Environment = Pujya Gurudev

The Need of Refined Environment

=Pt. ShriRam Sharma Acharya

A sadhak (devotee) should be considered fortunate, if he gets an opportunity to do sadhana under the shade of Himalayas, in the lap of Ganga, in a devotion-filled environment and under powerful protection and guidance. The paramount importance of Sadhana & Upasana is repeatedly stressed in the Indian Philosophy and the scriptures of Yoga. In spite of this, it has been observed that sometimes people following all the prescribed rules and rituals do not get the benefits of Sadhana & Upasana, which have been mentioned in the scriptures. This is due to the negative effects of the environment.

It is true that some Siddha ascetics change the environment with their will power and Tapa Sadhana (penance). But it is also true that the effect of environment is quite significant in the development of human beings. 

As Sadhana & Upasana is related to one's traits and each environment has its own good or bad aspects, the quality of place and environment becomes all the more important for higher level Sadhanas. Many positive and negative examples illustrating the forceful effects of environment may be found in history as well as in daily life.

There is a famous story of Mahabharat. In order to select the place for the great war between Kaurvas and Pandavas, Lord Krishna appointed a special adept in the subject. He searched for a suitable battle-field around Hastinapur which had strong vibrations of fratricidal conflict. Upon returning he narrated one incident in which he saw two real brothers fighting in Kurukshetra.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma