The Real Art II = Pujya Gurudev

The Real Art of Human Alchemy

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

So if Upasana is so fulfilling, you may like to know more about it! What you have to do in Upasana? The first and most important step is self-refinement. Not only the neatness of the body and surroundings, more importantly, the cleansing of the mind counts more in this respect. There would be no reflection of light from an opaque or covered mirror; you can�t see any image in it if it is dirty or hazy. If you look at the surface of a clean and still pond of water in daytime, you can easily see your face in it. But it won�t be possible to do so if the water is dirty or turbulent. How would you see the image of God if your mind were not clean and calm? Therefore, the first thing you need to do before sitting near God is purifying yourself.

The rituals of panchakarma you practice in the beginning of your daily Gayatri Upasana symbolize this process. These five rituals are pavitrikarana, acamana, shikhavandana, pranayama, and nyasa; these are performed with chanting of specific mantras. In pavitrikarana, you take some water in your right hand and sprinkle it on the body while chanting its mantra with a feeling that all your impurities of the body and extrovert conduct are being cleansed. Then you do acamana three times, each time chanting a mantra and drinking a spoon of water (kept in your right palm). This is to remind you to keep your mind, speech and actions (both mental and physical) pure and disciplined. The water goes in via your tongue each time.

This signifies the importance of contemplation on the tongue. It is the most vulnerable of our sense organs; greed begins with its passion of delicious food; anger also is expressed first through the abusive words uttered by the tongue. This ritual teaches you to restrain both. What you eat should be fresh, austere and nutritious; eat only what is essential for good health. Also control your speech. Speak thoughtfully and soberly. In shikhavandana you are supposed to take some water in the left hand, soak the fingers of the right hand in it for a few moments and then keep these fingers with chanting of a mantra, on the root of the shikha (hair knot).

Shikha is a sacred symbol, like the sacred thread (yagyopavita), of the core ideals of the Indian Culture. Beneath its root inside the skull, lies the suture � an important junction of neuronal and blood supply channels in the brain. This spot is of great importance in yoga as well. Shikha stands like a flag, symbolizing our faith in noble values of the Rishi Culture. The ritual of shikhavandana is like saluting the great culture, paying reverence to Gayatri � the Primordial Universal Power, the Goddess of pure knowledge, enlightened wisdom and divine virtues. Shikha serves like an antenna to receive the beatifying illumination inspired by the cosmic force of Gayatri; deep engrossment in this feeling of shikhavandan during sincere practice of panchakarma every day indeed induces spiritual vibrations and majestic effects. Pranayama is an important yoga-exercise of harmonized breathing for physical and mental well-being.

 Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

The Real Art = Pujya Gurudev

The Real Art of Human Alchemy

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

The Real Art of Human Alchemy-1 (Translation of a discourse on "Paras Ko Chhukara Sona Banane Ka Tarika") Let us begin with the collective chanting ofthe Gayatri Mantra: | | Om BhurbuvahSwah, Tatsaviturvarenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, Dhiyo YonahPracodayat | | Sisters and Brothers, Your powers, your potentials are limited. May be, they would be sufficient for your sustenance and for raising your family as per the common trends. But this capability is gifted by Nature to every creature in some form or the other! You have also been gifted with hands, legs, eyes, etc and the wonderful system of the body, intellect and the ability to earn. Still what you could do on your own is rather restricted, confined to the average levels of natural capabilities of many others like you.

You can't rise beyond a certain level by yourself. If you want to ascend beyond your best talents and endeavors, you need to take the support of the Supreme Self- God, the Preeminent, Omniscient, and Omnipotent source of infinite virtues and powers. What is God? Well, if you want a definition of the infinite, you may regard Him as a limitless source of cosmic consciousness force and supreme ensemble of virtuous qualities and powers. As you know, an electrical powerhouse in a city supplies power-currents to every household, roads and offices, etc.

 Varieties of machines, instruments, fans, bulbs, etc, all run with the help of this electricity. How will they run if their connection with the power generator is disrupted or insulated? Similar would be the case of instruments requiring other kinds of energies. So you see, connection with the power-generator is essential. You can't accomplish extraordinary tasks without having extraordinary abilities; linking of yourself with the Supernatural power-source is necessary for awakening and expanding your paranormal potentials.

The process of connecting the individual, limited self with the Supreme, Unlimited Self is called - Upasana.

The word "Upasana" in Sanskrit means  to sit near. If you sit near a fireplace, you would feel the heat; you would shiver with cold if you were in an ice factory or on a snow-covered mountain. Sitting near (being in the close company of) someone puts you under the influence of his qualities; this induction flows from higher (more intense) to the lower levels of the particular qualities which you lack or which you are not so strong at.The trees and surroundings near a big sandalwood tree also smell of sandal. Your upasana (worship, devotion) of God should also be so dedicated that it envelopes your being in the divine aura of His grace, inspires your inner self and links your consciousness with the omnipresent supreme consciousness-force.

It is said that the magic stone named "Paras" transforms everything that touches it, into gold.

I do not know whether such a stone has been seen and tested in any laboratory. But it is certain that touching (getting associated with) the source of divine light enlightens everyone with its unalloyed radiance, which is brighter and more precious than gold. Have you heard of the drop of Swati (raindrop falling in swati nakshatra)? When a drop of Swati falls in the oyster, it is gradually transformed into a pearl. But what if they don't meet? The drop will disappear in the streams of rainwater or get absorbed in the soil if it falls elsewhere.

The oyster would remain like any other shell on the seashore if it does not open its mouth to take the Swati drop. You will also have to surrender yourself to the beatifying grace of God, to purify yourself to adopt the divine virtues if you want to turn your otherwise negligible tiny drop of life into a shining pearl.(Countinue)

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Siddhi through Sadhana-II, Pujya Gurudev

The Process of achieving Siddhi through Sadhana

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

A farmer has to take lot of pains to transform an uneven and barren field into fertile land. An expert gardener is able to convert a wild haphazard growth of the forest into a beautiful park or a garden by his skills of horticulture. Health enthusiasts engaged in the Sadhana of bodybuilding succeed in making the body strong and attractive. Such a body earns the person the name and fame of a renowned wrestler. In order to channelise the strength of otherwise useless and dangerous wild animals for utilitarian needs, man has persevered for long and developed the science of animal husbandry. The wild big cats of the jungle, which may otherwise maul and kill a human being, start earning huge profits for a person who trains them properly. It is a miracle of Sadhana. According to anthropologists, original ancestors of human beings had also the traits of wild animals. It has been convincingly proved that man has reached his present state of development through several stages of evolution starting from the category of apes.

During this process of evolution, he has developed his intellectual, physical and communication skills. He has made numerous achievements in the fields of education, medicine, sculpture, fine arts, farming, transportation etc. But all this has not happened suddenly. It is the result of hundreds of thousands of years of Sadhana of development. Had he not erected the existing frameworks of social structure, governance, philosophy, religion, culture, ethics etc., basically, he would not have been better than apes. With the aid of persistent Sadhana in the field of science, mankind has received miraculous boons from nature. In the absence of such single-pointed efforts, none of the present scientific achievements would have been possible. Even today, in those parts of the earth, where the light of civilization has not yet reached, the aborigines are living an animal-like existence. From the abovementioned examples, it is very clear that nothing happens accidentally or unexpectedly in this world. All the movements, from the mysterious workings of nature to the rise and fall of human beings, are inexorably bound by the laws of cause and effect.

Due to our ignorance of this process, we might call it fate, destiny, will of God, etc. but the facts confirm the validity of the principle of achievement of Siddhi through Sadhana, at each step.

This world is full of means and materials of comfort and luxury. Most of us crave to acquire as many of them as possible. However, mostly this craving exceeds our modest needs and develops into a tendency of unbridled accumulation by fair means or foul. Why does it happen, after all? Why should the highest creation of God - mankind - live in such hellish conditions of utter dissolution and disgrace? The question is really difficult but the answer is very simple. One can buy anything in this world by paying its price. All of us have received the body, vital force, earth, sky, sun, air, clouds, etc. as free gifts from nature much before we were born.

Now, in order to acquire anything else, we will have to promptly employ our physical and mental resources. Beyond that, one also has to develop the magnetism of refined personality. Essentially, this is the force that attracts the desired success. The virtues of hard work, dedication and an excellent moral character are invaluable treasures kept in the locker of our inner being. One can buy with them the coveted achievements at all levels and in every sphere of life. From which planet or stars can the goddess of prosperity descend on an undeserving person? How can the rainwater be accumulated on a mound? How can vegetation be grown on a barren rock? Even the downpours of the monsoons would not be able to do it. For a blind person, this beautiful world would continue to be eternally dark. An individual, whose eardrums have been damaged, is, forever, deprived of the musical sounds. This world, which is the most beautiful artistic creation of God, would appear to be in disorder to an insane person. Wise men know that it is difficult to remove the thorns from the entire path and hence one has to wear the shoes in order to protect himself. If we desire to see the world in the green colour, there is no other option but to wea The foundation of Jeevan Sadhana (disciplining of one�s own life pattern), is shraddha (faith) which has been held supreme in the spiritual texts.

As a matter of fact, the deities believed to be present in the statues of temples, manifest concretely in response to a devotee�s living faith. The visible circumstances are only the result of the invisible internal thought processes. The toxicity present in the blood appears in the form of ulcers and tumors. The leaves, flowers and fruits of a tree do not materialize in space. They owe their existence to the nutrients sucked by the invisible roots. Similarly, the source of extraordinary talents lies deep within the inner-self. One may express his gratitude to some deity, mantra or talisman for the boon of these virtues but the fact remains that not a single instance can be cited when any deity has favoured an undeserving person or bestowed a boon beyond the merit of the devotee, as a result of some mechanical rituals of worship. The evaluation of a person is done on the touchstone of integrity, which is tested in terms of purity of character and the refinement of intellect. The purity of character is reflected in the form of the magnanimity and farsighted wisdom, whereas the refinement of intellect is manifested in the form of celibacy, self-control, penance and idealism. Those who have manifested these virtues shone like stars in the sky and earned lasting name and fame. On the contrary, those who have remained in the grip of the carnal desires or have chosen to wallow in the swamp of worldly attachments, might have, at the most, found recognition amongst the people of their own ilk, but they would always be regarded by the wise as pigmies whatever their age or attainment be. The acquisition of Siddhi of invisible powers of nature through Sadhana is not wrong.

God has been showering his grace on each and every constituent of this universe incessantly and will continue to do so till eternity. However, the degree of benefit received through His benevolence by an individual depends exclusively on his/her level of merit. The food articles are found in abundance in this world. They are within the reach of all the living beings. Nevertheless, an ant selects the type and quantity of food according to its capacity and an elephant acquires its food in accordance with the need of its belly. There is no shortage of the grace or the boons of the Creator. There is no need of any begging, too.

What is required is to prove one�s eligibility or worthiness. The objective of prayer or Sadhana is the augmentation of this eligibility or worthiness.r spectacles of that colour. World is like a mirror. Whatever is seen here is, infact, one�s own reflected image. Had it not been true, how, out of the two neighbors, putting up in the same environment, one would have been blessed with success and the other suffered failure? The world is like an echo from the well. Here one�s own actions keep on reflecting back as reactions.

The forests attract the clouds and force them to rain. Droplets of dew are seen to be deposited on the tiny leaves of plants. The magnetism of blossoming flowers attracts the honeybees, butterflies and the humming bees. A blooming youth automatically becomes the center of attraction. The talent invites several admirers and followers. These are the miracles of magnetism. Similarly the magnetism of Sadhana invites the invisible divine powers and impels them to shower their boons. The process of upgradation of the levels of physical activity, the mental thinking and the sentiments combined with the transmutation of animal instincts into divine traits has been called the science of Sadhana. The principle of achieving Siddhi through Sadhana is well established. In the materialistic world, industrious persons are seen to achieve the desired goals through relevant Sadhana.

Self-upliftment is also a specific process of acquiring the special attributes of super-consciousness. The principle of achieving success in this field is the same as that in the materialistic world. Sadhaks practice the Sadhana of Jeevan devata (the life deity). They endeavor to uplift both the internal and external facets of life. The excellence in thought and deed make things beautiful and systematic. That is why cultivating a garden out of wild growth, taming of wild animals for utilitarian purposes, and converting a crude person into a balanced personality has been called Sadhana. The miracles of this very process are scattered all over this visible world. The literature moulds the direction of thinking. The creativity produces resources and comforts. It is the aim of Sadhana to make one�s self a kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree) laden with the fruits of virtues. The human life is a visible deity. Those who are able to invoke this deity are assured of Siddhi, prosperity and an extraordinary success in the materialistic world and Riddhi, the supernatural achievements of the spiritual world. On the other hand, ignorant persons keep on prostrating, flattering and entreating their imaginary deities and ultimately get disgusted in despair and end up expressing their faithlessness in the deity.

The wise men are advised to see the reality, even though it may be tough and an onerous task. The greed of easy success generally generates despair and it is this frustration that leads to atheism. The people eager to get divine boons without merit may seem to be devout in the beginning, but ultimately they turn out to be atheists. This is because the law of nature cannot be changed according to the whims of an impatient greedy person. Had it been possible to get invaluable achievements by such shortcuts as puja-path (mere idol worship), without acquiring the merit or paying its cost through an earnest effort, then, no person in this world would care to develop his personality and move on a virtuous path. It must be emphasized again that it is the �Life� that is God. Sooner this fact is realized, better it is. Those who are able to accept and digest this eternal truth are fortunate, because the opportunity of getting innumerable gifts associated with the human birth is available only to such persons. In future, also they will be reserved for them.

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Lights of Memoirs = Pujya Gurudev

Beacon Lights are These Memoirs

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

The lives of great persons are an all time inspiration for the youth. Their remembrance acts as a beacon which illuminates the mind when it is engulfed in darkness. When the mind is bewildered and seeks a way out the anecdotes from the lives of great personages show the right path. The young men and women today often find themselves on the crossroads. Situations arise when they can not decide what to do and which way to go. Many dilemmas and questions surround them. In such times these shining examples dispel the darkness and act as an anchor.

These great souls were once there where we are today. They too were faced with the common problems of life – economic hardship, family responsibility, kin expectations and the like. They too had ambitions. The doors to a bright career beckoned them too. But at the same time sentiments of public weal and larger goal pulsated somewhere inside them. One door led to security and comfort; the other opened on to complete uncertainty and attendant risks. But they overcame the dilemma, steeled themselves and finally made their bold decisions. We too should not shy away from taking courageous steps. Challenges, of course, are there; visions of a cozy future allure too. But still these things are not so important as to forsake human dignity and core values for them.

Maharishi Aurobindo was highly talented. He was very proficient in complex languages like Latin and Hebrew. All the members of the family, especially his father had pinned great hopes on his becoming an ICS officer. Aurobindo did qualify in the ICS examination. But his heart was not there; it beat for the country. There was a burning desire in his to serve the shackled motherland. There was no dearth of advisers and advices: “One can serve the country even by remaining in the ICS”, “If you are on a high post you can serve the poor and the needy even better”, “Merit should not be wasted”, and so on and so forth. The hopes of the family, the plethora of advices, the tears of the near and dear ones, all would often encircle him. But Sri Aurobindo surmounted these entrapments and emerged free.

He said, “To be talented does not mean to be self-serving. To what purpose is this talent which makes one insensitive? Talent is indeed the inner consciousness which has oriented itself towards light; it should not lose its way again into darkness”. To the advisers his reply was – “It is true that I might possibly achieve much by joining the ICS, but I certainly can not struggle for emancipation of the country.” Finally he took the brave decision, the decision to undergo pain and suffering for the sake of the motherland. And once he had taken this initial step, many other bold steps followed in succession.

Many a time he faced emotional dilemma, as a major part of his adolescence period Aurobindo had lived a virtually lonely life. His mother was not in a sound mental condition. Father was strict by nature. For studies Aurobindo had to remain away from home. This loneliness affected him often. Meanwhile he was married to Mrinalini. The latter was a simple lady. Like other women she too liked to see her husband engage himself in day to day chores of the family and lead a peaceful and secure life away from the problems and complexities of the world. But Sri Aurobindo’s thinking was different. He said. “Personal love can not be greater than and take precedence over the higher ideals of life. For higher objective everything else could be forsaken, but not the vice-versa.” Mrinalini could understand this truth quite late. By that time her time to leave this world had come. Bearing this pain with fortitude Sri Aurobindo continued to tread his own chosen path firmly.

The life of Sri Aurobindo was a great inspiration for Subhash Chandra Bose whose heart thrilled at the very remembrance of the former. He too had qualified for ICS, but he had no interest in becoming a collector and leading a life of comfort under a colonial regime. The family put great pressure on him and tried its utmost to dissuade him, but to no avail. Subhash Bose remained unwavering.

He told the family, “A life of sacrifice, simple living and noble thinking, service to the motherland and sacrificing everything in this cause are the notions that attract me very much. The very idea of becoming subservient to a colonial bureaucracy repels me. For me the path of Aurobindo Ghosh, even though thorny, is much nobler, loftier and inspiring.”

These are some of the great personages whose glory is engraved in time. But there are many others, no less great, who have not been able to find prominence in the annals of history. Their imprints however are still fresh because not much time has passed since their departure from this world.

Swami Atmanand of Sri Krishna Ashram, Raipur was one such great person. He had topped the Nagpur University with a first class in M. Sc. (Mathematics), and had cleared the ICS examination too with distinction. Many doors of material and worldly achievement were open before him. The family members were overjoyed at the brilliant success of this young son. They had formed their own dreams and visions about Atmanand’s future. But Atmanand himself had other ideas. He had installed Swami Vivekanand in his mind and heart. The flame of atmanomokshartha jagadvahitaya was burning in his interior. He preferred service, sacrifice and sensitivity to indulgence. Self refinement and service to humanity was the path he chose for himself. His young and talented brothers too followed in his wake. The social service work done by them in Chhattisgarh is a continuing source of inspiration for the youth now.

Swami Atmanand would often say in his discourses, “Talent is a divine gift. Its right application is not in leading a life of indulgence and comfort, but in developing the spirit of humble service.”

Even though Swami Atmanand was formally associated with Sri Ramkrishna Mission, he had emotional links with Yugrishi Pt. Sriram Sharma Acharya. When Gurudev was in Mathura, Atmanand had helped him in spreading the message of scientific spirituality. His sudden demise occurred in a vehicle accident. When Gurudev heard of this he remarked that Atmanand was a gifted person who used his talent and youth for the right and meaningful purpose. Gurudev recalled many anecdotes of his association with Atmanand and urged the youth to seek inspiration from his life.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Siddhi through Sadhana-I, = Pujya Gurudev

The Process of achieving Siddhi through Sadhana

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

“The process of upgradation of the levels of physical activity, the mental thinking and the sentiments combined with the transmutation of animal instincts into the divine traits has been called the science of Sadhana”.

              In materialistic terms, sadhana means an effort or endeavor done to achieve a specific goal; and siddhi means an accomplishment or the success achieved in that direction. However in the spiritual world, it is a common belief that the siddhis (meaning supernatural powers) are showered by the deities and that sadhana is supplication for the same. In the modern context, when everything has to pass the test of scientific validity, let us try to understand the basic principles underlying the achievement of siddhi through sadhana. In order to simplify things, let us begin with few examples. We all know that iron is in the form of an ore, when mined from earth. It is purified by the Agni Sanskar (the process of heat treatment, in this case called smelting). Iron ore, in its crude form, is useless. It can neither serve as clay nor as a metal, whereas, after smelting the purified iron can be moulded into a variety of appliances, components of machines and parts of weaponry. This is how the utility and importance of the crude ore is enhanced.

                 The medicines like Lohasava, Lohabhasma Mandurbhasma and other iron tonics manufactured by pharmacists contain this ordinary iron as an essential ingredient. These medicines ameliorate the sufferings of many chronic patients. The credit of transmutation of an insignificant piece of crude iron ore into a refined metal of immense utility goes to the Agni Sanskar. A crude lump of gold changes into an attractive ornament in the hands of a goldsmith. However, in this development, it has to pass through many processes e.g. heating, hammering, scratching etc. The value of other metals too increases manifold when they are converted from their original form into articles of utility. The price of a piece of stone is negligible, but after going through a prolonged process of hammering and chiseling by the sculptor, it becomes a precious idol of a deity. (Countinue)

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Rishi Culture-II = Pujya Gurudev

The Holy Himalayas and the Glorious Rishi Culture

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Why refer the Himalayas as "Devatma" (embodied divinity)? Because divine spirit indwells the serene ambience of these great heights. The Himalayas appear to be the playfield of God. You can feel His subtle presence here. Many elevated souls - the rishis, great yogis and spiritual masters - have pursued long-term sadhanas here and invoked divine powers; many continue to do so even now in the intractable regions of the Himalayas. The divine Indian Culture is a majestic bequest bestowed on us by our rishis of Vedic Age, whose devout spiritual endeavors intensified the divine aura pervading the Himalayas. This temple is to remind you of their angelic sadhanas and this mission of ours is an attempt to revive, to the extent possible, the Rishi Culture - the divine Indian Culture.

Let us look at some of these efforts and introspect whether and to what level we have imbibed the noble values of the Rishi Culture in our lives. The great rishi (maharshi) Ved Vyas had written eighteen Puranas and the Darshanas. In an attempt to remind people of the Vedic scriptures, as my homage to the maharishi, I have translated the compilations of the four Vedas and the six Darshanas in Hindi so that vast majority of people in the present times, who may not be scholars of Sanskrit or Vedic Literature, would also get an opportunity to study and benefit from these invaluable pearls of knowledge. You all have heard of yoga. Do you know who was the great rishi, who discovered through personal experience this great science of healthy, happy and illumined human life? Yes! It was Maharshi Patanjali. His treatise on "Ashtanga Yoga" is the magnum opus for guiding researchers and practitioners of yoga since yore. He had researched and carried out enormous types of yoga-experiments on his own body and mind. In the sadhana courses here, we also teach the yoga-asanas, prañayams and meditation practices most suitable for present times. The discourses here aim to enlighten the students with the rare pieces of knowledge of the philosophy of the "Ashtang Yoga" and its roots in the spiritual science of consciousness.

I have experimented it on myself sincerely and have been blessed by its immeasurable beneficial effects. All the sadhakas who teach you and give you practical demonstration here have also practiced it thoroughly. Rishi Yagyavalkya,(likewise Rishi Kanad) is notable among the Vedic seer-sages who discovered the science of Nature and methods of benefiting from it while also maintaining its perfect balance and resources. He also had undergone rigorous sadhanas in the Himalayas. He grasped the principles of Yagya underlying the visible and invisible systems of Nature and systematized the Vedic Science of Yagya. He had developed the experimental methods of doing Yagya as a fire-ritual with chanting of Vedic Mantras and sacrificing of selected herbs/plant medicines. Yagya was an integral part of people’s life and used to play a key role in their physical and mental well-being. But, this superscience got distorted in the vicissitudinous tides of time; and largely became only an elaborate ritual of arbitrarily putting into fire tons of ghee and precious metals and even animals. As a result the scientific thinkers and wise people spurned it and discarded its practice.

The challenge of reinvestigating, confirming and expanding this ancient science in new light was taken up by our mission. We have been able to achieve success in this endeavor to a great extent. The yagya you do here at Shantikunj every day, the path-breaking scientific research in the Yagyopathy lab at our research centre "Bramvarchas Shodh Sansthan" and its findings, the revival of the original method of performing yagya and its dissemination among the masses, are standing examples of this success. We have to reestablish and expand Yagya-based therapies to counter the psychosomatic disorders and dreaded diseases that are infecting and killing more and more people today. Rishi Vishwamitra had attained the preeminent knowledge of Gayatri by devout tapashcarya and spiritual sadhanas in this Himalayan land. The Gayatri Mantra that we chant here was revealed to him in syllabic form. In the classification of this supreme Vedic Hymn you may find that the divine power center associated with this mantra is Savita and its rishi is Vishwamitra. You may find his idol enshrined in front of the temple of Goddess Gayatri here in Shantikunj. I have performed 24 mahapurashcaranas3 of Gayatri. The sadhana of Gayatri Mantra has been the root, the nectar-source of our mission’s origin and ascent. I regard Rishi Vishwamitra as my Guru and pay my reverence to him.

You should not be surprised to know that my noble Guru in this life, who is in the Himalayas, is incarnation of Rishi Vishwamitra only. Such are the supernormal powers of these great Himalayan yogis! Beyond our imagination! You must have heard of Rishi Bhagirath and his ascetic tapashcarya in the Himalayas to bring the heavenly Ganga on the earth.

The scriptures describe that if the holy Ganga had directly descended from the heavens, its gigantic force would have shattered the earth into pieces. Therefore, as a reward for Bhagirath’s supreme Tapasya, Lord Shiva controlled the flow of the Ganga by giving it shelter on His head. From there its currents emerged in the form of a stream. As it followed the path of rishi Bhagirath who was walking ahead, the sacred river is also named as Bhagirathi. Well, the narration has deep philosophical significance. What is important for us at present is to recognize what our ancient rishis have beatified us with. And ponder over what we have done to the divine culture they had founded!

Rishi Bhagirath is not there in physical form with us but the place where he carried out his epochal tapa-sadhana is - it is the Bhagirath Shila, a rock besides Gaurikund near Gangotri. As per the guidance and inspiration of my Guru, I have also carried out one year’s ascetic tapa-sadhana, anushthaana, sitting on the Bhagirath Shila. This was before commencing our "Vichar Kranti Abhiyan" aimed at resurrecting the Ganga of divine knowledge in this world, with a view to awakening and enlightening the masses. Our Vichar Kranti movement is to purify peoples’ intellect, and give a constructive, righteous direction to their thinking; to make them happy, bright and righteous in heart, head and conduct.

                Tapa and Sadhana have been an integral part of every moment of the lives of the rishis. I have also tried to follow their tradition. It is the impact of the tapa-sadhanas of the rishis that has enriched the Himalayas with divine spiritual vibrations. Otherwise what is so distinct here - the marvelous height, snow peaks, the amazing beauty of Nature? But these things can be found in some other mountains, elsewhere in the world as well. This unique, majestic glory of the Himalayas is because of the Rishi Culture that originated and flourished here. This is why the great tirthas - the ’Char Dham’ of pilgrimage are also here; maximum number of rivers of the world emerge from here and feed nearly one-sixth of the population of the world; there are four Gupta Kashis and five paradise - like lakes here, the paeans of which are sung at length in the Vedic religious scriptures. It seems all the treasure of Nature, all the sublime vibrations of divinity and sources of spiritual illumination and ascent have been gathered and condensed here in the Himalayas.

                  Little efforts of spiritual elevation, noble deeds here result in manifold beatitudeous effects. If there were paradise anywhere on the earth, it must have been here. Obeying the subtle instructions of the Himalayan Rishis, I am trying to develop Shantikunj as a live tirtha that will remind people how the tirthas used to be during the time of these rishis, and will also serve the purpose of a true tirtha where one gets virtuous light, practical guidance and courage to follow the path of authentic spirituality. The spiritual ambience here rejuvenates one from within and elevates one’s noble tendencies.

              Rishi Parashuram was blessed by Lord Shiva who gave him a divine ’axe’, which the rishi had used to ’destroy’ evil-minded people on the earth for twenty-one times. This is a rhetoric narration. The ’axe’ and use of the ’axe to destroy’ people symbolize that he was gifted with chiseled courage and trenchant reformative skills to uproot the vices from people’s mind and eliminate the evil tendencies pervading the lives of the mighty kings. As suitable and relevant today, our Vichar Kranti Abhiyan is also doing the same. Also, the reformative programmes of our Yug Nirman Yojana of personal, familial and social upliftment are aimed at the same purpose - elimination of the outmoded customs, corrupt mentality and ignorance, refinement of attitude, establishment of angelic human values. Almost all the rishis of the ancient times and many great spiritual sages of the later times have chosen Himalayas for conducting their sadhana experiments. Following them, I have also made similar attempt. In view of its great responsibilities as an institute for spiritual refinement of the masses, I have chosen to establish Shantikunj in Hardwar on way to Rishikesh. Hardwar is the doorstep of Himalayan region.

                     At the same time, the climate here is bearable by ordinary people. Going further high to the snow-covered mountains in chilling weather with bare minimum accessories would make life difficult for many of you. Up till this place (Sapt-Sarovar, in Hardwar), the purity of the Ganga is also fairly well maintained*. So this is an ideal location for an Ashram like Shantikunj. Most importantly, as I told you earlier, this is the place where Ashrams of the seven preeminent Vedic Rishis existed. (To be continued in the next issue) *Remark: The densely populated cities throwing dirt in the holy river are far away from Hardwar. The crowds throwing flowers, grains and what not on religious occasions are distant and the practices of throwing dead bodies also start later on its way to the Bay of Bengal. So far, air-pollution has not reached here and the natural serenity of the river has been protected. Notes: 1. Sapatarshis: Seven rishis of the Age-of-Truth, who propounded the Vedic Culture. 2. Siddhas (people endowed with angelic powers and supernormal talents) 3. Purashcarana: The supreme level anushthana of 2400, 000 japa sadhanas of the Gayatri Mantra under distinct ascetic disciplines.

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Positive Thoughts-2 = Pujya Gurudev

Creativity is Developed by Noble and Positive Thoughts

= Pt. ShriRam Sharma Acharya

“A no bhadrah kratavo yantu visvatoadabdhaso aparitasaa udbhidah Deva no yatha sadmid vrdhe asannaprayuvo raksitaro dive-dive. “

- Yajurveda 25/14

"Let benevolent, harmless, free and fruitful ideas come to us from all sides, so that the vigilant and protector gods continually make us prosper." Creative thinking is always oriented towards the good of all. Creative thinking means developing such a cast of mind which remains untouched by envy, anger, greed and other such destructive dispositions. Only a mind pulsating with positive emotions of joy, good will, equality, peace and forgiveness is the creative mind, because only in such a mind the creative impulses are at their peak. Not only this, even the physical health does not remain unaffected by its beneficial effects. The mind casts a direct impact upon our nervous system and the various organs of the body. Even the surroundings are affected by ones mental state.
The emanating thought currents are potent enough to influence them. If the mind is pure, refined and energic creative thinking reaches such an exalted level that its effect may endure for centuries. Great personages have been able to inspire and induce great changes in the world on the strength of their powerful cast of mind. Remember, thoughts are shot from the mind like boomerangs. After piercing the target they come back to the person generating those thoughts. So, if we are sending out good, positive and creative thought signals, they travel through the world of ideas and reach the intended persons.
These thought signals return to us carrying with them the blessings, goodwill and greetings of the people and make us feel inspired, elated and encouraged. Conversely, when destructive and negative thoughts fly towards the target, they bring negative reactions. If the target happens to be more powerful, the negative thoughts fail to penetrate them and boomerang on us with double speed. Even if they succeed in denting the target, they still return and hit us with negative vibes. Projection of noble thoughts gradually elevates the mind whereas negative thoughts put it on a downward slide. Consequently, many reactions ensue which ultimately give birth to mental/psychological disorders. Experts of Ayurveda see a direct link between the nadi system and the mind. If our thoughts are pure, the nadis (nerve channels) open up and there is free flow of vital energy through them, whereas their functioning becomes unbalanced under the impact of impure thoughts.
This inharmony in the flow of vital airs disrupts and destabilizes even normal physiological functions and the body falls prey to many diseases. In short, be it the body or mind, it is continually inspired and influenced by thought currents.
This is self-evident in literal sense, too, and can be observed on peoples faces. Whenever the feelings of joy and hope arise in the mind, the face reciprocates by radiating a perceptible glow. A malicious thought, on the other hand, makes the face dull and twisted. That is why, those whose minds always carry the burden of negative thoughts have their facial features giving a permanently contorted and crooked look.

The experience of Kuldanand Brahmachari, a disciple of Bengal?s renowned saint Vijay Krishna Goswami, may be recounted here. Kuldanand would remain very perturbed in the initial stages of his sadhana by the persistence of destructive thoughts in his mind. The more he tried to get rid of them, the more they would surround and haunt him like ghosts. In deep despair, he even entertained the idea of suicide, but then it occurred to him to seek the guru?s help. He went to Goswamiji and sobbed out his agony to him: "Gurudev, resolved I indeed was for sadhana, but my mental plight is proving worse than that of animals. Base thoughts of sensuous pleasures, envy, jealousy, ego, etc. have infested my mind and refuse to go away. The situation has now become intolerable. Death is preferable to such a life. So I think I better die now". Vijay Krishna Goswami caressed Kulanand?s head and comforted him: "This is inverse thinking, son! It is your mind which is the culprit. Rather than reform it, you intend to punish your body. If you have to reform, reform your mind; if you have to punish, punish your mind". "But how?" Kulanand wanted to know. In reply, his gurudev instructed him in the technique of creative thinking. He said: "It is imperative that you stop regarding yourself weak and helpless. You have to believe that you are an amsa (spark) of the Effulgent Divine. His cosmic consciousness is flowing inside you. As this perception becomes strong, you will feel a surge of inner strength and be able to rein in the negative flight of your thoughts. This is the first step in the direction of creative thinking". To make this check on the mind effective and enduring, you will have to forsake the tendency to find justifications and pretexts such as the hand of fate or destiny. Whenever negative thoughts arise to tighten this grip over the mind, brush them aside with firm determination. The second step is ?replacement?. After driving out negative thoughts, they should be replaced by noble and pious thoughts. This could be in the form of remembrance of some personal deity or guru. The third stage is ?refinement?. When the process of replacement is made continuous, refinement begins automatically. One more thing to be kept in mind is that we should not remain immersed in the unpleasant thoughts of the past. Everything negative - negative events, negative deeds-must be released out of the psyche. The sooner, the better. Just contemplate on the real identity of yourself with the intrinsic feeling focused on becoming pure, enlightened and liberated. Simultaneously, unconditionally offer yourself to the Divine. This process imparts sharpness to creative thinking. To accelerate the process of this sublimation, do not forget to embrace high ideals in your life.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Rishi Culture = Pujya Gurudev

The Holy Himalayas and the Glorious Rishi Culture

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Translation of a discourse in Hindi on "Guru-tatva Ki Mahima Aur Garima" Delivered by Rev. Gurudev Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya on Guru Purnima, 1981 –

Let us begin with a collective chanting of the Gayatri Mantra: "Om bhurbhuvaha svaha tatsaviturvarenyam bhargo devasya dhimahi dhiyo yo nah pracodayat" Sisters and Brothers, Special crops grow in special soil and climate. The oranges of Nagpur, bananas of Bhusawal, mangoes of Lucknow, etc are popular all over the world for their special taste. But these fruits won’t taste the same if grown elsewhere, say here in Hardwar. You must have heard of the sandalwood of the Neelgiri Hills. What a heavenly fragrance! The plant might grow at your place as well, but won’t have the same smell. Then what about the unique herbs and the fruits and flowers - like Devkand and Brahmkamal - grown in the serene regions of the great Himalayan heights? These paradise-species won’t even grow anywhere else. The soil, the climate, the subtle environment of every place has its distinct effects. The holy Himalayas are unique because of the vibrant spiritual ambience generated here by the long-term dedicated tapa-sadhanas of the Rishis - the seer-sages, saints of Vedic Age.

Indeed this land is divine land that nurtures virtuous tendencies and induces angelic inspirations. Every seeker of spiritual realization and inner light wants to spend sometime in the pristine shelter of the Himalayas. I had also got this opportunity. You are all sitting here in Shantikunj, Hardwar; this is the land where the Ashrams of the Sapatarshis1 were located thousands of years ago. This is the sacred land where these preeminent saint-sages, whose glory continues to sparkle like the unique cluster of seven stars in the sky, had undertook devout tapashcharya. The holy Ganga surrounds this place much like a mother’s lap protecting a child.

This is the place where, once upon a time, lion and cow would drink water from the same water pond, standing besides each other on these banks of the Ganga! Indeed, there are such spiritually energized locations and the siddhas2 whose company can awaken the divinity hidden within us! This Ashram of Shantikunj is established at such a place. Have you seen the temple of Devatma Himalaya here? There is no deity-idol for worship in this temple; there is only a model of the holy Himalayas. As you know, the idols of God enshrined in the temples symbolize the divine powers. This temple should make you aware of the divine nature of the Himalayas. (Countinue)

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Sadhana = Pujya Gurudev

Visible Attainments of Sadhana

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Accumulation of worldly possessions and riches is automatically reflected in a person’s nature, attitude and conduct. A healthy person looks strong and beautiful. Affluent persons are full of pomp and show. Intelligence of a man is reflected in his speech, conduct and behaviour. In the same way, when spiritual treasure is amassed, its impact becomes apparent. Sadhana is bound to result in siddhi, which means extraordinary achievements.

Even ordinary persons attain success by dint of their industriousness and resources but the success attained in the spiritual field is exemplary and unique and it cannot be attained by solitary efforts of an ego-centered person. It is a matter of deep lament that spirituality has been degenerated to the level of jugglery by quacks and people mistake mere conjurer’s tricks as proofs of spiritual attainments. An acrobat displays his acrobatic feats so that people may be dazzled, amazed and surprised. He thus gets tumultuous applause and earns money. But none of these feats fulfills the purpose of doing any public good. It is simply a means to earn a livelihood.

There are several persons amongst the so-called saints who, by showing such magical stunts, strut about as persons of great spiritual attainment. Simple people are often heard having been cheated by some persons by raising a hand in the air and producing cardamom, sweetmeats etc., or professing to possess the power of doubling the currency notes. It is foolish on the part of the common people that they are unable to distinguish siddhis of the spiritual plane from mere jugglery and miraculous stunts. It is essential to understand the fundamental difference between the life style, morality and daily routine of a siddha purusha (saint) and those who are mere jugglers or acrobats. Sadhana which leads to siddhi, means undertaking specific tasks which are related to the overall welfare of mankind and which are so great and extensive that a person cannot accomplish them single-handedly through his own strength and efforts.

Still, there are people who have enough courage, who go ahead and ultimately accomplish aims, which initially appeared to be unattainable. In due course they get people’s participation also. Spiritually awakened souls move ahead even in the absence of resources and cooperation and believe in rowing alone their boat across the river with self-confidence and faith in God. Ordinary people have a different mentality. They undertake a work only after they are convinced of getting resources and others’ cooperation. [Autobiography of Pujya Gurudev, continued from the previous issue]

Countinue.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Task = Pujya Gurudev

The Holy Task

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

                Fundamental Principles During the thirty years from 1921 to 1951, except for the unavoidable trips to prison, I spent my whole time in educational and constructive work, and I also thought a great deal about the principles on which it should be based. I was teaching, studying, reflecting and so on, but I took little or no part in the political movement as such, except in the Flag Satyagraha, Individual Satyagraha and the ’1942 Movement’, which were matters of inescapable duty. Apart from that, the whole thirty-year period was spent in one place. I kept in touch with events in the outside world, but my own time was given to an effort to discover how far my work could be carried on in the spirit of the Gita, of ’non-action in action’. I entered on this task with such single-mindedness that it was something peculiarly my own. But I knew that ’single-minded’ must not mean ’narrow-minded’, that one must keep the whole in view.

                   So while I was working in the Ashram, attending to village service and teaching students, I also kept myself informed about the various movements going on in the world. I studied them from the outside, but I took no part in them. I was in fact in the position of the onlooker who, it is said, sees most of the game. If any leader or thinker visited Bapu at Sevagram he would direct him to me; it was not my habit to impose my ideas on others, but there were useful exchanges of thought, and in this way, even though I remained in one place, I had good opportunities to get to know what was going on and to reflect on it.

                These thirty years of my life were shaped by faith in the power of meditation. I never left the place, I stuck like a calm to Paramdham Asharam and the river Dham. After the painful events in Maharashtra which followed Gandhiji’s demise, Sane Guruji[1] was much perturbed and undertook a twenty-one day fast. He sent me a letter. ’Vinoba,’ he wrote, ’won’t you come to Maharashtra? You are badly needed.’ I wrote back: ’I have wheels in my feet, and from time to time I have a urge to travel, but not now. When the time comes, no one in the world will be able to stop me. (It’s possible of course that God might stop me, He might take away my power to walk, but that is a different matter.) And until my time comes, no one in the world can make me get up and move.’ That reply shows the stubborn and obstinate spirit in which I stuck to my own work.(Countinue)

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

True Visionary = Pujya Gurudev

Who Can Be A True Visionary?

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Daivim dhiyam manamahe sumrdikamabhistaye Varchodham yajnavahasa a sutirtha no asadvase. - Yajurveda 4/11

We aspire for the divine intellect, which gives joyous illumination and ensures completion of the yajna. May that intellect be in our possession! To be a visionary is to acquire the ability to look far ahead into time and glimpse the future. This ability is a gift of that divine intellect which assesses its potentials and weaves a dream around it. This very dream is the goal of our life; it charts our paths and takes us in the right direction.

In those who have this ambition, a unique capability develops. They are able to perform such deeds, as others cannot even imagine. Their vision acquires the power to penetrate the mist of the present and perceive the future clearly. If you feel an urge to become someone like this, it is just natural. In fact, absence of such a feeling would be a cause of worry because that would be a sign of inertness. If there is any hint of this inertness, get rid of it, and take steps in the direction of becoming a visionary. For this, the first thing to do is to cherish lofty aims and ideals.

What should be the type of these ideals may be gleaned from the sayings of Gurudev. According to him, only he is a believer who can clearly visualize the dazzling sun of a summer noon in a dark and stormy night sky filled with dense rain-bearing clouds. In other words, only he who can dare to dream of a glorious future cutting through the forbidding pall of dense darkness of hopelessness can be a true visionary. This requires an integration of a bold and imaginative mind and a subtle discriminative faculty. Indeed, we all have an imaginative mind and indulge in fantasies all the time.

Sometimes, in our world of imaginations we become a billionaire, sometimes a record breaker in academic pursuits, another times a famous scientist or even the Prime Minister of the country. The highly fertile mindscape is always a kaleidoscope of colourful imaginations. The reason behind such a state of mental jumble is that our imagination is not tempered with the subtle power of discrimination. Only when the two faculties are harmonized do they create a composite and focused dream - a dream which is not a vent for repressed and unfulfilled desires but a correct reflection of the dormant divine qualities within. An illustration of this may be found in the life of the President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Once a child enquired of him whether he had read the Mahabharat. The President replied in the affirmative. The child asked again who among its many characters appealed to him the most. Everybody knows that the multi-dimensional characters of the great epic reflect almost the entire spectrum of human nature.

 The President, who understood the quintessence of the Mahabharat replied that he was very much impressed with the character of Vidur. "Why?" was the next query of the child. The President explained: "Because Vidur opposed the wrongs of those in authority and dared to raise his voice of dissent when all other stalwarts like Pitamah Bhisma, Acharya Drona and Karna had surrendered themselves to the whims of the persons in power." This reply of the President subsumed his own dream, which was the product of an imaginative mind and subtle discriminative knowledge - the dream of sculpting his own character in the mould of Mahatma Vidur. Let us ask ourselves whether we can dream such sublime dreams? We must dream of being the best, the noblest, the most sublime, and never allow petty thoughts and ideas to dominate the mind. Whatever we want to become - a scientist, an officer, or an artist - we should add one more aspect to that, and that is cultivation of the noblest character.

To realize this exalted dream, four steps need be taken. The first is the step of a runner. It means that you should have the energy and spirit of a runner who is committed and determined to show his skill and ability. The second step is that of a warrior. It is generally observed that a player feels elated at success, but failure gives him disappointment. With a warrior, however, it is not so. His very motto is "a soldier never quits till death." Valiant struggle and super-human bravery in spite of numerous wounds - this is the message of the life of a great warrior. The third step is that of the ruler. This is the stage when we have realized our vision of life, have actualized the dream we saw. All that we had desired, all that we had cherished is now in the palm of our hand. Life is at its apogee; now there is only to savour this experience. But the one attendant problem, invariably found at this stage, is that after having reached here people become egoist. Lest we become one, there is the fourth and last step - the step of a great man.

Like a true saint, we should share our glories and accomplishments with others. We should go to those who need us. We should reach out to every door and every home, and help them, too, to realize their dreams. May their lives, too, be permeated with fragrance, may spring breeze come to their lives too - this should be our prayer of LOVE IN ACTION.

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Colors Affects = Pujya Gurudev

Do Colors Affect Body-Mind System?-II

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

The orange color is associated with swadhisthan chakra (located in the groin). On physical plane it is beneficial in injuries, functions of spleen, pancreas and lungs, calcium absorption, lactation during pregnancy and pulse beating. It promotes hopefulness, happiness, will power, intelligence, creativity and social sense. It cures asthma, bronchitis, cold, seizures, stone-problems, hypo and hyperthyroidism and lung related ailments. Yellow color is connected with manipura chakra (solar plexus). It is symbolic of mental activity, intellectual prowess and alertness. It purifies nervous system, brain, liver, intestine, blood and skin. It also regulates bile production. It is considered cathartic and brings joy and buoyancy. The golden yellow color strengthens the body and mind and increases learning capacity. At the same time it also increases anxiety. Since the yellow color is a combination of red and green it has the characteristics of both. It promotes optimism and hope. It is very beneficial in digestive functions as well as in skin disorders, paralysis, constipation, diabetes and depression. But its use a prohibited during burning sensation, diarrhea, fever, state of agitation and increased pulse rate. Green color is a symbol of peace and adaptability. It is related to anahat chakra (situated in heart/lungs). It keeps the body and mind calm and is beneficial during mental agitation. But its prolonged use brings boredom. Green keeps active the sympathetic nervous system, controls blood pressure and stimulates the pituitary gland. It removes insomnia, tiredness and irritability. It is also helpful in muscle and tissue formation. It is antiseptic, bactericidal and germicidal. Green color promotes friendship, faith and hope. It is soothing and gives emotional comfort. At the same time it also generates jealousy and superstition. As green is the color of chakra centered in the heart, it is helpful in heart ailments, hypertension, ulcer and headache. It also cures fever, acidity, metabolic malfunction, obesity, and liver and spleen problems. Its use is prohibited in conditions of tumor, cancer, etc. Blue color symbolizes peace, confidence, desire and creativity. It is also the color of Vishuddha chakra (located in the throat), considered to be related to speech and self-expression. The blue color slows down heart rate and hence is considered beneficial in tachycardia. It helps in reducing high excitement and manic depression. Blue is known for high spiritedness, intuition, honesty, truthfulness, concentration and devotion. It is used therapeutically in problems of tumor, infection, anger, hatred, eye diseases, pineal body etc. But it is prohibited in conditions of hypertension, paralysis, muscular stiffness, etc.

Indigo color is associated with Agya chakra or the third eye (located on the forehead between the eyebrows). It symbolizes intuition, extra-sensory perception, etc. Violet color is a purifier and is related with Sahasrar Chakra (located on the top of the head). It affects the whole skeletal and nervous systems of the body. It is antiseptic and is a purifier at both physical and spiritual levels and synthesizes the energy of both levels. It is famous for regulating the mineral elements of the body. It is a representative color of the qualities of devotion, self-respect and faith. White color is a mix of all the seven colors. It purifies and refines the energy system of the body, and increases piety and spirituality. It pacifies the mind, heart and thought and orients them towards creativity. The brown color is related with earth. Golden color develops self-consciousness. It gives immunity from diseases in general and provides relief in cardiac problems. According to ayurveda, it symbolizes ojas (energy). It also regulates endocrinal glands. Black color gives a sense of safety and security. It magnifies the power of attraction in the body to a level that others are pulled automatically. Black is also regarded as the color of death. It increases both, the immunity power as well as obstacles, opposition and enmity. It activates the unconscious mind. It also generates fear, doubt and illusion. The effect of colors is vast, deep and profound provided it is used judiciously. Color therapy has a specific science and technique of its own. One should select the color suitable for himself with the help of a competent color therapist. For this purpose a colored lamp or colored glass cover of the bulb may be used. The color of walls, doors and windows as well as bed covers, cushions, etc. should also be selected accordingly. Even the plants in the garden should be chosen for flowers of appropriate colors. This color scheme helps in meditation too. Colors have not only decorative value; they are powerful media to overcome many of our day-to-day problems. Besides enriching our life and surrounding with beauty, taste and refinement, a judicious use of colors is helpful in the development of our inner qualities and capabilities as well.

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Quest-I = Pujya Gurudev

Beginning the Quest-I

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

My Life as a Student FATHER HAD PLANNED not to send his son to school but to have him learn dyeing. So he taught me at home up to the level of the fifth or sixth class, and then sent me for admission to the Kala Bhavan {technical school} at Baroda, where he was well known and respected. Everyone recognized me as ’Bhave’s son, but they could not admit me. They asked me how far I had gone in English and I told them ’up to the third English class’; since other candidates had got as far as ’intermediate arts’, I had no chance. My father then began to teach me further himself, and finding that his lad spent more time roaming about than studying, gave me a lot of mathematical problems to keep me busy.

So what did I do? I concentrated on the more difficult ones which were set out in small type at the end of the text book, worked them all out and left the rest. Father realized that I grasped the subject so he said nothing, and what I learned with him was all I needed up to the matriculation level. I would first finish my assignment in Maths and English within the hour and then be off on my wanderings for four or five hours at a stretch. So finally in disgust father dumped me in school. There too I carried on in the same way. I not only went on roaming, I pulled my friends out of their homes to join me and gave them no chance to study.

Babaji Moghe used to hide in some temple to study and keep out of my way, but I would search for him, find him and drag him out. As a boy my two hobbies were reading and roaming. I would be off whenever I got the chance. Another friend of mine, Raghunath Dhotre, would always tell me that I had wheels on my feet. ’Vinya,’ Mother would say, ’in your last birth you must have been a tiger; for one thing, you must have your daily round, and for another you have a very keen nose, you can’t bear the slightest bad odour.’ So I soon knew every street in Baroda, and I would be off at all time of day or night - any time would do for me. I liked running too, but I never kept any record of the distances I covered. I once set out for a run at half past midnight, and took the road past the Baroda Palace grounds.

The sentry shouted his customary challenge Hukum...Dar,1 but I took no notice and ran on. A little later I returned by the same road. This time the sentry stopped me and asked why I was running;
’For exercise,’ I replied. He retorted: ’Who runs for exercise at one o’clock in the morning? You are up to mischief, you are a thief!’ ’And when did a thief ever come back by the same road he went out?’ I demanded. He had no answer to that and let me go.

One Diwali I spent hours during the three days of the festival going into every little lane and side street in Baroda to see whether there were any houses that did not display the festal lamps. I did not find a single house in the whole city where no lamps were burning. The Muslim houses too all had their lighted lamps. I also used to visit the various temples. There was one temple, close to Kamathibag, whose deity I named ’Lord of Exams’. Our college was nearby, and during examination days crowds of students would visit the shrine for darshan, and to pray that the Lord would grant them a ’pass’. In school and college my only concern was how soon the class would end and I be set free. But there was one occasion when the teacher began to dictate notes. I wrote nothing, I just listened, and the teacher noticed it. When he had finished the dictation he told me to stand up and read what I had written. I stood up at once with my notebook in my hand and repeated all I had heard. The teacher was taken aback. ’Just let me see your notebook,’ he said. I showed him the blank pages. ’You won’t be able to read what I have written, sir,’ I said. Mathematics was my strong subject. The teacher was fond of his pupils and took great pains over his work. One day I consulted him about an exceptionally difficult problem. He thought for a while and then said: ’Come back to me tomorrow. In all my years of teaching no one has posed such a problem before. I am so familiar with ordinary mathematics that I could teach it in my sleep, but this problem of yours is a different matter. I shall be able to give you an answer only tomorrow.’ These words made a very deep impression on me. But some teachers, when the children can’t work out their maths problems, have a habit of slapping their cheeks. I wonder what a slap has to do with mathematics? Is it perhaps that a slap on the cheek stimulates the flow of blood to the brain, so that it begins to work better and so solve the problem? Could that be the reason? When I was a little lad, about twelve years old, one of the teachers in our school used to cane the children a lot. He seemed to think that caning was the only basis for knowledge. He had a long cane which he kept locked up. We children didn’t like canings, but what could we do? Finally one day I managed to pick the lock and throw the cane away. When the teacher found it gone he guessed, of course, that one of us had been playing pranks, but he said nothing. Next day he brought another cane, and I got rid of that one too. He got yet a third cane, and that also I disposed of. Then he got really annoyed and began asking questions to get at the source of the mischief, but none of the boys said a word - they were all on my side.

(Countinue)

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma