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)