What is Brahamasambandh? (also referred to as Nivedan Mantra or ...
What is Brahamasambandh? (also referred to as Nivedan Mantra or ...
What is Brahamasambandh? (also referred to as Nivedan Mantra or ...
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<strong>What</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>Braham<strong>as</strong>ambandh</strong>? (<strong>also</strong> <strong>referred</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>as</strong> <strong>Nivedan</strong> <strong>Mantra</strong> <strong>or</strong>Gadhya <strong>Mantra</strong>)Brahama means the supreme L<strong>or</strong>d Shree Kr<strong>is</strong>hna andSambandh means establ<strong>is</strong>hing relationship / attachment with the L<strong>or</strong>dHence in simple w<strong>or</strong>ds <strong>to</strong> establ<strong>is</strong>h your relationship with the L<strong>or</strong>d <strong>is</strong><strong>Braham<strong>as</strong>ambandh</strong>Brahm<strong>as</strong>ambandh <strong>is</strong> a ‘diksha' / methodology f<strong>or</strong> attainment of the L<strong>or</strong>dBrahm<strong>as</strong>ambandh <strong>is</strong> the entry of a jiva in<strong>to</strong> PushtimargSimply put by taking brahm<strong>as</strong>ambandh a jiva (person) becomesattached <strong>to</strong> prabhu.The essence of th<strong>is</strong> <strong>Mantra</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>to</strong>tal surrender <strong>to</strong>‘L<strong>or</strong>d’The first brahm<strong>as</strong>ambandh w<strong>as</strong> given by Shri Vallabhacaryaji <strong>to</strong> ShriDamodard<strong>as</strong>ji Harsani m<strong>or</strong>e than 500 years ago.There are two Mantr<strong>as</strong> in Pusti SampradaySHARAN MANTRA - (Ashtakshar <strong>Mantra</strong> - Nnaam <strong>Mantra</strong>) andBRAHAMA SAMBANDH – (Gadhya <strong>Mantra</strong> - Atma <strong>Nivedan</strong>)
<strong>What</strong> <strong>is</strong> Naam <strong>Mantra</strong> / Saran <strong>Mantra</strong>?Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>Mantra</strong> h<strong>as</strong> been gifted <strong>to</strong> us by Shree MahaprabhujiTh<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> the first step in the Pusti Sampraday and Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>Mantra</strong> can be given <strong>to</strong> a newly b<strong>or</strong>n infant from <strong>as</strong> young <strong>as</strong> 40daysThe initiation process f<strong>or</strong> both the Mantr<strong>as</strong> can only be given by a Guruwho <strong>is</strong> Shree Vallabhacharya’s descendantThe Guru wh<strong>is</strong>pers three times the ‘Ashtakshar <strong>Mantra</strong>’ i.e. ShreeKr<strong>is</strong>hna Saranam Mama puts the Tulsi Kanthi around our neck and th<strong>is</strong>entitles us <strong>to</strong> become Pustimargaya Va<strong>is</strong>hnavTh<strong>is</strong> Ashtakshar <strong>Mantra</strong> should be chanted every day <strong>to</strong> helpexperience the L<strong>or</strong>dHaving taken Naam <strong>Mantra</strong> we are able <strong>to</strong> carry out seven of theBHAKTIS: Savaran , Kirtan, Smaran, Padsevan, Archan,Vandan andD<strong>as</strong>sayaWithout the L<strong>or</strong>d’s Saranagatti the cycle of life and death will carry on.L<strong>or</strong>d Shree Kr<strong>is</strong>hna explains <strong>to</strong> Arjun in the Bhagvat Gita that <strong>to</strong> breakout of Maya you need <strong>to</strong> take refuge in the L<strong>or</strong>dShree Gusiaji paramdayal h<strong>as</strong> gifted us the meaning of Shree Krushn<strong>as</strong>aranam mama and the benefit of chanting th<strong>is</strong> <strong>Mantra</strong>Shree grants you family and wealthKru will rid you of the sinsshna will detach you from Adhibhautik, Adhiyatmik and Adhidavik qualitiessa will rid you of the pain of life and deathr will gift you with the knowledge how <strong>to</strong> get close <strong>to</strong> godan will gift you f<strong>or</strong> ever <strong>to</strong> have faith in godm <strong>is</strong> <strong>to</strong> gain faith in the guru who guides you in th<strong>is</strong> path of grace2 nd m opens the do<strong>or</strong>s <strong>to</strong> real<strong>is</strong>ation in the L<strong>or</strong>d so the cycle of birth and death<strong>is</strong> brokenTh<strong>is</strong> meaning <strong>is</strong> of infinite value <strong>to</strong> us all and w<strong>or</strong>th mem<strong>or</strong><strong>is</strong>ingShree Gusaji further explains who so ever will chant th<strong>is</strong> <strong>Mantra</strong> will attainpeace and happiness and <strong>is</strong> blessed <strong>to</strong> Gaulokdham
The Brahm<strong>as</strong>ambandh <strong>Mantra</strong> <strong>is</strong> not man made ……..First let’s go back in<strong>to</strong> h<strong>is</strong><strong>to</strong>ry….Shree Mahaprabhuji’s pragatya w<strong>as</strong> <strong>as</strong> you know in Champaran over500 years a go. Th<strong>is</strong> w<strong>as</strong> from the w<strong>is</strong>h of Shree Thak<strong>or</strong>ji and ShreeSwaminiji’s concern of all the earthly beings separated from the L<strong>or</strong>dwho have f<strong>or</strong>gotten th<strong>is</strong> and were living in unhappiness and may havesinned and the concern w<strong>as</strong> <strong>as</strong> <strong>to</strong> how will they get back <strong>to</strong> be with theL<strong>or</strong>d? It w<strong>as</strong> from th<strong>is</strong> taap / concern <strong>is</strong> the birth of ShreeMahaprabhuji. with the object of showing the path <strong>to</strong> attainment ofShree Kr<strong>is</strong>hnaShree Mahaprabhuji from a very young age of 11 years left home <strong>to</strong>accompl<strong>is</strong>h th<strong>is</strong> t<strong>as</strong>k and meets first DamodarD<strong>as</strong> Harshani. Theyreach the bank of river Jamunaji in Gokul. Whilst resting ShreeMahprabhuji w<strong>as</strong> reflecting on how he would attain h<strong>is</strong> objective ofliberating the earthly souls <strong>to</strong> be with Shree Thak<strong>or</strong>jiThere and then L<strong>or</strong>d Shree Kr<strong>is</strong>hna in the f<strong>or</strong>m of SHREEGOKULCHANDRAMJI appears and gives th<strong>is</strong> <strong>Mantra</strong> <strong>to</strong> Shri Vallabhat Thakurani Ghat in Gokul on Shraavan Sud 11 in the year 1492 AD.Shri Thakurji had prom<strong>is</strong>ed <strong>to</strong> Shri Vallabh - "To who ever you <strong>or</strong> yourdescendants give th<strong>is</strong> diksha, I'll consider him/her <strong>as</strong> my own and sowill not look at the faults of that jiva". and that the soul who dedicateshimself <strong>to</strong> me will start a new beginning in life and the L<strong>or</strong>d will absolvetheir sins of the p<strong>as</strong>t and will never abandon that soulAs <strong>is</strong> the practice Shree Mahaprabhuji weaves out of 365 pieces ofSutar (special type of string) and col<strong>or</strong>s it <strong>or</strong>ange and presents th<strong>is</strong>along with M<strong>is</strong>hribhog on th<strong>is</strong> day of Sharavan sudh ekad<strong>as</strong>hi. We refer<strong>to</strong> th<strong>is</strong> auspicious day <strong>as</strong> PAVITRA AKADASHI
Now at th<strong>is</strong> moment (when DamodarD<strong>as</strong> Harshani w<strong>as</strong> present(SHREE GOKULCHANDRAMJI appears and gives th<strong>is</strong> <strong>Mantra</strong> <strong>to</strong> ShriVallabh at Thakurani Ghat in Gokul) and so Shree Mahaprabhuji <strong>as</strong>ksDamodarD<strong>as</strong> Harshani, did you understand what w<strong>as</strong> being said?.Two imp<strong>or</strong>tant learning points in our path of Grace1. DamodarD<strong>as</strong> Harshani being a true D<strong>as</strong> said I did hear but I did notunderstand anything. Herein lies the highest level of respect <strong>to</strong> theGuru Shree MahaPrabhuji. DamodarD<strong>as</strong> Harshani maintains h<strong>is</strong>position <strong>as</strong> a true student with no desire <strong>to</strong> show off <strong>or</strong> be consideredspecial <strong>to</strong> have witnessed a great moment.2. H<strong>is</strong> sole objective w<strong>as</strong> <strong>to</strong> serve h<strong>is</strong> m<strong>as</strong>ter. Another instance th<strong>is</strong>reminds me <strong>is</strong> when Shree Thak<strong>or</strong>ji with h<strong>is</strong> latakmatak and with theno<strong>is</strong>e from the jajnariy<strong>as</strong> in h<strong>is</strong> lotus feet comes <strong>to</strong> Shree Mahaprabhujiwhen Shree Mahaprabhuji <strong>is</strong> sleeping. DamodarD<strong>as</strong> Harshani turnsShree Thak<strong>or</strong>ji away saying that h<strong>is</strong> m<strong>as</strong>ter <strong>is</strong> <strong>as</strong>leep and cannot bed<strong>is</strong>turbed at th<strong>is</strong> moment. Indeed Goswami balaks will remind us that it<strong>is</strong> th<strong>is</strong> D<strong>as</strong> and M<strong>as</strong>ter relationship with which we should perf<strong>or</strong>mSEVA of Shree Thak<strong>or</strong>ji!<strong>What</strong> <strong>is</strong> Bram<strong>as</strong>abandh The Brahm<strong>as</strong>ambandh mantra <strong>is</strong> a sanskrit mantra containing 84letters. As you will note from the above th<strong>is</strong> mantra <strong>is</strong> not man-made. Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>Mantra</strong> <strong>is</strong> again given only by Vallabhkul Balak The essence of th<strong>is</strong> mantra <strong>is</strong> <strong>to</strong>tal surrender <strong>to</strong> ‘L<strong>or</strong>d’ Like sparks of fire that fly away from the eternal fire we are driven awayfrom our L<strong>or</strong>d f<strong>or</strong> years <strong>to</strong>gether and aimlessly going about f<strong>or</strong>gettingthat our duty <strong>is</strong> <strong>to</strong> be with the L<strong>or</strong>d The Guru reminds us about th<strong>is</strong> duty and reunites us with the L<strong>or</strong>dThe meaning of Bram<strong>as</strong>abandh <strong>Mantra</strong> <strong>also</strong> called Gadhya <strong>Mantra</strong>.It h<strong>as</strong> been ages, I (the individual soul) have been separated from youShree Kr<strong>is</strong>hna (Brahma – The supreme L<strong>or</strong>d)I do not experience the pains of separation, but I want <strong>to</strong> join you.So I surrender <strong>to</strong> you (samarpan) my body,senses,soul,intellect andtheir activitie, my family and my belongings.Th<strong>is</strong> surrender <strong>to</strong> the L<strong>or</strong>d by the initiation by the guru <strong>is</strong> the essence ofthe Bram<strong>as</strong>abandh <strong>Mantra</strong>
The difference between the two Mantr<strong>as</strong>Ashtakshar <strong>Mantra</strong>Brahm<strong>as</strong>ambandh <strong>Mantra</strong>It can be recited at any time of the dayand anywhereIt can be recited in theipresence of the l<strong>or</strong>dThere <strong>is</strong> no need <strong>to</strong> follow ‘Apr<strong>as</strong>’ <strong>to</strong>It h<strong>as</strong> <strong>to</strong> be recited in Apr<strong>as</strong>recite th<strong>is</strong> <strong>Mantra</strong>You are accepting the L<strong>or</strong>d’s feet SharanHere, you <strong>to</strong>tally surrenderyourself, your family and yourbelongings <strong>to</strong> the L<strong>or</strong>d(samarpan)It h<strong>as</strong> 8 lettersIt h<strong>as</strong> 84 letters, l<strong>as</strong>t 5 lettersare called Panchakshar<strong>Mantra</strong>
<strong>What</strong> should one do after the dikshaSome b<strong>as</strong>ic things <strong>to</strong> follow :Always wear two Tulsi Kanth<strong>is</strong>. The re<strong>as</strong>on f<strong>or</strong> wearing two Kanthi<strong>is</strong> that we take both Mantr<strong>as</strong>: Nam and Nivaden ManntraNever part with the kanthi Alternately, we can <strong>also</strong> wear achandi/sona kanthi Once you have had Brahm<strong>as</strong>ambandh <strong>Mantra</strong>Kanthi <strong>is</strong> Shree Thak<strong>or</strong>ji’s swaropDo paath like yamun<strong>as</strong>htakam, navratna, etc. and do a mala of'Shri Kr<strong>is</strong>hna Sharanam mama' mantra daily after taking bath.Make it a habit of giving atle<strong>as</strong>t 5-10 mins. <strong>to</strong> prabhu-smaranduring the whole dayV<strong>is</strong>it gurughar during auspicious days <strong>or</strong> days which holdimp<strong>or</strong>tance <strong>to</strong> you. Make it a point <strong>to</strong> compuls<strong>or</strong>ily do dandvat <strong>to</strong>guru on Shraavan Sud 12 (Pavitra Baar<strong>as</strong>)The Necessity <strong>to</strong> take the dikshaTh<strong>is</strong> diksha <strong>is</strong> necessary if the va<strong>is</strong>hnav wants <strong>to</strong> do Jhari-Charanspr<strong>as</strong>h <strong>or</strong> any other activity like sewa in Pushtimarg. ShreeMahaprabhuji explains when your mind and sould <strong>is</strong> one with god <strong>is</strong>Seva. Th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> the level of seva that the Vrajbhak<strong>to</strong>s experiencedand if we can imagine with what love Vrajbhak<strong>to</strong>s did seva then we<strong>also</strong> can be gifted with the same level of sevaThere are many who believe that there <strong>is</strong> no need <strong>to</strong> take thediksha if one <strong>is</strong> b<strong>or</strong>n in a va<strong>is</strong>hnav family, th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> not true. Each andevery jiva h<strong>as</strong> <strong>to</strong> independently do samarpan <strong>to</strong> prabhu in thepresence of Shri Vallabh and tulsijiChildren of a va<strong>is</strong>hnav family should compuls<strong>or</strong>ily be given thediksha <strong>as</strong> it can be helpful in c<strong>as</strong>e of emergency related <strong>to</strong> sewaMany va<strong>is</strong>hnavs believe that Brahm<strong>as</strong>ambandh should be givenonly <strong>to</strong> those who are willing <strong>to</strong> do sewa, th<strong>is</strong> <strong>is</strong> <strong>also</strong> not a practicalapproach <strong>as</strong> the w<strong>is</strong>h <strong>to</strong> do sewa may ar<strong>is</strong>e at a later part in one'slife.Conclusion and <strong>to</strong> end with a question: <strong>What</strong> <strong>is</strong> the purpose of lifeBrahmsabandh answers f<strong>or</strong> many the question of the purpose of Life.Why take <strong>Braham<strong>as</strong>ambandh</strong>?In <strong>or</strong>der <strong>to</strong> perf<strong>or</strong>m Seva of Shree Thak<strong>or</strong>ji with the objective ofattaining the purpose of life which <strong>is</strong> <strong>to</strong> be with and at the lotus feet ofShree Thak<strong>or</strong>ji
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