(Karla Buddhist Caves, Karla near Mumbai)
He said to me, “The power of will or Ichcha shakti is the driving force, the initiative force present in all of us. In normal world it is useful to start and initiate a goal, a purpose, a mission or any other task.
But for a seeker, the role of will power or ichcha shakti is much higher than one can understand or acknowledge.The bondage of recurring cycles of birth and death can never be broken by any soul unless he or she has a will to do it. Even God’s help or grace comes to us when we create and initiate that will in us to free ourselves. The soul spends lives after lives reincarnating groping in the dark without any spiritual wisdom and growth if he does not initiate and use his latent power of will.
And those seekers who are already traversing now will reach a stage when they do not make substantial growth. Those seekers if they search for answers within, will recognize that they have yet not had the desire or the will to move up and step up their spiritual efforts and hence they are where they were times ago. Therefore, if they now kindle a desire, a blazing will not to dwindle or languish, they must in moments of stillness and calmness express their will to Omnipresent God.”
( from post – The role of ‘ power of will’ in a seeker’s life-I)
The time taken by any seeker or learner to accomplish and complete his spiritual duties and obligations is entirely dependent on the extent of will power possessed by him or the will generated by him within himself. It takes as much time as he decides to free himself.
(from post- The role of power of will in a seeker’s life-II)
After reading this, some of you may think, “How can I cultivate a strong will power to liberate myself? Is it possible, can I do it?”
The answer is- Yes, it is possible for those who want it.
How?
By being dedicated in your pursuits relentlessly. God is pleased with those disciples and seekers who are totally one-pointed and committed in their spiritual pursuits after which they are granted all types of assistance and aid- both spiritual and material, that are required to liberate themselves while performing their worldly duties. Therefore perform your worldly and spiritual duties with one-pointed dedication and sincerity in order to Grace of God fall on you.
The stronger the will to free oneself from the shackles of unending birth and death, the faster the work of emancipation. If the will to free oneself is extremely urgent and unbroken, if aspiration urge is blazing, liberation is hasty with the will and grace of merciful God. Life is altered, life-situations change and the work completed in minimum possible time for such seekers.
Determination is also required to pursue this long path of salvation and it should be possessed by the serious seeker. And lastly, as mentioned before, one pointed concentration in achieving the goal is essential.
Om Sahana Vavatu
Sahanau Bhunaktu
Sahaveeryam Karavavahai
Tejas Vinavadhi Tamastu
Maa vidhvishavahai
Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi!
Om! May God protect us both, the teacher and the student,
May God nourish us both,
May we both acquire the capacity to study and understand the scriptures well.
May we work together with energy and vigour,
May our study be enlightening, not giving rise to hostility,
Om, Peace, Peace and Peace!
This is peace mantra from Taittariya Upanishada of Yajurveda and invokes peace for both- the teacher and the learner. It also advocates a sense of oneness amongst fellow-beings. It should be sung whenever collective learning takes place by the student or the Master.
Foot Note- The first picture is of Karla Caves, ancient Buddhist rock cut monasteries and caves about 2000 years old. They are 120 kms from Mumbai in the Western Ghats on a mountain. In the complex is also one more worth seeing thing and that is the temple of Ekveera Devi, revered mostly by the Kolis or the fishermen. This temple is said to be made by the Pandavas when they were in exile some 5000 years ago.
The last photo is significant in the sense that to find a ficus tree in a desert is not common. This particular tree has enormous roots and looks determined to hold on to the ground with those roots in order to live in spite of opposing harsh climate. Just to see how strong is its determination, have a look at these pictures!
Also read ‘The power of praying intensely’ to know more about how it is we who decide whether we wish to free ourselves or not. Without our will and consent, God does not initiate the whole process of liberation.
