Slokam -3

Sri Bhattadri points out that the one major disease of this existence is attachment.  Being freed off this attachment, one reaches the liberated state of the feet of the Paramathma.  Notice always that traditionally we have referred to “the feet of the Lord”,  never the hands or heart or head of the Paramathma.  This is indicative of being eternally subservient to the Paramathma and an unwavering mark of respect.

Eternal evolution to higher states is the only desire.  Evolution is guided by a superior force and resolve on that part of the devotee.  The guidance of the superior being can in many regards be partaken only if there is respect. 

As the Paramathma Himself says in the Bhagavath Gita, He is in everyone’s heart, but no one is within Him.

We will return to this later.

Evolution and attachment to worldly objects do not go together.  Bondage is a binder.  That is why when we are evolving to higher planes and worlds, where none of these objects of the senses are going to be available, we cannot afford to carry these likes and desires along with us.  Any attachment will prevent evolution.

Liberation is liberation from bondage. Bondage is attachment through desire.

Sri Bhattadri points out that the Paramathma has enabled emancipated beings to completely transcend attachments and bondages.

A fundamental characteristic of our minds is the tendency to take ownership of objects and people.  We assume responsibility.  We develop likes and dislikes.  We associate objects with pleasure and with pain, which are perceived by the mind through the senses.

Pleasure, victory, riches, create temporary happiness.  The happiness fades, so we want to renew it by wanting, more wins, more riches, more pleasure. Greed works to multiply the need.  The need is perpetuated because pleasure is not permanent. An unbreakable bond of attachment is developed towards objects of pleasure.  This enhances the Rajasic Guna which needs to take ownership of the world in order to take perpetual possession of the objects of pleasure.

Pleasure is an illusion because it is transient.  Seeking pleasure is to live in an illusory world.

Spiritually speaking, reality is that which is permanent.

To attain permanence at the feet of the Paramathma, all attachments must be dropped.

Let us pray for guidance from the Paramathma in our resolve to drop all worldly attachments