Slokam 2

Ambarisha was always in thought of the Paramathma.  He devoted his every breath to the Paramathma. All his actions were dedicated to the Paramathma.  Keeping up this devotion in the face of the challenges of everyday life is not an easy accomplishment.  The daily challenges are the test of our devotion.

If we can, by our dedication to the Paramathma,  apply and live by the principles enunciated in the scriptures, then we would be endowed with the protection of the Paramathma,  without even asking for it. 

The dedication to the Paramathma cannot be a pretention.  Life’s events will fully test the authenticity of the intent behind our actions.  If we fail the test by succumbing to worldly temptations, there will be no recourse except to be again subject to the tests of life.  Each time we succumb,  the tests in the future will be much harder.  The hurdles of life are the cleansing process for the Jivatma to attain purity and liberation from life in the kali yugam.

The slokam reiterates this point. Ambarisha is said to be protected by the Sudharshana Chakra,  with a thousand edges.  Ambarisha,  with his pure intent, does not request any endowment or protection.  These are granted by the Paramathma Himself. 

This message in the slokam is a key assertion, that all of us have to note.  The Paramathma is completely aware of the condition and requirements of each one of us.  There is no need to appeal to Him to resolve our difficulties.  There is a certain task assigned to us. If we follow the guidance of the Paramathma in discharging our karma,  and our intent behind our actions is selfless,  then we do not need to do anything else.  The effort to discharge our karma with no desire or attachment, particularly in an adverse situation or environment is not by any means an easy task.  The tests that we have to take to clear the hurdles are extraordinary.  

In facing upto to the challenges of life without deviating from the dharmic path,  our inner self is purified to perfection. The hurdles and challenges that this life imposes on us are a direct reflection of the extent of inner progress that we make.  The more spiritual advancement that we accomplish,  our lives will also be suitably adjusted to lower the pitfalls in our daily lives.  This is the Paramathma’s self adjusting system that will make our lives fully protected from hazards.  This is the impact of the Sudharshana Chakra,  that is always with the devotees of the Paramathma. 

If we are able to maintain our devotion to the Paramathma in good times and in bad times,  then the test is passed.   But if we relate the success and failure of everyday life to the level of devotion,  that means our dedication to the Paramathma is not absolute. 

The test of life is a very tough one.  Most of us need very many attempts (re-births) to even get close to passing grade.  Yet the test involves only one step to be taken. That one step is complete surrender. If we withdraw from life like the sages,  the problems that we have to endure are much less.  But to take sanyasam and maintain/sustain that state with no support, is a huge challenge in Kaliyugam. Only sanyasis attached to the established ashrams can practice spiritualism full time.

The sanyasis of yester years were supported by the King and the people followed himin extending the support. 

However. In modern times, the King has been replaced by the government.  It is only the direct support of the people that sustains the ashrams.  This support can be wavering and uncertain,  depending on many conditional elements. 

We need the protection of the Paramathma at all times in our effort to attain the higher state of life.

May we tread the path of life with only the best of intent,  complete detachment,  in resistance of worldly temptations (by keeping them in the right perspective),  and above all,  with selflessness.