Q.Do anarthas disappear when one surrenders?
A.When saranagati (surrender) is taken properly then there is no more anartha. Bhakti Devi and Bhagawan are non-different. In Bhagavan’s internal potency, Bhakti Devi revels and there is no question that Anartha will remain in Her presence. However even in Her presence many times anarthas may still exist; if the devotee is offensive. If one has not surrendered fully at the time of Deeksha, to the Guru from the heart; such an approach can create offenses against the Holy Name and Guru. Anarthas existing because of this offense may take a while to go away. Such a disciple has to undergo an arduous process of anartha nivritti by continuously taking instructions from the Guru and will have to take pains to perform different types of activities under the instruction of Guru. A person commits offense when he thinks internally that one is independent in material matters and also keeps the Guru for “special” consultation only. One needs to understand that one’s dependence on Sri Guru is 100% after Deeksha. If one plans and thinks oneself as free; it results in improper surrender and will not yield the desired results of Bhakti.
Q.Is the adau sraddha etc verse for people who have not surrendered to Sri Guru with all heart?
A.Yes of course. In uttama bhakti; there is complete surrender and oneness with guru even at the emotional and spiritual levels. Thus there can be no anartha straight on when one is in complete tune with Srila Gurudeva.
Q.If surrender is there, does it mean there will be no anarthas whatsoever; just like one step?
A.Yes; One simple step.
Q.If people do not surrender completely during Deeksha then is the process of adau sraddha etc which is described in Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu work for them?
A.People who do not have a natural liking for Bhakti have to go through the steps of adau sraddha etc by cultivation and taking up special practices as indicated by Srila Gurudeva. When one has sufficiently developed a mentality of understanding the heart of Srila Gurudeva, one will naturally be eligible to be accepted by Bhagawan and only after attaining such a qualification through Bhakti practices can one get relieved from Anarthas. Attaining Bhakti Bhava and being freed of anarthas is a simultaneous process. The Ego and the body are the two walls that separate Bhagawan and us. When we attempt to surrender to Srila Gurudeva we are enabling the breaking of these walls which are impossible to break without assistance of Srila Gurudeva. Unlike other margas, the path of pure devotion does not have room for anarthas.
Q.How can one become free from material desires? Should we desire something spiritual?
A.The way is to first desire something spiritual and lofty. One then pours one’s mind and consciousness into achieving it. It follows therefore that desires for material objects will lose their grip on the mind. The more one hankers for spiritual items; the more easily the material samskaras will ebb away from the mind. It can help wash away material samskaras accumulated over millions of life-times. Thus one should have steadfast attachment to spiritual things. One has to put full effort in un-clutching the mind from objects not favouring Bhakti and hinging the mind instead on spiritual objectives. One should not give enough time to the mind to languish on material subjects. We need to learn the discipline of redirecting the mind towards Prayojana or the ultimate objective every time it slips away. Only by this desire are the deep-rooted anarthas washed away. The meaning of Deeksha mantra is simply begging for such inspiration. Such a sincere practice on the part of the aspirant will draw the mercy of Sri Bhagawan. If the effort is there; the mercy is also there. Mercy actually means inspiration to reach the goal at any cost.
Charan Pahari 