Maharaj did not want to lose this rare opportunity. Sukracarya cursed Bali Maharaj that he will lose all his opulence for disobeying him. But Bali Maharaj was firm in his vow and proceeded to offer the charity to Lord Vamanadev.

Our beloved spiritual master HH Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj says that proper use of wealth (Lakshmi) is to engage it in service of the real owner - Krishna. Maharaj also quotes the example of how some rich men neither do they enjoy the wealth, nor use it for family, nor use it for Krishna. The wealth of such misers - remains locked in secret bank accounts - which even their own family members will not know and when they die - all the riches remain unclaimed and just go to the Government. So instead of hoarding money, land etc - we should use them nicely in Krishna's service.

Krishna willing, we shall continue to meditate more on this topic in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj - Part 9

Date: 2017-09-11 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled, "Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj" wherein we were meditating on some of the verses from the eighth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. In the previous offering we saw how Bali Maharaj not caring for the instructions and curse given by Sukracarya, his spiritual master, decided to offer the requested land in charity to Lord Vamanadev. Now we shall see further.

As soon as Bali Maharaj washed the lotus feet of Lord Vamanadev, He began increasing in size and with His first step He covered the entire earth and with His second step, He covered all the heavenly planets. In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 8.20.21, Sukadev Goswami says

tad vāmanaṁ rūpam avardhatādbhutaṁ harer anantasya guṇa-trayātmakam bhūḥ khaṁ diśo dyaur vivarāḥ payodhayas tiryaṅ-nṛ-devā ṛṣayo yad-āsata

The unlimited Supreme Personality of Godhead, who had assumed the form of Vamana, then began increasing in size, acting in terms of the material energy, until everything in the universe was within His body, including the earth, the planetary systems, the sky, the directions, the various holes in the universe, the seas, the oceans, the birds, beasts, human beings, the demigods and the great saintly persons.

In his wonderful purport to above verse Srila Prabhupada says, "Bali Maharaja wanted to give charity to Vamanadeva, but the Lord expanded His body in such a way that He showed Bali Maharaja that everything in the universe is already in His body. Actually, no one can give anything to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, for He is full in everything." Everything belongs to Him. This is a very important lesson which we need to remember from this pastime of Bali Maharaj. Everything belongs to the Lord. So we should never feel proud or have the feeling of false- proprietorship about whatever wealth/assets we own or donate in service of Lord. In the tiny span of our life in this world, such assets are temporarily alloted to us by His causeless mercy and the best thing we could do with it is to use it properly in His service.

His Divine Grace further explains in the purport with the example of how a devotee while taking bath in Ganges, offers Ganges water back to her. By such an act, the Ganges neither increases or decreases - but it is a sign of loving devotion to Mother Ganges. His Divine Grace further says, "Similarly, when we offer anything with devotion and faith, what we offer does not belong to us, nor does it enrich the opulence of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. But if one offers whatever he has in his possession, he becomes a recognized devotee. In this regard, the example is given that when one's face is decorated with a garland and sandalwood pulp, the reflection of one's face in a mirror automatically becomes beautiful. The original source of everything is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is our original source also. Therefore when the Supreme Personality of Godhead is decorated, the devotees and all living entities are decorated automatically."

Krishna willing, we shall continue to meditate more on this topic in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj - Part 10

Date: 2017-09-12 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled, "Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj" wherein we were meditating on some of the verses from the eighth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. In the previous offering we saw how Lord Vamanadev covered the earth by His first step and all the heavenly planets by His second step. Now we shall see further.

Upon seeing the universal form of Lord Vamanadev the demoniac followers of Bali Maharaj were very disturbed. But when the glarify effulgence of Lord Vamanadev's foot touched the Brahmaloka, Lord Brahma along with the sages worshiped His lotus feet and offered wonderful prayers to Him. The Lord then reduced Himself to the original Vamana rupa. Seein this the demoniac followers decided to attack the Lord for having cheated their master. So against the will of Bali Maharaj, they rushed towards the Lord with weapons in their hand. The associates of Lord Vishnu smiled and warned them not to proceed further. But when the demons did not listen, the associates of Vishnu began to kill the demons. Seeing this Bali Maharaj began to advise his followers to stop fighting.

Bali Maharaj remembered the curse of his spiritual master and so he very well understood that now they would not be able to win the devatas. He could realise that earlier time was in their favour and so they were able to win over the demigods. But now time is not in their favour. And so victory against devatas is not possible. So it is better for the demons to remain silent and wait for the appropriate time. In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 8.21.22 Bali Maharaj says,

balena sacivair buddhyā durgair mantrauṣadhādibhiḥ sāmādibhir upāyaiś ca kālaṁ nātyeti vai janaḥ

No one can surpass the time representation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead by material power, by the counsel of ministers, by intelligence, by diplomacy, by fortresses, by mystic mantras, by drugs, by herbs or by any other means.

His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada is translating the word 'kaala' as "time representation of the Lord". Time is invincible weapon of the Supreme Lord and is non-different from Him. Krishna Himself says in Bhagavad Gita verse 11.32 - kālo ’smi loka-kṣaya-kṛt pravṛddho - "Time I am, the great destroyer of the worlds." The demoniac followers of Bali Maharaj could not recognise the Supremacy of the Lord and so were thinking that their master Bali Maharaj had been cheated by Him. They could not realise the higher purpose or reason behind the Lord's appearance in the form of Vamanadev. But Bali Maharaj could realise and recognise the greatness and causeless mercy of the Supreme Lord and the reason for His appearance. This enabled him to remain unagitated and calm, even though it was an apparently embarassing moment of defeat for the demons. And out of mercy, Bali Maharaj pacified his followers and advised them not to react, but to simply remain silent.

Krishna willing, we shall continue to meditate more on this topic in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj - Part 11

Date: 2017-09-13 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled, "Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj" wherein we were meditating on some of the verses from eighth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. In the previous offering we saw how Bali Maharaj advised his followers not to attack Lord Vamanadev. Now we shall see further.

The associates of Vishnu sent the followers of demigods to the lower regions of the universe and Bali Maharaj was arrested by Garuda using the ropes of Varuna, once the sacrifice was over. In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 8.21.28 Sukadev Goswami says,

taṁ baddhaṁ vāruṇaiḥ pāśair bhagavān āha vāmanaḥ naṣṭa-śriyaṁ sthira-prajñam udāra-yaśasaṁ nṛpa

O King, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vamanadeva, then spoke to Bali Maharaja, the most liberal and celebrated personality whom He had arrested with the ropes of Varuna. Bali Maharaja had lost all bodily luster, but he was nonetheless fixed in his determination.

The way Bali Maharaj reacted to this situation is nicely explained by the words 'sthira-prajñam". When someone is in powerful, prestigious position - people simply crowd around them and sing his glories. But when by arrangement of providence, one is deprived of his prestigious position -the very same people would immediately criticise and desert him. Respect, care, concern are all given only to the riches or the material powers one has and everything vanishes with decline of power and decrease in wealth. Such situations really shakes our faith and determination to do devotional service. To find genuine well-wisher is very rare thing in this world. In Bali Maharaj's case, his spiritual master had also cursed him. But inspite of all such odds, Bali Maharaj remained 'sthira-prajña'.

Although his position was minimised - Bali Maharaj's determination to serve the Supreme Lord remain fixed. In his wonderful purport to the above verse Srila Prabhupada says, "Bali Maharaja had lost everything, he was fixed in his determination to satisfy Vamanadeva, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In Bhagavad-Gita, such a person is called sthita-prajna. A pure devotee is never deviated from the service of the Lord, despite all difficulties and impediments offered by the illusory energy. Generally men who have wealth and opulence are famous, but Bali Maharaja became famous for all time by being deprived of all his possessions. This is the special mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead toward His devotees."

Lord Vamanadev told him that as He had covered the earth and all heavenly planets in His two steps and there was nothing left to place the third step, Bali Maharaj's promise for charity is not complete and as a result he has to stay in the hellish planet for few years.

Krishna willing, we shall continue to meditate more on this topic in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj - Part 12

Date: 2017-09-14 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled, "Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj" wherein we were meditating on some of the verses from eighth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. In the previous offering we saw how Vamanadev asked Bali Maharaj to go to hellish planets as he could not keep his promise of offering 3 steps of land. Now we shall see further.

Bali Maharaj could understand that Lord Vamanadev had come in the disguise of dwarf brahmana, in order to protect his opponents - the demigods. Although Lord was supporting his opponents, Bali Maharaj out of love for Supreme Lord, could relish the way Lord had appeared before him to cheat him. Bali Maharaj being one of the twelve Mahajans is especially known for his quality of full surrender or atma-nivedanam. In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 8.22.2, Sukadev Goswami quotes Bali Maharaj's words as follows.

śrī-balir uvāca yady uttamaśloka bhavān mameritaṁ vaco vyalīkaṁ sura-varya manyate karomy ṛtaṁ tan na bhavet pralambhanaṁ padaṁ tṛtīyaṁ kuru śīrṣṇi me nijam

Bali Maharaja said: O best Personality of Godhead, most worshipable for all the demigods, if You think that my promise has become false, I shall certainly rectify matters to make it truthful. I cannot allow my promise to be false. Please, therefore, place Your third lotus footstep on my head.

In the above verse we find Bali Maharaj is addressing the Lord as "Uttamaślhloka" - "One who is glorified by choice poetry" and sura-varya manyate - most worshipable of all demigods. The position of Bali Maharaj and Bhishmadev are all unique because they served Lord - even in conditions when Lord was supporting their opponents. His Divine Grace beautifully narrates the mood of Bali Maharaj in his purport to the above verse as follows, "On behalf of the demigods, You disguised Yourself to cheat me, saying that You wanted only three paces of land, but later You expanded Your body to such an extent that with two footsteps You covered the entire universe. Because You were working on behalf of Your devotees, You do not regard this as cheating. Never mind. I cannot be considered a devotee. Nonetheless, because although You are the husband of the goddess of fortune You have come to me to beg, I must satisfy You to the best of my ability. So please do not think that I wanted to cheat You; I must fulfill my promise. I still have my body. When I place my body for Your satisfaction, please put Your third step on my head."

Since we may wonder how Bali Maharaj could consider himself out of the jurisdiction of the places where Lord had placed His first and second step. His Divine Grace clarifies our doubt by saying how Bali Maharaj thought that possessor is always greater than the property. So in that context, Bali Maharaj considering himself to be greater than his possessions, wanted to offer his head to the Lord.

His Divine Grace has mentioned a golden statement in the above purport - "It is said that God is good, and this is a fact. Whether He cheats or rewards, He is always good." Whether people, time and circumstances are in favour of us or not in favour of us - at all times - God is good. His blessings, His chastisements are all His mercy. So we must always be thankful to the Lord for whatever He has given us and also for whatever He has not given us. Instead of being swayed by the modes of material nature and blaming the Lord for whatever failures we face in life, if we simply try to serve the Lord to best of our ability, in the mood of Bali Maharaj, then we will also be able to appreciate the truth that God is good - at all times.

Krishna willing, we shall continue to meditate more on this topic in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj - Part 13

Date: 2017-09-16 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled, "Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj" wherein we were meditating on some of the verses from eighth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. In the previous offering we saw Bali Maharaj glorifying the Lord to be the greatest well-wisher of the demons. Now we shall see further.

Bali Maharaj realised that at the time of the death, even the body which is very dear to us will not accompany us. Nor would the bodily relations - like wife, children, family members, friends, society, country would accompany us. So what is the point of being attached to these temporary relations? In reality all these material relationship simply waste our valuable time and energy. Human life is very rare opportunity and so we should be conscious not to waste our time, energy and assets, but to engage them nicely in service of the Lord. Feeling grateful to the Lord for helping him understand the futility of material enjoyment, Bali Maharaj says in Srimad Bhagavatam verse 8.22.11

athāham apy ātma-ripos tavāntikaṁ daivena nītaḥ prasabhaṁ tyājita-śrīḥ idaṁ kṛtāntāntika-varti jīvitaṁ yayādhruvaṁ stabdha-matir na budhyate

Only by providence have I been forcibly brought under Your lotus feet and deprived of all my opulence. Because of the illusion created by temporary opulence, people in general, who live under material conditions, facing accidental death at every moment, do not understand that this life is temporary. Only by providence have I been saved from that condition.

Bali Maharaj recollected how his grandfather Prahlad Maharaj remained fixed in devotion to the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord inspite of all the harrasments done by his demoniac father - Hiranyakashipu. But unfortunately, initially Bali Maharaj himself, had not realised the value of Lord's lotus feet and was after increasing material enjoyments. So Supreme Lord by this pastime of asking three steps of land, had forcibly brought him under His lotus feet. Material opulence is a great obstacle in self-realisation and here Bali Maharaj happily thanks the Lord for removing this obstacle.

Our spiritual master HH Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj says that we should voluntarily surrender/bow down to Supreme Lord, when we are able to. Else Krishna will make us forcibly surrender to Him in old-age by giving us hunch- back or in the form of personified Death. So better we surrender unto the Lord and engage our senses nicely in His service right now, when our senses are in good working condition, rather than lamenting later when the power of the senses dwindle.

Krishna willing, we shall continue to meditate more on this topic in the subsequent offering.

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi. Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj - Part 14

Date: 2017-09-20 Author: Sudarshana devi dasi

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in conclusion of the previous offering titled, "Glories of Lord Vamanadev and Bali Maharaj" wherein we were meditating on some of the verses from eighth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. In the previous offering we saw Bali Maharaj was grateful to Krishna for taking away the temporary material opulences as a result of which he could surrender unto His lotus feet. Now we shall see further.

Lord Vamanadev appreciating the truthful nature of Bali Maharaj says in Srimad Bhagavatam verse 8.22.29-30

kṣīṇa-rikthaś cyutaḥ sthānāt kṣipto baddhaś ca śatrubhiḥ jñātibhiś ca parityakto yātanām anuyāpitaḥ

guruṇā bhartsitaḥ śapto jahau satyaṁ na suvrataḥ chalair ukto mayā dharmo nāyaṁ tyajati satya-vāk

Although bereft of his riches, fallen from his original position, defeated and arrested by his enemies, rebuked and deserted by his relatives and friends, although suffering the pain of being bound and although rebuked and cursed by his spiritual master, Bali Maharaja, being fixed in his vow, did not give up his truthfulness. It was certainly with pretension that I spoke about religious principles, but he did not give up religious principles, for he is true to his word.

While it is very natural to do nice devotional service in a favourable surrounding, friendly atmosphere, it becomes a very difficult for one to continue in devotional service when we experience continuous failures and discouragements from people around us. Sometimes our faith in process and Supreme Lord will also be shaken. Our beloved spiritual master HH Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj says, "We have to be always convinced that whatever situation Krishna has put us in, is suitable for us to perform bhakti.. If this full trust is there, then Krishna will never cheat us." Bhakti is transcendental and unconditional like Supreme Lord Himself. So when we hold on to it, even in testing situations, slowly we can experience, realise and appreciate the mercy of Supreme Lord. We would be able to understand that the Lord never cheats or forsakes His devotees.

In Bali Maharaj's case, we find Lord Vamanadev not only tested him, but also gave him strength to bear the test. Lord also sent him to Sutala planet along with his family members and ensured that Bali Maharaj would be able to stay there peacefully. Lord assured him all protection from both demigods and demons and also gifted him with benediction that Bali Maharaj could see Him always there. In his wonderful purport to verse 8.22.36 Srila Prabhupada says, " Bali Maharaja certainly became an exalted devotee, but he was somewhat anxious because his association was not purely devotional. The Supreme Personality of Godhead therefore assured him that his demoniac mentality would be annihilated. In other words, by the association of devotees, the demoniac mentality is vanquished."

Through the lives of exalted devotees like Prahlad Maharaj and Bali Maharaj, Srimad Bhagavatam is teaching how Supreme Lord is impartial and showers His mercy on His devotees and protects them at every respect irrespective of whether one is born in demoniac family or not.

Sri Sri Vamanadev ki Jai ! Bali Maharaj ki Jai ! Srila Prabhupada ki Jai ! Srila Gurudev ki Jai !

Hare Krishna. Thank you very much. Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva, Sudarshana devi dasi.