Sambandha - The True Relationship
“Sambandh” is a Sanskrit word, and it has been derived from Sanskrit grammar 'samyak bandhan', or exact relationship, the way we say exact match or perfect match. We universally use this word, but in reality, we have no knowledge of what this word means. Perfect match, exact match, we hardly know its real meaning. We will make an incisive study, take a deep plunge into this matter. Perfect relationship is the etymological meaning of the Sanskrit word 'sambandh'. In this word there are two aspects; “Samyak” and “Bandhan” . “Samyak” means the relationship we share is eternal. The second aspect is “Bandhan”, that it is based on selflessness. If the relationship is eternal in nature and it is based on pure selflessness, then it can be termed perfect relationship. That is the exact etymological meaning of this Sanskrit word. Now consider our human relationships, our mundane relationships. We all know the relationships we have in the material world are transitory. The relationship of father and son, mother and son, husband, and wife, these are temporary, for a few days. Just like two passengers travelling in a train, one is going to Delhi; the other will be getting off at Kanpur. They have a relationship, but it is temporary. The person, who is going to Kanpur, will get off at Kanpur. He will forget the relationship he had for one day. When I was in job, there were people from almost 18 states. We played table tennis in the evening. During lunch time, we shared our tiffin. On weekends, we had picnics. However, once I was transferred, that relationship was gone. Occasionally, we meet at airport, at stations, or from friends we hear about others. When we were in the same place, there was a great relationship. Thus, this relationship is temporary. Therefore, it cannot be called relationship or 'sambandh'.
The second aspect; that temporary relationship is based on pure self-interest. Two persons are travelling in the same train, and they are sharing their lunch, they are sharing their snacks. After four hours, there was a hot discussion on the ICC championship. One is supporting the English team; the other is supporting the Indian team. After fifteen minutes, there was fierce sight and what was the result? One is looking for this way and the other is looking for that way. The relationship is broken. Similar is our worldly relationship, as long as there is self- interest, we share a very cordial relationship. The moment the self-interest is gone, the relationship is not only broken, but also it leads to enmity. The father is determined I am not going to even look at my son. The son decides I will never meet my father; the husband is conspiring to kill his own wife. The wife is mixing poison in her husband's food to kill him. This is the story of the material world! So long as there is self-interest, there is a great relationship, great friendship. Once this self-interest is gone, the relationship is broken for ever. Leave aside the selfishness, the selfish motives which we harbour. The issue is that the relationship ends after a particular life. But our relationship with the supreme personality is eternal.
“mamaivamso jiva-loke jiva-bhutah sanatanah”
Shree Krishna states in the Bhagvat Geeta, 'You are my infinitesimal part and eternal part.
" chinmatram Shri Hareransham sukshma aksharamavyayam Krishnadheenamitiprahur jeevam gyan gunashryayam -Ved.
Each soul is an infinitesimal part of the supreme soul, and the relationship with the supreme soul is from eternity. For that reason, the Vedas proclaim – Amritasya vai putrah
We are his eternal children, and not just children. The supreme lord Shri Krishna in Bhagwat Geeta says
“gatir bhartā prabhuḥ sākṣhī nivāsaḥ śharaṇaṁ suhṛit prabhavaḥ pralayaḥ sthānaṁ nidhānaṁ bījam avyayam || 18||
The Vedas say that all our relationship are with God. He is our dear father, friend and intimate beloved. We share all our relationships with Him because our relationship with Him is eternal and he has no self-interest. It is based on pure selflessness.
One faces continuous setbacks in his endeavors until he grasps the above idea about his true relationship. It is essential for him to ponder fundamental questions about his identity, the nature of God, and the connections that exist between him and God, and the material world. Constant contemplation of the above understanding works like a protective gadget. Why does it need us to do it constantly? Because, acquiring knowledge alone won't save us. To truly benefit from knowledge, we need to continually reflect upon it. Furthermore, when we internalize this scriptural wisdom, it becomes practical and can be our savior in times of bad situations. When one establishes his relationship with Shri Krishna (The Supreme Lord), he acts in that relationship. These actions are known as “Abhidheya