Slokam 5

Hiranyakashipu,  although overwhelmed by the form of Sri Narasimha, does not back down or run away.  He typifies the attribute of the asura within us.  They fight to the end, simply because they have no home other than in the same residence of our dharmic quality.  The asuric quality can only survive as long as it is in a state of perpetual conflict with our dharmic quality.  No matter how strong our dharmic quality is,  the asuric quality will always lurk within and draw strength from the dharmic attribute within us.

This is the way the Corona virus works.  As with all viruses,  when it is on its own,  the Corona virus is not even alive.  It comes into being only when it is lodged in our lungs. It then starts to play havoc.

Likewise an Asura such as Hiranyakashipu diplays his real asuric qualities when there are dharmic people around that can be dominated and exploited. Otherwise, the asura has no motivation or purpose of his own.

A dharmic person,  however has the higher objective of evolution and once set on this path,  he is a sel sustaining being and does not have any use or dependence on others to sustain him on this path. 

This is why the asura nature always attempts to disrupt the spiritual aspect within us.

In many ways,  our dharmic resolve strengthens in the process of resisting these attempted “invasions”.  A lot of times, it succumbs and has to start all over again,  like sage Viswamitra   succumbs to the temptation of Urvashi,  because she is able to stimulate the asura quality that was dormant within him.

May we be always be aware that the asura within us cannot be subdued without invoking the Paramathma’s help.

Hiranyakashipu decides that “this must be Vishnu….I will kill him now”.  We would think that when the supreme displays Himself in such a majestic and fearful form as Narasimha,  the beholder would be overwhelmed into submission and surrender.

Not so Hiranyakshipu.  He instinctively believes in his own unlimited capabilities…….after all he thinks he has obtained a boon of indestructibility.  There was never any doubt in his mind that the Paramathma existed,  because his brother’s death happened directly at the hands of Mahavishnu.   It is just that Hiranyakashipu thought that the Paramathma was in hiding because He was scared of Hiranyakashipu’s capability and indestructibility.

Lets compare Hiranyakashipu’s demonic disposition to our inner self.  Like Hiranyakashipu,  all of us are told by our ego that we are the supreme being.  That we have no equal.  Like Hiranyakshipu,  we do not see the Paramathma around us, although He is everywhere.  We think we are the overlord of all that we see and perceive.  Like Hiranyakashipu,  we think we can take on this world on our own without any help from above.  Like Hiranyakashipu, we are not willing to bow down and surrender to the Paramathma,  even when life overwhelms us with its events that are way beyond our ability to influence. 

Unlike Hiranyakaship, we don’t believe that we are indestructible. So however much our ego may energize and propel us into action,  we refrain and back off for self preservation.

Except for this one difference,  our level of ego, ignorance and false bravado are very much akin to that of Hiranyakashipu.  

He first attacks the Paramathma with his mace.  Once that is destroyed,  he manages to free himself from the hold of the Paramathma, and again attacks Him with a sword and shield.  This display of high level of strength and energy is the physical power unleashed by the ego, for it’s self preservation.  This energy is what propels our physical sustenance.  Equally importantly, it encourages competition, which in turn enables evolution and attainment of perfection in our chosen line of business/profession.  That is why the ego is necessary.  But it’s function must be understood and it should never be allowed to take control of us.  In Hiranyakashipu, his ego has complete control over all his faculties.

The slokam correctly points out that it is indeed a wonder that Hiranyakashipu’s belief in his own invincibility enables him to engage the supreme almighty in a physical battle.  We, in our own way, often take the same path as Hiranyakashipu and carry on a constant battle with the Paramathma,  which invariably lands us in big trouble. 

We,  with our inability to take control of our inner forces,  allow our ego to act as a barrier to complete acceptance and surrender.