Upasana : Pujya Gurudev

The Occult Science of Upasana 

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Upasana (practice of divine worship and devotion) is of paramount importance for spiritual refinement and elevation. Depending upon ones intrinsic faith, conviction, mental make up and religious training his/her mode of upasana might vary. It begins with a simple practice of worshiping and praying to the Almighty. With the piety and depth of emotions and surrender of the devotee to the Deity of worship, upasana could gradually become a sublime source of living linkage between the upasaka (worshiper, devotee) and the upasya (the divine object of reverence or worship, God). These majestic effects are not just mythological, occult or mysterious magic; rather, these are natural outcome of the scientifically affirmed immense potentials of upasana in relation to human psychology, intrinsic tendencies and the inner mind. Noted medical expert and healer Dr. Henry Lindlehar mentions in his book "Practice of Natural Therapeutic" that the mental and emotional state of a person has significant impact on his health. One can improve his physical and mental health by making a mental and emotional connection with the cosmic consciousness force, or with the evolved consciousness of angelic beings or elevated souls. 

He further explains that deep meditation on any conscious-object activates (sets) the linkage on ones mind with it, as of a radio or TV set with the selected broadcasting center or channel. Whether we are awakened or dreaming in a state of sleep, our mind constantly receives good or bad thought-waves or consciousness-signals according to what it is tuned for at that moment. During upasana, we concentrate on divinity, divine grace of God, so our conscious and unconscious minds also get purified and naturally attuned to corresponding vibrations; the elevated flow of our thoughts and sentiments orients accordingly and also our inner mind receives and registers the sublime impressions. 
The intensity and continuity of these enlightened effects depends upon that of our intrinsic faith and engrossment in upasana. Whatever be our mental or spiritual level at present, our regularity and sincerity in this devotional practice certainly results in gradual progress and also awakens our hidden virtues, thereby cleansing of our psyche of negativities.

The much applauded book "Mental Radio" by U. Sinclair highlights some higher levels and expanded potentials of deep mental engrossment. It is illustrated therein by examples that a person can send his thoughts not only by the physical modes of communication; he can also do so by invisible, subtle means e.g. telepathy. Great yogis and siddhas attain this supernatural faculty and can send their thoughts in the cosmic expansion through the sublime realms of consciousness; deserving souls (people whose minds are sensitive and attuned to the vibrations of those realms) receive those subtle vibrations and inspirations. Each one of us has this capacity to grasp such sublime vibrations; we only need to condition our agile mind and awaken its otherwise dormant powers. Upasana is a simple, safe and sure means for this purpose.

 What kind of upasya one would select naturally depends upon his intrinsic tendencies and psychological makeup. Upasana transforms the devotees personality as per the nature and qualities of upasya. This is a natural psychological effect, as also pointed out in the "Yogasutra" what becomes of one depends upon what he thinks and does (ones thoughts and deeds make him what he is). The Gita (Ch. 17, Shloka 3) elaborates this fact more elegantly :-

 “ Satvanurupa Sarvasya shraddha Bhavati Bharata | Shraddhamayoayam Purusho Yo Yachchhadra Sa Eva Sa |”

| One is attracted towards the characters or objects according to his own values and inner inclinations. This is what accounts for his compatibility with the colleagues, his selection of friends and ideals in life. As the above shloka points out, ones devotion to the object of natural reverence depends upon his inner sentiments and nature. The deeper this Shraddha (intrinsic reverence and faith) is, the more intense and effective will be the influence of devotion in ones psychological transformation. That is what is implied by " Yo Yachchhadra Sa Eva Sa" (one is what ones Shraddha is). 
          Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma