Datta Maata 219 : Attributes of the Lord and the three Gunas

The Vedas and scriptures proclaim that Paramatma has no attributes. This is what we have discussed so far. The scriptures say that Matsya, Kurma, Rama, Krishna and other deities are the incarnations of Paramatma. Since above two statements are said by Vedas and scriptures, we get a doubt whether Paramatma is Saguna (having attributes) or Nirguna (having no attributes) How did the Paramatma, who is Nirguna become Saguna? Why did he become so? Do we have to do Saguna worship or Nirguna worship? We get several questions like this. Usually, the questions that crop up in the minds of ordinary people remain ordinary. But, the questions of mahātmas help us go deep within, bring it out and thus help the society at large.

One day, sage Jaimini (also known as Jemini), a mahātma had got four doubts. He asked Sage Markandeya to answer his questions. He then sent the sage to the birds of righteousness that were growing near sage Shamīka. He asked the birds, "Dear Birds! You are the embodiment of Dharma. Our Guru Vyāsa has written Mahabharata which is an exemplary one. There is no point missing in it. Hence it is known as 'Pancama Vēda'. In that Mahabharata, it is described that Krishna is Paramatma and Paramatma is praised by scriptures with names like Nirguna, Niranjana and Nirvikāra. Such being the case, when Paramatma is Nirguna, how is it that he has attained human attribute? Please tell me." Thus Jaimini prayed. Then, the birds said, "O sage! Water is also named as Nārāh. Since, he dwells in water, he is called Nārāyana. He pervades the entire world. He creates in four ways and protects the world. Practically, he is Saguna and spiritually, he is Nirguna. Nārāyana's first form is Vāsudeva which is revealed as Saguna. That form radiates in white color. Illumination is the basis of that form. Only Yogis can see such form. It appears close and also far away. It is beyond the attributes. The second form of Nārāyana is Sankarshana. That mūrti taking the form of snake resides in the nether world and holds the Earth. This is of tamasic nature. Paramatma through this mūrti makes all the beings do all karmas (works). The third form is Pradyumna. This form rules the people. The fourth incarnation of Lord is known as Aniruddha. God is praised as Aniruddha, the one who sleeps on the bed made of a big serpent (Sesha talpa) and the one who resides in Kshīra Sāgara (ocean of milk). He should be identified as of rajasic nature. This form kills demons to protect dharma and protects the noble people who follow dharma. Aniruddha has taken the forms of Varāha, Nārasimha, Vāmana and other incarnations. So, we must understand that there is no difference between Paramatma and his incarnations. Paramatma himself has become Saguna by being Nārāyana. With Sattva, Rajas and Tamo gunās, he has taken the incarnations of Sankarshana and others. The incarnations occur with God's freedom. Hence, we must identify that there is no difference between Paramatma and his incarnations. O Jaimini! Srimannarayana appears as though he has taken the human attributes. However, we must realize that he has taken that incarnation out of his own desire. If we learn this, Saguna worship will become easy. Gradually, one can go to the path of Nirguna ." Thus, the birds spoke to Jaimini.

From this story, we understand the influence of incarnations like Krishna and others. The objective of each and every incarnation, as we have discussed earlier, is to protect the Sattva guna, try to bring Rajō guna to Sattva guna and to kill the Tamō guna.

Jaya Guru Datta! Sri Guru Datta!