Dattatreya represents all spiritual traditions. As an incarnation of God, Datta was born to the sage Atri and Anasuya to spread the universality of true religion. He is the eternal spiritual guide to all mankind. Dattatreya is usually depicted with three heads, symbolishing Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, past, present and future, and the three states of consciousness-waking dreaming and dreamless sleep. Around him are four dogs that symbolize the four Vedas.
The Saandilya Upanishad states. “TheSupreme Brahman performed penance and desiring to become many, assumed the form of Dattatreya. From that form came out the three letters AU M; the three mystical names Bhuh, Bhuvah and Svah; the three-lined Gayatri; the three Vedas Rig, Yajur and Sama; the three Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara etc”. The name “Datta” signifies selfless sacrifice. The Dattatreya Upanishad explains this “ Noty by action, not by progeny, nor even by self, but by renunciation (tyaaga) alone is immortality attained.” Real renunciation is the giving up of “I” ad mine, not the mere abandoning of duties. Living a selfless life require giving up on one’s ego
As a yoga Avatar, Lord Dattatreya teaches us to perform all our duties skillfully and diligently. Yoga does not require outside aids, not does it demand great physical effort. All we have to do is change our outlook and transform our attitude to life. By performing all our duties with this changed outlook. .Our mind will be freed from agitation and attain the restful state called “equanimity”. This is the state Bliss that every soul ultimately aspires to. This is the state of Datta-the ultimate Gift of God.
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