Vedic Philosophy: Great Sacrifice Assembly

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Questions and Answers

The great sages performed a great sacrifice named ______.

Satra

The three predominating deities of this world are Lord ______, Lord Viṣṇu, and Lord Śiva.

Brahmā

The great sage ______ was deputed to test the three deities.

Bhṛgu

Bhṛgu Muni visited his father in ______.

<p>Brahmaloka</p> Signup and view all the answers

The qualities of goodness, passion, and ______ are the three material qualities controlled by the deities.

<p>ignorance</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bhṛgu Muni purposely did not offer respects to Lord ______.

<p>Brahmā</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lord Brahmā showed signs of anger at Bhṛgu's ______.

<p>impudence</p> Signup and view all the answers

After testing Lord Brahmā, Bhṛgu Muni went to ______, where Lord Śiva resides.

<p>Mount Kailāsa</p> Signup and view all the answers

A king should not occupy the exalted post if he is ______ and self-interested.

<p>greedy</p> Signup and view all the answers

A king lacking the qualifications of a royal personality is referred to as a ______-bandhu.

<p>kṣatra</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a brāhmaṇa has no proper qualifications, he is known as a ______-bandhu.

<p>brahma</p> Signup and view all the answers

The brāhmaṇa accused the king of having disqualifications, leading him to believe that the baby was ______.

<p>dead</p> Signup and view all the answers

A king whose only business is ______ cannot be respected or worshiped.

<p>envy</p> Signup and view all the answers

In modern politics, the post of monarch has been ______.

<p>abolished</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Age of Kali is characterized by leaders who are elected but fail to provide comfort for the ______.

<p>citizens</p> Signup and view all the answers

The brāhmaṇa stated that citizens under bad leadership would always remain ______ and anxious.

<p>unhappy</p> Signup and view all the answers

Devotees are described as _______ in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.

<p>nipuṇa-buddhayaḥ</p> Signup and view all the answers

Those in the mode of ignorance are called _______.

<p>Rākṣasas</p> Signup and view all the answers

The class of people in the mode of goodness are referred to as _______.

<p>suras</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hearing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is conducive to _______.

<p>liberation</p> Signup and view all the answers

The brāhmaṇa's second child also died at ______.

<p>birth</p> Signup and view all the answers

One who becomes fixed in loving devotional service to _______ will find relief from the cycle of material life.

<p>Viṣṇu</p> Signup and view all the answers

Arjuna became inquisitive and approached the ______.

<p>brāhmaṇa</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Padma Purāṇa, those who equate demigods with Lord Viṣṇu are considered _______.

<p>atheists</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sūta Gosvāmī confirms that hearing the words of Śukadeva Gosvāmī leads to the right _______.

<p>conclusion</p> Signup and view all the answers

Arjuna indicated that kṣatriyas should not be ______ comfortably.

<p>sitting</p> Signup and view all the answers

The sages who gathered by the river Sarasvatī sought to determine who is the supreme _______.

<p>deity</p> Signup and view all the answers

Brāhmaṇas engage in ______ activities.

<p>spiritual</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the brāhmaṇas feel unwanted separation from their ______ and children, it is concerning.

<p>wives</p> Signup and view all the answers

Such kṣatriyas are to be considered no more than ______ players.

<p>stage</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the king cannot give ______ to the head of the social structure, he is considered a bluffer.

<p>protection</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lord Kṛṣṇa is also present, but He also could not give them ______.

<p>protection</p> Signup and view all the answers

The brāhmaṇa felt that Arjuna's promise was like that of an inexperienced ______.

<p>child</p> Signup and view all the answers

Arjuna carries the bow known as ______.

<p>Gāṇḍīva</p> Signup and view all the answers

Arjuna assured the brāhmaṇa that he would bring back his sons even if he had to fight with ______ personified.

<p>death</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lord Śiva gave Arjuna the weapon known as ______ after being satisfied by his prowess.

<p>Pāśupata</p> Signup and view all the answers

To encourage the brāhmaṇa, Arjuna spoke as if criticizing his friend ______.

<p>Kṛṣṇa</p> Signup and view all the answers

The goddess of fortune, ______, has not been very favorably disposed toward the brāhmaṇas.

<p>Lakṣmī</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bhṛgu Muni’s kicking the chest of Lord ______ was considered a great offense.

<p>Viṣṇu</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lord Viṣṇu initially expressed regret for not receiving Bhṛgu Muni properly, calling it a great ______.

<p>offense</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lord Viṣṇu asked Bhṛgu Muni to purify the ______ planet where He lives.

<p>Vaikuṇṭha</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lord Viṣṇu referred to Bhṛgu Muni’s feet as being very soft, like a ______ flower.

<p>lotus</p> Signup and view all the answers

Another name for Lakṣmī is ______, indicating that she does not stay in one place for a long time.

<p>Cañcalā</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lord Viṣṇu began to ______ the feet of Bhṛgu Muni to relieve the pain he may have felt.

<p>massage</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the material world, Lakṣmī is known to be ______, while in the Vaikuṇṭha planets she eternally resides.

<p>Cañcalā</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Śiva

The three main deities of the material world, representing goodness, passion, and ignorance.

Satra Assembly

An assembly of great sages who performed a sacrifice called Satra.

Gunas

The quality of goodness, passion, or ignorance.

Bhṛgu Muni

The son of Lord Brahmā, who was sent to test the three deities.

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Controlling Passion

The ability to control one's emotions, especially anger.

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Offering Respects

The act of showing respect to a father or spiritual master.

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Mount Kailāsa

The abode of Lord Śiva.

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Impudence

The act of purposely neglecting to offer respects to someone.

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Passion

The quality of being controlled by anger.

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Lakṣmī

The goddess of fortune, believed to be fickle and unpredictable, responsible for material wealth and prosperity.

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Offering Obeisances

The act of showing respect or reverence to a spiritual master or deity.

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Magnanimity

The ability to endure or forgive offenses with grace, showing magnanimity and kindness.

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Purify

The ability to purify a place or object through the touch of one's feet, often attributed to spiritual beings.

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Greatest Fortune

A state of great happiness or fortune, especially when experienced due to the presence of someone special.

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Vaikuṇṭha

A celestial abode where Lord Viṣṇu resides with his associates.

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Kali-yuga

The name of the time period in which we currently live, characterized by decline in morality and spiritual values.

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Nipuṇa-buddhayaḥ

A person who is free from attachment and hatred, maintaining calmness and not being swayed by passion or ignorance. This describes a devotee's state of mind.

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Modes of Material Nature

The three modes of nature, representing goodness, passion, and ignorance, which influence human behavior and consciousness.

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Rākṣasas

Those who are in the mode of ignorance, often characterized by cruelty and a lack of understanding.

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Hearing Srimad-Bhagavatam

The process of hearing and understanding the teachings of Srimad-Bhagavatam, it is believed to be a pathway towards liberation.

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Devotional Service to Vishnu

The act of dedicating oneself to the service of Lord Vishnu, considered the ultimate path to liberation.

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Liberation from the Material World

A state of liberation from the cycle of birth and death, transcending material existence.

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Gāṇḍīva

Arjuna's famous bow, gifted by Lord Śiva, symbolizing his strength and valor.

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Pāśupata

Arjuna's powerful weapon given by Lord Shiva, a symbol of divine power and destruction.

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Arjuna's Bold Claim

Arjuna's response to the brāhmaṇa's doubt, emphasizing his skills and prowess, even comparing himself to Lord Shiva.

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Facing Death

Arjuna's statement that highlights his determination to bring back the brāhmaṇa's sons even if it means facing death itself.

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The Brāhmaṇa's Doubt

The brāhmaṇa's initial doubt about Arjuna's ability to fulfill his promise.

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What is a "lubdha" ruler?

A ruler who is solely driven by self-interest and greed, typically using their power for personal gain rather than the welfare of the people.

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What is a "kṣatra-bandhu"?

A person born into a royal family but lacking the essential qualities and virtues of a true king, such as compassion, justice, and responsibility.

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What is a "brahma-bandhu"?

A person born into a family of Brahmins but lacking the essential qualities and virtues of a true Brahmin, such as wisdom, spirituality, and knowledge.

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How is someone's true identity determined?

The idea that a person's true position or rank is not determined by their birth but by their actions, qualities, and achievements.

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What was the role of the "Brahmanical Consulting Board"?

A council of wise Brahmins who advised and could even dethrone a king who was irresponsible or unfit to rule.

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What is a king who indulges in envy and harmful actions?

A king who neglects his duties, focusing on harmful activities like hunting animals and punishing citizens instead of protecting them.

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What is the importance of the monarch's position in Vedic society?

In the Vedic system, the king's position required a high level of responsibility to protect the welfare of his people and uphold dharma.

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What is the state of the people in the current age?

The current age (Kali Yuga) is characterized by widespread anxiety, distress, and dissatisfaction, regardless of who leads the government, suggesting a decline in moral values.

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Kṣatriya's Duty

The role of a warrior, defending citizens and ensuring their safety.

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Protecting the Brāhmaṇas

The responsibility of the warrior class to protect the spiritual practitioners, allowing them to carry out their duties.

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Rituals vs. Action

Arjuna's criticism of kings who merely perform rituals instead of actively protecting their citizens.

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Stage Player

The act of pretending to be a hero or leader without actually fulfilling the responsibilities.

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Executive Head

The position of leadership or authority, requiring responsibility and genuine action.

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Arjuna's Promise

The promise made by Arjuna to the brāhmaṇa, indicating a willingness to act and protect the innocent.

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Blazing Fire

Arjuna's willingness to face consequences for failing to fulfill his promise, highlighting his determination.

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Brāhmaṇa's Accusation

The Brāhmaṇa's accusation that even Balarāma and Kṛṣṇa couldn't protect his children, highlighting the lack of protection from the powerful.

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Study Notes

Great Sacrifice Assembly

  • An assembly of sages performed a sacrifice on the bank of the Sarasvatī River
  • Sages discussed Vedic topics and philosophy
  • The question of the supreme deity (Brahmā, Viṣṇu, or Śiva) was raised
  • Bhrgu Muni, son of Brahmā, was tasked with testing the deities

Testing Brahmā

  • Bhrgu Muni visited his father, Brahmā, in Brahmaloka
  • He intentionally ignored customary respect (obeisance and prayer)
  • Brahmā became angry, but controlled his anger due to Bhrgu's relation to him

Testing Śiva

  • Bhrgu Muni visited Lord Śiva on Mount Kailāsa
  • Bhrgu Muni refused to embrace Śiva, claiming Śiva's impurity (due to ash)
  • Śiva became angry, but his wife, Pārvatī, calmed him

Testing Viṣṇu

  • Bhrgu Muni visited Lord Viṣṇu in Śvetadvīpa
  • Bhrgu Muni intentionally kicked Lord Viṣṇu's chest, greatly offending Him
  • Viṣṇu, though offended, did not become angry, showing His greatness

Results and Conclusion

  • The sages ultimately concluded that Viṣṇu was the greatest
  • The qualities of the deities (goodness, passion, ignorance) were discussed
  • The importance and ideal traits of a devotee were explained by concluding with Viṣṇu being the most supreme

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