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Glimpses of the programs organized at Strantikunj on lndependence Day (15th August)
Gayatri Pariwar participated wholeheartedly in Anna Hazare's Movement against Corruption
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bhurbhuvah svah tatsaviflirvarenyarh bhargo devasya dhr-mahi dhiyo yo nah prachodayat ll (May Almighty illuminate our intellect md inspirre us towards the rigfr1.o."q p;th) -Rigredi3/6?f OSamvdda l.162,Yaiufeda3/35,22ttr,3%36/t
Volume
-
9
FOUNDER - PATRONS Mata Blmgzoati
September-October 20 Date
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Pandit Slrriram Shnrma A.chnrya
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of Publication:
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01.09. 201 I
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CHIEF EDITOR
lfiX).ff)
Dr. Pranm, pandVn
Mind ls LikeThe Roots Of o Ti'ee The holy book of The Gita compares man to a fig tree that has its roots above and its branches
and leaves below. The branches and leaves are clearly visible but the roots, being hidden underground, are invisible. Nonetheless, the visible part of the tree in actual fact reflects what the seemingly.invisible roots crucially do for the rest of the tree. When the roots of a tree don't get water, the branches and leaves begrn to wilt and wither away. On the other hand, when the tree has its roots deeply burrowed in the ground enabling them to get plenty of water and nutrients, the tree grows very well.
Man is in
similar situation. His thinking is his roots. The quality of thinking, core beliefs and aspirations of an individual create corresponding outer situations for him. For example, the a
inner deprivation in some aspect of an individual becomes manifested as a corresponding lack in his outer life as well. The lack of knowledge and wisdom always reflects a lack of curiosity. Whoever trains his mind to be content and wisely utilizes whatever he has at hand is destined to enjoy happiness and contentment in his life.
- Pt. Shriraih Sharma Acharya
,:
'
edge that is t.t",,,,,
,
,
.
,,
Akhand JyOti
September-October 2011
I
I ! I I
TheMindisliketheRootsof
aTree
------- 03
t,!1.
02. From Chief Editor's Deski Thus Runs the Story of a Sham
03.
Create Your Own
04.
is not How Comrption
will
be Eradicated
HappyWorld------------
Golden Commandments for the Journey of
05.
------------ 05
------------,- 09
Life -----:-------------------i--'-------,--:----;*=; l3
Science and SpiritualiU S.t""rtfi. Vt.ws and the Truth of Dreams ------------------:------
06.
Odlssel of the Entightened - 21 cjrfromttreHimalayas-2------------------.-----
07.
flt
-This
Youth Column How to Win Over the Hearts of Others
?
------------
Are YoaAvarc ojthe Supernormal Benefrls of Galatri? GaJfrriAru$hthan: Anlnexhaustible Source of Energy
-----------.----- 24
I -----------
27 l
. 0!t. V.nobaji's Thlks on The Gitn - 22 The Sovereign Science of Service to Humanity: Yoga of Surrender -4 ---------------------'31
10.
On Women's Empowerment
-
4
Nature is Gearing up Women's Empowerment------------
11.
Yoga Therapl=22 Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections in Women
12.
Desirelessness is the SupremeAccomplishment
-:-----------
13. Amrit Vani
:
Resolutions and Disciplines Associated with tlre Sacred
-------- 44 '
Thread
--------:---:- ----.' 46
Discontent is the first step in tfte progress of a man or a nataon. Akhand Jyoti
September-october 2011
4E
From the;Chief Edito/s Desk
Thus Runs The
Story Of o Shom
-
This is not how corruption will be eradicated [In our previous editorial entitled 'Is the present sad state of the nation our destiny or will there be any change for the better?' of the March-April, 2011Issue, we had highlighted the pmblem of cormption in our country. This title, taken from an article in Hindi by renowned critic Sharad joshi, continues to be worth asking. I don't like to repeat the s"*e themes in successive issues, but when awareness in the society is at its peak and when governance seems to be showing complete indifference, I feel compelled by this topic again to speak. The fact that cormption is not being eradicated and that the corrupt ones are roaming freely goes to show how far our moral values have declined. At times, it is necessary to review this story of sham again from the beginning so that the path of progress can be made clear. The way in rhich educated individuals and the youth are supporting Anna Hazare is astounding. It epl5r deuonstrates that the general public is fed up with cormption and wants to see concrete cbpe feka for its eradication. For these reasons, I have chosen to continue to discuss this b'miry topic in this issuel The sfioq, but cornrpt It is estimated that by the year 2025, China, India and Brazil will emerge as the three great super Ixxver$. em,erica, European union, Japan and Russia will decline in power. In spite of this, America wiII still be at the top followed by China and India. These statistics were published by the 'Institub for Securities Studies' in their report titled 'Global Governance - 2025.' This news ;s certainly great and encouraging. Progress in Information Technology and the number of skilled worker:s in our country are putting us on the top of economic progress. Indians are hardworking and self-reliant. But with poverty, discrimination and corruption looming large, one wonders if this dream can be realized? The statistics that are being published about black money force me to question whetller this journey will finally meet with its success. Every third person is corrupt "Transparency International', an organization that monitors corruption throughout the world, ranked India as the third most corrupt country in tl're world. This organization is of the opinion that every tl'rird person in the country is corrupt. In other words, every third person accomplishes his or her work by resorting to bribery. For a corrupt person, corruption is present in each and
Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.
tr5
Akhand Jyoti
September-October 2011
every'atom''of his'or her being. Cbrruption is a' moral atrocity, so why has it .today become a status,syrnbol? Corrypt individuals walk with their heads held high while those who follow behind them walk with heads bent low. Are the Indians who are going to become economic suPer Powers not able to see this worm that is making the country holtow from within? It seems that corniption has become socially accepted. Despite this, the organization also reported that 20Vo of all'Indians still lead an honest life and are true to their heart. 30Vo of them are fully corrupt while the remdining50% are somewhere in between. The opiniop that has formed in the last two decades that the richer person commands more respect should be looked upon as a national shame. ls this the solution? It will not be mtrch fun to report the statistics that Anna Hazare and his associated organization 'India against Corruption', Ramdev Baba and his Swabhiman Trust have prbsented on this topic. But it is necessary to draw your attention to certain aspects. Regardless of how loud we shout the slogan 'Cet back the black money!' this movement will not be successful until our governance transforms its thinking, until each and every person is awakened. When each and every person thinks about national welfare, then the awakened and prosperous country will also bear in mind the welfare of the people.
A bird's eye view Let us hry tq understand how this situation has arrived t - After the liberalism that entered the society in 7991., people began to fancy earning,money and living a life of comfort. It is not that black money has never been hoarded before now, iust that the ostentatious display of opulence aqd extravagance that was seen in the last one and half decades has never been seen before. If the money has to come, where will it come i from? So much of it cannot come from industriousness, salaries, business or farming. Many shortcuts were taken and a new class of neo-rich emerged.
2.
People have begun to feel that
it is possible to live
luxury and travel inlchauffeured vehicles while working for the government. Scams and stories of corruption involving goverhment officials and billions of Rqpees began to rise. Complaints were filed ur.,d "o".t cases proceeded against them, but beyond that nothing moved. How can a government agency work against its own officials? More than 3000 corrupt officials are leading,a peaceful life, enjoying their corrupt money and brazenlv displaying their bounty to public. Nothing can be Accomplished by arresting a couple of thern in one or two scams. In order to make a real difference, we have to address that source from which each person is deriving his impetus to lead a corrupt life.
Life is a gift Akhand Jyoti
September-October 2011
a life of
And every breath we take is a gift from God.
6E
3.
The majority of people have also lost their confidence.in the judiciary system. Leaving'aside
the Apex Court, the majority of Indians perceive that justice is.an,expensive, corrupt and drawn out affair. A survey was conducted which included one lakh'of citizens from 9 different states on the topic of improving judicial system. 757o of rebpondents expressed that the judiciary system cannot be trusted. Court cases get dragged to several years at a stretch and adjournrnent dates are sought with bribery. Everyone wants improvements to this system. Our Supreme Court commented on one of the high court saying -'Don't you all know:that the majority of judges are corrupt?' lncome Tax, Sales Tax, Excise tax and RTO have been rated as the most corrupt departments.
4.
And yet, people compete for these appointments, as these posts are considered very lucrative. Most of the lawyers who became rich during the last 2 decades have done so by fighting the i : cases of these officials. ,'
'!
,
Param Pujya Gurudev considered shirking work to be one of the greatest sins. The,'latest report from'Institute of Defense Studies and Analysis' seems to agree with this conclusion. They have written that being absent from work and shirking work is also a kind gf silent corn{ttioir which is eating away this country like a termite. According to the orgafiization Aat conauctea the survey, utilizing one's power and position for personal benefit is also a kind of cornrption.
5.
6.
Election Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), Central.yigilance Comnrission and many other agencies can help in controlling corruption, but dirfy politics have entered them too.75% of the companies in India have to suffer millions of irupees in , losses due to corruption. Our countrv has an extensive judicial system, governancei powerful democracy. In spite of these, corruption is running wild because these very sybtems that ' could confrol its spread are themselves involved in it. i
What can change this all? I do not know the consequences of Anna's and Ramdev's fast. It is not important what happens in Delhi. What is important is whether or not each and every individual looks upon fhis as his or her responsibility? Until and unless we are ready to change, government will continue to run like this or even grow worse. Instead of putting our hopes in the political system, pbople should now concentrate more on improving themselves and look towards their spiritual prpgress. When all of us measure ourselves not based on money but on how well we discharge,qur duties, then naturally money will lose its significance. For this, the biggest democracy of the world has to go through testing times in the next five years, This transformation will not take placei as a result of the mere passing of the Jan Lokpal bill or getting back the black money. If it comqs, it will come
Work E7
a place where you can.gain knowledge or money.:lf ;both I, are absent, you are in a wlong Akhand Jyoti sepember-october 2011
place.
I
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through a transformation of the mindset. When people raise their voice against those indulging in corruption, expensive weddings, etc., throughout India, only then will the tide of thought chanle.
fhis is how we will be free from disgrace $e chn be free from the disgrace of corruption only through spiritual
progress. We will then be ib'te io empathize not only with the pain of people in the cities but also in the villages. Schemes for tlleir welfare will be formulated through Gram Swarajya. To eradicate corruption, there is n9 need to run to the air-conditioned offices of our capital, instead we will have to go to each village and town. We have to awaken the masses. We have to remind them of their responsibilities towa4ds their nation. Each and every ordinary citizen,can do this work. Start with yorrrr"lrr", and your family and see how it picks up speed in the society. We can then free our country from this fiend called corruption. It is a kind of wine that attracts and intoxicates people. If we trave to prcitect ourselves from this, we have to become part of Yug Nirman Yojana and Thought Revohition Movement. 'Improve yourself, only then will the corruption be eradicated', 'Transform yours.f and the era will be transformed'- this is an invitation to all of you by the Yugrishi. It is you an$ I who.have to take the responsibility. Instead of seeing what is happening in Dclhi, if we can ilevelop a system in which one crore people monitor 100 crore other people arouird them and create awareness, we can then evolve into a pure, ethical and spiritual nation by the year 2020- Arb we ready for this campaign?
6)], ,gvt:-
I
- Pranav Pandya
i i
A seeke4 once asked: 'Which is the most imprtant work, who is the most important i
person, and what time is the best time"?
The wi$e explained: "The work in hand is the most important work; one who works along with you is the most important person, and the present moment is the most auspicious time - do not wa$e if.
i Akhand Jyoti
for failure, which is
Seirtember-october 2011
-
try to
8tr
Crede Own Distress is always unwelcome. Its immediate exp:erience is bitter. Nevertheless, it is
ultimately meant for the well-being and
haipiness of man. Distress is
an provided mechanism extraordinarily effective by'God for the rectification of evil traits and the augmentation of positive values. A human life is'a blissful and self-enlightened spark of
the Supreme-Being. That force of eternal consciousness has self-created this world to be intrinsically blissful. The brief periods of unhappiness in life are provided to give the needed momentum to the progressive evohrtim of the soul- Such periods do so by remfudiry ttnbeing about the true pulpose of human$ft,Oeawakming to its original nature asla rdectin of tIE divine- Events producing unhap'pirs in life are few and their impact is self-evident- But, we must remember that whaerrer sufuirtg we erperience, is the result of our forgptfuIne$s of our true self. Destiny and circrmrstances are the result of our mental and physical deeds but how we face them is entirely up to us. Being a spark of the Blissful Supreme Being, the soul is intrinsically blissful,
Your
HryyWorld
Do not be afraid of misfortunes that generate adriersity and unhappiness. Do not loose your mental equilibrium. Face misfortunes boldly. Instead of getting worried or anxious, be prepared to sail through them. Embrace misfortune as though it were an ill-mannered but warm-hearted friend, who uses foul language and makes unpleasant criticism but alweiys wishes for the best outcome for you. Do not forget that when misfortune passes awayt it leaves behind the gift of increased selfconfidence, wisdom and insight. Like a brave soldier, face misfortune defiantly and say, "Oh, oncoming misfortunes! You are like my children. I am your creator. Therefore; I welcome you with open arms. You are my legitimate offspring, so how can I disown you? You are free to play in the courtyard of my life. I am not a coward. I won't shed tears in desperation on meeting you. I am not morally so bankrupt that I will avoid paying for my own misdeeds. Being
Being,
a
creation of that Supreme
I am an 'expression' of that Absolute
and so there can be no 'real' existence of
Truth, Absolute Benefaction and Absolute Virtire. Come, you ugly products of my ignorant karmas! Come! I have the courage to
unhappiness for the inner self. Neither is there
accommodate you in my life. I don't need help
any natural unhappiness in the orderly and harmonious indwelling of Nature.
from anyone. You have arrived to test how courageous I am? I am piepared to face you."
Love the people you like, but don't hate the people you dislike.
tr9
Akhand Jyoti
September-October 2011
Friends! Donit .coqu-nit blasphemy..:Den{t ever . say this.world is, bad, wiqked, te4turous and : . tu[ of unhappiness..In this world created by . God, each element is a masterpiece. Nothipg is bad or uncalled for in the holistic view of ' :
creation.
intrinsic,impulses of Nature. In spiritual pa,rlance these three attributes or tendencies (ganas) of Nature are known as Sat, Raj and Tam. Broadly speakin9, Sat means the most
refined, cohesive and super. conductive
If you blanre creation, you are also medium of the,spirit; :
castingaspersionsonitsCreator'Sayingthat
the pot is badly-made is equivalent to questioning the capability of the potter. How could you dare to underrate the quaiifications of youl Omnipotent parents? When you say that this world is full of misery and disparity, you are,casting aspersions on the integrity of God. In this celestial creation, there is not one iota of unhappiness. Our ignorance itself is the cause of our bad karmas and consequent miseries. Come! Let us cleanse and purify our inner selves of our evil thoughts and wickedness so that we are totally and finally released from our miseries and acquire ultimate deliverance. Create Your Own World:
The physical cosmos, according
to
one
philosopher, is made up of inert component-s,
which can be moulded into any desired configuration. The doer, man, is animate, whereas elementb of the cosmos are inert. The animate doer has the capacity to utilize an inert
with his will. A potter is free to make any, object of pottery out of raw mud. A goldsmith can make any ornament from gold. With the needk and thread, a tailor can make any shirt or pair of trousers. The world, as we perceive it, is comprised of the full array of forms ahd the formless in cosmic creation. All of these are manifestations of different levels and combinations of the thrce substance in accordance
.
:
Tam for the most opaque
(ignorant), and inert form, and Raj as most perturbed, active and unstable tendency in which both Sat andTam coexist in a continuous state of disequilibrium. Man is free to vary: the combination or extent of these guryas wlth the one predominant over the other two or ref,ine
their expressions in his tendencies.
i
., :
,
In a garden there is mud and muck as well as the fragrance of flowers. Worms creep in the mud, flies are drawn to the muck and the bees go straight to the flowers. Everyone receives the things of his or her choosing. Bats and owls
can see even during the darkest of nights. Honeybees are able to detect fructose in,lhe tiny flowers hidden in a thick bush and poisonous snakes can manufacture venom out of harmless organic substances. In this world, good and bad things, virtues and vices, morality and immorality exist everywhere. It is like that super cafeteria, where the customer has free choice to procure sweet, sour or bjtter food. The slielves of the supermarkets of the world are stocked with unlimited variety. Customers enter the shop and purchase ite'ms that are to their liking. Our Supreme Mother has prepared dishes to suit evervone's taste.
The Ideosphere (the 'energy field' of one's thoughts and emotional currents) of a thief is consumed with thieverv. This ideosphere will easily interact with the compatible ideospheres
To accomplish great things we must first drearn, then Visualiqe, then planr i.i...... believe........act! Akhand Jyoti septemoer-october 2011
1o-tr
of other thieves. Be it a prison, a society or a house, everywhere a thief goes, he will find thievery being discussed- His family members will generally talk about thievery. Some will support his avocation others oppose it. When the thief moves in the society, persons known to him will pass good or bad comments about his profession. When he meets fellow thieves, they will talk only about the tricks of the trade. In a prison, thieves will flock together and immediately discuss their favorite subject. In this way a thief will find the entire world revolving around thievery. He will regard thievery as the most important trade and think very little of anything else. He will be indifferent to other things in life. Similarly an adulterer or adulteress will see an adulterer in each man and woman. He or she will collect and display erotic photographs, paintings and literature in his or her house. Friends and acquaintances having similar inclinations will be easily found. In his or her mind, sex will become the most important issue in life. In the same manner drunkards and drug addicts create their own worlds.
Know Yourself! Each individual has different identities for different roles in life. This identity depends
on the relationships with the people with whom he or she interacts. For a mother he or she may be an object of maternal affection, for
a father an obedient child, for the teacher an intelligent pupil and for friends a dependable good-humored buddy. A wife looks at the husband as her beloved darling, whereas his son relates to him as his father. The same person appears to his enemy as an adversary; to the shopkeeper as a customer; to the servant as a master; to the horse as a rider; to the caged bird as the jailor. Bed bugs and mosquitoes
find him as nothing else but a source of delicious blood. If one could visualize the various mental images that people have of an individual, it would be found that each has one's own peculiar concept and none of these agree with the others. Furthermore, none of these images accurately identify the whole individual. Everyone conceptualizes other people according to the particular ways that he or she relates to them.
Conversely, positive and constructive thoughts
It is even more amusing that man himself
of wise persons generate an ambience that attracts and inspircs similar thoughts and thus helps expansion of good thoughts and activities. Thus, by refining ones thoughts, one can get support from the powerful ideospheres of compatible thoughts and gradually refined the ambience and hence the quality of your life. Your life and your world is by and large a reflection of your thoughts and aspirations. So it is up to you to create the world of your
begins to adopt all of these interpersonal identities. Throughout life, he lives with multiple self-identifications. Various thoughts like "I am an adulterer"; or "I am honest"; or "I am wealthy" ) "I am old"; "I have no farrtily"; "I am ugly"; "I am popular"; "I am unhappy"; "f am surrounded by vile persons";......., etc, continuously churn and circulate in his ideosphere. As other persons form an image about anindividual according to their interests, the individual too builds an eclectic and lop-
choosing.
One recipe for a longer life; never exoeed the speed timit. tr11
Akhand Jyoti
September-October 2011
I
t ;
i
i:._-'=..
I
sided image of himself based on the perceptions of his sense organs. Like adrugged
person he lives in the perpetual hallucination of his numerous momentary identities. If he
could truly identify with his own inner self, he would be surprised to know how far he has strayed from the Truth.
This world is like a mental asylum in which every vafiety iif,.lunacy can be found. With varied degiees'dnd types, everyone here has his own eccentricity. For instance, even among learned scholars, everyone/ at one time or another, considers his viewpoint as the most perfect or relevant; or considers
himself to be the most intelligent in Man always lives in a make-believe world created by his imagination. In his dream world, one may build castles in the air, fight with windmills like Don Quixote, fall in a well, derive pleasure from embracing and kissing his beloved, or, find himself flying in the sky, etc. Even while not in the state of apparent sleep or dream, most of us, deluded by ignorance, are all hallucinating in an imaginary world. One thinks that he is living in a palace. Another trembles because of imaginary fears. Yet another daydreams of being engaged to the most beautiful damsel in the world. Some insane person is found rejoicing in showing off the wealth of his 'kingdom'.
comparison with his neighbors and directly or indirectly attempts to prove it. If you go to a mental asylum and observe the fantasies of the long-term inmates, you will find a close parallel to the daydreamers of this world, who consider themselves to be completely sane and sober. And not only the so-called 'daydreamers', many of the 'rational' or 'realistic' ones too are often driven by the mirage of false pride, cravings or other kinds of illusions
(To be continued in the next issue).
AcharyaAtre was illthose days. Still he had surrounded himself with books which lay all around him even on the sleeping cot. He relieved his mentalstress through study. One day, a visiting friend impressed upon him the need for complete rest by abstaining from reading.
Atreji said: "Right noq I have become a morselof ailment, but how can I myself remain hungry? lderive my nourishmentfrom books".
A taste for inspiring study holistically nourishes the soul
-
mind
- body triad.
I'm a great believer in luck, and I find that the harder I work, the more I have of it. Akhand Jyoti
September-October 2011
12tr
Golden Commonidments For The Journey Of Lile & Hoppiness Vedantic science is based on four principles - 'tataamasi', ' ayamhtma brahm',' pragyknam brahm', and's6ham'. These four principles indicate that an enlightened individual can become parabrahrn in the same way as coal can become a diamond after being refined through a process of intense heat and pressure. Every man has rm aura of God in hi4 whidr is revealed once he rernoves the
dirt and grime
of bad qualities, bad behavior and caustic habits accumulated over his lifetime. Once the
shade of negativity
is removed and the tranquility of penance is developed, the true beauty and attractiveness of a person is revealed.
Ashtavakra and Mahatma Gandhi were not physically attractive but the aura of their deeds made their personas shine brightly. Their virtues, talent and powerful thoughts left an indelible impression on
those they met. When a person is beautiful from the inside, then lack of beauty on the outside has no meaning. To a large extent, our genes
define our appearance. We have limited control over how we look, but our qualities,
actions, and natures are entirely under our control. We
should make continuous efforts to refine ourselves. Only then will we be able to see God's divine image within ourselves.
One thing that we need to watch out for is worshipping God blindly without having the right outlook. This has rarely solved anything. A lot of people practice their faith
without devotion. After getting nothing in return, they are seen blaming
around pursuing mirages. If they had developed their selfconfidence, embellished their
skills and refined
their
outlook, they would have acquired some of the amazing treasures that life has to offer.
In ancient times, every sadhak had to lead a life of strict discipline before they were considered worthy. As part of this process, a sadhak had to learn and master virfues, such as, truthfulness, non-violence,
celibacy, asteya (not taking what is not offered) and aparigraha (not keeping material possessions). In the social setting of those days,
leading a disciplined life would have been easier than it is today. The vices prevalent in today's world have made this task very difficult.
circumstances or even God. In
fact one should worship the life-deity. Then the rewards will be immediate. Life has so many hidden treasures to
offer. Instead, people run
If we could simply follow the five principles of hard work, frugality, courteousness, orderly conduct, and cooperation/ we can assume
Friendship without self interest is one of the rare and beautiful things in life. u13
Akhand Jyoti
September-october 2011
that we have made a sincere
wasting it
our
effective cooperation and
effort to emulate the tapa-
unsustainable lifestyle. If instead, the vast amount of lost time and money were used for constructive purposes, we would have made our lives and those of
avoids confusion and
sadhana
of ancient days. These
five principles are k"y elements for anybody looking
to transform his or her life to from ordinary
on
Decency is the foundation of any civilization and indecency
few virtues in our daily
is the expression of
routine. The second stage is
Modern-day vices, such as laziness,
carelessness, pretentiousness, and arrogance have rendered man useless. We don't use even one-fourth of our energy in doing anything useful. We need to understand the
Sages in ancient India observed that there are two stages for achieving happiness. The first stage is modifying our behavior. We can become religious and charitable just by imbibing a
the less privileged around us much happier.
extraordinary.
misunderstandings.
an uncivilized society. Rude behavior and overblown egos do not lei us display modesty
in our behavior.
urgency of the situation and
Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya
focus our energies with
observed,
rerrewed vigor in streamlining
anything to be modest, but we can buy everything from it." This quote holds the key for leading a peaceful life. Those who have imbibed modesty in their behavior don't have fights at home; they also don't
our daily activities. We shall
observe that, even with limited resources, we will start reaping the benefits that a progressive life has to offer.
Extravagance is a curse of modern society. A lot of hardearned money is wasted on lavish displays of wealth, drug-abuse, unnecessary fashions and other material pleasures. There is no limit or end of extravagance. The philosophy of 'simple living, high thinking' has lost its prominence in today's society.
Instead of donating money for charitable causes we are
"It
does not cost us
have strained relationships with others because their relationships are based on understanding and coexistence, not ego. We can maintain a healthy balance in our approach with our family, colleagues, or friends, if we exercise generosity and care in our dealings. Keeping our transactions organized and well-planned also helps in
changing our psyche. This can
be achieved by confluence of good character and virtuous sentiments. If we achieve these two stages, we can experience the joy of Heaven right here on Earth.
Pandit Shriram
Sharma Acharya also advises us to
follow these four virtues, which build the character of a person and can be regarded
as the four Vedas, four karmas, four duties, or four divine gifts to mankind. These are samajhdari (wisdom), imandari (honesty), j imme dari (responsibility), and bahaduri (courage).
Samajhdari (wisdom) is the
ability to exercise control over infatuation, thinking about the long-term results of
Happiness dawns when what you think; whdt you say and what you do are in harmony. Akhand Jyoti
september-october 2011
F l
our actions, understanding and estimating repercussions/
and making
confident
informed decisions.
fulfilling obligations towards society, and abiding bY the Iaws of one's countql, and so on. Staying true to one's own
responsibilities makes inandari (honesty) is a trait that is easy to understand and
follow. Dishonest
PeoPle
have to manipulate and lie extensively to hide their misdeeds. They are alwaYs fearful of the outcome of their actions whereas honest people have nothing to be afraid of. People alwaYs trust an honest person and he gets respect and admiration from everyone in the societY.
a
person brave and confident.
The fourth divine gift is Bahaduri (courage) - braverY
or fearless devotion to hard work. A man should follow the morally righteous Path, regardless of the challenges. Evil carrnot be eradicated without a fight. To carrY on the fight against evil, one needs a lot of courage to succeed against the odds in tough situations.
Thfud tenet is limmedari tlesponsimity)- Everybody has duties that theY must
pcrfit4 snch re, taking care of onemlf and familY,
The aforementioned five principles and four virtues form nine commandments. The number nine aligns with
the design of yugdharma (the religion of present times) and regarded as a very imPortant
number in ancient Hindu texts. Our solar sYstem has nine planets. Nine gems are known as naaratna. According to shastras there are nine spiritual accomPlishments (Riddhis&Siddhis). Thus, one can't debate the imPortance of the nine sutras (PrinciPles) in our lives.
Anybody who leads his life following these nine
"principles" will see
a
remarkable transformation. Following these PrinciPles is akin to leading a yogic life or
performing taPa-sadhana. These are the golden commandments for the journey of life and haPPiness'
Swami Ramkrishna Paramhansa was the devotee of the Goddess Kali. He kept on weeping for many days for having Her darshan. One day, he said with rage - "Oh Mother! I am calling you since so many days, but you haven't come. NoW either you appear before me or I shall depart from this world." He took the sword and was just about to slit his throat when the Goddess appeared before him in all Her resplendence. gained His sword fell on the ground and he fainted. His devotees were perturbed' When he consciousness after six days, his lirst words were-^fou kept me unconscious and blessed me with your Darshan tor six days, why are you again disappearing! Come back. Stop, don't go." This is the profoundness of the perception of a dedicated devotee. This was the splendour of the ultimate being, which Ramkrishna saw. This was his first Samadhi.
The greatest pleasure in life is doing whd people say you cannot do.
n15
Akhand Jyoti
September-october 2011
Scientrfic Vierus &Tivth of Dreoms Drearns have always been the subject of human
with enonnous colors and shades of imaginary
curiosity. This topic particularly has attracted the quest of many philosophers, psychologists and scientists. Let us look at some of their reasoned views and also view ihe scientific aspects and the possibility of research towards deciphering the reality of dreams.
mental creations. The views of another eminent
Freud compiled the descriptions and analysis of about 2900 dreams in his popular book, "The Interpretations of Dreams". He emphasized certain limited aspects of Human Psychology and described dreams as an expression of unfulfilled desires, particularly those relating to sensual pleasure. He opined that in the awakened state humans are compelled to follow familial and social norms. These compulsions and disciplines enslave the freedom of mind. Hence the latter expresses all of its suppressed emotions and passions in
psychologist, Dr. Richard of Germany, are
however quite different. His views also encompass broader and higher domains of human life. He relates dreams with Extra Sensory Perceptions (ESP) as well. He opines that the hidden effects of one's environment beyond the worldly activities, circumstances and associated psychological impacts, also influence one's experience in dreams. The aspirations and tendencies of one's own mind - for example, how one interprets and is affected by the events in the real world - may have minimal effect on out dreams.
Dr. Fisher'also supports the role of ESP in dreams. He regards the transcendental influence of the subtle environment also to be
an important factor
in the formation
of
the dream world created by its
own imaginations. This is what gives rise to wide varieties of dreams. In another book entitled "The Emergence and Development of Psychoanalysis", Freud states that dreams are the consequences of the collective result of sentimental pressure, assimilated memories, and mental weaknesses and disorders.
dreams. He argues that every activity creates some effect on the subtle atmosphere of the place where it occurs. The assimilation of these effects remains dominant at that place forever. This is what accounts for the pious feeling and peace of mind in the silent, soothing ambience of a temple or shrine, and for the feelings of gloom and fear in the solitude of a graveyard. The experiences of dreams are affected by the
Dr. Sherman inferred that the conjectures of the body and mind are expressed in dreams
kinds of 'effects' the mind receives from its subtle environment.
Do what makes you happy, be with who makes you smile, laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live. 16tr Akhand Jyoti September-October 2011
I Among the researches of recent times, the theory of American ,A,strophysicist, Dr. Carl Sagan is quite innovative: He has attempted to explain the existence of dreams in terms that relate with the history of human evolution. He surveyed the dreams of a large sample of undergraduate students. He found three major categories of experiences in their dreams: (i) falling down; (ii) being chased and attacked by someone; (iii) successive failures in some endeavor. He has analyzed these dreams in his best-selling book "The Dragons of Eden". He says that the first category of dreams signifies that stage of human evolution when man was living in the forests as a "primate". This man of the Stone Age might have made arrangements to live in the trees to protect himself from wild animals. For this reason, the fear of falling must have prevailed in his mind at all times, even while he was sleeping. This fear must have become his natural instinct. This basic instinct remained assimilated in the inner layers of his mind even when he had evolved into the man of today. The frequent experiences of 'falling down' in dreams are expressions of this primitive instinct. It is interesting to note that people often experience such dreams while sleeping on the upper berths of a speedy train. further asserts that frequent chase and violent attacks by the wild animals would have given rise to another instinct of cautiousness for protection in the minds of the primate. The accumulated effects of which are reflected in the second category of Sagan
dreams.
He further describes that in the subsequent stages of evolution, the Primates developed a bipedal locomotion. Then they had to face great difficulty in hunting for food without any weapon or tool. They would have suffered frequent failures in this struggle for survival, the impact of which would have 'inscribed' despair and uncertainty in their minds. The effects of such impressions are expressed, according to Dr. Sagan, in the third types of dreams recorded in his survey. Carl Gustav fung is recognized in the field of Psychology for his thorough analysis of the various tendencies of the human mind. His rational theory had helped to annul the singleminded views of Freud's school. His studies and interpretations give due consideration to the unbounded scope of the unconscious mind. In his view, dreams often convey the rare messages or inspirations gathered by the unconscious mind from cosmic sources. He emphasized the need to give greater importance to understanding the many causes and mechanisms of dreams, together with their multiple implications. He opines that deeper analysis of dreams would be useful for better insight of human life and for unfolding its mysteries.
Dr. Haffner Morris believes that by thorough refinement and training of the mind one will have increasingly meaningful dreams, which convey useful information and help resolve difficult problems. The "Bon Magicians" of Tibet are supposed to be masters of this art. Theyperform a special ritual called "Mi-Lagme" in their local language, to have control over
Ybu can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed.
rl17
hffi"-*."*-_
Akhand Jyoti
September-October 2011
their dreams. It is said that they can transition in(o a dream state at will. Furthermore, they can also hypnotize others to make them go into deep sleep and dream about the past or the future. They may also help their subjects remember the details of the dreams seen in this state after they are awake.
Dr. Eric Greenphil, an eminent scientist of California, has developed a 'Laboratory of Dreams' for recording the indications and experiences of events in the near future with the help of dream-analysis. His research group,believes that this study would enable them to develop scientific methods for the investigation of 'Dream Therapy'and explain the practical applications of dreams in dayto-day life as well. Swami Vivekanand has explained in his books on "REj Yoga" that pra4a (vital spiritual energy) is the fundamental form and the origin of all kinds of powers working in this world. Thus,
for the improvement in the level of consciousness and expansion of deeper knowledge attained by it (in both the awakened and dreaming state), we ought to refine and enhance the charge of prala in our minds. The spiritual practices devised by the scholars of yore focused on these experiments, which they called Raj Yoga. Spiritual transmutation of pratra and the hidden powers of consciousness in the inner
mind naturally make available hidden that of the past and
- including future, and enriches the mind with
knowledge
supernormal talents.
Scientific Truth of'.Dreams:, The science of spirituality defines the mind as a 'sense organ' of the soul. Dreams are identified as the expressions of the signals transmitted or received by the inner core of this invisible sensor. The intensity and clarity of dreams and the depths of the knowledge conveyed by them increase with the sincerity, piety and spiritual radiance of the mind. Systematic research on these deeper aspects of human psychology and the science of absolute consciousness would also help research on the other esoteric topics, such as the existence of life after physical death, reincarnation, eternity of the soul beyond space, time and energy, and others. Recent trends in collaborative research in Psychology, Neurology and other streams of neurosciences have opened up possibilities for the better understanding of dreams and associated brain functions- The results of the initial experiments in this regard have shown that the alpha-wave emission from the brain in the dream state during deep sleep is similar to that during the awakened state. This indicates that even during deep sleep, the dream state is not an inactive state of mind. However, the absence of. alpha-waves in the EEGs of subjects in deep and dreamless sleep show that the conscious mind does become inactive in this state. These observations together imply that it is the activity of the unconscious mind that is reflected in the experiences of dreams and that enables dreams to be sensed. As stated earlier, even in the awakened state, we hardly make full use of our conscious
Live in alignment with your values, vision, abilities and potential. Akhand Jyoti
September-october 201l
18tr
minds. Psychological studies reveal that most of our day's work is done in a practically subconscious state of mind. On average, people use full concentration of tl'reir conscious mind only for one minute per hour. Only those events or pieces of information make sharp and lasting impressions in our memory, which were performed or gathered with complete involvement of the conscious mind. This is the prime reason wl'ry most people cannot recall the minute-to-minute details of a day's activity. Whatever has been learned or retained in the memory also dissipates quickly in time.
Similar to the practical use of the conscious mind in the awakened state, only a fraction of the enormous power of the unconscious mind is used in dreams. More often than not, dreams
too ale mixed expressions of the subconscious nrind and the partially activated unconscious arrdmmiousminds- Dreams cannot reflect the irrpnrlses of the unconscious mind unless the cmscfom mind is totally in a trance. The trcafter fhre degree of awakening of the
unconscioriii mrind, the clearer and more srfrstantial wmld be the dreams. The Greek philosopher, Aristotle attributes greater impffitance to the dreams in whicl-r the active
scenes are as clear and crystallized as those in
an awakened state.
The implications of dreams,
if
analyzed
correctly, could help us improve tl're external as well as internal conditions of our lives. However, for most of us, dreams are only short-lived, random and vague reflections of mind. We do not know how to distinguisl'r
meaningful dreams from the arbitrary expressions of tl're memory or the imaginative creations of the subconscious mind. It is beyond
our reach to make creative and positive use of dreams of the former category. Because of our ignorance of the science of dreams, we remain deprived of a rich resource, wl'rich is available to us almost the entire tl'rird of our lifetime that we spend sleeping. If not for this ignorance, this resource could have given us the k"y to illumination, progress and prosperity. Closer collaboration between neuroscientists, psychologists and the experts of the science arrd nature of spirituality can bring greater details on the reality and science of dreams. Understanding tl're creative use of dreams might then become a possibility.
A businessman of Basra got lost in the desert. He wandered here and there for long and
got crazy of hunger. As if God heard his prayers, by the evening Nakhalistan came to sight. He became happy to see a parcel lying there. He picked that up and thought that that much of gram would be enough for two days.
i.i
Minutes later, he was distressed when on opening he found pearls and not grams in the parcel. ln the final moments of his life he could realize that money is not the basic necessity of life, lt is like gravel and stone if not utilized for noble purpose.
Ordinary riches can be stolen, real riches cannot. ln your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you. tr19 Akhand Jyoti September-October 20"11
Coll From The Himoloyos The controversy of Shankar
Math In Joshi Math (Hermitage),
there were idols
of
Shankaracharya and Trotak, the Mqth's first Acharya and
After walking a few steps he appeared vexed. Perhaps he was saddened by inner turmoil. The rise of emotions was due to seeing the
his disciple, respectively.
destruction of the culture and the damage of the honor and
When Shriram visited, there
prestige of the ancient
was no head priest for
civilization.
Shankar Math. A junior priest,
named Rawal from South Ildia, was taking care of the daily worship. The monastery had been without a head priest for about 150 years.
After coming out of temple, Shriram sat in
the the shade of a nearby tree. He
was
started thinking on what direction to travel next. He was also thinking about the
saddened to see this sad state
legend of the coming together
of affairs in a monastery
of the Nara and Narayana
started by Shankaracharya,
mountains and the impending
who was considered
catastrophes on earth.
Shriram's heart
an incarnation of Shiva himself. He heard the entire story from the priests there. Standing up, he walked up to the crystal Shivalinga and did Abhishek there. It is said that this idol came from Kailash and that Adi Shankaracharya
himself had installed it. Remembering this, Shriram went into deep meditation.
r2
that runs in front of foshi Math.Shriram washed his face in this stream and sipped its
water. After taking water, a question again flashed in his mind Where to go next? With the question, the answer also came 'Go towards
Mansarovar
through
Bhavishya Badri'. The answer
had come as an inspired thought from within. It can also be considered as a
10-15 minutes, he didn't
command sent by his Guru. Once the destination and route were decided, Shriram started off towards Neetighat. He reached Tapovan after traveling about ten kilometers on the
notice that he had dozed off. He had slept off sitting under
mountainous route. After bathing in the hot stream
the tree. The journey on
tlrere, lre reached Bhaaishya
mountainous terrain had tired
Bsdri.There, it was completely
him. He had slept well at night, but probably he was
tranquil. A few people could be seen here and there. The Vishnu temple there had not yet opened. The priest siayed nearby, but since there were
Pondering these thoughts for
still tired. Half an hour later, he awoke. Below, there was a small stream, Dand Dharaa,
To accomplish great things we must not only act but also dream; not only plan but also believe. Akhand Jyoti September-October 2o11
not many visitors, he was lax on following the schedule. In the temples, who cares for P uj a-Ar adhana (w orship)? The basis of importance of the shrines is the size of the crowd of visitors. Shriram
realized this
in Mathura,
Vrindavan and Rishikesh. He was not surprised to find the Bhaaishya Badri temple closed.
ln Bhavishya Badri br Bhavishya Badri, there was a Peepal (fig) tree there. A stone was seen under the tree. Shriram looked at this stone d06ety- He ould see signs of
worship the Lord. Shriram stayed'outside the sanctum sanctorum and bowed from
wanted to know how the
there. The priest Again said
Bhauishya Badri (Badrinath of the future) temple was; so he waited for a priest to arrive
"Think again; yoill,"can avail
and sat in the shade of a nearby tree. Later in the afternoon, he saw the priest arrive. The priest came and first collected all the offerings left at the door of the temple and then opened the door. He was mumbling something. He was probably angry at the meager offerings available that day.
worship on this stone. Dry
leaves and dust
had
Shriram got up to have
accumulated on it as if no one had deaned it for a few days. Shriram felt that this was no ordinary stone. Since there
darshan when the doors opened. Traditionally it is prohibited to go inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple of Lord Vishnu. So Shriram stood outside and folded his hands in prayer. Seeing him, the Pujari said,
were flowers and other articles of worship,
it
was obvious that it was some idol. When he cleaned the stone, he could see that it was indeed an idol, but only half-carved.
Only the upper half of the deity was figured in the stone, and even that was not
clear. After some effort, it appeared that it might be an idol of Vishnu.
tr21
from. .people coming, .to
He was confused. The Vishnu temple was nearby. Then why was this idol lying outside? He couldn't find an answer. He
"Do you want to come inside? You can have a close look at the idol from here; but you will have to pay one and a quarter rupees."
Shriram froze on the spot. Even in this jungle, a person was trying to earn his living
-
the opportunity as there is no one here; otherwise no one is allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum." Shriram rejected
the offer and said - "No Mahnraj(a form of address for the priest)! I do not want to violate the rules. I will stay here."
The priest
mumbled something Shriram could not hear it, but he understood the intentions. He said "Don't worry Maharajl I will give you the desired Dakshina". He took out one and a quarter Rupees from his bag and kept it on the door-frame of the sanctum sanctorum. This changed the behavior of the priest immediately. He said - "You appear to be from
a noble family. Have you come alone? Why did you think of a pilgrimage at such a young age? Do you want to become a Sanyasi? Don't accept anyone looking like an ascetic as your Guru. Most of them are cheats."
It's faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes a life worth living. Akhand Jyoti September-October
2011
In the joy of l'raving received money, the priest asked all the questions in one breath and also gave l'ris advice. fhe
priest asked for money had turned now into pity- He was a poor man and his poverty had driven him to this wretched state. The priest
reason for tl're sudden change
continued, "Who knows when
of
the two mountains will meet. I will not be alive tl'ren. Hopefully, some of the later
Shriram recognized
attitude. Yet he appreciated it and asked "Whose idol is it that is lying outside?" The priest replied -"Tl're idol is not completely carved. No one is carving it. It is being carved with time by Nature. When the idol is con'rpleted,
then Badrinath will
be
worshipped here. Then the
[:
&
$ H E ',
mountains Nara and Narayan wonld meet- Now a fair is hld here ure in 24 years in hsnnr of Iaata Devi- Then, when Badri "Vishal appears herid, tlrere,will be a fair every yeat."
Continuing, he sudclenly became serious and saicl "Then I too woulcl not have to commit the sin of inviting people inside the sanctum sanctorum. I wclulcl earn well enough by the offerings of people who come to visit Baclrinath." Shriram listenecl intently to tl're priest's monologue. What hacl startecl off as anser initially when the
At Hemkund Sahib After traveling for about twenty kilometers, Shriram stopped by a lake that was fully encircled by mountains. Their reflections could be clearly seen in tl'r'e lake's
tranquil waters.
Stone platforms had been erected on the banks of the lake and it appeared that once upon a
generations would benefit from it."
tirne, people used to sit on them. They n-right have been coming tl'rere either to enjoy the natural beauty or to
The priest was busy with tl'roughts of money. Shriram left him to l'ris reverie and cane out of the temple. The unknown destination of his journey was pulling hirn and the route was through Neetighat. He dicl not know where this place was or even its name. Yet the pull was
practice meditation. Sitting on
one such platform, Shriranr
looked into the waters. It appeared as
if the snow had
just melted and clear water was nestling between the mountains. The crystal-clear water reflected the sky and
irresistible. The route he was taking was through arduous steep mountain paths. The
if it was a mirror. Apart frorn the mountains as
path was full of gravel and thorns. Walking on it for a
reflections and the depth of the lake, nothing else was visihle in the water.
few miles woulcl tire a person.
After his bath in Dancl Dhaara
at Joshi Mnth,
Shriram's tiretlness tlitltr't attack him again. Carrying his belongings in two ba6;s, one on each shoulc{er, a sturcly stick in his hancl anel a pair of thick solecl rubber shoes on
his feet, Shriram
movecl
forwarc-l at an even pace.
. . -
Shriram lookecl arouncl. He coulcl see that the lake was encirclecl by seven mountains ancl twenty-four platforms. He startecl to woncler if the place was a seat of penance sometime in tl're past! A thought entereci his mind Hin'ralayas is tl're home tcr
Kindness in words creates confidence. l(in profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. Akhand Jyoti
September-October 2011
22n
many sages. Why sl'rould this place l'rave been used only in
how to speak. He guessed the source of the sound and
the past? Sages
could
saw a dark figure sitting on
possibly be using this place even now.
a platform five platforms
He later learnt about the lake. It is believed that the founder of Khalsa Panth, Guru Govind
Singh, had
performed penance at that place in his previous birth. His name then was Muni Medhas. After this fact was known, the place became a Teerth (holy place) for Sikhs from 1936 onwards. This place is now known as Hemhmd Sahib. Noq there is a Gurudwara with good ilditles fur lodging. Shriram sat at that place for a long time.It appeared as if he was waiting for someone. Sitting on the banks of the lake, it appeared to him as if someone was try-ing to speak to him. The sound was not clear. He looked around and could not find anyone, yet there was a
away.
Mtrth. Do not take the route through Chamoli, Gopeshwar, Guptakashi etc. That would be a very long route. You will meet some
It appeared as if that
people in Joshi Math. Join
figure was calling Shriram. He went to that person and paid his respects. A voice came from the figure - "You can call me by any name. I don't have a name. I have been asked to tell you that
them and you will reach Gomukh by a shorter route by tomorrow evening." Shriram accepted this as the direction
from his Gurusattn and nodded his head in acceptance. The figure continued to speak - "There
you should go to a place near Gomukh. There is
Nandanvan
Gomukh. You
beyond are being
is no need to stop anywhere or take rest. You can rest only at Gomukh. Did you
awaited there."
understand?"
The directions of Gurusatta Shriram accepted as truth whatever was said by the figure. He could only say that he didn't know the route. The figure said - "The route is not difficult. Go back to Joshi
Shriram replied "Yes Sir." That figure then entered the lake ankle-deep and started offering arghya. He didn't turn back after giving the message.
One has to be unattached in
this manner on the path of sadhana. Shriram also took bath in the water, gathered his belongings and left the place. He did not have to do anything to remember the meeting with this strange person. It just vanished from his memory as a line drawn on water. After sitting on the banks of the lake for some more time, Shriram started
"The road of life twists and turns and
no two directions
voice.
After calming his mind, the voice became clearer. The voice was very feeble; it appeared that it was coming out of a throat which was not used for hundreds of years;
a throat that had forgotten
are ever same. Yet
our lessons come from the jourfley, not the destination."
- Unknown
back towards Joshi Math.
To acquire knowledge, one,must study; but to acquire
wisdom, one must observe. tr23
Akhand Jyoti
September-October 2011
Y0uth Column
HowToWin Over The Heafts OfOthers?
It is easy to earn wealth, but the task of winning the hearts of your friends and influencing others is rather difficult. Research shows that 1.5Vo of financial success of a person is based on his technical acumen while the remaining 85% is based on his ability to interact with others. It primarily depends on his personality and leadership qualities. Anyone possessing technical knowledge, the art of expressing his thoughts and the ability to become a leader and infuse enthusiasm in others, will definitely be given more responsibility and will be more successful and satisfied in life.
Selye said the following, "Iust as we are eager
There are three fundamental principles by which one can influence others: r. hn't speak ill of others, blame others or cCImplain about others' faults o Cultivate the habit of praising from the heart o Awaken the passion in others
and hungry for praise, we fear criticism." Criticism and blame discourages employees, family members and friends and when one becomes discouraged, the motivation for improvement is lost.
It is the human tendency to blame others or the circumstances instead of oneself for any mistake that he has committed. Abraham Lincoln himself has written about the ill consequences of criticism based on his own erqrerience. His favorite quotation was - "Don't criticize others so that you may not be criticized.', Whenever Mrs. Lincoln and others criticized people of the southern states, he used to say,
"Don't criticize them. If we were in their circumstances, we too would have done the same." Lincoln knew from his life experiences that criticism does more harm than good. If one,s
intention in offering criticism is to improve If you want to receive love, respect and someone, then it would be a better and less sympathy from others, then do not indulge in . duogu.o,rs idea to improve oneself instead. criticizingandfindingfaultinothers.Thereis no use in finding fault because the other person . If yo,, want to create hatred in anyone,s mind immediatelybecomesdefensive,makesexcuses . that will continue to be with him for decades and becomes argumentative. Criticism is . and perhaps even after your death, all you dangerous because it hurts the self-esteem and . have to do is criticize him with sharp words. feelings of the Person thus making him hold a . I4lhen it comes to criticizing someone, it is not grudge against you. . important if it was right or wrong. Knowingly . or unknowingly, many people commit the No one will correct their behavior as a result ' mistake of criticizing others, thereby sowing of criticism. Rather, it sours the relationship. ' the poisonous seeds of hatred against In this regard, renowned psychologist, Hans themselves.
Winners must have two ; definite goals and a desire to achieve them. Akhand Jyoti
september-October 2011
24rl
Benjantin Franklin'was very insecure during his youth. But he improved himself later so much and became an expert in interacting with others that he was sent as an ambassador to France. When he was asked about the secret
for his success, he replied, "I will not say a bad thing about anyone and will tell good about everyone." His favorite quotation was, "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do, but it takes character and self-control to understand and forgive." Renowned personality Carlyle had quoted, 'Great people exhibit their greatness while interacting with small peoPle.' Bob Hoover w:rs a perfect example of behaving
with understanding and emotional control. Bob *Ioover was a famous test pilot who used to regularty perform in air shows. Once, he was returning in his Plane to Los Angeles after
performing in an Air Show in San Diego. Suddenly, at a height of 300 feet from the groun4 both engines of his aircraft went dead' Somehow, he managed to land the aircraft. However, in that Process the aircraft got severely damaged, though none of the passengers were hurt. After this incident, Hoover first examined the fuel filled in the aircraft. It was exactly what he had suspected; someone had put diesel instead of gasoline into
his renowned World War-II aircraft.
After reaching the airport, he inquired about the mechanic who serviced his plane. The young mechanic was ashamed of his nearly deadly mistake. When Hoover approached him, his eyes were brimming with tears. Due to.his mistake, an exPensive aircraft was damaged and many lives were put in serious
Truth tr25
-
danger. It was a natural reaction for any pilbt to reprimand him in the most severe manner. But Hoover did not scold him. He did ngt even criticize him. In fact, he went near the mechanic, placed his arms on his shoulde-r and said, "I have come here to tell you that I have complete faith in you and that you will not repeat this mistake ever again. I want you to service my F-51 aircraft tomorrow." As a result of this incident, the mechanic developed a deep sense of faith and gratitude towards Hoover and never ever repeated his mistake' This is why we have to understand people and their circumstdnces rather than criticizing them. We have to find out why they do the things that they do. This activity of understanding the other person would prove more fruitful than criticism.
In addition to this, you will create an atrnosphere of sympathy, tolerance and compassion because understanding implies forgiveness. Dr' folinson had also told, "Even God does not judge a man before his death." In that case, who are we to pass a judgment on others? The one and only method of making a Person work on any task is to create a desire to take up that work. There is no other method. It is also true that one can threaten and get the work done, but the consequences of these barbarous methods are not advantageous. There is only one method to obtain something from someone, and that is to give him what he wants.
What does a person want? In this context, a renowned American philosopher lohn Dewey has said thus - the deepest desire that exists in human nature is the 'desire to be great.' There might be innumerable desires for a person, but
lt's something you can't see or hold but always trust. Akhand Jyoti
September-october 2011
there are very few that are very strong. Most people have the following desires: 1. Healthy and secure life 2. Food
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. B.
Sleep
Money and the comforts that can be acquired by money Desire for the world beyond Work satisfaction Well-being of off-spring The feeling of greatness
Most of the above desires get fulfilled in the due course of time except the desire to become great. Abraham Lincoln once wrote in the first lines of a letter, "Everyone loves praise'" Similarly, the renowned author, William James, also wrote, "Each person/ in the innermost depths of his heart, yearns for praise." It has not been described as a desire, but has been described as a yearning. It is a hunger that every man has. Those who can satisfy this hunger in others can win them over. The primary difference between a man and an animal is that the man yearns to be great. It is
this passion to become great that motivated a grocery store clerk to study the books on Law that he bought from a rag dealer for 50 cents. All of us know the name of that grocery clerk. It is Abraham Lincoln. Maoy people act as though they are sick in order to get sympathy and attention. If people are so
hungry to gain importance that they are willing to become sick or even mad, can you imagine what a miracle you can achieve by showering lrue praise on all those around you? Charles
Schwab is the name of such a person who won
theheErbof popleby grving true sympathy and praise- Andrew Carnegie paid more than 10 lakh dollans per affilrm as salary to Charles Schwab. Schwab says that the reason why he was paid so much was because of his uncanny ability to intâ‚Źract urith others. Schwab writes, "I agree that my biggest strength is inspiring and motivating my employees to give their best." In his famous book entitled'Influencing human behavior', Harry M. Overstreet writes, "Action
springs out
of what we
fundamentally
desire...and the best piece of advice which can
be given to would-be persuaders, whether in business, in the home, in the school, in politics is: First, arouse in the other person an eager want. He who can do this has the whole world with him. He who cannot walks a lonely way."
Andrew Carnegie was a youth brought up in poverty in Scotland. He started his career with pay of 2 cents per hour. He went on to donate 365 million dollars in charity. He realized very early in life that the only way to influence others is to talk about the desires of the other person. He obtained formal education for only four years, but he had learnt how to interact with people very well. a
We can win over the hearts of others by our humble, modest and civil behavior. Hence we should always deal with others in a polite rurlner. We will be recognized by our method
of dealing with others. Hence we should always hold our treatment of others to a high standard. In this way we will create an identity for ourselves of which we can be proud.
You only live once but if you work it right, once is enough. Akhand Jyoti
september-October 2011
26rl
T Supernormal benefits of Gayatri -8
Goyotri Anushthon: An InexhauJtible Source Of 9piritusl Energy The scriptures prescribe that Gayatri should be worshipped three times for every day of the Triknl Sandlrya (in the morning,
athlete in high or long jump
at noon and in the evening). It
wrestler also takes a countermove and suddenly changes his strategy. A marksman also does the same thing before shooting. In an Anishthan, the same thing has to be done on the spiritual level. If any
also stops for a moment, moves back a little and then leaps up or forward. A
is all the morebenehcral rt fup, worship, meditation and contemplati on of Gay atrl is done
even more intensively. But for specific purposes, when more
energy is required, Gayatri
calamity needs to be averted or if some success needs to be achieved, it is done by performance of an Anushthan. The baby cries 'ma-ma' and loving conversation between him and his mother goes on throughout the day. But when due to a real emergency, the child cries bitterly, his mother abandons all work and rushes to attend to the child. The
Anushthnn is prescribed. When
a long journey is proposed to
be undertaken, special food and adequate money is saved for use in transit. Similarly, doing an anushthnn is bke saving money for a journey. When this energy capital is accumulated,
life mundane or
the S adhnk' s journey through
whether in
spiritual pursuit, becomes easier
and smoother.
Anushtan is such
? II
?
i i
When a tiger pounces upon a deer or a cat attacks a mouse or a heron attacks a fish, they pause for a moment, stop breathing, move back a little,
an
emergency call of tlire Sadhak which has specific force and compulsion in it. The Sadhak,
crisis. Darkness prevails, the future appears grim, and circumstances become menacing. In such a plight, it is but natural to become nervous. The intellect of such a worried and dejected person does not work properly. A pigeon caught in a net is entrapped more and more when it flutters
to escape. On such occasions, the name of God is the only strength. Draupadi, Narsi, Prahlad and others all had to call upon Divine help in a state of utter helplessness. When human efforts fail, the entire situation is changed by divine intervention. The intense dark night of calamity suddenly disappears with the outbreak of Light and a person is able to see the right path. An Anushthan empts in the heart in the form of light which illuminates the path.
thereby, attracts to himself the
Extraordinary relief
extraordinaryenergyof Gayatri.
obtained by Gayatri Anushthan
sharpen all their inner faculties and then charge . *"n human endeavour fails, suddenly on their prey. An - there is no way to avert a
in worldly difficulties, mental
827
. .
is
disturbance and internal restlessness. No doubt, Gayatri
lf you focus on result,, you will never change; if you focus of change, vou will get lesults. Akhand Jyoti September-October
2011
does not literally give the Sndhak a golden treasure. But
certain conditions for a thing to attain maturity. Pulses,
it is also true that by its influence fundamental
vegetables, bricks and glass all
positive changes take place in the human attitude and
particular temperature. Fruits take ttteir own time to ripen. Eggs need specific time for hatching. A baby takes its due time in mother's womb before birth. Premature action in all
mentality which make it possible to find appropriate solutions to difficulties. Appropriate intelligence, wisdom and far-sightedness are inwardly revealed to the Sadhak to enable him to surmount the special difficulties and challenges he faces. Some irrelevant wayward thoughts, desires and cravings overpower a person with a confused mind
on account of which remains unhappy for reason- Gayatri
he no
Sadhnna
deanses the mind in such a
way that things
which
formerly appeared to
be
aucially important appear to be insubstantial and trivial. Such internal changes take
place by means of an Anushthan on account of which an unhappy, worried
and harassed person suddenly finds himself uplifted into a state of p"u.", harmony and joy.
lap of 1, 25,000 Mantras is known
as
Anusthan There are
need to be heated to
such matters results in complications and failure. In Anushthan, performance of lap of 1.,25,000 Mantras in the prescribed period culminates in desired fulfilment.
Procedure ol Anushthon Anushthan can be started in any month. Panchmi, Ekndshi, Poornmasi are considered auspicious days to begin. The attributes of Durga, Saraswati andLakshami are prominent on Panchami, Ekadashi and P oor
anmasi respectively. There
is no bar of Shukla or Krishna p aksha, although Shukla-p aksha is considered more auspicious.
During Anushthan, Gayatri should be invoked before starting and reverently bidden to leave at the end of daily worship. br this process, sentiments and prayer play the key role. The presence_ of divine, kind-hearted, affectionate Universal Mother
Wake up with a smile and go after life. Live Akhand Jyoti
september-october 2ol1
a
it
Gayatri should be invoked
praying in Sanskrit or in mother tongue. It should believed that accepting prayer, the Mother has kind enough to appear. At time of Visarjan (completion),
the divine all- powerful Mother should be prayed to in Sanskrit or in one's language kindly depart and it should believed that, accepting t ptayer, She has left. There are references in
books that Yagya (offering sacrificial fire) of one-tenth total amounLof lap andTa of one-tenth of Yagyn be performed and one-ten proportion of Tarpan s be devoted to feedin Brahmans. But this rule only to ihe Anushthan done
the Tantrik method. I Anushthans perfo according to the way of V Yog system, Tarpan is n necessary. But at the end the Anushthan, Y agy a of at
108 Ahutis (offerings) sacrificial fire has to performed although more be done if it is convenien
Similarly, at least th Brahmans should be fed.
limit has been prescribed offering money in charity.
enioy it, taste it, smell it, feel it.
may be done according to . lamp is extinguished, it should
all the tablets have been moved
. be re-lighted by placing a new (formless) worship . wick in it. The Ghee (clarified
to another pile. There is no
Sadhak's resources and faith.
In Nirakar
' '
Bhagu:ati Gayatri should be invoked as Shakti on an altar
decorated
with
is adopted.
beautiful
At the end of the Anusthan,
flowers. ln Sakar (with specific
Iap should be
started immediately after invocation and worship of Gayatri on the altar. This should be the daily routine. The mind should be steady and full of devotion during lap. Whenever it goes astray, it should be retrieved and brought back to the object of meditation. By this method,
form) worship a beautiful picture or image of Bhagwati may be installed on such an altar decorated with flowers. Some Sadhnksinvoke Bhngwati
in the spark of incense-stick or in the pointed flame of the lighted lamp kept on the altar and feel the presence of their adorable Deity.
Five articles have been
the power of concentration
Yagya should be performed,
money should be offered in charity and Brahmbhoj done according to one's resources. For Brahmbhoj only such Brahmans are invited who are real Brahmsns that are fully devoted to God. Money or food given to undeserving persons goes to waste.
will
Gayotri Sodhona in Noy
develop day by day.
Durgo The system of completing lap ' Although winter, summer and auqricious in Gayatri worship. '. of 1.,25,000 Mantras in forty the rainy season have been Incense should be burnt, a ' days has been practiced since ' described as the three
considered essential and '
chance of error if such a system
butter) remaining in the lamp can be used again.
'
lamp should be lighted, ' ancient times. This implies . seasons, strictly speaking naioedya (sweets) should be ' that a Sadhak has to do 33 there are only two, namely offered, sandal-wood paste '. malas (of 108 Mantras each) I winter and summer. The should be applied and rice ' daily. But a weak person or : period of conjunction when grains should also be offered. ' those who are not habituated one season ends and the other The pairing of a lighted lamp . by earlier practice may starts is known as Naa-Durga. . and a water pot should also . complete it within two . tn" time when day and night be kept on the altar of ' months. In such a case, the . meet is known as morning or worship. ' number of daily lap of twenty . evening twilight (Sandhya-kal) The Sadhak should sit in the . rosaries or malas (of 108 . and this is considered to be '. morning on a clean patch of Mantras each) should be done . an important period. At the ground on a carpet of Kush (a . daity. To facilitate the . time of sunrise and sunset,
kind of long grass), facing the East. The lamp should remain
lighted and incense should burn throughout the lap.If the
tr29
re*!--
. counting of malas, small chalk . the taking of food, sleeping, . clay tablets wetted with Ganga . indulging in sex, commencing , water should be kept in a pile. . journey and similar other
'.
lap should be completed when
. works are forbidden. This
heel of the one that crushed it. Akhand Jyoti
September-ocrober 2011
time must be utilized in meditation, worship, Sndhnnn ete. fof,lvhlch it is besf suited and yields wonderful results with the minimum effort. Like morning and evening twilight, the transitional period between
summer and winter is also an auspicious time. Physicians know it well that there is great impact on the body due to change in seasons in tlre montlr of Aslnoin and Chnitrn and several persons catch fever, influenza, smallpox, diarrhoea, dejection, etc. During these days, the hospitals remain flooded with patients. Vaidyns who deal in Ayuraedic medicine and
naturopathy consider this period of Ashain and Clnitro most suitable for stimulating vomiting, purgation, perspiration and other acts of bodily purification.
during the previous six
daily routine of bathing, etc. Twenty-four thousand /npas are to be performed in nine days. This can be done by performing jap of 27 rosaries daily, which would take three to four hours. If it appears to be strenuous to complete the lnp in one sitting, a major
months. The process of selfpurification manifests itself in the form of cough, cold or fever, etc. If the body gets an opportunity to cleanse itself by observing fast and taking a limited balanced diet and the mind remains engrossed in lnp and worship, physical and mental impurities can be easily discarded and health fully restored. Therefore, this Gnyntri Anusthnn is also extremely useful from the point of view of health.
portion of it should
the balance should
in
Hnann or Yagyn of 108 Mnntrns
should be performed on the Iast day. Offering of money in
Shukln
'.
pnksln from Pratltadn to Nnznni
'.
in Asltzuin and Chaitra. This is the time best suited for Gnyatri
'.
Sadhann. lnp of twenty-four thousand Mantrns should be performed and fast should be observed during these days. A mini-Sndhnna at this time is as useful as a big Artttshthnn.
.
.
.
.
system of the body tries to set right all defects and diseases
which develop on account of transgressions in food and daily routine committed
Giving
and fruits at another should be taken during this time.
'
hours of the morning (Brahms-
muhurt) after finishing his
is the greatest, pleasure of the
treasure of Akhand Jyoti
September-October
201.1
:
'
Those who can afford to remain on the diet of fruits and milk or milk alone can do so if their health permits. The Sndhnkshould getup early and sit for Sadhann in the small
brnlunnns should also be as previously mentioned.
Sndhann done
during the
days proves to be extremel
useful for getting rid .
milk
cereals at one time and
o
'
Only food consisting of Apparently, this period of change of season appears to be harmful because most people suffer from one or another ailment. But in fact this is not so. The immune
be
completed in the evening.
charity and the feeding Nna-Durgo falls
be
finished in tl're morning and
'
anxieties, fulfilling desires developing spiritual power The wealth of Tap, devo
austerity, should be amassed as large a measure as possi [Reproduced from Chapter 1 of 'Super Science of Gayatri
(English abridged version l l .
.
. '.
'Gayatri Mahavigyan' (i Hindi) by Pt Shriram S Acharya), Revised editio 2004, Published by Yu Nirman Yojana, Gayat Tapobhoomi, Mathural
.
and soul.
it back is the
I Vinobaii's Talks on the Gita -22
The Soyereign Science Of Seruice To
Humanity: Yogo OfSurrender A jozttnr grain (A type of course grain) is reddish yellow, but when you parch it, you have nice popcorn. Put that white, beautiful and nicely shaped popcorn near a grain and you will see that it has absolutely no resemblance with it. But there is no doubt that it is the grain that has turned into the popcorn. It is the fire that brings about such a change. if you grind that hard grain, it will turn into soft flilrr- Fire turns the grain into popcorn and qFinding turns the grain into flour. Likewise, fufo$E Irour ordinary and seemingly titpqfr@t actions witl'r the devotion for the [-dild ften vour actions will be transformecl b€ymd recognition. It is the spirit that cnl!4rFs ltre.ryahre oi actions- Do not consider ru$SAqgpflqn ffre leaves and the flowers; they becoqe'cr@*{'plq}Eq4 they are offerecl to the Lord. 'Tttlrlrt nilmtrc clmoi nslut, jnr knn misrit ttitfhnln.' ('Tukaram says, whatever is mixecl with the Lord becomes delicious.') Adcl Gocl to everything and experience the outcome. Which spice can eclual tl're Lorcl in making things delicious? Adcl this clivilre spice to every action, and then everytl'ring will trecorne gooci anel clelicious.
Inragine,
it is nigl'rt time. The
ptottin
is going on
in the temple. The incense smoke is rising. Its fragrance is in tl're air. Larnps have beerl lit. In such an ambience we really feel Gocl's
-4
All day the Lord was awake; now is the time for Him to go to sleep. The devotees
presence.
sing,'Aotntt sittnmi suklrctt tidrn knrn gopnln.' ('O
Lord! Now you may happily go to sleep.') Skeptics ask, "Does God sleep?" But why can't
the Lord sleep? 0 fool, if the Lord does not sleep and wake up, who do you think does so; can a stone do so? It is the Lord who sleeps and keeps awake, it is the Lord who eats and drinks. As the day dawns, Saint Tulsidas wakes up Lord Rama with gentle persuasion,'lngi1le rngluunth kurntnr ltmtclili Ltnrt bole' ('O Prince Rarnl Please wake up. The birds have started chirping in the woods.') He is, in fact, waking up the people, looking to them as the images of the Lord. What an enchanting idea! Contrast it with what happens in a hostel. There the boys are woken up by rude shouts. Is this proper in the auspicious morning hours? There is an incident in Valmiki's Ramayana.
Ranr
is asleep in tl're nshrtttrr of
sage
Vishwamitra, Vishwamitra is waking him up, Valimiki describes, i n dl r n u s i t, i sl t t tt n i t r o nIil ry nll m sl m t Utttisltth rrnrnslmrdul l,oorta snrrdlnln Prsunrtata I Rn
t
n t: t
rrr
rtr
tr
t
t
I
I
(Vishwamitra is saying softly to f{ama, "Arise, O lion among men; the sky is brightening in tl're east.")
Never talk defeat. Use words like hope, belief, faith and victory.
Il31
;
Akhand Jyoti
September-October 20l1
. Let this idea inform all your actions' It is all . the more important in the sphere of education' . A teacher should feel that the pupils are the ' Lord incarnate and he is serving Him through ' teaching. He would not then act upon the ' and spoil the child'' He If the boy does not wake up, call him in a axiom'Spare the rod and left and hurt ' little louder voice' But never be rough or will not scold the pupils'right I the* with disparaging remarks' Instead of rude. If he still does not wake up, you may : for example, for wearing dirty try again after a few minutes' If even that rebuking them, . clothes, he would wash their dirty clothes' If fails, hope that he will surely get up in time . the teacher does so, what a deep impact such tomorrow. Sing to him melodious songs' the . loving care will have on the pupils'minds! Can songs of sunrise, or the hymns' An ordinary . beating ever have any good effect? The pupils action of waking uP can thus be made poetic' also look upon the teacher with the tender and beautiful when it is done with . should reverence. If the pupils and the teachers the feeling that we are waking up the Lord . same regard each other as images of the Lord and Himself. To wake up somebody too needs a . . behave accordingly, then the knowledge that right technique. ' the pupils gain will have a rare lustre' If the ' pupils feel that they are being taught by the ' Lord Himself, you can imagine how they would A king called three great artists and asked
How sweet and loving the action is! And how harshly the boys are woken up in a hostel! The poor sleeping lad feels that the fellow waking him up must be his arch-enemy for ages! One should first call in a low, soft tone'
them to make his portrait- There was a big prize on the best portrait. The king had onlyone eye. One artistthoughtthat the king might get angry if he showed only one eye. So he made a beautiful portrait with two eyes. The second artist thought that the portrait should be
completely real and so sketched the picture with only one eye' The third artist
acted intelligently and showed the king with a bow and an arrow. An eYe was hidden in the posture set to hit the target' All the portraits were beautiful but the prize for the best went to the third one because he tried to make the bittertruth appreciable.
behave.
The Lord's Name destroYs all sin Once the sentiment that the Lord is Present everywhere is deeply rooted in the mind, we will naturally know how to behave with each other. There will be no need for any rules and canons of ethics. The vices will disappear of their own accord, sins will flee and the evil
would vanish into thin air. Tukaram has said, Chal ketasi moknla, bol aitthal oeloaelan I Tja pap chi nahi aisen, nam ghetan jaoali uase I
('You are free to do whatever you like' Just chant the Lord's Name again and again' Once you recite His Name, no sin will remain near
you.')
science is organized knowledge. wisdom is organized life. Akhand Jyoti
September-october 2011
I
Well, you are flee'to sin now' You can now commit as many sins as you like' Let us see whether you get tired of sinning or the Lord's Name gets tired of reducing them to ashes' Is there any evil stubborn and belligerent enough to pit itself against the Lord's name? 'Karin much as you can' Let the Lord's Name and your sins fight it out' The toojasi karaati' - Sin as
Lord's Name is powerful enough to burn down in an instant the sins committed not only in this life but in countless births in the past. A cave may be full of darkness since ages, but the moment you light a candle' darkness disappears. In fact, the older the sin, the more quickly it is destroyed' just as old wooden logs are more easily and quickly reduced to ashes. When Christwas in the town of CaPer, he chose to live with the downtrodden, illiterate people in the backward area
there; many criminals and persons of perverted nature also lived there' The elite of the town went to PaY him obeisance and requested him to come and stay at a neater locality inhabited by
civilized and cultured people. Jesus asked them in reply
-
"Does a doctor on
duty go to see the sick or the heatthy persons? The Son of God has come on the earth to serve those in pain, to show light to those who are in the dark, to help
the fallen ones to rise. So he has to live with the lowest and the lost."
No sin can ever exist in'the presence of Rama nnma (the Lord's Name)' Don't the children say, "Ghosts flee when you take Rama nama'" In my childhood, we children used to challenge each other to go to the cremation ground at night and drive in a Peg there' There used to be snakes and thorns in the way, and darkness all around. Still I would fearlessly go there' I never came across ghosts' Ghosts, after all' are creations of the mind. How could they appear before us? Wherefrom did a ten-year-old boy gather such courage? From Rama nama' It was . the power of the Lord who is Truth' If a man . feels that the Lord is ever by his side and be surrenders himself to Him, then he will not
. . '
afraid even if the whole world turns against him. Which demon can devour him? A demon . may destroy the body; but never the truth' No ' power on earth can destroy the truth' Sin can ' never stand before the Name of the Lord' ' Hence seek His grace. Dedicate all actions to I tti*. Surrender completeiy to Him and be : totully devoted to Him. Let the attitude that I all actions are to be offered to the Lord become I *or" and more intense. Then this trivial life
I '
will become divine. The soiled life will
.
Not what but how you offer is important
'.
become
beautiful.
Patrant pttsltpnm plulnm toyam- Leaves, flowers'
. fruits, water, anything can be offered to Him' . What is important is that it should be offered . with blnkti.The spirit and sentimentwithwhich . you offer is important. Once I was having a . discussion on education with a professor' There . was a difference of opinion between us' In . order to clinch the issue, he said, "I have been . teaching for eighteen years'" He should have
love and something to hope
for'
o do' something to
Akhand Jyoti
---- ------- ----
September-October 2011
convinced me of the correctness of his
Thus, the point is that even the ordinary actions in life should be dedicated to the Lord. The
standpoint; he instead flaunted his experiehce. I said in a lighter vein, "If a life would then acquire a new vigour. Salvation bullock pulls an oil ghani (oil expeller) for ' would come within our grasp. Raiayoga, which eighteen years, will it become an engineer?" ' asks us to work and offer its fruit to the Lord An engineer is an engineer and a bullock is a ' instead of giving it up, is a step ahead of bullock. A true teacher is different from a ' karmayoga. Karmayoga asks you to work without desires and give up the fruit of the work. Here pedagogue who goes on doing his iob in a routine and mechanical manner. A true karmayoga stops. Rajayoga tells, "Do not give teacher will gain much more insight and ' up the fruit of the actions. Dedicate all the experience in six months than a labourer actions themselves to the Lord- The actions are .
'.
I
.
working for eighteen years. The Professor boasted of his years of experience. But it proved nothing. Likewise, the volume and value of the offering is of no significance. What is important is the spirit in which you make the offering. What is important is not what or how much you offer, but how you offer. The Gita contains only seven hundred
verses. There are some other books containing thousands of verses. But a bigger thing need not necessarily be better. You
should fudge the intrinsic quality, the intrinsic strength in anything. The number of activities in life is not important; u,r"t a single action with dedication, with surrender
to the Lord, will make your life richer. A single sacred moment can give experience that cannot be acquired in years.
.
.
.
.
.
'
.
' ' '
:
'
a means that help you in making spiritual progress. They are like flowers which should be offered at the feet of the Lord. Conioin your actions with devotion and go on enriching your life. Do not throw away the fruit, dedicate it to the Lord-" The fruit that is cut off from the actions in karmayoga is linked to the Lord in rajayoga. There is a difference between throwing seeds and sowing them. You reap in abundance what you sow; what you throw is wasted. The work that is dedicated to the Lord gets sown, and therefore life gets infused with infinite bliss and sanctity-
-
.
. . .
[Reproduced
with kind permission of
Paramdham Publication, Pavnar from Chapter
9 of 'Talks on The Gita' by Sant Vinoba Bhave, 15th edition (Jan 2005)l
Sri Ramkrishna Paramhansa was suffering from paanfulcancerof the throat. Once some disciples suggested: "Bhagwan, you have relieved hundreds of persons of pain by your
spiritualpower-whydon'tyou usethis powerforyourown healing?" Paramhansa replied: "Son! Whatever I have been given by Maa Kali, I know precisely why it has been given. Utilization of the power, meant for others'benefit, for my personal benefit will make me undeserving of the Divine Gift. This, I would not do", To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without
faith, noe Akhand Jyoti
September-October 2011
is possible.
Women's emDowerment -4
Nature ls Gearing Up Women's Ernpowerment United Nations Organization (UNO) declared theyear 1975
C.E. as International Women's Year. The
articles, special issues, and reports on projects for the betterment of women of
for progressive future of the
governments and NGOs were
History has observed many revolutions and movements that arise like a storm and
governments of the member countries and global social organizations were appealed to do something substantial for women's development, to accelerate the ongoing proiects and take up new initiatives in this respect. That
pubiished and publicised during the year. Meetings,
ray, awareness in
plans. These celebrations also helped attract the attention of the mainstream towards the year's theme. These events boosted new life in the
this
had begun since the erytryce and expansion of more and more democracies
and social
organizations across .the, world. By then, a wave of 'Women's-lib' had already transformed into a grand movement in the developed countries. But this year was a special one as it catalysed dramatic waves of positive dungeGlohal att l hcal uredia gave Ep€dat fucus and overage to the past and present status of womenand the importance of their future upliftment. Many
nation.
conferences, symposia, exhibition, and cultural
expand like
programmes brought together
initial impetus of their
the thoughts and visions of savants to help the governments make adequate
founder(s) disappears or as the tumultuous tides of time wash them away. Many of the government's plans and
die off in
boom, but they few years as the a
declarations too
f
ade
existing at that time and encouraged formation of seseral more. Women in elite sections of society were motivated to support the large number of
without any concrete action or achievement. Initiative and special year or special week or day celebrations announced by the UNO also remain mere celebrations without implementing any far-reaching solutions. But women's elevation should not be ignored as yet another of such 'on paper'
underprivileged women.
actions or 'short-lived'
Maoy of the thoughtful and broadminded men had also expressed the need for the elevation of women's status and rights as being essential
revolutions. This is indeed a revolution inspired behind the scenes from the sublime world with the full force of God's Will.
women's organizations, though few in number,
Faith makes all things,possible.... Love makes allthings easy. Akhand Jyoti
September-October 2011
If one takes into account the real contributions of the global and local celebrations of the International Women's Year, if one looks at implementation of all that was written, spoken and publicized so widely during this year, one may not find anything that has elevated the status of women or led to revolutionary transformation of the status of women across the globe. Nevertheless, one cannot deny the good beginning it made or the silver line of hope it showed to society's better-half. One may note that social transformations would never take place only through the movements of the machinery of government and by the
ground for the inversion of impure and unjust into righteous and just. In order to maintain the balance of Nature and its creation, it gives rise to gigantic storms to bring radical changes and to turn the trends of time in
this reactisn is manifested-in the forrn of fever, pain, swelling (or some other symptoms of allergy). This is
the right direction. These
of external medication or
revolutions, whatever their manifested form, have destroyed the thick smog of terror, tyranny, sufferings, and despair that cover the world from time to time. It is the force of collective consciousness, the Will of the Supreme Self, or the soul of Nature that inspires such reactions in the sublime world. And, this cycle will continue age after age, for all
some mode of healing.
time.
crafting of more
just legislation. But the latter certainly provides necessary support in this direction. From this point of view, the year had marked a turning point for women's liberation. The Change is a Reflection
of
God's Will: Those who can visualize the subtle world know that the
universal law of Nature "reaction of every ngfi6n//
---
continually prepares the
What is seen as the cycle of Nature in this world is a tiny manifestation of this process. The biological cycle of the healthy sustenance of our body, or its auto-regulatory mechanism is also, though miniature in scale, an example of this natural process. Whenever some toxins, infections, or harsrful microorganisms invade a healthy body, the body's defence mechanisms fight back and
a healthy body's natural process of self-preservation. Experiencing the symptoms, we humans take exha support
If we
investigate the process of self-
healing of a healthy immune system, we will find that this natural system is far more
efficient and perfect in eliminating the root cause of
the malady, the harmful invaders, than any of the human-made medicines or modes of treatment. Similar to the sustenance of healthy systems in the body, the invisible systems of Nature also maintain the survival and growth of society. Normal functioning of the body is disturbed by germs and toxins. Health and
strength of a society is weakened by superstitious convictions, unmindful customs, rigidity, and corrupt
practices. When there is an excess of theie that put at risk the very existence and purpose of the social system and when the damages are
Don't count every hour in the day; male every hour in the day count. Akhand JyOti
September-October 2011
36tr
T irreparable by hurnan efforts,
the good and destroy the bad.
then Nature's process'of reforms manifests itself . Manifestation of divine incarnation to eliminate
He does not tolerate any imbalance in the splendid
devilish tendencies, cruelty, tyranny, and other vices and sinful, immoral actions, and to resurrect benevolent dharma; righteous tendencies, thoughts and actions, is also a part of this process at a adestial scale. Age after Age, Ithrypens as pâ‚Źr the'pledgd off tre ffmighty (c.f. Lord ffiprmfuein the hoty tBhagratgeeta-}. It is His natue,fio srye and qrcurrage
No doubt, God has rendered 'freedom of choice' to all humans, but the end result and final consequences of one's actions, which one has to"face as Nature's reactions or one's destiny, remain in
adharmn;
system of Nature.
His hands. One must exercise one's freedom within the disciplines of moralit/, the
universal principles of humanity. That which is
untoward, wrong
and immoral is not allowed and
no matter how widespread, deep-rooted and mighty it is, the reaction of Nafure driven by the transcendental forceS of divinity will destroy and uproot it one day. Had this not been the case, the devilish demons, which werd born from time to time, would by now have gulped down the entirety of God's creation. If we thoroughly analyse the history of this world, we will find that though there might have been testihg delays, though there might have appeared some flexibility or leniency from time to time, eventually the evil is defeated by the good.
The sage's hut was on the outskirts of the village. Almost every evening, the villagers used to come there and listen
to the sage's discourses. When the time would come for evening prayers, some naughty youngsters from the village would descend upon the hut and convert the place
participate in theirtittle-tattle and laugh with them. When,
are defeated successfully by great personalities who live for the altruistic service and welfare of society. However, when the grandeur and intensity of evils and immorality in a society is so
even after prolonged efforts, the boys failed to make him
widespread and grave that
angry, theyfelt remorseful. They begged forgiveness and
even the dedicated efforts and
asked: "Mahatman (great soul)! We deliberately tried to
sacrifices of the reformers fail;
tease and vex you. But not even once did you get annoyed
then the reaction in the subtle
into a noisy chat-house. From time to time they would tease the sage and take pot-shots at him. This routine continued for some months, but not once did the rishi showed anger or irritation. lndeed, he would often
i1
As far as things go within the reach of human endeavours, the wrongs of vicious people
or lose temper''. The sage replied: "Son, if I had got angry
myself, how could I have taught you anything?"
world is intensified and the Almighty Creator Himself takes control of setting things
I
tr37
The bond that links your true family is not the one of blood, but of respect and ioy in each other's life. Akhand Jyoti september-october
2011
I
it should be noted
adversities of wome4 and
that His divine incarnations also get it done with the support of the awakened
empower them to revive their lost glory. The background of what gave rise to the
collective consciousness of the
movement of women's
devoted masses. He inspires, awakens and leads the
emancipation is already prepared in the sublime
otherwise ordinary mortal beings. Beers, apes and monkeys were the 'army' of Lord Ram in his victorious War against the demonic powers of Ravan; hoards of
domains of Nafure. However dark and long the night may be, nothing can stop the
1ight. But
gwala-bala (milkmen) were the
of Lord Krishna in lifting of the Gowardhan hill. The homeless Pandavs of the associates
Mahabharat War, the bhikshuk andbikhunrs (Monks) of Lord Buddha, tbre satyagrahis of Mahatma Gandhi, the
rritrrralwta protestors with Iâ‚Źnin stand as eternal uamples of this kind in annals of history. These examples show that divine missions and grand revolutions spread and succeed because of the unflinching protest, deep anguish, sacrificial courage
and determination
of
ordinary beings against what is wrong and their devotion for the establishment of what is right and good. This time it is going to wipe out the
subconscious convictions from the mass-mentality. It is only the unflinching force of sublime reactions in the core of Nature that can shake the
roots of age-old rigid
sunrise of women's ascent is
convictions. This reaction is intensifying every day to uproot the vices and ignorance from every domain of life. This force of Nature has begun to shake all those who have a human heart. The winds of change are flowing from multiple directions. The volcano of grand transformative force hidden in the core of Nafure is eager to explode, but is not getting
not far off. However, the
the suitable pressure. The real
sight of that bright sun is still out of sight.
purpose will not be served if this'volcano' suddenly erupts in the outrage of the masses. Along with destruction and elimination of whatis ryrong
dawning of a new day. International Women's Year and global efforts of the governments and the NGOs in the successive decade were like the reddish glow of the early morning sky
indicating that a bright
The movement for women's emancipation has developed significantly but, in many societies, their real empowerment and leading role still appears a distant hope. The main reason for the partial or superficial success of the government's and social organisation's attempts is that they are inplemented and pursued half-heartedly. They do not enjoy people's whole-hearted support and have failed in eliminating the
reformation, reconstruction, and initiation of the good is also essential. timely
Transformation of people's mentality and positive re-
orientation of prevailing trends is required for desired success in the case of social
movements
like
liberation and empowerment, and the constructive
channelization of their
When you believe in something, believe in it allthe way, Akhand Jyoti
September-october 2011
women's
immense potential. Tlie divine
force in higher realms of Nature has prepared the background for this as well. We only need to fulfil our duties in this regard and prepare ourselves to invoke its manifestation to be the carriers of this force.
The huppy and healthy sustenance of human
life on
this earth is subject to timely resolution of several giant
the primary role in shaping the families and societies of the world, the better it will be for the nations and for the world as a whole.
gradually'dccblerating this
movement on
several dimensions. As a result, the much-needed efforts of massawareness and education have
also gained momenfum.
Women have been weakened by long years of neglect,
Sensing the dawn of the day,
injustice, oppression, and exploitation. So how could
cocks begin to crow like an alarm before sunrise. Using
human society remain healthy and strong? No system can
appropriate instruments
and
survive with a sick vital
problems ranging from
component. Nafure cannot let its wonderful creation become
environmental pollution to social imbalance- The main czrurie trf ffre social inrbafane ie lhe nrybtt urd qrpression An imbalance *ri8tftel'eni,ironmental or social will not be tolerated by Nature. Women constitute almost half of the world's population. The sooner they are liberated from the downhodden, servile state of secondary citizen and given
spoiled this way. From time to time, its hidden force has tried to teach a lesson to mankind and has inspired social reformations at local levels. But now the gravity of the situation has intensified this force to work at a global level to resolve the problem for once for all. The International Women's Year has set the ball in motion. The invisible forces of Nature are
data-
analysers, meteorologists can forecast the weather for the next day
or
week. Spiritualists endowed with farsighted vision can see the events of the subtle (transcendental) world and predict the future of this physical world. These masters, who have sensed the wave of grand social transformation, have professed the awakening and
uprising of women and predominance of the virtues of womanhood as a certainty of the New Age.
Here are four fundamental things to do to manifest abundance: Think more thoughts in a day of abundance than of rack of money. 2.Be happy noq withoutthe money. 3. Be truly grateful for everything you have now 1.
4. Give the best of yourself to others.
You can do these four easy steps if you want it enough.
Life is like a mirror; we get best results when we smite at it. Akhand Jyoti
seprember-october 2011
Treament of Urinary Troct Infeaions In Women In the pfesent article of this series on yoga therapy, problems related to the urinary system in women and their treatment through yoga are being discussed in detail. The urinary
system in women is more susceptible to infections than men because of its special configuration. When the infections become more complicated, the kidneys may stop functioning. Sometimes the infections can prove fatal when they spread through the blood to the whole body. The small and straight urinary tract of women is responsible for this condition. About 25 to 30 percent of women get affected by urinary diseases and anyone betrueen the ages of 14 to 61 can be affected. Infections in the different places in the urinary
system of women are known by different names. The infection in thb urethra, the tube that takes urine out of the urinary bladder, is known as urethritis. This causes a burning sensation when passing urine. Infection in the bladder is called cystitis. If the infection
gpreads to kidneys, it is called as pyelonephritis. The deeper the infection spreads, the more dangerous it becomes. Finally it will affect both the structure and working of the entire urinary system. According to yogic beliefs, when there is a lack of prdp shakti, the diseases can become more dangerous.
In healthy women, urine is free of bacteria. This is because urine keeps flowing at continuous rate and the mucous membrane of the bladder remains strong. If the urine flow is slow or gets restricted due to some disorder, then the
strength of immunity begins to reduce. This causes accumulation of bacteria in the bladder which will multiply at a fast rate. This is the first stage of the infection. Causes --- Infection in bladder is caused by gram negative bacteria. Normally these include, Escherichia coli, enterobacter, klebsiella species, and proteus mirabilis. This infection can also happen due to pseudomonas aeruginosa, serratia marcescens, and protozoa like trichomonas vaginalis, however these are less dangerous. Infections of the bladder grow primarily due to an increase in either alkalinity or acidity. Women whose food intake contains excessive starch or sugar, or who are prone to mental stress and worry fall prey to these infections.
Other reasons for this condition
are irregularities, lack of restraint, and frustration
in sexual conduct. This infection can also happen due to exposure to cold after sweating,
due to injuries and wounds, and other infectious diseases.
Luck is like a matter of preparation meeting opportunity. Akhand Jyoti
september-october 2011
40tr
Risk factor - The following situations can increase the risk factor significantly: excessive indulgence irr, sâ‚ŹX; diabetes;: prggnancy, usage
pressure on the urine excreiion system causing several disorders. It can cause obstruction in
the flow of the urine, upward movement of the infection, disorder in the functioning of the kidneys, and an imbalance of water and salts. Infections caught during pregnancy may result in a reduction in the quantity of the body,s blood, suspended growth of the baby, and other serious diseases, such as toxaemia. Toxaemia happens due to a disorder in the functioning of the kidneys in the final stages of pregnancy. Among others, the main symptoms of this disease are a substantial increase in blood pressure, loss of consciousness and spasms. It frequently leads to abortion or even loss of life of both mother and child. Various medical treatments are available to solve these problems.
of detergents and
chemicals, usage of stirnulating contraceptives, strong antibiotic drugd, abnormalities in urethra such as tumours, incomplete emptying of the bladder during urination, cortico steroids, and antimicrobial therapy. All of these factors increase the risk of infection. .
Symptoms
-
Repetitive urge to urinate, pain while passingurine, urge to pass urine even when bladder is empty, and pain in lower abdomen are some of the symptoms of this disease. When there is the urge to urinate the pressure becomes unbearable. There is foul smell in the urine. Urine
is often turbid and alkaline. Sometimes it may Constiption is also often associated with fte disease. Shivering in body and frs'er uray abo (Fcurhave pus and blood bo-
Medical
homeopathy, ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga
therapy can be adopted
FiE hdin-If theinftction persists for e hg ltu+ lt qmde to lire kidneys. If not ffidi in riilF, tre kidneys begin to
Drug Therapy
-
During pregnancy the expanded uterus exerts
tr41
-
Usually Amoxycillin (250-
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMp/SifrtX) are prescribed to be taken every 12 hours. In addition, Ampicillin and Cotrimoxazole can also be taken. These drugs provide instant
relief but do not address the causes of the
performed to save the patient,s life. Dialysis is a process in which medical instruments are
Urinary disorders during pregnancy
these
500m9), Cipro Floxacin (250mg) or
kidneys stop purifying the bloe4 a graye inrbalance of water and salts in the body results. As a result of this, toxicity can spread to the entire body and the patient may die. In such a situation, dialysis must be
purify the
to solve
problems.
eilEE Imcn &e
used as an artificial means to patient's blood.
Alternatives: Allopathy,
disease or provide long term relief. They also have severe side effects. .
. .
Homeopathy - Some able doctor must be consulted. In sexual diseases, Staphysagria is prescribed. Apis Mellifica, Cantharis, Sarsaparilla may also be prescribed.
you keep lep at heart the welfare of otherq your own be cherished and protected by others. Akhand Jyoti
September-October. 2011
Naturopathy
This therapy is extremely effective. To cure the infection in the urinary system of women, add alum, salt or the juice of thin-peeled lemons to one litre of water and use that to cleanse the opening of the urethra. If that does not help, then apply hot and cold pack alternately al the opening for
-
minute intervals and then apply a wet mud pack to the area. It is also beneficial to douche with lukewarm water. For permanent solution to this problem drink fruit juices only for a few days and follow it up with only fruits as food. During this period, take a bath twice a day in the morning and evening and in the case of constipation, use an enema to cleanse the bowels. 15
Eveffiing is material for the sed of happiness, if you look into it with inquisitiveness and
curiosity. The future
is
Diet
-
Take light and vegetarian diet, which is
low on proteins and devoid of stimulating spices. Do not eat refined foods, finely ground wheat flow (maida), sugar or spices. In place of tea and coffee, take a cup of barley water or herbal tea three times a day. Fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C like sweet lime, tomato, pineapple/ orange, goose-berry, spinach, green chillies, radish leaves, grapes, apples, bananas, pomegranates, peaches, raspberries, pears, ripe jack-fruits, tamarinds, papayas, sweet potatoes, brinjals, ginger, coconut, cucumber, watermelon, turnips; carrots, green peas, potatoes, leaves of ajwain (Ligusticum ajawan), green coriander, mint; cabbage, bitter gourd, beet root, all sprouted grains, soyabeans, dried figs, dates and milk can be taken. Vitamin C enriched items make urine acidic and suppress growth of microbes. Take foods rich in beta carotene and zinc. These strengthen immune systerr and help in curing diseases.
Yogic Treatment
-
after adopting a suitable diet and lifestyle, patients can take up following yogic practices -
completely open, and we are writing it moment to moment.
1.
Snrya NamaslAr
-
Start with one cycle and
gradually increase to 12 cydes daily at sunrise.
There always is the potential
to create an environment of
blame or one that is conducive to loving-kindness.
- Pema Chodron
n
Asan - All
shaktibandh asans
like -
vydghrdsan, ushffasan, shashank bhuj angasan, bhuj angdsan, dhanureisan, chakrEisan, ardh padma pas chimottdnds an, sarvangdsan, halAsan,
ardh haldsan, ardh matsyendrasan, vqtqyanasan, dvipad kandherasqn, and siddha yoni dsan.The
practice of these
asanns
in this sequence helps
in the curing of diseases of the urinary Good planning helps to make elusive dreams come true. Akhand Jyoti
September-October 2011
42tr,
3 I
I t
'
b,
g
3
system. With a regular practice, these systems become so strong: ffta1 cannot recur.
3. Priipdydm - Perform Nadi Shodhan and Bhastrikd Praytdyam withkumbhnk and bandhs.
At antah
kumbhak apply Mal Bqndh and Jalandhar B andh, and at B dlrya kumbhak apply Ilddbnn Bandh. Practice 10 cycles of. Snrya Bhedan Pragdydm also.
4.,;Mudrd and Band.h
-
Practice Viprrttkarap mudra, Pdshvnt.mudrd, Sahiolt-mudra and Mnlbandh daily, 30 times. Maha mudrd and iinahabedh mudr-a should be done three times ,initially and then their count can be
,gradually increased.
'.
6i Shitbiltkarap *
Perform Yog-Nidizi:{lafly r in the'a.fternoon or befofe'sleeping,'This helps in opening mental blockages.'These ,blockages give rise to a number of diseases in women, including disease of the urinary system. When the blockages are opened, mind begins to feel light and happy. That helps in getting rid of the diseases. 7. Fasting - Fast completely for at least one day per week. If this cannot be done, the patient can skip dinner or take only light boiled vegetables. s. Other suggestions - Patients affected with urinary diseases are advised to drink a lot of water (6-10 glasses) every day in addition to yoga practice. This helps to cleans the urinary system.
5. ,Shat Kriy| - Perform Nefl and Kuniat ,Kriyds. Before starting yoga practice .,perform Pfrrya Shankhaprakshalan in the
In this *uilr,", by improving food habits and lifestyles and adopting yogic practices, it is possible to conquer disease. One can attain
guidance of some expert yoga practitioner. Then weekly perform Laghu
good health and freedom from diseases if yogic
shanAhrynklaln.
practices are given a place in one's daily routine.
A@ute I t
I I
aroused between three brothers about superiority of donation. One said money'is the best donation, another said cow and the other said land. For concluding, the three went to their father. The father didn't give an answer. He sent his eldest son
yith some money which the son gave to a beggar on the way. Similarly, the second and the third son gave the cow and the land respectively to the same beggar. A few days later, the sons passed through the same way with their father and were
surprisedto find the same man begging. He had sold the cow and the land and had finished that money too, Now the father told the sons, "Only the donation used for a noble purpose is worthwhile. Till then charity of wisdom is best."
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. tr43 ri l
Akhand Jyoti
september-october 2011
Desirelessness ls The Supre Paul Brunton, a
me Accomplishment
thinker from the west, once
solution becomes a bigger problem than the problem
Alexander, Hitler are prime examples. Not one but
asked Maharshi
itself ever was.
virtually all people
famous Raman,
"What is the root cause for the lofty ambitions of man?" Maharshi smiled and replied,
"His inferiority complex." That sounds rather strange
and unusual. Inferiority complex and lofty ambitions appear to be contradictory notions but in fact they aren't. They are the two ends of the same state of mind. What is an inferiority complex on one end is a lofty ambition on the other. To correct itself, the inferiority takes the form of an ambition. To call ambition a highly ornate kind of inferiority is not incorrect. Though despite this ostentatious wrapping, an inferiority complex is neither destroyed nor diminished. It may get hidden from others' view, but to oneself, it is always present. In fact, whenever any problem of life is solved in a wrong manner, this is the outcome. The
There is another point to note
in this context. Whenever
a
disease is not so easily identified. Though it may be hidden, it is none the less fatal. Ambition is destructive and violent; it is hatred, and
man wants to run away from himself, he falls prey to some kind of ambition or another. In his desire to be different than he is, he tries to hide his true identity. But hiding a fact is not the same as becoming
jealousy sprouting from a sick
free from it. Amnesia of
this alone. If ambition is on the
inferiority is not the same as overcoming the inferiority. This is a very indiscrete
materialistic plane, it
practice. Therefore, as a result
plane,
of the medicine the sickness only increases. Each success of the ambitious mind only serves to stoke the fires of insecurity. Success after success may be attained but the inferiority complex does
destruction
not go away. Success actually leads to progressive enhancement of the inferiority complex. The world's history is full of such diseased individuals. Taimur Lang,
mind. It is the root cause,ifor mortal strife among,men. Wars are an expanded form of
perpetuates violence against others. If it is on the spiritual
it
perpetuates self-
Spirituality means
not desiring to attain anything. It
is a
science to properly understand and recognize oneself. Spirituality can be sustained only in a creative conscious being and this consciousness can rem'ain creative only if it is free from
ambition. Creativity
September-October 2011
can
blossom only in a healthy and
The smallest seed of faith is better than the largest fruit of hCppiness. Akhand Jyoti
are
infected with this illness so the
calm mind. A healthy mind is that which is withdrawn into itself. Not recognizing the inner self is the lone basic flaw or error which expresses itself
as the inferiority complex. Only one who has realized his
inner being is free from its effects.
How can this hole of the inner void be filled with 'external gains? How can that which is external pâ‚Źrmeate
the inner being? Worldly riches, high positions, high stature in public life and
other such things are all external. Then what is it that
It is extremely important for every man to vanquish and destroy his lofty ambitions. Soilong as these are attached to him, the direction and the state of his life will always be
wrong/ upside
down. Whenever a man tries to run
away from his inferiority complex, he begins to go firrther and further from his own self. That becomes his gravest error.
In his research paper "Ambition: an interrogation mental health," to psychologist H. Gibson has expounded on this error. He has concluded that all inferiority complexes are nothing but indications of a deep rooted spiritual void. Bsause each person has this rr*lwiftin and can feel it, he tries to fiil it with external acomplbhments.
internal?
That that nullity, desirelessness, that alone is internal and nothing else. To run away
IS
from this is to run away from one's own self. So the correct approach to life is not to run away but to live in it and realize it. One who dares to do this, to him this void itself manifests as the most fulfilling completeness. It becomes his liberation and salvation. This is the seat of the Supreme Soul whose one glimpse fills up all emptiness and decimates all inferiority.
After shedding his physical sheath, Dharmaraj Yudhisthar's soul was taken to Yamapuri. Accounting was made of his accumulated merits and sins. Once he had spoken a half' lie in the context of Ashwathama. For this, he had to spend one day in Hell and the next one hundred years in Heaven. He was asked: "Where would you like to go first, Hell or Heaven"? Yudhisthir opted for the Hell first. Upon his reaching there, the entire atmosphere saw a welcome change: A fragrant and cool breeze started blowing. The harsh behaviour of the guards and keepers (yamadoots) suddenly softened. The inmates of hell felt a great relief. When next day, the DharmaraT (epitome of righteousness) started to leave, the hell-dwellers began to weep. They wished how good it would be if Yudhisthir continued staying there. The Dharmaral enquired of Lord Chitragupta about any possible way of his continuance there. The latter replied that it could be possible provided Yudhisthir donated all his acquired merits to the inhabitants of hell and took upon himself the whole burden of their sins. Yudhisthir gladly and readily agreed to the deal. The helldwellers went to Heaven. By his righteous conduct Yudhisthir turned even the merciless yamadoots into friends, and created a Heaven-like ambiance there. Persons with tender emotions are able to achieve whatever they want with their transforming influence.
Learn evert/thing you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can. There will always come a time when'you will be grateful you did. trrl5 Akhand Jyoti September-october 2011
Aurrit'Vani..
Resolutions & Disciplines
Associmed With The Socred Thread (Translation of a discourse by Pandit shriram shanna Acharya on the topic "Hemtidri Sankalpa Aur (Jsase Ju(e Anuiasana,,l Let us begin with the collectioe chnnting of the
Gayatri Mantrn:
"Om Bhfrr Buvab Swafu, Tatsaviturvarepyarh Bhargo Deu.asya Dhtmahi, Dhiyo Yonal.t Pracodaydt I l' Sisters and Brothers, Today is the auspicious day of the Shraaani (Sravapi) festival. We all have gathered to celebrate this religious festival. Let us now discuss what message this festival brings us, its importance, and how we should be celebrating it?
using a staircase, rope, or an escalator, etc. But you simply have to jump or,slip downwards
to fall on the ground from the top of
a
mountain. Hardly any effort is reQuired to throw something down. But it is not so easy to lift it up from a depth. The same is true of the natural tendencies of our minds. Our Rishisr developed the system of Indian Culture for psychological conditioning, gradual training, and refinement of mental tendencies to enable people's elevation and enlightenment. The unconscious mind dominates one's
intrinsic
nature and hence one's natural liking, Shrnoani i5 a part of our great culture that we
often seem to forget or ignore. This is what appears to be our nature. Our mental tendencies are often inclined downwardly, negatively. We need to exert great efforts to lift them upwards, to orient them towards positive values that would uplift our character, our thoughts, and our deeds. One needs to put in substantial labor to fetch water from a well. As such it is a natural tendency of water
to flow downwards. But it requires an upwards thrust (through mechanical force or an electrical motor pump) for water to be drawn upward. In order to reach a floor higher than where you are, you will have to climb up
inclinations and mental tendencies. Negative instincts, vices and beastly tendencies assimilated in the unconscious mind during several past lives are carried forward even if one is born in human form. This is the reason why more often than not people's mental tendencies point downwards. The cultural norms and practices, religious customs, sacraments and spiritual disciplines and experiments of. yoga sadhanas were developed by+herishisto help with cleansing the untoward assimilations and vices, control and transformation and constructive reorientation of mental tendencies, and inculcation of virtues. The values, disciplines and practices
To live is to have problems and to solve problems is to grow intellectually. Akhand Jyoti
September-October 2011
I c
r t
of oui ancient culture (also termed divine crrttlrre) are the outcome of the Rishis',deep *dy of the divine knowledge encoded in the Vedas and their thorough research and &dicated experimentation on manifested and sublime domains of Nature, mind and
I
consciousness. I
Festivals have an important place in our culfure. Among these, the "shtaaani" festival has,special significance. It is not only a socioeultural and religious festival, but also is associated with a spiritual sacrament called
other festivals are also a wonderful combination of teachings and joyous
Brahmknrma.
tu
Every festival in our cultural system has its ownbasis and relevance. For example, Dtpawalt (the festival of light) is associated with worship the divine power of of Goddess Lakshmi wealth and prosperity. This festival deals with review of our economic state and planning and preparation for its improvement and growth of prosperity. The festival of Vijayddaiami symbolizes victory of good over evil' It inspires us to awaken our physical and mental sfrength, our valor, our courage and to fight the wrongs and vices within ourselves and in the world we deal with. It falls on the tenth day adjacent to the nine.day spiritual festival ot"Naoadurga" (Durga Paja|- Goddess Durga represents the supreqre incarnation of, collective force of divim prrscrs trat destroy the devil. This ftslfimd *ubrrhes us to unite our powers and efffils n mlhctilvely defeat the demonic ilftFq/ Hnre crrrrently li.ritg in society. On
and intellectual and creative puie*idsii':fnis festival teaches us the importance of education and creativity. It teaches us to refine our talents and to learn oidya that makes us not only a brilliadt orlearned person but also enlightens our mind and heart with virtuous knowledge, farsighted wisdom, compassion, generosity and highervalues of humanity. On the occasion of. Holi (the festival of playing colors after lighting bonfire) we burn some dry waste (as a symbol of devil Holika). It brings us the message of destroying all dirt within and around us, and celebrating cleanliness. All our
fu ef rt Vssrlnt Panchami
Goddcsfuasurati
-
we worship the
the Goddess of wisdom
celebrations. Most important of all these festivalb from spiritual point of view is the Shraaani festival that we are celebrating today' The sacrament of Shraaani Paraa issimple;
with
the chants of some Vedic mantras one changes his yagyopaaita2 (sacred thread). This is like the annual renewal of the license of one's vehicle, or one's insurance policy, etc, or like annual review and update of account books. There are many things, many of our tasks and activities that require renewal on regular basis. Why? So that the state of the trhnsaction of the
and/or fulfillment the purpose, etc, could be reviewed
associated duty's progress
of
thoroughly and any necessary amendments and updates incorporated. replacing the old is also important. Recall that this thread is a sacred symbol of the most significant resolution of human life. It symbolizes a determined transformation of
Renewal of the yngyopaaita
thread with the new one -
llappy people plan action; they don't plan results.
lI/F
Akhand Jyoti
september-october 2011
personaliii hnd ffe tolbecorne a' a*iia)which as'the word meaning of "dwija" suggests,.is like taking a second birth. Wear ing yigyopaaita is like a certificate of becomin g a dwija. By birth we are humans only biologically. As a true dwija we recognize the precious worth of being born as a human being and the importance of our duties associated with this great opportunity bestowed upon us by the Almighty. This thread (yagyopaaita) reminds us that we must live like an awakened, dutiful person; we must inculcate and expand higher values of humanity in our character and deeds.
This life is the only opportunity our inner being, our true self, has to evolve. We must ascend from the level of a devilish, selfish, or animal like being and reach up to the level of becoming a human being. Having become an awakened human being, we should prove by our character, behavior and deeds and by our unflinching efforts of self-analysis, selfrefinement and self-development that we are worthy of progressing further and rising to the level of great personalities, and still higher to the level of Devatds (divine beings).
and generosity in your heart. You will have to widen youi horizons to selflessness, will have to think and work for the welfare of all beings. This is what Devatds do. The fragrance of their
virtues spreads in all directions and fills th'e entire world with heavenly soothing odor. Their preeminent personalities and enlightened deeds illuminate the entire world with divine glow.
I don't know what imagination you have of the Devatds? You think Devatds reside in some
occult plane in an absolute paradise called sraarga (Heaven). You think by worshiping their idols in some shrines or doing some rifuals you will go to the heaven after your death. you also have some imaginations of the heavenly planes like "Vaikuntha", etc, as per the allegoric
depictions of the Puranass. you may have whatever fantasy or imaginations about swarga and uaikuntha. Bwt have you ever thought why will you go there after death? You take a bath to cleanse your body, change your dirty cloths and wear the washed ones; you replace the old cloths
by new ones and remain here (in this world) only. Then where will you (your inner self or your soul) go after changing your dead-body? To swarga? \rVhere is it? lA/hy should it be in some
Who are devatas? Devqtdsare humans endowed
with godly virtues. For example, our great ancestors
appearance
'other'imaginary plane? Why cantt it be in this very world (where you would be born again)?
the Rishis,were Devatds.In physical Devat-as are
like any human being.
Indeed, swarga (heaven) and nqrka (hell) exist
But, their outlooks, their thinking, their conducts, their aims, are outright different from those of ordinary worldly people. If you really want to progress in life, if you really
Theyare none other than some kinds of humans
want to acquire highest honors, unalloyed joy and capabilities, you will have to first nurture divine values, unbound sensitivity, pure love,
only. In worldly terms, you strive for greater success or promotion in your studies or career, etc- For example, sfudent of secondary school
in this very world.
Enormous variety of humans live in this world, the Devatds (god forms) and Rakissas (demons) live here too.
committing yourserf is a way of finding out who you are. Akhand Jyoti
september-ooober 2011
48tr
passes the successive exams,and become a graduate, then post graduate, and may obtain
still higher academic degrees or rewards;
Thread Ceremony and SeqgnC pi41; The (original) Indian Culture is termed ,,divine ,
culture" because it deals with the teaching and practical training of evolution of human consciousness. The sanskat.as (sacraments) recommended under this cultural system are
a
constable may become a sub-inspector, an inspector and gradually a superintendent of police or may one day be promoted to the
lrighest ranks of inspector general or
like training
commissioner of police, etc. There are many chances of promotions and progress in any walk of life. Similar is the case with chiseling refinement of your personality, brilliant sharpening of your
talents, plogressive development
successive progress and evoluti on. y agyopaaita Sanskdraa (thread ceremony) is a prominent
and
sacrament usually performed by all Hindus. Ideally a child of age about 7 or 9 years is initiated in Gayatri Sadhana and acquisition of vrdla through ihis sacrament.
illumination of your mental and emotional faculties,,and evolution of your inner self. So you have chance to rise up to the level of and create sronrgn in this very world
Devgrtds
& :t:.
:.
!,:j. :,a:
p
you are living in. Not only that, after that you can even evolve yourself to become blngavrana (God)- You cannot become perabrahfia in human life but you do have tl.re potential to becorre God. What is the difference between Parfuohtua and God? The term parabrahfia tako fu as Brahfi in the Upanishads) irrylics lte supreme, eternal, omnipresent Coff.lmrnccs Force which is the absolute
qtfitfiualcnrseand the ultimate end of every efirbrre ald non+xistence; which manifests inseryforce and entity of visible and invisible formsof Nature. And God? God is the supreme executive, the regulator of Nature; it is the enseurble of divine powers that also incarnates
in human forms at will. For example, Lord
Bma, Krishna, Buddha, etc,
were
rti@ratbns of God.In simple terms you can say the final stage of the evolution of humankind isaDewta and the final sage of tl.re evolution d Dcril?///F,s is God.
sessions and experiments
performed from iime to time to remind, guide and condition the trainee's body and mind for
' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' .
Yngyoltaaitn (sacred thread) is a circle of hand-
woven cotton thread. It has three layers (one thread each). Its one end lies on the left shoulder in such a way tl"rat it hangs diagonally on the chest and the other end hangs freely slightly above the right part of the waist. Special care is required to keep it away from all kinds of dirt; you are not supposed to even touch it by unwashed hands. It is sacred symbol, a sign of important teachings of Vedic texts. Don,t . you understand the significance of symbols that . are associated with one's deep sentiments? For . example, the idols of deities in a shrine, Saint . Meerabai's toy idol of Lord Krishna, or, the . idol of Goddess Kali that paramhans Swami . Ramakrishna used to worship; the idol of . Dronacharya that Ekalavya had made up using . soil; etc. As such these idols were nothing but . some sculptures of stone and mud. But they . were so powerful as though God Himself used . to incarnate in tl-rese whenever the souls of the . devotees implored, Why? How?
Everyorrchas talent. what is rare is the courage to follow the talent.
tr{s
Akhand Jyoti
September-october 2011
Friends! This magical effect is nothing but ttrc power of complete devotion and unshakable faith of the devotee that converts an inanimate symbol, a toy or even a piece of stone into the life-force, person, or divine being that it symbolizes. In a temple, the idol of a deity is worshiped only after prarya-pratistha (sacrament of invocating and enshrining a
divine power into the idol). But remember, it is not the rituals or chants that matter here; rather, it is the dedication, the feeling of devotion in the deepest core of the heart and the intrinsic faith of the devotee that make all the difference. For example, Ekalavya was a tribal boy. He did not do any ritual or chant any invocation mantra. It was due to his earnest urge to learn archery from the royal master Dronacharya and his immensb respect for this guru that he was able to learn the finest techniques of archery on his own in front of this idol and became more proficient than even the best student of real Dronacharya. Similar is the case of the stonetoy dressed like Krishna that from an early age Meerabai used to worship and keep with her at all times. She did not do any sacrament of enshrining it, but because of the firm faith
human being. And our faith in the divine origm and aims of our existence together with
our understanding of the foundational teachings of the philosophy and science behirid yagtopavita samskarq further elevate us on the
path of evolution. This transformation or promotion amounts to a second birth (dwijana) in which one's (physical) body remains the same; family, friends, and circumstances
remain the same; but one's thoughts, aspirations, behavior, airns and activities begin
to change. (To be concluded in the next issue)
Notes:
1..
Rlshl: Indian sages of Vedic Age who were
great saints, seers and preeminent masters of material manifestation of Nature as well as the sublime science of consciousness and
spirituality.
2.
Yagyopaaita: Sacred thread, which is worn
on the left shoulder (after the sacrament
of thread-ceremony) as a symbol of
of her saintly heart, many times, Lord
adopting Brahmanism i.e., in the truest sense of the word, accepting the disciplines and duties of living an altruist life devoted
Krishna appeared in it.
to acquisition and expansion of pure knowledge and spirituality.
Likewise, our sentiment of devotion and unconditional faith can induce divine power in this sacred thread (yagyopaaita). But, before that, we have to make ourselves deserving to hold and enshrine this power in our beings. Our faith in the high ideals of humanity can drive us on the path of upliftment from the level of an evil being to an awakened and wise
3.
Puranns: Ancient Indian scriptures written
in narrative style.
4.
Yagyopaaita Sanskara: Refer to the book " Karmaknnda Bhaskar" (publisher: "Yug
Nirman Yoitra", Mathura, India) for procedural guidelines of this sacrament.
Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning. Akhand JyOti
September-October 2011
50tr
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Shantikunj Team with H. H. Dalai !-ama
Glimpses of the preparations for Birth Centernary Festival {Nov. 6-10, 203.1} F
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Akhand Jyoti RNI Nq. UPENG/2003\9850
Yugrishi Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya
FcSMaI
and Event Details November 1, 2011 November 6,2011
November7,2011 November 7 - 9,2911 Yagya Manch Gyan Manch Vichar Manch Sanskar Manch November 9,2011 November 10,2A11 November 1 - 1A,2A11
ABI
Haridwar, lndia lnauguration of Book Fair, Exhibition and cultural program Kalash Yatra and Special lecture by Rev. Dr: Pranav Pandya and Shraddheya Jiji lnvocation of Deities at the altar of YagyaShala and lecture program 1551
-Kundiya Gayatri Mahayagya
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our readers are cor*lally invited to join us in this grand festlvaf; with family and friends,
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