VEDAN (PIERCING) OF SHAT CHAKRAS -1

Human body is formed of five basic elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether. Different parts of the body are constituted and governed by mixture of these elements in varying proportions. If the proportion of a particular element increases or decreased beyond what is required, that part of the body becomes diseased. Existence of elements in requisite proportion at a relevant location is considered to be a sigh of good health. There is prominence of one element in each chakra. It is known as the element of that chakra.

When vital breath passes through the hollow Brahmanadi and it collides with the holes of the chakras, sound similar to one produced by playing of a flute, emanates. Sounds like sa, re, ga, ma, flow through the holes of the chakras and they are audible as Yan, Ina, rna, hna, Om, etc. These are known as seeds of these chakras.

There is difference in the speed of breath in different chakras. The pulse of persons having the element of vat, pitta or kaf in prominence moves with the speed of pigeon, frog, serpent or cock etc, and physicians (vaidhayas) diagnose and treat accordingly. Due to mixture of different elements, zigzag passage, whirlpools and coordination of seed etc, a specific speed is noticed in every chakra on account of blood circulation and breathing. This speed is sluggish like that of an elephant or a crocodile, or fast as that of a deer or a frog in different chakras. These speeds are named after the particular animals, which are mounts (vahans) of different chakras.

Different divine energies lie dormant within these chakras. Creation, maintenance, destruction, knowledge, prosperity, strength, etc have been regarded as energies of specific deities. In every chakra there are hot masculine as well as cold feminine elements because without the union of these two elements there can be no movement or life. These powers are known as the god or goddess of the particular chakras.

The five elements have their own characteristics. Smell, flavor, from touch and sound are characteristics of earth, water, fire, air and ether respectively. In accordance with the prominence of the element concerned its characteristic predominates in each chakra. These are known characteristics of chakras.

The subtle energy of these chakras flow in the entire body but it is mainly related to one organ of sense and one organ of action. The symptoms of awakening of these chakras are immediately reflected in these organs. On account of such relationship that particular organ is categorized as the organ of that chakra.

Peculiar names of divine energies viz. Dakini, rakini, sakini, hakini, etc, could be misunderstood to be something like ghost, witch etc, but this is not so. Right from mouth to navel there is a circular chain of letters from AA to ha. The beads of this chain are known as matrikas. On their basis rishis have formulated letters of the alphabet. The Matrika, by which the deity of a chakra is linked, is known as divine energy of that deity. Letters da, ra, la, ka, sha have been prefixed to the word kini, signifying matrikas and thus the words Dakini, rakini, etc have been formulated, which are all names of divine powers. After understanding these definitions, it will be easy for the readers to understand the following introductory information about the six chakras.

VEDAN (PIERCING) OF SHAT CHAKRAS

There are six gates on the way leading to the origin of Kundalini power. Or, it may be said that this path is locked by six locks. Human soul can reach the inner energy centers by opening these gates or locks. These six obstructions are called Shat-Chakras in spiritual language.

These six Chakras are related to Brahamnadi which is one og the three nadis situated in the inner most part of the Sushumna. They can also be compared to lotus flowers strung into the thread of a garland. Readers will be able to see in the picture where a particular Chakra is located in the body. Mooladhar chakra lies in the genital region; Swadhisthan chakra in the portion between the navel and the pubic region; Manipur chakra in the umbilicus region; Anahat chakra near the heart; Vishudakhya chakra near the neck; Agya chakra in the middle of both the eye-brows; and above all lies Sahasrar.

Sukshumna and three nadis encased within it namely, Vajra, chitrani and brahmanadi are so subtle that they can not be seen by naked eye. The corresponding chakras are still more subtle. Any attempt to operate upon the body to locate shat chakras will be ridiculous and futile because the power of vision of human eye is very much limited. Sound waves, atoms of air, germs of diseases cannot be seen by the naked eye, still their existence cannot be denied. Yogis have seen these chakras by their yogic vision and have gained miraculous knowledge, insights and powers through investigations of the inner being of man. They have given a well-organized scientific description of such investigations and presented it before those who are interested in the subject.

Shat chakras are like subtle knots (granthis) formed in the passage of Brahmanadi. When a Sadhak concentrates his mind on these chakras he unusual experiences of subtle conditions prevailing there. These knots (granthis) are not circular but angular like petals of a flower. These petals are called Padma-dal. They are like a bunch of fibers.

These chakras are of different hues because of energies of varying potencies of elements dominant in different Granthis. This also affects the quantity and color of the blood of that region. The color changes to pink, blue, red and smoky according to the prominence of the elements of earth, water, fire, air and sky respectively. The mixture of these elements changes the color of each chakra.

When a weevil (wood-worm) cuts through wood, the cut portion assumes different shapes. When vital breath (pran-vayu) passes through these chakras, its passage becomes slightly zigzagged according to the position of the Granthi. It takes different shapes similar to the shape of some letters of devnagri script and they are called letters of that particular chakra.

In a fast flowing river, whirlpools of different shapes are formed at several points. When the vital breath of Sushumna flows rapidly through these chakras, subtle whirlpools are formed, which are quadrangular, triangular, hexagonal, circular, semi-circular and phallus-like in shape. The flame of rising fire is thick at the bottom and thin at the top. Thus an irregular triangle is formed when the chakras are pierced. Different shapes are thus formed by the flow of vital breath; these are known as yantras of chakras.

TORTURING OF KUNDALINI

When the Sadhak does not find a way out and his Sadhana does not progress for a long time he should consult his experienced Guru (spiritual teacher) and proceed according to his advice. In this way gradually, after piercing through all the six chakras, the Sadhak reaches Kundalini located at Mooladhar and gets a glimpse of that volcanic, terrifying serpentine coil of gigantic energy, Maha-Sarpini. The overwhelmingly violent form of Mahakali is seen here. Several Sadhaks tremble violently when they try to awaken this sleeping tigers.

The dormant Kundalini requires to be hit hard if it is sought to activate it. In spiritual language this is known as "torturing of Kundalini". By such torture, the excited Kundalini makes a hissing sound and awakens and its first targets of attack are negative habits, tendencies and desires accumulated over the past several births. It chews-up these evil sanskars and rides upon the chest of Sadhak's mind duly armed with all her weapons, destroys his material illusions and ignorance and transforms him into godliness.

The process of awakening Kundalini and exciting it has been described in the ancient scriptures in an extremely symbolic of voting style. The battle between Mahisasur and Durga is symbolic of this spiritual secret. Mahisasur (human mind consisting of five elements), seeking to attain salvation and inspired by the desire to be killed at the hands of the Goddess, enters into battle with Chandi (Kundalini) who is sitting silently, and attacks. The Goddess gets infuriated and counter-attacks and chews up its mount. Mahisasur (he-buffalo). This Mahisasur is nothing else than a bundle of evil. Sanskars. Goddess Chandi (Kundalini) destroys the body of Mahisasur (the material trend of the mind) by her ten arms from all directions and ultimately Mahisasur merges into Chandi's Light. It becomes a part of Maha-Shakti and attains the supreme goal of life. This furious form of devotional Sadhana is extremely fierce and hazardous. This is known as the path of battle (Sadhana Samar).

Whereas several devotees attain Divinity by love and devotion, there are others who attain it through Sadhana-Samar. Just as a true lover attains God, a true enemy can also attain Him. Hath-yogis and followers of Tantrik Sadhana fall in the latter category. Awakening of Kundalini is a warrior like (veerochit Sadhana) on the basis of which in significant individual soul can become great, a living atom transforming itself into the all-pervading Divinity.

While performing Sadhana of Shat-chakra, the Sadhak should enter into Brahamnadi and meditate on the chakras daily.  Starting from five minutes the daily practice can be extended up to thirty minutes. But extending the duration beyond thirty minutes is harmful, as intense heat is produced by such meditation, which cannot be tolerated after a certain limit. The mind should be brought back to the trikuti and meditation should be brought to an end.

Needless to say, while doing this Sadhana, a Sadhak should observe Brahmacharya, take only Satvik food once a day, remain in solitude in a healthy atmosphere and maintain regularity in his daily routine. By piercing of Shat-chakras and awakening of Kundalini, a Sadhak can have a glimpse of the Supreme Divine Energy in brahmarandhra and thus attain several great Siddhis (occult divine powers).

WHERE THERE IS WILL, THERE IS A WAY

As a person attains youth there grows a strong desire in him to become self-reliant. He wants to stand on his own feet and be the master of his life. Until some decades back this desire was largely a male phenomenon. But over the years young girls too have been exhibiting this urge more and more strongly, sometimes even more than the boys. Practically every college going girl today wants to be self-reliant financially. She wants to be a "Women of substance" and cut out an independent identity of her own. The concept of 'working women ' is a common currency now.  

 But this ambition to become self-reliant is not easy to fulfill. Government sector jobs are continually shrinking while the number of educated youth has phenomenally increased. this growth in their population is matched by their growing ambition for better employment, better pay and perks and better life styles.

  It is true that private that private sector employment opportunities have tremendously increased. But their demand is more or less confined to select fields, especially information technology and management. Liberal arts, social sciences and even basic sciences have few takers. Besides, even in the private sector, there are many kinds of contractual limitations; and the work pressures are increasing to unreasonable limits. To add to the woes, government is also slowly tightening its grip over even the private enterprise. this, not exactly for ensuring better work conditions for the employee, but for caste reservations and other such political mileage. The situation is that ability and merit cannot necessarily guarantee employment.

 As for going in for self-enterprise this requires capital which is not available to the larger majority. Government and bank loans are of course there but the rosy picture painted in media announcements as well as print advertisements and hoardings fall far short of percolating to the branch level.

Then, one finds the usual procedural bottlenecks and discouraging conditions and limitations. Some do get these loans without much trouble but a large number are forced to waste their time in frustrating runs from table to table, form this office to that office trying to meet the myriad conditions that are raised from time to time. Ansh sahni of Employment Research program says that the data gathered from the field and their evaluation show the gravity of the situation. But all said done, the old dictum "Where there is a way" still holds good. The young students - boys and girls - of Dev Sandkrit Vishwa Vidyalaya have vindicated this truth and molded it in tune with the changing times. The subtle guidance of Yugrishi Gurudev has ever been their beacon.

Early research in neural chemistry had found the presence of some hormones which are secreted by the endocrine gland and which make temporary or permanent effects on specific organs or physicochemical functions of the body. Advanced results have found newer secrets in terms of the association of these hormones with the nature and inherent character of humans. In view of their tremendous effects on regulating the physical, mental and emotional states of a person, the hormone-secreting glands appear like the 'fingers' of a hidden juggler who makes the humans dance like puppets under the control of the hormonal 'threads'.

The internal hormonal and other neuro-chemical secreting system - the endocrine system - has long been a challenging puzzle for the anatomists and physiologists. Whatever hypotheses and inferences are drawn in one point of time, they are often required to be modified or changed after some time because of the newer or contradictory observations. The secrets of this system seem to be hidden behind such a curtain which gets more entangled into a mesh of unknown facets whenever opened up a bit.

As early as during the times of Luis XV in France, an anatomist named Dr. Thuffe had conjectured the presence of a somewhat supernormal (in terms of physical existence) system in the body which secrets special juices and chemicals that can significantly alter the functions of different components of the body. An Italian Anatomist, Dr. Eustachi had reported a well-structured hypothesis on hormonal glands in the upper poles of the kidney as early as 1563. Later on, some researchers of the Vodak Institute of Science had thrown light on the adrenal glands. Around 1850, Dr Karl Inge of Britain and Dr. Yeri of Paris had given experimental evidences to illustrate the remarkable effects of some hormonal secretions inside the body on the physiological and biochemical functions. Research in the fields of hormones/neurochemicals geared up gradually in the later years.

STEADINESS AND CONCENTRATION OF MIND IN SADHANA

A Sadhak should remove all disturbing thoughts from his mind and perform Sadhana with an unperturbed bed and quite mind. He should have firm faith, confidence, devotion and reverence. It can hardly be termed Sadhana if the mouth utters the Mantra, the hand works on the rosary but the mind wanders widely. The magnetic field to attract Gayatri cannot be created so long as the mind remains wavering and restless.

The other obstacle in Sadhana is lack of faith. Some people are by nature cynical and lack in depth of feelings. They have no real faith in spiritual pursuits. Words of praise from someone just arouse some casual curiosity in their minds. They think that by merely chanting a few Mantras their most-convicted desires might be fulfilled. Some persons are even seen taking a vow to do prescribe Jap after their desires have been fulfilled. Probably they assume that divine powers might be sitting hungry in the absence of their worship. This tendency of crude bargaining ridiculous and reveals the shallowness of their faith.

However, if persons who are lacking in faith, devotion and reverence and those who have an unsteady mind perform Gayatri Sadhana regularly, they are able to overcome these defects and in course of time, their Sadhana starts progressing smoothly. By and by faith and confidence are built up and they achieve concentration of mind. A person should, therefore, get started in Sadhana, although his mind may be unsteady. A day will come when he will overcome his defects and will receive Divine Mother's grace. He will then unders tand that faith, confidence, devotion and reverence habe a mighty power with the help of which impossible looking  tasks can be accomplished, as was done by Bhagirath.

Self Awareness

"Manasi vicharya barambaram" - this aphorism of Acharya Shankara tells us that as we egin to ponder over the important questions of life, and as we grow more and more inquisitive about it, we get more and more deeply acquainted with the verities of our life. It is through the genuineness and intensity of seeking that we become able to know ourselves, and then we are surprised at our folly: "Oh! How in the world were we continuing with such a senseless existence"! Enquiry explains to us the meaning and purpose of life; it reveals the raison d'etre of things and empowers us to discriminate between the right and the wrong, the virtuous and the vicious, the purposeful and the purposeless. In short, it makes us conscious and wakeful. This is the natural result of enquiry and may be considered as the second stage in the process of awakening.

In the state of wakefulness, we are able to cognize our strengths and potentials. Correct understanding of the state of mind and meaningful use of the available circumstances are possible in this very condition. Side by side, we can also identity and overcome the psychological and material obstacles which had hitherto prevented us from actualizing our potentials, from giving proper expression to our talents, and from experiencing the pleasure of a meaningful existence.

It is this very depth and intensity of awakening that becomes jivana bodha. Every facet of life its every nook and corner is illumined with the light of awareness; nothing remains hidden, nothing remains unseen, nothing remains unfamiliar. Every event in life, big or small, becomes a lesson. The whole life becomes a school, a continuing education, instead of being a burden. He, who lives in true awareness, utilizes the moments of happiness in the best possible manner. At the same time he also knows how to derive benefit from the times of trails and tribulations. Moments of joy are yoga for him, while moments of pain turn into tapa (disciplinary austerities). In every situation, he has full comprehension of the meaning of existence.

It is in this state that the interior begins to grow with the light of the truth that only those who are wakeful, alert and conscious can walk the path of jivana sadhana. This path is so perilous and demanding that even the slightest sluggishness and carelessness in effort will result in fall and failure; the personality will remain dull, confused and underdeveloped. To understand the different dimensions of the personality and to illuminate them is the first step on the path of jivana sadhana.

STICK TO YOUR RESOLUTIONS

There are ample opportunities in this world for the alert and prepared ones. Those who adapt to the demand of the situation and attempt sincerely in the desired direction often make best use of the opportunities. But that would lead to good progress towards a high goal only if one does not deviate from the chosen aim. One should process towards the goal with full preparation, but should also be open to constructive criticism and consequent improvement in one's abilities and strive.

There are very few brave fellows who dare recognize their own flaws and make an honest attempt to rectify them. You should also be like them. Transform your outlook, objective and personality to become a better, more alert and illumined person. Set your goals after thorough review; then plan your actions wisely. Once you resolve to process with what is planned you should stick to it firmly like a rock; no obstruction or difficulty should be able to shake you.  Often it is seen that people start with high hope and grand plans but escape in between. You should learn from their mistakes and be cautious to avoid erroneous approach.

Remember God helps those who help themselves! The world would follow you if you help yourself and reach great heights on your own.

 How to improve our Economy?

The profession of beginning is a curse on our national character. Equally harmful and pitiable is the trend of having luxurious life, showoff via loans and debts. People are seen spending much more than what they should in view of their limited income. Those who enjoy festivals and fun-fares on borrowed money in fact insult themselves and degrade the dignity of life. they have no savings and keep asking for money to their friends and relations in case of emergency or for major purchases under the pretext that they would refund it soon. This habit of borrowing is as inferior as begging. Those having self-respect prefer starving to selling their prestige….

You should know that austerity and assiduity are the basis of wealthy progress of the individuals and the society as well. You should cultivate the habit of living according to your economically planned budget. Cut down on your comforts, even accept hardships if you are short of money. Don't feel tensed or bad about your low income. You can always improve your economy by further hard work and observing a self restrained austere life style.

Extravagance is the worst enemy and disease. Protect yourself from it. If you have more money that should be saved for emergency and utilized constructively for further generation of wealth which would help up-liftment and self-reliance of many others rather than being drained out in luxuries. Money is not for insane joys; its value lies in adding to economic ascent.

SPIRITUAL COMPARING WITH THE SCIENCE AND POLITICS

While comparing a scientist with a political, James Ruston, the author of the book "Precision of Science and Confusion of Politics" states: - " A scientist knows the capability of his resources and keeps control on them He sets his target and organizes resources on the basis of facts. Then he hands over the management of the planned process to specialized and trained people. The activities of a politician are just the reverse of this - he does not fathom capabilities or the availability of resources. Most of the time politics is engulfed by ill-virtues like bragging, egoism, envy, selfishness, and personal whims. So a politician blindly plays his cards like a gambler and achieves blind results. Governance does not remain always in the hands of active, wise persons with foresight; at times goes into the hands of people who are totally unworthy of it. In their exuberance they initiate big projects, but mostly end up as failures when they face difficulties and by losing control on circumstances. A scientist every moment is aware of the dangers of his errors, while steps of a politician remain uncontrolled and take uncertain directions like that of a drunkard".

Many world famous thinkers like H G Wells have been voicing their concern that the control of the future of humanity has unfortunately slipped into the hands of blind politics. This control needs to be taken away from politics and the basis of governance should become science, which means utilization of specified resources by the best of people to achieve the highest of ideals.

Communal religion or the perception of religion by most of us today has to be refined through spirituality. The control of politics should not go into the hands of egoists and whimsical minds. It should be handed over to those foresighted people who are capable of building up systems of general welfare based upon factual information and truthfulness. This is the seer- like insight of Saint Vinoba and this is his forecast for the new world order. This change is essential for the glorious fulfillment of humanity

[A fowler/hunter wanted to be consecrated by a great saint. The saint had a rule of swearing in the vow of following nonviolence as the teacher's reward (guru-dakshina). The fowler could not do without catching birds and so he didn't agree to the condition. Then the saint suggested him an easy way out. He said -"For now, you swear to be merciful to at least one bird, and then slowly increase the limits of your oath." The fowler greed to it and introduced himself to the faith of nonviolence by at first avowing not to kill the crow. He continued thinking about the nonviolence and gradually kept on increasing the perimeter of his confinement. After a few days he became a great nonviolent saint.

SPECIAL SADHANAS FOR WOMEN

 Women have the same right as men in respect of worship of Vedmata Gayatri. To convert inertia into momentum two objects of opposite qualities which attract each other are required. Electricity is generated by attraction and repulsion of negative and positive currents. Electrons and protons of an atom get activated on account of their mutual give and take. This conscious creation has been divided into male and female forms to make the eternal animate creation alive; otherwise this universe would have remained enveloped in in-conscience. Union of rayi and pran energies results in chaitanya. If there is no union of male and female elements, consciousness, pleasure, pulsation, speed, activity, growth etc. will all disappear and in-conscience will reign supreme in the universe.

Male and female elements supplement each other. One is incomplete without the other. The importance, utility, position and rights of each are the same. Those who say that women have no right to chant Gayatri Mantra, which is a ved-mantra, are completely mistaken. Of course, uneducated, unwise and impious women are like Shudra, and due to their own mental state they become deprived of the right of Gayatri worship.

Women have equal right with men to perform all Sadhanas relating to Gayatri. It has  however, been observed that housewives who are ever much busy in household chores, who have small children to look after and are unable to maintain cleanliness cannot find time to take up difficult Sadhanas. They have to be provided with a technique of Sadhana which is easy and does not take much time. Those who cannot remember full Gayatri Mantra can make do with chanting the grief Panchakshari Mantra (Om Bhoor bhubaha swaha). During the period of menses they should suspend regular Sadhana. The performance of Anusthan, if it is being done, should also suspend during this period. It can be resumed on the expiry of this period, after taking bath.

Issueless women or those whose children have grow n up, unmarried women or widows, can conveniently per form Gayatri Sadhana like men. In routine, Sadhana it is not necessary to observe specific rules and restrictions and there is no bar to discharging normal marital functions. But during specific Sadhana or Anus than, the rule of observing Brahmacharya is to be strictly followed.

SHIKHA AND SOOTRA, SYMBOL OF HINDU DHARMA

There are two symbols of Hindu Dharma, one is Shikha (distinctive lock of hair on the crown of the head) and the other is sootra. Sootra means Yogyopaveet or sacred thread. Just as in the context of devotion for one's own country there is a national flag, so also, Shikha is like a flag of divine culture on the fortress of human brain. Religious communities have their respective flags. The idol of Lord Shiva can be installed merely by placing a circular stone on a platform. Shikha is like a banner of Gayatri Mata installed on the top of the head, so that it may always be kept in mind that the entry of evil thoughts is panned in this area and only righteous thoughts are welcome.

In Hindu Dharma, Mundan, in which the hairs on the head of a child are shaved, is regarded as an important ceremony. In fact, this is a celebration of installation of Shikha which is formed by removing other hair on the head. Human body is regarded as a temple on which Shikha is established like a banner.

Yagyopaveet, an Image of Gayatri

Yagyopaveet is also called Brahma-sootra. Thread is also called sootra. The authors of Vyakran, darshan, religious scriptures and several other ancient treatises have tried to express their purport in very brief, concise sentences in Sanskrit. Detailed commentaries, annotations have been written on these sootras which explain the meaning underlying them. Although, there are no letters in Brahma-sootra, much has been indicated with the help of images, marks, signs, pictures etc. The Brahma-sootras of yagyopaveet also, even without speech and script incorporate within them meanings of deep import. Gayatri is known as Guru-Mantra. Yagyopaveet ceremony is performed with the chanting of Gayatri Mantra and other Veda-Mantras. It is as much necessary for a dwij to know Gayatri as it is to put on Yagyopaveet. Gayatri and Yagyopaveet constitute one pair as do the words Lakshyami-Narayan, Sita-Rama, Radhe-Shyam, Prakriti-Brahma, and Gauri-Shankar. Their union forms one single unit. Just as husband and wife living together constitute a family, dwijatva is a union of Gayatri and Yagyopaveet. Yagyopaveet is sootra and Gayatri its interpretation. They are inter-linked.

There are three threads in Yagyopaveet, so also Gayatri has three phases. The first phase is "tatsavitur varenyam", second is "bhargo devasasya dhee mahi", and third one is "dhiyo yon aha prachodayat". To understand the principle underlying three threads of Yagyopaveet, one should thoroughly understand the afore-said three phases of Gayatri. There are three Granthis (knots) and one Brahma Granthi in Yagyopaveet. In Gayatri there are three vyahritis, namely Bhooha, Bhuvaha, Swaha and one pranav (Om). Onkar (Om) and three vyahritis of Gayatri Mantra symbolize respectively the Brahma Granthi and three knots of Yagyopaveet. The first, second and third phases of Gayatri symbolize the first, second and third threads of Yagyopaveet respectively.

Let us now examine in detail what is the meaning and philosophy underlying this interpretation of Gayatri and Yagyopaveet. The message of pranav is that God pervades all living beings and so a Sadhak should devote himself selflessly and quietly in the service of humanity. Bhooba implies that the human body is just a transient instrument. A seeker of truth should not get attached to it but should enhance his inner spiritual awareness, pursue the righteous path and do selfless service. Buvaha means a person who struggles valiantly against evils attains self-realization. He alone is wise who follows high ideals with pure means. Swaha implies that truth should be pursued through discriminating wisdom and pure intellect and thus inspire others by example to lead a life of austerity, devotion, self-inquiry, self-restraint and sacrifice.

continue on Shikha and Sootra, Symbol of Hindu Dharma1…….

SHIKHA AND SOOTRA, SYMBOL OF HINDU DHARMA1

............. This, in short is the four fold duty of a person who puts on Yagyopaveet. He has to develop his capabilities, has to be generous and utilize his talents in the service of others. Thus alone can he attain peace and happiness for himself and help others to attain these.

According to Gaya tri-Geeta, nine fibers of Yagyopaveet represent nine virtues which are as important and precious as gems. These virtues are:- the science of life, awakening of inner hidden energies, superiority, purity, divine insight, righteousness,  wisdom, self control, and service.

By achieving knowledge of the science of life man understands the mystery behind birth and death. He has no fear of death and is always fearless. He has no attachment to or craving for worldly objects. He, thus, escapes from the pendulum like swings of ups and downs of life created by the illusory play of dualities of success and failure, pleasure and pain, birth and death etc from which ignorant people are perpetually tormented.

A person who is able to awaken his dormant energies becomes more and more healthy, learned, wise, generous, cooperative and respectable, as the inner energies gain prominence in his soul. A weak person is often a victim of bad habits, destined and of wicked persons who are stronger than him, but a strong and noble person himself enjoys life and extends a helping hand to those weaker to him. Injustice flourishes when there are no checks and balances in the exercise of power. Acquisition of power by persons of nobility of character acts as an antidote to this unbridled and evil exercise of power by those who are evil-minded tyrants.

Superiority does not lie in power and pelf but in the richness of high ideals and aims and feelings of compassion, kindness, sharing and carrying. Persons who possess only power and pelf and lack inner refinement and balance are crude, fickle-minded, mean and disturbed. They live lives of utmost inferiority. On the other hand, persons of high thinking generosity of nature and noble actions lead lives of superior quality even if they are not materially affluent. It is this aristocracy of spiritual richness that gives unshakable peace and unalloyed happiness.

Purity is true beauty. Not only human beings but even animals and birds, insects and worms like beauty. Wherever there is impurity, ugliness is bound to be there and nobody would like to stay there. A person having impurities in his body is bound to be weak and sick. Then what to say of a person whose mind, intellect and inner-self are full of dross? He is no better than an animal or devil. The only way to rise above these infirmities is to cultivate all-round purity. One who is pure internally as well as externally, whose means of livelihood, ideology, body, speech, dress, residence and other materials of use are clean and pure, will be happy, cheerful, sweet-tempered and contented.

Divine insight means establishing relationship with divine qualities of the world. Like attracts like that. Persons having an outlook of seeing goodness in the world find good persons all around them. If we pay attention to philanthropic deeds, goodness, service-mindedness, cooperation and good deeds done by the people we will find that by and large there is far better in the world than evil. To a person with perverted mind, all objects and person will appear perverse. Likewise one who looks with eyes of love and understanding will find the same qualities reflected back from all around him. He will discover that the world is a multi-hued, beautiful and sweet-smelling garden of God.

GAYATRI MANTRA IS THE DIVINE CULTURE

Every human being can refine his character, thoughts, talents and actions and transform himself into a great personality, become a world leader like George Washington, an intrepid warrior like Napoleon, a sage like Vivekananda and reach still higher realms of self-evolution. God has bestowed divine potentials in everybody, one only needs to realize, recognize and raise these by spiritual enlightenment. Gayatri sadhana can make it possible in this very life. I have researched and experimented myself on the philosophy and science of this mantra and found that all that is stated in the scriptures about its supreme spiritual force and cosmic radiance and divine power of evolution of consciousness is absolutely true. This is why I can tell you so confidently about it. I want you all, the whole world, to benefit by the divine grace of Gayatri. It will accelerate both your worldly progress as well as spiritual ascent. It is important for us. We need neither renounce the worldly life nor should we neglect our spiritual growth and wellbeing. The support of Gayatri Mantra guides our intellect and orients our capabilities for righteous progress on both the fronts.

I have been explaining and guiding you in different kinds of upasana-sadhana of Gayatri Mantra. Regular sessions for practice in this spiritually vibrant ambience of Shantikunj are also run here throughout the year. Everybody is welcome here. Now, let me tell you something about the siddhis (supramental achievements) bestowed by Gayatri. When and what does the Mother Gayatri bestow upon us?

Well, a mother loves every child but she gives only small toys and toffees and things like that to the tiny kids. She does not give precious gift or valuables to them unless they mature and she is convinced that they can take proper care of those things. What if a five-year old Ramesh asks his mother to give him the key of the lockers! Will she give it to him? No, instead, she would hide it carefully so that the kid won't see it. Yes, but once Ramesh is grown up and starts sharing the responsibilities of the household and is wise and capable enough to transact his duties, the mother would one day herself hand over the keys to him and his wife. When Ramesh was a child he would cry for sweet and expensive toys, and break them in no time. As a teenager he was wayward and would like to imitate whatever good or bad his friends were doing. Show-off, mischief making, quarreling were his interests then, but now things are different. He has matured not only in age but also in wisdom. Earlier he would compel his parents to purchase milk-care of 20 Rupees and eat half and throw away the remaining. But now he himself earns. He knows the value of hard earned money. He would even drink tea without milk if there is some scarcity at him, as he understands that the little children and the elderly need it more. He earns respect in the society because of his good nature and dutiful conduct. What if he were a drunkard, a hoodlum, or a lethargic chap who would do nothing except watching cinema and day dreaming? Then? Even his near and dear ones would not have believed him. No one would like to lend money or extend support to him. One earns his status in worldly life in the society as per his qualities and deeds.

Spiritual attainments are more precious than anything else in this universe. They can't be bestowed upon just anyone. Gods bless only the deserving devotees. What you achieve depends upon your purity, sincerity, and devotion in the sadhana. Siddhis will gradually emerge from within as you progress in the sadhana. A guru (spiritual master) helps you march along the path of spirituality only if you deserve it and only if you are dedicated towards this noble cause. He certainly guides you on how to become a deserving disciple and also initiates you in the sadhana and commences the journey on the path of knowledge. But your success will depend upon your own endeavors. He shows the path but it is you who has to step ahead. There is nothing like a magic wand in spiritual practices, as many of you might think. You may wish that the guru, or a great yogi, will put his hand on your head and you will attain some siddhis. But this is all your delusion.

GAYATRI IS A UNIQUE SOLUTION FOR PROBLEMS

It is absolutely easy to be liberated from sins by Gayatri worship. The specialty of Gayatri worship is that when the resonance of the innate powers within its 24 letters occurs within the heart, the sattogun (virtue) within thoughts increased day-by-day and as a result changes occur in the nature and program of the person. One in whose heart virtuous thoughts increase; the same excellence will also be there in his deeds.

A person's nature is not any definite or permanent thing. It keeps on changing according to situations and sentiments. It is not necessary that person who is sinful to-day will remain sinful throughout life. Similarly it cannot also be said that a person who is a gentleman with good conduct to-day, will remain so in future also.

Situations and sentiments can bring about such a change in a person that he will appear completely transformed. Sin is a type of mental condition and habit. It is within man's power to give up sin by strength of mind. The mental strength necessary for the change by giving up sin is created in promising measure by Gayatri-worship and the means for inner transformation become easily available. Liberation from sins is as easy as shaving one's bearded. It is not proper for a sinful person to think that - since he has been on the wrong path up to now and adopted sinful thoughts and performed bad deeds, how is his reform possible? This disappointment is improper because every fallen person can rise up, every sinner can become pure.

Many a times it is seen that man performs wicked deeds because of helplessness, ignorance, bad company, curiosity or force of circumstances. At that time, he does not think that such sin is terrible. Afterwards, with his mental development, the same wickedness appears very horrible. But because those sinful acts were carried out because of wretched mental condition, the related punishment is also small. According to man's conscience, compassion is felt at the time of killing; therefore it is a sin for him. In man's mental situations too there can be small or big vibrations due to various reasons. During such mental conditions sins committed in mental weakness due to ignorance are not considered serious in the eyes of God although traditionally believed to be so.

Sometimes it so happens that with good intentions, a man performs some deeds which - according to traditional code of conduct - are considered very big sins. But when looked at judicially, they are not considered so despicable, but many a time not only forgivable fut the same bad acts become praiseworthy also. When a person kills someone for rubbing his wealth, it becomes a terrible sin. A judge of some court of law passes a death-sentence on some anti-social person for protecting the rule of law and an executioner carries out the sentence - they are performing their duties. If someone risks his life to save someone from terrorists and killed them, then it becomes a virtue. All the three have 'killed' some life, but the killings are with different results, therefore all three are not considered sinful in the same way.

Stealing is a bad act. But according to circumstances, that too does not remain a bad deed. One who is prosperous and yet unjustly robs others is decidedly a thief. Take another example - in a situation of loss of life through severe hunger, if a person tries to protect his life by robbing something from a prosperous man, it is no big sin. In a third situation, by robbing a wicked person of his means - making him powerless and putting such means to good use is an act of virtue.  All the three thieves cannot be treated as sinners at the same level.

Many a time - because of situations, helplessness, necessity for religious protection or little intellectual development - such acts are performed which appear damnable, but the intention behind them is not sinful. Such acts cannot be termed as sins. Among those who can be included in the list of sinners, most people are such that they had to perform undesirable acts because of some of the above reasons, but later on they became normal. They became helpless because of situations, lack of solutions, and habits, and slipped into wickedness. They would have definitely become good individuals if they were in good situations, or received good facilities and obtained proper means for progress and satisfaction.

However sinful a person in the eyes of law and public opinion, but in reality the number of sinners in this world is very small. People who became wicked because of the force of circumstances can be reformed because every soul is pure because the soul is a part of God.

 Please follow its next part "Gayatri - A Unique Solution For Problems-1"

GAYATRI - A UNIQUE SOLUTION FOR PROBLEMS-1

Many people think that they have committed so many sins, such wicked deeds and the list of their known and unknown sins is so big, that they cannot be reformed, so how can they achieve salvation? People who think in this manner should know that as soon as they take a vow to walk on the path of good deeds, the old dirty lice-ridden cloak of vices is automatically cast off. By shedding off sins and desires and sincerely repenting for them, we are liberated from the bad results of our bad deeds. Only those traits of acts of our past births which are destined to be borne as prarabdha (fate) have to be born at some time or other during this vehicle of more sins. The punishment under God's law of fate can be lightened by not resorting to wickedness and repenting for earlier sins and it is also possible to be forgiven.

The mental strength through Gayatri -worship definitely helps to remove innumerable bad tendencies, habits and sinful attitudes of the worshipper. Many people ask, "I have so-and-so bad tendency, I have not paid any attention to avoiding non-vegetarian food, I have committed certain bad deeds. Can I be deserving of Gayatri-worship?" Such people should very well understand that Gayatri is a kind of soap. When soap has been created for removing dirt, then it is useless to think whether dirty clothing deserves the use of soap. The use of Gayatri is like a spiritual soap to remove the bad impressions and influences and dualities and controversies within the mind. Hence a sinful person should not hesitate to use it.

Liberation from evil tendencies is definite and easy with inner transformation. It is neither impossible nor surprising if to-day's sinner becomes a saint to-morrow. Authors of scriptures have told this straight-forward tale with great emphasis on the destruction of sins through Gayatri-worship.

It is understood that one can be freed from the punishment for past deeds by certain means, and then evil people will go on committing sins and then resort to the above means by thinking that now their past sins have been annihilated. They will think of further committing the sinful acts and resorting to the prayers for destroying the sins thus mistakenly thinking that they will get the benefit from their bad deeds and simultaneously get the added benefit of freedom from the sins.

One must remove this misconception from its roots. If man goes on committing more sins, he remains sinful only. There is no question of his sins being washed out through prayers. If simultaneously he commits sins also. When man starts despising sinful acts and saves himself from bad thoughts - like cleansing from urine and faces - then on achieving this state of mind, he will not have the inclination to adopt the path of sin. He will not expect that God will accept a small bribe of prayers and forgive his continuity of sins.

But in God's office, those person cases are considered with a liberal attitude, who has given up bad deeds, and not only given up bad tendencies but repented for past mistakes. For the banishment of crimes, the rule of punishment is put into effect - when children do something wrong, the mother scolds them, when a disciple becomes tardy, the teacher takes up the cane, when the societal rules are disturbed, the local council dispenses punishment, when the law is broken, fines, jail, extolment or death-sentence is their. God has provided for punishment of sins through punishment from deities, bodily ailments and material wants or scarcity. This rule of law is not meant as revenge or 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for - a tooth'; but it is created on the basis of highspiritual science. The reason is that as a result of the unhappiness caused by 'punishment' there is a commotion within man's mind, a certain reaction, which shocks his hidden, thinking and he gives up the faulty path to return to the proper path.

Through punishment from others, we are forced to commit penance for our purification.  If we willingly adopt this method for ourselves, willingly undergo penance for our open and hidden sins, and then it is innumerable times better compared to the penance forced on because of others. There is neither insult, nor revenge nor dejection - instead, because of woeful penance there is spiritual joy, and valor and courage manifest and our prestige increases in the eyes of others. The fire of the soul is required for the eradication of sins. The creation of this fire gives double benefits, one - destruction of harmful tendencies, sins, and two - development, nourishment and increase in divine qualities through the same warmth and brightness, and as a result the seeker becomes an ascetic, mentally strong and luminous.

GAYATRI - A UNIQUE SOLUTION FOR PROBLEMS-2

All the scriptures at every step of life, some ritual, fast (including prayers), charity, bath, code of thinking and conduct etc are considered in detail with this in view so by adopting them, the seeker can get these double benefits.

If we have committed some mistake, sin or wicked act, then the real solution for removing their bad effects is that we make a firm resolve not to do such a thing again. In addition if a little penance is also performed, then that resolve gets a boost and its implementation becomes firmer. Along with this, an attitude of a life of virtue gains momentum creates vitality and creates better and better nature, deeds and qualities through which a life of purity, devotion and goodwill becomes easy. In this manner a penance based on the strength of Gayatri can wash out even the biggest sins.

It is possible to wash out one's sins or not?  When thinking on this question we must very well understand that the soul is clean, pure, unadulterated, knowledgeable and unattached. Transparent glass and transparent vessels are by themselves pure; they do not have any color, but if you put any colored water in it, then the vessel will look as if it has that color. If water with another color is added, the color will once again change. Man is also in a similar situation. By its very nature, the soul is without any fault, but it appears according to the qualities, deeds or attitudes enveloping it.

The soul is always faultless, it is changeless - only the mind, intelligence, chitta (the part of the mind concentration with concentration) and the ego get colored due to various influences, and because of them man appears unnatural, wretched and perverted. If a change is brought in this condition, it is not difficult for to-day's wicked man to become a to-morrow's saint.

A man, who has spent most of his past life on the wrong path or has whiled away most of his life, cannot achieve any purpose by feeling unhappy, disappointed or by repenting. The remaining part of life is no less important. The king Parikshit had only one week of his life left. He utilized this period purposefully with full determination and obtained what he wanted - beneficial salvation.

It is a palpable truth that compared to the people termed 'straight' such as mentally retarded, fools, cowards and people with weak health those who are active, alert, vital, valorous and diligent are able to achieve spiritual progress faster. The reason is that in people with low vitality, the source of energy has very limited capacity. Even if they remain devotees and of pure conduct, even then because of less innate energy, their progress is extremely slow. But those who are energetic, and have within themselves the dynamo of vitality and valor - whenever they act in any direction, will achieve heaps of success. Those who have kept their flag flying high in roguish acts, are definitely powerful, but their energy is misdirected. If this same energy is utilized in good deeds, then they can achieve astonishing success in that direction also.

Spiritual progress is also one type of diligence. Only those people can go along this path whose muscles have strength, which are industrious and have tremendous courage and enthusiasm.

The loving lap of Gayatri is always there, even for those who have strayed from the path, walked along the road of wickedness and have carried out innumerable bad deeds. If they repent for their past deeds, take a vow not to repeat them, and are eager to walk the good path, then they can once again get back their natural spiritual qualities and purity. There is definite progress on this path through Gayatri-worship. Even though all the bad tendencies will not disappear together, but the bad tendencies will gradually diminish in proportion to the power of prayers Gayatri worship invariably results in improvement of good qualities, good thoughts and good deeds.

It is evident that most unhappiness in this world is a result of our sins. Many a time our deed gives immediate results - in the form of assault by people whom we have harmed, or by social disgrace, loss or harm resulting from dissatisfaction and non-co-operation from people or from punishment by the state. Even if someone escapes from these, entire nobody can save himself from God's impartial justice. It can be easily inferred by looking at physically and mentally handicapped, sub-normal, chronically ill persons that these people are suffering divine punishment. When carrying out our duties properly, sometimes a sudden crisis confronts us or success is not there despite efforts, then we are forced to say that this is fate as a result of deeds in our past girths.

We should deal with others in the same manner as we expect others to deal with us. We should consciously strive to save ourselves from achieving our interests at the ca\ost of harming others.

Gayatri is that alarm-bell which tells us not to walk on the path of sin. God is present everywhere, he does not take sides. Not a single sin of yours remains hidden from him, nor can you save yourself form the effects of any sin. Aum bhoor bhoovaha swaha, these words in the first line of the mantra constantly teach us that we should always deal with others with friendliness, warmth, love, generosity, honesty, helpfulness, and pleasance. One whom Mother Gayatri has blessed with this attitude will undoubtedly be released from many social afflictions.

Continue to the next article "Gayatri - A Unique Solution For Problems-3"

GAYATRI - A UNIQUE SOLUTION FOR PROBLEMS-3

People do not cooperate with us to the required extent - our family members' neighbors and near ones - if there is opposition, malice, conflict and quarrel with them. When we expect good will from them, even then it is not available. Instead, because they are our opponents, they go on creating obstacles and will not miss any opponents; they go on creating obstacles and will not miss any opportunity for conspiring to harm us. Injuries like court-cases, theft, dacoit, killings, boycott, insult, complaint, back-biting, slander, fault-finding are rarely accidental - most of the time there is the deep malice of old enmity working behind it. Mostly a dissatisfied or malicious person's hand is behind such activities.

The biggest obstacles in our progress are that those who are capable of helping us withdraw their helping hand. If a few persons give their backing to someone, he can achieve promising progress with a little help from them. An important reason for the success of all the successful people in the world is their assistants. A person may be highly learned, extremely intelligent, clever and powerful, but in the absence of cooperation, he cannot achieve anything important and will become handicapped. Non-co-operation may not be as harmful as malice, but that too can become a mountain-like obstacle for progress. Malice is a virulent disease, non cooperation is a mild disease, both belong to the same caste, the difference is only in degree, but the result of both is undesirable.

With the passing away of the near and dear ones, many people become intensely unhappy and they lament the separation day and night. The reason for this mourning is discarding of the sentiment of nearness and getting trapped in attachment. The feeling of nemeses is a generous and all encompassing element. In this type of feeling, our family members are considered as God's gift and a medium for fulfillment of our service. One who understands in this way will not feel unhappy when the soul of a person (who is a part of God) performs the normal process of changing the body. If God takes away one medium of service, we can always serve someone else. The principal reason for unhappiness is that because of the shock of the death of someone, we lose our composure and think of the dead near one as our property and think that we have suffered a loss in our joy, self-interest, hope etc.

Momentary happiness is very attractive, charming and tempting. A person with a narrow view-point gets tempted in it and suffers very much like birds tempted by grains and trapped in a hunter's net. Gayatri warns us about the pitfalls of this temptation and teaches, "Son, you are not the body, but the soul, salvation by becoming a victim of greed, indulgence of desires and senses, and temptations. Look to your permanent benefits and interests and sacrifice your temptations. Sensual pleasures are momentary but their bad effects remain for a long time. The happiness of being wealthy remains only for a short time, but the wickedness taught by immorally earned wealth, and the thorns sown for the future - their bad results live on for a long time. Such short-sighted persons get trapped into many types of addictions.

One who has faith on Gayatri, becomes a far-seeing person of visionary by obeying the second instruction of the Mother in the second part of the mantra. By understanding that addictions kill the vitality of life or life itself, he immediately becomes resolute to discard them. He becomes an opponent of the habits of intoxicants. If he is addicted to such a substance, he gives it up courageously and cautions others against the same. By controlling his lust and tongue, he uses them sparingly and with sagacity. He adopts the policy of observing strict celibacy for a long time and eating only simple food at regular time only. By resorting to fasts, he controls all the senses. He prepares his busy schedule by being careful that not a single moment should be wasted and every moment fruitfully utilized. He loves labor like his own life and feels happy by doing work personally.

The second portion of Gayatri takes us to that position in which a person enjoys in peace the joy which is his birthright. People are not free for self-study, do not have time for physical exercise, do not get time for worship, cannot tear themselves away from 'work' for public service, do not have time for music which elates the mind, and no time for travel, swimming or meeting saints. The reason is only one, viz, that in comparison to their principal activity, such people consider all the above as extremely petty and do not consider them worth for any attention. Leisure is not available for only that work which is not considered essential or important. The work which we consider essential, we finish it first while ignoring others. When the attraction for money is extremely powerful, one does not get the leisure for making one's happy and lofty.

Good intelligent thinking unravels many tangles in our life and roots out many troubles very easily. Many people, unhappy over lack of money or progeny, when they think over the third part of the Gayatri mantra, their eyes open up and they are able to realize their mistakes. Then they start thinking that lack of these things or their existing in a limited way is not a bad situation. Because of this lack, they are able to get the required time and opportunity for progressing in other directions. They are saved from many worries, burdens and wicked acts. A man with just enough income indeed gains more benefits compared to the  man who plunges into day-and-night activities of earning 'by any means' for possessing a lot of wealth and comforts. When the light of Gayatri increases in our head, then poverty, wretchedness, feeling of inferiority and wants, start reducing.

The message of the fourth portion of Gayatri is that we should intelligently utilize favorable and unfavorable situations; we should expect the best future and be prepared to face the worst. If we think of difficulties as only challenges for increasing our efforts, and do not become afraid, then certainly no unpleasant situation can make us unhappy and will not be an obstacle for our cheer. If we adopt the good thinking of remaining cheerful, then we will be easily freed from the bad tendency of becoming unhappy for petty reasons. Life is for playing with a spirit of sportsmanship. Actors perform various roles on the stage but are personally not influenced by the character which they portray. Life has to be carried on the same spirit.

When God takes someone under his shelter, which He wishes to liberate, He makes the fate of such a person bearable so that such devotees quickly become liberated from the burdens of the acts of the past births - thus liberated, the soul does not have to be drawn into the vicious circle of births and deaths. On the one hand, the burden of past-births deeds is over and on the other hand, his inner purity goes on increasing. Because of these benefits on both sides, he progresses with great speed towards the ultimate goal.

Ordinarily, God makes one undergo many bitter experiences for the development of many good qualities. Because of the death of one's own child, the element of pure love flowers forth in the element of mourning and such a person wishes to shower more love on other children.

GOD'S AUTHORITY IS EVERYWHERE

Meaning: The information about the God's authority is expressed in our Yajurved 40/1 is that — one who does not snate away others wealth by believing that God's authority is everywhere, such a 'dharmaatmaa' (religiously great man) obtains happiness in this world, achieves salvation and reaches God's world.

Message: This whole world is richly resplendent with God, who is present in every particle. Every life on earth including insects is active because of Him. All useful matter including grains and wealth are produced only by his benevolence. But it is our misfortune that man is not able to recognize this reality. Believing that whatever exists in the world, all belongs to Him, he (i.e. man) only has the right on it, he is immersed in only utilizing it, enjoying it. It is true that God has produced all these materials for man, but hs also indicated that all the material be utilized with the sentiment of abnegation. Keep only the minimum for your requirements; give up the remaining for others. Only in this lies the salvation.

Kasya swid dhanam? We forget this fundamental question, viz, "To whom does this wealth belong? The owner of all this luxury, buildings, bungalows, lands, fields, orchards and gardens is only ONE, the ONE who feeds and nurtures the population. All this belongs only to the society, the nation and the GOD and GOD only will be its owner for ever. It has been God's from time-immemorial and only God will be its owner for ever. We have come here in the human species only for some time, and after enjoying material happiness, will go on the further journey according to our deeds. All this did not come with us (when we were born) and will not go with us in future also (i.e. after death). Then why this tendency for greed and temptation? Why are plans made for snatching away others' wealth? Why is there the temptation to stake our claim on all the wealth of the world? There can be only one answer to all these questions - it is that we falsely believe that all this wealth is ours and get treapped in false illusions. We are forgetting the fact that its owner is our supreme Father, the God. In fact we have been granted the right for its limited use only.

It does not mean that man should not make any attempt to earn money. Actually, the Vedas assert that man should earn money by the hardest austerity, labor and diligence. But at the same time man should also remember that all the wealth belongs to God, the Supreme Father and He only has given it to us. Out of that the requirements as suits a Brahman (that is simple necessities) only should be taken and the remaining should be surrendered for societal welfare. Think first of self-denial, think of the welfare of others and only after that think of utilizing for self. But we usually think completely reverse. We go on making plans for utilizing, enjoying everything alone by ourselves. We never get the time to think of others and that only is the reason for all the troubles of this world. The person who understands this fact, for him all the binds of personal and worldly attachments get automatically broken. He starts observing the reflection of his own soul in others with the broad outlook of 'aatmavat sarvabhooteshu' (i.e. all the living beings have the atma soul similar to mine). Such people pay attention first to the happiness and welfare of others.

Human-life can be happy and peaceful only by very properly recognizing the wealth in this form.

GAYATRI PRAYER

Gayatri Prayer

ü  Oh, mother, Gayatri! You are manifested in the  Eternal sound of Om. You are Tripada (hymn comprising of three steps: Tatsaviturvenyam, bhargo devasya dhimahi, dhiyo yonah prachodyat;  vedtriyi (source of three Vedas); revered by three gods - Brahma, Vishni, Mahesh; Creator anf protector of the three worlds (the heavens, earth and nether regions); knower of all the three times (past, present and future); and the ordainer of all the opportunities

ü  You possess all the three gunas (rraits): Satwa, Rajas, and Tamas. You are bestower of the three types of boons: Natural (materialistic), supernatural and spiritual. It is only you who provides salvation. You always see your devotees with compassionate eyes.

ü  You are Goddess of knowledge. You are an embodiment of compassion. In spite of being omnipresent you are holding the entire world in your heart. You are the invincible ultimate authority and more difficult to realize as compared to the realizable Supreme Spirit. You are the pupil of the eye of Lord Shankar, who is the Savior of this world

ü  You are the soul of this world and also a giver of supreme bliss. You are the shelter of the entire world and the ultimate being for its (world's) birth and growth. You are the controller of all the superhuman qualities and powers and also the giver of the same. I humbly salute you.

ü  You are the creator of all the materialistic resources and pleasures. You cannot be described by the grammatical components of Sanskrit. You cannot also be known by (studying) Vedas and Purans or their derivatives. You can only be realized by righteous wisdom attained through dhyan-dharma (meditation), etc,

ü  In spite of being Eternal and knowable by all, you are unattainable (unknowable). You transcend the three Lords Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. You are omnipotent and the energy of the entire world. It is not possible to perceive you by physical senses.

ü  An unfortunate person abandoned by you is deprived of power and prosperity. Even if such a person (in materialistic sense) is higher than Himalayas, he is not respected even by the common people.

ü  Oh, Mother Gayatri! Your divine radiance is present everywhere; in Lords Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Sun and Moon, movable - unmovable, visible-invisible, subtler than subtle and greater than great.

ü  Oh mother! I pray that my intellect should hold your lotus feet in my mind (that is , my mind should always remain engrossed in your divine effulgence). Oh Goddess! I am not desirous of any boon other than this.

ü  Naturally, you are always kind to the needy and humble persons. Therefore, I have come to seek your shelter. Kindly accept my offering of love and affection.

GAYATRI MANTRA IS THE DIVINE CULTURE

Every human being can refine his character, thoughts, talents and actions and transform himself into a great personality, become a world leader like George Washington, an intrepid warrior like Napoleon, a sage like Vivekananda and reach still higher realms of self-evolution. God has bestowed divine potentials in everybody, one only needs to realize, recognize and raise these by spiritual enlightenment. Gayatri sadhana can make it possible in this very life. I have researched and experimented myself on the philosophy and science of this mantra and found that all that is stated in the scriptures about its supreme spiritual force and cosmic radiance and divine power of evolution of consciousness is absolutely true. This is why I can tell you so confidently about it. I want you all, the whole world, to benefit by the divine grace of Gayatri. It will accelerate both your worldly progress as well as spiritual ascent. It is important for us. We need neither renounce the worldly life nor should we neglect our spiritual growth and wellbeing. The support of Gayatri Mantra guides our intellect and orients our capabilities for righteous progress on both the fronts.

I have been explaining and guiding you in different kinds of upasana-sadhana of Gayatri Mantra. Regular sessions for practice in this spiritually vibrant ambience of Shantikunj are also run here throughout the year. Everybody is welcome here. Now, let me tell you something about the siddhis (supramental achievements) bestowed by Gayatri. When and what does the Mother Gayatri bestow upon us?

Well, a mother loves every child but she gives only small toys and toffees and things like that to the tiny kids. She does not give precious gift or valuables to them unless they mature and she is convinced that they can take proper care of those things. What if a five-year old Ramesh asks his mother to give him the key of the lockers! Will she give it to him? No, instead, she would hide it carefully so that the kid won't see it. Yes, but once Ramesh is grown up and starts sharing the responsibilities of the household and is wise and capable enough to transact his duties, the mother would one day herself hand over the keys to him and his wife. When Ramesh was a child he would cry for sweet and expensive toys, and break them in no time. As a teenager he was wayward and would like to imitate whatever good or bad his friends were doing. Show-off, mischief making, quarreling were his interests then, but now things are different. He has matured not only in age but also in wisdom. Earlier he would compel his parents to purchase milk-care of 20 Rupees and eat half and throw away the remaining. But now he himself earns. He knows the value of hard earned money. He would even drink tea without milk if there is some scarcity at him, as he understands that the little children and the elderly need it more. He earns respect in the society because of his good nature and dutiful conduct. What if he were a drunkard, a hoodlum, or a lethargic chap who would do nothing except watching cinema and day dreaming? Then? Even his near and dear ones would not have believed him. No one would like to lend money or extend support to him. One earns his status in worldly life in the society as per his qualities and deeds.

Spiritual attainments are more precious than anything else in this universe. They can't be bestowed upon just anyone. Gods bless only the deserving devotees. What you achieve depends upon your purity, sincerity, and devotion in the sadhana. Siddhis will gradually emerge from within as you progress in the sadhana. A guru (spiritual master) helps you march along the path of spirituality only if you deserve it and only if you are dedicated towards this noble cause. He certainly guides you on how to become a deserving disciple and also initiates you in the sadhana and commences the journey on the path of knowledge. But your success will depend upon your own endeavors. He shows the path but it is you who has to step ahead. There is nothing like a magic wand in spiritual practices, as many of you might think. You may wish that the guru, or a great yogi, will put his hand on your head and you will attain some siddhis. But this is all your delusion.

FULFILLING MARRIED LIFE

Among all the streams of yoga, grahastha Yoga (yoga of married life) is also one. If one gives a serious thought to it, one would realize that raising a family is indeed a very important, and yet relatively simple yoga. Accomplishing this yoga renders enormous joy and illumines the path of worldly fulfillment and spiritual progress. Here we cite some tips for adept practice of this unique yoga.

Fundamental Tenets of Grahastha Yoga

A child learns several primary activities at home. More than half of the skills that are needed in life are also learnt at home. Our sadhana of inner-refinement must also begin at home. The best laboratory to train life to attain greatness, self control and selflessness and to become cultured and service oriented is home itself. It becomes very convenient to do all this at home because in family life there is natural love, sense of duty, mutual dependence and cooperation. Home is a stable place and is secure from the prying eyes of strangers.

A disciple of Grahastha yoga must always contemplate in the following way:

·         My family is my hermitage - the most holy place for my sadhana.

·         The rituals prescribed to me are - devote my energies and best efforts always to develop my home like a beautiful, fragrant, fertile garden.

·         My devotion to God is to fulfill the responsibility entrusted to me by God for watering, and maintaining this garden and help it flourish.

·         I do not consider any member of my family small and unworthy of deserving of my service, and I do not take undue pride in being the owner, master, leader or the breadwinner of my family.

·         My benevolence and selflessness is in devoting my service to the upbringing and personality development of each member of my family.

·         My self-surrender is to serve others with absolutely pure feeling of dutifulness, without expecting anything in return.

·         My penance is to provide happiness and comforts to my family members even at the expense of my personal happiness and comfort.

·         My yagya is to enhance peace and happiness in this world by making each and every member of my family a refined, truthful, honest and responsible individual.

·         My religious vow is to make my conduct and behavior so pure and idealistic that it would silently inspire everyone to follow me and become virtuous.

·         My self-restraint is to raise my family within the rightfully earned means of income.

·         My aradhana (service to society) is to be always filled with love, benevolence and compassion, and to enhance happiness, joy and unity in the family and my neighborhood.

·         My worship is to have complete devotion towards living idols of God in the temple of my home and to adorn them with ornaments of virtues, noble nature and good conduct.

·         My sadhana is true, my feelings towards my sadhana are genuine and sincere, and my soul knows that I am truthful.

·         Like a true unattached karmayogi I draw my happiness and satisfaction from the sincere efforts I put into my sadhana without worrying about their success or failure.

·         I have taken an oath to be truthful and righteous, and I would forever try to uphold it with all sincerity.