Control Through Sanskar= Pujya Gurudev

Hormonal Control

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

One can regulate the hormonal levels in a desired manner by purifying the intrinsic characteristics and hidden impressions (sanskars) of the inner self and controlling the emotions, beliefs and aspirations assimilated in its subtler core  & the causal body. This cannot be achieved by gross level treatments based on nutritious diets, physical exercises and medicines etc.
At a superficial level, it appears that some chemical processing of the food intakes generates blood, and that the flow of blood is the source of heat and energy in the body. However, deeper analysis has shown that there is a separate mechanism at the root of all functions inside the body, which gives rise to the formation of blood and maintenance of body-energy. The auto-regulatory system of the neurons and the influence of the conscious and unconscious mind on it are also now regarded as a manifestation of some subtler processes.

The hormone secreting endocrine glands constitute this subtle system, which is now found to be the basic controller, at physiological level, of all functions, qualities, abilities or disabilities of the bodily and mental functions. The thyroid gland secrets a hormone called thyroxin, which enters the blood stream and reaches different parts of the body. Deficiency of this hormone reduces the absorption rate of oxygen, which often results in disruption of metabolic functions, excessive fatigue, loss of memory and bluntness of mind. Also, the skin and hair become dry, lips and eyelids become lose and appear as pulled downwards.

The body fattens and its plumpness is such that pressing a finger makes a groove (depression) in the swollen part. One is unable to bear chill and feels tired because of the reduced level of this hormone. Growth of the thyroid gland results in a swollen, protuberant throat and gives rise to diseases like goiter. The reasons for abnormal shrinkage or growth of this gland have not yet been fully understood. It may malfunction even if one's diet is balanced and the daily routine is also maintained at a level, which is normally prescribed for a healthy person. So far, the deficiency of iodine in food is found to be a major cause of disturbing the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.

The doctors recommend that the daily meals should contain at least 20 micrograms of iodine. Seawater, natural salt, sea grass and fish are rich in iodine contents. However, in many cases even the desired intake of iodine and iodine based medicines do not help control the abnormal functioning of this red colored, butterfly shaped tiny gland whose two "wings" in leaf shaped structures cover the upper end of the respiratory canal. The discovery of a yellow protein colloid in the deep core of this gland had raised hopes that this colloid might be the source of thyroxin secretion. Further research annulled this possibility. Experiments on controlling the deficiencies of thyroxin by injecting the extract of thyroid of other animals have not been successful because of lack of biocompatibility. Drs. E. C. Kendall, Harrington and Berger of Britain had synthesized thyroxin in the laboratory by taking appropriate combination of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and iodine.

Although this artificial substance resembles thyroxin in chemical structure, its injection in the patient's body could not substitute for the deficiency of the latter. Use of iodized salt is regarded as a preventive measure; however it has not been successful in permanent prevention of the thyroid related problems.

Excessive secretion of this hormone also causes a variety of problems: the "engine" & source of energy of the body gets "over-charged" and, as a result, different metabolic and biochemical reactions and physiological functions are accelerated. This often gives rise to increase in pulse rate, profuse perspiration, high blood pressure, excitation, hypersensitivity, mental restlessness, irritation etc. Throat swallows due to which the neck also fattens. At present, radium based X-ray therapy and radioactive iodine, calcium etc are being experimented as possible remedies against an over-active thyroid gland.

From the medical experts like Dr. Emily to the chemical scientists like Dr. Collins of Canada, efforts of many researchers have been dedicated since long towards finding methods of controlling the malfunctioning of the thyroid gland. Role of the tiny parathyroid glands in influencing the thyroid functions has also been investigated in several laboratories. However, the secrets of these glands still remain unraveled. The chemical processing of extraction of energy from the food constituents begins as soon as it reaches the stomach. Starch and sugar are converted into glucose. Part of this glucose goes in the blood stream and helps energize the body and maintain temperature.... The remaining quantity of glucose is stored in the liver in the form of glycogen, making a stock for future energy-requirements. In diabetic patients, the sugar level in the blood increases and the corresponding shortage of energy supplied by glucose gradually weakens the body. This disorder in blood sugar arises due to the deficiency of insulin & a hormone secreted by the pancreas. In healthy blood, the normal level of sugar is about one sixtieth ounce per liter. This small amount is the fuel (source of energy) that keeps the cellular and muscular machinery warm and active. Insulin, along with another hormone adrenaline, helps regulate this function.

Growth of the body is maintained by the pineal gland in the brain. Drastic changes in one's growth & especially height, are caused by the disorderly functioning of this small "dot-sized" endocrine gland. In early 20th century, Dr. Harvey W. Cushing, a surgeon at the Harvard University medical school had removed the pineal gland of a puppy in an experiment. The growth of this dog had stopped after this operation and it remained a puppy thereafter. In some other experiments of this kind, the growth of some young rats was arrested since their pineal glands were cut out. In spite of being fed with ideal nutritious diet in controlled conditions, these rats neither grew in size nor gained any weight.

They appeared like baby rats throughout their lives. In another case, surgeon Philip Smith had fixed the pineal gland of one rat into the brain of another normal rat. The latter, because of two such glands, grew at exceptionally fast rate and became a giant & almost three times bigger than the normal rats - ever found in that family of rats. Many physically weak persons have gained repute in diverse fields of sports, arts, literature, sciences, etc. Dwarf men and women have become popular actors. The jugglery of hormones can also be seen making some poor ones & who might have never eaten a full meal, as hefty and stout.

On the contrary, in some other cases, in spite of having lavish and nutritionally rich and healthy diet and best efforts in terms of physical exercises, the weak and bony bodies of many people show no signs of improvement due to persistent hormonal deficiencies. The importance of hormones in regulating the defense mechanism of the immune system in the body is well known. Whenever the germs and viruses (or any substance, which is "foreign" or "toxic" to its normal functioning), invade the body, some of the hormones secreted by the endocrine glands react instantaneously. These stimulate the B-cells in the blood to recognize the antigens and harmful microphages and produce specific antibodies to eliminate the invaders. The hormones also participate in the struggle of the body to fight the infections/diseases during this defensive activity. This struggle of hormones induces psychological effects that are manifested as - restlessness, irritation, anger and anguish in the diseased persons.

A human being is an ensemble of three systems: one is physical - made up of panca tatvas, which is known as the physical or the gross body. Food, atmosphere and physical activities affect this system. Disorder or malfunctioning of this system is treated with the help of medicines and external devices. The other component of a human being is the subtle body consisting of the conscious and the unconscious faculties of mind. Thoughts and intellectual levels of environment influence this system. Logical analysis, thought provoking discussions and studies, training of discreet planning and decision making, etc are used as the means for healthy development of this body. Intoxication and steroids affect the brain-functions and thereby exert an effect on the system of the subtle body also to some extent. Ambience of life, quality of work, mental tasks, habits and deeds affect and are affected by the status of this system. Epistemology, Psychology, Parapsychology and allied branches of neuroscience and philosophy of mind deal with orderly maintenance and refinement of this subtle component of a human being. The treatment of the disorder or abnormalities in hormonal secretions would be most effective if it is focused at refining and awakening the subtle body.

One can regulate the hormonal levels in a desired manner by purifying the intrinsic characteristics and hidden impressions (sanskars) of the inner self and controlling the emotions, beliefs and aspirations assimilated in its subtler core & the causal body. This cannot be achieved by gross level treatments based on nutritious diets, physical exercises and medicines etc. Intellectual activities and creative methods of mental elevation are also ineffective in reaching the causal body. The endeavors (sadhana) of spiritual refinement appear to be the only solutions. Ascetic practices of these sadhanas offer multiple benefits of regulating the endocrine system and thus helping in harmonious functioning of the physical body, avoiding hormone driven disturbances in mental fluctuations and creating wholesome effects on the subtle and causal bodies. These sadhanas have the potential to elevate the individual self to divine heights.

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

A symbol of Auspicious Knowledge= Pujya Gurudev

Swastika - A symbol of Auspicious Knowledge

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

“Om Swasti N~indro Vradhashravaha, Swasti Naha Pusha Vishvavedaha | Swasti Nastakshryo~aristanemihi, Swasti No Brihaspatirdadhatu || ’’

This sacred hymn of the Yajur-veda is a swastivachana - a prayer, an ardent aspiration, for the highest good and well-being of all beings, of everything, of the whole universe. Heart-felt chanting of this hymn is an integral part of initiating every religious sacrament or important familial ceremony in the vedic cultural rituals. It conveys the core meaning hidden in the vedic symbol of swastika. The term swastika emanates from the Sanskrit word swasti = su (good) asti (being). As a symbol, swastika is a line-design invented by the vedic sages. Its specific geometry is believed to have some relation with certain natural energy fields. It is drawn as a cross with equal arms when all the arms are continued as far again at right angles clockwise. The sublime effects, in terms of the cosmic energy currents superimposed in the unique pattern of swastika, correspond to what the swastika symbolizes -- auspiciousness, well-being.
The clockwise (dakshinavarta) direction is of significant importance, as it also happens to be the direction of movement (as we see it on the earth) of the sun, which rises in the east and sets in the west. The four sides of the swastika thus represent the four principal directions. The symbol of swastika is being used as a holy sign in India since the time of yore. Scriptural descriptions define it as a divine symbol that encompasses (in coded form) several important meanings and mysterious formulae or signs representing specific energy cycles in the universe.

The "Halayudh Kosha" regards it as prominent among the twenty-four symbols of significance in the Indian Culture and states -- Chaturvinshanti Chinhantargata Chinha Vishesha. The same scripture also refers to it as chatushpatha - four paths emerging symmetrically in four directions from a common origin. The seed-syllable (sounding like "gam" in the Vedic script) of the Ganapati Mantra resembles the swastika. This seed syllable together with the four segments (chatushtaya) of the mantra seems to be encapsulated in the swastika symbol. In some scriptures, four divine powers governing the physical system of Nature are said to be subtly present around its four sides: Vradhdashrava Indra in the east, Brahaspati Indra in the south, Pusha-Vishwaveda Indra in the west and Arishtanemi Indra in the north. Scholars of vedic literature also interpret the swastika symbol as the coded design of the electromagnetic / magnetic energy fields around the solar systems nucleus. Valmikiya Ramayana cites the appearance of swastika symbol as that of the bluish line-design seen on the crest of the cobra - king of snakes.

This simile indicates a deeper meaning - conveying the importance of swastika in tantra as well. The matrikas - special sounds or packets of eternal sonic energy (Nada) indwelling the cosmos that were realized by the rishis in a state of trance - are of fundamental importance in the science of tantra and mantra. The signs (notations) representing the matrikas are said to be the origin of the syllables of the Vedic Sanskrit script and hence of all the (ancient) languages. Acharya Abhinav Gupt explains this in the "Tantraloka" as –

“Prathakprathaktattriyam Sukshmamityabhishabdyate | Sanjam Karomi Madhuram Vadayami Bruve Vacha?”

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Enlightened Faith = Pujya Gurudev

Enlightened Faith is the Need of the Hour

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

We are living in one of the most crucial periods of history, when humanity is passing through a momentous inner churning and transition into a new era of unitary consciousness. The voices of unrest, the sighs of disappointment, which we see throughout the entire world, demand a revolutionary change in our outlook and behavior, exemplifying the noblest ideals of humanity understanding, compassion, mutual sharing and caring. If we do not consciously live these noble virtues and resolutely throw out of our psyches the devils of hatred, anger, avarice, etc, we will be committing collective suicide. We have acquired enough knowledge to create a great civilization and a bright future, but have not gained enough wisdom to apply this knowledge for the good of all. In the form of ideals, thoughts and principles, we have the rich treasures of the ages, but lack the wisdom, foresight and will to put them into practice.
Our achievements in terms of fathoming and discovering the underlying principles of nature and its workings are mind-boggling, but we need more earnestness, nobility, courage and discipline to harness them for positive ends. Man is in agonizing search of the purpose of his life which is enlightened awareness of his identity with the immutable and eternal Supreme substratum of the cosmic foam and flux of creation. Despite all our material progress, the degree of insecurity, the worthlessness and futility of life that we experience today were never felt by the preceding generations because of an all-pervading loss of faith in our Divine origin. Such a firm faith has ever been the force that kept common people dedicated to nobility and goodwill.
Lack of such a living and unwavering faith is the root cause of our plight. What we need today is an all-encompassing faith in Divinity for the entire humanity, to which all existing religions can make their contributions. We direly need such a redeeming and unifying faith; otherwise our very existence as a species is in mortal peril. Let us listen to the wakeup call of the scriptural admonishment What doth it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul?

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Inner Layers of Mind = Pujya Gurudev

The Arcane World of the Inner Layers of Mind

Pt. ShriRam Sharma Acharya

Deep and wide-ranging insights of scholars, writers, scientists, philosophers and other intellectuals and the extraordinary talents of artists, successful businessmen, industrialists, politicians, etc reflect the multiple dimensions of creativity of the conscious mind. The above-mentioned extraordinary faculties of the conscious mind are well known. However, few people realize the existence of the unconscious, subconscious and super-conscious levels of human mind.
These subtle layers of mind are full of mysteries and paradoxes. Thorough research in deeper aspects of psychology also indicates that the micro levels of mind are extremely powerful. However, owing to their subtle nature their existence remains latent and unknown to most people. Because of this the experimental analysis of these faculties of the mind has not been possible by external means and the attempts of arousing the latent potential of the mind remain confined to spiritual practices only.
The researchers in Gnostic Psychology have analyzed only about 7% of the active domain of the unconscious mind. It is argued on the basis of these research findings that the natural tendencies, hobbies, inherited habits and adaptability to acquired nature  all originate from the unconscious mind. Parapsychologists consider the latter as the most wonderful, powerful and sophisticated creation; they state that if its immense potentials were discovered, sublimated and used like those of the conscious mind the human race would make thousand times greater progress than the most advanced developments of today. They believe that by awakening the latent energies of the inner layers of mind, we can naturally perform all the wondrous tasks, which at present are carried out only with the help of sophisticated instruments and advanced technology.
The scientific area of research in these aspects of the human mind is known as "Psychocybernetics". The experts of the spiritual science of supernatural faculties have mentioned that the agility of the conscious mind prevents the expression and realization of the unconscious and subtler levels of the human mind.
The ever-active tides of an ocean can be seen by anybody. However, the vision and acquisition of the riches lying at bottoms becomes possible only for those adventurous divers who plunge deep beneath the surface and search for this hidden treasure. The same is the case with the gigantic ocean of consciousness enclosed in the human brain. Whatever has been elucidated about the activities of the human brain with the help of modern techniques like EEG pertains only to the bio- electrical impulses of its conscious part. This, at the most, corresponds to about 13 % of the total bioelectrical activity of the brain in a normal human being. Routine functions of hearing and vision are normally performed by our conscious mind. However, there are instances when the conscious mind is not able to perceive any sound or light.
The perception of sound and visual cognition then take place in the domain of unconscious mind. Such situations often arise when the type of sound or scene produced encountered is beyond the audible or visible range of the conscious faculties of mind. The instances of this kind also occur in the state of deep sleep when the conscious mind is not available to recognize and process the signals received from the sense organs. The unconscious mind is never asleep. The sonic or visual signals perceived by the unconscious mind create intense impressions on the inner self.
The assimilated effects are sometimes manifested in drastic changes in ones behavior and attitude.
The examples stated below illustrate the impact of the subconscious and the unconscious levels of mind, which could be potentially used in psychotherapies. In the summer of 1997, a team of researchers had arranged for transmission of a vague message  "Eat parched rice and drink Coca-Cola...." after every five minutes during a film show for customers arranged in Photoplay, New Jersey.
The message was of no importance to the conscious mind but its repeated reflections induced in the unconscious mind were seen in surprising outcomes of the experiment. The records in that market soon after showed an increase of about 5.75 % in the sales of parched rice and over 38 % in that of Coca-Cola. Dr. Hall Bracker of the Medical Electronics Department of the Louisiana University has developed a tacistoscopic projection device for experimenting on the unconscious mind. In one such experiment he repeatedly conveyed the recorded message "I am honest, I will not steal. It is wrong to steal. If I steal, I will be caught..." to a group of his patients. As a result, significant positive effects were recorded in terms of the change in the patients behavior; even those who had criminal mentality were found to have become sincere and sober... Whether it is hypnotism or some kind of conditioning of the unconscious mind by audiovisual signals, the experiments of this kind resemble, to some extent, the elementary training phase of spiritual practices.
Dr. Harvard Chevron of Michigan University has analyzed (with the help of EEGs) the signals received in the unconscious state of body, on the brain waves. Matthew Irdaily, expert psychologist of the Brooklyn College has also experimented on repeated reflections of such signals/messages on many human subjects during conversational and (day) dreaming states. Both kinds of experiments have illustrated significant potential of the unconscious mind. Newer kinds of experiments involve inducing positive effects or advice by biofeedback techniques adjusted according to the on-line EEG records of the DC potentials.
The success of such experiments on unconscious mind also shows that the yoga-sadhanas, aimed at awakening and controlling the unconscious mind, are derived from logical and scientifically verifiable grounds. During his experimental studies in psychology, Lloyd Silverman of the New York University had conducted a specific experiment several times on some chronic cases of mental instability and addictions. In each daily sitting, the teenager patients were sent a motto  "Mummy (mother) and I are one...", vocally for five minutes. The message was repeated at such a rapid pace that the conscious mind was hardly able to concentrate on it.
The results of this experiment  conducted for 10 successive years  were quite remarkable; many of the subjects were able to get rid of their mental perversities and addictions; many others, who were averse to studies and hard work, started making progress in their schools and colleges. In a similar experiment on autosuggestions to inspire the unconscious mind conducted in 1975, mental tensions and obesity of over 30 women patients were alleviated in record times. Some counselors (psychologists) in the Montana University had also used Silvermans technique; in a single year  1979 itself, they had helped many people in getting relief from the addiction of smoking. In view of the creative effects of his auto-suggestive and biofeedback methods, Silverman had challenged those who considered Freuds Principle  of the influence of unconscious mind on ones personality  as being an imaginary hypothesis only. Dr. Nathan of Washington University had presented an independent but supporting opinion in the 1980 issue of the Annual Reviews of Psychology.
He considers unconscious mind as a major factor to be focused upon for thorough psychological analysis of human beings. He argues that  "Freuds theory emphasized only a narrow domain of the impact of the unconscious mind, namely, that related with sexual desires. This is an incomplete and erroneous conclusion, which has created misconceptions about the real potentials of the unconscious mind.
Deeper research in this field should focus on the analysis and use of the power of unconscious mind to help development of positive and creative faculties and elevation of personality rather than the negative aspects which trigger animal instincts and suppressive complexes". In the ancient Indian healing systems, music was developed as a powerful medium for psychotherapy.
The Samveda emphasizes the majestic role of divine music in conditioning and sublimating the mental potentials. The rishis had composed and compiled classical music through afflatus.
They had sincerely used this music for controlling their mind and rousing its immense qualities at the subtler levels of consciousness. They had attained supernatural talents and knowledge by such experiments on adept use of music in their disciplined and ascetic life. As long ago as 600 BC, the renowned geometrician and philosopher, Pythagoras had also propagated the importance of music in psychotherapy. Lambolycus of Syria too had supported the use of music as a remedy against complications caused by mental tensions and stresses of over-ambitious life style. Positive effects of calm music on mental health have received substantial recognition in the modern age as well. Experimental studies of the impact of music on unconscious mind add to the series of the above-mentioned observations on the assimilation of audio-signals in the unconscious mind. Effects of visual perception are also considered important in inspiring the unconscious mind. Intensive research of a reputed psychologist  Professor Kampbell, has shown that the visual reflections create significant impressions on the unconscious mind.
He says that the unconscious mind stimulates specific bio-electrochemical reactions according to the type of the visuals perceived by it. These reactions affect the entire body. Kampbell had studied the reflections in the subjects mind when the latter is engrossed in watching the glow of a flame. His analysis suggests that waves of immense bliss are generated and the person feels deep peace in this state of meditation. Experimental research of Dr. Lasslie M Lecron of America has also proved that the flame of a lamp or a candle has significant applications in psychological and psychiatric healing.
The practice of tratak in the bindu yoga sadhana is a refined experiment of this sort. The practice of trataka significantly helps restraining the agility of mind, streamlining the thoughts and helps in mental concentration  which is a great achievement in view of the immense power of the controlled mind. The traditions of igniting lamps in the temples, candles in the churches and worshipping fire in the agyarasis (place of worship of the Parsis) at the time of prayers are indicative of the above-mentioned psychological effects. Eminent experts of the Indian yoga sadhana have been, since the time of yore, successful in awakening the unconscious, subconscious and the super-conscious layers of mind with the help of dedicated practices of pratyahar, dhyan, dharna etc.
This is how the great yogis attain supernatural faculties of hearing or seeing beyond the limits of space and time. Telepathy, clairvoyance, prophecy, knowledge of latent objects, thoughts or emotions, etc, are usual offshoots of such attainments. The rishis were regarded as superbly evolved beings because of their astonishing mastery in the external, physical, as well as internal  pertaining to thoughts, emotions and spirituality  domains of life. Todays man has lost his inner strength and is living in a pathetic state of mental and emotional weakness, disorder and stupor.
The situation will certainly improve if the yoga practices as devised by our ancestors are experimented in modern scientific light and brought back in the mainstream of human life. Everybody would then be able to realize and make the best use of the internal potentials of his own mind to live with self-confidence and self-mastery.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Boons of My Life= Pujya Gurudev

Invisible Boons of My Life

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

To me my Guru was everything; his instructions were gospel truth for me; discipline was everything; my submission to his will was total. To a soldier discipline is dearer than life. Call it blind faith, or love for discipline, whatever duty was assigned to me or whatever life routine I was asked to follow have been carried out with utmost devotion and dedication. Two phases of my spiritual life have been completed in 24 years between the age-span of 15 and 40. Deviations from the precepts of "Matrivat Paradashu" and "Lohavat Paradravyeshu" normally occur during this phase of life. This is the period when normally the pull of cravings, lust, greed and ambitions is almost irresistible. This period in my case was spent in studying, thinking, introspecting, self-restraint, meditation and Sadhana.
Generally persons past adulthood are selected for spiritual Sadhana. People of young age can, and should, shoulder the responsibilities ranging from financial management to military service. There is enough scope in these fields for fulfilling ambitions. The youth can also contribute in service activities. But youth is not the appropriate phase of life for spiritual leadership. There are a few exceptions like Shankaracharya, Dayanand, Vivekanand, Ramdas, Meera, Nivedita etc., who right in their early youth, successfully shouldered the responsibility of spiritual leadership. Generally raw youth is devoid of mature wisdom. Those who enter the public field while still gripped by greed for power and fame and are prone to temptations and sensual attractions, create problems for themselves and the society. Downfall of even the best institutions is caused by such novices.

Though evil is not restricted to any particular age, the normal perception is that youth is for pursuing ego-centric ambitions. With receding age, a person grows physically weak and so do his material desires. With lurking fear of death entering the mind, an interest in inner life, and religious activities develops. Hence scholarly seers have considered the post-adulthood phase of life appropriate for Vanaprastha (transition from material pursuits to spiritual aspirations) and for Sanyas (renunciation of all worldly pursuits). I do not know as to why my master engaged me in tapaicarya (life of devout austerity) at a very young age and in accomplishing it when I reached the age of 40. Maybe, he apprehended that I may slip down and get carried off by temptations of name, fame, pelf and power. He must have visualized that without inner strength and maturity, accomplishment of a great missionary task would not be possible; and that it was essential to inculcate in me the qualities of firmness, patience, courage and equanimity as pre-requisites before entrusting me with the great task. Thus, my youth and adulthood were spent in austere Sadhana. Everything went on normally during that period. The only uncommon feature was the "Akhand Deepak" burning day and night with ghee of cow milk. It was kept incessantly burning in the prayer room. Its spiritual or scientific secret was not exactly known to me.

To me my Guru was everything; his instructions were gospel truth for me; discipline was everything; my submission to his will was total. To a soldier discipline is dearer than life. Call it blind faith, or love for discipline, whatever duty was assigned to me or whatever life routine I was asked to follow have been carried out with utmost devotion and dedication. The installation of Akhand Deepak in the prayer room is part of this process. After relying on the Guide and fully submitting to him, there was no question of doubt or debate. On being told that Akhand Deepak had a role in the Sadhana prescribed to me, I simply complied with it and kept it burning throughout the duration of 24 Puraicaranas. Later on, it became dearer than life. It could be put out after 24 years, but such a thought was tantamount to extinguishing my own lamp of life. Hence it was decided to keep it lighted. When I was away in unknown parts of Himalayas, my dedicated soulmate (my wife) would take care of it. Had I been alone without a soulmate, I would not have been able to do any other Sadhana. It was very difficult to keep the Akhand Deepak ever lighted. Servants, disciples or people of weak spiritual conviction would not have been able to do so. It could not have been possible by mere external alertness; it needed total inner dedication, which only a true soulmate could provide. Maybe, this Akhand Deepak is symbolic of Akhand Yagya. The joss sticks may be playing the role of material for oblation, japa playing the part of recitation of mantras, and the Deepak (Lamp) playing the part of offering of ghee in the sacrificial fire.

In this way an automatic process of sacrificial offering may be getting accomplished. The pitcher of water and the lamp kept together could be instrumental in producing vaporization in a subtle way and be generating some subtle power, like steam in an engine. Or it may be that this external light is helpful in kindling the light within. Whatever it may be, I have been getting spiritual light and inner bliss from this Akhand Deepak in ample measure. This lamp placed on the pedestal was burning externally in the beginning. Later I experienced that the lamp was burning within me in the same form and was illuminating my entire inner being as the outer one illuminated the room.

The illumination I was feeling within my body, mind and soul - in the gross, astral and causal bodies - might have been its repercussion. Throughout the duration of Upasana this light was glowing in the senses, just like the room was illuminated by the ever alight lamp. Everything about me became illuminated, the veil of darkness was removed, desires and cravings vanished. Mind and body were radiating illumined feelings, thoughts and actions. The ocean of light was undulating everywhere and I was merrily swimming in it, like a fish in the lake. The role played by these sensations in the development of the power of self, divine outlook, and joy is beyond description. Maybe it is my imagination, but had not the Akhand Deepak been kindled my inside too would have perhaps remained as dimly lighted as the prayer room. Now it is seen glittering like the festive light of Diwali. It is in this emotional flow that the magazine I started years back in 1937 was christened "Akhand Jyoti ", the name that I liked the most in the world. Maybe it is due to this devotional start that the small sapling has now grown so large that its present circulation is estimated to be over 10 lakhs and the magazine is spreading its enlightened message all over the world.

On entering the third phase of Sadhana, the rays of "matrivat Sarvabhuteshu" began to illuminate my soul. The first two phases i.e. "Matrivat Paradareshu" and "Lobhavat Paradravyeshu" were concerned with my own body only. When sin entered in the two eyes, the third eye of discernment made it beat a hasty retreat. The body was subjected to austere discipline and snapped the roots out of which sinful sprouts originated. So the evil tendencies had no soil to take roots. The "Sadhana of Matrivat Paradareshu" was mastered without any difficulty. Mind created a little trouble in the beginning, but the body was always at my command and control. The mind ultimately accepted defeat and began to cooperate like a good friend. By voluntary adoption of poverty and minimizing the needs to the barest, as well as giving up the tendency to hoard, there was no question of coveting "paradravya" (others wealth). When ones own earning was adequate to feed the stomach and cover the body, why to covet others things? Whatever could be saved after meeting the minimal needs was distributed among others. Those who are by nature prone to giving and distributing and deriving joy out of it can never hoard.

A life style based on minimum needs, simplicity and a non-hoarding Brahmana (One who is devoted to spiritual pursuits and leads a simple altruistic life) has filled my inner-self with unexplainable happiness and contentment. Had this happiness and contentment been the way of life of masses, there would have been hardly anyone wanting to earn sin, by coveting others wealth. Merely boasting to be an Aparigrahi (non-coveter) would not do. How many can feel in themselves the unique joy that comes out of giving? In my case, I got the treasure of these divine gifts effortlessly.

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Divine Faith = 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.

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

The Great Work Of Pujya Gurudev

A unique effort after two thousand years

=Pt.shriRam Sharma Acharya

Whatever means had been in practice in making the past of Devabhumi Bharat glorious  Ashvamedha is the best among them. It is the gains and good results of Ashvamedha that gave the habitants of this land the prestige of Jagadguru in the field of knowledge of ultimate reality and Cakravarti (universal monarch) in the field of science. A western historian, Professor A.L. Basham, who is deeply and seriously dedicated to the study and investigation of divine culture writes, in his book titled "The wonder that was India", that if one surveys the different parts of the world and tries to find where the habitants considered their land to be sacred and an object of reverence - it will be found that that country is India. According to the research report titled "Vedic India", the Ashvamedha was in vogue in the form of Vedic method of worshipping the nation. This was given the status of Anushthana which was performed together by the rulers, the philosophers and the common people.

A few historians consider the Ashvamedha as a method of political unification. Historian A.C. Brownskey in his book "A history of historical writing" considers this assumption as shallow-visioned. According to him, the efforts of political unification have been done in the present age also and are still being done; but that soul-satisfaction with the results of such efforts was never felt as was felt by the habitants of Vedic India in Ashvamedha Anushthana. What else were the conquest expeditions of Greece and Rome except the race for imperial unification? The minds of Sikandar and Sellucus, who were defeated by the great Chanakya, were filled with such colorful imaginations.
Hitler knitted his warp and weft in the guise of his promise; "I will unite the world". In the third and fourth decades of twentieth century, Stalin tried to demonstrate the same streak, though on a smaller scale, in Russia using the slogan of communism of Marx. But all these efforts ultimately remained as far from the spirit of Ashvamedha as the earth is from the sky.

According to historian Brownskey, the Ashvamedha Anushthanas were not political conquest expeditions; rather they were cultural unification expeditions. According to historian A. Barth, the biggest proof of their cultural form is that these yajnas were led by a Purohit. According to Barth, the ruler used to be only the organizer of these yajnas, whereas the role of Purohit was that of a director.
The aim of these great yajnas was to awaken the faith of the people towards Rashtra Devata and towards the universal values of life (Dharma) and to educate the masses about the methods of living in accordance with these basic values (Dharma). These efforts made for the cultural unity, used to make the Rashtra (the nation) politically, geographically and emotionally strong, able and disciplined. Accepting these facts, Rashtra and Ashvamedha have been considered identical in Shatapatha Brahmana

Thanks GOD,Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma