The story shared from the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna is a profound illustration of self-surrender (śaraṇāgati) in Hinduism. Let's delve deeper into the meaning of the story, explore other similar thoughts and quotes from Hindu religion, and discuss the modern-day relevance of this concept.
1. Meaning of the Story:
In this story, a frog is inadvertently hurt by Lakshmana's arrow as it swims in Pampa Lake. The frog's decision to remain silent even when in pain is rooted in a deep sense of surrender to the will of God, represented here by Rama. The frog's explanation that it normally cries out to Rama for help when attacked by a snake but remains silent when Rama himself is the cause of its pain, reflects the ultimate surrender to the divine will, irrespective of the outcome.
This parable teaches several important lessons:
Complete Surrender to God: The frog’s silence symbolizes complete faith and surrender to God. The idea is that when God himself is the cause of our suffering or joy, we should not resist or complain but accept it with equanimity, trusting in His wisdom and grace.
Trust in Divine Will: The frog's trust in Rama signifies that whatever happens in life—be it suffering or happiness—is the will of God, and thus, should be accepted without resistance. This is a profound statement on the acceptance of God’s will in every circumstance.
Non-Duality and Acceptance: The story also highlights the non-dual relationship between the devotee and God. The frog sees no difference between the apparent cause of suffering (Rama’s arrow) and the savior (Rama himself). This represents a deeper understanding that in true surrender, the distinctions between pleasure and pain, the protector and the harm-doer, blur, and everything is accepted as divine will.
2. Similar Thoughts and Quotes from Hindu Religion:
The concept of self-surrender is deeply ingrained in Hindu philosophy, particularly in the paths of Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion) and Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge).
a) From the Bhagavad Gita:
Bhagavad Gita 18.66: "sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja | ahaṁ tvāṁ sarva-pāpebhyo mokṣayiṣyāmi mā śucah ||"
Translation: "Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear."
This verse is considered one of the most significant in the Gita, emphasizing the importance of surrender to God, transcending all other duties and forms of worship. It encapsulates the essence of total surrender to the divine will.
b) From the Ramayana:
In the Ramayana, when Vibhishana, the brother of Ravana, decides to leave his brother and surrender to Rama, he says:
"Tyajyam pravasamam dharmam prasritam satyamapramyam Tyakta bandhusu dasoham raghavasya mahatmanah"
Translation: "I have left behind my kingdom, my relatives, and all my possessions. I surrender myself at the feet of the great Rama."
This illustrates that self-surrender involves letting go of all attachments and dedicating oneself wholly to the divine.
c) From the Srimad Bhagavatam:
Srimad Bhagavatam 11.29.32:
"bhaktir bhagavati hi sāmrājyaṁ kālaḥ krīḍana-krīḍanakaḥ prabhoḥ"
Translation: "Devotion to the Lord is the supreme sovereignty, and time is but a toy in the hands of the Lord."
This verse suggests that complete devotion and surrender to God surpass all worldly powers, emphasizing the supremacy of divine will over temporal events.
3. Modern-Day Relevance:
In today's world, the teachings of self-surrender have significant relevance:
Dealing with Uncertainty: Modern life is often filled with uncertainty, anxiety, and stress. The principle of surrendering to a higher power can provide comfort and peace, helping individuals navigate difficult times with a sense of trust and faith.
Letting Go of Control: Many people struggle with the need to control outcomes in their lives. The idea of surrender suggests letting go of this need and trusting that a higher power has a plan. This can alleviate the pressure and burden of feeling solely responsible for every aspect of one's life.
Acceptance and Inner Peace: Self-surrender is about accepting life as it comes, whether it brings joy or sorrow. This acceptance leads to inner peace, reducing the inner turmoil caused by resistance and non-acceptance of situations.
Spiritual Growth: For those on a spiritual path, self-surrender is a step towards realizing one's own divine nature. It helps in dissolving the ego, which is seen as a barrier to spiritual progress in many traditions.
Sri Ramakrishna's teaching through this story serves as a timeless reminder of the profound spiritual power of self-surrender. By trusting in the divine and accepting life’s events as a manifestation of divine will, one can attain a state of equanimity, peace, and spiritual fulfillment. The concept of surrender remains as relevant today as it was in ancient times, offering a pathway to cope with life's challenges while nurturing a deeper connection with the divine.