Friday, September 30, 2011

The Greatness of the गुरु

Realization of God is possible only through a Guru. We should acquire the sublime grace of the Guru, for until the kundalini Shakti is awakened by the Guru’s grace, until our inner light shines until the inner eye of divine knowledge gets opened, we continue to be in the state of bondage. Therefore, to de velop inwardly and to attain divinity, it is ab solutely necessary to have a guide-a Sadguru who knows the Ultimate Truth and is full of spiritual power. Just as there can be no life without prana, so without the Guru there can be no knowledge, no unfolding and growth of Shakti, no destruction of darkness, no opening of the third eye. The Guru is more necessary than a friend, a son husband, or a wife; more necessary than, wealth, machines, factories, art, or music. What more can I say? The Guru is more necessary than health and life itself. The glory of the Guru is full of mystery and is supremely divine. He gives a new birth to man; he makes him see the light of wisdom; he shows him the path and makes him a lover of God.

A true Guru awakens the inner Shakti of a disciple and makes him revel in the bliss of the Self. This is what the Guru really is: he is the one who awakens the inner Shakti, Kundalini through Shaktipat (infusion of Shakti) that is sets the divine Shakti in motion in man’s body who gives instruction in yoga, who bestows the ecstasy of knowledge and the joy of Bhakti, who teaches detachment in action and grants liberation in this very life. That supreme Guru is identical with Shiva. That Guru is Shiva, that Guru is Rama, That Guru is Shakti, that Guru is Ganapati, Guru is your father and mother. He makes the light blaze in the body of his disciple, gives him his blessing and grace, and then remains engrossed in his own sport. Through the favour of the Guru , man takes on the form of God and live drunk with ecstasy. Such a Guru is great and exalted; he cannot be understood by ordinary intellect.

Normally, it very difficult to get to know Guru, to understand them. If some-one performs a small miracle, we accept him as a guru. If someone gives a little sermon, we accept him as a guru. If someone gives a mantra or shows a technique of Tantra, we accept him as a guru. In this way, accept many people as guru that we are cheated of inner realization. Finally, our faith is destroyed, and we begin to think that the tradition of trans-mission of knowledge through the Guru itself is hypocrisy. The result is that we stay far away from true Guru. We get deceived by phoney gurus and then despise true Gurus.

Don’t abandon a Self-Realized Guru thinking that he is an ordinary person. You will understand his greatness only when his full grace descends on You. The Guru elevates his disciples to a high level, shows them their own true nature, merges them with Shiva, and makes them Shiva.

What wonderful fortune it is to have such a Guru as your own Guru, to be initiated by such a Siddha. The word given by him is a live and potent mantra. The supreme Guru, full of Chiti (pure Consciousness), enters the disciple through mantra, through touch, or through look. Therefore, it is no wonder that a disciple can attain to perfection by living with such Guru, by establishing a relationship with him, by living in his ashram by touching his feet and drinking the water that has been sanctified by them, by eating his Prasad, by serving him and praising him, by absorbing the vibrations of Chiti that Flow his love intoxicated state.

Cow’s Milk: An Elixir on the Earth

The Vedas proclaim: Cow is the mother of the entire world.’ ‘The Mahabharata’ too says:

‘The cows are mother to all living beings They grant contentment to everyone.’

Service to mother cow is one of the means of God-Realization. Consumption of cow’s milk is also a way to serve her. When cow’s milk becomes an essential part of our diet then there will be an imperative need to rear cow and conserve this prized species of animal kingdom. Cow’s milk, Curds and ghee as also its urine and dung hold enormous value. Our scriptures namely, Agni Purana, Bhavishya Purana Matasya purana, padma purana etc. extol the virtues of cow’s milk. The nutrients that are available in cow’s milk are unavailable in the milk of any other animal such as buffalo or goat etc.

The cow’s milk is the nectar on this earth. Not only it is the best drink and the best food and a complete diet but it is in valuable medicine as well. In all the three worlds cow’s milk is unparalleled among foods that fortify human being physically, mentally and spiritually. The cow milk has more of and radiance element in comparison to the earth component. Consequently the user of this nectarine substance gains incredible intelligence and superb grasping power. Cow’s milk is sweet, oleaginous, delicious, enjoyable, freshening and easily digestible.

It augments body’s vigour strength and hemoglobin as also memory, intelligence and above all longevity of life. Acharya Vagbhatta’s Ashtaanghridya’ mentions that ‘the cow’s milk is the best animal milk and it has the most energizing medicinal composition.

In the medieval era, the Arabian physicians and in 1867, the doctors of Russia and Germany recognized the significance of this elixir. Doctor C. Carel of America used this ambrosial milk for success fully treating hundreds of patients on whom other medicines had proved ineffective.

John D. Rockefeller, once the richest person of the world, who was suffering from severe digestive maladies, could not find any other treatment helpful. It was only cow’s milk which proved to be a blessing for him.

The Essential components of Cow’s milk:

Acharya Sushrut has described cow’s milk as vital for and Acharya Charak has termed it as ia superb vital drink and an excellent medicinal composition because it has in abundance nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, high quality lactose sugar, minerals, fats etc. it has ample quantities of acids which are superior to those present in grains, vegetables, egg or meat products. Milk fat is more easily digestible than any other kind of fat. A glass (250 grams) of milk per day is sufficient for 75% of the body’s requirement of calcium, 40-60% 0f children’s requirement of vitamin B12 and 25-30% of adults’ requirement of fats.

Strontium is a available only in cow’s milk. It helps to counteract the poisonous effects of atomic radiations. ‘Cerebrosides’ found in cow’s milk are beneficial for the brain and the intellect. A protein namely M.D.G.I safeguards the body tissues from cancer.

Benefits of Cow milk: Feed your children regularly on cow’s milk, butter etc। if You wish them to be physically healthy, stout, comely, scholar and intellectually astute.

The cow’s milk helps in alleviating all the three Doshas- Vata pitta and kapha. It eradicates the burning sensation of the body. It also helps indigestion. From an infant to an elderly, the cow’s milk is beneficial for every age group. For infants over six months, a boiled mixture of equal quantity of milk and water is advised. During their teething period, barley water added to milk is excellent for assimilation the body.

Milk should be vigorously agitated to create foam. Thereafter one needs to ingest it sip by for better results. Its foam is helpful in alleviating all the three Doshas- Vata, pitta and kapha. It is energizing, satisfying and easily digestible. It is also beneficial in diarrhea, dyspepsia and chronic fever. Its regular intake helps in enhancing eye-sight and mental power to a great extent. Cow’s ghee added to milk augments intelligence and brilliance. Black cow’s milk is especially beneficial in alleviating Vata. The taken immediately after milking the cow is beneficial like ambrosia.

‘The milk taken immediately after milking the cow is beneficial like ambrosia. It enhances seminal energy.

According to Ayurveda, cow’s milk, curds, butter and buttermilk possess great nectarine virtues. Only cow’s backbone has a vein named ‘suryaketu’. This vein can absorb those rare sun-rays (Go-kiran) which other animals are incapable of absorbing. Upon activation this vein emits a yellow coloured substance known as ‘swarnkshar’. This substance imparts golden hue to the milk, butter and ghee of India cow. Those who consume cow’s milk all through verily lead a healthy, virile, intelligent, robust and long life. Their thoughts are holy and blessed. The milk of India cow alone has these virtues. Milk of any other species of cow such as Jersy, Holstein etc. does not have these qualities. Dairy processing e.g. pasteurization of milk results in loss of its virtues and vital components.

Therapeutic Use of Cow’s Milk:

*Headache: Smear a paste of dried ginger rubbed in cow’s milk for quick relief.

*Sore eyes: For relief in heat and redness of eyes during summer, place cotton pads dipped in cow’s milk over eye-lids.

*Acidity: The patient should slowly sip cow’s milk in small quantities twice or thrice a day. The milk should be cooled naturally, not in a refrigerator.

*Body haemorrhage (Oozing of blood from any part of the body): Drink a mixture of fresh milk (un-boiled and 2 grams of Gokhru (bramble) powder or Shatavari or Yashtimadhu powder for instant relief.

*Constipation: Intake of Isabgol (fleawort) husk or Gulkand (a conserve prepared from rose leaves) with hot milk is extremely beneficial in constipation and piles problem.

*Intestinal Ailments: Before meals slowly rub one spoonful of lukewarm milk on stomach and navel. Take rest for an hour and then take meals. Urination after this process will clear out the toxins of intestines to make them strong and stable.

Precautions:

1. Heating milk on high flame for a longer duration depletes its nutrients.
2. Sugarless milk is more useful for the body. Adding sugar to it reduces its calcium component and increases phlegm in the body.
3. Never add gur (jiggery) to milk. It can cause skin disorders and Prameha, a type of urinary disease of urinary disease.
4. It is not advisable to drink milk in ailments like asthma, diarrhea, dysentery, indigestion, early stages of fever, skin disorders etc.
5. Intake of milk is not suggested with fruits, pulses, sour and salty foods and nonvegetarian food. It can cause innumerable diseases. There should be a minimum gap of two hours between intake of meals and milk.

Sahajobai inspired with spiritual vision by the words of a saint (Excerpts from pujya’s Satsangs)

A baby girl was bors after four sons, to a couple living in parikshitpur, Delhi on 25 july 1725She was named Sahajobai. Her father was Hari Prasad and her mother was Anupi Devi. In those days the custom of child marriage was in vogue. Sahajobai became a bride at the age of 11 years. She was clad in the wedding dress. She wore ornaments. She was a well dressed bride. All kinds of festive- ties were going on. The bridegroom was about to arrive. Fireworks were at display. Charanadasji, a Self-Realized saint been invited to bless the newlywed couple. He appeared on the scene. Sahajobai’s father prayed to him, ‘’Your Holiness! Kindly give your blessings to my daughter.”

Looking at Sahajobai, the Self-Realized omniscient saint said, ‘’O Sahajo! Why do you yearn for wedding a man leaving your real husband, the God that you can attain easily? Your life is the Supreme Lord of the Universe.

‘O Sahajo! This world is not your per manent abode. It is dead sure that you must have to leave this world. Why do you get your hair braided for such a fickle and ephemeral husband?’

This husband will be short-lived. He is not immortal. You are born to wed the immortal husband. The short-lived husband will be of no use to you. The Supreme lord of the Universe is verily your Self. Know Him. He is always with you; He is not away from you; he is easily available; He is within your reach: He is your very own.’’

As soon as Sahajo heard these words, she started taking off all wedding ornaments and said, ‘’I will not marry.’’ And it so happened that the mare, carrying the bridegroom startled by the explosion of a cracker near her, ran amok. The bridegroom’s head hit hard against a tree and he died instantly. The saint had already foretold what was destined to happen. Having known what was going to. Happen, the saint saved the entire family. Moreover, his timely warning saved Sahajobai from the blemish of widowhood. Sahajobai, her four brothers and their parents became disciples of Charanadasji

If charanadasji had come a little later, the wedding would have taken place and Sahajobai would have carried the stigma of widowhood for life. By the saint’ saint’ s grace she remained a virgin. Following the path of her Sadguru, the bride Sahajo became a great woman Yogi attained of the Supreme State (Supreme Consciousness). Through the practice of Yoga, attained the state of perfection. She filled her heart with devotional love for Sadguru. Poems and articles written by her are soul stirring. Sahajobai said,

‘I may abandon Rama (God), but I can never forget my guru. I do not see God as an equal of Guru. God made me take a birth in this world. But Guru saved me from the cycle of births and deaths.’

Our well being lies in the well being of ओठेर्स

It was the month of June. It was extremely hot. An educated youth, sharp- witted, sociable and clever though he was, had failed to find a job spite of his best efforts. He was wandering in scorching heat to find a job. He happened to pass by a farm where an old, carefree man was cutting grass, singing the glory of God as he did so. That man went near the old man and asked him, "Baba! How do you support your family on what you earn by this petty job of grass cutting?"

The old man kept quiet far a while and then said with a smile, “Son! Maybe I am poor but I do not cherish big desires. I am satisfied with whatever I get.”

“Baba! Don’t you feel piqued by you poverty?”

“Son! I guess I would have been so if I were educated and greatly ambitious. You seem to well educated; what should I tell you! Yes, this much I will say that money is not everything. There is no wealth greater than that of contentment.

The old man seemed ordinary but his reply shook the young man’s heart. That young man stood speechless for some time looking at the grass cutter and then said:

The old man seemed ordinary but his reply shook the young man’s heart. That young man stood speechless for some time looking at the grass cutter and then said: “Baba! In the absence of money will you ever be able to fulfill you desire of doing good to others?’’ pat came the reply from the grass cutter, ‘’Son! A good and honest person never feels scarcity of money for doing good to others. I want to get a well dug for people even if has to be financed by begging. When people drink cold water in the scorching heat and feel satisfied then my joy will know no bounds. I am very happy even in this abject poverty."

After listening to it the young man’s head bowed down with respect. He was absorbed in deep thought, ‘I am burning within and within and without with fire the fire of desires that have no end, that give no satisfaction, that give no rest; and this man is happy eating dry. Conceited of my education I am wandering in this scorching heat from door to door and this old man in spite of being uneducated is giving me lessons on the art of living. With education I remained self-centered. I never cared for the welfare of others. This uneducated old man is better than I am.’ This few words of that old man transformed the young man. He left the idea of doing a job and started teaching uneducated people. He supported his life with the guru-dakshina given by students and he enjoyed the life very much. After some time he wrote Ramayana in Nepali which is read even today in Nepal with reverence. This work made that young man immortal. His name was- Bhanu bhakta.

When you think of (doing good to) others God himself helps you. That is why man should give up the obsession for great am-bitions and should rather feel contented with whatever he gets and should get engaged in altruistic acts. Pujya Bapuji says,

"When you do good to others, your good happens naturally because God, the Supreme Giver abiding in the hearts of the persons served by you, cannot do without blessing you with riches."

The equanimity of Mind

Sage Mudgal was a very pious soul. He had taken a vow and accordingly would pick up for support grains left on field by husbandmen after had gathered and carried away the sheaves. In a fortnight he would collect about 32kg of grains. Thereafter he used to perform sacred Yajna, give food to Brahmins and himself take the food that remained after the deities and the guests had eaten. On Amavasya (No moon day) and poornima (full moon day this was a usual practice. For fifteen days he would toil hard to earn his living and that earning was judiciously used in the yajna. In serving the guests and savoring the same as Prasad. Even the gods extolled him greatly. Insult and pangs of hunger agitate even great persons. But sage Mudgal always remained calm and peaceful. Not only he himself was so worthy but his wife also assisted him greatly in performing the virtuous deeds. Even his children had adapted to the mode of their father’s life the lustrous eyes of the sage verily reflected the virtues of fortitude, patience, peace, straightforwardness, generosity and austerity. He would conquer the heart of any one simply by casting a loving glance. Sage Mudgal had almost reached the stage of Self-realized jnani whose glances radiate spiritual magnetism, mysterious love and compassion through divine aura. Sage Durvasa heard of the virtuous Mudgal, observant of vows. The salf-realizedsage Durvasa, a sage and an evaluator, would foam around in the disguise of a livid man, a woman or a woman or a half-woman in order to test and thereby elevate the will power of devotees, the power of austerities obtained by the men of penance, and the renunciation of ascetics etc.. Upon discerning Mudgal a noble and virtuous being, the sage decided to ascertain his virtuosity. The strength and stability of a wooden stake to which an animal is tethered is duly assessed by shaking it repeatedly When a wooden post to which cattle are to be tethered is tested, the sadhaka, to whose heart God Himself will be tethered, who will be the mainstay of society, who will be the mainstay of the society who will serve as a lighthouse for men is verily tested by the Sadguru.

Disguised as an eccentric, sage Durvasa came to Mud gal and spoke in a harsh and bitter language, "O Mudgal! You should be aware of the fact that I’ve come to you for taking food."

Mudgalji: ‘’You’re Holiness! Highly obliged by your visit. Please take seat.

Incidentally Rishi Mudgal had just completed the yajna. With great reverence and affection he offered to Rishi Durvasa the Prasad of Yajna meant for4 himself, his wife and his child. The Rishi relished the food greatly because firstly the food was earned through great toil; secondly it was the left-over of sacred yajna thirdly it was offered with reverence; fourthly it was offered with serenity and fifthly it was given with a lot of affection. Rishi Durvasa practically consumed the entire food. Still the little bit that was left, he smeared on his body. Thereafter he looked at Mudgal but his face depicted no irritation, or resentment for anything.

"The Lord tests only those, whom He wants to bless.

"This is the way He showers His mercies His on devotees.”

Now let’s imagine how we would have reacted had we been in this situation. If we had not taken any food for as long as a fortnight and on the fifteenth day offering the yajna oblations and feeding guests denly emerged on the scene! Thereupon if he had ingested the whole amount of food meant for the entire family. Not only this still the residual food would have been smeared by him to his body imagine what would be the plight of our mind. Wouldn’t we like to hit the person with a wand or to give him a tight slap?

Mudgal Rishi had no irritation, unhappiness or astonishment. ‘It is fine! What the saint liked to do, he has done. Rishi Durvasa perceived no reaction from him. As soon as the food was over, he expressed his desire to depart. Now when will the meal be prepared next?

“Your Holiness! The self-ordained rule I follow is to take food after offering yajna oblations every full moon day and every no moon day.”

Do not worry. I’ll come on that day.’’ Rishi Durvasa came six times Six times every fortnight amounts to full three month’s duration for full three months the whole family had to remain without food. Still there was not an iota of resentment in their minds. Food is not the only thing that nurtures this physical body. Possess the key to remain well-nourished, healthy and cheerful, main well-nourished, healthy and cheerful, you can stay healthy and happy even in adverse circumstances. And above all as the mind perceives, the physical body behaves accordingly. Selfless service they rendered generated a kind of vital energy to keep hunger and thirst away.

Rishi Durvasa was pleased and asked him, “my dear child! Ask me for a boon!”

“Your Holiness! Your pleasure is all that we would have asked for.”

In spite of rendering such an exemplary service, Mudgal did not ask for anything from the sage just imagine the great selflessness in his pure intellect. The contentment of Rishi Durvasa heightened the bliss of gods also. A messenger from heaven alighted on earth in a paradisiacal plane and said, “Gracious sage! The effect of your meritorious deeds has become so great that we wish you to come to paradise along with the physical body. Those who perform yajnas do get to heavens after death, but your patience, equanimity, endurance and contentedness are so great that you are being invited to heavens in the physical body itself. Upon this Mudgalji enquired, "what does one get in the paradise?"

“There is a range of boughs and gardens to roam about, gorgeous damsels to dally with, elixir to drink, an extensive range of sumptuous food to relish and many other thongs to enjoy. Paradise is paradise; there is nothing equal to it.’’ Thus the divine messenger praised the charms of heaven.”

“Virtue and vice, pleasure and pain, good and bad go hand in hand. So better you describe both positive and negative aspects.”

“The divine messenger said, “The luxuries and good points I have already described. Now listen to the bad ones. People there have attachment and malice towards one another. Fear from more powerful ones, jealousy and conflict with equals and hatred towards the less privileged is widely prevalent in the paradise. Above all, what to talk of the luxuries of paradise even the opulence of Brahamloka is not perennial. Ultimately one has to descend here on this earth after enjoying the pleasures of these worlds.

Then Sage Mudgal says;
I will only attain that harmless Supreme State reaching where every agony, pain or affliction gets absolutely relieved and the Supreme Bliss is verily attained

I do not want to dwell in paradise, Brahamloka or Vaikuntha. I want to attain Self-realization> don’t want a seat or posit ion attained by going somewhere from where I’ ll be made to descend again this earth; I don’ t want happiness that will be lost. Rather I’ ll dive in that perennial sea of bliss:

‘The Lord dwells in my heart I just need to peep within to meet Him.’

I want to attain the state of Supreme Bliss Where there is absolutely no room for sorrow. Pray I want to repose in my True Self from where there is no reversion. I am grateful to you for your coming and to Lord Indra for his cordial invitation. But I don’t want heaven as reward for my actions. You may please return to your abode.’’ With this sage reverently bade them goodbye.

Maharishi Mudgal refused the luxuries of paradise but there arose no pride in his mind on having done so. The true devotees of the Lord bear all triasls and tribulations but never complain because the more is the selflessness in a heart the more is upsurge of the nectar of Self -Bliss within.

Therefore keep on filling your mind. Therefore keep on filling your mind with firm determination and pious thoughts like, ‘I’ ll accomplish all my duties only for the Lord’s pleasure not for the sake of appreciation and fame, for worldly gains or to denigrate someone someone. Whatever I do, I’ll do for the sake of divine love, for making myself entitled to the God’s grace and for Will. In this way I’ll associate myself with the divine Endeavour’s of God and God Realized saints will make myself pious thereby.

The journey-from a drop of water to a handful of ash!

Your life begins with a drop of water and ends in a handful of ash.

Childhood was not yours youts is not yours and old age will not be yours. You are the changeless Atman;

Not the ever changing body. Ego you are not; nor are you the mind that is unstable like mercury. Your marks are bliss, spontaneity;

Coolness and purity. Your life begins with a you spend the day eating; will you spend the night in sleep?

Even new if you don’t yearn for Sadguru, you will repent in the end.

When death can strike any time. Why do you delay? Life begins with a…

Come O mind! Let us go and take refuge at the feet of the Sadguru;

Now we will besmear ashes on our body there. By surrendering our life to to Sad guru, we shall make our life blessed.

We shall not leave the Guru‘s place unti he says, ‘This is your last birth’ your life begins with a drop of water to…

*Erroneously you have believed that you are the body. Actually you are not the body. Composed of five great elements.

All the beings are portions of Myself; they are My portions and are eternal. All the worlds dissolve at the time of final dissolution; yet I remain indestructible. Simi larly, the bodies of the beings, indestructible for they are akin to myself.

When the Lord Himself says that we are akin to Him, What do we lose in accepting Lord as our kin?

Three rare things which are difficult to obtain

Lord Shankaracharya says in Vivek Chudamani, ‘what is difficult obtain in this world?’ A human birth, the longing for liberation and the protecting care of a perfected sage. If one finds a Sage (Sad guru) but he is not a qualified aspirant after liberation then he won’ be able to attain realization of the Supreme Self through conversation with Sadguru over the Supreme Brahman, contemplation and meditation on Brahman. The one who is not qualified aspirant intent on attaining That, even if he gets a Sad guru, he will expect only worldly structures made of bricks, lime, iron or woods from him. On the contrary, the one who is advanced in spirituality, who has well-earned merits, he will express his desire to know the ‘Truth’ to his Sadguru. How to cut off the bonds of samsara, (birth and death)? How to get the Light of Self illuminated before the eyes get closed forever or the eye-sight diminishes? How to meet the Lord of all before the family members turn away from us? The complete of Sad guru can be obtained only by the one who asks such questions, is engrossed in such Self-enquiry and is longing for Self-Knowledge. What do the rest of the people do? Suppose an emperor becomes pleased with you and ask from him petty things like gram or chewing gum, chocolates worth a few cents similar to this is asking for worldly things.

We invoke the light personified god and the supreme opulence the morning. From a Self-realized Sad guru and considering oneself fortunate after getting worldly thing Hum; such person is comparable to a little child which gets pleased on receiving petty toys.

In all the three worlds-hell, heaven and earth, the human birth, longing for liberation and Sad guru are difficult to obtain. The one who obtains these three things is the most fortunate even if he does not get anything else. The one possessing all other thing except these three things, you may think him to be fortunate for some days but in reality he definitely not gained the supreme fruit of the human life.

Answer these questions; increase your knowledge!

1. I am a strong opponent of progress; father of failure. I am the grave of living man; will you tell my name?
2. It is not depleted by giving; you can give as much as you wish. Nobody can seize it; the giver is respected by the recipient.
3. I ran since my birth in high mountains; I meet my sister at prayagraj. I walk walk with abandon; meet my lover in the end.
4. All the problems are solved of those with whom I live. They are always perplexed who are deprived of my company.
5. You. If you lose to me, you lose to all.
6. Father died at a young age; went to offer oblations at Gaya Became the disciple of Ishwarpuri; attained Self-knowledge.
(Wait for the next issue for the answers)

Significant precepts for Student Life

*Do not promote desire fulfillment if you wish to strengthen your intellect. *The more you conserve your energy from being dissipated in sense enjoy-ments, the more fortified your intelligence will be.

*Too much talk, excessive sleep, unnecessary roaming around, decking up this physical body with costly dresses and ornaments, savoring tasty and oily food, vanity of the so called wealth, troubles and tribulations on account of poverty, engage ing oneself in social political parties all these pursuits ate detrimental to studies and result in mere squandering of student’ s time energy.

*Too much talk, excessive sleep, unnecessary roaming around, decking up this physical body with costly dresses and ornaments, savouring tasty and oily food, vanity of the so called wealth, troubles and tribulations on account of poverty, engaging oneself in social or political parties, all these pursuits are detrimental to studies and result in mere squandering of student’s time and energy.

The student must physically exert himself such as performing asanas or exercises, running races or rendering any other service involving physical effort etc.

*Depending upon his means, the student should provide service or help to the weak and the needy as when the occasion comes. One’s own needs should be kept at the minimum level.

*from the very beginning, the student should strive to practice patience, humility, mellifluence, succinctness, contentment and endurance etc.

*The students who are inherently in dustrious, self-restricting, generous, dutiful, kind, humble sober, thoughtful and farsighted are truly the trustworthy resources of the society as well as of the country. Only such students are capable af attaining some higher goals of life.

*Only that life which has elegant, auspicious, systematic and powerful beginning can be full of peace and contentment in the middle and in the end. The unfortunate ones that start squandering their vital energy even before they build the necessary reserves through self-self-restraint can achieve nothing substantial in their lives.

*Those who start hankering after who start hankering after worldly fame and recognition even before cultivating moralistic values, power of prudence, perspicacity, astute vision, worldly knowledge and knowledge of True self remain impoverished. They fail to attain anything worthwhile.

*it is imperative for a student as also for a sadhaka to exercise self-restraint and control over his senses.

*in the early early years of youth as the vigour grows rapidly, there also grows the senses urge towards indulgence in their respective objects; one has strong desire for approval and appreciation also for sense enjoyment. AT this stage, he who stalls the downward slide (towards sense gratification) of his vital energy and gain fully uses it for developing the six virtues of perseverance, courage etc. that is who diverts the flow energy from sense-objects to emotional and intellectual development is a truly valiant person and only in such a one grows the power of real knowledge.

*your sharp-wittedness can be termed ideal and commendable only when you first establish your eternal relationship with the Supreme and then proceed to-wards mundane relationships. Only then will you succeed in getting delivered from the bondage of this world.

Gave up the perishable, got imperishable

It is from the childhood days of Swami Days of Swami Vivekananda. Then his name was Narendra. Due to values formed in him due to the effect of impressions gathered in previous births, he used to give away anything whenever any poor person used to come and beg in front of him. If he could not give money then he used to give away utensils. If he could not find utensils then would give away anyone’s clothes.

One day someone came to beg and he had nothing give. Mother knew that he will give to the one who came to beg so kept everything in boxes and locked them in the room. When Narendra could not find anything in the house then he took off his clothes and gave them to him. He became naked like like a child. Well, was indeed a child anyway? Shouted at him with sham anger and hidden love, ‘’O my naked son! You are grown up boy of9-10 years of age and coming naked! Where are your clothes?’

Narendra Said, ‘’he was asking… poor Fellow did not have anything to wear to, I gave him for his kids.

Mother said, ‘’Come with me. ‘’ she caught his hands and took him and locked him in the room above and: ‘’You will not learn! Now I will not release you; then you will know.

Mother went away. He was sitting. The beggar saw and he saw the beggar.

"O Child! O Giver! Salutation to you! Will I get something? The giver thought now he had nothing. But then he saw that the mother’s box lying there. Mother had forgotten lock it ‘Thank god! How Kind you are!’ thought he. He opened the box and saw mother’ silken saris in it He threw them to the beggar through the window. The giver was filled with joy and the beggar was happy. Glory be to God! Be to the giver!’ Mother heard the voice and wondered what her son must have done now. She came outside and saw.

"Oh who gave all my saris?.

The beggar said: ‘’your son has thrown them from upstairs. Mother saw from the window and remembered ‘Oh, I left the box unlocked.’ Mother should have been angry but she opened the door and said lovingly: ‘’Son! You will not let up without giving everything; such is your nature. Now who can make you understand! Vivekananda gave away everything and the whole universe became his. Same used to happen to me also and I did give everything away many times, some time to the extent that gave I gave away even my mat, my dhoti and my kurta and walked away in the underwear. God is not far, not impose Siebel to attain, not separate, not different from the one who believes that everything belongs to God and uses everything gor the welfare of people for God’s sake. This does not mean that you should give your jewellery and your clothes but is does mean that you should not be attached to them. These things were not yours in the past and will not be yours in future. So make use of them and if you find somebody needs them more than you do give them to him. Don ‘t identify with the body neither believe it to be mine; Take care of your body like someone else’s body manage body, eat, drink, cover your body with clothes but don’ do it for the sake of enjoy ment. If you want real joy, drown yourself into. If you want real joy, drown yourself into divine and divine knowledge.

Srimad Adi Shankaracharya’s Guru Ashtakam

Even if you have a pretty mien, a beautiful wife great fame and mountain like money. If your mind does not bow at the Guru ‘s feet; What is the use? What is the use? Oh what is the use?

Even if you have a wife, wealth, children grand children. House, relations and are born in a great family. If your mind does not bow at the Guru’s feet; What is the use? What is the use? Oh what is the use?

Even if you an expert in six angas and the for Vedas, And an expert in writing good prose and poems. If your mind does not bow at the Guru’s feet; What is the use? What is the use? Oh what is the use?

Even if you are considered great abroad, rich in your own place, And greatly regarded in virtues and life. If your mind does not bow at the Guru’s feet; is the use? What is the use? Oh what is the use?

Even if you are a king of a great region, And are served by kings and great kings, if your mind does not bow at the Guru’s feet; What is the use? What is the use? Oh what is the use?

Even if your fame has spread all over, And the entire world is with you because of charity and fame. If you mind does not bow at the Guru’s feet; What is the use? What is the use? Oh what is the use?

Even if you do not concentrate your mind, an passion, yoga, fire sacrifice, or in the plea sure from the wife, or in the affairs of wealth. If your mind does not bow at the Guru’s feet; What is the use? What is use oh what is the use?

Even if your mind stays away in the forest, or in house, or in duties or in great thoughts. If your mind does not bow at the Guru’s feet; What is the use? What is use? Oh what is the use?

Even if you have priceless jewel collection, Even if you have an embracing passionate wife. if your mind does not bow at the Guru’s feet; What is the use? What is use? Oh what is the use?

Merit of reading; That blessed one who reads this octet to the Guru, Be he a saint, king, bachelor or householder, if his mind gets at tachet to the words of the Guru, He would get the great gift of attainment of Brahman.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

The Words of the Guru Give us Protection

King Raghu once thought, ‘Living in the world particularly in royal luxury brings in its wake loads of desire, anger, greed and other negative tendencies and attaining God-Realization is the only worthwhile thing to do in human life. ‘ He handed over his kingdom to his son Aj and went to live in the jungle to attain God-Realization.

One day when King Raghu was engaged in austerities, a demon saw a Brahmin and ran after him. The demon was saying, “You are my favourite food. I am hungry and Lord Brahma has sent you for me only. “The Brahman ran and ran for his life. The demon too ranfor his life for he was dying of hunger. The Brahman ran and took refuge at King Raghu’s feet. He said, “Sir! I am in your shelter.”

King Raghu said, “What is the matter?”

“I am very scared.”
“Shed all your fear.”

Giving the gift of deliverance from fear is the biggest charity. By listening to a satsang we get this gift. The King delivered him from fear. Having given refuge and having told someone to shed fear, it becomes one’s dutey to protect such a one even if it means putting one’s own life at stake. This is the principal of kindness tone to whom refuge has been granted. King Raghu was aware of this principle.

In the meanwhile, the demon reached there saying, “Give him up, give him up.” He said, “Sir! Give him up. I am hungry. Lord Brahma has apportioned this food to me.”

“He has taken my shelter. I cannot abandon him.”

“I am hungry. If you give him refuge I will die of hunger. You are a sage, who sees God in every living being, who harbours no enmity for anyone in his heart. Why do you treat me like your enemy by snatching away my prey? If you save him, you will incur the sin of killing me.”

“I will not give him up. You can ask for any other food of your choice.”

“I am a demon. Meat is my favourite food. You are well versed in scriptures. You must be knowing that it is sin if someone dies of hunger because of you. You have decided to protect him. Does that mean you will commit the sin of killing me?”

King Raghu was in a quandary; he thought, “My vow is Not to bear enmity towards anyone, not to want ill for anyone. Now if I protect the Brahmin, this poor demon will die of hunger and if I protect this demon, then the Brahimn will have to give up his life. Now what shouldI do?” He then remembered Guru Vasishthaji’s satsang that in times of hardship, remembering God is the only way out.

Listen to a satsang does you good not only at thr time when you are listening. Even later on, the words of satsung will protect you from trobles, from falling prey to attractions nd from calamities.

What should one in a difficult situation do? He should repeat God’s name and become calm… again he should utter the name and again he should become clam.

King Raghu meditated on God with an implicit faith and said, God show me the way. Hari O……mmmm. Hari! Hari! O my Guide! O Friend of the downtrodden! O protector of the downtrodden! My life is in your hands! I am under the protection of Hari! O Vishnu , You reside in all! I am under Your protection,”

As soon as the king remembered God, the demon instantly acquired a divine form. Sumiran (remembering God) destroyed the effect of the demon’s negative karma. He said, “Sadho Sadho! (Excellent!) I was King Shatadyumna in my last birth. Maharshi Vasishthaji cursed me because of my sinful deeds and thus I acquired this form of demon! O King! You took refuge in God. I got liberated by listening to Lord’s name from a righteous soul like you. Now I don’t need to fill my stomach by killing this Brahmin. Even I take refuge Hari.” The demon met with death and acquired an elevated state. The Brahmin was delivered from fear and king Raghu become happy and contented. What a great power lies in the words of satsung! Fortunate are those who derive benefit from satsung! And the great good fortune of those who make it possible for others to listen to a satsung can not be described in words!

‘Blessed are the parents of one whose heart is filled with devotion to the Guru, blessed is his lingeage, his descendants and also blessed is the land where he lives.’

Follow the Guru’s precepts
With faith and conviction.
Do what the Shastras says;
Shed all doubt and fear.
What the Guru and the Shastras
Say is absolutely correct.
Dobut it never if you want
Your supreme good.
(From Ashram’s booklet ‘Atma-Gunjan’)

The Greatness of Great men

Swami Ramatirtha used to stay at Rambaug in Prayagraj. Once he went to take a dip in the river Ganges. Swami Akhandanandaji, a contemporary saint, accompanied him. When Swami Ramatirtha came out of the river, Akhandanandaji gave him a loincloth. While walking on the riverbank Swami Rmatirtha’s feet were smeared with mud. Just then Pt. Madan Mohan Malviyajii came there. A man of great fame and the leader of many institutions (founder of Banaras Hindu University and Ex-President, All India Congress Committee) Pt. Madan Mohan Malviyaji began to wipe the mud off Swami Ramatirtha’s feet with his precious shawl. He was unconcerned about his social status and he did not bother about any comments from the people. This is the virtue of shila (noble conduct).

‘To be conceited is like drinking wine. The aspiration for glory is like going to the Raurava, one of the terrible hells. To be bothered about social prestige is like collecting the excreta of the pig. One should renounce all these three and be reposed in one’s true nature, Existence-Consciousness-Bliss Absolute.’

Those who are obsessed with prestige become deficient in nobility of conduct. Those who eschew the covetousness for prestige and do Kirtan, meditation and pursue altruistic Endeavour’s for the sake of God’s pleasure make their hearts fit for the Lord’s abode.

Meditation is done by one and all. Some meditate on their enemies; some meditate on money; some meditate on their enemies; some meditate on friends; and some meditate on their spouses But all this is not regarded as noble conduct. Only those who becoming free from desires meditate and reflect on the Supreme Lord develop nobility in their conduct.

Narayana Mantra

Once Pt. Madan Mohan Malviyaji visited Sri Hunuman Prasad Poddarji at Gita Press, Gorakhpur and stayed with him as his guest. The next morning Malviyaji said to Hanuman Prasadji,

“I want to give you a rare thing that was granted to me by my mother as a boon. I have derived great benefits from it.”

As Malviyaji began to describe the glory of that rare thing, Bhaiji (Hanuman Prasadji) became extremely curious, “Please, give me that rare thing immediately.”

Malviyaji said, “About 40 years ago I asked my mother if there was anything that would grant me success in all undertakings, but would not make me feel conceited of success; for conceitedness and dejection diminish Self strength. My mother said, ‘Lord Narayana abides in all sentient and insentient beings. Make it a point to remember Him before embarking on any task.’

“Bhaiji! Forty years have passed since, and whenever I missed to remember the Lord I have invariably failed in my Endeavour, otherwise life has been all success to me. You too can avail yourself of this pious mantra.”

Hanuman Prasadji derived immense benefits from that mantra. Even his family members and thousands of his readers used this holy mantra to great benefit.

Those who remember the Lord’s pious name, ‘Narayana… Narayana… Naranaya… in the beginning, middle and end of their work are most certainly benefited. So you too derive benefits of this mantra.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

A festival to awaken your divinity

(Guru Purnima festival: 15th July)

(From Pujya Bapuji’s divine discourses)


Vyasa Purnima is another name of the Guru Purnima. The festival of Guru Purnima is celebrated every year to commemorate Krishna Dwaipayana, Known as Veda Vyasa,who edited the Vedas. Bhagwan Veda Vyasa has served the mankind with many works. If there is anything great in all great works, scriptures, religions, sects, it is a gift from Vyasa.

‘The whole world is Prasad from Vyasaji.’ The great sege composed the great epic, Mahabharata, containing 100,000 verses and declared, ‘All the other spiritual books contain only that which is written in the Mahabharata; what is not written in Mahabharata can not be found in other scriptures.’ This was a challenge from Maharshi Veda Vyasa, which no learned man has accepted to date. Maharshi Veda Vyasawas equipped with such a divine vision (foresightedness) that we would caution and advice from time to time Pandavas as to the further course of events and would advice the Kauravas about what they should not do. He divine knowledge and radiance was held in so great esteem by Lord Ganesha that he so accepted the task of writing down the verses which he conceived in a state of deep trance. What a great visionary he was!

All the Rishis and gods prayed to such Veda Vayasa to fix a day of the year when people would worship and show reverence to him as there are days fixed for worshipping other deities – Monday and Shivaratri for shaivites, Tuseday, Saturday and Hanuman Jayanti for the devotees of Hanumanji, Janmashtami for devotees of Lord Krishna, Ram Navami for devotees of Lord Rama respectively. “O living God, Sadguru, we went to repay the deep debt of gratitude we owe to you by worshipping you because the gift of knowledge does little good to the ungrateful.”

“The Guru is Brahma, the ,Guru is Vishnu, Guru is Shiva, Guru is Supreme Brahma Itself.Prostration to that Guru.”

The Guru is the Creature of samskaras of Dharma, Upasana and Brahmajnana in our hearts. As Lord Vishnu nurtures the creation, the Guru nurtures thease divine virtues. Like Lord shiva, the Guru destroys our petty impure desires and belifs, our self-limiting notions and inferiority complexes. The Guru is Suprime Brahman Itself. Singing thus the Guru’s praises, the gods and Rishis prayed that a day be fixed for worship of the Guru. Thursday was fixed for worshipping the Guru and the purnima of the montrh Aashaadh, on which day Vyasaji commenced the composition of ‘Brahma Sutra’, the first philosophical work of the world, came to be known as Guru Purnima or Vyasa-Purinma.

Every year, on this day, we remember Maharshi Veda Vyasa as the first Guru and Worship our Guru as the embodiment of Existence-Consciousness-Bliss Absolute. On the Guru –Purnima day,I used to do mental worship of my Guru. I bathed my Gurudev, dressed him in cloths, applied tilak, garlanded him with a male of white, fragrant jasmine flowers and performed Aarati. Then I would visualize Gurudev sitting before me and feel blessed and elated remembering his physical movements. Thus I celebrated on Vysas in the form of my ingly meditation on Vyasa in the form of my Guru… Then I would feel as if I were listening to my Guruji; as if Guruji were showering love on me through his gracious glance and I feel exhilarated, overjoyed, causing bristling of the hairs of my body. I used to have mental conversation with Gurudev which I do even now. Gurudev’s physical form is not existent but his real Being is all pervading immortal and eternal.

The festival of Vyasa Purnima comes to awaken our dormant powers, spiritual Shakti. We have been undergoing metempsychosis since time immemorial. We have been gaining and losing, and in the process becoming indigent. The festival of Guru-Purnima eradicates our poverty, takes away our disease and grief, and dispels the darkness of our ignorance thereby filling our heart with divine love, divine joy, divine powers. Guru Purnima is the festival which eradicates our poverty and downtroddenness, and makes us rich with the divine opulence, divine love and divine joy. Vyasa-Purnima teaches us to go for attaining freedom of joy, knowledge and life so that we do not depand upon others for our joy, knowledge and life; it reminds us of our own greatness.

The Road to Attaining Supreme Bliss

It is the aim of not only mankind but of all living beings to be totally devoid of sorrow and to be established in unending joy. And that eternal and perfect bliss can be attained only by realizing God. Who alone is eternal and perfect and complete. Till now the avenues for bliss that you pursued have been imperfect and complete, you will be able to experience perfect and complete bliss. Now, What is that perfect and complete substance? Reflect on the great sayings spoken by the Sadguru. That perfect and complete substance is God; He is all-pervading; yet the mad lovers of Him keep waling towards Him. When will you start the journey, dear friend? In the end you will have to get out of the bondages of illusion and sorrow. Then you will repent about the time being lost now. So don’t be a coward; don’t hold back. Do fulfil your pious intention and pursue the goal of attaining Supreme Bliss. Do get the true picture.

Come, let us make this auspicious moment even more auspicious by first singing the praises of the Lord Gurudev.

Now be kind to me O Gurudev…

We have been wandering aimlessly for so many days, The thorns of sorrow are troubling us. We are getting stuck at so many places, Be compassionate to me and hold my hand. I am devoid of virtue and good conduct. I am weak and extremely impure. I humbly say I am wonting in all respects. Pray don’t evaluate me whether I am good or bed. You alone will make me attain to Supreme State. You alone are my father, you alone are my mother. You alone are my all-pervading savior in all ways. Today take away my pains. Now be kind to me O Gurudev…

O traveller! You are immortal Arman. On the strength of the grace of Sadguru and of satsang, you have found the path to the supreme goal of attaining Supreme Bliss and also the pious intention of pursuing the path. Only then will you be able to be careful at every step and to walk proficiently.

Remember. The moment you start pursuing desire-fulfilment, your vision will become blurred. Then you will not be able to tread the path of that Divine Effulgence. Be cautious, your own negative thoughts can be obstacles in your progress and can turn out to be the cause of sorrow. Therefore, keep them on a leash. Be careful; don’t run helter-skelter when your sense of intuitive discrimination imparted by Sadguru becomes impaired. Go to saints and with their guidance, regain your lost insight. This is the only way. Never forget your spiritual journey. Instead of counting on external help, have faith in your own inner strength. The grace of Sadguru that accompanies you is itself very special. On the strength of that faith, put your best foot forward on the spiritual journey.

Oh traveler! Whatever remains to be learnt, you can learn only from your Sadguru. Therefore, listen to the divine words of Sadguru, seek only his shelter and till all your desires vanish, pray only to God to rid you of them. Don’t look to anybody else for help He alone is the pureme shelter for all. Constantly remember Him, reflect on Him and meditate only on Him. The glory of God-contemplation is self-evident. One verily becomes what one constantly contemplates. Therefore, be noble in conduct; do your duty and constantly remember God, the abode of Supreme Bliss, always reflecting on His essential nature of Existence-Consciousness-Bliss Absolute.

Let all get nectar, let all get awakened !

Once upon a time, the topic of discussion in an assembly of scholars was ‘Where is the nectar, or ‘Amrit’ of life?’

One scholar said; “What is there to ask? The nectar is in heaven.”

Another scholar questioned, “If there is nectar in the heaven, then none should fall from there. I don’t think real nectar is in the heaven.”

The third scholar said: “Nectar is in the moon.”

The fourth said: “If the moon has nectar, then why does she wane?”

Someone said, “The nectar is in the sea.” “If the sea contains nectar, why is I salty?”

The discussion went on for a long time, but no conclusion was reached. Meanwhile, the great poet Kalidas come there. Everyone bowed to him, and said, “Now you solve this problem, please.”

He Said:

“The real nectar lies in the vice of saints, in their spiritual discourses. The nectar of heaven was obtained by agitating and churning (the milk-ocean); that is not real nectar. The spring of discourses of Self-Bliss, divine peace and experience of Supreme Self that issues from the heart of saints is the real nectar.”

All of our scriptures are composed of this nectar. That is why we can derive from them not only worldly benefits of all kinds but also the benefit of Self-Knowledge. The are called not just shastra (scriptures) but are called sat-shastras (scriptures that lead to Truth), and are worshipped. Spiritual books work as the cornerstone in the building of Life can be erected. Our thoughts thoughts are influenced by the type of literature we read and our entire behavior is influenced by our thoughts. Therefore, we should read such books which help in our all round development – physical, mental, moral, and spiritual.

The following is an incident that happened in the life of Subhash Chandra Bose. It illustrates the importance of spiritual literature. In the war at Klung Valley, only 3 soldiers of Indian National Army were fighting against 100 British soldiers. The News was sent to Subhashji, and he was asked whether the soldiers should be asked to withdraw. He was in dilemma but did not feel perturbed. His life was greatly influenced by spiritual literature. Whenever difficult circumstances came his way, he would always go back to those books. On that day he read a sentence in a book, ‘Even when dark cluds of misfortune are hovering overhead, one should not lose patience.’ On reading this, he sent message to those thre soldiers: ‘O valiant sons of Mothere India! As long as the enemy is not wiped out, hold your ground. Good is with us.’

These words infused life into those soldiers. They fought with such valour that the British soldiers lost all courage. Their will power failed them and they fled the ckowki (camp). It was the result of spiritual literature. Therefore, the glory of spiritual literature is beyond description.

Revered Lilashahji Maharaj, the Gurudev of Pujya Bapuji, believed that only spiritual literature i.e. books on religion and ethics can help in building human life and lead one on to the path of progress. Literature brings a new awakening in human life, society and the country. It shows people the true path to progress and inspires them to tread the same. He (Lilashah Bapuji) used to say, “True literature is that which gives the message of ‘Sayuam, Shivam, Sundaram’.”

Satyam stands for the path to one’s True Self, Shivam stands for supreme good of all beings, Sundaram means that which teaches the art of leading a beautiful life.

According to Pujya Sant Sri Asharamji Bapu only such literature as described above is actually the invaluable treasure of human life. It is only from such literature the we get sublime knowledge; divine love is awakened in our heart; and our supreme good is ensured. Our spiritual literature has the wonderful property of providing robust health to the body, peace and happiness to the mind, and divinity to the intellect. The spiritual books contain the life stories and experiences of great men, Guru Bhaktas, and saints, the darlings of God. If you will verily become great. Expounding the importance of spiritual books in life, he Lord Himself says in the battle field:

‘Nor is there any among men who does dearer service to Me nor shall there be another on earth dearer to Me than he (one who teaches the Knowledge of the Gita to My devotees)’

Swami Vivekananda said: ‘The house that does not have good literature is not a house; it is a cremation ground.’

Pujya Bapuji says: “My Gurudev, at the age of eighty, would carry bundles of books to the hills of Neonatal, deliver spiritual discourses, distribut ‘Prasad’ and give people spiritual books to read. Today, we, millions of people, are enjoying the benefits of the selfless service of that great man. Devotees tirelessly render the service of reaching spiritual literature to the people. It fills their hearts with the joy of desirelessness.”

The powerful and sacred words of Bapuji complied in the form of books contain tips for all round development of all classes of people in the society. Available at very low prices, there spiritual books have proved to be very useful in countering the thought pollution the society. The dissemination of Pujya Bapuji’s message has saved many homes from being ruined; the sinking boats of life of many people have been brought ashore; many lazy and escapist people have become dutiful. Addicted and wicked people have become virtuous and dedicated to social service; non-believers have become believers; decadent people have turned to the path of moral and spiritual progress. It has benefited the society, country and the entire world indescribably. They are indeed fortunate who save some time from their worldly activities to devote it to the holy work of reaching the nectarine words of Gurude to each and every home for God’s pleasure. This is how these virtuous souls are earning the merits of patriotism and national service sitting at home. Now we are committed to reach the message of Bapuji to each and every home, to awaken every heart.

Let us take a pledge on this great festival of ‘Guru Purnima’ that we shall distribute the Ashram-published spiritual literature, which is elevation the human society, to our friends, relatives, and others on auspicious occasions of festivals, birth days, weddings, etc.; that we shall run ‘Reach Spiritual books to every home’ campaigns; that we shall participate in the monumental mission of reaching these books, which are filled with the nectarine words of Pujya Bapuji, to each and every home.

(These books are available in all Ashrams, and service centers run by all Yoga Vedanta Seva samitis)

The Glory of the Guru

Kabirji has sung the glory of the Guru in the following words.

There is no giver in the world except the Guru. The whole world is a beggar itself. In all the there worlds, Sadguru alone is the Supreme Lord. He can give everything to all beings. Says Kabir, only the blessed ones come by this great good forture (of finding the Guru). ‘

The skeptics and the non-believers, who are enamoured of alien cultures fail to fathom the glory of the Guru.

‘Those who disobey the Guru, those who find fault with the Guru and slanderers of Guru remain miserable in the world and keep on wandering after death. They don’t attain liberation. Sahajobai says Guru has given her the lamp which has illuminated all of her being. She become the Seer of all the three worlds; the darkness of illusion is destroyed.’

‘Can one attain Knowledge without having a Guru? Can one attain Knowledge without having a dispassion? Similarly, the Vedas and the Puranas say, happiness can not be attained without the Bhakti of Lord Hair.’

‘One may get butter by churning the water; one may get lil by pressing sand particles. But one can not cross the ocean of Samara without practicing devotion to Lord Hari. This is indisputable fact.’

‘By serving the Guru, one goes beyond all sorrows and attains Self-Bliss. All virtuous deeds of one, who treats the Knowledge giver Guru as a human being, are unproductive of merit like the ‘ablution of elephants’ (elephants, after squirting water over their bodies, end by throwing dust and rubbish).’

‘If Lord Krishna is merciful to some fortunate one of virtuous deeds, He imparts Knowledge as the antaryamin in his heart and by assuming the form of the Guru.’

‘Guru is a form of Lord Krishna Himself. This is what shastras say. The Lord showers His grace on devotees through the form of a Guru only.’

‘Lord Sri Hari is automatically pleased with one who has pleased his Guru.’

‘Rendering service to the Guru is the best of all Dharmas (duties). No other Dharma is superior to it. Only through Guruseva can one get rid of desire, anger, greed, delusion, ego, envy, fear, worry, misery, attachment to sense-objects etc. and can attain God-Realization effortlessly.’ (Hari Bhakti Vilas)

I yearn for That Sadguru who…

‘O brother, my heart yearns for that Sadguru who Delivers from the cycle of birth and death; In unforgettable Words, imparts teachings that save us from swerving; Fress us from delusion, and guides us to the effortless path of attaining Samadhi without austerities and rituals; Who does not enmesh us in the practice of Pranayama and Hatha Yoga; Tells us the way of inaction in action; Teaches us to transcend the bonds of joy, the Yoga in Bhoga; He builds the hut of Love not on the earth but in the sky; He seats us on the slab of Void, in the lake of Knowledge. Kabirji says he alone is true Sadguru who reveals in the heart That, which can never be seen.’

Sadguru illuminates the Inner World

Extolling the Guru; Lord Vishnu says to King Ben, “O King! With Guru ‘s grace, the disciple learns the etiquette and secular knowledge. He attains the Self-Knowledge and finally gets liberation.

‘As the Sun illuminates all external worlds, Sadguru illuminates the inner world by giving Buddhi, the spiritual intellect to the disciples,’’’

Get Liberated and Liberate Others

(From Pujya Bapuji’s ambrosial satsang)

Once I told my Guruji, “Guruji! I want to render some service. Kindly tell me to do something.”
Gurudev said, “Do you want to render service?”

I said, “Yes”

I thought, ‘We are two brothers. Guruji will ask me to give my share of wealth to be put to good use. I will give it. I will keep a little for myself and will give the rest.’ I was mentally preparing my self to reply to what Guruji might ask for. Guruji again said, ‘Will you do it?”

I replied, “Yes”

Guruji: “You attain God-Realization; get liberated while living in the world; and make others to God-Realized and liberated. This is the service I want you to render.’

I was amazed and filled with extreme veneration for my Sadguru.

Make others – these two words are His. That is why others are becoming liberated on their own.

Monday, September 26, 2011

The Role of the Guru

The Guru is God Himself manifesting in a personal form to guide the aspirant. Grace of Guru is united with God. He inspires devotion in others. His presence purifies all.

To light a candle, you need a burning candle. Even so, an illumined soul alone can enlighten another soul.

All great ones had their teachers. All the sages, saints, prophets, world teachers, incarnations, great men have had their own Gurus, howsoever great they might have been. Svetaketu learnt the nature of Truth from Uddalaka, Maitreyi from Yajnavalkya, Bhrigu from Varuna, Narada from Sanatkumara, Nachiketas from Yama, Indra from Prajapati; and several others humbly went to wise ones, observed strict Brahmacharya, practiced rigorous discipline, and learnt Brahma-Vidya from them.

Even Devas have Brishaspati as their Guru. Even Sanatkumar, the greatest among the divine beings, sat at the feet of Guru Dakshinamurti

Choosing the Guru

If you find peace in the presence of a Mahatma, if you are inspired by his speeches, if he is able to clear your doubts, if he is free from greed, anger and lust, if he is selfless, loving and I-less, you cantake him as your Guru. He who is able to clear your doubts, he who is sympathetic in your Sadhana, he who does not disturb your belief but helps you on from where you are, he is whose very presence you feel spiritually elevated – he is your Guru, implicitly follow him. God will guide you through the Guru.

From a doctor, you get a prescription. From two doctors, you get consultation. From three doctors, you get your own cremation.

Even so, if you have many Gurus, you will be bewildered. You will be at a loss to know what to do. One Guru will tell you: “Do Soham Japa.” Another will tell you: “Do Japa of Sri Ram.” A third Guru will tell you: “Hear Anahata sounds.” You will be puzzled. Stick to one Guru and follow his instructions.

Guru is the holiest of the holy

The Sun shine in the day; the moon in the night and lamp lights the house destroying the darkness therein. But the Guru keeps his disciple’s heart illuminated at all hours of the day. He destroys the darkness of ignorance in the heart of his disciple completely. Therefore, for the disciples, Guru’s feet are the most sacred of sacred places.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Ways to strengthen Insightful Discrimination

(From Pujya Bapuji’s satsang)
The faculty of insightful discrimination develops from the age of ten to the age of forty. If one does not increase this faculty in this period, it starts depleting after forty. In case of one who endeavours and strengthens the faculty of insightful discrimination the period between ten and forty years of age, the faculty continues to develop even after forty years. There is a measure which if undertaken can strengthen the faculty of insightful discrimination even after forty years of age.We can divide it into seven steps. The first is to keep listening satsang.
Withot satsang there can be no sense of discrimination.
Here Tulsidasji in respect of eating and drinking, hospitality to guests and other worldly matters; the discrimination being talked about here is discriminative insight into the questions-what is Atman; what is the and what is God?

The Atman is indestructible and immortal; we are indestructible and the world is destructible. We are eternal; This kind of discrimination is the basis of all spiritual practices.
One, who has renounced all desires and has decided to repose in the True Self, in the Supreme Being, has completed all his learning, all his education, all anushthans (systematic performance of religious practices). This is discrimination! The seven methods given here are to awaken such discrimination for attaining God-Realization.
The second is study of sacred texts. The third method is to do tribandh pranayam followed by japa in the three sandhyas (dawn, noon san sunset). Meditating on God and practice of the methods or guidance for attaining God-Realization that the Guru has given will increase discrimination. The fourth method is to speak less, eat less and sleep less, to avoid laziness. Four to five hours are sufficient for sleep; don’t keep lying in bed like a do-nothing. Not to much of sleep, no laziness, not to much food, not too much indulgence of speech. The fifth is to eat pur, sattvic food and the sixth method is observance of Brahmacharya. One may read the book ‘Divya Prerna Prakash’ (‘Divine Inspiration’ in English) to that end. This book has transformed countless lives and many have been revived from the brink of death. Read ‘Divya Prerna Prakash’ and serve others by reaching this book to them. The seventh method is simplicity. These seven methods will save you from worldly troubles and will illuminate your life with the discrimination required for attaining God-Realization.

Fasts, Holy Days and Festivals
19th July; Fourth lunar day falling on Tuesday considered to be auspicious (up to 14.49 hrs.)
26th July: Kamika Ekadashi
4th August: Naag Panchmi, Kalki Jayanti
5th August: Sant Tulsidas Jayanti
9th August: Putrada Ekadashi
13th August: Rakshabandhan (after 12.03), Naariyali purnima, Shravani upakarm, Sanskrit day.

Rishi Prasad Jayanti

Pujya Sant Sri Asharamji Bapu is a gift from God to humanity. Many divine endeavours of service to humanity and of awakening of Indian culture are being done by Pujya Bapuji. The publication of monthly magazine “Rishi Prasad” too is a successful step in that direction.
The deficiency of food, water, air and light makes the body weak. In the same way, lack of satang, seva, japa, meditation and prayer weakens our inner soul. As the body needs to be nourished by proper food, in the same way our True Self needs nourishment. To fulfil this need, Pujya Bapuji has given to the people the blessed gift of Rishi Prasad. In the fild of spiritual magazines, this magazine is enlivening the hearts of all.
The first edition of Rishi Prasad was published in the year 1990 on Guru-Purnima day. This is the auspicious day when the writing of world’s first scripture Brajmasutra began. This very day writing of Mahabharata, the fifth Veda concluded. This was the day of incarnation of Magarshi Veda Vyasaji who wrote 18 Puranas and various sub-Puranas and compiled the Vedas and brought them to people in easy language. This very day, the Prasad of Rishi Prasad, which is the essence of all scriptures, came out.
Rishi Prasad today is circulated in more than 47 countries including India and its circulation is more than twenty lakhs. Presently it is published in nine Indian languages and also in English. The circulation in increasing by the day and thereby the magazine is cradicating misery from the lives of crores of people giving them spiritual bliss. It is impossible to say as to how mant people’s lives are being enlightened by it. Rishi Prasad is a strong medium of taking the people above the limits of caste, religion, sects and beliefs and of inspiring them towards Self-Realization. It is a lighthouse enlightening people on how to live a healthy, happy and respected life.
The number of pious souls involved in bringing the Rishi Prasad to the people has crossed 26,600. These fortunate and brave torch-bearers of Indian culture, unmindful of respect and disrespect, heat and cold, humger and thirst, go from house to house; make people understand the importance of divine and eternal culture of Sanatan Dharma and make them the members of Rishi Prasad inspiring them to make their life and family blissful by its knowledge. These compassionate servants of the society go every month to the houses of people to give the latest edition Rishi Prasad. This way, these pious men are making their human birth successful by becoming a bridge between the society and the illustrious saint.
By the blessings of Bapuji, the day of Guru-Purnima is also celedbrated as the day of “Rishi Prasad Jayanti”. It is requested that all those eager to serve the Lord in the form of human beings should resolve to reach the magazine to as many people as possible and worship Gurdev with the flower of this seva. Such pious and virtuous men are no doubt fortunate who are getting the opportunity to serve the people engaged heart and soul in the divine work of Rishi Prasad distribution. Come, let us participate in some way or the other in this divine Endeavour of Gurudev.