Spirit in Life

What is the purpose of my life?

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.)

July 11, 2008/24 Comments/by spiritinlife

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The Light of the world-Shri Mahavatar Babaji-I

It was on the 18^th of June, 2008 that an exquisite incident took place in my life which will have a long life impact on me. Therefore, it has become necessary for me to narrate it as I am convinced that this experience will influence the following posts of my blog as well, such is its overall deep impact. So Mandira, to let you know what was it, my story goes something like this…

Around 12.30 p.m. on that day, I completed my daily chores, feeling very fresh after a good bath. I came in my room and ignited two musk incense sticks on the altar to remember God, it is my daily ritual. As you know, these days my sleep pattern is irregular and erratic, so I decided to rest a while before lunch. I put my head on the pillow under the fan and began to feel relaxed as the cool air from the fan had a cooling effect on my wet hair and gave me a respite from the sweat and heat of the day. For me, all this was like any other normal day, but I soon discovered that I was wrong as it proved to be otherwise.

As the alluring scent of the musk incense sticks spread around me and in the room, it had a very soothing effect on me and the whole atmosphere was baptized. My mind became calm and the whole body felt very rejuvenated and light. My eyes closed gently on their own and I, like a gentle breeze, then drifted into another world very far away. My mind began to dissolve slowly as though I was melting away gently in a vast, deep ocean. I was getting cut off from the outside sensory world and entering the space of a higher domain which is not accessible easily. I reached and entered a Space that is very high and far away from the earth’s gravitational pull. May be higher than the skies. Then……most unexpectedly, the visual image of Mahavatar Babaji appeared before my closed eyes and in a flash of a moment it captivated me completely.

I began to float and I saw that there was a very thin sheath around me that was wrapping me like an envelop which broke, releasing me from a kind of a cover and a chain of bondage. The release gave me more freedom of movement in the upper skies or ether and I began to soar higher and higher like a light feather in the limitless sky. I was floating as though there was no gravity and I lost the sense of body consciousness and felt free at last!

At this juncture, Babaji spoke to me in a very sweet and gentle voice, “From now on, you will write from this height.”

Mahavatar Babaji, for the reader’s convenience, is an immortal soul living and moving presently in the vicinity of Shri Badrinath temple in the Himalayas. He is ever young and like Spirit, eternal and deathless. He is now more than 1,800 years old in age but His body is beyond the physical laws of decay and degeneration and therefore he is forever young. He has a world wide mission of uplifting mankind through spiritual evolution. It is Divine will that unless his prescribed mission is completed, he will not forsake his physical body.

His built is firm and complexion very fair and he has long, knee length flowing copper colour hair. He wears ochre colour dhoti or a long cloth wrapped around his waist and shoulder and he usually carries a stick or danda with him while walking.

His countenance and body glow brilliantly and the eyes are dark, deep and serene.

His smile is mysterious and enchanting while his speech reminds me of the tinkling of tiny mellifluous bells in the ears, a sheer delight and entrancing melody!

Babaji’s work includes helping humanity to rise above nationality, religion and individual self. He is extremely concerned about the current world issues and the worsening situation. The various cause of concerns are -the rapid erosion of the world environment, the unchecked spread of consumerism, greed and exploitation by the politicians and people in power, unhealthy environment and increasing pollution, the indifference of man towards his fellow men and other living animate and inanimate creatures as well, the rude and shocking exploitation of the natural resources and most important of all these is- The slow erosion of eternal spiritual values and principles known as Sanatan Dharma on which humanity thrives.

He believes in and wishes to create an egalitarian society for man’s happiness, prosperity and well being. He strives to unite the nations and spreads awareness of oneness of God through the science of Yoga and meditation and some other lost ancient techniques of God union. He preaches Love. He wishes to spread love through his teachings and kind words and he uses people to accomplish his uphill task diligently. His work goes on silently and He is capable of appearing and disappearing at will. He possesses many extra ordinary mind boggling yogic powers and multitude siddhis but he applies them only for the benefit and good of others in desperate need.

He can take on various forms and can speak just about any language of the world in which the recipient can communicate, but his own favourite is Hindi. His medium of transport is ether and mode of communication telepathy and intuition. He can appear in two or more than two forms and places at the same time as the need may require him to be.

Babaji’s body is made up of pure Divine Light and where ever He goes, there is a huge halo surrounding him. He is most of the time moving and has no requirement of food, water or sleep. He lives on Cosmic Light alone. He does not feel cold even in the severest of cold conditions. He meditates deeply in the caves of the craggy mountains near the river Alaknanda and lives with some of his devoted and trusted disciples in an ashram on the hills of the Himalayas invisible to all but visible to just a few if he so desires. He does not come out open in the public and leads a reclusive life in the quietude of the solitary mountains in shrouded mystery. Only those people are able to see or perceive him on whom his blessings fall gently like a divine shower of compassion and Love. It is because of our past life good karmas that he takes charge of our lives and spiritual growth. If it is destined that he come in our life as a messenger of God, then he shall.

His aura has the power of transformation and he has divine powers to change the fate and fortune of a faithful and devoted disciples and devotees. He loves those who have love and devotion in their heart, who do good and pray for others and are concerned and involved with the welfare of the society. He showers profuse blessings on those people who are pure in heart and blesses them many times who are unselfish and devoid of any evil tendencies.

He gives darshan to those who remember him in distress or are in a dire need or call him out with a clean heart for spiritual help and guidance. Through telepathic communion, he guides them in their spiritual efforts and sadhana though not physically present with them. The recipients many a times do not even ever become aware of the fact that they have or had received telepathic messages or subtle hints planted by Babaji for their advancement and growth. Such is His humility and compassion for mankind. He will relieve them from both- the worldly and spiritual sufferings in this as well as in their future lives yet to come by helping them working out their karmas of previous lives and of their present life too. He undertakes long term projects for us which are although time consuming and very far-sighted, but they involve and concern only the welfare and progressive evolution of our soul. ( Please visit The process of liberation and Our lives are in our hands-II to understand his nature and characteristics better)

He indicates and shows people their path of salvation by helping them do those right deeds and actions. He makes them fearless by giving strength to face their difficult and demanding present life situations. He provides them mental and spiritual power to overcome the heavy burden of karmic suffering and misgivings and in return gives them peace, contentment and knowledge to elevate their sufferings.

All this is very important and please listen to this carefully now. Keep your mind fully focused and absorbed in what is being told to you and retain it very well for times to come, my child.

Once the devotee is liberated and free from karmic obligations, He involves him or her in the world wide mission of God’s continuous work of human upliftment. He blesses those lavishly who do not consider themselves to be the doer of any action and whose heart and mind are devoid of any pride, vanity or prejudice. Blessed are those who realize one day and know that we all are the children of one God and selfishness, hatred, jealousy, contempt, hostility have no place in our heart. We must forsake all these undesired thoughts and beliefs as they are the doors of hell and untold misery.

Good actions such as brotherhood, unity of all religions, love, compassion, kindness, empathy, mutual co-operation and understanding are dear to God as we are all God’s children. Blessed are those who live and work for God, who worship God through service and God manifests in those people who worship mankind !

Dear Mandira, to wrap up this post, I am inclined to add one poem which I wrote in the early days of March this year in a meditative mood one evening. I hope you will appreciate the theme behind it and try to live up to that.

Grace in solitude

————————————

Solitude is the time when the soul comes in direct contact with the Spirit. The Spirit, the source of true knowledge and understanding.

As I returned from a quiet evening walk to my abode, the Spirit silently descended over my being and revealed to me that was so far unknown.

I remembered a dear soul whose heart ached and could no longer hold its own weight. My heart went out to give solace and tend to this tired soul.

Our ache and helplessness became one, from where came the source of the pain and who was sharing it became blurred.

His pain became mine and I the source of his load, the way it is difficult to differentiate the light from its glowing radiance.

Just then my eyes became moist and wet, and a drop of tear filled the eyes.

My heart was filled with a mild and poignant pang and in no time it took over my complete self.

How else can I give relief and more comfort to the soul who wants to help itself but does not know how to do so?

A few fleeting moments passed by when my Spirit, in the form of a Voice spoke to me in a calm tone – “Vasudeva is very pleased with you. You have risen many steps upward today.”

“Higher than the worship of deities is the worship of Guru. Higher still is the worship of mankind.

God is worshiped best if worshiped through mankind. Those who love and worship humanity is loved the most by God himself.”

Note: To know and read more about Sri Mahavatar Babaji, read the book ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ by Sri Paramhansa Yogananda, chapter 33.

(The slow erosion of eternal spiritual values and principles known as Sanatan Dharma on which humanity thrives…

What is Sanatan Dharma? Read –‘The Light of the world Shri Mahavatar Babaji’-II )

Picture:google images.

July 11, 2008/39 Comments/by spiritinlife

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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.

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

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