Jap of a fixed number of mantras can be performed by
anybody who is sitting idle but accomplishment of any great task cannot be
achieved merely by such symbolic worship. It has to be linked up with strict
Tapascarya which energies and rejuvenates physical, astral and causal bodies
and makes them strong in all respects. Accumulated sins and impurities act as
great impediments in the path of spiritual progress. They can be burnt out by
putting them in the furnace of Tapascarya. When iron-ore is taken out from the
earth it is raw and crude. Similar is the case with other metals. They have to
be put in a burning furnace to purify them and make them fit for use. Valuable
medicines, Bhasma etc, are prepared by Ayurvedic physicians by purifying raw
materials with fire. The potter has to put his raw pots in a kiln and apply
requisite heat. The same rule applies to human beings. Service, Sadhana,
religious pursuits of the Risis are all apparent deeds; but for acquiring power
to achieve some specific goal, they have to undergo great intensive Tapascarya
from time to time. Every great person has to undergo this austerity in his own
way because, without it, divine powers cannot be invoked, received, augmented
and retained. So long as there is no piety, brilliance and maturity in the personality
of a man, he cannot achieve remarkable, significant and praise-worthy success.
How long can a tree which has no deep roots stand against the vagaries of
nature and flourish?
The fundamental principles of Tapascarya are
self-restraint (Sanyam) and proper utilization of resources. By observing
restraint of sense organs (Indriya-Sanyam), a man remains healthy and the store
of his willpower never gets exhausted. By observing restriction in respect of
spending money (Artha Sanyam), a man has to lead a simple life of an average
citizen and maintain himself on his self earned, honest earnings. Best
utilization of one's own time is known as Samaya- Sanyam, in which a set work-routine
has to be followed and body and mind are applied to specific useful pursuits.
This leaves no time for indulging in evil deeds. By exercising restraint in
respect of thoughts (Vicar Sanyam) the outlook of a person becomes devout,
spiritual and religious and it becomes easy for him to perform Sadhana of
Bhakti-Yog and Karma-Yog. Self restraint (Sanyam) means saving. By exercising
Sanyam of these four kinds, much energy is saved, after meeting worldly needs,
which can be utilized in serving noble purposes. Such a person leads a relaxed
happy jovial life and accomplishes his personal as well as universal good.
Gurudev had taught me sixty years back to follow this path which I have been
following strictly ever since. The only purpose in calling me to the Himalayas
from time to time was to maintain my enthusiasm and industriousness and
strengthen my faith in the efficacy of Tapascarya.
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