Scientific Basis of Japa-III; Pujya Gurudev

Scientific Basis of Gayatri  Mantra Japa

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

The aforesaid principles of psychology and spirituality work towards success of japa. These can elevate the devotee’s personality out of the darkness of ignorance into the light of divine wisdom. The four principles mentioned above work in the subliminal domains of the consciousness to remove the layers of ignorance from the subconscious and thus help in the emergence of light of spirit within the individual soul. Training is an integral part of education. It is indeed the first samskara to be cultivated for personality development. We may never find an educated person who has not undergone training in one form or the other. From nursery rhymes and tables to revision and continuous practice of problem solving in higher classes the process of training by cramming and repetition is very common; this is also necessary for the inculcation of any desired tendency. 

The same is true about the impact of japa too; the effects of the mantra-vibrations cannot be felt without rhythmic repetition. The "dhi" element of the Gayatri Mantra refers to prayer for the awakening of intellect. Just uttering it once or twice cannot have the desired effect. Our mind is like a barren, uneven, hard landscape, which frustrates all attempts at its calming and refinement. In order to make the seed of sadhana germinate and sprout, the field of mind needs to be cleared, ploughed and irrigated with the help of japa; one has to peep inside and identify, mercilessly uproot and throw out the debris of accumulated evil tendencies. Sowing the seeds of virtues is not possible without this cleaning of deep rooted negativities. Japa can also be likened to cleaning, sharpening and glazing. Its repeated friction and subtle pressure calms down and cleanses the mind so that it could clearly reflect glow of the spirit. 

Every devotee of Gayatri should therefore perform japa everyday for a fixed number of times at a fixed place, during fixed intervals of time. The arbitrary mode of excessive watering on some days and keeping the land dry on the others does not serve the purpose of proper irrigation of field. The same is true of the training of mind by japa. Regularity, sincerity, patience and consistency should be observed in this practice, as far as possible. This should also be continued over a long duration depending upon the sadhaka's inherent tendencies and mentality- till the dawn of the rays of success in the sadhana. 

The second step in the sadhana is to assimilate in practice what has been learnt. Observation and analysis of the lower self cluttered with impurities is of no avail unless it is coupled with simultaneous attempts at cleansing out and refinement. Japa-sadhana helps in developing the inner strength and determination towards self-cleansing and self-refinement. The advanced spiritual masters affirm that the japa of Gayatri Mantra brings about rapid removal of ingrained vices and evil tendencies. Progress in this direction further accelerates inner purification, as it deepens the sadhaka's meditation and thus reinforces the linkage of the sadhaka's higher inner self with the indwelling divinity which the mantra invokes. During this process one experiences ups and downs in the mental and emotional domains. 

The baser instincts and tendencies accumulated during innumerable births of the fallen soul in different forms before the present life are not easy to be uprooted and thrown out. These kusamskaras, coupled with the ignorance-driven ego, struggle hard to obstruct the process of inner purification in the initial phases. However, with the continuity of the japa- sadhana the devotee realizes that he is not the body but the eternal soul and therefore gains the light and courage to fight and eliminate all the hurdles in the path of self-realization. He consciously and gladly undergoes the prescribed austerities to loosen the hold of internal evils and passions. He understands that only the path of selfless service leads to true happiness, and that spiritual life is far more superior to life wasted in the pursuit of materialistic success and power. 

Nothing can then stop his march towards self-awakening. Human ego-centered false self and its gross appearance is only a vehicle for the manifestation of his soul. This world of mirage is not his true home. He is guided by divine grace on his journey back to his real home- the realm of eternal light. Just, as the puppet show would be absurdly haphazard if even a few threads that control its movements are broken or loosened, as the young kid is orphaned and becomes helpless due to the sudden demise of his parents, as the house becomes dark in the night if its electrical power supply is cut, similarly the soul, the individual self, suffers an illusory, ignorant, and evanescent existence if its subliminal linkage with divinity is broken. 

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Scientific Basis of japa-II; Pujya Gurudev

Scientific Basis of Gayatri  Mantra Japa

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Mahatma Gandhi referred to it as the basis of the world religion of the future. The structure ofGayatri Mantra is in perfect tune with the science of cosmic sound. It will not be possible for us to analyse its sonic pattern and the resonance of its subtle vibrations in this small article. We shall mainly elucidate the major steps of psychological elevation and evolution of a sadhaka as consciousness by the japa of this mantra. Japa is a scientific process of inward orientation of mind. The japa of the Gayatri Mantra enables a harmonious linkage and flow of the individual consciousness (of the sadhaka) with the cosmic consciousness.

         If a beginner understands the psychological impact of mantra-japa or has intrinsic faith in it then meditating as per the requirement of the japa-sadhana will not be difficult for him. With prior conditioning of the mind, the rhythmic process of japa also helps in controlling its waywardness. Once this stage of training of the mind is over, the progress of meditation and hence the japa-sadhana moves quite smoothly and at an uninterrupted pace. In terms of mental and emotional enlightenment, japa (japa- sadhana) involves the following: 

(i) Training of repeating the same mantra; 

(ii) Recognition of imbibing the inspirations of what has been repeated; 

(iii) Recollection and Contemplation of recalling the mental connection during meditation and reestablishing the broken links with the inner self; 

(iv) Retention of Deepening the faith (in the mantra) and sincerity to the level of inner experience and intrinsic emotions. 

In terms of spiritual elevation these correspond to 

(i) Self-Analysis; 

(ii) Self-Refinement; 

(iii) Self-Development; 

(iv) Self-Realization. 

              These are gradual steps of the realization through japa- sadhana. Although we don't find the multiple activities and exercises like yoga practices in it, the sadhana process of japa is so effective that just with the sincere performance of this single practice, starting with self-analysis, we can reach the supreme goal of self-realization. The great significance of japa is not due to chance, or without any firm basis. Had it been so, such a large number of devotees and yogis of the Gayatri Sadhana would not have been advised to waste time in practicing more and more japa for longer and longer durations. 

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Scientific Basis of Japa = Pujya Gurudev

Scientific Basis of Gayatri  Mantra Japa

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

The entire Vedic Literature and the sages and savants of the shastric scriptures have given paramount importance to the Gayatri Mantra and have discussed in detail the methods of the japa and sadhana of this great mantra. There is no scripture, which does not sing paeans of the preeminent benefits and supramental effects of this mantra that encompass the personal, global and the cosmic realms of existence. It is said that even if one performs the japa and dhyan (meditation) of this mantra with fervent faith without going through all the prescribed ascetic disciplines of higher-level sadhanas, he attains all the blessings and boons of this mantra. 

Not only the immanent inspirations and the marvellous configuration of specific syllables and sonic patterns, the psychological and spiritual core of this Vedic Mantra is also so sound that it appears to be founded on profound scientific basis. Let us look at some of these aspects to understand the impact of its japa. The amazing structure, functions and complexity of the human body has been the center of deep attention for thousands of scientists, biologists, anatomists and physiologists since long. 

Still a lot remains unknown, especially the body is fine network of nerves, molecular functions, endocrine system and the brain. In comparison, what has been experienced and known about the human body and brain by rigorous yoga-sadhanas seems to be more thorough and significant. In the deep state of trance through devout yoga sadhanas, the Rishis, the yogis of the Vedic times, had found this body a miniature reflection of the entire cosmos, as mentioned in the quote - "Yat Brahmande Tat Pinde". 

The extrasensory components like the sat cakras, upatyikas and the marvellous nerve network hidden in it are found to be like nuclei and canals of cosmic energy. Having the model of the limitless cosmos in its small structure makes the human body the supreme creation in the physical manifestation of Nature. Japa-sadhana is a scientific method devised by the Rishis to activate the extrasensory energy centers within to facilitate the sublime flow of vital spiritual currents in this majestic living system. The japa of Divine Name or Mantras has been an integral part of all modes of worship or prayer in every religion be it Hindu, Sikh, Islam, Buddhist, Christian, Tao, Bahai, etc. As the specific pattern of controlled wind-flow through the holes of a flute produces specific sonorous tune, likewise, the vibrations induced by the repeated rhythmic chanting of a specific mantra generate specific pulsation of prana and stimulate the extrasensory energy nuclei in the body accordingly. 

The japa- sadhana of mantras is therefore practiced to educe supernatural talents and potentials. The preeminence of the japa of Gayatri Mantra lies in its unique intellectual, emotional and spiritual effects in addition to other soul-elevating effects of mantra-japa. This mantra contains the essence of divine knowledge and wisdom. Even its literal translation implies a prayer for the refinement and illumination of our mind and intellect and for well-being of the world. This is why the Vedic Rishis revered Gayatri as  Vedmata, Devamata and Vishwamata (the origin of the Vedas, the Mother of godly-beings and the Mother of the whole world respectively). Not only the Hindu religion, but also the follower of other religions and paths of spiritual seeking revere this sacred mantra. 

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Spirituality -II; Pujya Gurudev

Spirituality The Key to the Resolution of the Problems of Our Age

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

A fourth group considers the exclusiveness of communities or nations as the cause of mutual conflict. They think that in order to unite everyone, we must put an end to all differences, so that a single world-nation, world-religion, world-family could be created, that can automatically lead to peace and prosperity. A fifth group, comprising of scientists, has a solid faith in science to solve all the problems of the world. However, scientific knowledge is relative and thus incomplete; it does not have definite answers to many basic questions pertaining to human life, such as the mystery of life and death. 

1.      In fact, most of the time, problems are created due to the errors, wickedness or immoral behaviour of people. Sometimes circumstances too generate hardships. Wise persons try to find solutions to such problems with the help of existing resources. Efforts are made to compensate the damage and curtail the corrupt practices but a long-term solution is not found. Problems continue to arise from time to time. Circumstances are never created in which an individual is given protection and the society is seen in an orderly state, although such circumstances are hoped for and anticipated. Peace therefore remains only a pleasant illusory dream. The above approaches for finding solutions to problems are only partially correct. Even if all the suggestions are implemented, it can solve the problems faced by the human race to a limited extent, because they suggest the eradication of symptoms that apparently seem to be the causes of many hardships and disturbances. It is akin to using allopathic medicine to suppress the symptoms of a disease. For a permanent cure of any disease, the root cause has to be diagnosed and then targeted. The universal governing power of a human being is "consciousness." 

2.      It gives birth to beliefs, faith and desires. These impulses form the personality of an individual. It is the faith that generates desires. Thoughts play an indispensable role in fulfilling desires. A person will first have a thought to fulfill a desire and then he will perform the necessary action. Since the performance of a task is visible to our eyes while thoughts are not, we base our judgment of whether the task is good or bad and deserves praise or blame on false appearances. From the materialistic point of view, only this is possible and in fact it is appropriate too. However the fact remains that it is thoughts that lead to actions and so they deserve praise or blame in the real sense. Thoughts possess the power to mould the personality and give it a direction towards progress or failure. A person is what he thinks. Thoughts are extremely powerful. They inspire a person to take decisions regarding what is to be done and what is not to be done. This decision-making capability lies with the brain. Motivations are generated in the brain. The organs of the body simply obey them like faithful servants. Therefore, it is the brain that is responsible for good or bad deeds.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Spirituality-I; Pujya Gurudev

Spirituality The Key to the Resolution of the Problems of Our Age

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

The modern human society is engulfed by challenging problems such as pollution, environmental imbalances, unethical practices, religious intolerance, terrorism, etc. on the social and global fronts and stress, fear, job uncertainty, etc. on the personal front. Even birds, animals and other living species have suffered due to selfish human activities; deforestation and the dumping of the industrial waste into rivers for instance have had detrimental effects on the food chain and the habitat conditions of several species, generating fear of extinction of some of them. The idea that changes need to be made in order to solve problems is widely accepted across the globe. It is also recognised that it is our duty to ensure a bright and better future for the coming generations. How can these two requirements be met? What approach should we take? Several suggestions have been put forward. 

For example, a group of intellectuals has been saying for a long time that financial hardships give rise to all problems. If the economic condition improves, prosperity will increase and then no one will remain backward nor will anyone have to adopt dishonesty or theft as a means of earning money. Thinkers of this group do not lay as much stress on increasing the production or savings on expenditure as they do on equal distribution. They argue that if money is taken from the haves and distributed amongst the have-nots, the financial condition of the masses will improve. As a result, solutions to moral and other problems will also be found. The people of this group identify themselves as communists. 

A second group considers the lack of education to be the cause of backwardness. This group believes that the solution to all the national and international problems, including that of morality, can be found in improving the educational level of the masses. A third group says that the government has enormous power in its hands for halting the activities of criminal elements; at the same time it can use national resources for opening the doors of progress and prosperity.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Aura-II; Pujya Gurudev

Occult Science of Aura

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

These body parts are: eyes, face, reproductory organs, finger-tips, toe-tips and top-knot of the head ( Shikha sthan ). The aura energy dissipates through these parts very rapidly. More research is going on in this area. Indian saints have done lot of research on this. The reason behind touching someone’s feet and blessing someone with hands is the transfer of this invisible aura energy. The blessing (in the form of energy) dissipates through hands and reaches the right person. When a person touches someone’s feet an electric connection takes place and the energy flows from the person’s feet to the seeker’s hands. There is a side effect to this too. If you touch the feet of a person with evil impressions, these impressions transmit through hands to the seeker. This is the reason why it is enjoined to touch feet of saints so that our bad habits get destroyed due to the energy of the saint’s tapa . A Sadhak is therefore advised not to bless anyone.

Eyes emanate a lot of aura energy. When you can look deep into the eyes of another person you may assess his real situation. Energy gets dissipated while looking directly into another person’s eyes. Sadhaks should be very careful regarding this. They are asked not to look into women’s eyes while talking so that the energy they gained through tapa doesn’t get dissipated via this door. During sadhana they are asked to tie lock of hair around shikha sthan . Rishisbelieved that cosmic energy can locate shikha sthan . When the knot is tied with the mantra, it acts as a valve. It lets the cosmic energy to enter in the body but doesn’t let this energy go back into space. If the locks are not tied, the energy gets lost.

Very quick dissipation of the aura energy happens through reproductory organs in the physical body. There is maximum energy flow during intercourse. Apart from this, contacts with people who have Taamsik behavior, or who eat taamsik food, take liquor, go to bars or any place which activates wrong behavior weakens the aura spectrum of a person. If a person goes to temple, naturally beautiful places, reads good books and listens to the saintly discourses, and does saadhna , his aura intensity increases. Everyone can increase aura energy. Positive and pure thinking amplifies this energy which in turn ennobles and reforms personality. Hence let us always think positive and have goodwill and love for others and make our aura soothing and luminous.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Aura-I ; Pujya Gurudev

Occult Science of Aura

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Aura is person’s spiritual signature. Advanced spiritual persons have an intense ambient aura. Its vibrations spread in the vicinity and enrich the surrounding environment with spiritual power. This is the reason we feel immensely happy, solaced and blessed in such environment. Every individual has an aura but its intensity and radiation differ according to the spiritual elevation of a person.Aura around humans is invisible and it emanates through various parts of the body. Every person oozes these radiations – some with low intensity and some with high. These radiations cannot be seen. They can only be experienced. These rays are very bright and intense in a pure hearted and spiritually advanced person. Saints and sages look so magnetic and impressive due to their auras.

Nowadays it is possible to view the aura with the help of scientific instruments. According to scientists of International Association of Photo-Geo-Morphologists, the radiations oozing through the body, mainly from face and head, can be captured in the satellite camera. These are electromagnetic radiations spanning from microwave to infrared to UV light.

These cannot be seen with naked eyes but with modern satellite cameras the spectrum from UV to Infrared can be captured. They can even tell how any people are staying in a house. If a person’s ‘Energy Spectrum Image’ is available on a computer, identifying and locating that person anywhere in the world through satellite cameras is possible; even if the person is underground. For this most important is the digital availability of the Energy Spectrum Image.

Identification of an aura image can be very helpful for society. Identification of criminals in Police Stations, near Bank ATMs and other sensitive and high-risk areas would be possible. At present commercial American satellites can trace an object as small as 61 cms in circumference anywhere on the earth. ISRO has also made available the photographs of all small villages, towns, rivers, water bodies etc. Photographs of smaller objects are available only to security forces and special services. There will be lot of opportunities for research on aura energy in future.It has been found that some special body parts have more intense aura around them.

Thanks Sadguru,Thanks GOD,

Shiv Sharma

Divine Faith at Home-II; Pujya Gurudev

Atmosphere of Living Divine Faith at Home

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

We should patiently try to cultivate an atmosphere of faith at home and in society. Faith in God is the best way of inducing a person to move on the right path. Faithless people defy governmental rules and social punishment. Even the fear of police and jail is unable to reduce the crimes and criminals. But if someone believes in God firmly, and feels the presence of God everywhere, in every creature and in thing, then it will not be possible for him to offend anyone. How can a person who has faith in an inviolable principle As you sow so shall you reap, dare to go on an evil path leading to a dark future? Cheating and harassing others is equivalent to cheating and harassing the indwelling God. A person who has faith in God and who understands His Law of sowing- and reaping can never act wrongfully. 

A person of faith always thinks, speaks and acts righteously. Only hypocritic faith teaches that one can get rid of the effects of ones sins by mechanically worshipping for half-an-hour a day and indulging in sinful pursuits in the remaining twenty three and a half hours. Similarly, the assumption of getting ones desires fulfilled by simply bowing before the idols of gods is foolish. Genuine and true faith in God leads to a life of righteousness. In order to establish righteous conduct and behaviour in every sphere of life, there can be no effective medium other than living faith in God. Firm belief in God as ones protector, friend and guide makes one fearless and relaxed. Therefore, one who truly loves his family members, wife, children, etc. should consciously try to inculcate faith in the Supreme Being in them. 

In order to develop the body and mind of the members of family, we arrange for them nourishing food and enlightening education. In the same way, efforts should be made to inculcate in them aspiration for spiritual growth. It is the head of the family who should set an example by himself doing regular worship and prayers. If any member of the house has bad habits like going to sleep late at night and getting up late in the morning, remaining dirty, carelessness in studies, extravagancy; bad company etc., all efforts must be made to pull him out of such harmful and ruinous habits. At the same time, they should be helped and encouraged to imbibe positive habits of regular hours of sleep, personal cleanliness, wise use of money and resources, keeping good company, etc. 

Edifice of a noble personality can only be built on Divine Faith. As a result, body, mind, family, social conduct and behaviour, every thing becomes healthy, harmonious and blissful. Girls who imbibe belief in God in childhood, after getting married will serve as faithful and virtuous wives. They will consider it their religious duty to behave warmly and courteously towards each member of the husbands family and will thus endear themselves to everyone. Every one will love them and will take good care of them in times of need. The welcome and love that a bride can not get by bringing plenty of dowry, will be hers by virtuous conduct based on faith in the Divine. Thus the parents who have imparted such a living faith to their daughter have given her the greatest wealth to make her future happy. On the contrary, girls who have grown in an atmosphere of indiscipline, atheism, luxury and intolerance, will produce a burning hell wherever they live. The responsibility for their ruin squarely lies with the parents It is likely that they do it through excessive affection; but ultimately, this proves to be enemity of the worst kind. 

The same holds true in the case of boys, too. If their minds could assimilate effects of good impressions and beliefs in religious values right from the childhood, they will faithfully perform their duties towards parents, in-laws, wife, children, friends, etc. Under such circumstances, naturally their families will be havens of health, happiness, peace and mutual understanding. With inculcation of faith in God in their children, guardians really ensure their satisfactory progress towards a bright future. Such parents and guardians are worthy of highest praise and respect.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Divine Faith at Home-I; Pujya Gurudev

Atmosphere of Living Divine Faith at Home

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Human souls, lost in the mirage of worldly illusion, have a lurking sense of being cut off from the Source (The Divine Self); hence there is instinctive urge to remember their identity as children of immortality-God. This urge towards Divinity manifests as prayer, worship, meditation etc. Body cannot work without nourishment; purification of blood cannot take place without respiration. In the same way, forgetfulness of our Divine origin leads to a life of degeneration and desolation  ever fearful, purposeless and animal-like. 

The happiness and peace in human life depend on a living and unshakable faith in our immortal origin in the Divine. The various methods of prayer and worship have been designed to nourish and augment this aspiration for manifesting divine life in ourselves. Materialistic means of pleasure can be earned by muscular and mental strength; but nobility in thought, deed and behaviour depends only on purification and refinement of our body, mind and intellect and by transcending the ego- our false self. True worship helps in bringing forward our real self beyond the ego. Therefore, there must be a prominent place for worship and prayer in the daily routine of our family. 

Governments try to outwardly control the people and make them behave in a civil way through rigorous laws and regulations. But very little success has been achieved in this way. It is not possible to inculcate virtues like love, sacrifice, humility, magnanimity, etc. by governmental pressure or, for that matter, any outside force. Peace, harmony and order in this world can be established only through refining and ennobling the hearts and minds of individuals. Such a transformation can come about only from within, it cannot be thrust from outside. The power to influence the heart rests only with faith and belief. Only living faith in the Supreme Being and its application in daily life can do it. It is the inner awakening in human hearts that can lead humanity from falsehood to truth, darkness to light and death to immortality. The seeds for such a transformation can be sown only in fertile soil of households where an atmosphere of faith, prayer, and worship pervades. 

The worth of a person depends on his nobility of character. Thus a person whose emotions, deeds and behaviour have been refined in a consistent manner can face and overcome the obstacles and hardships of life and find the way to progress and prosperity. A disciplined person with his influence and behaviour, can turn unfavourable circumstances and bad-willed persons into favourable ones. On the contrary, a person who is full of vices will turn even favorable circumstances into their opposites. Vicious conduct and behaviour always produce a maleficent atmosphere and evil and hostile forces and beings haunt such a place. 

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

The Himalayas-III; Pujya Gurudev

Third Pilgrimage to the Himalayas

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

 After the work at Mathura had been stabilized on a satisfactory footing, I received the third call from the Himalayas in which there was indication about the next phase of the assignment to be given to me. There had been considerable pressure in the continuing phase of work, which had resulted in exhaustion, although success had been achieved. Under these circumstances, this invitation for recharging the battery was most welcome. I set out for the pilgrimage on the prescribed day in June 1971. There was no difficulty as I was familiar with the route.

The cold was also not as severe as it was at the time of my first pilgrimage. I also did not feel loneliness. I was escorted by Gurudevs messenger from Gomukh to Nandanvan, as usual. The auspicious moment to which I was keenly looking forward throughout the journey ultimately arrived. After exchange of reverent courtesies and blessings, the impartation of guidance started. Gurudev said, "You have to leave Mathura and shift to Hardwar and start the work of reviving the rishi traditions. You will recall that when you came here for the first time you had met rishis living in this region in their astral bodies and each of them had expressed distress at the extinction of their traditions and you had promised that you would accomplish this task. 

This time you have been summoned for this purpose". "God has no physical form. Whenever something epoch-making is sought to be achieved, rishis, who remain engrossed in tapascarya bestow their powers on Devatmas, great personages and get the work done through them. Vishvamitra took Bhagavan Rama to his Ashram (hermitage) on the pretext of defending his yagya, trained him in Bala (Gayatri) and Atibala (Savitri) Vidyas (spiritual knowledge) and got the citadel of demoniac forces demolished, thus paving the way for the establishment of Rama- Rajya (rule of truth and righteousness). Shri Krina had gone for studies to Sandipan rishi and returned after he had been duly imparted the message of the Gita, his role in Mahabharata epoch and in carrying forward the rishi tradition of Sudama. Ancient scriptures are full of descriptions how rishis moulded great personages and got important work accomplished through them, although they themselves always remained engrossed in spiritual pursuits, sadhana, research etc. It is this work which you have to accomplish".

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

The 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.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

The Holy Himalayas-II;Pujya Gurudev

The Holy Himalayas and the Glorious Rishi Culture - II 

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Friends! I was telling you about the angelic contributions of the rishis that laid the foundation of human cultural ascent and civilization aimed at global welfare in harmony with Nature. Have you heard of rishi Charak? His idol is also enshrined here (at Shantikunj) in one of the rishi temples, built as mark of our gratitude and reverence. Rishi Charak had a prominent place among the vedic rishis who were sagacious scientists of Nature. He had discovered enormous number of medicinal plants and herbs in the Himalayan region. He had carried out his sadhana and research in Kedarnath, Himalayas. 

The valley of flowers in this region near the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara - tirtha of the Sikhs - was like a paradise those days. Rishi Charak loved this place and nurtured in it a wide variety of rare plants. What you see here now is only a tiny fraction of the original botanical garden. These days you may have to go much higher up to Tapovan-Nanadanvan, ahead of Gomukh, to see some of the precious Himalyan beauty and finest and rarest varieties of flowers including the real Brahmkamal, which is not found anywhere else in the world! In an attempt to resurrect the glory of the medicinal Indian plants/herbs and the Science of Health - Ayurveda, we have set up a herbal laboratory in the Brahmvarchas Research Centre, Shantikunj, Hardwar. 

The unique contribution of this lab is identification and verification of the phytochemical and medicinal properties of the Himalayan herbs with respect to the scriptural descriptions. It was very important to do that, as the morphology and other properties of the medicinal plants, would have changed over the long span of so many thousands of years. Following the tradition of Maharshi Charak, we have also experimented on use of fresh decoctions and dry powder preparations (with the expiry period of 6 months) of these medicines. Excellent healing effects have been observed in hundreds of patients of different types of diseases. 

Vedic method of yagya -therapy using these medicinal plants /herbs is also successfully applied here. Uttarkashi region in the Himalayas still has some Aranyaks. What does Aranyaka mean? Well these are the places where one lives, away from home, in the age group of Vanaprastha Ashram1 to devote all the time and efforts to altruistic services of the society, after fulfilling the responsibilities towards one’s family. People in the Aranyaks, also learnt the real meaning and glorious purpose of life. In ancient times, many Ashrams of Rishis used to have both the Aranyaks and the Gurukuls. The Gurukuls2 were ideal schools for the children. I have tried reviving both the traditions in Shantikunj. The children’s school here is like a modern model of a Gurukul. You may not find its parallel anywhere in the world. Amrit Vani (Translation of a discourse in Hindi on "Devatma Himalaya Evam Rishi-Parampara" Delivered by Rev. Gurudev Pandit Sriram Sharma Acharya –( continued )

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

The Holy Himalayas-I ; Pujya Gurudev

The Holy Himalayas and the Glorious Rishi Culture

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

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. (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) 

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Spiritual Progress = Pujya Gurudev

Firm Determination is a Mark of Spiritual Progress

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

“Yavati dyavaprthivi varimna yavadapah sishyaduryavadagnih Tatasvamasi jyayan vishvaha mahanstasmai te kama nama it krnomi.” -Atharvaveda 9/2/20 

O will power! You are vaster than the extent of heaven and earth, and the expanse of water, and the spread of fire. You are ever great. I bow to you. The power inherent in will or determination is basically spiritual in nature. When a person shapes his imaginations with the chisel of intellect, cuts through the tangle of their web and converts their multiplicity into singleness, when all imaginations converge into one, only then determination starts to sprout. When all the emotions of heart, the entire vital force of the being and all the mental energies are poured into it, this tender shoot grows to become stout. 

The entire existence, the whole personality comes to rest on it. Only in the lives of those who are able to do so, miracles of the power of determination are seen to happen. Inner determination does not develop in those whose personality is unintegrated and whose inner energy currents are flowing randomly in different directions. Such persons lack concentration, resolve and competence. For them, determination is merely a word which has no meaning. They will begin any work but are unable to stay with it for long, and abandon the task midway on some excuse or the other. If they cannot catch hold of a solid pretext, the lame plea of boredom or ennui is always handy to rescue them. 

Such persons do make resolves at the drop of a hat but simultaneously keep many options ready, whereas resolve or determination is a condition of optionlessness. Once the determination is made, its goal has got to be fulfilled. It should become synonymous with life, its whole identity and definition, the alter ego. One has to live for it and die for it; there can be no separate existence. Only in those persons in whose inner depths such complete conviction grows, there is a meaningful and full development of determination.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Celebration of the Festival of Lights

Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Jyotishamapi tajjyotistamasa parmuchyate | Jnanam jneyam jnanagamyam hdi sarvasya vishthitam || (Shrimadbhagwadgita 13 / 17) 

That (God) is the light of all lights and is said to be beyond darkness. That is knowledge, the object of knowledge and attainable by knowledge, and is seated in the hearts of all. On the sacred Deepavali Parva (the Festival of Lights) let us, in an attitude of inner peace and quietude, open ourselves towards the Indwelling Divinity, ardently aspiring and praying for integral illumination of our whole being (body, mind, intellect, soul) with Supreme Light, Love and Life completely dissolving our false sense of identity the imported EGO. 

HAPPY DIPAWALI

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Kundalini -II ; Pujya Gurudev

Kundalini : The Serpentine Fire of Super Vital Force

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

The power of kundalini is described in the spiritual literature as the source of kama, the creative sex energy indwelling the muladhara chakra. It is said to be the generator of ambitions, enthusiasm and cheerfulness. Kundalinii is depicted in some of the yoga scriptures as a female serpent lying coiled up and dormant in the muladhara. The downward secretions through the genital organs are described as the poisonous discharges of this serpent. If activated (by rigorous sadhanas of kundalini jagarana under the adept guidance of a spiritual master), the upward flow of this latent elixir stimulates the extrasensory energy field of kama and inspires creativity, youthfulness, optimism and joy; thus paving the way for spiritual enlightenment and attainment of supernatural capabilities. As stated earlier, kundalini jagarana is an arduous sadhana. Its simile with the churning of an ocean appears to be quite appropriate. The latent force of the vital energy is refined and gradually activated in this process. This activated current of prana rises up from the muladhara and enters the brahmrandhras as a quavering wave through the sushumna nadi . 

The sahastrara chakra is likened to a divine lotus in the rhetoric style of the ancient scriptures on yoga and meditation. Lotus is regarded as the symbol of divine purity and of celestial beauty and art in the Indian culture. The scriptures depict the Goddess Lakshmi as sitting on a lotus. Four-armed Lord Vishnu is shown to hold a padma (lotus) in one hand and shankha, chakra and gada in the three others. The sahastrara chakra in the subtle body like the brain in the physical body, is indeed the most important link for the existence and manifestation of the individual consciousness and for the linkage of the jivatma with its absolute origin, Parmatma. During meditation, this essence of spiritual energy is concentrated upon as the reservoir of the Supreme Powers of Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

The sahastrara is also described to be the indwelling satguru the ultimate source of celestial guidance. The occult science of the sadhana of kundalini jagarana is regarded as Brahm-Vidya (the supreme knowledge of the Brahm). It is not available in a detailed/ complete form in the present era except in the memories of the rare, truly awakened spiritual masters who have attained highest levels of self- realization. 

The rise in the level of the latent vital energy residing in the muladhara and its union with the Supreme Consciousness Force in the sahastrara through the arousal of the gigantic force of kundalini results in the enlightened charging and sublimation of kama into its original Divine Bliss. It is indeed the highest state of accomplishment of brahmcharya, in which the power of kama is not only completely protected from being debased in the disgusting act of carnal sex but is also sublimated and transmuted into its pure, eternal form of Divine Bliss. The sacred power of spiritualised kama awakens the divinity hidden in the human self. Attainment of supernatural talents and purity of sentiments are only by-products of this Supreme transformation. 

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma