Courtesy: His Holiness Sri Sri Vishwapriyatheerta Swamiji
Compilation: Dr. Vamshikrishna Acharya Purohit
Translation: Sandesh Upadhyaya K.
In the previous issue, we witnessed that by the grace of Sri Shukracharya (Shukradase) Bali Chakravarti (Jīva) boarded the golden chariot (physical body) on a pursuit to reach the pinnacle (eternal bliss).
Attaining higher realms is not easy. It requires a lot of effort. No matter what difficulties one faces while trying to reach the goal, there must be a genuine smile on his face. In order to symbolize this, Bali’s chariot had a flag with a lion on it (simhadhvaja). The meaning of the word ‘simha’ (lion) unfolds in multiple ways. Hinasti iti simhaḥ. Lion rips the animals in front of it and hence it is referred to as Simha. After it fills its stomach, it is Hasati iti simhah (smiles with satisfaction). When the stomach is full, even if a well-built animal is around, it would do no harm. Thus too, it is Simha. Despite being wealthy enough, if we see money on the road, we take it. This is the difference between us and the lion.
This is the main intention of having a Simhadhvaja on Bali’s chariot. Although outwardly Bali might look like a greedy villain (Hinasti) but in reality, he was self-satisfied (Hasati). This implies “Bali felt that he was worthy enough for Indra’s position, and hence put in his efforts to achieve that goal. He felt that if he is determined, eventually he will achieve it”. He had a clear approach in mind which made him specifically select the symbol of Lion for the flag. “What is the point in striving hard for a futuristic prospect?” was certainly not his attitude. He wore a smile even while striving. In a sense, the approach is similar to what Sri Rama practiced. During the coronation ceremony, Sri Rama went to meet Daśaratha. There, he learnt that he would not be crowned as successor due to Kaikēyi. The expressions of Lord Sri Rama at the time are explained; just as Sri Rama wore a smile while visiting Daśaratha, he bore the same smile even while returning.
We may recall here that Sri Krishna in Gita refers to the seekers (sādhaka’s) as ‘sukhaduḥkhē samē kr̥tvā lābhālābhau jayājayau’- the one who’s state of mind is tranquil during both happy and grievous situations.
If we weep while in grief, we should also weep when we are happy. Else, if we laugh when we are happy, we should exhibit the same emotion while in grief. However, some try to quantify it as follows: if we experience ten happy moments it will be followed by ten grievous situations. This is not true. If we view it in a slightly mundane perspective, Lord Sri Rama was heading to accomplish a huge task of killing demon Rāvaṇa. Though he was devoid of the throne, the smile on his face did not diminish. He was the same. For this reason, Bali Chakravarti did not want the smile to fade off his face. Hence he affixed this Simhadhvaja and proceeded on his pursuit to the pinnacle.
In conclusion, a jīva (Bali) inclusive of six-chakras embedded into this physical body (golden chariot) with a smile which will never fade (Simhadhvaja) is on the quest of achieving the higher goal of eternal bliss. For this, the grace of the Guru (Shukra) is vital. This is the thought behind Vyasa’s description. Bhagavata should never be considered as a mundane narrative or story. Vyasa’s intention here is to inculcate important life lessons for the upliftment of mankind.
A seeker of Madhva philosophy. Hails from Rupyapeeta (Udupi).
|| विष्णो: सर्वोत्तमत्वं च सर्वदा प्रतिपादय ||
(Hari sarvothama Vayu jeevothama tatva)