Freedom ; Pujya Gurudev

Freedom of choice - A basic human characteristic 

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Human being is endowed with basic freedom of choice. Nature provides him with a variety of options to choose from. It is up to him to exercise this God-given gift either positively or negatively. Thus, he is the maker of his own destiny. This fundamental freedom is a great boon to the human race. However, if used negatively, it can also turn into a bane. It is sad to say that for the vast majority, this freedom proves to be a bane, because they choose to misuse this freedom for destructive rather than constructive purposes. Destruction is far more easier than creation. 

What can be easier than ruining oneself? In fact, doing nothing in the direction of self-upliftment in itself amounts to self-destruction. One who is not consciously progressing in soul-growth, is knowingly or unknowingly sliding down the scale of consciousness into the dungeon of darkness. Once a point was raised in the Satsang-Sabh of Maharshi Raman. 

Some people were saying that a human being is superior most amongst all the creatures, while some others were arguing that a human being is worse than the animals, because sometimes conduct of animals appears to be far nobler than that of humans. Both the sides requested the Maharshi to elucidate. Maharshi said -"The truth is that a human being is a combination of mortal body and immortal consciousness. The one who follows the body and its cravings goes on groping in the darkness and the one who investigates the inner realms of consciousness, ultimately realizes the Supreme Consciousness and thus his real self." This is the Eternal Truth.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Dharma: Pujya Gurudev

Dharma: The Righteous Way of Life

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Satya (truth): Truth means absence of falsehood or distortions in all its masks. One who worships truth does not get influenced by the masquerade of any person or object and does not try to imitate anybody or covet any object. He ever remains a seeker of truth and tries to discover the reality behind every event, person or object. The speech of the seeker of truth is straightforward and his deeds resonate with his innate integrity and honesty. Truth is the essence of life. It is impregnable armour against all evils. 
Akrodha (non-anger): Akrodha means refusing to be provoked to anger under all circumstances. Conquest of anger means conquest of the world. An angry person does not think about the consequences of his actions and commits unpardonable blunders. Anger stuns the reasoning and discriminative faculties and inexorably pushes a person towards self-destruction. On the other hand a person who is calm and cool in the face of gravest of provocations meets all that life brings to his door with equanimity and becomes a source of inspiration and strength for others. Thus one who practises the above principles of dharma experiences unalloyed peace and happiness

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Dharma: Pujya Gurudev

Dharma: The Righteous Way of Life

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Dama (control over the mind and desires): It implies reining in of erratic, wayward and unbridled mad rush of chaotic thoughts, desires and unrefined instincts. It is not possible to overcome evil with a thoughtless, vengeful approach. Fire can be extinguished by water and hostility can be ended by kind-heartedness. A person possessing the quality of ’dama’ remains attuned to the noble urges of his soul and protects it from ignoble thoughts and rogue desires. He thus conserves energy which would otherwise have been wasted in self indulgence; and thus conserves, augments and refines his psycho-somatic energies for performing noble, joy-filled, altruistic acts. 

Asteya (non-stealing): Here non-stealing also means integrity and honesty. An honest person does not covet what belongs to others. He practices truthfulness in thought, speech and action. Such a person acquires trust of all who come in contact with him. He lives a pious, pure, fearless and happy life. 

Shauca (cleanliness and purity): The body of a person whose mind and praa are pure remains healthy. Bodily and mental disorders or sinful activities do not invade him. He always maintains an inner and outer purity and cleanliness. He keeps himself free of mental and physical impurities. He performs altruistic acts and attains inner peace. 

Indriya-nigrah (sense-control): Res-traint over senses means the development of three qualities in a person: optimum food intake, judicious use of money and restrained speech. Optimum food intake protects him from diseases, judicious and wise use of money protects from poverty and indebtedness and restrained speech keeps him away from unwanted conflicts and arguments. He thus attains health and happiness. On the contrary a person who is a slave of the senses remains ever dissatisfied, discontented, unhappy and unhealthy. 

Dhi (wisdom): A wise person is never daunted by the gravity of any difficulty because of his wisdom. Discriminative wisdom makes him ever wakeful and fearless and engages him in righteous deeds. Hence a wise person lives a life of abiding peace and happiness. 

Vidya (knowledge): Vidya refers not only to school/university education but also to practical knowledge of the laws of life gained through experience. In the absence of practical knowledge a person rarely develops humility and becomes arrogant. He is not respected anywhere; people ignore him as much as they can. All his wealth and possessions become useless due to the lack of right knowledge. If an ignorant person inherits wealth, he would not be able to handle it wisely or use it for noble purposes. He suffers at every step in his life. Even in most adverse conditions, a person endowed with knowledge and wisdom would live in peace. (Countinue)

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru

Shiv Sharma

Dharma: Pujya Gurudev

Dharma: The Righteous Way of Life =Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

There would have been no buildings, no crop cultivation; no distinct manmade edifice of human civilisation and culture. Whatever we see today has been made possible due to human activity. Any work undertaken can only be accomplished with patience. Before beginning a work, a patient person thinks about its positive and negative results, and thus chooses the right method to execute it. An impatient person, on the contrary, neither thinks about the consequences of his actions nor of its worthiness. He acts haphazardly, without due planning, and so his actions remain infructuous. For him, it becomes a wasteful exercise. Impatience is a very bad habit. There is lack of seriousness in an impatient person, due to which he is ignored, condemned and sneered at in the society. His mind remains unstable and hence he cannot think methodically on any subject.

He also cannot make wide choices. Due to disorganisation, indecisiveness and incapability, he suffers constant failure and becomes miserable. A person who is patient performs all his actions wisely, with full concentration and zeal. He performs his duties without worrying about results. Hence the success or failure of his efforts does not bother him. Such persons achieve stupendous success and attain peace and happiness in life. 

Kshama (forgiveness): A person who forgives others their trespasses creates no enemies and adversaries. He thinks about the welfare of everyone in the world and obtains people’s support and blessings in his endeavours. He receives love and respect wherever he goes. Forgiveness is not a sign of cowardice or weakness but a sign and symbol of stable mind, peaceful heart and awakened soul. To forgive someone who has committed a crime, not to harbour ill feelings or feelings of revenge against such a person is beyond the capacity of a weak or fickle-minded person. It is impossible to imagine that a person who has no enemies, who is loved by all, lacks happiness and peace. 

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Dharma: Pujya Gurudev

Dharma: The Righteous Way of Life =Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

It is essential to follow the path of dharma to achieve abiding peace and happiness in life. People wrongly confuse dharma with ritualistic religion. In fact conscious observance of religious rituals inspires us to imbibe true attributes of dharma and eliminate from our minds, hearts, speech and acts the evil tendencies and practices. Dharma, when rightly practised gives permanent peace and happiness. It provides right solutions to conflicts and averts crises. Life becomes more and more joy-filled and purposeful. Prominent Indian seers and practitioners of the Art of Life discovered a sunlit path of righteous living through which life could be lived happily and peacefully.

They termed it dharma (path of righteous living) with its ten main attributes or virtues. Any person who practises these ten virtues attains true happiness and also makes others happy. These features are: dhriti kshama damo"stute yai shaucamindri nigrah dhividya satyakrodho dashakam dharma lakshanam Meaning: "Patience, forgiveness, self-control, non-stealing, cleanliness and purity, restraint over the senses, wisdom, knowledge, truth and calmness are the ten attributes of dharma" These are not only the attributes of dharma but also of humanism and are the cornerstones for bringing about world peace. To consider anyone who practices these ten features as a follower of a particular organised ’religion’ would be a narrow-minded attitude.

They are not confined to one sect or religion but have a universal import for all humanity. These virtues cannot be brushed aside as blind beliefs because they have been tested rationally and practically; they have proved to be eternally operating principles of noble human life. All religions, sects, prophets, saints and mahatmas have stressed the practice of these virtues for well-being of individuals, societies and humanity as a whole. Let us discuss them in some detail. Dhriti (patience): Man cannot live without activity. The development of an individual, the maintenance of a family, social service, etc. is dependent on action. If man had not been active, he would not have progressed.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Amrit Chintan ; Pujya Gurudev

Amrit Chintan

Don’t run away from problems: Face them

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Very often it is observed that people try to avoid or run away from pressing problems, instead of finding solutions to them. The amount of time that we waste in searching the modes and methods of escaping from a problem is much more than what is required in finding a solution to it. In fact, we should cultivate foresight in anticipating problems, big or small, relating to our home or job and should also search for and keep handy possible solutions. When a problem does crop up, we should develop courage to face it. If your inner-self says ‘I can overcome this problem’, you have already won half the battle.

Every person feels that his / her problem is far more severe than that of others whereas this may not be true. People are often seized by the negative thought ‘What sins have I committed that I am not getting rid of my problems?’ Thus they waste all their time in blaming circumstances or fate for their problems. Have you ever calmly thought: what could be the real cause of these problems? Accept it or not, all your problems have been generated by your own unorganized actions, lack of farsightedness in planning, dearth of practicality and wrong assessment of your own strengths.

Always remember that once you firmly resolve to find a solution to the impending problem, the whole scenario and the concerned people would change. The circumstances or God do not help a person who runs away from the problems instead of facing them boldly and wisely. Therefore, don’t run away from problems; face them.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

social values -iv ; Pujya Gurudev

The social values indwelling our Cellular Self

=Pt. ShriRam Sharma Acharya

 The complementary or supportive organs in case of emergency further evince the remarkable endurance, sense of responsibility and unity in the cellular and organ level components driven by the infinite capacity of the consciousness force. Functioning of a single kidney or lung in case of damage or removal of its partner, regulation of the RBC/WBC concentration in the blood through bone marrow within a short span of blood-loss in an accident or after blood donation, etc are well known examples in this regard.

Existence of germs like flora, which are allowed by the skin tissues to eat the rubbish of dead cells, the presence of �friendly� germs in the intestines for production of vitamin B_12, etc mark the tolerance, compromise and prudent adjustment of the associated molecular and cellular units for the good of our overall health. At organ levels, the flexibility of the respiratory tubes, expansion and contraction of the pleural cavity and lungs to effectuate periodic purification of the blood through inspiration and expiration, flexibility of the muscles and joints as per the requirements of the body�s actions, etc are familiar experiences of the marvelous dynamic adjustments in every unit of our physical existence.

The ability to embrace the coexistence of other creatures and adaptability to positive changes and compromise for maintaining its healthy growth in a randomly changing environment illustrate the farsighted vision of the biological (macro and micro) systems. May the human society learn something from the tiny world of its biological counterpart to adopt the social values naturally embedded there for peaceful co-existence and harmonious progress?

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

social values-III ; Pujya Gurudev

The social values indwelling our Cellular Self

=Pt. ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Any deficiency or fault in this immune mechanism results in vicious cycle of diseases, some of which could even be lethal. The role of consciousness-force pervading in the bio-molecular and cellular units is vital though invisible in the duty-bound intelligence and efficacy of the uncountable, complex biochemical interactions and physiological processes taking place in an adaptive manner from millisecond to millisecond and even in tinier fractions of time. In a volume on �Principles of Immunology�, Drs. Rose, Milgram, and Vanoze observe that in spite of a physical contact, there is no material transfer or communicative interaction between the immuno-competent and the invader cells even if they happen to be chemically compatible with each other.

This indicates that the functioning of the immune cells is also governed by some inherent intelligent and crucial process, which is regulating the known (and also yet unknown) laws of (biochemical) reactions in a living system. Similar kinds of views are further supported by the recent findings of some biomedical research laboratories, which demonstrate rise in the defensive strength, and efficiency of the immune system with the vital energy and willpower of the patients. Complete cure of severe stages of dreaded diseases like cancer by patient�s self-will have been reported in some cases, despite the failure of advanced medical treatment. Experiments on modern therapies along with psychological training by auto-suggestive and biofeedback control have paved the way for systematic investigations for wider applications in this direction.

Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

social values -II ; Pujya Gurudev

The social values indwelling our Cellular Self

=Pt. ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Human body is made up of trillions of cells and has almost equal number of neurons (nerve cells) in the information-processing network of the brain. 
 It is the mutual cooperation of the individual cells that leads to the formation and efficient functioning of the different tissues, organs, and the body-system as a whole. In-vitro experiments on cell culturing show that a single cell is itself capable of surviving independently in a proper medium. Sacrificing their �freedom�, the cells in our living system choose to share their earnings (inputs) and belongings with the other cells via inter-cellular interactions and live in healthy cooperation and organized unity; thereby setting a shining example for the human society.

All the constituents at molecular level, including the enzymes and proteins also follow this ideal principle of mutual association and make the large number of complex in-vivo reactions possible. At the macro multi-cellular levels, the internal organs obey this social discipline of mutual adjustment and collective efforts and consistently teach us the values of amity and cooperation. Altruistic service is superbly adopted at every stage of organization and functioning of a living system. The non-stop intracellular and intercellular activities, continuous pumping of the heart, the distributive flow of blood, the burden-bearing arrangements of the bones, etc stand as best illustrations of this vital principle of social harmony and progress.

Defense against the harmful invasions or disorders of any kind is another fundamental property of a living system and its components. At the cellular level, the cell membrane regulates the inflow and outflow of desired molecules and prevents the invalid entries. Lysozomes also aid in the protection of the cells. Excess of water in the blood is instantly thrown out (via the kidneys) by the activation of diuretic hormones. Vomiting, shivering, allergy, etc are outcomes of the acts of struggle of specific subsystems against any imbalance or untoward reactions. The prompt vigil and valor of the Lymphocytes and the antibodies in fighting against toxins, germs and infections (micro-organisms and foreign antigens) enable the healthy survival of the body.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

social values ; Pujya Gurudev

The social values indwelling our Cellular Self

=Pt. ShriRam Sharma Acharya

The automatic and intelligent regulation of enormous amount of complex interactive biochemical and physiological processes in the living system involves, even at the cellular and molecular levels, some basic principles which, through their manifestations, reflect the subtle role of consciousness-force existing in the smallest unit of life. Look at the process of our bodys growth.

Why a unicellular embryo grows into a specific multi-cellular organism? While the living foetus is cozily protected inside its mothers womb, why should it come out? The answers to "how" of the above questions are well deciphered by the biomedical sciences. But, the "why" (i.e., "for what purpose") of these and related events in the process of the birth and development of the living system still remains a mystery. 

These cannot be explained by the existing theories and experimental findings of the modern sciences.However, we may fathom the nature and purpose of each facet of the molecular, cellular and grosser manifestations of the psyche in the light of the Vedic Philosophy, which affirms the eternal existence and continuous evolution  towards the ultimate, boundless perfection  of the consciousness-force in every expression of life. Every living cell is a conscious system that contains a subtle world in itself. The individual and collective behaviors of the cellular systems are reflected in various biochemical and physiological processes. It appears to be most intelligent and refined in the human organism that enjoys the status of being the most evolved and privileged of all the species ever born on Earth. In terms of social values, the principles involved in the perfect behavior of the molecular and cellular systems demonstrate cooperation, service, struggle, endurance, adjustment, valor, discipline and unity. 

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Overpowered ; Pujya Gurudev

Be not Overpowered by Despair =Pt. ShriRam Sharma Acharya

In human life, hope and despair alternate like day and night. Hope augments our vitality whereas despair drains off our life energy, pushes us down in the dungeon of despondency and darkness. Sometimes despair even pushes a person to commit suicide. On the other hand, a terminally sick person may start healing by vibrations of prayers of hope and health. Therefore, a person desirous of health, happiness and peace must not allow himself to become a helpless victim of the dread disease of despair. 

Despair, to some extent, is related to mental weakness caused by some malfunctioning in the body. Sometimes there are invisible changes in the internal harmony of the body. This in turn affects the mental state of a person. Even a minor biological disturbance may affect the mind. Chronic illness can also cause a feeling of hopelessness. Sometimes moods of despair and worry overtake us due to constipation, polluted air, lack of rest, over- busy life, etc. But causes like these can be rectified with a little common sense; for example, by following the laws of nature, taking recourse to a balanced routine and regular exercise ( deep breathing, walking, etc) in clean surroundings like parks, open areas, etc.. The latter cures the mind too. 

Sometimes despair is also related to the habitually negative mental disposition of a person. Whatever the cause or causes, it is not only possible to save oneself from prolonged moods of despondency but also to keep it away altogether. 

Thanks GOD, hanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

images ; Pujya Gurudev

We hear our own echoes and see our own reflected images
=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Happiness is normally sought in worldly objects, relationships, incidents and circumstances. Such a search is misplaced. Had this been true, people who possessed ample resources and who did not have to face any adversities, should have been always happy and satisfied. On the other hand, people who are poor and who are living against heavy odds should all have been unhappy. Happiness is an attitude of mind, which is determined by a persons viewpoint towards life. 

A person endowed with true humility has an attitude of glad acceptance of all that life brings to him; and this is what self-refinement and self-transcendence mean. More a person cultivates this attribute, happier he will be. 
One who has the habit of faultfinding, negativity and seeing evil in others will remain a captive of this self-destructive attitude regardless of favorable circumstances as for as outer life is concerned. It is like dirtying ones own clothes by himself throwing mud on them. On the other hand, mind can definitely be so trained as to see the good, even though covered, in all persons and situations. It is ones own echo that is returned by the dome. 

A ball thrown against the wall rebounds to the place from where it was thrown. It is ones own personality that is reflected by others and gives pleasant or unpleasant impressions accordingly. That is why this world has been given the analogy of a mirror. The mirror honestly reflects the image of the view.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Aspirations ; Pujya Gurudev

Human Progress is Dependent on the Quality of Aspirations

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Although consciousness is the common factor amongst all sentient beings, including humans, aspiration for progress is a special attribute of a human being. It is this aspiration that becomes a burning ambition and makes a person rise gradually to higher levels of materialistic or spiritual progress. There are only two types of human beings who do not have such an ambition: an idiot or an ascetic of the highest order.

An idiot, due to his foolishness and an ascetic due to his Divine knowledge remain away from worldly ambitions and they are satisfied. Idiots are immune to the ups and downs of the world. There is not much difference between them and other creatures that are solely driven by the desire for sensual pleasures. These creatures, living a routine life, may be kept in the lowest category. 

A category higher than this comprises of people of materialistic viewpoint. Such people have ardent desire for name and fame. This eagerness for the satisfaction of egoistic drives and cravings for money is called greed and is found, more or less, in the majority of people. In the highest category are those who are driven by a single-pointed urge towards spiritual awakening. It is the noble aspirations filled with goodwill for all that form the basis for spiritual progress. In fact, the life that is filled with nobility of thought and deed and is being lived with an ardent desire to promote social welfare, is the only life worthy of a human being. He has taken birth only for this lofty purpose. Indeed, the measure of true progress of a person is the loftiness of his aspirations.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

forgiveness ; Pujya Gurudev

Start Living afresh with forgiveness

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Saint poet Rahim says - Ksama Badana Ko Cahiye, Chotana Ko Utpata | Ka Rahiman Hari Ko Ghatyo, Jo Bhrigu Mari Lata || Great are those who forgive. Those who create disturbances and exhibit bad behavior are small and will remain small. Greatness and Divinity of Lord Vishnu has not become less due to being kicked by Maharshi Bhrigu. Scientific research shows that forgiveness not only reveals our greatness but also positively affects our health. Research findings mention that if by chance a forgiving person gets hypertension related diseases these can be easily controlled and that forgiving or not forgiving is directly related to high blood pressure. 

This means that if you have a forgiving nature you will be rarely prone to high blood pressure. How to forgive? This is a difficult and unanswered question. If any rational person wants to forgive anybodys bad behavior the memories of hurt feelings make it well nigh impossible to do so. Modern psychologists are familiar with this mental state and they have devised techniques, which may be helpful in coming out of such mental grooves. First step in this sequence is Be honest towards oneself. 
Do not denigrate the person you are not able to forgive. May be he is not as guilty as you make him out to be. No need to avoid him. Be neutral, be free from prejudices and think objectively. In this process of objective observation whatever feelings come in your consciousness let them come out naturally. Slowly your mind will get unburdened of these feelings of hurt. Second step in this self-cleansing process is strange but effective. Take a piece of paper and write down all conflicting feelings about the concerned person. Do it not once but many times. Psychologists call it mental cleansing Mind will slowly get lighter. There is another method of writing on paper. 

According to this, write on the paper that you have forgiven a particular person. Write it not once but many times. Thus the anger will subside and after some time you will feel better. Third step is Positive Analysis. Do not just think about your own self. Put yourself in another persons position and then analyze. Try to understand other persons point of view. Possibly your own reaction could be wrong. Understanding other persons point of view makes self-analysis easier. The aim is to understand that others are not wrong to the extent you believe them to be; may be you are over-reacting. 
Then they can be easily forgiven and the mind be easily calmed. To conclude, we give below what G. G. Jampolsky, an eminent Psychotherapist, in his article titled Peace has said about the art of forgiveness: " In order to experience peace instead of conflict it is necessary to shift our perception. Instead of seeing others as attacking us, we can see them as fearful.

We are always expressing either love, or fear. Fear is really a call for help and, therefore, a request for love. It is apparent, then, that to experience peace we must recognize that we do have a choice in determining what we perceive. Our misperception can only be undone NOW, and this is possible only through the process of letting go whatever we think other people may have done to us, or whatever we may think we did to them. Through this process of selective forgetting we are free to embrace a present without the encumbrances of re-enacting our past misperceptions. As inner peace is recognized as our single goal, forgiveness becomes our single function. When we accept both our function and goal, we also find that listening to our inner intuitive voice as the source for direction becomes our only guide to fulfillment. We are released as we release others from the prison of our distorted and illusory perception, and join with them in the unity of love."

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shi Sharma

forgiveness ; Pujya Gurudev

Start Living afresh with forgiveness

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

"I dont know why my mind is so upset these days". Many people respond thus when asked about their well-being. They get angry with minor issues. They feel wounded in their hearts. Though they do feign to laugh occasionally, but harbor burning volcanoes of anger and resentment within. Renowned psychologist Maurice Fredman observes that these symptoms are indications of some unhealed wounds of unforgiveness in the depths of their psyches. 

These hurts frequently manifest as pains, anxiety, tension and tears. Dr. J. D. Frank, a noted psychologist has experimented extensively on this subject. He has published the conclusions of his experiments in the book titled Hidden Mind  A Forgotten Chapter of Our Life. He mentions that there is a sort of a knot (wound) in the mind due to someones bad behavior, which we cannot forget and forgive. Incidents of negligence, scorn or insults by others bring pain to our hearts. 
This sometimes bursts out as anger and at other times the person suffers by feelings of helplessness and resentment. This pain and suffering breaks the mind into pieces.

Japanese physician K. Kurokava explains that disturbances of mind gradually manifest as ailments of the body. His research shows that as the mental tensions increase and deepen they take the form of physical maladies. Recent findings of Kurokava and his associate Yoshiyuki Kago reveal that people who entertain and nourish negative traits like deception, jealousy, hatred, revenge, etc are prone to high blood pressure, hypertension and the resultant diseases of the heart and kidneys. 

The negative feelings not only fill the mind with suffering and restlessness but the body also gets burnt out. Research of Kurakova and Yoshiyuki show that those who readily forgive others are comparatively less prone to diseases related to blood pressure. This means that if we follow the maxim of forgive and forget we can qualitatively change our lives for the better. If we could forgive the malicious behavior of others we can fill our lives with peace and happiness. Forgiveness is a sign of greatness and magnanimity. 

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

principles-iv ; Pujya Gurudev

Wholehearted execution of the prescribed principles

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

The secret is that I have read with utmost concentration whatever has been useful to me to gain mastery of the subjects of my interest. So all relevant references suddenly appear in my mind at the appropriate time. 
This, in fact, is the miracle of concentrated Sadhana. There was a primary school in the village of my birth place. From the point of view of formal education, I studied only in that school. Sankrit is part and parcel of our family traditions. 

My father and brothers were eminent scholars of Sanskrit. Giving discourses on ancient scriptures and priesthood were our ancestral profession. I thus acquired adequate knowledge of Sanskrit at home. I have taught Sanskrit to students up to the standard of carya though I do not possess any degree. 
The story of studying other languages is interesting. I started writing English words in jail on a shallow iron pan (tasla) by using pebbles as pencil. I could lay my hand on an English newspaper Leader in jail and started reading English. I used to consult my colleagues and in about a years time, when I was released from jail, I had acquired fairly good knowledge of English.

Every time during my journey to the jail my vocabulary of English increased due to mutual discussions and gradually I learnt grammar also. In return, I taught my jailmates Sanskrit and idiomatic Hindustani. Magazine s, journals, dictionaries etc. of other languages have always remained my basic sources of learning other languages. 
Gayatri has been called Goddess of Wisdom. I cannot say anything about others but I myself have been miraculously benefited by Her worship. Even professors of Hindi have received considerable guidance from my articles in Akhan Jyoti, in which Sanskrit words have been used predominantly,.I have a feeling of inner upliftment and people are amazed to find that despite my remaining extremely busy in sadhana etc. so much knowledge could be acquired.

 
The credit for all this goes to Mahapragya. (the Supreme Divine Intelligence) Although I participated in satyagraha, launched by the Congress, in compliance with the directions from Gurudev, in the beginning I did not understand its significance. When I was given one sankalp of doing sadhana for twenty-four years, why was this period split up into two portions of five and nineteen years? When thousands of persons were engaged in satyagraha movement, participation or non-participation by one more person should not have mattered much? Gurudev had guessed my dilemma at the time of my meeting with him and his divine voice had given the guideline. 
"Yug dharma has its own importance. It should be considered as the need of times and one should rush to fulfil it leaving aside all other work, just as water has to be rushed to the site of fire. In days to come you have to undertake several works of public contact and you will not get better opportunity than this to establish contacts with different strata of society.

You will also get an opportunity for rehearsal of the experience gained in previous births and of the lessons learnt in your early age. They are not important from the point of view of personal gain but they answer a need of the times. Gurudev continued, "In practical life you are to be taught four lessons of (1) wisdom (2) honesty (3) responsibility and (4) courage. These help in the inner growth of the soul and develop brilliance of intellect. With a view to developing the talents required for execution of your future plans of action and also to hone up the instruments needed for the purpose, your participation in Indias freedom struggle is essential." It is not pertinent to discuss here as to what I did for the country, how much I suffered and how I discharged the duties and responsibilities which were entrusted to me. Anybody interested to know about it may read the book Freedom Fighters of Agra Division published by the Information Department of the Uttar Pradesh Government. In those days I was known by the name of Sriram Matta. The important thing that needs to be understood is the purpose underlying this particular direction of Gurudev.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma 

principles ; Pujya Gurudev

Wholehearted execution of the prescribed principles

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

The responsibility of keeping it lit uninterruptedly was taken up by my wife, whom I called Mataji. It required to be looked after constantly lest it got extinguished. This lamp has been burning uninterruptedly since then. 
When I meditate sitting in front of the flame of this lamp, the mind gets flooded with divine light and warmth. When there is a knotty riddle that cannot be solved by ordinary wisdom, the bright rays of this constantly lighted lamp resolve it instantly for me.

Jap (repeating the mantra quietly by the way of adoration) of sixty six malas (rosary), symbolic worship of the picture of Gayatri Mata by water, flowers, rice, incense, lighted lamp and naivedya (offering of sweets), meditation of rising Sun (Savita) at the time of jap and offering of the libation to the Sun (Suryarghya-dan) at the end; this was the daily routine which was adopted by me. No bij-mantra or samput etc. of tantrik system was added. With the picture of Gayatri Mata installed in front of me, my heart used to get filled with intense faith and devotion and it appeared as if Mother was sitting in front of me in person. Sometimes I felt inclined to shed tears of intense love and joy by hiding my face in Mothers ancal. During this period of daily worship and meditation, there was never an occasion when my mind did not get intensely absorbed in inner concentration and identification with the Deity of my devotion. Had it not been for the ring of alarm watch, I could not have felt inclined to come out of that state of trance. 
Never was there an interruption in this routine of sadhana.

This also applied to study for which no separate time was set apart. Often, I was required to walk and cover long distances in connection with the work of Indian National Congress. I used to stop reading only when there was any meeting or programme. I used to read while walking.My speed of reading books has been forty printed pages per hour. I used to get at least two hours daily for reading.

Thus at the rate of eighty pages a day, I could read about 2400 pages in a month, 28,000 pages in an year and seventeen and a half lakh pages over the last sixty years. Besides, reading has been as easy for me as taking food or bath and I could cursorily skip through about three thousand pages daily. 
This routine has been going for last sixty years during which innumerable pages of books, on subjects of my interest, have been read. After the completion of mahapuruscaranas I found more time that I devoted to studying several books and manuscripts in different libraries. This became an invaluable treasure for me.

 
I did not read a single page for recreation. All that I read was mastered with a view to acquiring proficiency in the particular subject. While writing any article or discussing any matter I could at once recall subjects that I had already read. In my absence, people used to say that I was a mobile encyclopedia. Readers of Akhand Jyoti (monthly spiritual magazine ) are amazed when they find references to so many books, journals and magazine s. The same thing applies to Yug Nirman Yojana and Yug Shakti Patrika magazine s.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma