Mahabala Balarama The Divine Healer and the Removal of Mahamaya

"Vedya Vaidya Sada Yogi Viraaha Madhavo Madhuḥ |

Atindriyo Mahamayo Mahotsaho Mahabalaha ||"

Commentary on above Vishnu Sahasranama verse and nama correlations in context of Balarama Purnima (VERSE 18) 

The concept of Lord Vishnu as the divine healer (Vaidya) and the embodiment of supreme spiritual strength (Mahabala) is deeply rooted in Vedic and Puranic scriptures. This essay explores the profound connections between these attributes and their significance in the spiritual journey, with a particular focus on Lord Balarama's role in empowering devotees to access transcendental bliss.

The Divine Healer and the Removal of Mahamaya

Lord Vishnu, as the Vaidya or divine healer, plays a crucial role in the spiritual progression of a devotee. In this context, "Vaidya" is not merely a reference to physical healing but encompasses the deeper, metaphysical healing of the soul. The soul, entangled in the illusions of the material world (Mahamaya), suffers from various defects that cloud its divine nature. These defects, such as ignorance, attachment, and ego, prevent the soul from realizing its true essence.

The Bhagavata Purana emphasizes that Lord Vishnu, through His divine interventions, removes these defects, allowing the soul to shine in its purest form. In Bhagavata Purana 10.14.58, Lord Brahma praises Vishnu, saying, "O Lord, by the mere chanting of Your holy name, all the sinful reactions of the living entities are eradicated, and they are freed from the bondage of illusion (Mahamaya)."

When Vishnu, as Vaidya, removes these defects, the soul experiences a profound increase in spiritual strength. This strength, known as Mahabala, is personified by Lord Balarama, who is considered the reservoir of spiritual power. Balarama’s divine energy empowers devotees to overcome the obstacles of Mahamaya and progress on the path of self-realization.

Sada Yogi and the Eternal Connection

To become a Sada Yogi, one who is always connected to the eternal divine essence, requires a deep and unwavering connection to the Supreme. This connection is not merely intellectual or ritualistic but is rooted in the continuous realization of the divine presence within oneself and in all of creation. The Bhagavata Purana speaks of this state in 12.3.32, where it says, "By constant meditation and absorption in the Lord, the devotee experiences oneness with the Supreme and remains undisturbed by the dualities of the material world."

This eternal connection is sustained by the practice of Madhu Vidya—the knowledge of the divine sweetness hidden within every heart. This sweetness, known as Krishna Prem, is the pure love for Lord Krishna that resides within all beings. However, this love is often obscured by the distractions of the material world. To uncover this hidden sweetness, the devotee must cultivate three essential qualities: Mauna (silence), Dhyana (meditation), and Vairagya (detachment).

• Mauna: Silence, both external and internal, is necessary to still the mind and allow the divine presence to manifest. In Bhagavata Purana 11.19.36, Krishna instructs Uddhava, "Through silence, the mind is controlled, and one can perceive the Supreme Self within."
• Dhyana: Meditation is the focused contemplation of the divine form or essence. Bhagavata Purana 2.2.13 states, "By meditating on the Lord’s form, which is the source of all auspiciousness, the devotee’s heart becomes pure, and they attain the supreme destination."
• Vairagya: Detachment from material desires is essential for maintaining this connection. Bhagavata Purana 1.2.15 explains, "By cultivating detachment from the material world, one becomes firmly situated in devotional service."

Accessing Atindriya Vastu and Transcendental Bliss

At the heart of this practice lies the realization of Atindriya Vastu—the transcendental reality that is beyond the senses. This reality is none other than Sri Krishna Himself, who is the ultimate object of knowledge (Vedya). In Bhagavata Purana 10.14.55, Lord Brahma declares, "O Lord Krishna, You are the ultimate truth that is beyond the perception of the senses. Only through pure devotion can one perceive You as You are."

The sweetness of Krishna Prem, hidden within the heart, can only be uncovered by accessing this transcendental reality. This is where the grace of Lord Balarama, as Mahabala, becomes essential. Balarama empowers the devotee with the spiritual strength necessary to sustain their practice and ultimately experience the bliss of union with Krishna.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the divine roles of Vishnu as Vaidya and Balarama as Mahabala are intricately connected in the spiritual journey. By removing the defects of Mahamaya, Vishnu, as the divine healer, restores the soul’s inherent strength. This strength, personified by Balarama, empowers the devotee to become a Sada Yogi, always connected to the eternal divine essence. Through the practice of Mauna, Dhyana, and Vairagya, the devotee uncovers the hidden sweetness of Krishna Prem and accesses the transcendental reality of Sri Krishna, leading to the experience of Atindriya or transcendental bliss. The teachings of the Bhagavata Purana illuminate this path, guiding the devotee to the ultimate realization of the divine.