Over stimulating the Sense

Another type of people - perhaps more extroverted - have sought toe transcend the senses in seemingly the opposite manner, not by depriving them but by over-stimulating them. Over-saturated with sights, sounds, movements and sensations, the nervous threshold of stimulation becomes so high that further stimulation is impossible and the senses turn off, rather like a fuse which has blown because too many electric appliances are drawing its current. So the Sufi "whirling dervishes" spin and spin in an accelerating, twirling dance until they "lose consciousness" and fall into ecstasy. African warriors and Caribbean sects dance frenziedly to wildly beating drums and rhythmic chanting and clapping, their limbs flying, until they collapse from sensory exhaustion and experience, perhaps a glimpse beyond.

Religious fanatics of all persuasions have sought the fastest and most brutal way to overload their nervous systems - through pain. Christian devotees whip themselves until they are drenched with blood; Indian fakirs lie on beds of nails or sit on thrones of swords; Japanese Zen monks meditate under freezing waterfalls; Sioux Indians suffer extreme heat and thirst in the desert sun and Tibetan seekers sit for hours, naked, in the mountain snows. By mortifying their flesh, they seek to overcome the transitory pleasures of their senses and attain the one imperishable reality.

But how many can follow this path? In this modern world, how many people are ready to hide away in the Himalayan Mountains, fast for forty days, whip them or pierce their tongues with spears? Yet does this mean that the highest state of awareness, our birthright as human beings, is to be forever denied to us just because we lead normal lives in the world?

No, there is a universal process - so simple that even a child can perform it - the most practical and natural way to realize one's self. It is the practice of meditation, and it begins with sensory withdrawal.

Prosperity and spirituality to the human beings

Shastra (ancient Nepalese texts) guide the aspirants of wealth as to who is blessed by the Goddess Lakshmi. The style of these texts of  prehistoric times may be rhetoric and often presented as anecdotes in which the Goddess is Herself conversing with a devotee. This sounds unusual today, but the inherent teachings are universal and continue to be valid evne now. One can's attain prospering wealth and consequent peace and joy if one disobeys or ignores these teachings. Let us look at some excerpts.

Responding to the devotee's query, Goddess Lakshmi explains:

Vasami Nityam subhage pragalbhe, Dakse Nare Karmani Vartiamane

Akrodhane Devapare, Kratagye, Jitendriye, Nityamudrina Sattve

Meaning: I reside in the homes of those who are alert and wise, who are soft spoken, dutiful, strong, anger-less and who have an attitude of gratitude, control over the sense-organs and who are devoted to God (to noble values and disciplines)

Indeed, irrespective of whether one attempt is generate, expand and preserve wealth via business, agriculture, professional jobs, govt. service, etc, all the above-specified qualities are essential to ensure career-growth and support and cooperation of financers, customers and colleagues. Devotion to the scriptural disciplines is not possible without cultivation of integrity of character, sincerity and sensitivity with inner strength. These virtues are necessary for personal growth and sustained success.

Another crucial quality for the grace of Goddess Lakshmi is industriousness -diligence with perseverance and foresight.

There was a small state named Billari in south India. Once, the troops of shivaji attacked it. The soldiers of Billari fought with all their might, but were defeated, being lesser in number. The surviving defenders were arrested. Among them was also Malbai, the queen of the state. Shivaji ordered to bring her in a dignified manner, but being a prisoner Malbai felt this honor to be displeasing and said to shivaji -"I consider this honor as a disgrace. Give me capital punishment like a defeated enemy.

Shivaji stepped down from the throne, greeted her and said - " I cannot insult a brave, valiant and honorable lady like you. My mother Jeeja Bai has expired recently. I am visualizing her valiant character in you and hence forth I will always consider you as my mother. Malbai's eyes were filled with tears of joy and affection, she said - "You are actually chhattrapati. Religion and nation would surely be safe under your protection".