Maagh Shukla Panchmi, Shanniwar, Vikram Samvat 2068
Pertaining to the Need to Keep a "Shikha"
If after seventy years of age (in old age) due to loss of hair, if one cannot keep a "shikha" then one can make a "shikha" with whatever remaining hair from the surrounding area and perform one's daily routine work. If no hair remains, then keep a "shikha" of "Kusha" hair and perform your daily work, but never be without a "shikha" –
Akhil Bharatiya Pandit Mahaparishad (Varanasi) has enumerated various benefits of keeping a "shikhaa"
1. By keeping a "shikha" and duly following the conventions man gains wisdom, good thoughts, etc.
2. By keeping a "shikha" the inner powers continue to be strengthened.
3. By keeping a "shikha" man becomes righteous "dharmic", pure (sattvic) and abstinent (samyami).
4. By keeping a "shikha", man attains success in accomplishing both worldly and spiritual work.
5. By keeping a "shikha" man is able to properly do Pranayama, Ashtaangyog and various kriyas.
6. By keeping a "shikha" all "devatas protect the man.
7. By keeping a "shikha" man's eye-sight is protected.
8. By keeping a "shikha" man's remains healthy, sturdy, energetic, and has a long life.
Question - We are embarrassed to keep a "shikha" (choti), how to get rid of this embarrassment?
Answer - It is a surprising thing that while lying and cheating in business you are not embarrassed or ashamed; in abortion and other sinful acts you are not ashamed; in stealing, treachery, etc. you are not humiliated; but in keeping a "choti" you feel ashamed! Is your embarrassment proper, or is listening to words of God and Saints and making them happy proper? If you keep a "choti" then initially you may be embarrassed, but later on it will be O.K.
Question - Seeing the "choti" people laugh, how to be saved from such acts?
Answer - People may laugh, they may call you crazy, then bare it, but do not give up on "Dharma". Your "Dharma:" will go with you, laughter, fun and jokes will not go with you. Do not be afraid of other's laughter. Initially they may laugh, but later on they will have reverence for you, that he is firm on his Dharma. There was a loving gentleman named Shankaranand. He was very educated and learned. He told me that he had gone to Germany for his studies. He said he wore his "dhoti" over there. On seeing his attire, the people initially laughed at him, but later on they respected him, recognizing him as an honest man, a truly righteous man. Therefore fearlessly and boldly fulfil your Dharma, what is there to fear in this, tell me?
There is a story. There was a man whose nose was cut off due to some reason. His associates asked him what happened, and he said that between the two eyes the nose was coming in the way of being able to behold Brahma. If there was no nose in-between, then when the two eyes mean one can visibly and evidentially behold Brahma. On hearing this, his associates also cut off their nose. When they could not have a vision of Brahma, then he said, that it was not due to cutting my nose that I had a vision of Brahma. His associates said - "be quiet now, do not make a commotion! If someone asks you then tell them that you are seeing Brahma" Slowly and surely the word spread and others started cutting off their nose. Many cut of their noses but did not have a vision of Brahma. Now when any one with a nose would come, they all used to laugh at him, saying look him with a nose ! Similarly, the ones who have had their "choti" cut off, are laughing at the ones with "choti". Therefore do not pay attention to their laughter, one must follow their "dharma".
Na jaatu kaamaann bhayaann lobhaad
Dharma tyajejjeevitasyaapi hetoh |
Nityo dharmah sukhadukhe tvanitye
Jeevo nityo heturasya tvanityah ||
(Mahabharat swargaa. 5/63)
Out of desires, fear, greed, or even to save one's life, one must never give up their Dharma. Dharma is imperishable and pleasure and pain are perishable. Similarly "jeevatma" is imperishable and the cause for its bondage (attraction) is perishable."
Narayana ! Narayana !! Narayana !!!
From "Shikhaa Dhaaran ki Aavashyaktaa" in Hindi by Swami Ramsukhdasj
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If in doubt regarding the translation, please read the original Hindi message by Swamiji.
FOR MESSAGE IN HINDI PLEASE VISIT Date : 23rd January, 2012 "SIKHAA DHAARAN KI AAVASHYAKTAA KE SAMBANDHIT"
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