All World Gayatri Pariwar - Birth Centenary of Shriram Sharma Acharya (Mantra Lekhan Sadhana Book)

The Blazing Torch of Total Thought Revolution

Aura : Perpetual protection of divine Flame : Divine power for the new creation Torch : Pledge of reformation Resolute fist : Collective organized power Mass of People : Men/Women of all classes volunteering for ushering in Golden Era

Sankalpa Patra (A Sacred Pledge) A unique Mantra Lekhan Sadhana by Gayatri Sadhaks under the auspices of Centenary Mantra Lekhan Sadhana campaign of Birth Centenary Year (2011) of Yug Rishi Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, for the Dawn of Golden Era, setting into motion the process of purification and upliftment of human psyche leading to spiritual awakening and genuine world peace – the aim of Gaytri Pariwar's Vichar Kranti Abhiyan (Campaign for Total Thought Transformation): Name (in full): ...............................................................................................................

Full Address: ................................................................................................................ .....................................................................................................................................

Pin: ...................................... District: ............................ State: .................................

Country: ................................ Phone / Mobile : .........................................................

Email: ..........................................................................................................................

I hereby pledge to participate in Centenary Mantra Lekhan Sadhana campaign of Birth Centenary Year of Yug Rishi Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya.

I believe that Guru (the spiritual teacher) transfers a part of his spiritual power (earned by Tapa and Punya) to his disciple for his spiritual growth. In return, the Sadhak (disciple) has to invest a definite part of his time, effort and resources regularly to augment that power in his life. I have decided, therefore, to undertake regular Sadhana (Selfrefinement), Swadhyaya (Study of enlightening literature), Sanyam (Self-control) and Seva (Service) and donate time and resources for such task.

Place: Date:

Signature of the Pledger

1. The person writing mantras in this book should detach this page, fill in the blanks, sign it and keep it at his/her place of worship.

2. A donation of Rs. 108 (India) / $ 10 (USA) / £ 5 (UK) along with the required information (as given in this form) should be sent to Gayatri Teerth, Shantikunj, Haridwar (Uttarakhand) 249411 India. The money may also be deposited in the account of Shri Vedmata Gayatri Trust in any of the Banks mentioned on the next page.

1

Bank Account Numbers Of SHRI VEDMATA GAYATRI TRUST Shantikunj-Haridwar, Uttarakhand (249411) BOB A/c No. CBI A/c No. PNB A/c No. SBI A/c No. AXIS A/c No. ICICI A/c No. HDFC A/c No.

-

0926 1577 3129 1087 1560 0239 0943

0100 8415 0101 6858 1010 0100 1450

0046 75 0000 311 0013 0010 0001

39 0018 846 57

(14 Digit) (10 Digit) (16 Digit) (11 Digit) (15 Digit) (12 Digit) (14 Digit)

Kind Attn. Foreign Donors Your valued patronage be in favour of Vedmata Gayatri Trust, Haridwar, India HDFC A/c No. - 0943 1170 0000 22 (14 Digit) IFSC Code : HDFC0000943 e-mail: accountsvgt@gmail.com Phone No. 09258369702

The prime key to success in this world is – strong willpower. It is through willpower that knowledge, wealth and resources are earned. It is the foundation on which the edifice of spiritual Tapasya and Sadhana is built. It is this divine force through which pauper surprises the world by making himself prosperous. It is this inspiring and enchanting mantra, with whose power a single person makes millions of people his followers.

- Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

2

The Gayatri Mantra ||O® bh¿rbhuva¡ sva¡, tatsaviturvareñya®, bhargo devasya dhºmahi, dhiyo yo na¡ pracoday³t || Meaning: We embrace that Supreme Being, the effulgent divine Sun, the ultimate life force, omnipresent and omnipotent, the destroyer of all sins and sufferings and the bestower of bliss. May He inspire and enlighten our intellect to follow the righteous path.

Disciplines to be followed while writing the Gayatri Mantra 1. Write the Gayatri Mantra with prayer-filled feelings and focus on its meaning.

2. Don't hurry up! Write the mantra slowly at a steady pace.

3. Write the mantra clearly and correctly.

4. Keep the writing-book neat and at some appropriate place.

5. Be punctual in writing. You may do it at any suitable time. Even the busy and sick persons can undertake this sadhana.

Mental chanting of a Vedic Mantra is a powerful spiritual practice. Writing the mantra with full mental concentration also serves this purpose. In fact, doing so helps in controlling the mind more easily and effectively, as the hands, eyes, as well as mental energy naturally get focused at one point while writing the mantra. That is why the sages say :

Yajó³tpr³ñasthitirmantre, Jap³nmantrasya J³grati¡ | Ati Prak³ïav³®ïcaiva, Mantro Bhavati Lekhan³t || Meaning: Yagya (Vedic fire-ritual) activates vital energy of mantra, chanting (japa) of mantra awakens its spiritual power, and writing of mantra infuses the radiating vibrations of mantra in the soul.

According to scriptures, devout endeavor of writing a mantra correctly and consistently is regarded ten-times more effective than its japa. Its sincere practice is therefore regarded as an important sadhana. Everyone, whether male or female, young or old, can participate in this sadhana. There are no restrictions. Mantra can be written whenever one finds time. An anushthan is completed by chanting the Gayatri Mantra, 24000 times. Since the benefit of penning the Gayatri Mantra is 10 times more than that of chanting it, the anushthan is completed by just writing it 2400 times.

While writing the Gayatri Mantra always carry this prayer in your mind: “Oh Lord! Grant us wisdom and lead us on the path towards a bright future” The same thought has been carried on each page of this book along with the Mantra.

3

The themes of all Faiths/Religions converge into the core-meaning of the Gayatri Mantra.

1. Hindu: God is the eternal source of life-force; Supreme embodiment of unalloyed bliss and Almighty destroyer of all worries and vices. Meditate upon the preeminent radiance of His pious inspiring power that will enlighten our intellect and motivate it towards the righteous path of elevation. (Rigveda 3|62|10; Yajurveda 36| 3; Samveda 1462) 2. Jew: 'O' Jehova (God) Guide me on the path of religion (righteousness); Show me Thou way which is straight, noble and perfect. (Old Testament-Prayers 5|8) 3. Shinto: 'O' Lord! Our eyes might see indecent things and vices, but our hearts (inner minds) should be free from all evils and impurities. Our ears might hear what is immoral and profane, but our hearts should not perceive anything unholy or wrong. (Japanese Preaching) 4. Zoroastianism: That Supreme Master (Ahura Mazda – God) is the Supreme King because of His pure intelligence and truth. Executing altruist deeds in His name makes us beloved of God. (Avesta 27|13) 5. Daoism (Taoism): Dao (the Supreme Being: God) is beyond all perceptions and thoughts.

Righteous conduct as per His disciplines is an ideal religion. (Dao Treatise) 6. Jainism: Revering salutations to all the Arhantas, the Siddhas, the Acharyas, and the Upadhyays (all of whom are enlightened masters). Revering salutations to all the saintly beings.

(Invocation Prayer) 7. Buddhism: (For ultimate peace and joy) Surrender to buddha – the enlightened awareness; Surrender to dhamma – the inner righteousness; Surrender to sangha – the collective consciousness. (Diksha Mantra | Trisharanam) 8. Christianity: 'O' Father! Please do not put us under test; save us from all sins and evils. All the infinite power, noble prosperity and greatness are eternally Thine. (New Testament 'Matte' 6|13) 9. Islam: 'Ya Allah!' We pray to you only and need Thou help alone. Show us the righteous path – the path of those who are blessed with Thou light and grace, and not the (wrong) path of those who are unholy and worthy of Thy punishment. (Quran Sura: Al-Phatiha) 10. Sikh: "Omkar" (God) is one. Thy name is the ultimate Truth. He is the creator of Nature; He is Almighty, absolutely bright and brave. He could be known only by the blessings of a noble Guru (enlightened divine intellect). (Guru Granth Sahib – Japujee) 11. Bahai: 'O' Lord! Refresh and gladden my spirit. Purify my heart. Illumine my powers. I lay all my affairs in thy hand. Thou art my Guide and my Refuge. I will no longer be sorrowful and grieved; I will be a happy and joyful being. (Abdu'l-Baha in "The secret of divine civilization")

4

The scientific aspect of Gayatri Mantra The vibrations of Vedic Mantras carry immense energy that is amplified by the pr³ña (vital spiritual energy) and bio-electricity of the body and the sublime currents of spiritually refined thoughts and sentiments of the s³dhaka(s). The practice of japa-s³dhan³ of G³yatrº Mantra is given supreme importance in this context, as the majestic power of this eternal mantra is expanding perpetually, as the s³dhan³ of this mantra has been constantly practiced by millions of spiritual experts since the Vedic Age. This mantra is also special in terms of its unique sonic pattern, the sublime flow of Ïabda and astonishing physical, psychological and spiritual impacts.

From a scientific point of view, one may explain it as follows. As the continuous movement of the motor in a dynamo generates electricity, the cyclic repetition of the japa of a mantra at a constant pace also gives rise to the circular motion of the sonic manifestation of Ïabda (eternal element of cosmic sound – evolutionary vibration) hence to a centrifugal sonic force and an otherwise latent power of sound. One who knows the Mantra Vidy³ indeed knows the secrets of the optimal generation and use of this cycle of energy, which is a unique source of physical, mental and spiritual potentials.

The coexistence of the forces of attraction and the circular motions of the planets must be well known to the students of Physics. Because of the fast movements in the charged fields of attraction, each planet also produces a roaring sound of intensity proportional to its huge size.

The superimposition of these planetary roars gives rise to the cosmic sound – a manifestation of Ïabda, which, the scientists consider as the major source of power for every kind of 'natural motion' existing in the entire universe.

The power of Ïabda manifests itself in multiple ways in the s³dhan³ of the great G³yatrº Mantra.

This mantra is a compilation of twenty-four special syllables (in Sanskrit), which are so configured that the enunciation of each gives rise to unique types of vibrations at one or more of the twenty-four important bio-electrical and extrasensory energy nuclei in the s³dhaka's body. The collective compounded sonic effects of all of these are so unique and immense that these activate the subtle body too.

The linguistic meaning of this mantra is a universal prayer for the divine illumination of the intellect of all to lead the world towards the righteous path. The s³dhaka's mental concentration and pure sentiments are naturally focused around this meaning (and the associated feelings and inspirations) when he performs japa of this mantra through emotional depths. This has two prominent effects – viz., the s³dhak's mind achieves higher state of meditation and he also attains spiritual refinement of the inner domains of mind.

The sonic as well as the emotional energy together make a mantra alive. Therefore for the success of the s³dhan³ of any mantra, it is the piety of character and deeds, the strength and stability of mind and the ïraddh³ – that are the most crucial and important virtues of the s³dhaka rather than his world success, talents, intellectual eminence or scholastic expertise, etc.

5

The Paeans of Praise for Gayatri Several faiths are prevalent in the Hindu religion and there are controversies and conflicting opinions also in respect of some of them. But all the sects, saints and rishis have accepted the pre-eminence of Gayatri mantra with one voice.

Atharva Ved incorporates a prayer (19-1-71) in praise of Gayatri stating that it grants longevity, energy, power, fame, wealth and divine effulgence (Brahma-tej).

According to seer Vishwamitra, there is no other mantra like Gayatri mantra in all the four Vedas. All the Vedas, Yagya, charity, tap (devout austerity) are not equivalent even to a small portion of the potency of Gayatri mantra.

Yogiraj Yagyavalkya says- “Gayatri and all the Vedas were weighed in a balance. The scale was tipped in favour of Gayatri. Upnishads are the essence of Vedas and Gayatri along with its vyahrities, has been regarded as the essence of Upnishads. Gayatri is the mother of Vedas, it destroys sins and there is no other greater purifying mantra than Gayatri on this earth as well as in the heavens. He who does not know Gayatri gets deprived of brahmanatva and becomes sinful.”

According to Parashar, “Of all Suktas and Ved Mantras, Gayatri Mantra is the superiormost.

Between the Vedas and Gayatri, the latter has an upper hand. One who performs Gayatri jap with devotion becomes pure and gets liberated. A person without Gayatri worship cannot be considered a Brahman, although, he might have read Vedas, Shastras, Purans and other scriptures”.

According to Shounak rishi “A dwij may or may not do other worships. He gets liberated by doing Gayatri jap alone and attains all material and spiritual boons. Performance of ten thousand japs averts calamity in the hour of crisis.”

According to Maharshi Vyas “Just as honey is the essence of flower, milk fat of milk, in the same way Gayatri is the essence of all the Vedas. Gayatri is like Kamdhenu for one who has acquired mastery in it. Ganga purifies sins committed by the physical body but Gayatri, the Brahma Ganga, purifies the soul. A person resorting to systems of worship other than Gayatri is like a fool who leaves delicious delicacies and takes to begging for food. There is nothing superior to Gayatri Sadhana for achieving desired fruits and developing the power of devout austerity (tap).”

According to Jagadguru Shankaracharya “It is beyond human competence to describe the glory of Gayatri. Nothing is more important in the world than to attain spiritual wisdom, which is inspired by Gayatri Sadhana. Gayatri is the primordial mantra. Its Sadhana destroys sins and promotes virtues.”

Shri Rama Krishna Paramhamsa stated, “I tell people that it is not necessary to get engaged in complicated Sadhanas. Perform simple Gayatri Sadhana and see the results.

Great Siddhis are attained by Gayatri Sadhana. This Mantra is short, no doubt, but it is extremely powerful.”

6

Swami Dayananda, the founder of Arya Samaj, was a staunch worshipper of Gayatri. He told the ruler of Gwalior that Gayatri Purascharan is better than weekly discourses of Bhagvat Puran. Swamiji had taught several persons like Sachhidanand , Heeralal Raval, Ghodal Singh etc. at Jaipur, the method of doing Gayatri jap. In Multan, Swamiji advocated the supremacy of this mantra and said that the origin of all the Vedas is Gayatri mantra.

Swami Ramteerath said “The most important task is to attain Ram (God). The purpose of Gayatri is to remove intellect's craving for sensuous pleasures and inculcate in it deep interest for God. He alone can attain God whose intellect is pure and stable. There should be such purity in the intellect that it may consider Ram greater than Kam (sensuousness).”

Vivekanand said, “Only that thing should be begged from a king which befits his dignity.

Spiritual wisdom alone is the most suitable gift which could be asked from God. God grants spiritual wisdom which leads to advancement on the right path and results in our happiness.

One who is advancing towards the truth always remains happy. Gayatri mantra is instinct with spiritual wisdom and, therefore, it has been acclaimed the greatest of all the mantras.”

According to Mahamana Madan Mohan Malviya, “Gayatri is the most precious gem which has been given to us by the Rishis. It purifies the intellect and enlightens the soul with the light of God. Countless souls have been liberated from worldly bondage by its Sadhana.

Gayatri has the power to inculcate feelings of devotion to God and bestows worldly abundance. Gayatri Sadhana is essential for brahmans. A person who does not perform Gayatri jap is guilty of neglecting his primary duties.”

According to Lokmanya Tilak, “Political freedom alone will not liberate Indian people from the bonds of slavery. For this, the inner soul should be enlightened so that it may be possible to discriminate right from the wrong and people may be inspired to leave the wrong path and pursue the righteous one. Gayatri Mantra incorporates this prayer.”

The great Indian poet Ravindranath Tagore says, “The mantra which can awaken India is so simple that it can be uttered in a single breath. It is Gayatri mantra. There is absolutely no scope for any dispute or argumentation in regard to the supremacy of this holiest of mantras.”

According to Mahatma Gandhi, “Constant Jap of Gayatri Mantra is useful for curing physical ailments and for the upliftment of the soul. Gayatri Jap performed with a calm, unperturbed mind has the power of averting crisis in the hour of distress.”

Thus, besides the views expressed by the ancient Rishis, seers etc. there is vast collection of opinions of several noted and eminent intellectuals of the present era on the basis of which it can be concluded that Gayatri Sadhana is not a blind faith or blind tradition but is a well-tried and tested sunlit path of spiritual growth. Whosoever has taken refuge under this supreme Divine Power has swiftly and uninterruptedly advanced on the inner pilgrimage of self-discovery. Gayatri Sadhana never goes in vain.

7

Why participate in the Sadhana Anushthan of writing the Gayatri Mantra during the Centenary Year?

We are going through a very auspicious transitional period. And the occasion is the birth centenary year of the seer of Gayatri, Vishwamitra of this age, Param Pujya, Sadgurudev, Acharya Sri Ram Sharmaji. That we are going to witness this period, is our good fortune. The plan is to initiate an intensive campaign for sadhana of writing the Gayatri Mantra during the spring season itself, immediately after his spiritual birthday – Vasant Parv. The campaign will start on the day of Mahashivratri (2nd March 2011) and will end on the day of Ramnavmi (12th April 2011). The anushthan of writing the Gayatri Mantra 2400 times during this period of 40 days (60 mantras per day) will equip the seekers with spiritual powers and bestow on them the blessings of Pujya Gurudev. In the centenary year during the auspicious spring season, those fortunate ones who will participate in this Sadhana endeavor will certainly be blessed with innumerable boons. Under normal circumstances, the penning of Gayatri Mantra could be done at any time, but there is a great significance of writing Gayatri Mantra during this period. This campaign is not limited to 40 days, however; writing of Mantra can be done throughout the centenary year. This period is especially important because this anushthan is being collectively performed with the observance of certain disciplines and the offerings of time and resources by all the participants and hence it has taken the shape of a Mahapurashcharan.

Everyone understands that the Punya of writing a mantra once is equivalent to verbal chanting of 10 mantras. This becomes possible due to the deep concentration that is required while writing the mantra. Studiously contemplating on the meaning of the mantra while writing it accomplishes the process of both meditation (dhyan) and chanting of mantra (jap). The philosophy behind the 24 syllable of Gayatri Mantra begins to settle in the mind of the seeker. The act of writing the Mantra can be done at any time of the day or night. It is said that through the act of writing the Mantra, the fundamental power, the soul of the Gayatri Mantra, begins to shine through.

What is of greatest importance is that during this period, lakhs of seekers throughout the world would be writing the Mantra together. Through this, in the sublime world, such intense, revolutionary energies would begin to flow that even the physical world would benefit from it. It is anticipated that 50 lakh people will participate in this campaign. When 24000 is multiplied by 50 lakh (number of participants) then it will amount to chanting the mantra for about 120 crore times in this period. There is no need to explain the formidable impact of this chanting (Jap).

During these 40 days or during any other period when one takes the pledge to write the Mantra, the daily routine can be normal. If food intake is controlled, it will yield still greater benefits. Do not eat Tamsik food. The mental tendencies of criticizing or harboring ill feelings towards others must be curbed. The frame of mind should be that of positive thinking. Regularly focus on self-study (Swadhyay). Every day read Akhand Jyoti or other such inspiring literature. Devote at least one hour (as Samaydaan – donation of time) for the whole of next year. Contribute a sum of Rs.108/- towards promotion of righteous activities by the Center (Shantikunj-Haridwar). Without making contributions/donations, one cannot really earn Punya from chanting of Mantras (Jap) or writing of the Mantras. This contributed amount will help in accomplishing and expanding the preparations for the centenary celebrations. Sadhana accompanied by sadhak's contribution of time and resources is a storehouse of spiritual powers. Please appreciate the importance of writing the Mantra and study the associated disciplines carefully. Good fortune lies ahead for all of us. Believe it and start the anushthan of writing the Gayatri Mantra.

Dr. Pranav Pandya 8

Shantikunj, Haridwar

Om bhur bhuvah swah tatsaviturvarenyam bhargo devasya dhimahi dhiyo yonah prachodyat Oh Lord! Grant us wisdom and lead us on the path towards a bright future.

Why Gayatri Sadhana?

A person can proceed rapidly on the path of soul growth and self-realization through devotion of the Goddess Gayatri the supreme creative energy of the divine. It endows its devotee with true wisdom. A subtle, uninterrupted current of divine energy starts flowing through the inner being of the devotee, cleansing his intellect, mind and emotions of the perverse, perverted and dark thoughts, feelings and desires.

Gayatri Sadhana bestows extra-ordinary benefits on the devotees. Many persons have performed Gayatri Sadhana under my guidance and I have myself been a witness to the material and spiritual benefits achieved by them through this Sadhana. The reason is that they get true discriminative wisdom as a divine gift in the light of which all infirmities, complications and difficulties, which make people unhappy, worried and miserable, are solved. Darkness has no independent existence of its own. It is nothing but absence of Light. In the same way, unhappiness is nothing but absence of knowledge. Otherwise, in this orderly creation of God, there is no shadow of sorrow or suffering. God is Sat, Chit, Anand; that is, the embodiment of Supreme Truth, Pure, Awareness and Divine Bliss. Human beings suffer because they choose to aimlessly wander in the wilderness of ignorance- forgetting their true identity as Divine sparks. Otherwise, birth in a human body is a great boon, which even the gods covet, because it is the only means through which a soul can attain selfrealization, the fount of unalloyed Bliss.

The Sadhana of Gayatri is worship of supreme Knowledge. It is my personal experience and firm belief that those who worship Gayatri will never be lacking in spiritual enlightenment and worldly happiness.

– Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya The first attribute of a sadhak is – patience! Keeping patience is the only test of devotion. One who gets impatient is bound to fail. There are several instances of greed and fear, disappointment and anger, etc that are encountered by the sadhak.

There is no essence in them; only the patience is tested. Be happy always. Face challenges with a smiling face. Have firm faith that the soul is omnipotent. In fact this is faith in God. With this belief, you can surmount all the hurdles.

- Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya 89

Gayatri is Kalpavriksha (Wish-Fulfilling – Tree) 1. Art of Living: A devotee of Gayatri realizes the significance of life and hence utilizes this opportunity for the refinement of self and welfare of others. He remains free from the fear of death and remains poised in pleasure and pain. This art of living makes him successful in every endeavor.

2. Conservation of energy: Dissipation of vital energy causes disease in the body and that of spiritual energy causes disorder in the mind and unhealthy developments in the society.

Worship of Gayatri inspires a person to conserve his energy, which automatically rectifies these disorders.

3. Excellence: A man of principles and idealistic values would surely be called excellent even though he may be poor or resourceless. The generosity of heart developed through Gayatri sadhana gives inner peace that cannot be achieved through any other materialistic means.

4. Purity: External purity augments health and beauty and internal purity awakens divinity within. Gayatri bestows both which, in turn, provide peace, satisfaction and fame.

5. Divine Vision: People with corrupted vision see evil everywhere but a devotee of Gayatri develops a divine vision with which he sees happiness and beauty all around in this garden of the Lord.

6. Virtues: Prayerful worship of Gayatri augments virtues like humility, politeness, sweet speech, service, cooperation, honesty, regularity, habit of working hard, conscientiousness, courage, valour, hopefulness, patience, frugality, etc. A person with such virtues will certainly lead a happy and healthy life.

7. Discernment: It is a kind of spiritual light with which it is possible to distinguish between true and untrue, right and wrong, necessary and unnecessary, etc. In majority of cases, the cause of sin and suffering is ignorance, confusion or foolishness. Gayatri bestows the faculty of discernment, which saves the devotee from all the pitfalls.

8. Self-control: Human body is a storehouse of wonderful powers. If these powers are utilized in a proper direction, one can achieve great successes. Gayatri does bless a devotee with the virtue of self-control and hence with success.

9. Service: We should serve others in such a way that helps them to become self-dependent, enthusiastic and active. Helping others to make them progressive, making this Earth green and clean and environment pleasant is a great service. Gayatri amply bestows this prudence of selfless service on its devotees.

90

About Acharya Shriram Sharma Ever Since the beginning of Vedic Era chanting of Gayatri Mantra, Gayatri Sadhana and Yagya have been considered the most potent means of invoking divine energies, latent in the deeper consciousness of human beings, for the refinement, upliftment and wellbeing of individuals as well as the society. However, with the passage of time, especially during the dark medieval ages of feudalism and foreign domination, their came about a general all round decline of ethical, moral and social values. As a result, Vedic rituals, modes of worship and prayer underwent gross distortions at the hands of the priestly class. It was sought to be made out through these perverted interpretations that Gayatri Mantra, Gayatri Sadhana and Yagya were the exclusive prerogatives of the male members of one particular caste, the Brahmans.

Women were strictly forbidden to take up Gayatri Sadhana. They pronounced that Gayatri Sadhana, according to the scriptures, was a secret doctrine and the Mantra could not be chanted audibly. Such retrograde orthodoxy and the pomp, pelf and ostentation which were introduced into the modes of worship led to the undermining of faith in Vedic Dharma.

It was against this back-drop that there appeared on the scene a pioneer of spiritual renaissance and the guiding spirit behind the reformation programme for a resurgent society, the seer-saint scholar, Yugrishi Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya. He was born on September 20, 1911 in village Anwalkheda, District Agra, (U.P.). He was formally initiated into Gayatri Sadhana, at the tender age of eight, by the great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of Benaras Hindu University. In 1926, at the age of fifteen, when he was doing Gayatri Mantra Jap in the early hours of the auspicious Vasant Panchami day, the great Himalayan Yogi, Swami Sarveshwaranandaji, who is living in his astral body for the past many centuries, appeared in Acharyaji's room of worship as an apparition of dazzling light and revealed to the latter glimpses of his three earlier incarnations and the mission of present birth.

Intuitively recognising this great Yogi as his divine Guru, Acharyashri totally surrendered himself to him and unquestioningly and scrupulously carried out his biddings throughout his life.

As instructed by the divine Master Acharyashri performed twenty-four Mahapurashcharans (each of 2.4 million recitation of Gayatri Mantra) in twenty-four years in front of an incessantly lit lamp (Akhand Deep), which has been kept so lit ever since and can be seen in Shantikunj in his Sadhanasthali. During this period he strictly observed prescribed devout austerities.

He was actively involved as a freedom fighter, spent some time at Gandhiji's Sabarmati Ashram as a volunteer and went to jail a number of times as a political activist. He visited his divine Guru's retreat in the high Himalayas four times for intensive tapsaya and Sadhana for self-transformation under the master's direct guidance.

Acharyashri started a monthly magazine “Akhand Jyoti” in Hindi on Vasant Parva, 1937 which has now a circulation of more than 5 million in Hindi and various other Indian languages.

Besides translations of and commentaries on Vedas, Upnishadas, Smritis, Darshans and

91

Puranas, he wrote four volumes of Pragya Purana, thousands of books and booklets on all aspects of upliftment of human life. Although true evaluation of Acharyaji's greatness has to be left to the historians, one can have a glimpse of his divine personality by going through the stupendous corpus of his writings which is being published in 108 volumes, titled “Vangmaya” (Complete Works of Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya), seventy of these have already been published. The Brahmavarchas Research Institute of Shantikunj, Haridwar is a living testimony to Acharyaji's pre-eminence as a great teacher, combining in himself the penetrating vision of a seer and a superbly refined intellect of an original scientist.

With a view to accelerating the process of transformation of human consciousness from the astral plane this great worshipper of Gayatri, after leading an illustrious life of 80 years, voluntarily shed his physical sheath on Gayatri Jayanti day on June 2, 1990.

As a fitting tribute to its Patron, Gayatri Pariwar fraternity founded by Acharyasri, is celebrating his birth centenary year from Basant Parva 2011 to Basant Parva 2012 through various programs across the globe. Mantra Lekhan Anusthan is one of them.

Assurance of Gurudev •

All of you have to do one thing and that is to believe always that you are potential Devatas (gods or angels). You are just wearing the masks of monkeys and bears. Someone is wearing Kurta, someone is wearing Dhoti, and someone is putting on spectacles. Everyone is appearing different; but, in reality, all of you are Devatas, who have descended on earth for a specific purpose. This is point number one. Secondly, you feel how difficult it is to eradicate evil and promote good? In this context, I have already cited the political forecasts of Nostradamus.

Now let me tell you my forecast. I have killed your adversaries. They are lying lifeless and what remains for you is to take credit and celebrate the victory. The crown awaits you. Nobility awaits you. Please do welcome this.

•

Lord Sri Krishna was a charioteer to Arjun. I will drive your chariot. “What chariot?”The chariot of your business, your trade, your job, your body, your family. I will drive all this. I promise you that. But, at the same time I call upon you to walk my path, shoulder to shoulder. You will not at all be the losers. Trust me, I have vanquished all your opponents and have kept the garlands ready for you.

•

The garlands were always ready for the five Pandavas. They were only waiting to be worn.

Garlands are ready for you too. You only need to wear them and take all the credit. When you will join the sequence of actions that are being undertaken for the dawn of a new era, the credit will be all yours. “But Gurudev, what will happen to our families, our children?” Son! That is my responsibility. If they fall ill, I will nurse them. If you suffer losses in your business, I take the responsibility of bearing them. Collect from me whatever losses you suffer in your business.

But, when a child grows up, he is given something big – something that cannot be given to a child. Now you have grown up. Now I do not see any kids. All of you have grown up. Now I will employ each one of you and will also distribute everything that remains with me. “Gurudev!

92

When you leave will you take away everything that you have earned?” No son! I won't do that. I assure you that I will hand over whatever I have earned here - whether that be any Punya (results of good deeds) that I have earned here, any material wealth or anything spiritual. You have a share in my earnings. (Guruvar ki Dharohar – Part II/166-169) •

I will repay every pie of whoever has served or helped me. I don't wish for a heavenly abode or salvation. I will plead with God to run me again through the cycle of 84 lakh births only to repay every pie of each and every one of those who have helped me and obliged me.

•

As grass, flower, tree, wood, ox, cow or sheep, I could serve others in one way or the other and thus repay those who have obliged me to some extent. Is the load of your goodwill and faith in me less? Why should I then bear the extra burden of taking other's help in this regard? I will beg or quarrel with God to give me this opportunity. But I am unable to decide how to repay all those parijans who have showered their love on me, who, in spite of my insignificance, have given me respect, have honoured me, placed their faith in me and have showered me with their love and affection. I wish someone would transform my heart into a love-laden cloud so I could shower love on those who have given me even a drop of their affection.

•

I am not sure whether this will be possible. If it doesn't become possible, then may these expressions of my heart reach each and every one of those whose goodwill I have earned!

Those generous dear ones must realize that I have not forgotten their love and will cherish it in my heart forever.

•

I shall always remain obliged as long as I exist in any life form. If I have been unable to repay, my loving kin should never even imagine that I have ungratefully forgotten their generosity. I shall always remain grateful to those who have not hated me for my imperfections and vices but have instead always focused on my virtues, respected and offered me their goodwill.

•

I may not be in front of your eyes but no one will be away from my eyes. I shall carry an imprint of each and every one who carries love and kind feelings for me in his heart and shall pay homage to those great souls through my tears. I cannot say whether I will get an opportunity to repay them but if I do get the opportunity, I shall not leave any stone unturned in decorating and ornamenting these godly figures. People may forget me but I shall not forget anyone who has ever loved me. (Vangmay I/4.1 to 4.9)

•

We must understand that the days ahead are days of economic equality. Whatever be the form of religion or society in this world, but the economic situation would certainly be that of equality.

In the coming days not one would remain wealthy. Money would get equally shared, society shall control wealth and people will be able to earn financial resources just enough for dignified subsistence. We have already seen with our own eyes how all the wealthy kings have fallen.

With same eyes we should be prepared to see that not one wealthy person would remain on this earth. It would be impossible for anyone to leave any sort of wealth behind for his sons or grandsons. While we may not accept communism in other philosophical matters but in economical sense the whole world would get re-casted under the doctrine of communism.

(Vangmay 66/4.17)

93

Poojya Gurudev's Call Man is occasionally blessed with good fortune in his life and he cherishes such lucky moments.

But, such events arrive rarely; not frequently. In reality, fortunate is the man who is able to understand the call of the hour. If a man can do so, I believe he couldn't be luckier.

The times in which we are living is so momentous and revolutionary that it will never come again in your lifetime or ever in foreseeable history.

For the noble objectives, especially during the times when God incarnates on earth, those who walk shoulder to shoulder with Him achieve greatness and play the roles they are divinely expected to play.

Friends! Man has his own needs. I cannot refute that but sometimes, even God needs man's help. And, those who recognize that rare occurrence, that rare opportunity, they step forward to help Him and are blessed - just like that little squirrel, Kewat, Shabri, bears and monkeys who came forward to help Lord Ram.

If you desire to extract great benefits; and if you have grit, endurance and a vital courage, then step forward. Don't lose this opportunity. Make the best of it. I call upon each one of you.

Come over and join my military. I welcome each one of you to walk shoulder to shoulder with Pragyavtaar. I especially welcome those who have the right attitude, who work hard, have strong character and do not carry the burden of heavy worldly responsibilities. For such people, the best task to be undertaken after earning a living is to serve the society and the nation.

Now I need your help to expand the sphere of our missionary activity. For this task, we need to search for that class of people who are called the intelligentsia. Now I need engineers, I need doctors, I need soldiers and overseers and I need those who can contribute towards building this nation.

It is the responsibility of the Parijans to keep the flame burning by unconditional and total offering of themselves just as I did. I am bidding farewell, leaving the Parijans with this duty and responsibility and hoping that the Parijans would resolutely continue striving towards excellence.

94

All World Gayatri Pariwar – At a Glance Aims & Objectives: • Rise of divinity in man, descent of heaven on earth • Individual, familial and social upliftment • Healthy body, pure mind and civilized society • Atmavat sarvabhooteshu (all living beings are soulkins), Vashudhaiv kutumbkam (Entire earth is the our family) • One nation, one language, one religion, one government Declaration and initiation of the Yojana (Plan) by: • Yug-rishi (Seer-sage of present era), Pandit Sriram Sharma Acharya • Vandaniya Mata (Revered Mother) Bhagwati Devi Sharma Three Pillars of Strength: • Plan and power of God • Guidance and Protection of Rishis (Seers) • Active cooperation of virtuous people Two Rules for Self-refinement: • Noble deeds flow out of noble thoughts • Simple living- High thinking Basic Programs: • Moral, intellectual and social transformation • Public education through various media, using the religious platform • Dissemination of Gayatri (collective wisdom) and Yagya (cooperative virtuous demeanor) Our Declaration: • Self–transformation will lead to the transformation of society; self-refinement will lead to global refinement • Twenty-first Century- Heralds advent of Golden age • Love humanity – Serve humanity Our Emblem: Red Torch – Powerful collective effort for Era-transformation Our Manifesto: 18 pledges for individual and collective refinement Four Formulae for Fulfilling Life: • Sadhana (Self-refinement) • Swadhyaya (Study of enlightening literature) • Sanyam (Self-control) • Seva (Service) Three Means of Spiritual Awakening: • Upasana (Worshipful prayer) • Sadhana (Self-refinement) • Aradhana (Service of society as embodiment of Cosmic Divinity) Four Virtues Needed for Purposeful Life: • Prudence • Honesty • Responsibility • Courage

95

Four Pillars of Powerful Life: • Control of Senses • Judicious use of Money • Judicious use of Time • Focused Thoughts Four Steps for Soul-growth: • Self-introspection • Self-refinement • Self-development • Self-realization Five Codes of Conduct for Nurturing a Family: • Industriousness • Orderliness • Serenity • Cooperation • Frugality Refine the Three: Physical, subtle and causal bodies Devoutly Practice the Three: • Gyanyoga (Attainment of true knowledge) • Karmayoga (Selfless performance of duties) • Bhaktiyoga (Selfless surrender to Divine Will) Integrate the Three: Emotion, thought and action Develop the Three: Faith, prudence and devotion Improve the Three: Habits, deeds and nature Abandon the Three: • Greed, attachment and egoism • Passion, longing and arrogance • Desires for progeny, wealth, name and fame Acquire and maintain the three: • Ojas (Vigour, vitality) • Tejas (Splendour) • Varchas (Effulgence) Pay due respect to the three: Saint, social reformer and martyr Seven Campaigns: 1. Sadhana; 2. Education and health; 3. Self-reliance; 4.

Women's empowerment and awakening; 5. Environmental protection; 6.

Deliverance from addictions; 7. Eradication of evil customs.

Our Campaign: Vichar Kranti Abhiyan (Campaign for Revolutionizing the Thought Process) through a three-pronged approach: • Advertising campaign: To send the message of 'Ushering in of New Era' to the masses • Creative campaign: To get active cooperation of intelligentsia in the process of new creation • Combative campaign: To overcome the obstacles coming in the way of achievement of our aim.

96

Yug Nirman Satsankalp (Solemn Pledge for Ushering in the New Era)

1. Firmly believing in the Omnipresence of God and His Unfailing justice, we pledge to abide by the essential disciplines of Divine principles (Dharma).

2. Regarding the body as the Temple of God, we will be ever watchful to keep it healthy and full of vitality by adopting self-restraint, orderliness and harmony in our daily-lives.

3. With a view to keep our minds free from the inrush of negative thoughts and emotions, we will adopt a regular programme of study of ennobling and inspiring literature (Svadhyaya) and up keep the company of Saints (Satsanga).

4. We will vigilantly exercise strict control over our senses, thoughts, emotions and spending of our time and resources.

5. We will consider ourselves inseparable parts of the society and will see our good in the good of all.

6. We will abide by basic moral code; refrain from wrong doings and will discharge our duties as citizens committed to the well-being of the society.

7. We will earnestly and firmly imbibe in our lives the virtues of Wisdom, Honesty, Responsibility and Courage.

8. We will constantly and sincerely endeavor to create an environment of loving kindness, cleanliness, simplicity and goodwill.

9. We will prefer failure while adhering to basic moral principles to so-called success obtained through unfair and foul means.

10. We will never evaluate a person's greatness by his worldly success, talents and riches but by his righteous conduct and thoughts.

11. We will never do unto others what we would not like to be done unto us.

12. Members of opposite genders while interacting with each other will have feelings of mutual respect and understanding based on purity of thoughts and emotions.

13. We will regularly and religiously contribute a portion of our time, talents and resources for spreading nobility & righteousness in the world.

14. We will give preference to discriminating wisdom over blind traditions.

15. We will actively involve ourselves in bringing together persons of goodwill in resisting evil and injustice and in promoting New Creation.

16. We will remain committed to the principles of national unity and equality of all human beings.

In our conduct, we will not make any discrimination between person and person on the basis of caste, creed, color, religion, region, language or gender.

17. We firmly believe that each human being is the maker of his own destiny. With this conviction, we will uplift and transform ourselves and help others doing so. We believe the world will then automatically change for the better.

18. Our Motto is: “Hama Badalenge - Yuga Badalega”, “Hama Sudharenge - Yuga Sudharega”. When we transform ourselves, the world will be transformed. When we reform ourselves, the world will be reformed.