From a satsang by the Shankaracharya of SWAHA, Pt. Hari Prasad (December 11, 1927 – April 15, 2008)
We remember with love, respect and deep admiration, the Shankaracharya and Founder of SWAHA, Pt. Hari Prasad on his birth anniversary, December 11. He successfully created a structure to guide the practice of Hinduism through SWAHA. In particular, a structure in which the pundits are in decision-making positions for Hinduism: an independent cadre of pundits, thinkers and administrators. Enlightened ritualism, Hindu centres and international linkages are all part of his legacy. He considered strong family values as the foundation for society. Today, every male member of his family is a practising pandit in Trinidad and Tobago, the USA, Canada and India. SWAHA pays respect to its founder on the occasion of his birth anniversary. Following is one of his previous discourses:
A sage by the name of Suta is explaining to Saunak and other sages: O Sages, there are two aspects to God: the first is Niraakaar or Nirgun Brahm, the infinite form of Brahm, unseen, unknown, birthless; who no one really knows; without beginning, middle or end; neither big nor small; sinless, without delusion, independent, the Supreme Force; existing in every atom of creation. That Niraakaar, out of genuine consideration and love, created five elements which comprise this universe and our body, and the aatmaa or soul, which is a part of that Paramaatmaa, Brahm. This universe, and all its animate beings and inanimate objects, are a projection of that divine force. He is unseen, unrealised, and beyond our comprehension, but through his genuine love and consideration for us, He also has many manifestations, Sakar Brahm. That one Supreme Force, Almighty God, Ek Brahm, has many names and functions. He manifests time and again to sustain the universe, to inspire devotees and subdue evil forces.
Goswami Tulsidas defines Niraakaar Brahm in the Ramaayan: He can see without eyes. He can touch without hands. He can walk without feet. He can taste without a tongue. He can speak without a mouth. He is conscious at all times of all happenings of this universe. However, he assumes a form, Sakar Brahm, and walks upon this earth for us to emulate Him.
In return, we can give Him good conduct, love and belief in Him to the best of our ability. We must pray and offer spiritual practices. All these things are necessary: offering flowers with love, aarti, havan, and glorification, not for God’s sake but to build our own spirituality. God wants our love, belief and devotion. That God who is very kind and loving, who cares for this creation and His offspring, who created this universe, then becomes visible.
How does this happen? That Supreme Spirit is desireless and always blissful, he becomes visible to set an example for humanity to follow. Recognise and realise Him: He is Sagun, God with form. That Almighty God is conscious of all activities. He is the creator of all and He knows the actions of all; He sees everything. His forms are Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra; and He is called by endless names. Even his devotees give Him names out of genuine love, and they praise and glorify Him through these names. Those who dedicate their lives to Him achieve the supreme satisfaction: Param Shiv, Mahaa Vishnu. That Supreme Force has many functions and names: He is Shree Raam, He is Shree Krishna, He is Ganesh, Parvati, Shakti, Param Shakti, Lakshmi. All these are His Divine presentations. They are all forms of that One Brahm.
