Today afternoon on 10^th of Sept, I was sleeping when I was unexpectedly woken up by heavy showers, dark clouds, thunder stroke and lightning. A loud crash of lightning near the hills created an imagery- first of a thunderstorm, deluge, catastrophe and then of the formation of fossils in the form of the spiritual black stone of Shaligram in the Himalayan Mountains. A picture of a special stone like that of Shaligram was produced in my mind and I comprehended that fossils have inert cosmic energy implanted and preserved within them. I focused my entire attention on the sacred Shaligram stone with reverence. Though for once, I was a bit frightened of the loud thunder and lightning in the atmosphere and was in anticipation as to what  would happen next? At that point in time, it dawned on me that lightning, thunderstorm, rains etc. are all forces in nature and they are under the control of one and the same Power and all this must be happening today because of the will of God so why should I be afraid? I assured myself by accepting the circumstances and I soon entered a calm state and my poise and repose was restored.

I also decided to choose this very time to divert and focus my mind intensely on that One Supreme Power, who is the originator and creator of all the forces in this Universe. I took advantage of the extra-ordinary and freaky climatic conditions of that particular day in my favour. I earnestly prayed to that very Supreme Power to illumine me at those momentous seconds so that I could resolve a few life-mysteries and solve some unexplained circumstances taking place in my case presently. I was  desperate to know why a particular set of events were occurring in my life without my control like the unrestrained thunder storms and forceful wind of that day. I had no control on either of them.

Could I stop the events I questioned, can I change the course of my destiny by first taking control of myself, then willingly executing and setting in motion specifically designed set of actions thereby controlling the destiny and thereupon changing my future? This thought and idea was being compared in my mind to that of the forceful river in the Himalayan Mountains which changes its course on the Earth because of some act of nature or by sheer human intervention.

I received my answer instantaneously and the silent Power unveiled its concealed secret shrouded in mystery from humans as a sheer Grace upon me! What an hour! What a glorious moment!

As the waters of rain give birth to new life, my mind too received new knowledge which widened the horizon of my sky-mind! Light of the Cosmic Force flooded my dormant fossil-mind and dissolved the last remnants of the unseen fine specks of muddy dust in the crevices of innermost layers and carried me like the rolling stones with the rushing gush to the roaring sea of limitless knowledge! I was completely soaked in the inundated flooding tides of waters of God’s Grace and pure Cosmic compassion! I was transformed! I was new!  A new opening and complete transformation took place. A new life awaited me!

Today, it is this that I wish to share and distribute with all those people and the readers who have love for God as even a drop of the holy water of sacred knowledge will give birth to new germination of life, a new birth, a new start to them. It is my silent prayer at this pious hour to the Supreme God to bestow on all those readers a new dawn, a new life of higher and deeper comprehension and spiritual understanding in their ever expanding minds!!

I know that my current life situations are the doing of my past life, I continued thinking. The result of my actions are bound to show up and bear fruit, no matter what now or in future. I cannot control the occurrence of them, they are inevitable. So what could be done, what should I do? I wanted to know.

It dawned on me during that brief period that I always have two options at every milestone of my life-journey. I can either accept the circumstances happily or reject them despondently. In fact, the better word would be ‘resist’ and not ‘reject’ as merely rejecting would not stop the reactions or past-life effects to materialize anyway. If I resist my present life situations, there is a turmoil in my mind. Turmoil further creates uneasy, discordant mental formations which will alter or jeopardize my immediate or far off future. So,

a) In this way, I am not covering up my chartered journey and also not burning and exhausting the previous karmas.

b) Simultaneously I am also creating more new mental karmas by rejecting my present life by not owning up my past.

It is for me to now understand and accept that I am taking an incorrect approach in my life in dealing with my current events. And the second possible option is acceptance.

Acceptance with an open mind.

If I accept whatever comes in my life gracefully with an open mind, that means I have no resistance. Absence of resistance gives me peace of mind. Peace is the nature of God. Through peace I become attuned to God. Peace is given to us as a gift from God. It flows like the pure waters of river Ganga in our life as a Grace of God. So if we accept and own up our past life and prior deeds with an open mind today, the doors to the Sweet Divine are made open!

Unexpected descent of Peace and Grace should be viewed as Divine intervention. Recognize that.

Divine intervention is a bigger and higher force than the force of our karmas, the law of cause and effect, reaping and sowing of energies in the Cosmic Universe.

Once we accept our life as it is and do not resist or rebel, we begin to comprehend the subtle, unknown spiritual laws of God operating in our Universe. We become peaceful. We are then empowered by a mightier force of the Almighty.

After submission, we accept the challenging life roles, tasks and duties, hardships, griefs and sorrows. We are also able to invoke superior, unseen, unearthed powers in us by which we can change, re-align and re-structure our future!

Let us re-create our destiny with our own wish, with acceptance through Divine intervention in the form of Peace and Grace!

Peace! Peace! Peace! to you, me and all!!

(To be continued)

 

# Shaligram stone        # Fossils have inert cosmic energy

# Acceptance with an open mind      # Acceptance with an open mind

# Divine intervention

# Laws of karmas            # Re-create your destiny with your own wish

 

My dearest ___,

I read your reply several times and wish to say something more on that. I have read my mail to you over and over again and every visit is insightful. The paragraphs are loaded with serious thoughts and contain power and energy in them. There is much depth and practical wisdom in them. I will have to dive into the treasure trove myself and become richer in understanding and knowing. I too, am exploring its depth like any other reader. The more I read, the more I understand.

I have written straight from my heart what the divine message prompted me to say. Nevertheless, while writing to you, I consciously put the essence of my own experiences from the kaleidoscope of my life. That must have added to its impact and so you say that it is a very inspiring e-mail/ write-up.  Thanks a lot for your appreciation.

Remember kaleidoscope? One of my favourite toys of childhood then!

As a child I had one such fascinating toy. It had pieces of broken glass bangles of green, red, blue, pink, purple colours. All I would do is close my one eye to focus and enjoy the many permutations and combinations those broken glass pieces would form to make varied geometrical designs and art formations and creations. What lovely designs and colours! What joy!

While writing this mail, I see and so I am  drawing a parallel between a kaleidoscope and life itself. Yesterday the subject of the mail was- ‘Using adversity to your advantage’. We can compare our life with a kaleidoscope very well. It is a good metaphor and makes it simpler and easy to understand the underlying principles of life.

We, as children had to turn the toy a little, and lo and behold what a lovely design! Turn it a little more and one got to see another vibrant design on the screen and so on. Now the same thing applies to our life journey.

We walk a patch of our life, there is a design of life-patterns. There is a specific design in our life at a particular junction. One must stop and admire the beauty in the design and pattern and enjoy life at that stage. After a gap of a few months or years, there is again a turn of events in our life and there is yet another design. Life changes constantly to present different hues, shades and colours. These experiences are necessary for the soul on which it feeds and re-invents itself! So welcome everything in life with an open mind, it will profit you.

Another similarity between the toy and our life….

The kaleidoscope has broken pieces of glass bangles in it, at least mine had those objects to create wonderful designs. Adversity can be compared with broken pieces of glasses of the kaleidoscope. If I focus my attention on the beautiful creations of the bangle pieces and not on the broken glass, then there is a complete shift in my outlook. A great sense of wonder and awe grips us if we still see life with the innocence of a child!

The centre of the focus makes the whole difference you see!

So the important thing to be noted and taken care of is where am I looking? What should I see? If my gaze is on the right object everything will fall in place, everything is right in my world. Similarly, it is not the life circumstances that are overwhelming, it is the attitude towards them that makes all the difference! That’s the catch!

If one has the ability and the skill to focus on the right object, then life turns around, it changes. A new meaning and objective is seen. Circumstances do not bog us down. The manner in which I look at my life circumstances makes the real difference.

Look at things the way it should be. Life seems and feels good and we have good reasons to live our lives meaningfully. Life seems to have a purpose then and one can enjoy the bumpy joy ride.

Clear perception, right attitude, clarity in thoughts and fine focus are the keys by which our inner world changes.

It is very important to develop and nurture these qualities in us and we ought to attempt and develop them along the journey. It is up to us whether we see the glass as half full or half empty!

I am aware that there is this power behind me which guides me, prompts me to write whatever I write. Therefore, I am very fortunate that Mahavatar Babaji had asked me to publish my mail, ‘Using Adversity…’  to you as a post on the blog. All of us face adversity at some time or the other in our lives. I will feel grateful to the Divine if a few more people read my mail and blog and get strength and courage to not only face life-challenges but also generate and have grit to overcome the tests and trials of life.

The real test is in overcoming and winning the circumstances thrown at you in life unexpectedly! We shall never succumb to any of these circumstances, we shall overcome.

Today, I have utilized my morning half by communicating my feelings and thoughts to you in an elaborate manner. Time well spent is well earned! Right?

Have a wonderful day, my dear.

With lots of love.

Sarika.

(22.04.2010. I have just begun learning photography these days. On a Sunday evening walk, I captured this image which I think is suitable for this post. Can you see the Sun in between the thorns of Bouginvillae? If you look at the sun, you will not see the thorns and vice versa)

Dear G,

Your mails make a very good read and are informative. You are devoting a lot of time in feeding me with ample news and incidents. You are filling up the lost years very well and is good to know what all is happening in your life.

Thanks a lot for appreciating my spiritual endeavours and that inspires me to strive even more and be ever consistent. Such a thought has also made me start my mail from the most vital point which is applicable to both of us.

How to upgrade myself and make further spiritual progress?

The path to God is long and full of riddles and puzzles, I got to understand on my way. It is also very beautiful and interesting as one does not know where the winding road will lead us to. But the destination is so wonderful that all the arduous trekking, walking and stumbling is worth the troubles and efforts.

The only requirement is that one should have the will to seek God and the other to linger and persist till the end so that one day we come face to face with the Divine.*

Whatever efforts we make in quality, variety or quantity does matter. God knows about it and it is counted. So, no matter what efforts we attempt towards achieving our goals of god-realization, we are moving forward. That’s what really matters. It is better to have tried and failed rather than not try at all. So whether you are doing yagya or jaap, everything is good. I really appreciate your efforts.

Today while doing house-work in the morning at home, my mind drifted in the classroom of small children to whom I have taught for a few years in the past.

There were some children in my class, I remembered who were very active physically and mentally and would never sleep in the class. Their mothers used to complain that he/she does not like to sleep at all and he plays all day at home. He sleeps only when no energy is left in him to expend and he drops off to sleep suddenly while playing!

 Now look at the other types who could sleep anywhere, any time even in class room.

 I used to wonder how come there are those who want to stay awake most of the time and sleep only when the body cries for a shutdown?

And the other set of children to whom I used to pay so much attention to arouse their attention and and keep them interested. Yet, as and when they felt like, they used to doze off.

Today morning I found my answer as to why they showed contradictory responses in spite of my wanting all of them optimum learning.

 If we do not command our mind with the right instruction, it does not give the desired result/reaction. We have to first feed the mind with the right instruction or command and like a computer, it registers and then works automatically.

The so called babies in their past lives have fed their minds with a particular instruction and their mind is still working on those instructions, I discovered. If A had given auto suggestion to itself- “I want to learn,” the mind registered it and the body responded to the command. They became active. Their mind is functioning in the same manner even now and they are the active ones. Learning becomes a pleasure then.

Likewise if B told itself that I am not interested in doing a particular thing, the mind shut down and learning stopped. This set of children were the ones who liked to sleep in place of learning or discovering the fascinating  world around them.

And hence the two divergent responses from the class where minds were different as they planted different ideas in themselves at some point of time.

 Now imagine if B feeds itself with the idea of A.

All one has to do is to tell one self that he will do this particular thing and the body begins to respond. Our mind is like a sponge. All we have to do is soak it in water. It has unlimited possibilities and one must unleash its potential. It is our duty, I feel not to let go the great possibilities of our mind untapped.

 Mental lethargy and sluggishness is a hindrance for a sadhak and if one can alter the mind, he is a yogi. To me, this is all sadhana. Think about it.!!

 Try this, I pray for you that it should work. More later. Enjoy your stay in the quiet hills.

 Lots of love to you.

 Sarika.

****************************************************************************************************

* Ichcha Shakti or the power in us to will.

Updating and Notes-

So what is will? Will is the initiative power existing in us. The power to initiate, to start, to pursue and sustain and to accomplish something is called sankalp or will. Without the presence of will, we will not live well enough and will become lifeless, inert, lazy or ill defined in our direction. People who lack the power of will, do not perform well in carrying out their responsibilities and given roles. Our will is the deciding factor in humans which decides whether we wish to continue living or not.

https://spiritinlife.blog/2009/12/15/how-to-increase-the-power-of-your-will?

 

 

 

My dear__,

Precious stones are not found in common places. They are hidden and buried in the interiors of the Earth. So is the Soul hidden under many thick layers and layers of our thoughts, latent tendencies and habits called ‘sanskaras’ accumulated over many cycles of birth and death. The Soul is the Light and centre of the being.

Like the peerless diamond hidden beneath the earth, its radiance is covered by the thick covering of matter called thoughts and the constant movement of them over it. When all the muddy layers of the thoughts and dormant tendencies are removed by cleansing and purification of the soul, the radiance of the Spirit is at last uncovered and it shines forth. The Soul shines brilliantly, when the matter is removed from the Spirit.

The being begins to reflect Light as a reflector reflects rays of sunlight. Here comes the role of spirituality and the spiritual guru. The aim of spirituality is to finally know your true Self, i.e. know the Atman. The guru is the purifier in this process of metamorphosis. He is the agent and a catalyst through whom the process of purification and then transformation in the disciple takes place.

Emulating the guru hastens the speed of the mind’s transformation. The old patterns of thoughts are replaced by the new ones. Divine Light enters our body and mind as very subtle rays and is responsible for the new shift in thought processes. Physical, mental and emotional healing occurs side by side. Corresponding changes take place in the physical body too. Old cells of inertia and matter begin to die. Dullness, confusion, worry, indifference, insecurity, envy, self pity and other undesirable thought patterns fade away.

 In their place new cells are regenerated with  new consciousness  in them.

This translates as- the cells are microscopic blocks of ignorance and lethargy but they now begin to have awareness in them as they are awakened by the Light. The body gradually becomes subtler and is sensitive towards very fine movements of vibrations and sensations.

The aura becomes clean and lighter. Its colour changes to violet, yellow, blue or shades of silvery white instead of brown, grey or muddy.

The cells in the body become aware, they know.

Qualities of Soul like truth, aspiration, faith, love, hope begin to show in the individual’s character. A new life filled with new hope, joy, faith, positive energy, enthusiasm and good health begins to build up which alters and changes the entire outlook of the seeker towards himself and the  whole Universe as well.

If this activity continues,

there is a possibility of changing the old body with a new one! The dark, inert and dense body cells are now very light units that carry sparks of light! There is illumination in the vital being. Complete transformation can take place provided the process is continued over a  long period of time under the tutelage of an immortal, stalwart, divine preceptor, the Divine Guru.

Yoga of mind and body is the path through which complete transformation of our mind and body is possible gradually through an irreversible, tangible  and  scientific process, the result of which is a Divine Life..

You have asked what are the conditions to achieve this irreversible state of mind and body?

 The expected requirements are :-

•  Total dedication and devotion towards the divine guru.
•  Single minded penetrating mind.
•  Complete surrender to God and Guru.
•  Practicing Yoga, sadhana.
•  Tireless efforts.
•  Positive attitude towards oneself and the world as a whole.
•  Cheerful disposition.

These are main conditions needed to bring about the complete transformation in the mind and body in the course of one’s spiritual life.

Lots of love.

Sarika.

********************************************************************************************************

Updating and Notes –

Body, mind and Spirit are all gifts of God which we must cherish and preserve because the body is the boat by which we shall navigate.

‘Jyoti Marg or ‘Pathway of Light’ is your natural method which even the ancient seers adopted and mastered.

The mind can become so powerful one day by it if body, mind and Spirit are balanced most perfectly.

 

The mind can travel faster than Light some day if this method is adopted and mastered over many lives, Light cannot be the obstruction at all.

In place of Light of God, what remains is just God and you can touch God instantaneously and directly in no time.

‘Jyoti Marg’ or ‘Pathway of light’ has been mastered by particular few and is used for instant messaging and passing on important information and energy.

God’s highest grace is this where we do not depend on any other mode of communication and we can stay always in His Grace like this.

Spiritinlife is following ‘Jyoti Marg’

https://spiritinlife.blog/2016/10/02/my-most-unexpected-communique-with-guru-gorakh-nath-i/?fbclid=IwAR0KKqDL1sc_4dowAUhLt2mNA9qv5SINnOxzvwupFu7SnUcDHY-nUmOy_js

 

My dear Mandira, did you ever hear about  ‘mental prosperity’?  We all know about material prosperity but the word mental prosperity has triggered a spate of inundated thoughts which have soaked me in peace and tranquility. Imagine if we know what it is, its importance and if we are actually empowered to be mentally prosperous, how great that will be!

In the last post, it was mentioned to you about enriching our life through good books, good friends, great values etc. That is good but there are some more ways to be mentally prosperous and they are the ones about which we are generally unaware of. Therefore, I decided to write one post on this topic. It is in continuation of the previous article you may say. And this time it will be in poetry style! I hope you will enjoy this style too.

Mental prosperity can come about only if transformation takes place. We can say that positive transformation of the mind leads to our mind’s enrichment. So how do we acquire this kind of prosperity? Transformation can be brought in the human mind by some of the following means:-

 

Receptivity

——————-

Be open, alert and then conscious.

Raise your consciousness from ordinary to extra-ordinary.

Mental capacity from limited to unlimited, then to infinite.

Change your nature from sub-human to human, then to Divine.

Raise your level of understanding from earthly to Super Consciousness.

Unfold the dormant sparks of illumination embedded from time unknown.

Ignite the sparkling tendencies of godliness.

Break the stifling barriers of human ignorance.

Untie the shackles of unseen hostility and arrogance.

Give up greed for generosity and tenderness.

Accept the principle of acceptance in place of rejection.

Give up on mental stinginess to beget mental prosperity.

 

Divine Will

——————-

Each and every atom in the Cosmic Universe is created with the ignition of the spark.

Every atom that exists in the Cosmic Consciousness is nothing but Light.

We are created and exist because of the existence and presence of God created atoms.

Every atom conceivable is created by Divine Light.

And each atom ever created has been created by Divine Will.

This Divine revelation when unfolded and discovered upon me.

Unearthed to me one of the most hidden secrets of Creativity.

I bow to you my Divine, my Master and true Preceptor.

For revealing such sacred knowledge, pious and Supreme.

What you revealed is so pure, so pristine.

So very genteel, yet so startling.

It has unformed and disintegrated the fragile, glassy walls in my mind.

From which I could see You, but touch You not.

Your Supreme Grace has cascaded on me once more.

My sweet and beloved Divine was hidden so near, yet so far.

Can any word of gratitude suffice for the greatness and magnitude

of your Grace, dear?

That you have showered on me, my dearly loved, Supreme and my Creator.

How come I and not others are your continued blessed receivers?

I wonder at this moment and find no true justification.

Except that it may perhaps be only because of some extra-ordinary good deeds.

That I must have created for myself, back in space in time, unknown to me.

And as You are ceaselessly very gracious and benevolent.

And we your naive children in your warm and secure shelter.

Offer and give you so very little, as small is our might and capacity.

And You the force behind this Magnum Opus, the all giver Father of the World.

But now that You have revealed to me that

Every tiny particle in this Infinite Creation is created at your impulse and will.

Hence I am now convinced and surely know that

Whatever meritorious deeds I did in the past.

Was in reality driven and created by your mere will!

And very stealthily you impose on me that

It was I who did it!!

No, my Lord, no. It can’t ever be me.

It is just You and You and just You.

I now know that the wheel of this Cosmic Creation.

Is rested upon your magnificent creative powers.

You are the Creator, Preserver and the Destroyer.

I am merely a spectator who bows to you in servile humility.

It is only You and You and You my beloved Lord.

It is You who is present in all the unseen and seen manifestations.

Every letter and word that my fingers move to create this manuscript.

Has emerged, is being created and written by You, You and only You.

 

Silent Praying

———————-

In this hour of twilight, my mind is at rest and peace is more.

The gentle peace is the step by which I bridge the gap and

Reach the inner chambers of my house of silence!

I have walked in and ask in awe.

Who resides here?

I recognize His presence very well now.

As He says not anything, but says it all!

He is mute but speaks to me when we are alone.

His words are like the silent flow of a stream on a hill.

The water so refreshing, cool and sweet.

The life-giving amber ambrosia on which He feeds me.

Is the sweet nectar which He quietly gives me.

Give me more as it is the Life in it.

Which sparks my mind like tiny meteors in the sky.

The sparkling of the sparks illumine me and I know that

You are the one who holds the lamp of the Light in my mind.

Illumine me more as I wish to know and feel you even more.

Nothing else I ask of you, but one thing now.

Transform my mind to enable me to acquire mental prosperity.

Like shimmering golden sparklers on a moonless sky create ripples of joy.

The sparkling of silent illumination in my mind gives me peaceful happiness abound!

 

Revised on 25.05.21

——————————-

# Mental prosperity can come about only if transformation takes place

# Raise your consciousness

# Change your nature

# Raise your level of understanding

# Divine Will

# Cosmic Universe

# Atom is Cosmic Consciousness, Light

# Atom created by Divine Will

# Cosmic Consciousness in Infinite Creation

# Who resides here?

# Sparks illumine me

 

Related Posts from Fb-

 

 

Mahavatar Babaji is omnipresent and all pervading. He responds to our earnest prayers and listens to the faintest voice that is whispered in our hearts when we call out to God, for self enquiry and for self-enrichment.

On Friday, the 4^th of July, at the time of dusk, I stood with my hands folded in front of Babaji’s photo hung on the wall, and spoke silently in my mind, which in a way was a prayer. I whispered, “Babaji, I want to become like you. I wish to meditate more, in depth and duration. I wish to know more about God and His unfathomable Nature. I wish to serve God more than I do now. I want to spend more of my time serving God in whichever way I can. I want to aspire, I want to rise, Babaji.”

It was a very spontaneous act and came about without any deliberate act or premeditative thought, although I like to speak to the inner Power many times in the day. After doing this, I left the place and went about with the next job of the day- planning and preparing the meals. I did not have the time to think about this incident again until…

In the early hours of the following morning, I had a dream which had all the answers to my silent conversation with God. I saw that there was a three storeyed white house with a white terrace. Each floor was connected to the next floor through a flight of stairs outside on the left side of the house. Babaji was with me and he hinted with his right hand at me to start walking on the steps with him. We both began to climb the steps one by one and quickly reached the first floor. It was easy for me and we climbed further up speedily when at a point, on the second floor, I realised that my mind began to run in a different direction i.e. instead of walking up the stairs, my mind diverted to something else. I was aware that my mind was being pulled outwards but I brought it back and resumed going up the stairs again.

Quickly me and Babaji took a leap and covered many steps when once again, my mind got distracted and began to move in another direction. I became conscious of the bungling of my mind and I confessed to Babaji that my mind is running somewhere else in another direction from what I should be doing.

To this revered Babaji answered very politely,

“The main aim of meditation is this- that you should be able to focus and concentrate your mind continuously on God in depth and duration for a long time. The rest of the benefits that one gets out of meditation on God come along by the way as by-products. This is the main purpose of meditation”

So I immediately understood that I lacked deep concentration and that I must meditate more often to be able to stay on the thought of God for longer period of time. I have a lot of home-work to do, I realized and a long way to go!  I have just begun my journey, I thought to myself!

After revealing a priceless pearl of Truth, Babaji gave me a helping hand and we both resumed the climb on the flight of stairs till we reached the terrace. The inner walls of the terrace were white in colour and silence and peace resided there!

Then after this I saw there was a temple of Mahadev, Lord Shiva where a sea of people were standing in a long queue. I saw a black Shivlinga in the main hall and the people were offering milk, water, coconut and flowers on the idol. They all had come there to ask God for all types of wishes to be fulfilled. I looked at Babaji and told him with an expression of disgust, “No, no, I don’t want all this. I want knowledge of God and Nature.” Babaji looked at me  into my eyes and immediately we both left the temple.

After this something more took place, I had some more visions like a slide of pictures moving one after another which I do not remember very well, but I do remember what all Babaji had told me in my dream very vividly. When I woke up in the morning, its memory was still lingering in my mind which I recalled and noted them down in my register. I have arranged the text in the following passages for you to know dear. Please read this with all your attention and devotion.

The eternal truths are documented in the holy scriptures and Babaji is very gracious to have simplified them for me and also explained the life altering facts so that they are forever etched in my mind. He said- “In a nutshell, people can be categorized into 3 groups:-

1) The lowest type of people are those who ask God only for themselves. They always want but never give anything in return to others. They do not share at all with other persons. Such people are greedy and selfish in nature. They are ‘tamasic‘ in quality and nature. Majority of people fall in this category.

2) The second type of people are those who come to God or go to temples and ask for material prosperity and other wish fulfilments. Out of what they get, they give some of it to others. They are the ones who have many desires to fulfill so they give something to God and ask something in return as though trading. Such people are called Rajasik.

3) The third type of people are those who ask nothing from God for themselves. They only give. These are very few in numbers and such people are very close and dear to God. They are most unselfish and giving in nature, in temperament as well as in tendencies. They are saatvik in nature. So God gives them everything without their asking anything in return. In everything is also included peace, prosperity and salvation- Dharma, Artha, Kaam, Moksha.

Dharma- Dharma means the ability of the intellect to distinguish right from wrong. God will tell from within to such pure hearts what is right and what is wrong for them, which actions to do and which to refrain from. Such an intellect is Saatvik or Saatvik buddhi. The buddhi becomes purified by doing selfless karmas or actions. A pure buddhi can discriminate between truth and delusion, ignorance and wisdom, right and wrong.

Artha- Who am I? And what is the purpose and meaning of my life? These questions will form and arise only in the selfless soul. These types of questions will preoccupy the mind of the soul and he will not drift, not go astray and he will not get lost in the web of the illusionary blinding Maya.

Kaam– The seeker will search and find all his answers in knowing God. Once all his desires are fulfilled by God, he will be free from the bondage of delusion creating desires. God anyway fulfills all the desires of a selfless yogi.

Moksha– Finally, God will free the soul from all the bondage of endless desires and the Spirit will become free from all worldly desires and cravings. He will at last be at peace with himself and the world around him. He will live in this world but not of this world.”

Mahavatar Babaji then revealed a mantra to me which when repeated gives us peace, love, health, mental stability, harmony and liberation from all sufferings. It was-

“Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya.”

Om- the sound of God, Namo- I bow to you, Bhagwate- God, Vasudeva- All pervading God.

Literally, it means- I bow to you, the all pervading God.

This mantra is a beej mantra and can be recited, repeated or chanted at any time of the day or night, alone or in a big or small group.

• The chanting of this mantra has the power of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing. It helps us in discarding bad tendencies dormant in the mind and in their place good tendencies and qualities are cultivated.
• The mind and body are charged with divine vibrations and our immediate environment is surcharged with peace giving spiritual vibrations.
• On special occasions and days such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries, death anniversaries one must allot twenty to thirty minutes aside and chant this beej mantra as it has liberating force embedded in it.
• Before the taking place of a marriage in the house, if the couple  in their spare time chant this mantra continuously for many days, they will become spiritual partners and in future will help each other in salvaging and liberating  their soul which is the aim of the sacred institution of marriage.
• When we are sick and need healing, we must repeat this mantra.
• If one’s end is close, chanting of this mantra makes the passage of the person to the other world easy.
• If we are caught up in some mishap, difficulty, accident or crisis we can overcome the situation and the difficulty will be surpassed by remembering and repetition of this mantra in our mind.
• In case of mental depression and other mental sicknesses, chant this powerful mantra. It will without fail give tranquility and peace of mind.

Mandira, just imagine how compassionate our Babaji is. He is solving the riddle of life for us in such an easy- to- understand and quick- to- do method. Our lives are today very busy and fast and we always say that how can I spare time for God. But Babaji has shown us the way in which we can become a karma yogi and also have devotion for God simultaneously. While our body may be busy with the daily routine work, our mind should be fixed on God. After all, it is the mind that perceives God. Silent chanting of this mantra can go on all the time at the back of our mind even in the midst of heavy duties. Uninterrupted chanting will silence the restless mind.

So start now, my dear repeat along with me- Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya, Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya, Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya….

(Refer to ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ by Sri Paramhansa Yogananda for more information about Shri Mahavatar Babaji.  Chapter 33– “Whenever anyone utters with reverence the name of Babaji, that devotee attracts an instant spiritual blessing,” Sri Lahiri Mahasaya.)

Today after you left me in the morning and went out to do some work, I came in my room and sat on my bed with nothing particular in my mind.

I was sitting peacefully there looking outside the large window enjoying the lovely weather and cool breeze of the monsoon. As I began to feel little settled, my mind on its own turned inwards and I plunged into the silent recesses of my mind and became very peaceful. I began to drink the pure cool waters from the well of deep silence. I was submerged in the prevailing serenity when….

Before my eyes, in my mind surfaced the face of Sri Raman Maharishi of Tiruvannamalai, an epitome of knowledge of Self. There was indigo blue light around Him and he was silent. His method of imparting knowledge was through silence. Mentally, I bowed down to Him and touched his Holy Feet and sat still. I am now aware that whenever I am engulfed by Divine Peace unexpectedly,  great souls appear to provide me some guidelines and further communication.

During this time, my eyes were comfortably closed and I did not wish to move or stir. I began to feel His presence in my aura. I was surrounded all over by the calming Light and my face began to bask in Divine Light like the falling rays of the golden morning Sun on Earth!

The effusive Light penetrated my face and soothed my cheeks and eyelids. Over the sensitive skin of my face were falling the pleasantly smooth, extra-light, Light Rays and I was drenched and began enjoying their rhythmic fall one after the other! My face was bathing under the shower of delicate rays of Light!

The mellow Light then enrolled in my eyes and penetrated deep inside. The feel of the Light was unbelievably soothing and amiable in nature. As they entered my eyes, my body began to receive its warmth and energy. My face was lit up with the liberal covering of the glimmering Light.

What splendour! What ecstasy! I was enthralled!

Some moments passed by and I was still motionless and remained in silence. After this, my mind was in consonance with the subtle presence of Sri Raman Maharishi and I was soon elevated to higher states of consciousness. His grace fell on me when He told me,

“Calmness is a state of perfect poise.”

A calm mind is the perfect instrument to gain the knowledge of Self through Self enquiry, I quickly understood. One must ask himself, “Who am I?”  It is the first step of the ladder which will help us reach the upper levels of higher spiritual knowing.

 “To know, is Awareness,” he told me.

“Know who you are. Silence your mind. A peaceful mind will lead you to deeper inquiry.”

He explained to me that the mind is like a deep well. One must throw a bucket tied to a rope into the well and take out water from it. Go on taking out bucket after bucket of water from it till there is no water left in the well. In the same way empty out the mind of the thick layers of worldly thoughts implanted in it. A mind devoid of worldly thoughts will be merged in God. Empty your mind and remove the thoughts of ephemeral world and get established in the non changing Atman. Silence and Self inquiry is the path to Self realisation. Self inquiry leads to Awareness.

Dear Mandira, with Sri Raman Maharishi’s blessing and benevolent grace, I am beginning to attempt my next post on intricate topics such as awareness, Divine consciousness and the role of the power of breath control over our life.

 Awareness, the art of right living.

The art of living with awareness is right living. The yogic practice like Pranayam and other meditative practices are about becoming aware of the constantly flowing vital force in the breath. By doing so, the consciousness of the practitioner is raised to higher levels of awareness as the mind begins to rest in a calm state by restricting the dissipation of the life force. As one begins to gain control over his breath, he is able to bring the life forces working in him under regimented control. Through a continuous and regular practice he can control, regulate and then discipline his mind.

The mind is a dynamic powerhouse and a store of infinite possibilities. The unseen power and force can be tapped and then optimally utilized for positive re-construction in multi-dimensional ways.

It is observed and seen that a diffused and undisciplined mind is inept, indulgent and less remunerative. If the powers of the mind are harnessed, it yields unimaginable rewards in the form of productivity, creativity, innovation, research, philosophy, spirituality, art and craft and multifarious fields.

What is Awareness?

Awareness is ‘to know.’ 

Spiritual awakening is awareness.  It is a state of awakening from ordinary consciousness to a state of higher refined understanding and knowledge. The state of realization in which one becomes aware of the presence of the Omnipresent Infinite Power within is called awareness. To operate and function from this state of being is Spirituality.

Awareness is the art of living with the knowledge of what is right and what is wrong. It is about living our present life in Divine Consciousness.

It is the same art that was mastered earlier by the saints, sages, seers and maharishis, who are the custodians of ancient spiritual knowledge and wisdom. The Creator in his own way, has preserved the sacred knowledge through them. The saints and the self realized souls are the guiding spirits in our spiritual endeavours and undertakings.

In the ancient science of yoga, the importance of breath is stressed. Through Pranayam, the vital forces are regulated and put to use in a methodical way.

Why do we need to control and discipline the breath?

A restless mind is prone to regrettable actions. All our actions arise from our thoughts. The seed of the action is embedded in the thought in the mind. Thoughts make a man.

If our breath is calm and clean, we possess clean thoughts as breath is connected to thoughts. Negative thoughts such as greed, jealousy, dissatisfaction, low self –esteem, loss of hope and peace, remorse etc. must be replaced by positive thoughts like gratitude, contentment, faith, self-surrender, service and devotion. To fulfill these objectives, we must always keep good company, read good books, deliberately repeat good actions as well as good thoughts and perform the act of repetition of God’s name to purify the mind. Such pious activities are a strong influence in shaping, regenerating and re-moulding the mind.

How does Divine Consciousness translate into actual life?

Controlled and regulated breath changes our perception. It improves the power of concentration and enhances quality of work, saves time and increases our productivity.

It gives us good health vital for our well being and happiness. It gives longevity. It also increases awareness in terms of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being.

Divine Consciousness in man is the road to sure success.

Each day is an offering to God. Peace prevails in those people, who after a hard day’s work, offer their labour at God’s altar!

Mandira, we must invest about 20 minutes or some more, each day in silencing our mind through God as well as guru given meditation practices in order to achieve our aims and goals. It must become a habit to bring our attention from time to time to a central point to become centered. In this way, the mind does not become flustered or agitated. It needs to be pacified and calmed for the benefit of the heart, body as well as the mind. Our senses are then not ill-bred or ill-tempered. Otherwise, in the thick of our busy schedule the mind is prone to become ruffled as well as agitated easily and we are even unaware of the state and condition of it normally.

Restlessness, dissipation, confusion, anxiety, worry and fear are mind’s negative state and some corrective measures need to be adopted while we are working. So in between take a few deep and long breaths to relax and ease the flow of breathing and bring the mind once again to the mid-point to get centered.

Remember that a calm and peaceful mind is our strongest weapon to combat any invasion from the unexpected directions!

 Oh, yes! I overlooked one important piece of advice to you my dear daughter!

Every night before you sleep, always remember God by saying your prayers, thanksgiving and expressing gratitude. Keep God with you before you sleep and as you sleep through the night, His loving and gentle touch will take away all your aches and pains, worries and other disturbances caused during the day.

In the morning, when your eyes open and you become conscious of the wakeful state, remember God again.

Be His darling! Start your day with Him and make your day’s plan involving Him by taking his deeply sincere advice.

Involve him in all the pursuits of your life.

Make God your best friend!

(courtesy : google image)