Stress Management, = Pujya Gurudev

Stress Management

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

These days, stress is even more rampant than it was in 1983, when Time magazine declared it to be “the epidemic of the eighties.” Stress is growing and so is the health care cost for treatment of stressed employees. 
But what exactly stress is? Classically it is defined as - 'a non-specific response of the body to any demand made upon it or to an external stimuli.' Generally speaking, “stress” refers to two simultaneous events: an external stimulus called a stressor, and the emotional and physical responses to that stimulus (fear, anxiety, surging heart rate and blood pressure, fast breathing, muscle tension, and so on).
Stress is not always harmful. Good stressors (a ski run, a poetry contest) inspire you to achieve. In fact it is the spice of life. Only thing is that, one has to learn - how to cope with stress?
Commonly stress refers to our internal reaction to negative, threatening, or worrisome situations-a looming performance report, role ambiguity in organization, a dismissive superior, rush-hour traffic, and so on.

Oxford Dictionary defines stress as 'a state of affair involving demand on physical or mental energy'.

Accumulated over time, negative stress can depress you, burn you out, make you sick, or even kill you. This is because, as our research shows, negative stress is both an emotional and a physiological habit.

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

The GUIDE= Pujya Gurudev

The Definitive Guide.

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

You might wonder what exactly is meant by self-refinement, self-transformation and self-development and how to go about it? To achieve this you will have to adopt four disciplines – sanyam, swadhyaya, sadhana, and seva. Self-restraint, Self-introspection, Self-discipline and selfless service. These are like four essential steps of the excelsior of human life, four foundational pillars of the edifice of accomplished life, four resources of divine ascent of human self.

By adopting these four foundational principles of self-transformation you can elevate your lives to glorious heights and also help the wellbeing and upliftment of the society as a whole.

Need for a comprehensive approach : All the fours traits of personality development are interwoven. We cannot expect elevating our life without anyone of them. This can be better understood by the following analogies :

(I) For growing a crop, four things are crucial – seed (or sapling), soil, water and sunlight (or some source of vital elements).

(2) If you want to do a business, again a quadruple is a must; namely, capital, experience, demand and customer.

(3 ) Combination of four things – bricks, cement, iron and wood is essential for building even an ordinary house.

(4) Talent, resources, support and appropriate opportunity are required for recognizable success in this world. Paucity or deficiency on any of these four fronts hinders the success-race.

(5) What is most vital for our clinical health? Balanced food (includes water), labor, rest and excretion. Disturbance in any of these upsets the body-system.

So you see! Nature has ample examples of four interdependent fundamental necessities. We cannot dream of anything worthwhile along the path of soul-evolution without accomplishing the fundamental necessities of self-ascent.

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru

Shiv Sharma

Personality Development= Pujya Gurudev

Personality Development

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Innovative research in deep-psychology towards the late 20th Century has revealed some new facts that affirm some of the principles and values of spirituality. The nature of one’s thinking and emotions is now regarded as the basis of his personality development.

Our thinking affects our mental, intellectual and also the physical makeup. Psychosomatic disorders are well known manifestations of sickness, infirmities or depravation in one’s thinking. Refinement and creative orientation of thoughts on the contrary is found to bring positive changes at the emotional and behavioral levels and thus also improve one’s ability of progressive social adjustment.

               The first and most important task for personality development is to first identify and focus attention on the central root that directly or indirectly governs the course of our lives. Think and ponder over what really makes one what one is as a person? It is the force of intrinsic tendencies of the mind. The hidden desires activated by these tendencies drive the mind and generate the corresponding currents of thoughts and trigger the brain for matching actions.

Although the conscious mind appears to be our decision maker and manager with the brain being its counterpart at the level of the physical body, the real ruler is our unconscious mind. The intrinsic impressions on it are so intense that these block even the voice of the soul. So, for self-refinement and self-transformation, it is essential that we first purify our inner self – especially the unconscious mind, reign in its passions and control its wayward tendencies that dominate our desires, thoughts and actions. Transformation of the central root will transform our life in no time.
Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,
Shiv Sharma

Booms Of Life-II,= Pujya Gurudev

Invisible Booms Of Life-II

Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

( Akhand Jyoti Jun.July 2007)

Maybe, this Akhand Deepak is symbolic of Akhand Yagya. The joss sticks may be playing the role of material for oblation, japa playing the part of recitation of mantras, and the Deepak (Lamp) playing the part of offering of ghee in the sacrificial fire. In this way an automatic process of sacrificial offering may be getting accomplished. The pitcher of water and the lamp kept together could be instrumental in producing vaporization in a subtle way and be generating some subtle power, like steam in an engine. Or it may be that this external light is helpful in kindling the light within. Whatever it may be, I have been getting spiritual light and inner bliss from this Akhand Deepak in ample measure.

This lamp placed on the pedestal was burning externally in the beginning. Later I experienced that the lamp was burning within me in the same form and was illuminating my entire inner being as the outer one illuminated the room. The illumination I was feeling within my body, mind and soul - in the gross, astral and causal bodies - might have been its repercussion. Throughout the duration of Upasana this light was glowing in the senses, just like the room was illuminated by the ever–alight lamp. Everything about me became illuminated, the veil of darkness was removed, desires and cravings vanished. Mind and body were radiating illumined feelings, thoughts and actions.

The ocean of light was undulating everywhere and I was merrily swimming in it, like a fish in the lake. The role played by these sensations in the development of the power of self, divine outlook, and joy is beyond description. Maybe it is my imagination, but had not the Akhand Deepak been kindled my inside too would have perhaps remained as dimly lighted as the prayer room. Now it is seen glittering like the festive light of Diwali. It is in this emotional flow that the magazine I started years back in 1937 was christened "Akhand Jyoti ", the name that I liked the most in the world. Maybe it is due to this devotional start that the small sapling has now grown so large that its present circulation is estimated to be over 10 lakhs and the magazine is spreading its enlightened message all over the world.

On entering the third phase of Sadhana, the rays of "Âtmavat SarvabhuteÌu" began to illuminate my soul. The first two phases i.e. "Matrivat ParadareÌu" and "LoÌÚhavat ParadravyeÌu" were concerned with my own body only. When sin entered in the two eyes, the third eye of discernment made it beat a hasty retreat. The body was subjected to austere discipline and snapped the roots out of which sinful sprouts originated. So the evil tendencies had no soil to take roots.

The "Sadhana of Matrivat ParadareÌu" was mastered without any difficulty. Mind created a little trouble in the beginning, but the body was always at my command and control. The mind ultimately accepted defeat and began to cooperate like a good friend. By voluntary adoption of poverty and minimizing the needs to the barest, as well as giving up the tendency to hoard, there was no question of
coveting "paradravya" (others wealth). When ones own earning was adequate to feed the stomach and cover the body, why to covet others things? Whatever could be saved after meeting the minimal needs was distributed among others.

Those who are by nature prone to giving and distributing and deriving joy out of it can never hoard. A life style based on minimum needs, simplicity and a non-hoarding Brahmana (One who is devoted to spiritual pursuits and leads a simple altruistic life) has filled my inner-self with unexplainable happiness and contentment. Had this happiness and contentment been the way of life of masses, there would have been hardly anyone wanting to earn sin, by coveting others wealth. Merely boasting to be an Aparigrahi (non-coveter) would not do. How many can feel in themselves the unique joy that comes out of giving? In my case, I got the treasure of these divine gifts effortlessly.

 Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Booms Of Life-I= Pujya Gurudev

Invisible Booms Of Life-I

Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

( Akhand Jyoti Jun.July 2007)

       To me my Guru was everything; his instructions were gospel truth for me; discipline was everything; my submission to his will was total. To a soldier discipline is dearer than life. Call it blind faith, or love for discipline, whatever duty was assigned to me or whatever life routine I was asked to follow have been carried out with utmost devotion and dedication.

           Two phases of my spiritual life have been completed in 24 years between the age-span of 15 and 40. Deviations from the precepts of "Matrivat ParadareÌu" and "LoÌÚhavat ParadravyeÌu" normally occur during this phase of life. This is the period when normally the pull of cravings, lust, greed and ambitions is almost irresistible. This period in my case was spent in studying, thinking, introspecting, self-restraint, meditation and Sadhana. Generally persons past adulthood are selected for spiritual Sadhana.

                 People of young age can, and should, shoulder the responsibilities ranging from financial management to military service. There is enough scope in these fields for fulfilling ambitions. The youth can also contribute in service activities. But youth is not the appropriate phase of life for spiritual leadership. There are a few exceptions like Shankaracharya, Dayanand, Vivekanand, Ramdas, Meera, Nivedita etc., who right in their early youth, successfully shouldered the responsibility of spiritual leadership.

           Generally raw youth is devoid of mature wisdom. Those who enter the public field while still gripped by greed for power and fame and are prone to temptations and sensual attractions, create problems for themselves and the society. Downfall of even the best institutions is caused by such novices. Though evil is not restricted to any particular age, the normal perception is that youth is for pursuing ego-centric ambitions. With receding age, a person grows physically weak and so do his material desires. With lurking fear of death entering the mind, an interest in inner life, and religious activities develops. Hence scholarly seers have considered the post-adulthood phase of life appropriate for Vanaprastha (transition from material pursuits to spiritual aspirations) and for Sanyas (renunciation of all worldly pursuits).

         I do not know as to why my master engaged me in tapaicarya (life of devout austerity) at a very young age and in accomplishing it when I reached the age of 40. Maybe, he apprehended that I may slip down and get carried off by temptations of name, fame, pelf and power. He must have visualized that without inner strength and maturity, accomplishment of a great missionary task would not be possible; and that it was essential to inculcate in me the qualities of firmness, patience, courage and equanimity as pre-requisites before entrusting me with the great task. Thus, my youth and adulthood were spent in austere Sadhana. Everything went on normally during that period. The only uncommon feature was the "Akhand Deepak" burning day and night with ghee of cow milk.

         It was kept incessantly burning in the prayer room. Its spiritual or scientific secret was not exactly known to me. To me my Guru was everything; his instructions were gospel truth for me; discipline was everything; my submission to his will was total. To a soldier discipline is dearer than life. Call it blind faith, or love for discipline, whatever duty was assigned to me or whatever life routine I was asked to follow have been carried out with utmost devotion and dedication. The installation of Akhand Deepak in the prayer room is part of this process. After relying on the Guide and fully submitting to him, there was no question of doubt or debate. On being told that Akhand Deepak had a role in the Sadhana prescribed to me, I simply complied with it and kept it burning throughout the duration of 24 Puraicaranas.

              Later on, it became dearer than life. It could be put out after 24 years, but such a thought was tantamount to extinguishing my own lamp of life. Hence it was decided to keep it lighted. When I was away in unknown parts of Himalayas, my dedicated soulmate (my wife) would take care of it. Had I been alone without a soulmate, I would not have been able to do any other Sadhana. It was very difficult to keep the Akhand Deepak ever lighted. Servants, disciples or people of weak spiritual conviction would not have been able to do so. It could not have been possible by mere external alertness; it needed total inner dedication, which only a true soulmate could,provide.
Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,
Shiv Sharma

Foundation of Cultur-II, Pujya Gurudev

Children are the Foundation of Cultural-II

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

During that period the child keeps observing very minutely the attitudes and activities of his mother, hence the mother should behave very responsibly during this period. During this period it is harmful to inculcate fear in the children, to keep them dirty, to give them drowsy drugs to sleep, etc. Sexy gestures, anger, quarrels etc. are bound to make children impertinent and self-willed by nature. Hence one should always be cautious not to act or behave in a way, which may leave a baneful impression on the delicate mind of the child. On attaining five years of age child?s thirst for knowledge starts increasing. Now he starts becoming curious about the things and the environment around him. At this age children learn rapidly through pictures and stories. Their interest is aroused for lullabies and sweet music. At this time children should be shown beautiful pictures containing portraits of great persons and natural scenes etc. House should be decorated with artistic things and children should be made to have interest in them.

 Biographies of great persons should be narrated to them in easily understandable and interesting way. Pathetic, peace-inducing and entertaining lullabies amuse children, encouraging emergence of noble instincts in their inner being. At this age a child can be made to apply his mind in any direction. At present the only aim of education is to develop the capacity to earn lot of money hence Gurukul tradition can not be suddenly introduced but guardians can at least train them in self-control, altruism, compassion and caring concern for all sentient beings. It is a blunder to marry them so long as they do not become mature, responsible and self supporting; otherwise they may prove as miserable failures throughout their lives.

The condition of family, whose members neither know the art of living nor have the requisite knowledge and experience of life to opt for it, is as miserable as that of a chariot having un-reined horses. What sorts of conflicts are going on in the families of today running on the pattern of blind beliefs is known to every body. Education is supposed to have a cleansing, uplifting and refining effect. If this education system is enlivened by inclusion of moral, ethical and spiritual values, it will lead to training a new generation of young persons sizzling with zeal to embrace and uplift the lowliest and the lost by voluntarily educating them in an exclusive pattern, inculcating in them qualities of love, kindness, compassion, sharing and caring. Earth can thus become a place worth returning again and again.

For social progress and national uplift also every citizen should compulsorily be educated in ethical, moral and spiritual values. Education develops a person?s intelligence and makes him fit to earn worldly as well as spiritual boons. There can be no other better way for overall development of life. For cultural elevation, we should develop our life by introspection and purification but should not forget that with this much only it will not be possible to raise our culture to a per-eminent place in the world. The greatest need of today is the character development of our children. The day our children get morally and ethically elevated the time will not be far when dignity of our society will again start attracting world attention.

 Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Foundation of Cultural-I= Pujya Gurudev

Children are the Foundation of Cultural-I

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Even after a hard penance and deep repentance a person of advanced age, carrying the burden of accumulated errors, mistakes and sins is not likely to become pious and noble in the short time left to him. On the contrary, a young child, given proper guidance, training and education can become a paragon of virtues and noble character. Whenever animal instincts hidden in inner psyche find favourable circumstances they create terrible tribulations in the mind which generates uncontrollably dirty and dissolute thoughts and emotions in adults and the persons of advanced age. This makes the purification and control of mind very difficult. Hence the Indian sages had stressed that character can be made strong and noble in childhood only. Advancement in age makes the character traits very rigid.

Only those who went through a regimen of self-control and self refinement in childhood can become great, intelligent and spiritually elevated. So long as this tradition continued properly there was no lack of happiness, peace and prosperity in society ? which is a collection of individuals. This important aspect of character building in children is neglected to-day, which is a matter of deep concern. Seeing the speed with which moral crimes are increasing in children, social reformers are bound to be worried. When hatred and vices get deeply rooted in nature at young age no reformative programs would give desired success even after great efforts.

 Practical difficulty is that the guardians do not bear this responsibility consciously and seriously. Most of them do not even know how to inculcate nobility of character in children. Self-willed children adopt only evils and vices of society because they are surrounded by them only. Formation of personality starts in womb itself. Keeping in mind this fact Indian rishis introduced ritual system ( sanskars). This gave the children moral training in a natural manner. A lady went to Socrates and asked, "Sir! When should I start educating my son?" "What is the age of child?" asked Socrates. "Four years" the lady simply replied. "Then your are lagging behind by four years and nine months," Said Socrates. Instincts of the child start forming by mother?s daily routine hence it will not be exaggeration to say that children?s education should be started right from pregnancy.

This system was methodical and scientific. This was the reason that spiritually evolved children like Dhruv, Prahlad, Bharat, Abhimanyu used to be born in many families. Today there is an urgent need for revival of these traditions. Foundation of cultural elevation should be started with upliftment of children, only then will nobility of character prosper in society. Practice of making children cultured should be started right from their conception. Mentality of parents affects the mentality of the child. His body is made with the flesh and blood of mother?s body. Subtle effect of the way of living of the parents affects the soul-development of the child. Hence parents should practice purity and piety in their eating and drinking, way of living and behaviour as soon as the child is conceived. Mothers who eat chilly spices, sour, acrid, stale food would give birth to children who are mostly hot tempered, wicked and vile. Clothes, ornaments, language spoken, etc. also affect the child in womb.

If there is no warmth and love in the relationship between husband and wife, children born to them are likely to be vicious, atheist, and of irritating nature. Parents should definitely be aware of these plane facts. From birth to adolescence the child is mostly under the influence of his mother.

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Glory Of Gayatri = Pujya Gurudev

Gayatri Mantra Sadhna:

Gayatri Deeksha (Initiation)

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Before starting  Gayatri Sadhana or any spiritual practice, some experienced righteous person should be made Sadhana-guru. It should be ascertained from the Guru which type of Sadhana is appropriate. A patient is not competent to diagnose and treat his own disease. He has to seek the help of some physician. Similarly, a Sadhana-Guru is needed to suggest appropriate Sadhana to rectify drawbacks and solve difficulties.

An accomplished Guru (who had acquired spiritual mastery under the guidance of his own Guru) is necessary for receiving instruction and direction for accelerating one’s spiritual growth. The spiritual evolution of the soul is a prolonged process continuing through countless cycles of births and deaths. Sought in a hurry, an inexperienced person posing as Guru may do more harm than good to the disciple.

A combination of determination, patience and devotion creates the firm background for spiritual awakening. Earning such merit is true discipleship, after which it takes no time to attain fulfillment.  It is the attainment of merit which takes time. No time is taken in finding the Guru. Eklavya’s  Dronacharya, prepared out of clay, proved more effective than the real one.

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

How to Change Old Habits= Pujya Gurudev

Is it Possible to Change Old Habits?

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

“Habits play a crucial part in life. The personality of a person is determined by his habits.”

 Good habits make a person gentle, genial and great while bad habits deform and disfigure a personality. Everyone is aware of the importance of habits and many wish to change their bad habits in order to improve their character, traits and personality. However, people complain that they find it well nigh impossible to uproot their deeply ingrained bad habits. This is a counsel of despair and is not true. It is, of course, difficult to uproot and change bad habits, but it is not impossible. If a person is determined and musters the requisite willpower, he can certainly succeed in his efforts. What is a habit? It is a mental rut created by mechanical repetition of a task. The tyres of a car travelling on a muddy road make a distinct impression. Similarly, the repetition of a task makes an impression on the mind.

The more we repeat a task, the deeper becomes the impression. Every habit, thus, gets firmly fixed in the mind. A habit can be uprooted by steadily and persistently working against it. Just as performing a task again and again creates a habit, performing an opposite task again and again eliminates it. If the mind forces you towards the old habit, gently but firmly divert it towards the positive habit you want to imbibe instead. It is always easy to go back to old habits and therefore the mind gets effortlessly inclined towards them. The formation of a new habit is therefore very difficult initially. However, with repeated performance, it takes roots and becomes a part of one?s nature.

 The refinement of gross and perverse tendencies in a person?s personality or bad manners in his conduct is possible only by long-term practice and unwavering determination. Every self-confident person, if he wishes, can dramatically change for the better his mentality and outward conduct through regular practice. Children are particularly vulnerable to easily imbibe good or bad habits. They constantly imitate the habits of people they come into contact with. To make our children well-mannered, cultured and responsible citizens, it is necessary that we ourselves present an example of an ideal conduct before them so that they can follow in our footsteps and enrich their lives with inspiration and enthusiasm. If parents exhibit laziness or misbehaviour in their conduct (for example in getting up late in the morning, conversing rudely with people, making inappropriate gestures, etc.), then how can we expect their children, who remain with them for 15-16 hours a day, become civilised and well-mannered? To an extent we ourselves determine the environment around us. A cultured person will keep his things in an orderly and appropriate way.

His shoes, clothes, hat and even his comb would be clean and tidy. There would be no dirt on his shoes; his clothes would be ironed and folded neatly. He would appear attractive with simple limited set of clothes compared to an untidy person with a overstuffed wardrobe of costly clothes. He would attain happiness with minimum expenditure. He would not be consumed with the desire to possess a palatial house. In a small house, or even a room, he would live a rich, refined, cultured and caring life. Good manners do not mean how we verbally interact with other people; they mean that we conduct ourselves with dignity, humility and warmth. You may ask: how can one say that I am conducting myself in a reprehensible and disorderly manner? It is easy and self evident. You know that by waking up regularly, exercising the body regularly, having health-giving eating habits, remaining tension-free and taking a good rest to keep the body vibrant and healthy. But alas! How many people can control their eating preferences? In today?s hectic lifestyle, how many can remain tension-free? In the mad race for earning more and more money, people have become careless with respect to their health. Many people have enough wealth, which permits them good lifestyle, food, clothes and palatial house.

Yet they remain in a state of perpetual tension and agitation. Thus we live in a self created hell.. Other examples of self-destructive habits are to watch a movie even though the eyesight is weak; to smoke tobacco, drink alcohol knowing well the damaging effects it has on the body; etc. It becomes the bounden duty of mature and responsible members of society to be vigilant against imbibing ruinous habits and guide and inspire their children by personal example to grow into healthy, happy caring and warm-hearted citizens.

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Good Health Depends On Rules Of Nature = Pujya Gurudev

Rejuvenation Without Medicine

= Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

We should thoroughly assimilate the fact that acquiring good health depends only on obeying the rules of Nature. In order to get rid of disease or weakness, one should think along improving the digestive system rather than taking the shelter of medicines or tonics. If the digestive power is not good, even the valuable nourishing elements will not be able to impart any benefit. They will go in the stomach and without getting digested will be excreted. If they are not digested and juices and blood are not formed, how can they nourish the body?

How will they augment strength? If the digestion is proper, even an ordinary food can provide full strength. Billy-goat eats only grass and accumulates so much fat from it. Pig never gets milk, cream or butter; its food hardly contains any nourishing elements. Even then due to its digestive power, its body is quite strong. Look at other animals – buffalo, ox, horse, elephant, etc; they are neither served wholesome dishes nor get any invigorating drinks / medicines or aphrodisiac drugs. Even then they are very strong; they acquire sufficient blood and flesh from ordinary grass and leaves.

Which eatables have vitamins and what is their quantity? Which drugs are powerful and to what extent? Instead of getting into this maze, one should assess whether ones digestive system is functioning properly or not. If not, then the same should be considered as the root cause of all the weakness and disease; and one should pay attention to rectify the malfunctioning. A village farmer remains healthy and hefty simply by eating a coarse meal, works for twelve hours and enjoys deep sleep in the night.

On the other hand, people working in cities eat sweets, milk products, pickles, sauce, and a variety of dishes, and also take tonics daily. Even then they remain weak and thin; they get tired by just sitting in the office for 6 hours, return home with the pain of migraine and do not get sound sleep in the night. All this is the play of digestive power. There is no power in the eatables; the power resides in the digestive system. The digestive juices that are excreted by the mouth, stomach, liver, intestines, etc are so magical that when mixed with the food they make it suitable to fulfill the bodys need. The digestive juices of Billy goat make the grass such that it produces sufficient fat in its body. If the digestive power is perfect, a human being can also extract all the essential ingredients even from ordinary food.

A person desirous of rejuvenation should keep in mind that he / she should first get rid of artificiality and adopt a simple, sattvik and natural way of life. Next, he should pay attention to improve the digestive system. A simple test of the digestive power is whether a person feels hungry at the right time or not; the food intake is properly digested or not; whether bowels are easily cleared or not. If these functions of the digestive system are not right, then one should try to rectify them; and if they are perfect, then one should try to maintain them.

Proper functioning of the digestive system depends on four factors. They are – (1) selection of eatables (2) the technique of eating (3) appropriate physical activity and (4) proper management of daily routine. If these factors are properly taken care of, then the digestive power will remain perfect all the time. If per chance any malfunctioning occurs, that will be rectified quickly. Now let us look more deeply into these four factors.

(1) Selection of Eatables: A human being resembles the configuration of a monkey. The latter eats fruits and leaves. Therefore, the dieticians recommend fruits and vegetables as the best food for the human beings. There is no other food that matches its easily digestible, nourishing, invigorating and pure blood forming qualities. The scripture says – Jeevo jeevasya bhojanam (meaning – only live eatables are best food for a human being). That is why milk, curd, buttermilk and fruits, which are supposed to be full of vitality, rank first among the eatable items for human species. Apart from being juicy and lively they also satisfy the taste buds.

Next follows the category of vegetables. They certainly possess vital elements but do not fit in the criterion of taste. Therefore many of them are not consumable in the natural form. For example, gourd, pumpkin, potato, brinjal, bitter gourd, round gourd, etc cannot be eaten raw. They have to be cooked. But there are certain vegetables like tomato, carrot, radish, cucumber, ladys finger, etc which can be taken in the raw form. In this sequence, dry grains / fruits occupy the third place. Sapless dry grains are less beneficial as compared with green grains. For example, gram, peas, maize, millet, wheat, etc in the green state are more nourishing than their dry counterparts. Similarly, grapes, wet dates and green coconut are better than currant, dry dates and dry coconut respectively.

More natural and lively the food, better it is. In other words, less the food grains are processed better they are. For example, sprouted wheat or gram seeds in raw form constitute an excellent food. Next in the order of merit are Daliya (coarsely ground grains), bread of unfiltered flour, bread of filtered flour and then the bread of maida (fine flour) respectively. The reason is: more the food grains are transmuted from their natural form, more they become harmful. Daliya is digested easily because the grains are only broken into small pieces; however in making maida the grains are crushed into a fine powder. As a result, the bread of maida is digested in a relatively longer time and hence causes constipation.

If the same is fried in ghee or oil, much of the nourishing elements are destroyed. Therefore, poori, parantha or other fried preparations become devoid of nutrients. Khoya (a thickened milk product made by excessively heating the milk) loses all the virtues of milk. Juice of sugarcane is much more nutritious than sugar or sweets made out of it. The reason is simple; when any raw eatable is dried, heated, processed and mixed with spices, it goes on losing its nutritious elements depending on the number of cycles it has passed through.

While examining the utility of eatables, it should be seen whether they suit the taste buds in their natural form or not; they are juicy and live or not. Foods that pass this test should be considered best. There are some fruits like apple, grapes, pomegranates, etc which can be obtained in good quantity only by rich people; however there are number of fruits which even the poor can afford to buy. For example, orange, mango, lemon, papaya, raspberry, guava, rose-apple, plum, musk melon, water melon, carrot, tomato, cucumber, etc are such seasonal fruits which are not very costly; even the poor can buy them. Among the green cereals gram, peas, millet, maize, wheat, etc are quite delicious; and if they are slightly steamed, the taste increases tremendously.

This is followed by those vegetables which cannot be eaten raw. For example, gourd, spinach, fenugreek, potato, etc need to be boiled before eating. However, it must be kept in mind that neither the husk of cereals nor peel of vegetables should be removed nor the juice be thrown out after boiling. The shell/husk/peel and juice of every fruit, vegetable and cereal contain nourishing elements, vitamins and minerals; and hence they must also be consumed along with other parts of edible items. Chilies and spices should best be avoided. The amount of salt that is needed for the body is normally available in the eatables. However, if there be extra need for augmenting taste, small quantity of salt may be added to the food.

Barley is the only grain among the cereals which needs the removal of husk; all other grains should be used with husk. They should be taken in the form of khichadi or daliya. The latter may be cooked in milk or whey. Pulses like moong (kidney bean), masoor (lentil), etc should not be split. Daal of whole grains is more nourishing. While preparing roti (bread), care should be taken to make it thicker and cook it on low flame. Frying vegetables or daal with ghee or oil also partially burns their nutritious elements. Another point to remember is that a variety of vegetables or daals should not be taken in a single meal. Each edible item is digested in a different manner, and hence consuming several items together increases the chances of indigestion. Taking bread with one daal or one vegetable is enough. The tradition of decorating lunch / dinner with several dishes is really harmful for health.

Pure and succulent food is most nourishing because it is digested more easily. Easily digested food makes pure body fluids and blood; and this is the very basis of making the body healthy and energetic. The quality of an eatable should not be judged by its taste or price but by its virtue of being pure, sappy and succulent. Sweets, dishes garnished with heavy milk products like cheese, ghee, butter, khoya, etc are devoid of wholesome elements and they are consumed more due to their taste. But they are not digested properly and hence create problems particularly for the stomach and the whole body in general.

Readymade / packaged food available in the market is much more harmful. In general, it has been observed that, in order to earn more profit, pedlars / vendors / restaurants and even the manufacturers of packaged food do not even follow prescribed norms. How can one expect healthy food from them? Sattu made in home is thousand times better than halua of the market. Similarly, non-vegetarian food, wine, smoking or chewing tobacco, etc have no place in the human diet. Such tamasik items produce harmful effects on the mind-body system. Therefore one should keep oneself away from them; and if by chance habit of any of these has been formed, it should be rectified as early as possible.

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,
Shiv Sharma

Science and Spirituality-II ,= Pujya Gurudev

Science and Spirituality-II

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

When extrovert hunt for prosperity in terms of materialistic resources and comforts and their possession became the sole objective of life, why would one bother to understand the importance and utility of noble thinking, virtuous character, and altruistic sentiments? The generous attitude of benevolence, selfless cooperation and adoption of ethical conduct emanate from and expand with the support of spiritually evolved emotions. If one is not even aware of the importance of emotions and intrinsic tendencies in human life, why would he care for their refinement? The mad rush of self-obsession, rat-race for possessions, power and blind progress driven by the ego and selfishness seen everywhere within and around us today reflect the bankruptcy of the human heart (emotional core) and sheer disregard of the inner self. This is the major cause of the ever- increasing agonies, fears and problems the world is facing despite the dazzling scientific advancement, technological development and enormous materialistic strength and wealth today.

The grains of scientific research will serve the real purpose and will be beneficial in the true sense only if it opens its barriers and goes beyond "What and How?" to see "Why and What for?" ?? to encompass the search for the dignity of humanity and ultimate aim of human life. Revered thinkers and philosophers from different parts of the world have been expressing these views on scientific progress ever since its advent. Eminent talents like Leo Tolstoy and Theodore Roosevelt have commented that scientific quest revolves around "what is it?" of every thing, or "why something happens like the way it does in the physical world". But it does not quite try to find "for what purpose the thing is existing?", or "for what objective is something happening the way it is?", etc. Tolstoy further writes at one place that the childhood of modern science has begun with the quest for "what and how?"; the stage of its maturity will be reached when it also begins answering "why and for what purpose?".

The hidden depths of Nature and life can be plumbed by appropriate and meaningful research on "why and for what purpose?" This type of scientific research in the inner fields of consciousness force will mark the meeting point of science and spirituality.

Plato has also observed that the completeness and ultimate progress of science lies in its entry into the spheres of spirituality. Why was this world created? Why the gamut of species of different creatures including human beings produced? Why is the perpetual cycle of Nature running the way it is? For what purpose is every component of the cosmos moving in its specific sphere and order? Who is governing this universal order? Where is the original cause of the manifestation of Nature and the genesis of this ever-expanding cosmic existence? This basic quest of the existentialists is beyond the scope of the modern material sciences. Leaving aside these rather abstract puzzles, there still remains a plethora of questions concerning the origin, purpose and limitless expressions of human life and evolution of consciousness and the undeciphered layers of mental and emotional cores that are fundamental to the understanding of human life; but are not considered by the modern sciences.

Tolstoy expresses his heartiest appreciation for the constructive contributions of scientific developments to human civilization but he also deplores the near total neglect of moral aspects, value systems and deeper emotional effects, etc in the pursuit of scientific research. In his thorough review-essays in "Science is Not Enough", the author scientist Vannevar Bush (1890-1974) writes that "the focus and scope of science has largely been confined to the analysis and synthesis of material substances and entities. It cannot claim absolute knowledge of anything with certainty. Its discovery of atom is an evidential example in this regard. It has still not been certain of the structure and functions of the subatomic units and their (further) sub-particulate constituents. Its continual research keeps annulling or deviating its own convictions and thus disapproving the sufficiency of its findings so far". In the views of the thinkers like Theodore Roosevelt (1933+) ? "Science will be no better than a pool of artificial tools and techniques unless its search begins from metaphysical basis and incorporates the fields of consciousness".

Distinguished scientists like Warsen Beaver also opine that science will have to leave out its prejudices and adopt a broadened attitude for comprehensive research towards revealing the mysteries of Nature and resolving the problems of life. At present its approach is prejudiced in the sense that its search for truth is confined only to the perceivable realities of the world. Dr. Beaver expresses his views on the reality of sublime consciousness as ?" In the moments of deep sorrow, fear or helplessness, we do experience some inner inspiration that induces inexplicable hope and courage. It also gives us strength and light to counter the adversities or find discerning solutions to the acute hardships. This sublime power of inner consciousness is an expression of the Almighty.

Each one of us does experience His presence in some form, some time in the course of life". Science and spirituality have somehow been mutually contradicting in their approaches and have always regarded each other?s principles and objectives as superficial. This negative competition has deprived both of their complementary roles towards holistic human growth. The convictions and practices of spirituality weaken their authenticity in absence of scientific spirit and openness. The philosophy and teachings of spirituality without having scientific approach lose their relevance and originality in the smog of blind faith and superstitions. Science also remains narrow and incomplete without incorporating spirituality, which is the base of enlightened evolution of the mental and emotional domains. Science without spirituality has no bonds of values and so there is an obvious danger of its becoming amoral and apathetic. This is what we are witnessing today.

Science has undoubtedly made grand constructive contributions to the external development of human civilization, but it has unscrupulously invented dreaded products of mass destruction and global devastation. Its unchallenged might and reckless advancement appear to threaten the very existence of life on earth. It is high time the tyranny of this unbridled blind power is controlled and made accountable to humanity. The role of spirituality is self-evident in this regard. Science and technology can generate means of progress but not the means of peaceful co-existence and happiness; neither can these nurture moral values and inner strength.

Science and technology may produce material wealth and prosperity but not the nectar of soothing emotions, spring of love and compassion or light of courage, wisdom and sagacity. Unless science is integrated with spirituality to fill-in this gap and both the complementary powers are encouraged to flourish within mutual cooperation, the present trends of progress would be inexorably hurtling towards the suicidal edge of global extinction. _____________________________ Once a dacoit came to listen to a scholar- preacher?s sermon. The scholar was very eloquent about the virtues of forgiveness and non-violence. The sermon ended. The preacher took the offerings and walked towards his village. There was forest in-between.

The dacoit bounced upon the preacher and asked for all the money he was carrying. The preacher was a brave person and had a bamboo stick in his hands with which he threatened to hit the dacoit. The dacoit got scared and politely asked him that only a shot while ago he was preaching about the virtues of forgiveness and non-violence which he himself was not practicing. The scholar said that the sermon was for law abiding gentle people but for criminals like the dacoit the stick serves the sermon. Looking at the resolutely strong-willed scholar the dacoit took to his heels.

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Science and Spirituality = Pujya Gurudev

Integration of Science and Spirituality

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Imbalance or disharmony in any system, any action, generates problems of one kind or the other. Narrow-minded approach or lack of comprehensive considerations eventually leads to inadequate and problematic consequences, even though it might seem to offer some immediate success. This is because of the incomplete comprehension or negligence of some of the crucial aspects of a situation. In order to achieve an orderly, well-organized, balanced and fulfilling human life, we need to pay due attention and give proper importance to the necessities of its interwoven physical, intellectual, mental and spiritual realms in the individual and social domains.

 A human being consists of a marvellous amalgam of matter and consciousness force. The physical or the gross body is made up of the basic elements and their evolved reactions and results, so its healthy sustenance and vigorous functioning largely depend upon the balanced concentrations and activities of these vital constituents. The subtle or the conscious body ? mind and the inner self, which also lies at the base of the living existence of the physical body, receives the transmitting energy from enlightened thinking and virtuous sentiments. The vedic philosophy emphasizes the harmonious growth of both ? the gross and the subtle realms.

 This comprehensive and integral approach lays the foundation of personal, familial, social and global development in an ideal way. Discrepancies, imbalances or disorder in any sphere of life causes different kinds of complications and difficulties of varied nature, which directly or indirectly hinder, retard and even reverse the graph of healthy soul growth and ascent. A thorough understanding of human life becomes feasible by a comprehensive study of the interrelationship between the human mind, Nature and the Omnipresent Consciousness Force. The major schools of thought and branches of knowledge that have emanated from the quest for fathoming this relationship have had entirely different approaches. While the material based modern science has designed sophisticated tools and technologies to shape the gross materialistic facets and external structure of progress, the inner foundation of this outer structure is embedded in the indwelling spirit in the individual and the collectively.

Science contributes to the civilization and advancement of materialistic resources and spirituality holds the key to the harmonious and virtuous development of personality. Science reveals the mysteries of Nature in the manifested world, while spirituality unfolds the secrets and objectives of its subtle existence. Analysis of the structure and perceivable properties of things is the subject matter of the different branches of material science. Decipheration and study of the origin and deepest purpose of life pertains to the fields of spirituality. Thus, broadly speaking, the former deals with answering "What and How?" and the latter with "Why and What for?" Both search for truth in their own fields of inquiry.

 Like the two banks of a river or two invisible edges of the horizon, both are perennially connected with each other but seem to stand far apart. Mutual cooperation and integration of the two is most desired for their relevance and necessity in human life. Unfortunately, these two gigantic streams of search for truth have, because of the way they have been followed and practiced, largely remained compartmentalized and mutually exclusive. Modern science has exhaustively excavated, extracted and exploited the natural resources and gained enormous mastery in the physical world. However, for want of the guiding light of spirituality, it couldn?t really make a positively constructive, viable and righteous use of its mammoth wealth of knowledge of the principles underlying the physical phenomena.

 Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,
Shiv Sharma








 

Hama Badalenge – Yuga Badalega.= Pujya Gurudev

Hama Badalenge – Yuga Badalega.

Solemn Pledge (Yug Nirman Satsankalpa)

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

1.    Firmly believing in the Omnipresence of God and His Unfailing justice, we pledge to abide the essential disciplines of Divine principles (Dharma).
 2.    Regarding the body as the Temple of God, we will be ever watchful to keep it healthy and full of vitality by adopting the principles of self-restraint, order and harmony in our daily-lives.
 3.    With a view to keeping our minds free from the inrush of negative thoughts and emotions, we will adopt a regular program of study of ennobling and inspiring literature (swadhyaya) and of keeping the company of saints (satsang).
 4.  We will vigilantly exercise strict control over our senses, thoughts, emotions and in the spending of our time and resources.
 5.    We will consider ourselves inseparable parts of the society and will see our good in the good of all.
 6.    We will abide by basic moral code, refrain from wrong doing and will discharge our duties as citizens committed to the well-being of the society.
 7.    We will earnestly and firmly imbibe in our lives the virtues of Wisdom, Honesty, Responsibility and Courage.
 8.    We will constantly and sincerely endeavour to create an environment of loving kindness, cleanliness, simplicity and goodwill.
 9.    We will prefer failure while adhering to basic moral principles to so-called success obtained through unfair and foul means.
 10.    We will never evaluate a person's greatness by his worldly success, talents and riches but by his righteous conduct and thoughts.
 11.    We will never do unto others what we would not like to be done unto us.
 12.    Men and women while interacting with each other will have feelings of mutual respect and understanding based on purity of thoughts and emotions.
 13.    We will regularly and religiously contribute a portion of our time, talents and resources for spreading nobility and righteousness in the world.
 14.    We will give precedence to discriminating wisdom over blind traditions.
 15.    We will actively involve ourselves in bringing together people of goodwill, in resisting evil and injustice, and in promoting New Creation.
 16.    We will remain committed to the principles of national unity and equality of all human beings. In our conduct, we will not make any discrimination between person and person on the basis of caste, creed, color, religion, region, language or gender.
 17.    We firmly believe that each human being is the maker of his own destiny. With this conviction, we will uplift and transform ourselves and help others in doing so. We believe the world will then automatically change for the better.

Our Motto is: 'Hama Badalenge – Yuga Badalega', 'Hama Sudharenge – Yuga Sudhrega'. The trends of our times will transform, when we transform ourselves. When we reform ourselves, the world will be reformed.

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,
Shiv Sharma

SANSKAR = Pujya Gurudev

Sacramental Rites (Sanskar)

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

The ancient Indian rishis were scientists of spirituality, consciousness and Nature. Their acumen into the deepest depth of human mind had enabled them to develop a perfect science of systematic refinement and escalation of intrinsic faith and inherent tendencies of human self. They had developed the system of shodash sanskaras – sixteen sacraments – in this regard for the benefit of the masses.  These sixteen sacraments are methods of conditioning and training  or experiments of purification of accumulated instincts and inculcation of virtuous tendencies, performed during specific transitional phases of life.

The combination of powerful mantras and procedures of yagya associated with each of these rituals had resulted from long-term dedicated research conducted by the rishis. This system of shodash sanskaras was devised to affect the subtle levels of human consciousness and hence had  an impact on the psychology, endocrine system and genetic machinery too.  The shodash sanskaras are integral part of the Indian culture and philosophy of life.

The modern age saw a deformed ‘short-cut’ version of the shodash sanskaras propagated and performed by the so-called Hindu ‘priests’ professionally in the name of religious rituals. Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya a sagacious spiritual scholar, devoted saint and social reformer had pioneered revival of the original tradition of shodash sanskaras along with elucidation of different facets of Indian philosophy in scientific light.

Considering the mode of living, attitude towards life and spiritual level of an average person in today’s society, Acharya Sharma had found that six out of the sixteen (shodash) samkaras cannot be performed in present circumstances. As would be expected from a foresighted inventor, he, rather than sticking to  rigid traditions, modified the list of shodash sanskaras to serve the basic purpose effectively in modern conditions. He added four new methods and disciplines to this system which are most relevant in the modern age and which are to be performed regularly throughout the span of one’s life.

These new sanskaras are – janma-diwasa, vivaha-diwasa, diksha and shikha. The ten sanskaras of the ancient system which were retained by him with their original teachings are – punsavana, namakaran, annaprashana, mundana, vidyarambha, yagyopavita, vivaha, vanaprastha, antyeshti and shraddha-tarpana. He had analyzed the scientific foundation and effects of each of them in detail and had explained them in simple language for educating the masses.  

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru

Shiv Sharma  

Veda means Supreme Knowledge= Pujya Gurudev

Divine Message of Vedas

     =Pt. Sriram Sharma Acharya

                                                =Bhagwati Devi Sharma
Veda means Supreme Knowledge.

 (1)Rikved 

(2)Yajurved

(3)Atharvaved 

(4)Samved 

are four branches of knowledge.
(1) RikVed: Spiritual wellbeing and fulfilment, self realization, peace of mind, Brahma-Nirvana, dutifulness, love,Tapas, compassion, beneficence, generosity, service etc., fall under Rigved.
(2) Yajurved:  Generosity, valour, courage, gallantry, self defence, leadership, fame, victory, power, dignity etc., fall under Yajurved.
(3) Samved: Samdev deals with games, sports, amusement, recreation, music, arts, literature, sensual enjoyment ,beauty, harmony, poetic imagery dynamism, refined taste, gratification etc.
(4) Atharv Veda: Wealth, prosperity, accumulation of money and resources, medicines, food grains, materials, metals, buildings, vehicles, animals and similar other materials of worldly wellbeing fall within the purview of Atharva Veda.
If the subtle and material, internal and external activities and imaginations of any living being are seriously and scientifically examined, it will appear that its entire consciousness moves within these four spheres.The current of knowledge of all living-beings flows only in the four directions of (1) Rik-spiritual wellbeing and fulfilment ,(2) Yaju- val-our, (3) Sam- enjoyment, and (4) Atharva- prosperity. Rik is also known as righteousness, Yajur as liberation (Moksha), Sam as sensual pleasure (Kam) and Atharva as prosperity (Arth).

The differences in interpretation of the Veds are not a present day phenomenon only. It used to happen in ancient times also. Modern scholars have revealed the original aim of the Veds by analyzing the Vedic mantras, and have represented in very clear and easily understandable form the core knowledge, advice and the principles of truth enshrined in them, so that even an ordinary reader can understand and benefit from them. In the below given books the essence of selected 'richas' (stanzas) with explanations from an impartial view and with proper aims.

Veds Divine Message Part I-Brahmanism
Veds Divine Message Part II-Spiritual Power
Veds Divine Message Part III-Character Formation
Veds Divine Message Part IV-Eradication of Evil Activities
Veds Divine Message Part V-Family and Health
Read Article/Books Related to Ved

Read Upnishads:-> (1) Brahmavidhya Khand (2) Gyan Khand (3) Sadhana Khand
Read Darshan:-> (1) Vedant Darshan (2) Sankhyayog Darshan (3) Yog Darshan

                 The basic axiom behind all successes in the world is tremendous will-power. Based on its strength only learning, wealth and gadgets are produced. This is the support on which spiritual tapasya(penances) and sadhanas are dependent. This is that divine strength by which, the man who is born empty handed. dazzles the world by becoming rich and powerful. Those. who make their will power very strong and then try for progress & success in life, will never be unsuccessful nor disappointed.
                      All our problems can be solved by the Indian culture and the Indian way of thinking. The government can protect your rights but it cannot control the thought process which is the root - cause of all your happiness and misery. This can be achieved by spiritual upliftment only.
                 The Indian Culture alone has the real strength to turn man into a true human being. It teaches us that man is born to love man and certainly not for quarreling and fighting.-
            Veds are the eternal utterances of God, the Suporeme Father. Through the Veds we get the best type of material and spiritual knowledge. Regular study of the Veds keeps us away from sins and increases hope and joy in life. Makin life peaceful, the Veds take us away from the bad path and lead to the good path and make life peaceful and pure. Whenever the mind gets disturbed, veds alert us and also guide us.
              The reader is requested to read this book with faith, think deeply on its contents and become determined to go ahead on the path of duty.

               The Veds are books on material as well as spiritual knowledge. Because their language is very ancient and not well-known, differences have been found among learned persons regarding their interpretation, but there is absolutely no doubt that high-level spiritual principles. learning, arts and practical knowledge are contained in them. Since all this knowledge has been given very concisely in the form of 'Sutras' or axioms in one of two stanzas, all the readers are not able to understand their aims immediately, but on the basis of the 'richas', the learned ones have created great books of large size on spiritualism which have been providing inspiration and guidance for thousands of years to the spiritual seekers who want to progress on the path of excellence.
            The aim and guidance obtained from the Veds prove beneficial and uplifting to every human being.

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma