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Excerpts from Rishi Prasad – Issue 182 Feb, 2008

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Where There is Dharma, There is Prosperity

Sant Kabirji has said: “Better an illiterate, free from the worldly delusion.”

If someone is striving to be more learned or erudite only to fulfil his desires, it would be better for him to remain ignorant and illiterate. Irrespective

of how many educational certificates one obtains, or however great a post one reaches, if that person isn‟t interested in upholding dharma, even at the cost of pains which may come on the way, then they haven‟t attained true elevation or

aren‟t yet fully evolved. Things like securing a big job, or constructing a number of houses are not indicators of true elevation. Regardless of whether these

things are there or not, the ambrosial stream of spiritual consciousness must continue to flow in your heart, and your intrinsic nature of Truth-Consciousness

and Bliss should keep radiating through every pore of your being –this is the mark of true elevation. Then it hardly matters whether you have got food or clothing for yourself or not, or whether you are being showered with praises or

insults from all corners. Mansoor remained steadfast in his dharma by declaring, “I am God.”, even though it meant his sure execution. Socrates and Janaka had

practised their dharma as well. Lord Rama and Mother Sita were incarnations of dharma itself.

True elevation eludes us only because we are careless about maintaining our dharma. You must observe dharma for quick elevation. Install the Lord of

the Universe in your heart and carry out your duties even if you have to face a lot of troubles –this constitutes real „dharma‟. If selfish goals or worldly allurements lead you to obey your parents, this is not true observance of

dharma.

Generally, after reading about dharma, people prefer to put the books aside; but a personality whose life itself reflects a good exposition of dharma, is that of Lord Rama „Lord Rama is the very personification of dharma.‟ Kaikeyi

used the boons she had attained earlier in her life to get Lord Rama sent into exile to the forests barefooted. Then Ramaji declared, “It is my resolve to carry

out the resolves of my parents.” Ramaji then engaged Himself in His duty without paying even a passing thought to the difficulties ahead.

Indeed, how supremely great is the dharma of Lord Rama, Who didn‟t ever look at a thing that should not be seen; nor did he ever give a word which

He couldn‟t fulfil, or for which He would be branded as a liar. He never spoke deceitfully, keeping a difference in his thoughts and what he actually said. Sri Ramachandraji did not eat food that would make His intellect dull, depraved, or

give rise to attachment and hatred. So ardent was His love for Lakshmana, His younger brother, that He wouldn‟t eat a delicious food given to Him until and

unless He had shared it with His beloved brother. Nor did He ever go to bed before Lakshmana‟s arrival. While playing in Gurukul, when He saw that His victory was but sure, which would leave His dear brothers Lakshmana, Bharata,


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Shatrughna and other co-disciples disheartened; Lord Ramachandraji would let them win and accept defeat Himself as would behove Him, a lover of the

Transcendental Existence, established in His Real Self, Who considered victory and defeat to be mere dreams and as events in the behavioural existence, while

knowing the Witness Consciousness to be actually His own. It was such actions of His meant to foster enthusiasm, sensibility, bliss and Knowledge among

others as led the supremely righteous Rama to the high pedestal of being the very personification of dharma. (Read the complete article in Feburary 2008 Rishi Prasad. Subscribe at www.ashram.org)

Mahashivaratri: The Night for Worshipping Lord Shiva (Mahashivaratri – 6th March)

-Excerpts from the satsanga of Pujya Bapuji

The fourteenth lunar day in the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna or

Mahashivaratri is the day of the manifestation of the Shiva-linga on earth and according to the law of nature it is the day of the conjuncture of favourable

planets and stars which are conducive to the union of the individual soul and the Supreme Soul. People keep vigil at night and worship God on this day.

„Shiva‟ stands for „Auspiciousness‟, that is, this night is a very auspicious

one. While observing night vigil on this day chant „Om Namah Shivaya‟ with long

incantation. Do not do japa or pooja mechanically. Do not do japa hastily. Get spiritual peace at intervals. This has a very positive effect and provides amazing

benefits. Also see that you neither desire for favourable circumstances nor fear nor flee from the adverse ones. This is an efficient and effective means to get established in the Supreme State. One should observe night vigil with devotional

love on Mahashivaratri. Vigil is symbolic of awakening which in turn implies that one should not be influenced by favourable and adverse circumstances and

awaken into the immutable Self –the Shiva Consciousness while living in the physical body and world which are subject to change. See that the human-life is not wasted in enjoying sense pleasures and is rather utilized in attaining it‟s

goal, the Supreme Truth. If you keep vigil with such a discriminative thought, you have observed Shivaratri Jagarana in the real sense. Such vigil will

gradually destroy your sins, afflictions and desires accumulated in many lives. The intellect gets purified and the jiva starts marching ahead on the path towards awakening into the Shiva Consciousness.

The festival of Mahashivaratri is meant to erase one‟s ego and merge

oneself in the Lord of the universe. The pandavas too had arranged a celebration of Shivaratri festival for their spiritual welfare. Lord Krishna had come from Dwarika to Hastinapur to attend it. Lord Shiva is worshipped not only by those

who desire worldly riches and pleasures but also by those who want to attain blessedness in their after –life or are interested in their spiritual well being

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Lord Shiva is worshipped with offerings of water, panchāmrita, fruits,

flowers and wood-apple leaves. The three leaves of the tri-foliate wood apple tree signify the three qualities of Nature –sattva, rajas and tamas. We transcend

the gunas of Nature by offering them to Lord Shiva. This exactly is the purpose behind it. What is the purport of worshiping the Lord with the panchāmrita? The

whole creation is nothing but the play of the five great elements of Nature –earth, water, fire, air and ether. To surrender one‟s ego to the Consciousness personified Shiva, the ground reality behind the play of the five great elements

is what is really meant by worshiping with the panchāmrita. What is the import of worshipping with dhoopa (incense) and deepa (lamp)? To get absorbed in the

meditation on ,–„I am Shiva personified, I am the Absolute Bliss –and spread the fragrance of one‟s Shiva-Consciousness and Bliss-personified nature in the atmosphere is just what is meant by worshipping the Lord with incense; and to

resolve to live in the Light of Self-knowledge is the import of lighting a lamp.

Even if you are in a jungle or a desert, just make an idol of Shiva using sand or clay, sprinkle some water over it, offer some wild flowers to it and mimic a musical instrument vocally. This much will propitiate Lord Shiva and

purify your emotions. After all He is Ashutosha (the Lord who is easily pleased)! If you offer even wild flowers to the Shivalinga with a sincere heart, Lord Shiva

becomes pleased, but when the Cupid god shot the same flower at Him, He was displeased. Why? Because his intention behind shooting the flower was not pure, and hence Shiva opened His third eye and reduced the Cupid god to ashes. It is

the spirit and not the things offered that is important in the worship of Shiva–„God verily abides in the emotions of the devotee.‟ (Read the complete article in

Feburary 2008 Rishi Prasad. Subscribe at www.ashram.org)

Freedom from the Bondage of Worldly Life

The divine sage Naradaji said, “O great sage Sanakaji! O omniscient one!

Kindly let me know as to how Lord Janardana (Lord Vishnu), the Lord of all, can

be pleased.”

Sanakaji said, “Naradaji! If you desire to attain liberation from the samsara,

worship with all your heart and soul the Truth-Consciousness and Bliss Absolute

One, the Supreme Lord Narayana.

„With upraised arms it is emphatically proclaimed that it is the truth, (and

nothing but) the truth again, that there is no entity equal to the Guru and there is no other God who is greater than Keshava.‟

(The Narada Purana, Purvardha: 34.9)

“I am speaking the truth. I am telling you the most wholesome thing. Again and

again I am repeating the essence of all the scriptures: In this world, which is



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otherwise vain and worthless, the only true thing is Lord Hari‟s worship. Cut off with the axe of devotion to Lord Hari, the tight noose of worldly existence which

causes great delusion and become supremely happy.

“The mind which is engaged in contemplating the Lord, and those ears which are ever filled with the ambrosial stream of His stories, are alone worthy of being

revered by the whole world. O Narada! Worship continuously the imperishable Bliss-personified Lord, Who abides in the heart and is devoid of the three states of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. O excellent sage, for them, whose minds

are impure, it is not at all possible to describe or behold His divine abode or form. O excellent Brahmin, this universe in the form of mobile and immobile

objects, is merely the product of imagination. It is as unsteady as the lightning. Hence being detached from it, worship the Lord.

Sri Hari, the Lord of the universe, is pleased only with those who practise non-violence, truthfulness, celibacy and aparigraha (to accept only that which is

absolutely necessary in thought, word and deed). The Lord is pleased with the one who is endowed with mercy towards all living beings; who takes delight in the stories of God and His devotees and narrates the tales of the Lord; who

associates himself with saintly persons and is devoid of egotism. One who continues to repeat the Lord‟s name incessantly even on the occasions of

hunger, thirst, and loss of physical balance, the Lord becomes pleased with him. The Lord is satisfied and delighted with those who are devoid of jealousy,

fault finding and egotism, and are ever engaged in worshipping the Lord. Hence, O celestial sage! Listen, always worship God. The body is destined to feed the

flames of cremation; life is very fickle; wealth is always liable to be affected (confiscated) by kings or others, while riches too are never lasting. O celestial sage, Don‟t you see that half of the life is wasted in sleep? And how much of life

is lost in routine activities such as taking food, etc.! How much life is wasted in vain during infancy and old age! How much time is spent in enjoying the objects

of sensual pleasure! When will you find time to practise dharma? The worship of Lord Achyuta is not possible in old age. Hence, one should perform the holy rites while one is still young by giving up all egotistic feelings.

“O sage! The body is the abode of death and the greatest receptacle of

adversities. It begets only diseases, and remains ever defiled by faeces and other impurities. Why then should men commit sins in vain by mistaking it to be permanent? This world is totally devoid of any real essence and is replete with

various sorts of miseries. Undoubtedly, it is completely under the influence of death; hence one should never trust it. Therefore, listen O leading Brahmin!

What I am telling you is the truth. In order to prevent a rebirth, worship the Lord. By eschewing false prestige and covetousness and removing all lust and

anger, continuously worship the Lord, for the birth in the human race is extremely hard to attain. (Read the complete article in Feburary 2008 Rishi Prasad. Subscribe at www.ashram.org)



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One who constantly contemplates, "I am liberated' is indeed liberated, while one who thinks "I am bound' remains in bondage. - from "Elixir of

Life", a booklet published by the Ashram.

Vasanta Panchami: The Day for Propitiating Goddess

Saraswati

The fifth day in the bright fortnight of the month of Magha (11th February, this year) is celebrated as

Vasanta Panchami. This signifies the onset of spring, the king of seasons. On this day, early in the morning, one

applies oil and unguent to the body before taking a bath and then worships the

Lord. Special significance is attached to propitiating the goddess of speech –Mother Sarasvati –on this day. Install an earthen pot (Kalasha) and invoke and

worship goddess Sarasvati therein(Read the complete article in Feburary 2008 Rishi Prasad. Subscribe at www.ashram.org)

„Wealth is abandoned at home, kith and kin are left behind in the cremation

ground, the body is consigned to the funeral pyre; merits and vices are the only things which accompany the jiva.‟ (The Garuda Purana: 9.36,37)

Duty is Worship -Excerpts from the satsanga of Pujya Bapuji

Lord Sri Krishna has said,

“Keenly devoted to their respective natural duties, men attain the highest

perfection in the shape of God-realization. Hear the mode of performance whereby the man, engaged in his inborn duty, reaches that highest

consummation. Man attains the highest perfection by worshipping, through his own natural duties, Him from whom the tide of creation has streamed forth, and by whom all this universe is pervaded.

(The Gita: 18.45-46)

Sant Kabir weaved clothes so lovingly, it was as if he were worshipping God. He bought cotton for the sake of Rama, spun it into threads for the sake of Rama, and weaved the cloth for the sake of Rama alone. When he took his wares to the

market, people were astonished by the excellent quality of his cloth. Kabirji would fix the price of his cloth taking a very small margin of profit, and would



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behold Rama even in his customers. The weaver of the cloth and the one for whom the cloth is woven are but one and the same. Kabirji experienced

liberation even while engaged in action.

Such great personages not only experience blessedness themselves, but also open the doors for others to attain blessedness.

Many sadhus and saints visited Sant Namadeva. Rajai prepared food for such guests and would remain busy until 3 to 4 P.M. feeding them. She experienced the joy of samadhi in the act of feeding the guests while remaining hungry

herself.

Gora Kumhar, the potter, did not make easily breakable pots with the commercial interest of selling more pots. Instead, he would make such strong and durable pots that would last for generations. While kneading the clay he

contemplated, „The ones for whom I am making these pots are none other than Lord Rama Himself.‟ He even heated the pots carefully so that they were strong

enough. There is a joy in doing work. Work, done with a selfish motive, for the

satisfaction of ego, or with a sense of boredom, becomes burdensome. When the same work is done with a sense of duty, it becomes a vehicle to perfection.

One‟s own duty discharged properly and diligently to its completion pleases the Supreme Lord, by Whose grace the concerned person attains perfection.

An action carried out earnestly, honestly, devoutly, faithfully, without egotism, not for accumulating objects of sensual pleasure, and with God-

realization as the goal; does in effect become the worship of the Lord. All the creatures have come forth from Lord Narayana alone. All are personifications of the Lord Himself.

„The indwelling Self of all is surely He of whom the heaven is the head, the moon

and sun the two eyes, the directions are the two ears, the revealed Vedas are the speech, air is the vital force, the whole universe is the heart, and (it is He) from Whose two feet emerged the earth. And from Him emerged the gods in

various groups, the Sādhyas, human beings, beasts, birds, vital winds, rice and barley, as well as austerity, faith, truth, continence and dutifulness.‟

(The Mundaka Upanishad: 2.1.4,7) In this life, everyone has got the powers to do, to believe and to know. If one is

engaged in a righteous work, it is the worship of the Supreme Lord and he can attain liberation through it. If the power to believe is used in the right manner,

one will find repose in the Supreme Lord from whom the mind derives all its powers of belief. If the power to know is used righteously, one would come to

know „That‟, after knowing „Whom‟ nothing else remains to be known. No doubt there is tremendous potentiality for action in man; but not

knowing the proper method of action, whatever he does –it creates only bondage for him.


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Electricity, when used properly, has the potential to make our everyday

life easy, with the light, fan, fridge, lift etc. at our disposal as and when. needed. However, if by mistake one puts his fingers into the plug socket, it can kill him.

So also, if one understands the proper way of action, he can surely attain salvation through karma itself.

One should do his work with enthusiasm and zeal, and have love for

whom the action is being performed. Work, in the absence of love, becomes a

burden, whereas the element of love converts it into an act of worship. Do your work with such enthusiasm and such adroitness that you become self-forgetful

while doing the work. Don‟t work half-heartedly, but with total dedication. One who doesn‟t dedicate himself to his work wholeheartedly, can‟t meditate wholeheartedly either. Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly. Even while

meditating on God or loving Him, do it with full devotion, and not by sparing your distinctive identity. One who involves himself completely in his work attains

Self-development, and his capabilities are developed as well. One doing his work half-heartedly can‟t enjoy it, and remains deprived of its consequent bliss as well. His work is not transformed into worship, and hence it becomes

burdensome and creates bondage for him.

The key to excellent work is –you must be interested in the work, and have love for the one you are working for. Do not waste the fruits of your karma in petty sense enjoyments, but do your work with the aim of elevating your life

and attaining realization of the imperishable Self. Be cautious lest the covetousness of enjoying the fruits of your action make you self-centered. Then

only your action will bring you Self-realization. If one makes Self-realization his goal, and works for That, his actions will be translated into Karma-yoga. An action motivated by the desire to accumulate objects of sense-pleasure, demean

others, or nurture one‟s ego, creates bondage for the doer.

This alone plays the decisive role in defining a society as being radiant or lackluster. The dull people in society do not take due interest in their work, nor do they have love in their heart for the one they work for. Their life is devoid of

joy, the music of life is alien to them. Their life becomes dry and insipid.

When even a dog diligently accomplishes a task assigned to it, it becomes an asset; otherwise, dull street dogs just get stoned everywhere. Similarly, fussy and careless people are rejected everywhere; while those, who work

earnestly towards the goal of God-realization, like Dhanna Jaat, Sant Ravidas, Shabari Bhilan, Namdev, King Janaka, etc., do attain the divine Bliss.

Carelessness is currently at its peak in India. Here people are adept

neither in their work nor in sậdhanậ. People in other countries are efficient in their work at least, but unfortunately, they are simply ignorant about sậdhanậ. Here in India, the path of sậdhanậ is so readily available and easily treadable;

but the people in this part of the world have become so careless, so lazy and


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indolent that only God knows what is in store for this country. While the condition of the nation is of course serious, that of the individuals is even worse.

When you engage your mind, body and life for the good of others, people will offer all they have for your well-being. And if you serve the Lord of the universe,

He will keep you in His heart. (Read the complete article in Feburary2008 Rishi Prasad. Subscribe at www.ashram.org)

Let’s Unmask Maya (Excerpts from the satsanga of Pujya Bapuji)

Once some gentlemen invited me to deliver spiritual discourses at a small village called Mawsari (dist. Banaskantha, Guj.). It was about half past two or three in

the afternoon. I took my towel and dhoti, and prepared to leave telling them, “Here I am going to take a bath, whereupon I shall meditate for a while and then come back.

They said, “Bapuji! The water is ready for your bath. Here we store it in buckets.”

I said, “No! I am going to the river to take my bath. This response of mine brought a huge laughter. I enquired, “Why are you laughing?” They said, “Bapuji, there is no water over

there.” I said, “But the water is so clearly visible from here, I can even see it sparkling

and surging.” “Bapuji! This is a desert region, and what you see is nothing but a mirage.”

I was convinced by them and so agreed. When I was about to go for a bath, I saw water and even after being convinced of its non-existence, I could see it

there; but the difference was that its reality had been negated. Likewise, upon attaining Self-realization, when the Truth is revealed, the reality of the world gets negated. Just as in the above case there was the desert, the sun rays, the

hot sand and winds, which together projected a water-like appearance before us when actually there was no water; so also in samsara, there is mậyậ (the

cosmic delusion), your consciousness, and the sensual attractions which together project the appearance of a veritable world when in fact there is nothing permanent. Everything is in a state of flux. The appearance of the ever-

changing world owes its existence to the Seer, the Supreme Lord, or Sat-Chit-Ananda (existence, consciousness, bliss Absolute), Which is right now shining

within you as your Self.

If the horns of human beings be real, this world is real. If an elephant can

be fastened with the rope made from the hair of the tortoise, this world is a reality. This world, which appears to be a tangible reality, is in fact non-existent;

and yet, just see how real it looks! When you have a dream at night, there is neither an aeroplane nor its passengers, neither the Ganges nor the ritualistic

Brahmin; it is only you lying all alone in your bed. But you perceive things like


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the Ganges flowing in her natural course, the Pandit waiting for the dakshinậ, the tongaman counting rupees and even yourself shivering from a biting cold

having just taken your bath in the Ganges. Had the Ganges practically come to your house, your bed would have been drenched in water. On the cinema screen

you can see a tornado and a devastating fire, but the screen is neither burnt nor blown about. Next comes a scene from the rainy season. The river Kaveri is in

high flood and sweeping even people away in its violent current. The floodwater is causing havoc in the cinema, but the screen is completely untouched by the water. It is only an appearance, not a reality. Similarly birth and death, sin and

merit and heaven and hell are all perceived subjectively only in your mind affecting your body; but they are absent in your absolute Being, the Supreme

Consciousness, to which they owe their existence. Just as the scene of fire breaking out in the cinema, or that of the devastating flood doesn‟t burn or wet the screen; so all changing appearances, sins and merits, birth and death, old

age and disease that appear to come into your life don‟t actually affect You in any way –That is Your Real Being. The moment you realize THAT, you are

blessed, unburdened and freed from sorrow. Then there will remain no god or goddess for you to worship. All your actions will become worship. People will find you doing great works, but all those works will be done spontaneously by

you; just as the presence of the rising sun makes all things happen that should happen, and also stops those things from happening that should not happen.

(Read the complete article in Feburary 2008 Rishi Prasad. Subscribe at www.ashram.org)

There is No Time to Sleep Now! - Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose

The primary duty of a student is character building. We can judge somebody‟s character through their deeds. Actions reflect a person‟s character. I have a

strong aversion to those with book knowledge. I want character, discrimination and action. Character includes everything –devotion to God, patriotism and a

strong desire to realize God. I have realized that studies are not the final goal for a student. Students

generally seem to think that once the stamp of a university education is affixed upon them, they have achieved the ultimate objective of life. But what if one

doesn‟t get the real Knowledge even after receiving university certificates? Let me say, I despise such education. Wouldn’t it be much better that we

remain uneducated? The twin objectives of education are making the intellect sharp and

developing reason. If both these objectives are achieved, we can take it that the purpose of education is fulfilled. But then, if an educated man lacks in character,

shall I call him learned? Never! However, if an uneducated one does his


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work honestly, believes in God and loves Him, I am prepared to treat him as highly learned. Nobody becomes a scholar simply by learning a few

subjects by heart. I want only faith –faith beyond logic; faith in the existence of God. I want nothing more than that. Great rishis have said that faith opens the

doors to the attainment of Knowledge. Faith will awaken devotion to God in the heart, and devotion will automatically lead to enlightenment.

India is God‟s beloved land. In every Yuga, the Lord has incarnated

Himself as a saviour on this great land, so that all can become enlightened; to

relieve the earth from the burden of sin; and so that truth and righteousness is established in the heart of every Indian. God has incarnated Himself in many

other countries, but not so many times as he has in India. That is why I say that India, our motherland, is God‟s beloved land.

I am not one of those who forget the glory of their ancient past in the excitement of current modernism. We should base our life on our glorious past.

India has its own culture, which she has to go on developing systematically. We have a lot of new insight to give to the world in philosophy, literature, art and science; and the whole world is looking towards us in anticipation.

There is no time to sleep now. We must wake up from our slumber, shun sloth, and engage ourselves in action.

(Compiled)

A Wonder Treatment for Renal Disorders Boil 50 grams of hair found on the top of the corncob in 2 litres of water on

a low flame. Strain it when the water is reduced to 1 litre. Drinking of this water purifies the nephrons (functional units of the kidney) and thus is a miraculous remedy for nephritis, renal failure, renal stones, etc.

Dietary precautions: Tomatoes, curd and other sour foods, brinjal, salty, fried

and spicy foods are forbidden.

Give up Both Attachment & Hatred to Attain the Absolute

Brahman -Excerpts from the satsanga of Pujya Bapuji

If you have wished ill of someone, have picked a quarrel with someone, or

have had an altercation with someone, meet that person before sunset and iron out your differences –let not a single night intervene to ask for forgiveness. Do

not harbour any sort of hatred or grudge against anyone in your heart.


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Suppose I assaulted someone, and he went to the court and sued me. The

judge who has issued the summons happens to be my acquaintance, but if I ask him to vacate the case against me, he cannot. He would say, “Try and come to a

compromise with the man you have beaten; whereupon I will file an application for an out-of-court settlement. In no case can I release you just like that, for I

am duty bound.”

If only I compromise with that man, I will be saved from making rounds

of the court and relieved of my karmic bondage –this is simple logic. Likewise, until and unless we make amends for the omissions and commissions we have

made against one another in the simplest transactions of our day to day life, Yama –the God of Death –can not relieve us. The clashes we have had, the filth of attachment and aversion we have harboured in our minds –thus generating a

mutual case-file –will have to be cleared, even after death. We will be liberated from the bondage of actions only when we have been forgiven by the ones who

have been oppressed by us and who are displeased with us. If we continue to have some sort of attachment or aversion towards someone, the law of karma will surely drag us to the court; and we will have to visit the court repeatedly

until we settle for a compromise.

Keep the mind free from attachment and aversion, for both attachment and aversion make the mind impure. So do not harbour a grudge. Do not cling to passions of love and hatred. This will purify your heart quickly and you will

clearly see the path towards Self-realization.

Means to Keep the Mental and Vital Sheaths Healthy -Pujya Bapuji

In order to lead a completely healthy life, one has to keep both the mental and vital sheaths healthy. To keep these two sheaths healthy, stand navel-deep in

the water while bathing in a holy river. Take water in the cup of your palms and do japa of the OM mantra 100 times while gazing at the water; then drink it. If you are not in a place of pilgrimage, practise this technique at your home right

after taking your bath. Take water in a silver or gold bowl, which are considered the best for this purpose, otherwise you can make do with a bowl made of

copper, etc. Then do japa of the „OM‟ mantra while gazing one pointedly at the water. The power of the mantra will be transmitted into the water through the eyes, and thus the japa of „OM‟ mantra will develop the power of the mind and

the prana.


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The Best Way to Pray -Pujya Bapuji

When one sincerely accepts his inability to achieve some goal and prays with the knowledge of the Giver‟s true glory, his prayer emanates with the spontaneity of truthfulness. Then, of course, it is quite immaterial whether this prayer is made

to Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, Gurudeva or just any revered form of the omniscient Lord.

While saying your prayer, gradually become calm and quiet. Then pray

again with a crying and sincere heart without having any doubt about its

success. Pray as follows: “When I am Thine, and have taken refuge in thee, my problems are no more mine, nor are my worries. The worries about my daughter

are no longer mine, for she is Your daughter as well. Now, I will not worry at all; rather, I will practise contemplation and make positive efforts.

O Lord! Thou art mine, and howsoever I may be, I am still Thine. “O Thou Lord, compassionate and kind

to the poor! Please listen to my prayer. If I be an unworthy son, Thou art the father. O Supreme Lord! Please protect my honour.”

When I was suffering from a dangerous disease, I developed a squint;

while the functions of the liver, the kidneys and the digestive system were all impaired. So serious and grave was my condition that even an enemy would be moved to tears out of pity. I confined myself inside a room and asked the all-

pervading One,

“Why do You keep me in this condition if You want me to live? Now it is entirely in Your hands to cure me.

„Lord Narayana is the (Supreme) Physician, and the river Ganges is the (Supreme) medicine.‟Say, now what is Thy Will? Let Thy Will be done.”

The Lord replied, “Okay, done! I shall manage it now.” And believe me, my eyes

had turned oblique; and according to the modern medical science, it is incurable at this stage of my life. But still, my eyes have been cured. Moreover, my physical fitness has redoubled compared to what it was like before the attack of

the disease. Now the radiance of youth is glaring in my persona far more than before. How supremely generous is the Almighty Lord! How wonderful is the

fruit of prayer! It doesn‟t only cure your body, but even your mind and intellect will attain improvement. Then the sick whom you come across will become healthy as well. How miraculous indeed is the prayer to the Supreme Soul!


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Never ever think yourself to be a parentless child. The universal Parent is always with you. And you mothers, the goddesses on earth, do not ever consider

yourselves to be widows, for the Husband of the world, i.e. the Universal Master, is ever with you.

Some people say, “I am left with nothing… there is a big burden of debt

on my head…” If you have become indebted, try to relieve yourself of it, but don‟t curse your fortune. If you say that you are left with nothing, then sell your eyes for 5 lakh rupees. Would you sell them? No … then sell your ears and eyes

for ten lakh rupees. But you won‟t, because God has endowed you with such a precious body. But even more precious gifts of His are the mind and the

intellect; and then the Lord of the universe Himself is your very own. Why do you forget that? (Read the complete article in Feburary 2008 Rishi Prasad. Subscribe at www.ashram.org)

Hence, the Enquiry into Brahman -Excerpts from the satsanga of Pujya Bapuji

Lord Vedavyasaji has written in the first ever scripture of the world authored by a rishi –the Brahmasutra:

„Hence (is to be undertaken) thereafter a deliberation on Brahman.‟

O human beings! If you seek to know something, know That Which makes

everything known. Strive for the attainment of That Which leaves nothing attainable any more. If you wish to meet someone, meet That One Being, after meeting Whom you meet with all at the same time. Note down in the diary of

your life –„Brahmajijnâsâ‟, i.e. „the enquiry into Brahman.‟

Inquisitiveness for Brahman arises only with the development of discrimination. Discrimination as such is to be so exercised that faith is not replaced by faithlessness, endeavour is not replaced by negligence, dynamism is

not replaced by lethargy, action by inaction and dutifulness by dereliction of duty. If such discrimination is maintained, there will be no delay in God-

realization.

The actual duty is to realize one‟s Real Self, the Brahman, to realize

immortality in this mortal body and to know one‟s own immortal Self in this otherwise mortal body. Delay, if any, in meeting the Beloved is caused only

when faithlessness, negligence, lethargy, inaction, and dereliction of duty replace faith, self-effort, promptness, action and dutifulness respectively. Lack of discrimination is the cause of entanglement in transient things. On account of

having abandoned the Eternal, people are troubled by passing circumstances. Ignorance about Its importance, lack of intense aspiration and inquisitiveness,


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as well as fascination for the impermanent objects of the world are the causes of delay in meeting God.

Each and every man wants to get freedom. Freedom from poverty,

diseases, misery, insult, and dependence on others. Freedom is your birthright and verily the goal behind all your actions. Even an insect does not want

bondage, then how can a human being like it? The only mistake we commit is that we do not take recourse to discrimination. The delay in meeting God is only because we disregard discrimination.

The three qualities (gunas) belong to the Nature, but we consider them

our own –this is indiscrimination. We tend to notice virtues in ourselves and vices in others. This is a mistake and shows our lack of discrimination. These two big blunders are at the root of all our miseries.

May we cultivate the virtue of not finding faults with others, but rather

think what we can do to reform and elevate them. With due concern to this, let us be sincere in discharging our duty. This will awaken our discrimination and safeguard our purity.

One endowed with discrimination in his life doesn‟t sacrifice it for small

things –or even for big things for that matter. Then that person is blessed with an aspiration and inquisitiveness for the Highest State of Supreme Consciousness, and eventually attains it too, sooner or later. Therefore, one

ought to respect one‟s discrimination.

One cannot get discrimination without satsanga –discrimination about what is Permanent and impermanent, what is eternal and transient, what is the real „I‟ and what is the believed „I‟. The Self is indestructible and the world is

subject to change and destruction; but people erroneously identify themselves with the mortal body. They are ignorant of the immortal Self. Satsanga helps

one get rid of this indiscrimination gradually.

Those whose discrimination is not awakened by satsanga live a

degenerate life. They get some enjoyment in the beginning; they enjoy disco, rock „n‟ roll, music, adultery, etc; but in the end they are doomed to suffer

misery by being born into abominable life forms such as those of demons and ghosts, and lower species like trees, buffaloes etc. In this admittedly short human life, if one takes support of discrimination, one can meet God, the Lord of

innumerable universes; and in case he opts for indiscrimination instead, he has to suffer pains in the wombs of mothers for innumerable lives. Thus bearing the

untold pains he gradually becomes a veritable curse for himself, for his country and the whole world. On the other hand, one taking recourse to discrimination,

to Brahmajijnâsâ, becomes so very useful to himself, his family, his nation and the whole world; and in fact, he becomes useful to even the Lord of the world. Now, do yourself this favour –be just to yourself and generous to others. Until

and unless you are truly interested in eradicating your own vices, you can‟t attain any real elevation. Do not think that some religion, god, goddess or saint


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will elevate you. No! They can elevate you only if you respect discrimination and translate their precepts into your life. Discrimination, if you have, will make you

accept their advice in principle. Saints, mahatmas, and religions can only advise you, and not give you liberation. They can of course lead you to liberation, but

your discrimination is an essential pre-requisite for that. To lead life following the dictates of your discrimination is your own responsibility. If you practically

accept this as your own responsibility, your Real Self –the Bestower of life –will become revealed to you.

Therefore, O Sâdhaka! You must nurture this Brahmajijnâsâ and evolve your Self. So long as your „I‟ (individual consciousness) does not transcend the

limits of your body, family, village, state, nation and even the universe, to merge with the Supreme Consciousness –the Lord of the universe –continue your spiritual journey along with Self enquiry. You are sure to be successful, and

succeed you will

Which is the First? -Pujya Bapuji

On waking up in the morning, the first thing you may see might be your son or daughter, some tree or plant, or some other scene. At that time, do reflect as to

what it is that usually precedes all (perceptions). Is it some photo of your son or daughter? No! First comes the eyesight. Prior to the eyesight is the mental

mode, which gives power to the eyes to see. Prior even to this is the intellect, and finally the root of it all is the „I‟. We fail to know this „I‟ as it really is, and happen to confine it to the body. If That „I‟ gets enamoured with action–born

pleasure; the Real „I‟ remains ever unrevealed. Those who have become separated

from the Supreme Beloved, Continue to wander in search of Him from pillar to post. In my heart lives my beloved Lord,

Why should I be restless at all?

Beware O Youth!

(Parents‟ Worship Day: 14th February)

India is the sacred land of holy rishis, munis and divine incarnations. In ancient times, people would greet each other by saying, “Rama-Rama!” Why did they utter the name of Lord Rama twice? Why not utter the pious name once, threAe

times, four times or many times? Yet, how great the idea hidden behind this custom is! They uttered the Lord‟s name twice to signify that the same

consciousness of the Supreme Lord abides equally in both people greeting each other, and that they offer their salutations to That. Such divine spirit alone

represents pure „love‟. A pure, guileless and selfless sense of affection, free from


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desire, is called love. This custom helped people to remember the Lord even while meeting each other.

Today, such pious feelings of pure and selfless love have given way to the

degenerative passion and lust, which has now come to be accepted as love. The 14th February is celebrated as „Valentine‟s Day‟. Young boys and girls in the

west exchange greeting cards, chocolates and roses with each other on this day. And now this debased form of love prevalent in western countries has infiltrated into our country as well. On this day, in colleges especially, you can see quite a

number of students with roses in their hands. For this day, a wide variety of Valentine‟s Day cards are available in the shops, with their price ranging from

Rs.20/- to 200/-; and special types of costly chocolates are available to go with them.

What a sharp contrast is there between this western celebration of Valentine‟s day, which promotes nothing but passion, lust and promiscuity and

our own glorious culture wherein there are holy festivals like „Raksha Bandhana‟ and „Bhai Dooj‟ spreading such pious feelings as „May there be mutual goodwill among us‟.– let us work for the all round prosperity of one another and „May my

mind be always blessed with auspicious thoughts‟.

Today, even science proves that those who nurture lust driven love, suffer from intellectual dullness. Andreas Bourtels, a scientist from the University College, London, conducted experiments on people of various races from 11

different countries and came to the conclusion that sex has a substantial impact on the neurons responsible for the functions of memory and concentration of

mind. The cerebral activity of the individuals was measured through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). After showing them the photographs of their respective lovers, an increase in blood flow was detected in four small sections

of their brain, which causes a loss of memory and lack of concentration of mind. This in turn increases fear and depression.

Young boys and girls may think that they are having a happy time

celebrating „Valentine‟s Day‟, but they are in total ignorance about how they are

actually harming themselves. What a great loss of sexual energy and vital fluid they suffer! By naming this day as the „Ruin of Youth –Day‟, His Divine Holiness

Pujya Bapuji has this to say: “King Claudius of Rome must have been very well aware of the power of celibacy; that is why he had forbidden his military forces from getting married, so that they remained physically and mentally fit enough

to win wars. Prohibition of marriage was forcibly imposed on the armed forces, and hence St. Valentine, who himself being a Christian priest could not have

been an opposer of celibacy, had got them married secretly. Subsequently he was found guilty and the king had him hanged to death. Then in the year 496

AD, Pope Galessius began to celebrate „Valentine‟s Day‟ in the memory of that saint.

“Those who celebrate „Valentine‟s Day‟ in the present manner, do in fact

insult the saint himself; for they try to start a love-affair before their actual marriage by sending Valentine‟s Cards to one another. Had St. Valentine


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supported this system, he would not have solemnized the marriages in the first place.

“Do celebrate the day of love (Valentine‟s Day), but with self-restraint and

for true development. If young boys and girls meet, it will only lead them to ruin. This day should be celebrated as the „Parents‟ Worship Day‟, wherein the

children should adore and worship their parents by placing flowers on their head and paying obeisance to them. The parents on their part should shower affection and blessings on the children, who in turn should embrace their parents with all

affection. This will foster true love. May children see Divinity in their parents, and the parents awaken divinity in their children. Just as Lord Ganapati

worshipped Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati who in turn blessed him saying "› „May you attain spiritual accomplishment and fame. May you be a remover of all obstacles.”

„Those men alone, who have not propitiated Lord Vishnu through vratas and

fasts in their previous lives, do suffer from baneful planetary influences, diseases, physical afflictions, etc. in this life.‟ (The Vishnudharmottara Purana)

Essential Facts

Absolute happiness, Absolute Freedom and Absolute Bliss can only be

attained by one who completely gives up the old habits and tendencies of jivabhâva, and frees himself of all resolves and counter resolves.

The subtler the intelligence gets through the practice of Self-enquiry, the

more one gains in wisdom and intimacy with the Lord.

It is simply due to lack of discrimination that man gets himself entangled

in transient worldly relations, and consequently has to grieve in the end. On the other hand, even if he is blessed with just a single experience of the divine bliss, then he simply will no more be able to live without the

Supreme Lord and His Bliss. Lord Shiva has said:

“He, Uma, who understands

the true nature of Rama

Has no relish for anything

other than His worship.”

The more wants one has, the more one suffers from troubles within. The less the wants, the greater the peace of mind and purity of heart.

Relinquishment of wants makes life beautiful, the intelligence keen, and brings out the inner beauty.


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We cannot overcome fear in the mind by keeping external security personnel and body guards. If, on the other hand, we are fearless within,

no external circumstances can frighten us. Keep the body neat, clean and pure. Avoid physical contact with

strangers. Then you will develop a sense of aversion towards others‟ bodies, and thereby towards carnal pleasures. This will help you conquer

lust.

He Alone is Wise -Excerpts from the satsanga of Pujya Bapuji

Lord Sri Ramachandra asked His Gurudeva –Maharishi Vasishtha, “O

master! Who is considered to be wise in all the three worlds –the nether world, the terrestrial world and the heavenly world?”

Sri Vasishthaji said, “O Rama! The whole world is burning in the fire

of passion for carnal pleasures. It is elated in favourable circumstances and grieves in unfavourable circumstances. Extremely rare

is the one who is radiant like the sun; but those obsessed with the sense-pleasures are simply directionless like a dry blade of grass in a gale.”

Just as a leaf of the holy fig tree flutters around in the wind, so also are the minds of all people roaming in the sense-pleasures of the world.

Rare are those Self-realized Souls, the knowers of the primordial and eternal Existence (Brahman which existed before creation, and will continue to exist even after its dissolution), who are established in their

effulgent Real Self and are shining brilliantly like the Sun. There is a subtle difference between their light and the light of the sun. While the

brilliance of the sun dispels darkness, it produces a scorching heat as well. However, the brilliance of an enlightened soul removes the darkness of ignorance and imparts the coolness of the Self, besides destroying

many sins and bringing great merits.

So who is the wisest in all the three worlds? The question concerns

itself with all the three worlds and not just the physical world of mortals. A great sage was on a journey to the Himalayas accompanied by a group of sadhus. They chanced upon some hill people celebrating a festival of

theirs singing a folk song in their local dialect. One of the sadhus remarked, “They are singing a hymn to Mother Goddess.” Another sadhu

said something different about the song. Soon, they were all very eager to know the subject of the song, so for the answer they approached the chief sage amongst them who had attained to buddhiyoga (Self-

realization):


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“Oh Babaji, what are these people singing about?”

The saint replied, “Whatever they are singing, it is by the power of

the One; verily the One Himself is the song they are singing as also Whom they are singing it for. Don‟t delude yourself by enquiring into the

(superficial) subject of the song. Just (seek out and) realize That Which is the very source of the song, and That for Whom they are singing it –that‟s

all.”

So he alone, who realizes That Which is the source of all, is truly wise. Others have only exhausted themselves in worthless hair-splitting

arguments. People end up empty handed despite their high positions of power and pelf.

Just as the pigs feel themselves happy and fortunate living in gutters and other such filthy places; similarly, those who indulge themselves in degenerate pleasures of this world, or the heavens, and

consider themselves to be lucky and happy are not wise. But he, who revels in Self-bliss, and through meticulous exercise of Self-enquiry has

elevated himself above the boggy filth of samsara, passions and other trifling things of this world, is alone wise in all the three worlds.

Siddha-Ushnodaka Therapy at Night

The water boiled for a long time and reduced in quantity through

evaporation is called Siddha-Ushnodaka. This water, when consumed at night, cures āmavāta (gout) and obesity. It also provides relief in troubles like cough,

asthma and fever. Consumption of Siddha-Ushnodaka purifies the urinary bladder and also stimulates the digestive fire. It has been said.

„Boiled water reduced to ¾ capacity is useful in pacifying vāta. The boiled water reduced to half capacity destroys pitta; and when it is reduced to one

quarter, the water becomes a destroyer of kapha.‟ (The Sharngadhar Samhita,

Madhyam Khanda: 2.181)

Drinks Regimen for the Day:

„At the end of the night, i.e. in the morning, one should drink water. Early morning consumption of water (stored in a copper bowl overnight), helps in the internal purification of the body.‟

At the end of the day, i.e. after sunset, milk should be consumed. This

increases the production of sexual fluid in the body, and is soothing to the eyes. It also works as an antacid to cure hyperacidity caused by the consumption of sour and pungent food during the day.


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Butter-milk should be consumed right after the midday meal. Consumption of buttermilk (which is prepared by churning the mixture of

water and fresh curds) helps in the perfect digestion of food and keeps the mind satiated as well.

If the above food and drinks regimen is followed meticulously, why should one ever need a vaidya or doctor?( Read the complete article in Feburary 2008

Rishi Prasad. Subscribe at www.ashram.org)



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Glossary OM - the pranava-pronounced as „Aum‟, it is the monosyllabic personification of the Supreme

Being. ā – this is pronounced as „aa‟ like in archanā,

which is pronounced as archanaa. Àchamana – rinsing or sipping water before religious ceremonies.

Àrati – reverential waving of a lamp before a deity or man of honour.

Àsana – a mat of wool, or the skin of a deer or tiger to sit for spiritual practices.

Bhāngrā – trailine eclipta. Chāndāla – a low-caste. Dakshinā – an offering in cash or kind.

Darshana – the pious act of meeting some revered one or deity face to face.

Dikshā – initiation into the spiritual life, effected through the grace of the Guru. Guna – any of the three qualities of Matter or

Nature. Gurukul – an ancient system of education

wherein the students used to live and learn at the Guru‟s place. Jiva Bhāva – Jiva consciousness / false

identification with the body. Japa – repetition of a mantra.

Jiva – the individual soul. Jivātman – the individual soul. Kapha – biological water humour; phlegm.

Kirtana – rhythmic chanting of the Lord‟s name. Manvantara – 30,84,48,000 years, the

fourteenth part of a day of Lord Brahma. Nakshatra – one of the 27 divisions of zodiac. Ojas – inner radiance or lustre of the body.

Panchāmrita – a mixture of cow‟s milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar.

Panchagavya – a preparation of the five produces of the cow –milk, curd, ghee, urine and dung.

Pandāl – a large canopy. Mālā – a rosary.

Pitta – biological bile humour. Prasāda – grace of the Lord, a deity or a personage; consecrated food.

Prārabdha – that part of the accumulated effect


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of past deeds which has begun to take effect with the creation of the present physical body and which is responsible for the continuance of the body even

after salvation. Pandit – a priest.

Rajas – characterized by anger, action, passion, envy, etc. Satsanga – pious discourse and company of a saint.

Sāthi – a short stemmed, red or dark-coloured rice which ripens in some sixty days from sowing. Sāttvic – characterized by purity and luminosity.

Satsanga – pious discourse and company of a saint. Sādhaka – an aspirant on the spiritual path.

Sādhika – a woman aspirant on the spiritual path. Sādhanā – spiritual endeavour. Siddha – a semi divine being of great perfection, possessing eight supernatural

faculties or siddhis. Sāttvika – characterized by purity and luminosity.

Tamas – characterized by darkness, lassitude, idleness and ignorance. Vaidya – an ayurvedic physician. Vāta – biological wind humour.

Vrata – an austerity, a religious vow or a fast. Vaidya – an āyurvedic physician.

Yajna – a fire-sacrifice

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