Text Box: LORD DATTA THE MASTER OF MASTERS  


truth is universal and the quest for

truth is eternal

 

            You are The Imperishable condensed form of divinity,

            You are The Inexplicable supreme Being to be realised,

            You are The Impregnable Guardian of The Eternal Dhama,

            You are The Indestructible Ancient purusha.

O ! Lord Dattatreya, The Kalpataru of Devotes:-

                                    Indescribable is your Transcendence,

                                    Infinite are your Excellence,

                                    Inscrutable are your leelas,

                                    Immortal is your Name

                                    Inexhaustible is your Glory.

                                    Shower on all, your benedictions, The

                                    Ambrosia of love and compassion.

                "Lord Dattatreya declared that"   Just like I gave Myself and became the  adopted child of sage Atri and Anasuya, similarly, I give Myself to all those devotees who give themselves unto Me". In other words, to those who became My adopted children, I became their adopted child".

            Lord Sri Dattatreya is the incarnation of the Three Murthies of the Holy Trinity known as Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara, whose Avatar is for the specific purpose of teaching that God Himself is the Guru and Guru is God. He is the Guru of all Gurus, an ever-living Master, Present even now and all times to come, whose perennial message is universal. He is one of the Great primordial symbolizations of The One Supreme Holy Truth and Reality and The ultimate manifestation of God-head, appearing to humanity in a Tripartite Form, a Divine Trinity, The Being with Three Faces, representing creation, Sustenance and Withdrawal.

lord datta the master of masters
 
            We get glimpses of the idea of Trinity in Rigveda, the oldest document of the World, where in, various TRIADS also were indicated. The universe is classified into Three domains: The Earth, The Air (atmosphere) and The Heavens and this TRIAD found favour with Rig Vedic Poets in their literary works. Coming to the Upanishadic concept of the Trinity : Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswar, the function and significance of the Three aspect of Parabrahman : The Absolute as : Creation- Preservation and destruction is glorified that are not rigorously distinct or different but invisibly co-related to each other in perfect co-ordination.

            Avadhuta Gita contains the wisdom of Lord Dattatreya and its essence as well as the message is " There is only the Great Self and all the Creation is nothing but The Self and absolute freedom is the nature of the ultimate Truth".

            "God is the real self in Me, I am That

He is the Self of all beings,I am That

All Pervading like the Sky, I am That

Spotless Pure Consciousness, I am That".

Avadhuta Gita,Cha-1,Canto-6

There are two kinds of approach to Divinity. One is called the Saguna approach which means God is worshipped with Form and the devotee meditates on Him as Father-Mother God, while Praying and attaining to Him for favour and protection. While sincerely practising such devotion to God with FORM for a long time, one gradually begin to feel that the LORD is in his heart, in his great self within and grow in to NIRGUNA worship, which means meditation on the Formless, Attributeless Principle of the Truth. Lord Dattatreya teaches this philosophy of FORMLESS- TRUTH, which is followed and revered by the great Masters of the World who meditate on the Self:-

            " Featureless and Attributeless is the nature of Truth,

Everlasting,Invincible and Pure is the Form of Truth,

Formless,Nameless, Absolute existence is the essence of Truth

All Prevading,Bliss absolute is the Power of Truth.

Avadhuta Gita-Chap-1-Can-20

 

 

lord datta the master of masters
 
            Lord Dattatreya is the Avadhuta of highest degree, who is beyond all disciplines and formalities and teaches the highest teaching of freedom, not only from Desires and Karma but also from sectariansim, fanaticism, superstitions and formalities i.e this path is good and that Path is bad etc. and the basic reality that all this is God and everything is God is the "Great Self" in every one of Us.

            "Never you had birth,never you had death,you are the Eternal Self

Body you have not, body you are not, you are The Shining Self

Scriptures declare the truth with all voices, All this is Brahman

Upanishadas and Vedas declare this All is Paramatman".

Avadhuta Gita,Chap-1,Can-27

            Though Avadhuta naturally implies renunciation, it includes an additional and yet higher state, which is neither attachment nor detachment but beyond both. He seeks nothing, avoids nothing He has neither knowledge nor ignorance. Having realised that, He is the Infinite Self, He lives in that vivid realisation.

            "Remove all attachments and delight in your blissful Self

            Do not wonder about deluded, O:devilish mind,dwell in the Self,

            Self is limitless,Self is peaceful; State of the Self is equipoise,

            Be happy,rid of the attachment,enjoying the supreme Peace.

Avadhuta Gita,Chap-1,Can-18

            In our concept and perception,we see the world, Predominantly with the characteristic of multiplicity, but on deep reflection, it soon vanishes and the character of unity, reveals itself out of its true functioning. The World of multiplicity and the World of Unity do not revels its true functioning. The World of multiplicity and the World of Unity do not exist separately. The relationship of the two orders of the World is just the relation that subsists between Appearance and Reality. They are only the two possibilities in the World, depending upon the mental outlook of the Observer.

            People who see in the World, only multiplicity, do not rise above the common view of things. To see unity in multiplicity needs a sublime vision that leads tonecessary illumination. To see unity in diversity for which Philosophically we put it: "diversity is bondage and unity is liberation".

            Lord Sri Datta who combines in One, all the three aspects of God-head speaks:

            "Delusion created by Maya, causes distinction between                                                                                                                         duality and non-duality

            The entire Universe appears to me as one uninterrupted entity                                      To My eyes there is but one flow of consciousness without break                                                                                         maintaining equality                                                                          To one who has attained equanimity,  there is nothing                                                                                              but Unity in Diversity"           

Avadhuta Gita,Chap-1,Can-18

 

            All faiths of the World are harmonised in Datta Philosophy: Karmayoga, Bhaktiyoga, Rajayayoga and Gnanayoga- all these four spiritual disciplines are wholesomely and harmoniously blended and integrated in HIS Philosophy. All religions of the World declare that the Absolute Spirit has projected this Universe of it's Own will. This WILL to create is Brahma, the Power that sustain's is Vishnu and the Principle of dissolution is Maheswara. The Absolute in which these Three Divine Principles interact with each other at all levels, resulting in the emergence of Power of nature that work-together as the Cosmic Yagna of Creation. Hence the Vedas recognise the essence of everything as the Absolute and the Form as a manifestation of interaction of Brahma-Vishnu Maheswar. Any subsequent phenomenon that threatens to defeat the purpose and mechanism of creation, evokes a response from All The Three to see it right and the resultant manifestation on the human plane is the Avatar of The Three Principles as Lord Dattatreya, the light of all Lights who ever continues to fulfil the perennial need of enlightenment.

            "Before the Creation I am, the Eternal Truth,

                                                            Creation emerged out of Me; I am omnipresent

            I am free from the clouds of Maya, I am wisdom light and omniscient

            I am the nectar of Knowledge, the essence of every thing

                                                            and limitless as space, Truth marvellous.

            I am Self effulgent and Self luminous,I am the Light of all the Lights".

Avadhuta Gita,Chap-111,Can-3

            Dattatreya Avatar unlike others does not withdraw from phenomenal existence but persists in One Form or the other as a Realised Soul, invariably as an Abhadhuta. Lord Krishna speaks of such Abhadhuta to His disciple Uddhava in the Bhagavata and illustrates Rishabha and Jada Bharat. It is in this spirit that Bhagabata says, that the Supreme Lord appear in the form of Abhadhuta as He cannot be perceived by ordinary People and only sages could recognise Him in dhyana. Among saints generally we come across two categories: SIDDHAS and GNANNIS. Siddhas are distinguished by their incredible Power over natural phenomenon, but most of them retain the source of duality so as to be able to do so. Gnannis ever abide in the state of non-duality and hardly manifest any Power over nature. Very rarely we come across Saints in whom Siddhi and Gnana are perfectly harmonized that is revealed in the manifestation of Dattatreya The Born Avadhuta.

                        "I see only the Universal Spirit, for the matter and spirit

                                                                        are one and the same

                        Like  water mixed with water is water all the time,

                        Matter is Energy,Energy is Consciousness,

                                                                        Consciousness is Self divine

                        Realizing thus, I see the "Oneness" with the eye of Illumination".

Avadhuta Gita,Chap-1,Can-51

            The Avatar of Sri Dattatreya is intended for the welfare of all creatures and as this mission has to be carried out as long as creation exists, He does not lay-out HIS body and leave for the heavenly realm but goes on wondering from place to place for imparting wisdom with the sole purpose to lead the Jeeva for Self-Realisation. He is the divine embodiment of compassion neither incomprehensible nor inaccessible WHO synthesises The Three schools: dwaita, adwaita, vishistaadwaita  and also tenants of MAYABADA, Parinamabada, child vilsasabada  and is the Inner Soul of all known cults and moods of worship, ever concerned for all the creatures in the Universe.

                        "I am the Father, I have no father, I am the Mother, I have no mother,     I am the Family, I have no family

Everything belongs to me; I belong to no race, I have no Creed nor

Colour- I am beyond simile,

I have no birth, I have no death and I am beyond emotions and delusion

By nature I am blissful and ever free; I am the Supreme Brahman"

Avadhuta Gita-Chap-IV,Can-21

            Lord Dattatreya is a unique manifestation of the Lord Almighty, whose mission is both Universal and Eternal, deeply committed as He is to dispel ignorance from the minds of the entire human race. To fulfil this promise, He assumes the form of Samartha Sadguru of all religions, a process continuing till the end of the world.

            "I am neither in-comprehensible nor inaccessible to all for

                                                            I am every where

            I am neither invisible nor unattainable by a true devotee,

                                                            the moment they invoke, I am there

            I am neither far nor near nor difficult of apprehension

                                                            to the devotee's sight

            I am Brahman, the nectar of wisdom, the essence of everything and

                                                            limitless as space, shinig Bright".

Avadhuta Gita-Chap-III,Can-8

            I am the Formless Brahman, not an object of  worship,                                                                                        nor am I a worshipper.

            I am the Formless Brahman, I need no instruction                                                                                                            nor any ritual- for I am the instructed and Inspirer.

            There are no words to explain the nature of Absolute consciousness,                                                               which is My real nature.

            By nature I am blissful and ever free,                                                                                                                                  realise this truth through the spiritual culture.

                                                                                                Avaduta Gita-Chap-IV-8   

 

                        Boundless as the sky, eternal All-pervading I am,

            My nature is knowledge, truth and peace,                                                                                      immortal Atman I am,

            I need no instruction, reasoning or meditation,                                                                              I am beyond Time and Space,                                                                                                                 I see Myself with direct perception.

                                                                                                Avaduta Gita-Chap-I-58

Self-effulgent Brahman shines forever even though

it is devoid of life and matter,

This everlasting principle exists forever, even though

it has no origin, seed or creator.

This luminious self is resplendent with glory,

even though it is neither free nor bound.

I am that Brahman, the nectar of wisdom, the

essence of everything and boundless as space;

I am the "OM" Sound

Avaduta Gita-Chap-III-31

Like All-pervading space, I am The Atman

alone exist every where,

How can I say, standing separate from My real nature,

that Atman is blissful or not blissful here ?

When "I am That" how can I say that you attain it

by wisdom or realisation ?

I am Brahman, the nectar of wisdom, the essence of

everything and boundless as space;

meditate on this affirmation.

Avaduta Gita-Chap-lll-43

Avadhuta Proclaims this truth by absorbing

in Infinite Bliss,

Avadhuta sang spontaneously after experiencing

this Oneness.

How to compose a song on Brahman where

intellect can never reach at all ?

Realize that you are that Atman, weep not

anymore, O Mind! You are Truth Eternal.

Avaduta Gita-Chap-V-Can-32

Once again I reveal my nature! listen! O friend I

I am free from doubt and confusion,

Let me Proclaim the truth to you, O, brother! I am

Eternal Truth, I am the immortal Brahman,

By nature I am blissful and ever free

All the Devas salute At My Lotus Feet.

Avaduta Gita-Chap-IV-Can-23

I am the light of all lights, so the duality of light

and Darkness bother Me not,

I am everywhere and everything, so the feeling of

inside and outside worries Me not,

I am above unity and variety, I am filled with

equanimity and serenity,

By nature I am blissful and ever free from

Duality, I am covered all over by

the sea of Tranquality

Avaduta Gita-Chap-IV-Can-4

I am the fire of wisdom that consume all the

sinful karma of the sinless Atman,

I am the fire of wisdom that burns all the features

of the featureless Brahman,

I am the fire of wisdom that consumes all the

bondages of the free Atman,        *

I am Brahman, the nectar of wisdom, the essence

of everything and boundless as space,

I am Paramatan.

Avaduta Gita-Chap-lll-Can-10

Avaduta Gita contains all this true wisdom. One who spoke this wisdom is Lord Dattatreya, the greatest Avaduta, who always roams about teaching the life of perfect freedom. Wherever this Gita is read and heard with devotion, Lord Dattatreya's presence is felt and people attain HIS divine grace.

"The Absolute is not liberated from bondage and obstruction. The Absolute is not Purified, cleansed, and released. The Absolute is not liberated by Union or separation. I am indeed, the Free one, like the Sky".

Lord Sri Dattatreva

The principal tenets of Dattatreya cult are:-

1.         Everyone should know himself first, should know his own reality which is but
God.

2.         One should know the relationship between Man, god and Creation- the
 underlying kinship, unity and oneness of these three Entities. The truth is:-: All beings in their essence, are Brahman. Brahman is the immanent and all pervading reality in all. It is the origin, the support and sustenance of all.

3.         To attain to a vision, to be able to discern the truth of things, one should
 sublimitate one's ego through renunciation and Yoga. Ego vanquished, one becomes God Himself. He will then cognise the non-dual self as the only Reality.

4.         To attain the Supreme state, Guru's grace is indispensable. One has to
surrender oneself totally and unreservedly at the Feet of the Guru. Guru's grace holds before the individual the "Mirror of Gnana" in which he can cognise the Reality, the Brahman, that is the Self of All.

Srimad Bahagabat Purana mentions Dattatreya as the Sixth of the Twenty Four Avatars of Lord Vishnu. Dattatreya's philosophy has been described in Abhadhutaponishad, Dattatreyoponishad, Sandilyoponishad, Bhikuopanishad and Jabala Darshanoponishada. Sri Narada hasextrolled Sri Dattatreya's teachings in his Bhaktisutra. The Concept of Abadhuta of Sri Gorakhnath and others of Natha Sampradaya is similar to the description of Dattatreya in Markandeya Purana.

Dattatreya the God of Gods, Ancient,Auspicious, the Lord of the universe, the Advadhuta, All pervading, The Store-house of Yoga and Knowledge, the Preceptor of the World, Dearest to Yogis, Merciful to Devotees, Worshipped by Siddhas, Redeemer of sins and Bestower of Liberation is unique as God-Guru who symbolise the idea of Unity in diversity and is the living and moving Brahman, continues to carryout His Avataric Role for dispensing the Darkness, and Unearthing the secrets of the Soul, Bliss of Perception with the sole motive to inspire the Mankind for realising Salvation.