Bhaktachintamani Prakaran 22

Everyone gather and listen, and then hear what Dharmadev thought about next.

From the time of the Lord's birth, the eighth year had now passed.

The father's heart could not contain his joy at the thought of giving his son the sacred thread. Astrologers from many lands, learned brahmins, were called for.

Worshipping with flowers and fruit, Dharmadev spoke lovingly: "Find an auspicious day to give this son the sacred thread."

Having examined the horoscope, the astrologers said: "This eighth year is uniquely blessed. On the tenth day of the bright half of Magh, there is an auspicious, joyous moment."

Then the mother and father were pleased, and resolved firmly on this. Many kinds of equipment and arrangements were called for, nothing was left wanting.

Invitations were then written and sent village to village, with everyone's names listed. Houses were beautifully decorated, adorned with wonderful and lovely paintings.

Banana-stalk pillars were planted at the doorways, and festoons and welcoming toran arches were tied above the doors. Fragrant aloewood and sandalwood were sprinkled about, so that the place shone like VaikunthVaikunthThe dhãm of Vishnu, and Rãm Bhagvãn.Tap to open in glossary → itself.

Pavilions were erected and courtyards filled; the people of the town were struck with wonder at the sight. Lamps, glass lanterns, and hanging lamps were lit, rows of lights arranged one after another.

Blue, yellow, and red colors were displayed everywhere - the beauty could not be described. With great enthusiasm the preparations went forward, hearts full of eagerness to give the sacred thread.

Then all those who had been invited arrived on the ninth day. They came in chariots, carts, and wagons, and some arrived riding on horses.

Children, youths, elders, men and women - all came, their love increasing. Their hearts were set on both the feast and the sacred-thread ceremony, eager to behold HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary →.

Each brought gifts and offerings befitting the occasion, and the maternal relatives (mosalu) arrived in numbers bearing many gifts. Many other devotees of HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary → also came, to have the darshandarshanSeeing. To see with admiration and devotion. To see Bhagvãn, a sat-purush, and murtis, with inner or outer vision, with the intention of receiving their grace and blessings. By doing darshan properly a bhakta develops affection for Bhagvãn, and Bhagvãn develops affection for that bhakta. [Sãrangpur – 2].Tap to open in glossary → of righteous HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary →.

They were given lodging and were well received and cared for. Then with love they were fed a feast of all manner of delicious foods - things to be licked, sucked, chewed, and eaten.

Vegetables, sweets, and fine fried cakes were served; the old, the young, and the little children all ate. Then the tenth day arrived, and learned brahmins accomplished in the Vedas were invited.

Family priests, well versed in the Sama Veda, of great conduct and self-realization, were present, along with the town's Puranics, learned in the Vedas and scriptures.

At the auspicious hour and moment, all gathered to give the Lord the sacred thread. Countless auspicious instruments played, and many women sangsangCompany. Association. (pronounced sung)Tap to open in glossary → songs of blessing.

First three cows were given there in charity; GaneshGaneshThe dev known as the remover of obstacles. He is the son of Shiv and Pãrvati, and has the body of a human, and the head of an elephant. His pujã is performed before any religious ceremony or auspicious occasion. Also called Ganpati and Vignavinãyak. Ganesh writes the charitras of Bhagvãn.Tap to open in glossary → and the family deity were worshipped and established. A sacred fire was set up on the altar, and offerings of gheegheeThis is clarified butter or pure butter that is formed by heating it until the impurities in it settle to the bottom.Tap to open in glossary → were made into it.

Then the rites of the Sama Veda were performed, with the priest guiding the ceremony beside him. First the boy was given a ceremonial bath and fed, then his head was shaved and he was bathed again.

Dharmadev had the purification rites performed, and the loincloth was given and worn. Then Dharmadev, with great love, gave him the sacred thread and placed it over his left shoulder.

Then the guruguruA teacher. He will guide you on the path of kalyãn.Tap to open in glossary → instructed him with counsel: "Wander the earth as a celibate student (brahmachari)." Then Dharmadev gave his own instruction: "Perform the Vaishvadev rite properly.

Perform the three daily prayers (sandhya) purely; eat only five morsels, restraining hunger. Do not sleep carelessly during the day; keep love and devotion in service to your guruguruA teacher. He will guide you on the path of kalyãn.Tap to open in glossary →."

Then the boy said, "True, all true," and hearing this, his mother and maternal relatives were pleased. Then Dharmadev gave him the Gayatri mantramantra1) A repeated word or phrase. 2) A sacred verbal phrase repeated in prayer, or meditation, such as ‘Swãminãrãyan’. Wicked people use mantras to cast evil curses.Tap to open in glossary →, to be recited without ceasing.

Instruments played once more there, and the assembled women sangsangCompany. Association. (pronounced sung)Tap to open in glossary → songs. The brahmins chanted the sound of the Vedas, fulfilling the heartfelt wish of all.

Gifts were exchanged with one another, and Dharmadev gave abundant offerings (dakshina). The brahmins and singers were made happy, given wealth, cloth, and many gifts.

The beggars cried out "Victory, victory!" again and again, and everyone said, "Blessed, blessed." Then the guruguruA teacher. He will guide you on the path of kalyãn.Tap to open in glossary → gave into his hand a palasha-wood staff, to be held always.

A girdle-cord of munj grass was tied on him, and a deerskin was placed on his shoulder. New garments were given to cover his body, with which the loincloth was concealed.

Then the guruguruA teacher. He will guide you on the path of kalyãn.Tap to open in glossary → again explained the essence of what had earlier been taught. He said, "O sinless one, hold the guruguruA teacher. He will guide you on the path of kalyãn.Tap to open in glossary →'s words in your lotus-eyed heart.

Never give way to anger at any time; never utter falsehood from your mouth. Avoid the eight forms of contact with women; it is not good to listen to worldly gossip.

Do not listen to dance, drum-beats, or musical rhythms, nor to sensuous songs. Give up fragrant oils and desire; do not rub and wash your feet for pleasure, blessed one.

Never sit on a high seat before your guruguruA teacher. He will guide you on the path of kalyãn.Tap to open in glossary →, not even by mistake. Do not brush your teeth for adornment, do not dress your hair for show, and never at any time write letters or figures on the ground.

Do not cut your hair except at the proper time; always give up honey and meat. Do not ride a bull; do not look at your own face in a mirror.

Do not slander or wrong anyone; wear sandals on your feet when walking. In deed, thought, and word, never commit violence at any time.

Even for the sake of liberation, do not take your own life - hear this well. Never keep bad company, for it breaks one's own dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →.

Nothing gives happiness equal to dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →, so remain within your own dharmadharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →. Never eat directly off the bare ground or from a bronze vessel out of one's own whim.

Give up catechu, lime, betel leaf and betel roll; stay far from gambling. Give up ganja, bhangbhangAn intoxicating drink produced from cannabis leaves.Tap to open in glossary →, opium, tobacco, and all such intoxicants.

Never speak ill of gods, holy places, brahmins, cows, sadhus, chaste women, or true scriptures; and if another does so, do not lend it your ear.

Further, hear, O HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary →, the most sacred conduct of a brahmachari: the loincloth, the munj girdle, the staff, the water-pot, and the sacred thread,

the deerskin and the begging bowl - these must never be abandoned, as they have been named. Bathing, the daily prayers, recitation, the fire offering, studying and teaching others -

worship of gods and ancestors and such rites - these are the duties of a brahmachari. Worship KrishnaKrishna1) An avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a cowherd. This is considered to be a greater avatãr than the others, as Shree Krishna possessed all of the powers of Bhagvãn, whereas other avatãrs possessed less power. Shree Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Also, He recited the epic poem, the Bhagvad Geetã, to Arjun in which He stated: ‘Whenever dharma declines and adharma increases, I shall incarnate myself as a human to save the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish dharma. I come into being from yug to yug’. 2) In the Vachanãmrut, Shreeji Mahãrãj also uses the name “Shree Krishna” to describe Bhagvãn Purushottam Nãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → with love, through the ninefold devotion, day and night."

When Dharmadev had said this, KrishnaKrishna1) An avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in the svarup of a cowherd. This is considered to be a greater avatãr than the others, as Shree Krishna possessed all of the powers of Bhagvãn, whereas other avatãrs possessed less power. Shree Krishna conveyed the message of love and humanity to the world. Also, He recited the epic poem, the Bhagvad Geetã, to Arjun in which He stated: ‘Whenever dharma declines and adharma increases, I shall incarnate myself as a human to save the holy, to destroy the sin of the sinner, and to establish dharma. I come into being from yug to yug’. 2) In the Vachanãmrut, Shreeji Mahãrãj also uses the name “Shree Krishna” to describe Bhagvãn Purushottam Nãrãyan.Tap to open in glossary → replied, "True, entirely true." Then, having circled the sacred fire, HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary → went back to his mother.

He went and begged alms from his mother, and she gave gladly with great joy. Another chaste woman present also gave alms, and he accepted that offering too.

Having begged the alms, he placed them before his guruguruA teacher. He will guide you on the path of kalyãn.Tap to open in glossary →, and by his permission ate them with devotion. Then, for the purpose of going to Kashi to study, the guruguruA teacher. He will guide you on the path of kalyãn.Tap to open in glossary → gave him the full set of ascetic's equipment -

the staff, the water pot, the deerskin, a broad garland of tulsitulsi1) Basil. Variety of plant in the mint family, native to warm regions. Its aromatic leaves have inherent healing qualities and also is often used as seasoning. Used as a fragrant offering to Bhagvãn. The wood of the plant is also used in the making beads for mãlãs and kanthis. 2) Bhagvãn made a pati-vratã named Vrundã break her pati-vratã vow. So, she cursed Bhagvãn and turned Him into shãligrãm (stone), and He in turn cursedTap to open in glossary → beads, and a girdle. Then his mother gave him provisions for the journey, sweets and treats packed together.

Wearing a yellow upper garment and a turban on his head, a fine sandalwood staff on his shoulder, the brahmachari set out with his provisions tied up, prepared to go to Kashi to study.

He left the house and the village behind, resolved not to turn back. He walked on with calm resolve, having renounced attachment to family.

His maternal uncle ran after him along the way but could not catch up, and called out, crying: "Turn back, turn back, O honored one, to care for your mother and father!"

Then HariHariAn avatãr of Bhagvãn. He incarnated in His four-armed svarup to save an elephant from being killed by a crocodile. He cut off the crocodile’s head with His chakra.Tap to open in glossary → considered this deeply: "My mother and Dharmadev will become sorrowful. So for now I shall turn back, and later, watching for the right time, I shall depart."

So he turned and came back to his own home, and Ghanshyam satsat1) True. Real. 2) Permanent, imperishable and unchanging. Is unbound by the past, the present, and the future.Tap to open in glossary → among the brahmins. Wherever the Lord satsat1) True. Real. 2) Permanent, imperishable and unchanging. Is unbound by the past, the present, and the future.Tap to open in glossary → among the assembly of brahmins, that place shone gloriously, like a king among the twice-born.

The rite of the sacred thread was thus completed, and all the relatives were pleased. Their hearts were filled with great joy, and they gave gifts, being well satisfied.

Gold ornaments and fine garments were given, and many gifts of vehicles besides. The servants who had come there were also honored reverently by Dharmadev.

Then BhaktiBhaktiDevotion to Bhagvãn. One of the four attributes of ekãntik dharma. There are nine types of bhakti:Tap to open in glossary →, being pleased, honored her own disciples fittingly. Afterward all were served a feast, with fine cooking and excellent dishes.

Then, being content, all returned to their own homes, both men and women. Afterward the father taught him the Sama Veda together with its meaning.

He learned the scriptures along with their meaning, and became learned, a knower of Brahman. He was so discerning in his learning that none could match him in debate.

Thus in the Bhaktachintamani, composed by Nishkulanand MuniMuniSãdhu.Tap to open in glossary →, disciple of Shri Sahajanand Swami, the establisher of the exclusive path of devotion (Ekantik DharmaDharma1) Universal law or principle that 'sustains' or 'upholds' the entire world. Righteousness, morality, religion,Tap to open in glossary →), ends the twenty-second chapter, named "The Festival of the Sacred Thread."