The Greatness of Bali and Prahlada

Embodiments of love,

In this phenomenal world, physical relationships like parents, brothers, sisters, wife and children are natural. But in the spiritual context, man should develop relations which are permanent, sacred and transcendental.

One's true relations are Sathyam (Truth) as mother, Jnanam (wisdom) as father, Dharma (Righteousness) as brother, Dayaa (compassion) as friend, Saanthi (Peace) as wife and Kshamaa (Forgiveness) as son. The physical relations are temporary and bound to pass away. But the six great virtues are the true imperishable relations.

The foremost duty of everyone is to make love of God flow towards all in creation. Every man lives not for his own sake but to render service to society. To forget concern for the body is the way to realize self-satisfaction. Of what use is human birth if you do not manifest unsullied love towards all beings?" (Telugu poem).

Oneness With God

Man performs a variety of spiritual exercises to achieve self realization and the bliss of oneness with the Divine. These include the nine forms of devotion. In these forms of worship God is regarded as mother, father, friend or master. The highest form of worship is to regard God and the individual as one. "You are I and I am you". This attitude frees man from bondage.

Human beings are different in form and name. Oneness amongst them can be achieved only by a feeling of oneness in thought, by a recognition that the whole cosmos is permeated by the Divine.

God is the cause, the world is the effect. In this marvelous universe, why is man unable to recognise his true nature? Divinity is present in every atom of the cosmos. You have to realize that you are that Divinity.

This truth was declared by Prahalada long ago. Emperor Bali, whose return to the earth for one day in a year is celebrated today in the Onam festival, was the grandson of Prahalada. Bali belonged to a line of great renunciants. His father, Virochana was also known for his spirit of sacrifice. He regarded the welfare of his people as his own well-being.

Mr. Wellington (who had spoken earlier) said that service to humanity is service to God. This principle was observed by Virochana. Emperor Bali also followed the same rule.

Experiencing God

Once several persons gathered round Buddha and asked him to teach them something about God as he had been pursuing the spiritual path for a long time. The Buddha remained silent. No one is competent to engage in discussions about God. God is in "yes" and in "No", He is in Dharma and Adharma, in Truth and untruth. How can you have an argument over one who is Omnipresent? It is a waste of time . God is the very embodiment of Dharma, of Truth and of Ahimsa (non-violence). Hence, Vedanta exhorted mankind: Speak the truth, follow Righteousness.

Some persons gathered round Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and asked him: "Sir! Have you seen God?" Ramakrishna had a hearty laugh. He said: Yes! I have seen God as I am seeing you. All are forms of God. However, your vision is different. You look at all persons as human beings. But all that you see is Divine. Why are you failing to see the Divine? You cry about your wife, your children, your wealth and your position. Have you ever cried for God in the same way? No. When you cry for God intensely, God will appear before you". Once you renounce your bad qualities you will experience God.

Vamana and Bali

When the Lord as Vamana, was approaching Emperor Bali's yaga, the Emperor received him reverentially and asked him what he wanted. He said: "I want three feet of ground measured by my feet". Bali said: "Why came all the way to ask for just three feet of ground?" Vamana declared: "That is all I want". The Emperor's preceptor, Sukracharya warned the Emperor against making the gift, as the seeker was no ordinary person. But the Emperor firmly declared that there is no greater sin than going back on one's promise. He kept his word.

Emperor Bali stands forth as the great upholder of the plighted word. That is the reason why the people of Kerala worship him to this day and celebrate the festival of Onam in his memory.

What is it that is adored today? It is Truth. Without truth nothing has any value. Without the values of Truth, Righteousness, Peace and Love, all education and other attainments are useless. (Telugu Poem).

Love is the supreme value. It is not mundane love, but Divine love that is precious. That Divine love encompasses every other form of attachment to friends and others. Cultivate the enduring friendship of God.

Emperor Bali was prepared to offer everything, including himself, to God. That is his greatness. It is not the gift of mere three feet of land. He offered himself to the Lord. "I am offering all that is mine, my family and wealth, and myself, keeping nothing for myself. Save me, Oh Lord, who has sought refuge in you". (Sanskrit Sloka) "The heart which you gave to me, I am offering to you, what else can I offer at your Lotus Feet?" (Telugu Poem). This is the spirit in which Bali surrendered to the Lord.

Prahalada's Gift

Many students do not know the full story of Prahalada (grandfather of Bali). If you have to name anyone for his highest character, it is Prahalada alone.

Once, Indra conquered Prahalada and enjoyed Swarga. Later Prahalada overcame Indra and deprived him of Swarga (the realm of the Gods). Indra was forlorn and sought the advice of his high-priest for winning back his kingdom. The priest told him that Prahalada was performing a great yaga called Viswajit" and Indra should assume the form of a Brahmin and seek a gift from Prahalada. Prahalada will give whatever one seeks from him. Indra went to Prahalada in the guise of a poor Brahmin. Prahalada welcomed him and asked him what he wanted. As advised earlier by his high-priest, he asked Prahalada to offer him Prahalada's "Seelam" (character). Prahalada enquired of the Brahmin of what use was his character to the seeker. The Brahmin replied that there was no need to go into all that. He had expressed what he wanted in response to Prahalada's offer to give whatever anyone asked at the Viswajit sacrifice. "Are you prepared to give or not?". Prahalada immediately gave what the Brahmin asked with due ceremony.

Within a few minutes, an effulgent flame emerged from Prahalada. Seeing the effulgent form, he asked: "Who are you?" The effulgent figure prostrated before Prahalada and said: "I am your character. Hitherto I was in you. I fostered your name and fame. Now you have given me away as a gift. Hence I am leaving you."

When Character is Lost

When "character" left Prahalada, shortly thereafter another beautiful effulgent form issued forth from Prahalada. Prahalada asked him: "Who are you, oh King?" The radiant figure replied. "Prahalada! I am your Reputation (Keerthi). When Character has left you, I have no place within you. Hitherto I was the servant of Character. When Character has left you, I have to follow suit."

Prahalada was puzzled. Then came another beautiful radiant female form from Prahalada. Prahalada respectfully asked her: "Mother! Who are you?" "Prahalada! After the departure of Character and Reputation, I, namely, Rajyalakshmi, (the Goddess of royal prosperity) have no place within you". Indra, who had come in the form of a Brahmin, took all the three with him.

That very moment, Prahalada lost his kingdom. You can see from this how one's fame and prosperity are dependent on one's character. Character is a supremely Divine quality. Hence God is described as having six great attributes including Righteousness, infinite wealth, boundless prosperity, indescribable fame and unfathomable wisdom.

Prahalada was the embodiment of character. After Indra had taken away his character from Prahalada, the latter got married and had a son by name Virochana.

You may realize from this episode what importance is attached to character in the spiritual process. This character should be offered only to God and none else. God is utterly selfless and therefore offering your character to God will mean no loss to you.

(Bhagavan said that in the relationship between the devotee and God, no other relationship should be allowed to prevail. Bali ignored the warning of his preceptor in carrying out his promise to Vamana. Bharatha condemned his mother's action which resulted in his separation from Rama. Prahalada did not submit to his father when it was a question of his devotion to Narayana. Mira did not allow her husband's conduct to came in the way of her devotion to Krishna.)

Do Not Give Up God

Whatever may happen you should not give up God. God is the only unfailing protector. (Swami related the story of Abhimanyu and how he obtained his mother's blessings before going into battle at a time when Arjuna was away and Krishna was not available for advice. But her blessings were of no avail when God's strength was not available. Abhimanyu died in the battle valiantly like a hero.)

All forms of strength, physical, material, manpower, etc..., are of no use without Divine strength on your side. Divine support and Righteousness (Dharma) are the two things essential for success. Whatever spiritual exercise one may practise, one should concentrate on achieving union with the Divine as the primary aim.

[Bhagavan concluded His discourse with the bhajan: "Bhajana Binaa Sukha Santhi Nahi