Slokam 10

In Srimad Bhagavatham, which is a compendium of all our scriptures, with a focus on the Bhakthi Marga of devotion, a number of narratives elucidate the destruction of different forms of demons by the Paramathma to protect the Yadavas and their Children. The Slokam begins by addressing Guruvayurappan as the slayer of all demons, which are basically forces that are not conducive to the welfare of the universe. One of the demons is “Mura”. 

This is basically a Slokam that showers praise on His qualities and Attributes such as Wisdom, ability to endow prosperity, etc.

Two qualities that are mentioned and which receive specific attention are

• Detachment from everything, and
• Attitude of renunciation.

While as mere mortal human beings, there are only certain endeavors open to us to attempt to evolve to a higher state of existence.  Two of these prerequisites that everyone of us must develop and possess as permanent attributes are, Detachment and Renunciation.  Without these two qualities, earthly life will completely swallow us and we will develop an attachment that will be hard to break.  If the attachment is not cut off, the cycle of births and deaths will continue to happen and keep us locked into a state of misery.

Attachment develops from the identity “I” or Ahamkara, which the mind uses as a tool to distinguish us from everything and everyone around us.  Attachment works by making us take the responsibility for happenings, good and bad, that we have absolutely no relationship with.  So Ahamkara, although it is meant to give us an identity that is different from others, actually is also used by the mind to relate itself and form association with people and objects.  This association or relationship is essential for us to function in everyday life, and constitutes the motivation for all action. 

The Paramathma prescribes the following  solution for this problem;

• See Him and Him alone in all perceived objects and people, including family members
• Ascribe all happenings and events to Him and Him alone
• Conduct your life knowing that you are under supreme observation at all times. So do not attempt anything that is Adharmic

This way you will not take personal ownership of people, objects and events and so the deadly personal attachment will not form

In Srimad Bhagavatham, everytime the Paramathma destroys a demon, flowers are said to be showered on Him, by the Devas, indicating that His Avatar is under observation all the time.

Renunciation refers to not expecting or taking the fruits resulting from action. Action performed should always be sacrificial in nature.  This causes a selflessness to be formed within us that is so very essential to curb the growth of the negative aspect of Ahamkara, which is the EGO. If we try perform work with a view to only enjoying the fruits resulting from the action, we will be constantly swayed by feelings of disappointment and victory, both of which are transient, illusory and occur in repetitive alternate bouts and are self perpetuating.  This is the classic trap of Karma into which we fall and try all our lives to extricate from the web of Maya that enmeshes us into destruction.

The Slokam acknowledges that both these attributes are inherent in the Paramathma.

May we be endowed with the strength of character to embark, persevere  and overcome the obstacles on the path to attainment of these eminent qualities.