Guru Datta!!

[Guest guest]

Dear Datta Lovers,

 

Truth is universal and the quest for

 

truth is eternal

 

 

 

You are The Imperishable condensed form of divinity,

 

You are The Inexplicable supreme Being to be realised,

 

You are The Impregnable Guardian of The Eternal Dhama,

 

You are The Indestructible Ancient purusha.

 

O ! Lord Dattatreya, The Kalpataru of Devotes:-

 

Indescribable is your Transcendence,

 

Infinite are your Excellence,

 

Inscrutable are your leelas,

 

Immortal is your Name

 

Inexhaustible is your Glory.

 

Shower on all, your benedictions, The

 

Ambrosia of love and compassion.

 

" Lord Dattatreya declared that " Just like I gave

Myself and became the adopted child of sage Atri and Anasuya,

similarly, I give Myself to all those devotees who give themselves

unto Me " . In other words, to those who became My adopted children, I

became their adopted child " .

 

Lord Sri Dattatreya is the incarnation of the Three

Murthies of the Holy Trinity known as Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara,

whose Avatar is for the specific purpose of teaching that God Himself

is the Guru and Guru is God. He is the Guru of all Gurus, an

ever-living Master, Present even now and all times to come, whose

perennial message is universal. He is one of the Great primordial

symbolizations of The One Supreme Holy Truth and Reality and The

ultimate manifestation of God-head, appearing to humanity in a

Tripartite Form, a Divine Trinity, The Being with Three Faces,

representing creation, Sustenance and Withdrawal.

 

lord datta the master of masters

 

We get glimpses of the idea of Trinity in Rigveda, the

oldest document of the World, where in, various TRIADS also were

indicated. The universe is classified into Three domains: The Earth,

The Air (atmosphere) and The Heavens and this TRIAD found favour with

Rig Vedic Poets in their literary works. Coming to the Upanishadic

concept of the Trinity : Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswar, the function and

significance of the Three aspect of Parabrahman : The Absolute as :

Creation- Preservation and destruction is glorified that are not

rigorously distinct or different but invisibly co-related to each

other in perfect co-ordination.

 

Avadhuta Gita contains the wisdom of Lord Dattatreya and

its essence as well as the message is " There is only the Great Self

and all the Creation is nothing but The Self and absolute freedom is

the nature of the ultimate Truth " .

 

" God is the real self in Me, I am That

 

He is the Self of all beings,I am That

 

All Pervading like the Sky, I am That

 

Spotless Pure Consciousness, I am That " .

 

Avadhuta Gita,Cha-1,Canto-6

 

There are two kinds of approach to Divinity. One is called the Saguna

approach which means God is worshipped with Form and the devotee

meditates on Him as Father-Mother God, while Praying and attaining to

Him for favour and protection. While sincerely practising such

devotion to God with FORM for a long time, one gradually begin to feel

that the LORD is in his heart, in his great self within and grow in to

NIRGUNA worship, which means meditation on the Formless, Attributeless

Principle of the Truth. Lord Dattatreya teaches this philosophy of

FORMLESS- TRUTH, which is followed and revered by the great Masters of

the World who meditate on the Self:-

 

" Featureless and Attributeless is the nature of Truth,

 

Everlasting,Invincible and Pure is the Form of Truth,

 

Formless,Nameless, Absolute existence is the essence of Truth

 

All Prevading,Bliss absolute is the Power of Truth.

 

Avadhuta Gita-Chap-1-Can-20

 

 

 

 

 

lord datta the master of masters

 

Lord Dattatreya is the Avadhuta of highest degree, who is

beyond all disciplines and formalities and teaches the highest

teaching of freedom, not only from Desires and Karma but also from

sectariansim, fanaticism, superstitions and formalities i.e this path

is good and that Path is bad etc. and the basic reality that all this

is God and everything is God is the " Great Self " in every one of Us.

 

" Never you had birth,never you had death,you are the

Eternal Self

 

Body you have not, body you are not, you are The Shining Self

 

Scriptures declare the truth with all voices, All this is Brahman

 

Upanishadas and Vedas declare this All is Paramatman " .

 

Avadhuta Gita,Chap-1,Can-27

 

Though Avadhuta naturally implies renunciation, it

includes an additional and yet higher state, which is neither

attachment nor detachment but beyond both. He seeks nothing, avoids

nothing He has neither knowledge nor ignorance. Having realised that,

He is the Infinite Self, He lives in that vivid realisation.

 

" Remove all attachments and delight in your blissful Self

 

Do not wonder about deluded, O:devilish mind,dwell in the

Self,

 

Self is limitless,Self is peaceful; State of the Self is

equipoise,

 

Be happy,rid of the attachment,enjoying the supreme Peace.

 

Avadhuta Gita,Chap-1,Can-18

 

In our concept and perception,we see the world,

Predominantly with the characteristic of multiplicity, but on deep

reflection, it soon vanishes and the character of unity, reveals

itself out of its true functioning. The World of multiplicity and the

World of Unity do not revels its true functioning. The World of

multiplicity and the World of Unity do not exist separately. The

relationship of the two orders of the World is just the relation that

subsists between Appearance and Reality. They are only the two

possibilities in the World, depending upon the mental outlook of the

Observer.

 

People who see in the World, only multiplicity, do not

rise above the common view of things. To see unity in multiplicity

needs a sublime vision that leads tonecessary illumination. To see

unity in diversity for which Philosophically we put it: " diversity is

bondage and unity is liberation " .

 

Lord Sri Datta who combines in One, all the three aspects

of God-head speaks:

 

" Delusion created by Maya, causes distinction between

 

duality and non-duality

 

The entire Universe appears to me as one uninterrupted

entity To My eyes there is but

one flow of consciousness without break

maintaining

equality

To one who has attained equanimity, there is nothing

 

but Unity in Diversity "

 

Avadhuta Gita,Chap-1,Can-18

 

 

 

All faiths of the World are harmonised in Datta

Philosophy: Karmayoga, Bhaktiyoga, Rajayayoga and Gnanayoga- all these

four spiritual disciplines are wholesomely and harmoniously blended

and integrated in HIS Philosophy. All religions of the World declare

that the Absolute Spirit has projected this Universe of it's Own will.

This WILL to create is Brahma, the Power that sustain's is Vishnu and

the Principle of dissolution is Maheswara. The Absolute in which these

Three Divine Principles interact with each other at all levels,

resulting in the emergence of Power of nature that work-together as

the Cosmic Yagna of Creation. Hence the Vedas recognise the essence of

everything as the Absolute and the Form as a manifestation of

interaction of Brahma-Vishnu Maheswar. Any subsequent phenomenon that

threatens to defeat the purpose and mechanism of creation, evokes a

response from All The Three to see it right and the resultant

manifestation on the human plane is the Avatar of The Three Principles

as Lord Dattatreya, the light of all Lights who ever continues to

fulfil the perennial need of enlightenment.

 

" Before the Creation I am, the Eternal Truth,

 

Creation

emerged out of Me; I am omnipresent

 

I am free from the clouds of Maya, I am wisdom light and

omniscient

 

I am the nectar of Knowledge, the essence of every thing

 

and

limitless as space, Truth marvellous.

 

I am Self effulgent and Self luminous,I am the Light of

all the Lights " .

 

Avadhuta Gita,Chap-111,Can-3

 

Dattatreya Avatar unlike others does not withdraw from

phenomenal existence but persists in One Form or the other as a

Realised Soul, invariably as an Abhadhuta. Lord Krishna speaks of such

Abhadhuta to His disciple Uddhava in the Bhagavata and illustrates

Rishabha and Jada Bharat. It is in this spirit that Bhagabata says,

that the Supreme Lord appear in the form of Abhadhuta as He cannot be

perceived by ordinary People and only sages could recognise Him in

dhyana. Among saints generally we come across two categories: SIDDHAS

and GNANNIS. Siddhas are distinguished by their incredible Power over

natural phenomenon, but most of them retain the source of duality so

as to be able to do so. Gnannis ever abide in the state of non-duality

and hardly manifest any Power over nature. Very rarely we come across

Saints in whom Siddhi and Gnana are perfectly harmonized that is

revealed in the manifestation of Dattatreya The Born Avadhuta.

 

" I see only the Universal Spirit, for the

matter and spirit

 

 

are one and the same

 

Like water mixed with water is water all the

time,

 

Matter is Energy,Energy is Consciousness,

 

 

Consciousness is Self divine

 

Realizing thus, I see the " Oneness " with the

eye of Illumination " .

 

Avadhuta Gita,Chap-1,Can-51

 

The Avatar of Sri Dattatreya is intended for the welfare

of all creatures and as this mission has to be carried out as long as

creation exists, He does not lay-out HIS body and leave for the

heavenly realm but goes on wondering from place to place for imparting

wisdom with the sole purpose to lead the Jeeva for Self-Realisation.

He is the divine embodiment of compassion neither incomprehensible nor

inaccessible WHO synthesises The Three schools: dwaita, adwaita,

vishistaadwaita and also tenants of MAYABADA, Parinamabada, child

vilsasabada and is the Inner Soul of all known cults and moods of

worship, ever concerned for all the creatures in the Universe.

 

" I am the Father, I have no father, I am the

Mother, I have no mother, I am the Family, I have no family

 

Everything belongs to me; I belong to no race, I have no Creed nor

 

Colour- I am beyond simile,

 

I have no birth, I have no death and I am beyond emotions and delusion

 

By nature I am blissful and ever free; I am the Supreme Brahman "

 

Avadhuta Gita-Chap-IV,Can-21

 

Lord Dattatreya is a unique manifestation of the Lord

Almighty, whose mission is both Universal and Eternal, deeply

committed as He is to dispel ignorance from the minds of the entire

human race. To fulfil this promise, He assumes the form of Samartha

Sadguru of all religions, a process continuing till the end of the world.

 

" I am neither in-comprehensible nor inaccessible to all for

 

I am every

where

 

I am neither invisible nor unattainable by a true devotee,

 

the moment

they invoke, I am there

 

I am neither far nor near nor difficult of apprehension

 

to the

devotee's sight

 

I am Brahman, the nectar of wisdom, the essence of

everything and

 

limitless

as space, shinig Bright " .

 

Avadhuta Gita-Chap-III,Can-8

 

I am the Formless Brahman, not an object of worship,

 

nor am I a worshipper.

 

I am the Formless Brahman, I need no instruction

 

nor any ritual- for I am the instructed

and Inspirer.

 

There are no words to explain the nature of Absolute

consciousness,

which is My real nature.

 

By nature I am blissful and ever free,

 

realise this truth through the

spiritual culture.

 

 

Avaduta Gita-Chap-IV-8

 

 

 

Boundless as the sky, eternal All-pervading I am,

 

My nature is knowledge, truth and peace,

 

immortal Atman I am,

 

I need no instruction, reasoning or meditation,

I

am beyond Time and Space,

I

see Myself with direct perception.

 

 

Avaduta Gita-Chap-I-58

 

Self-effulgent Brahman shines forever even though

 

it is devoid of life and matter,

 

This everlasting principle exists forever, even though

 

it has no origin, seed or creator.

 

This luminious self is resplendent with glory,

 

even though it is neither free nor bound.

 

I am that Brahman, the nectar of wisdom, the

 

essence of everything and boundless as space;

 

I am the " OM " Sound

 

Avaduta Gita-Chap-III-31

 

Like All-pervading space, I am The Atman

 

alone exist every where,

 

How can I say, standing separate from My real nature,

 

that Atman is blissful or not blissful here ?

 

When " I am That " how can I say that you attain it

 

by wisdom or realisation ?

 

I am Brahman, the nectar of wisdom, the essence of

 

everything and boundless as space;

 

meditate on this affirmation.

Avaduta Gita-Chap-lll-43

 

Avadhuta Proclaims this truth by absorbing

 

in Infinite Bliss,

 

Avadhuta sang spontaneously after experiencing

 

this Oneness.

 

How to compose a song on Brahman where

 

intellect can never reach at all ?

 

Realize that you are that Atman, weep not

 

anymore, O Mind! You are Truth Eternal.

Avaduta Gita-Chap-V-Can-32

 

Once again I reveal my nature! listen! O friend I

 

I am free from doubt and confusion,

 

Let me Proclaim the truth to you, O, brother! I am

 

Eternal Truth, I am the immortal Brahman,

 

By nature I am blissful and ever free

 

All the Devas salute At My Lotus Feet.

Avaduta Gita-Chap-IV-Can-23

 

I am the light of all lights, so the duality of light

 

and Darkness bother Me not,

 

I am everywhere and everything, so the feeling of

 

inside and outside worries Me not,

 

I am above unity and variety, I am filled with

 

equanimity and serenity,

 

By nature I am blissful and ever free from

 

Duality, I am covered all over by

 

the sea of Tranquality

Avaduta Gita-Chap-IV-Can-4

 

I am the fire of wisdom that consume all the

 

sinful karma of the sinless Atman,

 

I am the fire of wisdom that burns all the features

 

of the featureless Brahman,

 

I am the fire of wisdom that consumes all the

 

bondages of the free Atman, *

 

I am Brahman, the nectar of wisdom, the essence

 

of everything and boundless as space,

 

I am Paramatan.

Avaduta Gita-Chap-lll-Can-10

 

Avaduta Gita contains all this true wisdom. One who spoke this wisdom

is Lord Dattatreya, the greatest Avaduta, who always roams about

teaching the life of perfect freedom. Wherever this Gita is read and

heard with devotion, Lord Dattatreya's presence is felt and people

attain HIS divine grace.

 

" The Absolute is not liberated from bondage and obstruction. The

Absolute is not Purified, cleansed, and released. The Absolute is not

liberated by Union or separation. I am indeed, the Free one, like the

Sky " .

Lord Sri Dattatreva

 

The principal tenets of Dattatreya cult are:-

 

1. Everyone should know himself first, should know his own

reality which is but

God.

 

2. One should know the relationship between Man, god and

Creation- the

underlying kinship, unity and oneness of these three Entities. The

truth is:-: All beings in their essence, are Brahman. Brahman is the

immanent and all pervading reality in all. It is the origin, the

support and sustenance of all.

 

3. To attain to a vision, to be able to discern the truth of

things, one should

sublimitate one's ego through renunciation and Yoga. Ego vanquished,

one becomes God Himself. He will then cognise the non-dual self as the

only Reality.

 

4. To attain the Supreme state, Guru's grace is indispensable.

One has to

surrender oneself totally and unreservedly at the Feet of the Guru.

Guru's grace holds before the individual the " Mirror of Gnana " in

which he can cognise the Reality, the Brahman, that is the Self of All.

 

Srimad Bahagabat Purana mentions Dattatreya as the Sixth of the Twenty

Four Avatars of Lord Vishnu. Dattatreya's philosophy has been

described in Abhadhutaponishad, Dattatreyoponishad, Sandilyoponishad,

Bhikuopanishad and Jabala Darshanoponishada. Sri Narada hasextrolled

Sri Dattatreya's teachings in his Bhaktisutra. The Concept of Abadhuta

of Sri Gorakhnath and others of Natha Sampradaya is similar to the

description of Dattatreya in Markandeya Purana.

 

Dattatreya the God of Gods, Ancient,Auspicious, the Lord of the

universe, the Advadhuta, All pervading, The Store-house of Yoga and

Knowledge, the Preceptor of the World, Dearest to Yogis, Merciful to

Devotees, Worshipped by Siddhas, Redeemer of sins and Bestower of

Liberation is unique as God-Guru who symbolise the idea of Unity in

diversity and is the living and moving Brahman, continues to carryout

His Avataric Role for dispensing the Darkness, and Unearthing the

secrets of the Soul, Bliss of Perception with the sole motive to

inspire the Mankind for realising Salvation.

 

GOVIND GIRI from Datta Akhara