How To Find God!!

As Ravan's power grew, all kinds of evil activity flourished. Instead of respecting the elders, the saints, and the sadhus, on the contrary they were made to serve the rakshas' clan. Shivji in an aside to Parvati, said that people, who have such kind of bad attributes, must be considered to be rakshas at all times.

Feeling the assault on religion, the earth became traumatized and fearful. She realized that she could bear the weight of the mountains, oceans and rivers, but she could not tolerate one person rending the whole world asunder. Still, she could not muster up enough courage to say something to Ravan.

Finally, after much thought, in the disguise of a cow, the earth went to those devtas, who were taking shelter in the caves, and cried her heart out to them. As they were already peeved, and had nothing to offer, all the devtas, munis and gundharvs (celestial bodies) decided to go to Brahma in Satyalok, along with the grief stricken earth. Brahma was expecting them, but, had no solution to their problems either. However, he advised the earth to pray to Shri Hari who was the caretaker of all, for help.

Confusion set in, in their group. They wondered, whether to go to Baikunth/heaven or to Shaishnag (snake) in Sheersagar (ocean) to find Shri Hari to make their request for help.

Jaakey Hridayan Bhagati Asi Preeti

Prabhu Tahain Pragat Sada Tehin Reeti

Whatever kind of bhakti/devotion or love people have for the Lord, He meets them there, in that same tradition.

Shiva was also present in that group of the earth, devtas and munis so, he said to them, that he had something in mind. He told them that he knew for sure that, God is Omnipotent, there is no direction, country, place or time where He is not. He is conquered with love alone, enough to make Him present Himself. Just like fire, which is present everywhere, only a flame can ignite it, similarly God is Omniscient and pure love will make Him appear.

Brahma exclaimed "Sadhu, Sadhu" (true, true) praising Shiva when he heard what he had to say. He was very excited with Shiva's solution. With tears streaming down his cheeks, hair standing on end, with folded hands Brahma started invoking the lord, by singing a hymn.

To bring this scene into perspective, I am reminded of my father, who had a great love for Shri Hari. I can say that with conviction because we used to witness his love for the Lord very frequently. Every morning, before my father went to office, he would go for a morning walk. After a shower, he would sit in meditation in the Puja/prayer room, facing the river Ganges which flowed below our house (it was on a hill). During this meditation (which lasted for an hour or so) we could see Daddy in blissful ecstasy. Very often, we could see his face would be gleaming, with tears flowing down his cheeks. I have this indelible image of him, forever etched in my memory, and my siblings will corroborate this fact. He sat on a deer skin which was spread on a takhat, (hard settee) he wore a dhote (a cotton wrap) and his chest was bare. At this time no matter the Chairman of the company called, my Dad was unavailable. Soon enough people knew, and they did not disturb him at that time. That is the power, God bestows on his true devotees! As soon as he was done, he would get ready in his suit in a flash, have his breakfast of fresh cheese, juice, almonds, porridge and then his chauffeur would drive him to his office.

There are other instances of his divinity, which I promise, I will write about later on. For now, it is sufficient to say, that my family was blessed to see his devotion to God, with their own eyes. Hence, my urge to you today, is, to have that kind of passion for God that my father had, and then we will have Ram Rajya. JAI HO!