Spirit in Life

Awareness- The Art of Right Living

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)

June 20, 2008/28 Comments/by spiritinlife

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Where is Ananda hidden?

By now we are familiar with the notion that Ananda or the Joy of Spirit is an integral part of our being. Naturally we all wish to be in that state of perfect happiness where there is no tinge of sadness or insufficiency. It is possible for us to achieve that state of perfection and we must strive to achieve and experience that quintessential state of higher being.

At this juncture, I know Mandira, that an obvious question has sprung up in your mind and you must be wanting to ask me, “Mother, I agree that Ananda is our true nature and I wish to live in that state. But where do I find such Divine Bliss and how do I attain that state of being?”

Yes, I understand that this is a serious thought and subject and it requires a thorough understanding and also patient practice of spiritual efforts. For practical application, a definite method and a whole process of transformation is to be undertaken by the aspirant. This path and destination is not commonly sought, but nonetheless we are going to travel on it because the journey is worth taking and the destination worth visiting. The expected requirements and tools are your lifelong commitment, sustained interest and focus, untiring effort and unflinching sincerity towards your goal.

My dear, all the efforts are worthwhile as the fruit of earnest labour are wondrously enriching, enormously rewarding and benignly enlightening!

So let’s begin our journey to reach our desired destination and find the source of Joy within us.

Mandira, let’s step back for a while and do some introspection by going back in time. Let’s attempt to recall and recreate those moments when we were just born! For us life began then and for our dear ones it was a day to rejoice.

Now try to focus on the moment when we took our first breath, yes the first breath. It was a critical moment because that particular moment heralded a new beginning for us as we embarked on an incredible journey called ‘life’.

Can you recall that specific time? The expected answer from you would be how can I recall that? It is so far away back in time, I was not even aware of that action. Alright, let it be. Instead let us just imagine and visualize for a short while the crucial moment when we first inhaled the air and took the first breath in. Stop here and think!

You must be wondering what is my mother up to? Why is she asking me something that no one thinks about? Why is it important to remember the moment when I took my first breath?

The importance of one breath!!

My dear, I took you way back in the past so that we realize the importance of one breath!! In one breath we began our life and our whole life is made up of multitude breaths! And today I am going to reveal to you a few important hidden facts about something as vital as breathing and other related topics to which we have never given a careful consideration. One might wonder what is the connection between breathing and Ananda? And what is the significance of it in my life?

To begin with, let us know that Ananda is sublime Joy. Ananda is different from sensual pleasures and it is perceived and experienced in a state when the senses and the mind are in a stationary and complete calm state. The subtle vibrations of Spiritual Joy are received from the upper regions of the astral world. The mind and body should be prepared and attuned beforehand to be ready to receive those soft and subtle rays of enchanting light! Such is the magic of those beatific rays of divine joy! And joy when prolonged for a longer period is Bliss!!

So you see who would not like to make an attempt to explore the world of untapped Joy and Bliss!

Mandira, do you remember that as a child you have first learnt words so that in future you would make sentences? In the same way, the key to the hidden treasure of Joy of the Spirit is the meditation technique in which the ‘prana’ or the vital force which resides in the breath is disciplined and the latent power of the mind awakened.

To make things interesting and simpler let us do a simple exercise.

Take a few deep breaths. Focus on the point between the eyebrows and concentrate there for a while. Do not care about the noise from outside or sound of the thoughts in the background. Sit calmly and allow the mind to become motionless and enjoy the peace. Once the peace settles over you, bring your attention gently over the incoming and outgoing breath. Watch the continuous flow like an observer and do not apply any force or will.

Let this go on for some time and you will notice that as you are doing this, the mind has become calm and still and the breath is becoming shorter and slower. Now with a quiet mind, notice that there is a gap, a void* after we exhale and before we take the air in. Focus on that empty gap and become conscious of its presence. When we concentrate on these gaps or nothingness by keeping our attention on them, the body starts becoming motionless and the mind arrives at a point of Absolute Stillness like a still lake devoid of any ripples!

Enjoy the calmness that has now enveloped you!

Gradually, with continued practice, when you focus on the empty gaps, you will experience a state of breathlessness when the heart and lungs stop functioning temporarily. This is the stage when the mind is completely absorbed in Absolute Bliss. The body consciousness is abandoned and the Spirit soars and takes a flight in the Infinite sky to experience vastness. It is state of great joy because the cord of the small self is cut and the soul becomes free to float in Infinity and from within a divine song flows-“Ananda, Ananda, Nit Naveen Ananda.” “Joy, Joy, Ever new Joy.”

This reminds me that it was in Nov’03 that I visited Ranchi for Sharad Sangam and took Kriya Deeksha at YSS. There I was initiated into a breathing technique after which I experienced some outstanding spiritual experiences. That’s when I understood many scientific explanations of the ancient science of Yoga as explained by many yogis and maharishis like Patanjali, and also Sri Paramhansa Yogananda in his ‘Autobiography of a Yogi.”

During those days, I used to meditate very frequently and was trying to learn the art of concentration and meditation by regular practice and discipline of the body and mind. I was practicing the ‘Hon Sau” technique of breath control, which is a type of ‘Pranayam,’ with dedication and strict adherence to the steps prescribed by Guruji.

The day I returned from Ranchi, I felt like meditating before sleeping. I was filled with the spiritual vibrations of my week long stay in the Ranchi Ashram. I closed my eyes naturally and began observing my breath. My mind and body became extremely still effortlessly and I slipped into deep calmness and solitude. It was then, with some passing moments I realized that I was not breathing at all and my body was motionless. I did not have the need to draw in air and I entered a state of very deep and intense calmness. The murmur of the heartbeat was not audible to me anymore and I underwent into a state of Absolute Silence. The body was seen as a separate entity like a cage and I a bird in it, a soul, the silent onlooker, who could see the cage as a separate object. There were two separate entities as I could see then clearly.

Imagine here I was in a breathless state at home while so many yogis and other spiritual aspirants strive to achieve this in the caves and other places in tough terrains of the far off Himalaya Mountains! How fortunate I am, just think over it. It was such a rare experience for which I shall forever be grateful to Guruji, Sri Paramhansa Yogananda and to our Revd. Mahavatar Babaji.

I sometimes wonder how could I, out of innumerable people in the world get so lucky to have been chosen by the divine to experience such exalted spiritual state. The most convincing answer that comes to my mind is that God chose me to show the other seekers that it is possible by one and all to reach the higher states of spiritual advancement with their sincerity, devotion and ardent efforts. Who so ever follows the Spiritual Preceptor’s advice obediently will be showered by His Grace and Compassion.

So my dear child, the initial steps that you have taken on the journey are the stepping stones of the regal palace that will be made in future by you. Take each step with enthusiasm and cheerfulness and enjoy every stage of the magnificent path ahead.

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Updating and Notes –

I have spoken about ‘void’ or ‘gap’. It is also called ‘Kumbhak’ in Yoga and it finally leads you to ‘Shunya’. I have described this in this blog post-

https://spiritinlife.blog/2018/11/25/my-first-direct-interactions-with-maharishi-vishwamitra-ii/

They are now infinite; you are in extreme peace of mind and stillness. You have reached a depth when there is no tarang or a ripple when you are meditating. You are in shunya always when you are sitting quietly. Shunya is samadhi.

Shunya is samadhi.

And I quote a portion from-https://spiritinlife.blog/2018/12/02/my-first-direct-interactions-with-maharishi-vishwamitra-iii/

Part B

The Earth disintegrates slowly but with natural disasters as it had formed, it perishes and all living beings die except one of five natural elements.

It is also called ‘Pralaya’ or complete destruction, an act of God by which cleansing and submerging of all wrongdoings and actions conducted.

For a prolonged time, no activity of breeding or recreation takes place, there is no earth, water, fire or air, they return to its inactive or dormant state.

Only ‘Akash’ or ether stays intact rest retreat, it is the job of akash to take on the role of master supervisor or a manager who now manages.

Akash becomes active in activating all its nutrients which are embedded in its constitution called anu or atoms, the thoughts or sankalpa are the seeds.

The dormant seeds of all thoughts of the Universe are looked into and sorting done as rotten, very obnoxious seeds are separated from very good and pious.

It is then God and nature both take a long sabbatical, rest and restoration work to plan and envision how must the new world be ensued and emerged.

The creative powers, regenerative and destructive both need restoration periods so that they can self-sustain by itself without additional burden on God.

This period is called shunya, a long phase when nothing is built, created or a time period of no possibility of germinating seeds of cycles of birth and death.

What should never be germinated is destroyed permanently, the remaining good virtuous seedlings are stored in a repository, a germ bank readied…..

(References-Food and breath control and about Paramhansa Yogananda -‘Autobiography of a Yogi’)

June 10, 2008/20 Comments/by spiritinlife

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Celebrate Life!

On one pleasant evening recently, I was sitting by the window when calmness visited me on its tiptoes. I was wrapped in a thick layer of Divine remembrance as my mind soared like the flock of white birds high up in the sky. The evening cool breeze eased off the sundry thoughts of the day and my eyes fell and got transfixed on the swaying youthful green coconut trees. On them, the golden rays of the setting sun were dancing in rhapsodic movements in glee. I could see Life dancing in the form of golden rays of light shimmering on the long and tender new born leaves. This delightful sight touched my inner cords and I began to think of finding some ways in which my life could also dance to the tune of the Silent Music and Symphony of Life.

My whole atmosphere was filled with an air of celebration and I was in a state of hypnotic trance. I felt the whole cosmos celebrating and dancing to the tune of Divine Music. Each particle around me was singing a song of joy and happiness. I was left undisturbed in this state of perfect harmony and ecstasy for some time. And my heart began to sing and dance, tapping at the beat of the silent beatific music mystifying the air.

And from within, flowed the nectar of God’s wisdom and knowledge which needs to be shared with you my child Mandira, and with many others who have been churning the mundane daily routine activities but wish to find in them the hidden essence of life. One seeks and wishes to know what is life after all? If we have an idea of what this perplexing thing called ‘life’ is, then we will be able to find for ourselves the next intriguing question.

How to live this life?

Both these questions are decisive and interlinked and it becomes imperative for the seeking mind to know the answer.

So what is Life? Life is the opportunity given to us by the Almighty to live here for a definite span of time. During this period we struggle, search, falter, understand and eventually figure out that there is surely an unwritten, yet a definitive and confirmed way to live this tenure. Most of us find our lives a mystery unsolved with no beginning or end. Some call it an enigma while others find it to be a cause of worry, grief, misery or agony.

The recent super sensory perceptions of one pleasant evening gave me an insight and a new outlook towards Life. I experienced at that time that Joy and Divine Happiness was scattering and spreading all over the place like the vast stretch of strewn grains of sand on the beach. Each and every particle around me was emitting Joy and in the following moments out of joy, it dawned on me that the right way to live was this-

‘Celebrate Life’

As I know now that Ananda is an intrinsic part of every being in the Creation, we must remember and recall its presence from time to time. If once we experience even a tiny spark of the Universal Bliss, that experience is enough in our memory to re-live the exulting experience from time to time to enter into an ecstatic state effortlessly. Even a drop of that Infinite Ocean is enough to give you lasting Bliss.

Mandira, I am celebrating the days that have followed since then and I am trying to fill the passing moments with Life and Divine Joy.

“From Joy, we have come and in Joy we shall go”

June 1, 2008/13 Comments/by spiritinlife

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A very special birthday!

My dear bundle of joy! A very happy birthday to you!!

What a special day this is for me as I wish you and recall those memorable moments vividly imprinted in my mind when I first held you in my eager arms in the hospital bed. Oh! What a spectacular moment that was!

When you were to be born, I used to wonder who will it be, how will the child look like and what will she or he become. When you were born on that day, the patient wait of months paid off and at last I saw you. 20^th of May is the most memorable day of my life and I have every reason to say so.

‘Spirit In Life’

You know Mandira, I have from the outset, believed that there is ‘Spirit in life’ and one should live life in that spirit.

I have always wanted to live and live very well. I have an earnest desire ingrained in my psyche to live my life to the fullest as I know and feel that in doing so we are able to experience the ever present Spirit within us. The nature of our Spirit is Joy, Ananda.

I experienced that when I first held you. Through you, I experienced the marvel of Nature and the Joy of Spirit, so you are very dear and special to me.

When you were not born, I was made to believe that I may not be able to bear children, better it was in my best interest that I accept my fate. I could never bring myself to believe what others told me as I knew that was not true Mandira,

What your Spirit tells you is always right.

It is like a small lamp that we carry within us which shows us light to tread on our path. As I always believed in myself, I decided to go against everyone’s advice and in favour of the ‘light of the lamp’.

Throughout my confinement, I enjoyed each and every day and used to wonder what is it that women fuss about during their confinement. I told myself, “Look Sarika, enjoy every bit of it. This is the only time in your life when your body is being used to create something very beautiful! So why make a fuss?” Though the body did experience discomfort and uneasiness but my mind was always on you. There were medical hazards during this period which were nothing in comparison to the ‘gift’ I received. That is the spirit I like to live my life even now.

Do not be bothered by small hurdles, hiccups or pitfalls, they are trivial. They come and go, but to live with light within is the point to always remember.

‘Live your life very well and live it to the hilt’ is my mantra.

What should be the most suitable birthday gift for you was the question moving back and forth in my mind in the last few days. I could not find anything appropriate until yesterday when you told me- “Ma, you have lived 22 years more than me. You have more experience than me. You have done good parenting. You have had many exclusive spiritual experiences in life apart from experiences of the physical world. So why don’t you combine all these experiences in one piece, write them and give me as a birthday gift which will serve me as a road map when you are not there. In other words, why don’t you blog? Some other people out there may also get a glimpse of your life experiences.”

And last week you had expressed your wish that as a birthday gift this year you wanted to learn meditation from me as you were unable to be consistent. You wanted to start the day very early on 20th May by meditating with me and by resuming something which was very beneficial and had lasting effects.

We both woke up today morning a little earlier than everyday and absorbed the peaceful vibrations in the atmosphere. As decided, we both meditated for twenty minutes together and read a portion from the booklet ‘Remoulding your Life’ by Sri Paramhansa Yogananda, our dear Guruji. I foresee that there is a purpose behind doing all this today so that on every birthday, you will remember and reinforce the resolve of remoulding the mortal consciousness to Divinity through meditation and concentration.

Meditation is the ideal activity to bring the restless thoughts to rest and tap the Cosmic Energies lying within us. Through it you will be able to see the importance and power of a concentrated mind. You must develop the mind year after year relentlessly. Review your spiritual progress on every birthday! And don’t forget to enjoy these activities with full vigour and enthusiasm. Always remain spirited, cheerful and bring sunshine in other people’s life.

As desired by you, here I am writing and sharing my life experiences about the ‘Spirit in Life’ a title which came about after thinking for a while. Yes, this is what I have been wanting to express as the mental space began overflowing recently. Which other day could be better than this?

My child, whenever my thoughts are saturated with the Divine, when the Spirit silently touches me, I will express myself through my thoughts and translate them in words and present you. I feel very grateful to the Almighty to have given me this opportunity to be able to connect deeply to you and with his other wonderful creation called ‘children’.

May 20, 2008/24 Comments/by spiritinlife