Bhajan evening in the Strilky Ashram
The bhajan of the caged bird reflects the soul's entrapment in karmas and qualities. A bird confined in a cave endures great suffering, crying out with pain no one comprehends. This symbolizes the soul still bound. Pain is part of life, yet one day abiding in Sat Chit Ananda is certain. The bird, placed in a cage, lives a life no longer its own. Observers see beauty, but the existence is harsh. Never confine a creature; compassion means letting it remain free. The bhajan conveys unbearable suffering. How to open the cage? Humans are similarly caged, dispersed everywhere yet believing themselves at ease. Preoccupation with money and possessions conceals the inner cage. The bird, if free, would stand in a tree, questioning its placement by God. Another bhajan speaks of a girl locked in a cage for countless lifetimes, seeking her beloved husband. Without shame, she lived as a child unable to walk, unable to find the beloved. Eventually, she found the divine beloved and dissolved into the immortal, unborn one. Through bhajan, liberation is attained.
"The bird is held within, and its life is no longer its own."
"We too are inside a cage. What is that cage?"
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Up next
Bhajan singing from Jadan
Archive 20230421 16 Edited
Musical recording.
Yuga Yuga Jivo Maheshwarananda
Archive 20240706 19 Edited
Musical recording.
Sataguru rakho laj hamari
A devotee pleads for the Satguru's protection and honor. The Guru's power is described as encompassing mighty forces while maintaining perfect stillness. The plea references a devotee seeking refuge, ultimately leaving other companionship. The speaker appeals for mercy, acknowledging it is now their turn for grace. Instructions are given for writing specific praises. A final verse invokes divine names and forms.
"You have encompassed the water and the elephant, and the water remained still."
"O Satguru, preserve my honor."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
Repeat the name of Gurudev
The human birth is a rare and urgent opportunity. The scriptures and all aspects of existence point to a single imperative. The sole necessity is to fix the mind upon the Guru's name. This precious human form is exceedingly difficult to obtain again. One must become truly human in this very moment. By being steadfast in this practice, the vision of the true Self is attained. Do not waste this fleeting chance.
"Oh lamp of qualities, Hari, fix your mind on the Guru’s name. This opportunity will not come again; be human."
"This is the totality of knowledge: to be human."
Filming location: Vienna, Austria
