Akhand Jyoti Magazine Jan-Feb 2021 by Akhand Jyoti Swadhyay

VOLUME: 19

ISSUE: 1

JAN.-FEB. 2021

Amrit Chintan

The Light of Soul

here are two aspects of light – one is energy, and the other is aura. The first part gives heat, and the second part provides direction (guidance). In winter, the heat part of light offers warmth, while in darkness, the rays of light show the safe way. The light generated within the soul also works on similar lines. The only difference is that once the light of the soul is ignited, it never extinguishes. Whether it is an earthen lamp or an electric bulb, the life of all physical light sources is limited. Even the beginning and end of planets and stars are certain. One day, our Sun will also stop emitting light; it will turn into a white dwarf in the language of science. In contrast, the light of the soul is continuous – once lighted, never extinguishes. The source of inner light is shraddha (faith, devotion). Once it is awakened, the pursuit of life becomes other-centered; the personality gets dedicated to excellence, and idealism becomes a part of natural behavior. Like an external source of light, shraddha is also a source of warmth and hope. Shraddha, in its ultimate state, ignites the light of the soul through which it is possible to see everything – visible or invisible.

- Pujya Gurudev Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya

Just as a painter needs light in order to put the finishing touches to his picture, so I need an inner light. – Leo Tolstoy Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

CONTENTS 1.

Amrit Chintan The Light of Soul....................................................................................................................

From Chief Editor’s Desk Shantikunj – A Center of Spiritual Energy of Akhand Deepaka

and the Thought Energy of Akhand Jyoti .............................................................................. 5

Mindful Living........................................................................................................................ 7

Let Us Make India A Strong Republic.................................................................................... 10

Health and Wellness

The Science of Breathing........................................................................................................ 15

Science and Spirituality Cosmic Energy-Fields of Thoughts and Speech..................................................................... 17

Stay Fit with the Practice of Pranayama................................................................................. 12

Youth Column The Practice is the Key to Perfection..................................................................................... 21

An Effective Solution to the Unemployment Problem........................................................... 23

10.

Yug Gita - 28 To Establish Dharma, I Manifest Myself Age after Age – I................................................... 25

11.

How to Overcome Adversities?.............................................................................................. 28

12.

Odyssey of the Enlightened - 77 Sadhana and Sanjeevani (Elixir of Sadhana) - 4.................................................................... 30

13.

Basis of Attaining Excellence - Strong Willpower ................................................................ 34

14.

Amrit Vani S³dhan³ of the Pancakoïas: Harness the Five Supreme Resources Within............................ 36

15.

Do not Forget the Purpose of Life in the Rat Race of Material World................................... 40

16.

Plant Trees to Conserve the Environment.............................................................................. 42 Correct Your Sitting Posture................................................................................................... 45

17.

Pay Attention to Mental Health.............................................................................................. 47

18. 19.

A Guide to Sanskrit-English Transliteration........................................................................... 50

20.

Shantikunj News...................................................................... (Inner and back cover pages)

Your inner light is what makes you beautiful. - Mary Davis Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

From Chief Editor’s Desk

Shantikunj – A Center of Spiritual Energy of Akhand Deepaka and the Thought Energy of Akhand Jyoti

aram Pujya Gurudev Pandit Shriram Sharma, Acharya said – ‘Indian philosophy talks of two types of worlds – first physical and second subtle. The first one is visible and is material-based. The second is invisible and is consciousness-based. The first is identified by scientific achievements, while the second is recognized by the spiritual attainments.’ Either physical or subtle energy causes the activity in these worlds. If we observe any movement in the physical realm, it is happening because of its energy supply. If this supply is interrupted or blocked, nothing will happen in the external world; there would be dead silence. As the basis of the physical world is physical energy, shraddha (faith, devotion) is the root of the spiritual world. In this world, shraddha generates spiritual energy waves for austerities, the output of which is seen in the form of siddhis (supernatural powers). It is not because we cannot see these energy waves that they do not exist; we cannot see radio, television, or mobile phone signals either. Spiritual energy is the most powerful energy that exists. No matter how we call it, it exists. There

is a limit to physical and intellectual prowess, and their period is also limited. But shraddha has unlimited power. Once it is awakened, it opens the doors of spiritual treasures to sadhaka. Vasant Parva is the festival of expression of shraddha of sadhakas of Gayatri Pariwar. This auspicious occasion comes to inspire and dedicate ourselves to a more significant cause. Pujya Gurudev chose this Parva for initiating all his missionary plans/activities. Whether it was the beginning of a superhuman feat of 24 Gayatri Mahapurashcharanas or the establishment of Gayatri Tapobhumi at Mathura or Shantikunj Ashram at Haridwar or the publication of Akhand Jyoti magazine - Pujya Gurudev chose this sacred occasion of Vasant Parva for all of them. This Parva becomes important as, on this occasion, shraddha dawns in the hearts of sadhakas, which, in turn, brings excellence in their character and deeds. This excellence makes their personalities ideal and their hearts compassionate. In fact, this surge of shraddha is the eternal flow of spiritual energy. In whosoever’s life, this energy flows, it makes him noble. Such a person gets transformed from Nara to Narayana (from human to superhuman). If there is any energy that governs the activities of Gayatri Pariwar or Yug Nirman Mission, it is this magical energy of shraddha. In the collective efforts done for achieving higher goals, this energy works like a binding force, which keeps a great organization like Gayatri Pariwar stable and united. If we wish to see the visible form of this spiritual energy, it can be seen at Shantikunj in the form of Akhand Deepaka

If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought. - Peace Pilgrim Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

(kept lighted continuously since 1926). If we wish to see it in the ideological form, it can be seen in the form of Akhand Jyoti magazine (which is in your hands). Akhand Deepaka is not an ordinary lamp; it is a witness to 24 Gayatri Mahapurashcharanas of Pujya Gurudev. It is a symbol of divine energy and aura. It can also be called a symbol of divine protection of gods and seers. When we prostrate before it, we prostrate to Mahapragya present in it. When the Sun rises, its effect can be seen everywhere. Flower buds start blossoming, the birds come out of their nests and start chirping and hopping, sleeping people get up, and the terror of nocturnal creatures stop with the sunrise. Similar things have been happening through the medium of supernatural aura emitted by Akhand Deepaka. The ideological flow of this spiritual energy is reflected in the pages of Akhand Jyoti magazine. Even though the outreach of this magazine (published in Hindi, English, Gujarati, Marathi, Oriya, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, etc.) is quite vast, and its subscribers are huge in numbers, no advertisements are posted here. In fact, earning profit was never its aim. Publishing Akhand Jyoti with this courage had also been possible with the help of some divine spiritual power. This magazine covers useful topics like health and wellness, synthesis of science and spirituality, religion for humanity, psychology, etc. It disseminates the perennial message of seers and sages for the integrated development of the individual, the family, and society at large. It inspires positive thinking and offers practical solutions to the day-to-day challenges of

Whatever you can do or dream, you can begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. – Goethe

life. The most significant aspect of this magazine is that it carries the Pranic energy of its Founder-Patron-SeerSavant Pujya Acharyaji. Many readers have testified that attentive reading of this magazine provides miraculous light and guidance in testing times. As a result, lakhs of its readers have become members of All World Gayatri Pariwar. They are always ready to take up the noble task of ushering in a new era of peace and harmony. This accomplishment has been possible due to the spiritual energy of Akhand Deepaka and the positive thought energy of Akhand Jyoti magazine. This year we are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of Shantikunj. On this auspicious occasion, each sadhaka should pledge to bring at least 50 families under the umbrella of Akhand Deepaka and make 50 new members of Akhand Jyoti. What can be a better service to humanity than showing the torch of this divine light? With prayer-filled wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year, 2021

)Pranav Pandya(

Never underestimate the power of thought; it is the greatest path to discovery. - Idowu Koyenikan Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

Mindful Living

hat is mindful living? It is the ability of the mind to stay in the present moment. Whatever we do – eat, drink, walk, work in the office, or talk to our friends or family members – we do it mindfully; that is, we get fully engrossed in that work, we do it wholeheartedly. In other words, mindful living means that we are living a purposeful life and that our thoughts and actions are focused. This kind of living has many benefits: it will improve our cognitive as well as physical health; we can perform better in our profession; with little effort, we can get more yield; we can maintain harmonious relations with our friends, our superiors as well as subordinates without getting unduly attached emotionally. In order to live mindfully, of course, one should first pinpoint his goal of life. He must decide which direction he wants to move. What field of life does he wish to pursue – business, or a profession like medical, engineering, literature, or social service? What are his aspirations? This task is challenging, but without proper ambition/aspiration, a human being is only a dum-

my. The ever-changing position of mind can be stabilized by focusing one’s wandering thoughts on one goal. Once the precise aim of life has been decided, certain positive personality traits are required to achieve that goal mindfully. Pujya Gurudev, Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, has suggested some simple yet effective methods (discussed in the following paragraphs) to augment these personality traits/ virtues. Anyone interested in living mindfully must practice them and get the benefits. 01. Unbreakable Faith: Believe that you can undoubtedly achieve whatever you think and plan by developing inner powers. Believe that whatever greatness, success, nobility, fame, and abundance others have achieved, you too can do that by the augmentation of internal forces. You possess all the noble elements which help in achieving progress. You do not know when the opportunity may knock on your door, and you may reach the top of success. America’s greatest inventor and businessman, Thomas Alva Edison, had no formal education, and he was also deaf. Yet, he developed many devices in electric power generation, mass communication, sound recording, and motion pictures by sheer unflinching faith in himself. Everyone possesses these extraordinary and miraculous powers in the seed form. The need is to develop them and use them in achieving a single-pointed goal. It would be best if you have a strong belief that you are the center of power, and the roots of your success/failure, joy/sorrow are within you. 02. Single-pointed Focus: Anxiety, fear, restlessness, attachment, doubt, anger, wor-

Creativity is the mother of all energies, nurturer of your most alive self. It charges up every part of you. - Judith Orloff Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

ry, jealousy, etc., may cause inner conflict and fickleness of mind. In such a state, it becomes difficult to concentrate on the task at hand. Therefore, before working on any project, remove useless imaginations, unfounded doubts, fear, agony, or anxiety from your mind. At a time, focus your thoughts and actions only at one point. If the mind deviates, bring it forcibly to that point again. When you start any work, get fully engrossed in it. The siddhi of single-pointed focus would come through practice. Maharshi Patanjali has said, ‘Tatra pratyayaikat³nt³ dhy³nam’ – uniting the mind with the desired objective is the key to achieving focus. Start practicing it. 03. Inner Wisdom: A wise person uses a three-pronged strategy to achieve his goal. He knows what his aim is; with his intellect, he charts out the plan to accomplish the objective; and with his strong willpower, he focuses all his mental and physical energies at one point. Use your inner wisdom to follow this strategy. 04. Talent: The greatness that is seen in noblemen is due to their hidden talents. You may augment your talent by developing these habits – (1) accumulate knowledge, read good books, (2) think profoundly about the issues at hand, (3) use imagination rightly, (4) develop farsightedness, (5) imbibe the trait of taking the benefit of other’s experience, (6) observe things minutely, keep them in memory and recollect them when needed, (7) use previously earned expertise in new ways and (8) develop subtle faculties of the subconscious mind by meditation. 05. Originality: There is nothing new in this world. Originality is only an expression of things in a new way. Start expressing your knowledge in your own way so that it appears unique. Do not

follow others; try to be original. Creativity is inherently within you; you only have to develop it artistically. Involve your mind in new thoughts, new imaginations, and new directions. Give directions to your mind: ‘I am the master of the sea of knowledge. With the help of this inner light of knowledge, I am developing my talent. The Sun of knowledge is rising in my brain. Now I think only new thoughts, view each object with a new outlook. My mind is original, and my ideology is new. I use my brain’s full capacity; my memory and power of imagination are continuously growing my talent. I do not depend on others. My work is excellent. I know how to use the instrument of thought.’ Make these positive affirmations in your mind again and again. The stronger the confidence and willpower with which these affirmations are made, the more will be the awakening of your mental powers. This method of augmenting cognitive abilities has been tried and found to work perfectly. 06. Endeavor: From where have the miracles appeared in the world? They have not come from outside, nor any external power has presented them. They have come from the brain of a human being. The brain is the foun-

Everything is within your power, and your power is within you. - Janice Trachtman Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

tainhead of all the secret powers and miracles. Then, which power are you searching for outside? You have to get up and start working on your progress by your own efforts. You possess a secret treasure of endeavor. Please open it and use it. In ancient India, the learners were taught to grow by pursuing the realization of purushrtha-catustaya (four objectives of life), dharma (righteousness), artha (material well-being), kāma (enjoyment), and moksha (liberation from worldly ties). Therefore, depending on one’s objective, one would choose appropriate ways/methods to accomplish it.

07. Self-reliance: How to become self-reliant? It requires continuous effort/ practice. It would be best if you do not allow any such thought that others would help you or you need any external help at all. ‘You have all the power. You are perfect, strong, and capable in all aspects of life. You don’t have to beg for anything. Your mind alone is the treasure of creative powers.’ – Repeat these autosuggestions several times in a day, contemplate, and focus your mind on these assertions. By guiding your mind in this way, the feeling of self-sufficiency takes root in the subconscious mind. It is the mental self-reliance that manifests in physical self-reliance. Indeed, it takes a great deal of patience, practice, and willpower to imbibe these traits/virtues. But once it is done, it will lead to a feeling of well-being and a deeper appreciation for life. Our mind is no longer preoccupied with the past or future. Instead, we are fully focused on the present moment. Achievement of this state is the purpose of ‘Mindful Living.’

If you think you are beaten, you are If you think you dare not, you don’t, If you like to win, but you think you can’t It is almost certain you won’t.

If you think you are outclassed, you are You’ve got to think high to rise, You’ve got to be sure of yourself before You can ever win a prize.

If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost For out of the world we find, Success begins with a fellow’s will It’s all in the state of mind.

Life’s battles don’t always go To the stronger or faster man, But sooner or later, the man who wins Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN! - Walter D. Wintle

The greater a man’s talents, the greater his power to lead astray. - Aldous Huxley Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

Let Us Make India A Strong Republic

very year, we celebrate 26th January as our Republic Day. It is the day when in 1950, our beloved nation, our India (Bharat), had become the Sovereign Republic. India became an independent country on 15th August 1947, but its own constitution came into effect only on 26th January 1950. Thus, 26th January is the birthday of the largest democracy on the earth. It is a matter of pride for us to celebrate this important national day. We should also note that this is the day to remember and pay tribute to thousands of great men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country’s freedom and dedicated themselves to making it a progressive democracy that stands as a shining example for the world. This is the day to pledge to adopt the values of liberty, equitability, unity, amity, and justice for all, established by our honorable constitution. We should resolve to respect and sincerely follow its system of law. Our constitution has provided us enormous freedom, like freedom of speech, freedom of faith, etc.; it has endowed us with many privileges; but associated with the rights, there also come some duties! We should understand that negligence of our responsibilities towards the nation, toward the society, is also like an unlawful activity. We must remember and also make others aware of the fact that alert, patriotic and dutybound citizens are the real strength of a democracy. Some of our countrymen misuse the freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of religion; they give objectionable public addresses that amount to propagating anti-national feelings; they dare abusing our own parliament and our own constitution. The anti-India agenda and proxy

wars of enemies across the border are directly or indirectly supported and encouraged by such ‘liberals,’ selfstyled ‘secular’ forces, and extremists. The strictest possible legal actions should be taken against such hidden enemies of the nation. We also must remain vigilant and prevent the expansion and ill-intended projects/ activities of such elements in our society. Enlightenment of the Masses: Progressive society lays the foundation of a progressive nation. Our country is, no doubt, rapidly progressing on many global fronts. However, the prevalence of many blind customs, backward traditions, and unjust practices in many sectors of our society continues to pull it backwardly and prevent the real benefits of the development. These should be uprooted by collective efforts. Educated and progressive citizens have this responsibility to enlighten the masses and collectively oppose heinous practices like female feticide, gender-inequality, dowry, violence, and other crimes against women. All these are legally punishable

A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and the soul of its people. - Mahatma Gandhi Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

offenses; however, the timely and full implementation of the law is often hindered in want of evidence and witnesses, or many times the victims’ own family is fearful, or it discourages lodging of a complaint. Spreading awareness about the laws, garnering the support of more and more people to speak out openly against such crimes, and lawfully enforcing implementation of the law by the concerned authority, is, therefore, most important. Gender-sensitive education, cultured upbringing, mass-awareness, masseducation, and constructive projects of women empowerment would be necessary and promising for healthy progress and strong edifice of our society and our nation. It may not be possible for everyone to do something on their own in this regard. However, we all, the responsible citizens of India, can certainly join, support, and participate in the grass-root programs/ projects undertaken by some apolitical organizations like “All World Gayatri Pariwar” to transact our earnest duties toward our society, our nation. The social disparity in the name of caste and creed, extreme imbalance in economic status — with narrow strata of the society living in extravagant, lavish life-style, while major sections of the middle class striving for a better

living, and still larger sections suffering poverty, are also some serious problems that challenge the viable development and strength of our country. Together with far-sighted plans of economic growth, elimination of the ‘cancers’ of corruption and nepotism, and expansion of self-reliant education would be essential to remove such long-standing obstacles in our nation’s holistic progress. Despite the fundamental right to education (provided under Sections 29-30 of our constitution), a large proportion of our masses is still uneducated; child-labor and exploitation of the illiterates continue to exist even after seven decades of our independence. The literacy programs run by the government and the social organizations often seem to serve only the purpose of enabling people to write their names and signatures and, at the most, learn to read the basic scripts in their own languages. More and more educated citizens will have to come forward so that this mass-awareness, teaching, and learning process could continue in a productive way to serve the worthy purpose of basic education. Enlightening the masses about their rights and duties, health and hygiene, the correct approach to making their living and surroundings better; teaching, encouraging, and even supporting them to become self-dependent, are vital for viable development. Recent programs and ongoing projects of women’s self-help groups, women’s cooperative movements, women’s education, gender-sensitivity in education and at workplace, some quota for admission of under-privileged children in good public-schools for primary education (under Right-to-Education), multi-faceted skilldevelopment, boosting of entrepreneurship and “Atma Nirbhar Bharat,” etc., are some excellent initiatives in this direction. Our collective enthusiasm and whole-hearted participation in these would significantly accelerate their success and enhance the glory of our nation.

Every Indian should now forget that he is a Rajput, a Sikh, or a Jat. He must remember that he is an Indian. - Sardar Patel Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

Health and Wellness

Stay Fit with the Practice of Pranayama

oga has been practiced in India from ancient times, but the credit for organizing its diverse concepts and giving it a scientific base goes to sage Patanjali. His yoga focuses primarily on the mind, but no human personality dimension has remained untouched by him. Physical body and expansion of pranic energy find a suitable place in his yoga too. In fact, working upon these is the right preparation before starting work on the mind. Asanas for the body and purification and enhancement of prana using pranayama find a place to prepare an aspirant to a higher level of experiments in yoga. In Ashtanga yoga of Patanjali, beyond yama, niyama, and asana, pranayama appears as the fourth step. Its purpose is establishing a stillness in prana to make it suitable for the higher practices of dharana-dhyana. This is because prana is directly connected with the mind. If the prana is fickle and unstill, then so is the behavior of the mind. If prana becomes sturdy, the mind becomes sturdy too. Impurity in prana is regarded as a great obstacle in spiritual progress. Pranayama helps in cleans-

ing prana, which helps make the mind well suited for the practice of meditation. Prana is a subtle element whose presence is experienced in inhalation and exhalation and is also called prana-vayu. Just like the earth, fire, water, air, and space are considered the physical elements, prana, thoughts, intellect, soul, and supreme soul are regarded as the subtle elements. Of these, prana is the closest to physical existence and plays a vital role in all living beings. The yogic method of pranayama focuses on purifying and strengthening prana. Prana is what keeps a living being alive, and its dissociation with the body is death. All activities of the body are possible because of the flow of a definite amount of prana in it. Any distortion or disruption of its flow in the body causes different forms of diseases and imbalances. Prana flows through subtle channels in the body, and pranayama helps purify and expand the prana that flows through them. The rising sun is regarded as the source of pranic energy on the earth. Pranayama is a process of connecting with this great source, which makes a person healthy, energetic, and bright. In Patanjali yoga sutras, after gaining expertise in asana, the stable rhythm of inhalation and exhalation that is attained is termed as pranayama. Its essential processes are called rechaka, pooraka, and kumbhaka. In pooraka, a person fills the lungs with fresh air by inhalation. In kumbhaka, he holds the air in for some time. In rechaka, he exhales it fully and again stops the flow in external kumbhaka. Pranayama tech-

Breathing in, I calm my body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is the only moment. – Thich Nhat Hanh Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

niques are classified into different categories depending on the breathing sequences. Deep breathing methods help in exercising the lungs as well. Like a honeycomb, lungs have millions of microscopic air sacs known as alveoli. When the breathing is not proper and if not exercised well, these air sacs become weak. Their inactivity over long periods leads to microbial infections and make the lungs a house of diseases. A lack of proper breathing also causes weak lungs and diseases like tuberculosis. Deep breaths taken during pranayama activate and exercise these alveoli, infuse life into them, and strengthen the lungs. They massage not just all the organs in the abdomen but also the subtle solar plexus, which activates numerous endocrine glands in the body. As a result, overall health improves. During pranayama, prana flows through subtle channels called Ida and Pingala, and this improved flow through them activates another subtle channel, Sushumna, which benefits a person both mentally and spiritually. According to Patanjali Yogasutra, pranayama’s eventual outcome is lifting off the veil cast on our inner brilliance or true knowledge. In the words of Acharyaji, as the daily practice of pranayama becomes deeper and gets perfected, the impression of different types of veils like accumulated karmas, intrinsic tendencies, and various distortions and distresses arising out of lack of true knowledge begin to weaken. Just as all the impurities of gold get cleansed when it is melted by heat, all the veils of impurities of a yogi get destroyed by the practice of pranayama. The prolonged regular practice of pranayama makes the mind ready to enter the next higher phase of yoga, which is dharana. Considering these benefits, our sages have included pranayama in the practice of worship (sandhya) that must be performed three times a day. This ensures that a spiritual

Yogasanas have often been thought of as a form of exercise. They are not exercises but techniques that place the physical body in positions that cultivate awareness, relaxation, concentration and meditation. Part of this process is developing good physical health by stretching, massaging, and stimulating the pranic channels and internal organs. When yogasanas are performed, respiration and metabolic rates slow down, the consumption of oxygen and the body temperature drop. During exercise, however, the breath and metabolism speed up, oxygen consumption rises, and the body gets hot. Besides, asanas are designed to have specific effects on the glands and internal organs and to alter electrochemical activity in the nervous system. - Swami Satyananda Saraswati

The practice of ‘asanas’ and ‘pranayama’ wards off diseases and helps to maintain alertness. – Swami Sivananda Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

aspirant practices pranayama every day, at least for a few minutes. There are many kinds of pranayama techniques, which can be adopted depending upon the need and state of a person’s health. However, it is advisable to take an expert’s guidance before initiating it. Acharyaji has prescribed an effortless yet powerful technique that can be universally adopted and is called Pranakarshana Pranayama. For this, after daily ablutions in the morning, sit in sukhasana in a meditative state with closed eyes. Vacate the mind of all thoughts and imagine a large ocean of prana sweeping and surging all around you, and you are sitting in the middle of it. Now, with a normal pace, gently inhale, and visualize that the prana surrounding you is slowly entering into your body and is diffusing into every organ of your body. Hold the breath in for a while as per capacity, and then gently breathe out again. This can be repeated 5 to 7 times to start with so that there is no pressure or tiredness. Over time, the duration of practice can be increased. The tremendous effect of this pranayama’s regular practice would show up on our health, and new vigor, energy, and enthusiasm would be felt within.

Some precautions are in order, though. Any new practice must be adopted slowly. The duration of each cycle and the number of cycles of pranayama should be increased gradually as per capacity. The practice should not be hurried or done excessively. Regularity, however, must be maintained to gain all its benefits. The place of practice should be clean and airy. Never perform in a polluted environment. Try to associate feelings and visualizations with the physical act of breathing, which is the real essence of this pranayama. The purely physical activity also has its practical benefits, but all its comprehensive benefits are assured when emotions get associated with it.

The sense of respiration is an example of our natural sense relationship with the atmospheric matrix. Remember, respiration means to re-spire, to re-spirit ourselves by breathing. It, too, is a consensus of many senses. We may always bring the natural relationships of our senses and the matrix into consciousness by becoming aware of our tensions and relaxations while breathing. The respiration process is guided by our innate attraction to connect with fresh air and by our attraction to nurture nature by feeding it carbon dioxide and water, the foods for earth that we grow within us during respiration. When we hold our breath, our body makes our senses feel the suffocation discomfort of being separated from earth’s atmosphere. It draws our attention to follow our attraction to air, so we inspire and gain comfort. Then the attraction to feed earth comes into play, so we exhale food for it to eat, and we again gain comfort. This process feels good; it is inspiring. Together, earth and we conspire (breathe together) so that neither of us will expire. The vital nature of this process is brought to consciousness when we recognize that the word for air, spire, also means spirit and that psyche is another name for air/ spirit/soul. - Michael J. Cohen Yoga breathing control or pranayama is a joyful song that soothes, purifies, energizes, and harmonizes our body, mind, and soul to create inner healing. So, practice singing the song of pranayama. - Debasish Mridha

Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

The Science of Breathing

ur life depends on our breathing. Deep breathing ensures the flow of prana in our body and keeps us active, bright, and enthusiastic. The neurons responsible for maintaining the body and mind quiet and peaceful are stimulated by deep breathing. The ancient practice of pranayama also uses controlled breathing to pacify the nerves and bring peace. It is very recently that scientific research has established that deep breathing is good for physical and mental health. Breathing is the most essential and flexible function for the body. We cannot control the rate at which our heart beats, but the pace of breathing can easily be regulated. We can deliberately change our breath, for example, by stopping it for a few seconds or by sighing or by gasping. At the cellular level, the knowledge of how body and mind control breathing or how breathing controls body and mind has been elusive so far. About 25 years ago, Dr. Jack Feldman, a neurobiologist at UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles), and his team discovered a cluster of a few

thousand cells in the brainstem known as the preBötzinger Complex or preBötC. Those neurons seemed to be controlling most of the aspects of breathing. Dr. Feldman named them ‘Breathing Pacemaker.’ The following years did not see much effort in finding out how these neurons functioned. But recently, universities of Stanford, California, and others have begun to employ the newer technologies in researching the neurons associated with breathing. The scientists have finally identified 65 different kinds of neurons with distinct molecular signatures. Each of the 65 neurons has the responsibility of regulating a particular aspect of breathing. Scientists have proved this in a notable study that has been published in ‘Nature’ magazine. As a part of this study, scientists developed a kind of breathing pacemaker in the mice. When a virus was injected that specifically killed those pacemaker cells, mice could no longer take deep breaths. Just like human beings, mice also take deep breaths every few minutes. When the breathing pacemaker’s signals were no longer sent out to the spinal cord and the brain, the mice did not take deep breaths. This study is undoubtedly a milestone in the research about breathing. Still, at the same time, it has given rise to new questions about the abilities of the pacemaker and the other neurons. In a recent study published in ‘Science’ magazine, the researchers have purposefully disabled a different kind of neuron related to breathing in the mice. Because of this, there was no change observed initially. They continued to breathe deeply like ever before. But when they were placed in a different atmosphere, which was very stuffy and warranted

Man’s mental power, happiness, self-control, clear-sightedness, morals, and even his spiritual growth may be increased by an understanding of the “Science of Breath.” - Yogi Ramacharaka Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

deep breaths, the mice remained peaceful with no effort to breathe quickly. Why did this happen? Researchers studied the mice to know how the disabled neuron is connected to different parts of the brain to understand this in detail. They found out that this specific neuron is directly connected to the excitation center of the brain. This center communicates by giving signals to other parts of the brain to awaken us, alert us, or even to tell us to worry or be restless. Those mice in which scientists had disabled the neuron, the corresponding portion of the brain remained silent and unstimulated. Researchers believe that the disabled neurons when functioning normally, respond to the activities of the pacemaker cluster of neurons and initiate the actions corresponding to deep breathing or sniffing. After this, the neurons alert the brain, indicating that something worrisome is happening in the mice. Since the mice are breathing quickly, the brain needs those neurons to activate its ‘worry’ center. So, in this sequence, after a few quick breaths, there comes a state when mice get worried, and this triggers a fast feedback loop causing the mice to breathe faster and get even more worried. Since these neurons were disabled in the mice, they remained peaceful even under stuffy conditions. In a nutshell, whenever we inhale deeply, the neurons connecting to the excitation

center of the brain do not get activated, and thus we remain calm. Scientific research has not yet reached a level where they have completed their study and understood the functionality of all the neurons in the pacemaker, but this experiment, however, tells us that the mind gets relaxed with pranayama. The studies till now have been done on only mice and not on humans. But the breathing pacemaker in mice and humans are quite similar. This might be the beginning of the research, but it nevertheless has helped establish the truth of the efficacy of our age-old methods. Our mothers were always right. Whenever they saw us worried or stressed out, they would ask us to pause and take a few deep breaths. This would immediately calm us down. Hence it is imperative that we take deep breaths and choose suitable pranayama and practice it regularly. There are innumerable benefits of pranayama, and regular practice will ensure that we are healthy and happy.

It is a common belief that we breathe with our lungs alone, but actually, the work of breathing is done by the whole body. The lungs play a passive role in the respiratory process. Their expansion is produced by an enlargement, mostly downward, of the thoracic cavity, and they collapse when that cavity is reduced. Proper breathing involves the muscles of the head, neck, thorax, and abdomen. It can be shown that chronic tension in any part of the body’s musculature interferes with the natural respiratory movements….. It provides the oxygen for the metabolic processes; literally, it supports the fires of life. But breath as “Pneuma” is also the spirit or soul. We live in an ocean of air like fish in a body of water. By our breathing, we are attuned to our atmosphere. - Alexander Lowen The exercise of the external muscles is not everything. The internal organs also need exercise, and Nature’s plan for this exercise is proper breathing. - William Walker Atkinson Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

Science and Spirituality

Cosmic Energy-Fields of Thoughts and Speech

n scientific terms, the entire system of a human being in this visible world revolves around two major components — the physical body and the conscious mind. The constant functioning of each of them at multiple levels requires and also generates (bio) electrical currents through the brainsystem. Major activities of the body are accompanied by mutual interaction between its tiny constituent parts – from organs to cellular and molecular levels. The processes of heart-beating, blood flow through the veins and arteries, inhalation and exhalation of air by the lungs, expansion and compression of the muscles, bio-electrical signal (information) processing through the nerves, etc., all produce some kind of friction, vibration, and/or excitation in the associated components. This generates specific kinds of thermal energy and static electricity. When one thinks, the subtle (mental) sound of the words/sentences (of the language in which one is thinking) produces some vibrations in the neuronal circuit. The ‘processing’ of the thoughts and emotions also generates neuronal transmissions

and/or stimulates the neurons in the brain. This gives rise to some bioelectrical energy-currents. The consequent (bio) electromagnetic waves of the continuous ‘flow’ of emotions and thoughts are called “thought waves.” If we throw a stone in a pond, it will produce waves in the water, flowing transversely up to the pond’s banks. The universe also is a kind of a ‘gigantic pond, but, without boundaries’; it is ever-expanding in all directions. Thus, it may be likened to an infinite open ‘sphere.’ The (bio) electromagnetic waves produced by a person’s thoughts and emotions expand in the limitless domain of this etheric ‘sphere.’ Empowered by the vital spiritual energy (pr³ña) of the mind, these waves propagate to immeasurably large distances. Thus by the principle of spherical geometry, their trajectory of the expansion is circular. Hence, eventually, after reaching their cosmic ‘target’/domain, they would come back to their origin. The long journey of the thought waves is not static, as it is subjected to some stochastic effects (due to other sublime/ cosmic vibrations). A lot of their (bio)magnetic energy is dissipated while interacting with other waves of opposite characteristics (pertaining to the counter or negative thoughts/emotions). Their confluence/superposition with the thought waves of similar qualities, however, strengthens their own power. The super-imposition of these ‘matching’ thought waves indeed creates a powerful region of attraction and builds up a thought layer or a field (also called an ‘ideosphere’) that could influence others’ thought waves. Our righteous and saintly thoughts and emotions may thus

We speak not only to tell other people what we think but to tell ourselves what we think. Speech is a part of the thought.- Oliver Sacks Akhand Jyoti

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offer benefits to us and others as well while compounding their power manifold with each cycle. Such layers of divine thoughts and emotions are like ‘sublime’ clouds, which can shower the nectar of virtuous inspirations on the entire world. Energy Fields of Speech: The simple principle behind our speech or the pronunciation of a word by our mouth is that – the collision of air with specific portions of the nervous system (as per the movement of the associated components of the mouth, including the palate) produces specific vibrations in the vocal-cord. This apparently physiological process is completely regulated by the mind. It is the unconscious mind that guides the controlling machinery of the brain and hence regulates the movements of the components that ‘directly’ participate in the process of speaking or singing etc. The instantaneous difference in our voice and pattern of pronunciation of the same word under different moods (mental states) clearly demonstrates this remarkable harmony between the speechsystem and the mind. If we casually pet somebody’s back, then there would be no reaction in general. However, if we do so intentionally or, say, in an angry mood, it would naturally hurt that person and may invite repelling action from his side. This simple example illustrates the difference between the effects of a mere physical activity and that of an action associated with unusual mental force. This difference in the effects exists because the former involves only the static electricity of the body and routine auto-regulation of the brain. In contrast, the latter bears the special ‘electrified charge’ of the vital spiritual power (pr³ña-ïakti) of the mind too. The words recited by a person with full mental concentration are indeed energized by the bio-electrical energy of the physical body as well as the ‘electromagnetic’ and subliminal pr³ñic forces of his mind.

It is well known that the frequencies of visible light range from 400 to 790 terahertz, while the sound waves have so far been found to produce vibrations in the ether ranging between very low to the hypersonic levels [more than 109 Hz (cycles/second))]. But our ears can normally catch (hear) only the sonic vibrations ranging from 20 to 20,000 Hz. The ultra-fast vibrations of sound produce higher energy waves. By the law of conservation of energy, like any other energy-waves, the vibrations produced by the sound of the words uttered by a person would also be everlasting. Which energyfield these waves would form or reach in the cosmos would depend upon their ‘nature,’ which is specific to the speaker’s voice and more importantly to the nature of his/her mental (including emotional) state when those words were uttered. The role of the mind is central to the nature of the ideosphere/energy-field of not only what one thinks but also to the (sonic) energy-field of what one speaks. Both are significantly affected by mantra-s³dhan³s. Mind, Mantra, and Divine EnergyFields: The etymology of the word mantra indicates several derivations in the Sanskrit Language. Some Vedic texts

It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about.- Dale Carnegie Akhand Jyoti

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on the science of mantra describe — Manan³t Tr³ñan³cyaiva Madr¿ Pasy³vabodhan³t | Mantra Ityucyate Samyak Mad³dhiÌÚh³nata Priye || (- Dray³mal Ï³stra) Meaning: That, mental recitation, and repetition of which, enables one to know the true form of the world and nature. That, which liberates the mind from the worldly thralldoms of egotism, selfishness, and avarice, and which leads to the path of ultimate success – is called a Mantra. Some Vedic texts also cite — “Man³ta Mantra”: meaning, a mantra is a process or mechanism regulated by the (deeper) mind; “Manan³t Tr³yate Iti Mantra¡”: meaning, that, which liberates the mind (from the thralldom of ignorance) is the mantra; “Mantri Gupta Bh³Ìañe”: meaning, sublime ‘conversation’ (in divine voice) is mantra...., etc. The “Shatpatha Brahmaña” defines — “V³gvai Mantra¡”: meaning, the segments or verbal formulae/configurations of the psychic sounds/syllables and accents enunciated by a spiritually evolved, divine-like voice is a mantra. The devout practice of its japa is essential for experiments on a mantra. The word japa in the Sanskrit language is defined as – ‘Japa Vyakt³y³® V³ci’

and ‘Japa M³nase Ca,’ Meaning: recite clearly and chant it mentally. Repeated rhythmic enunciation of a mantra with unperturbed mental concentration and emotional engrossment is defined as the japa of that mantra. The Agni Pur³ña explains this as – Jak³ro Janma Viccheda¡, Prak³ra P³pa N³ïaka¡ | Tasm³jjaya Iti Proktau Janma P³pa Vin³ïaka¡ || Meaning: “Ja” implies relief from further janmas (births); “Pa” symbolizes the elimination of sins. Thus japa (of a mantra) helps destroy one’s evils and liberate the soul from all worldly thralldoms. The vibrations of mantras carry immense energy, which is amplified by the pr³ña (vital spiritual energy) and bioelectricity of the mind-body system and the sublime currents of the spiritually refined thoughts and emotions of the s³dhaka(s). Because of their enormous sublimated energy, the vibrations of the mantras practiced by the rishis (Vedic sages) and the currents of the thought waves of these spiritually evolved angelic personalities exist in the supernormal cosmic energy-fields since yore. We all know that rich belts of minerals are formed by the attraction between the particles of the same (or compatible) category. By similar effects, the above-mentioned fields of attraction induced by the mantra-s³dhan³s of the rishis would continue to become more potent if the matching vibrations of mantras are consistently generated with deep ïraddh³ (unflinching intrinsic faith) by people endowed with virtuous character, pious conduct, and inner strength. In their circular journey (cycles), the s³dhaka’s thought waves and the sound waves generated by his/her mantra-japa are also empowered by these cosmic fields. Thus, while reaching back to their origin (i.e., s³dhaka’s spiritually awakened mind), these waves help further

Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.- Confucius Akhand Jyoti

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augment the spirituality and the overall physical and mental energies of the s³dhaka. The domain of Divine Thought-waves (Adhi Devat³): Thoughts and emotions, being the manifestations of Ïabda1, are also a form of energy, like the sonic or thermal energies. Scientifically speaking, every combination, physically perceivable or subtle, of vibrations and/or movements gives rise to energy. Thus, thoughts and emotions also exist in waveforms. These ‘energy-waves,’ if focused around one idea or faith, naturally form a common class (cluster) and generate a stronger field of attraction around this center of focus. At the levels of behavioral psychology, the distinct ambiance of specific philosophical or political ideologies like those of the religious doctrines or those of capitalism, communism, etc., are examples of such ‘centered groups’ or ‘dense clusters’ of thoughts and beliefs. In the sublime domains, the focus of an energy field of the sacred thoughts and pure inner sentiments — like faith, ïraddh³, and spirituality, is called adhi devat³. Every Vedic Mantra has its (adhi) devat³, which represents a divine force (of transcendent consciousness) and a cosmic energy center in the field of the genesis, ultimate expansion, and sublimated existence of the (sonic and mental) energywaves associated with the s³dhan³ of that mantra; this devat³ is supposed to be the eternal source (the ‘soul’) of the supernormal power of that particular mantra. As mentioned earlier, the success of a mantra-s³dhan³2 depends upon how well the s³dhaka is able to link his/her inner self with the devat³ of the mantra. This is why, the ‘success of a mantras³dhan³’ is often described as ‘blessings or boons bestowed by the devat³.’ For ease in meditation, the devat³s of various Vedic Mantras were also given visible forms and names3 by the rishis. The bºja4 and chhanda5 described in the viniyoga (the

introductory part about the structure) of a mantra correspond to the subtle wave-characteristics and the sonic pattern of that mantra. Notes: 1. Ïabda: Eternal, cosmic element of sound. 2. Mantra-S³dhan³: Devout practice of

japa

(repeated,

rhythmic,

mental chanting with emotional engrossment) of a mantra with deep meditation (of the devat³ of mantra) for a specific period with the observance of prescribed spiritual disciplines. 3. Most

the

Gods/Goddesses

worshiped in the Hindu system are referred to in the scriptures as the devat³s of different Vedic Mantras. 4. Bºja: The ‘seed’ or original syllable/ source; for example, the syllable representing the eternal sound of “O®.” 5. Chhanda: Syllabic configuration that

also

guides

musical

composition to chant the mantra as a hymn.

The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it. Be aware of the thoughts you are thinking.- Eckhart Tolle Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

Youth Column

The Practice is the Key to Perfection

he importance of practice is well known. Its effect is magical. The waves of the sea hitting the rock leave their mark on it. The clay pot makes a hole in the stone by constantly rubbing against it. The rocks rolling along the river course one day attain the round shape of Shivlinga. Undoubtedly, it is a long process, but its results are miraculous. It is not surprising that to control the fickle mind, Lord Krishna preaches the process of practice to Arjuna. Perhaps, there is no alternative to practice. It is the most significant element of success in any field of life. On profoundly analyzing the life of any great scientist, sophist, saint, or eminent personality, one would find that his secret of success was his practice. Despite all adversities and hardships, they remained steadfast in their practice. They kept on making efforts consistently, based on which they reached the pinnacle of excellence in their respective fields. Repeated practice builds habit. If good deeds are practiced, then good habits are developed, but if malefic practices are carried on, the person becomes a victim of bad habits. Once the bad habits are formed, it becomes difficult to get rid of them; but there is no need to be disappointed in this situation. If a bad habit is developed inadvertently, it can also be corrected. In this situation, practice becomes a savior. Bad habits can be overcome with practice. The only requirement is making constant efforts. Often, we are not familiar with the incredible power of practice. Initially, typing seems to be an impossible task. Still, with repeated practice, one day, the fingers start moving automatically, and then the person can even type

without looking at the keyboard. This is the marvel of practice. Activities ranging from cycling to swimming, all appearing as impossible initially, become simple and easy with practice. All this shows the power of practice. The practice is even more essential for the devotees seeking peace, spiritual progress, and divinity. The senses and mind are naturally accustomed to following the wrong path. They are ready to destroy the entire life, even for momentary happiness. Contrary to this flow, the task of channelizing them in an upward direction requires determination and practice. Conversely, if we let the mind loose to do whatever it wants, it shows that we are not committed to our improvement and not loyal to our spiritual pursuit; our practice is still immature. We have not yet embarked on the spiritual path. Upon introspecting, we will find that the real cause for our agony is the lack of control over our mind, due to which we are unable to focus on our goal. There is no concentration due to indiscipline and misconduct of the mind. The insolent mind makes us work according to its wishes. A drug

Practice makes perfect. After a long time of practicing, our work will become natural, skillful, swift, and steady. - Bruce Lee Akhand Jyoti

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addict, knowing that every dose of it is pushing him towards unconsciousness, serious ailments, and death, is still unable to leave it and yearns for it when it is finished, ready to do anything for it. If a person wants to cultivate a good habit so intensely and resolutely, no one could stop him from attaining peace and happiness. Our habits form our tendencies, which shape our personality, which in turn determines our destiny. Thus, constant practice of noble deeds results in virtuous moral imprints (Susanskaras), which form a good character as the essence of personality. On the contrary, bad habits will only create undesirable circumstances in the future. If we want to improve our bad habits, it is possible only through imbibing good habits or good conduct. Such a practice will give us self-confidence and strengthen the mind, with which we will be able to live in peace and joy even amidst adverse or ardent circumstances. Many people grumble at their mistakes or shortcomings and remain worried about how they would overcome them. This is an incredibly stressful

and dangerous situation, which sucks our energy and allows negative influences to dominate us. Instead of this, we should consider possible solutions and make every effort to cultivate good habits and strengthen our character. Seers, saints, and sages build a strong personality and live with peace and joy even in extreme circumstances. To build such a personality or achieve such a state, one requires pious resolution and patience and endeavors for constant practice. People often know its importance yet keep loitering around, whereas the need is to prioritize the routine and practice it daily. After committing to such a resolution, it should be practiced immediately, even without wasting a single day. This is because even once relaxed, the mind again finds an excuse for not doing it again. The magic of practice only works when there is regularity in it. Whether it is jumping across trapezes in a circus or training ferocious animals like lions and tigers to perform stunts, all these are a result of years of regular practice, watching which the audience cheers in amazement. Similarly, if a person becomes determined, then why can he not control his mind. The need is to practice with patience and perseverance for a long time. Lord Krishna preaches to Arjuna in the Gita to pursue this practice (Abhyas) along with detachment (Vairagya). At the same time, he also assures that any effort made on the righteous path does not go in vain. Even a little effort on the way of religion is enough to overcome great fears. So, we must keep making all possible efforts on the righteous path, repeatedly and firmly. Then, in due course, our life will become peaceful, contented, and blissful.

Throughout human history, our greatest leaders and thinkers have used the power of words to transform our emotions, to enlist us in their causes, and to shape the course of destiny. Words cannot only create emotions; they create actions. And from our actions flow the results of our lives. - Tony Robbins Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines practiced every day. - Jim Rohn Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

An Effective Solution to the Unemployment Problem

he ever-increasing rate of unemployment is a cause of deep concern for everyone. At the beginning of the year, it had reached 7.8%, and the situation has worsened because of the global crisis due to COVID. The latest information shows that the unemployment rate is 6.4% in villages and 9.7% in urban areas.

What is even more worrisome is that the crime rate is also rising with the increasing unemployment rate. The lures of the movies and newspapers entice a person to dream of luxurious living with the best of phones, cars, and houses. But lack of employment then steers such people to commit crimes and other wrongdoings. The moment they tread on such a path, they come in touch with the wrong company and soon are trapped by drugs and other vices. Consequently, a single problem of unemployment gives birth to many issues – crime, violence, drugs, and many others. It is an unfortunate truth that the youth of the world today are rapidly moving in the direction of misconduct and crime. If we take the example of our own capital city Delhi, the crime rate has increased

three times in the last four decades. Along with this, incidents of naxalism, violence, rape, terrorism, etc., have also increased. Rising unemployment is a contributor to this too. Multinational Companies (MNCs) are ruling the roost everywhere in the country today. If mechanization has snatched the livelihood of laborers and farmers, computerization and automation are doing the same to office employees. It is not that scientific progress is the reason for unemployment but being unable to keep pace with progress is one of the reasons for the rate of rise in unemployment. It is also true that multinational companies are establishing their presence in India at a fast pace, but education and training programs of the personnel is not being done at a corresponding rate. This has resulted in many people not being able to upgrade their skills fast enough, which has led to the loss of jobs. Until last year, there was a massive demand for Chinese products. They were cheaper than those made in India, which resulted in people losing interest in products made here. ‘World Trade Fair’ held in Pragati Maidan, Delhi also showed buyers’ attraction to Chinese products. People used to ignore products made in India and bought stuff made in China. Even though the quality of these products was low and durability less, people still preferred them since they were cheaper. This was a massive blow to the Indian industrial system. The global pandemic created by Corona Virus originated from Wuhan province in China, and unrest in the Indo-China border resulted in a rapid decline in attraction towards all products manufactured in China.

No country, however rich, can afford the waste of its human resources. Demoralization caused by vast unemployment is our greatest extravagance. Morally, it is the greatest menace to our social order. - Franklin D. Roosevelt

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When we buy and use products manufactured in India, there is a good possibility of us solving the widely prevalent problems of poverty and unemployment. Local products may be a little expensive but are of better quality and have the added advantage of providing employment to our countrymen. Also, it is easier to get products replaced or repaired in case an issue comes up, which cannot be said about foreign products that do not come with any warranty. Param Pujya Gurudev started Self-Reliance programs and training in Shantikunj in the 1980s itself with this very objective in mind. Before that, Gurudev established Yug Nirman School in Tapobhumi, Mathura, for the same purpose. During those days, a renowned thinker had asked Param Pujya Gurudev about the reason behind the initiative, and Gurudev had replied -‘Progress of India is incomplete without self-reliance and a concrete plan for the development of rural India.’ We will get real Independence (Swarajya) only when we embrace these tenets in their truest sense. By doing this, we can accomplish sustainable progress and lead our country towards economic self-reliance while providing jobs to the nation’s youth. This is the very reason why Param Pujya Gurudev emphasized on establishing Ideal Villages that were healthy, clean, educated, self-reliant, addiction-free, cultured, and cooperative. The training center started in Shantikunj gradually took the shape of a big Self-reliance Training School under the umbrella of Dev Sanskriti University. One cannot but be awestruck at the phenomenal work being accomplished there. Training is provided in producing handloom cloth, handmade paper, food products, and many others. Decades ago, Mahatma Gandhi had championed the cause of locally woven cloth and appealed to people to stop using fabric made in Manchester, England. As a result of this, thousands of unemployed found a means of livelihood in India. Today, we

again see the reversing trend. There is an increased trend towards using western clothes like Jeans instead of handloom fabrics. This has led thousands of Indian weavers to dire poverty. During these times, the model established by Param Pujya Gurudev in Shantikunj has created a new enthusiasm for handloom clothes. Starting with paper, the entire stationery being handmade has helped provide employment while also fulfilling environmental protection responsibility. People below the poverty line are being given free food grains, subsidized groceries, and even free mobiles and laptops in many states. But the most important requirement today is employment, and that can be effectively solved by Swadeshi Svavalamban. If this is not done while there is time, the crime rate, violence, and all kinds of wrongdoings will continue to rise. People should embark on small-scale industries, cottage industries, the creation of local products and their training, and putting these products on the global market. This can help us check on foreign goods in the local market while increasing employment opportunities for our people.

A man willing to work and unable to find work is perhaps the saddest sight that fortune’s inequality exhibits under this sun. - Thomas Carlyle Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

Yug Gita-28

To Establish Dharma, I Manifest Myself Age after Age – I How Avatara manifests? There is one intriguing question. When God, who is considered Ajanm³ (without birth, unborn, eternal) and unchangeable, incarnates in physical form, how does He manifest? Lord has answered this question in Gita’s ïloka (6/4): Sa®bhav³my³tmam³yay³ - Ruling over my Nature, I am born by my own yogamaya. We are born because of our desires. Presiding over Nature, one who takes birth by his own Maya is God, Supreme Soul, and the one who succumbs to his passions returns as an ordinary man. Adya Shankaracharya considers this theory to be correct. But the views of monotheist Ramanujacharya, dualist Madhvacharya, and a staunch follower of the path of devotion Ballabhacharya differ. However, all three agree that God incarnates by His own pledge. Whatever theory is correct, the Lord of all beings certainly incarnates on earth. In fact, the councilors of God, great men, siddha purushas, and God himself have to incarnate; from the peak of consciousness, they descend to the level of a human being. Behind every incarnation, there is a spirit of great compassion. Had this caring

attitude not been towards humanity, why should a person sitting on top descend on earth and live like an ordinary human being? Lord comes to this world as an incarnate of compassion to share His children’s pain and educate them. Ramakrishna Paramahansa used to say, ‘I am a peon of The Mother. I have come to look after Her Zamindari.’ (The essence is that he was born to take care of Her children.) We mistakenly consider him to be an ordinary man. Param Pujya Gurudev, too said several times, ‘We are companions of previous births. You are my giddha-gilahari (vulturesquirrel), and reechha-vanara (bear-monkey) of the period of Rama.’ All these talks should make us realize that we are like organs of Pragya Purusha’s body and reflections of his existence. Therefore, our actions and conduct should be excellent and exemplary. Shri Aurobindo said about Swami Vivekananda, ‘He was Krupa-Kataksha (kind glance) of the third eye of Lord Shiva.’ It is said that one of the Saptarshis (seven seers of yore) was born as Vivekananda. Whoever great souls are incarnated, there is the compassion of God behind it and His will to go among His children. Pujya Gurudev reiterated several times – ‘I was not interested in coming to earth; I have been pushed. The governing powers of this creation have sent me on this earth with some special purpose.’ What else can anybody say more clearly about himself? In the editorial of July 1969 (page 65) of Akhand Jyoti (Hindi) magazine, Pujya Gurudev writes, ‘The change of era is inevitable. My small tenure of life will be spent in its declaration and giving its prior information. I have spent

One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is intelligent among men. - Bhagavad Gita Akhand Jyoti

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all my life inviting the intellectuals to participate in this historical movement of Mahakal (Time Spirit). The task for which I was born is going to complete. Mahakal will do the rest.’ What is the objective of an Avatara, and what is its mystery? Pujya Gurudev has explained it on page 17 of the June 1967 issue of Akhand Jyoti (Hindi): ‘There are several powers of Almighty. Their purposes, laws, forms, and contexts are different. When the context of conducting numerous activities of this animate-inanimate world comes to the fore, God infuses his power into several souls and sends them to manage this world. This is the mystery of Avataras. From time to time, God’s powers take birth to solve topical problems.’ Avatara is a boat, a magician Shri Ramakrishna used to say, ‘Undeserving people, who are dressed like sannyasis so that they may be called sadhus/ mahatmas, are like a block of rotten wood. It swells after flowing into the river but cannot make anyone cross the river. Avatara is like a boat that makes many trips in the river and enables many people to travel to the other side.’ Thakura Shri Ramakrishna compares people whose egos are inflated after getting small siddhis with rotten woodblocks. Why is it necessary to understand how powerful an Avatara is? Because in this Kaliyuga, there are several self-proclaimed Avataras/Bhagavans. One more example Shri Ramakrishna used to give, ‘The process of Avatara is like a magician’s show. He comes to the village with a rope having several knots. He asks the villagers to open the knots, but they are unable to do so. Then he throws the string in the air, and all the knots are opened.’ He said, ‘Avatara too brings such knotted ropes of our previous births and opens them in a moment.’ That is why Sadguru/Avatara is so powerful that he can change a person’s fate. If Guru and Avatara is the same person, then the task becomes much easier.

The job that cannot be completed by one’s endeavor, Sadguru does it in a moment. He changes destiny. Why God incarnates has been made clear in the ïlokas (7/4) and (8/4) given below – Yad³ yad³ hi dharmasya gl³nirbhavati bh³rata | Abhyutth³namadharmasya tad³tm³na® s•j³myaham || (7/4) Paritr³ñ³ya s³dhun³® vin³ï³ya ca duÌk•t³m | Dharmasa®sth³pan³rth³ya sa®bhav³mi yuge yuge || (8/4) Meaning: (Lord says) Whenever there is a decline of Dharma (righteousness) and a predominance of Adharma (unrighteousness), at that time, I manifest Myself, O Arjuna. To protect the devotees, annihilate the wicked, and fully establish righteousness, I am born age after age. Sa®bhav³mi yuge yuge The virtue of sugar, by which it is called sugar and without which it does not remain sugar, is its sweetness. The hotness is the virtue of fire, and the light is the virtue of the sun. Similarly, the virtue of a human being is his/ her divinity, the soul’s excellence. The same is reflected in the outer behavior. When the manifestation

Seek refuge in the attitude of detachment, and you will amass a wealth of spiritual awareness. The one who is motivated only by the fruits of their action and anxious about the results is miserable indeed.-Bhagavad Gita

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of the sentiments of love, honesty, forgiveness, joy, civility, etc., starts decreasing and demonic tendencies like cruelty, falsehood, corruption, immorality, etc., increase, then God appears to re-establish righteousness (tad³tm³na® s•j³myaham). Tulasidasji has written the same thing in Ramcharitmanas– ‘Jaba jaba hohi dharama kº h³ni, b³Ãhahi asura adhama abhim³nº.....’ Almighty God incarnating in the form of the human body for the people’s welfare is a significant event in the history of the spiritual world. Every Avatara has a different method of establishing Dharma. It changes with time, place, and purpose. The manifestation of divine consciousness in Avatara is clearly visible. This kind of consciousness can also be seen in seers and saints. We will discuss this elsewhere. [To be continued] [Note: This is the translation of the Hindi version of ‘Yug Gita’ (Part 2) by Dr. Pranav Pandya, published by Sri Vedmata Gayatri Trust, Shantikunj, Haridwar (2011)]

In the epic Mahabharata, sage Narada suggested some rules to be followed by the Pandavas and Draupadi for living together. One of the rules was that Draupadi should spend one year with each of the Pandavas, and while she was with one of them, no other Pandavas should visit the palace where they might be. In case of any breach of their rule, a one-year pilgrimage was prescribed by way of penance leaving the kingdom. The Pandavas and Draupadi lived happily until one day, a brahmana came running to Arjuna, saying that the thieves had stolen his cows. Arjuna wanted to rush with him to catch the thieves, but he realized that his bow and arrows were kept in Yudhisthira’s palace, and he was there in the company of Draupadi. He hesitated for a while, then seeing brahmana’s plight, he rushed into Yudhisthira’s palace, took his bow and arrows, and ran to catch the thieves. After he caught the thieves and punished them, after restoring brahmana cows, Arjuna came back to Yudhisthira and told him about his transgression of the rule. Yudhisthira, knowing the reason for the breach of their rule, said there is no need for Arjuna to take the pilgrimage. Since it is a mistake committed towards him, and that too for a good reason, he will pardon Arjuna. However, Arjuna would never break his word. He immediately set out for a one-year pilgrimage. The moral of the story: How important it is to keep up one’s word however difficult it is.

The light of all lights, He is said to be beyond the darkness. He is the knowledge, the object of knowledge, and seated in the hearts of all beings; He is to be realized by the knowledge. - Bhagavad Gita Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

How to Overcome Adversities?

he road to progress and prosperity goes through the asperity of the stony path of obstructions. Anyone afraid of obstacles in life must not aspire to achieve any significant progress. The word progress solely entails elevation towards a higher stage, which requires more effort to grow than working on the same horizon. Deterioration in man’s status does not require any specific actions, and it takes fast to condescend. A person who is given the task of moving a specific distance in an upward direction will need more time than the person who moves the same distance in the downward direction. Moreover, the man going downward will do it effortlessly while the one going upward will perspire profusely. The path to progress is always difficult. Had it not been so, every person, whether deserving or not, would find it easy to accomplish outstanding progress. Man is god-like and an animal as well. The primary difference between the two is only that man is a progressive entity and has a passion for amelioration, while animals live their life in a primitive state from beginning to the end. Animals lack the intuitive perception of progress. Till death, they remain in the same state of life acquired from birth. They lack the rational intellect to perceive the obstructions and maneuvering skills against them. They can presume imminent dangers only with the stimulation of their apprehensive instinct. It is with this influence on the mind that they escape, hide, or fight against the attackers to protect themselves. This instinct works as the driving force to stimulate the animals to run away or fight when danger arises. They cannot exercise the power of reason by drawing inferences and using judgment. Their running

away or fighting against the threat cannot be ascribed to cowardice or bravery. Their escaping or fighting both are stirred by the impulsions of the intensity of their fear. However, it is man’s distinctive quality to exercise any task with the decisive skill of intellect. One who executes his work under the influence of intense emotions, provocations and innate patterns of behavior should be termed as a humanoid animal. Adverse situations can impede the path of any aspiring person heading towards his goal. These situations can either be man-made or the wrath of destiny. Hostility, swindling, betrayal paved in somebody’s way are manmade situations by another who has hostile behavior of rivalry, envy, malice against the former. On the other hand, sudden mental or physical disorders and accidents can be termed destiny’s wrath. Such obstacles can disturb the life of any person anytime. Everyone, therefore, should always be ready to face them. Critical moments in life can appear in many ways. Their premonition is not

Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible. - Francis of Assisi Akhand Jyoti

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always possible; neither can they be staved off. Therefore, it is preferable to work out a safe defensive mechanism that can protect a person in the event of any critical situation, and that versatile defense can only be man’s own attitude. It is man’s attitude that makes him look friend as an enemy and an enemy as a friend. This should also be taken as an influence of viewpoint that sometimes man loses his courage in typical situations, and sometimes, he takes on severe crises as easy ones. All conflicts of goodness-wickedness, enmity-friendship, wealth-poverty, problematic or easy circumstances, and misfortune-fortune are the reflections of man’s own attitude; otherwise, they do not have any existence of their own. If a man develops the attribute of having a stable mind in all situations, all these paradoxes will involuntarily dissipate from his life. All the adversities visible in life are the outcome of our own standpoint. Our negative thoughts make us feel wickedness everywhere, and a positive attitude makes the world favorable for us. If we switch over to a friendly attitude towards our opponents, it will help us dissipate repugnance against them and will grow perennial ecstatic happiness within our hearts.

The same logic applies in case of problematic situations. When we look at problems as our opponents and choose an antagonist attitude against them, we begin to develop arrogance and impatience on their appearance, promoting psychological disorders within us, and we find ourselves incapable of finding their solution. Our failure to sort out the answer to those problems makes them more complex, and they begin to impede our path. On the other hand, if we take problems as amiable and accept them as an angel wholly committed to making us vigilantly attentive and mentally more responsive, we can use them to present favorable circumstances to us. A stable mental state is psychologically most conducive to man. Such a state of mind is accessible only when a man perceives every occurrence in his life as the will of Almighty. Propitious and unpropitious situations appear in life by cyclic rotations, and both play an essential role in driving away crises from life. Those who have a persistent desire for growth should not always embrace only conduciveness and adopt utter hostility against adversities. A person expecting only favorable situations in life is bound to succumb to the harshness of obstacles and disappointment as well. Moreover, a person always dreaming of success and running away from even the thought of failure must always be ready to reach a dilapidated situation when an imminent crisis arrives. Those who are joyous in favorable conditions and lament in crisis swing indecisively between the two in a confused state of mind; neither can they proceed ahead, nor can they achieve anything specific in life. Therefore, one should consistently continue to discharge the duties in all the situations presuming Almighty’s deliberate intention in every occurrence in the world.

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to success is more important than any other one thing. - Abraham Lincoln Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

Odyssey of the Enlightened – 77

Sadhana and Sanjeevani (Elixir of Sadhana) - 4 God’s Grace One day Mr. Birla went to the Tapobhumi site. This was an unexpected visit. The heaps of soil after the excavation of the foundation were being cleared there at that time. Shriram was sitting on a wooden chair near the other boundary of the land. Some papers, pen, paper clips, etc., were kept on a small stool in front of him. He was busy writing something when one of his associates, Mr. Kedarnath Singh, informed him of Mr. Birla’s sudden arrival. Shriram asked someone to bring another chair and stood to greet Mr. Jugal Kishore Birla. After a brief exchange of formal conversation, Mr. Birla asked Shriram about his vision and plans for the Gayatri Tapobhumi. He also expressed his willingness to offer help. Shriram gave a brief introduction to his life and major activities and plans. Mr. Birla was overly impressed and wanted to know more details. This discussion continued for about half an hour. Mr. Birla could clearly see that this Tapobhumi is going to be a center for thorough churning of the eternal philosophy of religion and revival of its spiritual essence via the medium of Gayatri Sadhana. Before taking leave, he asked – “What is your planned budget for this project?” “There is no fixed fund or budget as such. The work will progress as and when we get the necessary resources. The expenditure and time for completion will depend upon God’s will. Projects of this kind are not implemented with

an advance resource and budget,” – Shriram responded. “You have thought of having a temple, yagyashala, office, and some rooms for accommodation and sadhana of the disciples/visitors. What kind of construction will be there for all these? Some estimate must have been there?” “No, I really do not know how it will go. God willing, it may expand far beyond what I have thought of as the structure of this sadhana center. If He does not want, then, even a small construction would not progress or would get demolished halfway”. Shriram further explained that there is no capital or specific grant in hand and no budget. This is part of a long-term project inspired by the Almighty. Small donations and support of ordinary people are going to be the source of funding for this work. It does not have any worldly objectives. “I have taken it in hand as per His guidance. My efforts will be to let it become a symbol of the magnanimity of God”. He said and expressed his vision as – “May His grace be expressed more intensely on the earth through such sadhana

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. - Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

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centers. May the human society and the world become neater, purer, and more illumined by His Grace. May divinity awaken in the minds and hearts of people here and demonstrate that we are living on this precious land (India), which was chosen by God Himself; that this is the sacred land where He descended in living forms (avataras) twenty-three times before”. “You have seen the true light of the eternal philosophy of Hinduism. The way this religion is being propagated and practiced today in the name of ancient texts does not allow everyone to follow the path of devotion or sadhana; there are constraints even on the sacraments. The restrictions are even stricter in the case of Vedic Mantras and Gayatri Upasana. Several of the saints and priests associated with the Krishna Janma Bhumi temple trust also agree with such views and regard these as conveyed by the ancient texts,” — Mr. Birla remarked. “What is your viewpoint on this issue?” he asked Shriram. The religion of Everyone, For Everyone “I do not believe that God’s presence could be confined to some specific idols or certain sacred places. Nor do I accept that His presence’s piety

would be retained only by certain kinds of pious people and would be degraded by some others. God is everywhere and is for everyone. He loves those who worship Him and also those who have no faith in Him. He is absolute light. The generosity of His grace has no bounds; His mercy is for everyone’s welfare; it shows the righteous path even to a demon who comes under His shelter.” — Shriram made his views clear in a firm voice. About the Gayatri Mantra, he said — “I believe that everybody has a right to be a devotee of God. Everyone can worship in any shrine and offer his/her prayers. The same is true of the japa-upasana of the Gayatri Mantra. Anybody – even those who are not Hindus can practice it. Proper progress of its sadhana only requires purity of thoughts and character and NOT any particular creed or community”. “What is your conviction?” – He counter-questioned Mr. Jugal Kishore Birla. “I also believe that God is everywhere. We worship and regard His idol as pious. How can it become maligned by anybody’s touch? In fact, anyone who touches it with devotion should also get pious effects from it”. As their views matched, both these saintly personalities continued sharing their thoughts and feelings on many social and religious issues. During the discussions, Sethji (Mr. Birla) wanted to know how Shriram faced the opposition and protest of the sanatani Hindus and the Arya Samajis, who have their own fundamentalist views on Gayatri sadhana? Shriram informed him that he preferred adopting a defensive approach rather than confrontation. He said that as far as possible, he had avoided face-to-face meetings; however, on some occasions (for example, in the college function) when some people challenged him, he had humbly accepted

Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. - Theodore Roosevelt

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the challenge and invited them for open debate without any prejudices. He also told them that one who would not be able to justify his/her views should be ready to change after this once-for-ever shastrartha (debate on ancient texts of Indian Philosophy). Both laughed softly. Sethji added in his usual modest and slow voice that the Arya Samajis of today seem to have forgotten that the origin of Arya Samaj also lies in Hinduism. It was initiated by Swami Dayanand Saraswati to check out the excessively ritualistic form of Hinduism that was dominant those days and was shifting from its original Vedic philosophy. Arya Samaj was founded by him as a refined version of Hinduism to oppose the ostentatious sacraments in the name of religion and the blind social customs like child marriages prevalent among many Hindus those days. He aimed to resurrect the correct principles and practices of Hinduism, to propagate Sanskrit and Hindi languages, and the knowledge of Vedas and Indian Philosophy and Culture. If instead of educating the masses about the original system of quality and action-based Varnas (social classes), the Arya Samajis are also arguing about who is eligible for Gayatri sadhana and who is not, etc., they are also disobeying Vedic principles and disobeying Swami Dayanand. After having a long discussion with Shriram on the status of religion and culture today, Birlaji returned to the starting point regarding support for the construction of the Tapobhumi. He was extremely impressed by Shriram’s views and vision and wanted to give wholehearted moral and financial support to the Tapobhumi project. He told Shriram that – “I am not enlightened like you, and I do not have any scholarly knowledge. I am a businessman, so I would like to contribute to what I can do best. Let my trust bear the responsibility of the construction and infrastructural development for the Tapobhumi.”

With this, he even proposed that — “Kindly accept a donation of rupees twenty-five thousand from my side for this purpose today itself. If you agree, I would also like to pledge to give this much amount every month at least for the next ten years”. Shriram was listening to him quietly. He did not respond for a few minutes. He was not planning about how to proceed with this proposal but was thinking how to refuse this helping hand of a kind and modest person. Mr. Birla was looking at his face. He was eagerly awaiting Shriram’s response. After a while, Shriram asked – “Where will you get this money from?” “That Almighty gives. My business flourishes by the blessings of God, that money I want to spend for His work….” — Sethji responded. Shriram added — “Then let me directly take it from Him only. You take it from the Almighty and then give to me; instead of this, it would be good if I take it from Him, or collectively accept it from His reflections present in everybody”. He made his point clear, saying that - “If it were to be supported by one or two grand resourceful persons or organizations only, I would have fetched the resources from my ancestral property itself. But this

Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body. - Lucius Annaeus Seneca Akhand Jyoti

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is a divine project; thousands of kindhearted souls are to contribute and work for it. As a large number of beers and monkeys had dedicated themselves to the construction of Rama Setu (Ramayana Bridge) on the ocean, as the Gwalbalas had given the support of their sticks to lift the Govardhan Mountain with Lord Krishna, in the same way, this construction should rise with the collective support of the masses. I would, therefore, not be able to accept major donations from any person or organization. If you want to contribute only a fraction of what is required for this project, you are welcome. But let many-many people sacrifice their offerings (donate) for this unique yagya (altruistic deed)”. “Then I would like to contribute my physical labor too. But my body and health are not suitable for it. So please let me send at least five laborers every day till this construction goes on”. Presuming that Shriram would not refuse this,

Sethji was about to call his secretary to arrange for five daily-wagers. Shriram stopped him politely and said – “It would be your great service if you come for this work yourself and give a fraction of your time for whatever work or help you could easily do. This would be precious, like an offering in a Brahma Yagya. We cannot appoint any representative to do the pilgrimage, worship, yagya, benevolent deeds, on our behalf. Like transaction of our personal duties, we are supposed to do these ourselves”. [ To be continued]

It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 am when an elderly gentleman in his 80s arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He stated that he was in a hurry and that he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided that I would evaluate his wound since I was not busy with another patient. On examination, it was found that it was well healed. So I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures, and redressed his wound. While taking care of him, we began to engage in conversation. I asked him if he had a doctor’s appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, and that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I then inquired about her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and was a victim of Alzheimer’s disease. As we talked and I finished dressing his wound, I asked if she would be worried if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was and hadn’t recognized him in five years. I was surprised and asked him, “And you still go every morning, even though she doesn’t know who you are?” He smiled and patted my hand and said, “She doesn’t know me, but I still know who she is.” If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. - Anne Bradstreet Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

Basis of Attaining Excellence - Strong Willpower

trong willpower is an essential basis for attaining success in any field of life, from sports to competitive examinations, agricultural cultivation, mountaineering, or to sail through difficult phases of life. Strong willpower plays a vital role in every turn of life. Even after failing several times, the decision to stand up and try again is possible only if there is strong willpower. In fact, the successes we attain in life are directly proportional to how much willpower we possess. In the domain of spirituality, its importance grows manifold. Selfcorrection and personality refinement are possible only by willpower. All the merit, capability, and talent that we may possess gets wasted in the absence of willpower. The roots of failure and losses in life normally lie in the frailty of willpower. Despite knowing what is right in life and what is wrong, our helpless choice of the wrong path is a clear indication of the inadequacy of willpower. Every moment of moral weakness and every loss and failure are primarily attributable to this insufficient willpower. If the right way to attain

excellence in life is clearly laid out in our mind, and yet we do not progress along with it, it is only due to a lack of willpower. Every human being is inherently granted it but usually in a very restrained form, and hence it needs to be awakened. The development of willpower is nothing but the process of awakening a force that lies dormant within us and deploying it in the right direction. Willpower is the creative and executive power of our mind that helps us take the tasks we undertake to their logical conclusion. It gives us the strength to walk on the right path and keep away from what is wrong. By paying attention to some facets, we can strengthen our willpower. This clear understanding that we can gradually increase our willpower with sustained effort is of great importance. The problem is that we do not put sufficient effort into this. We do not even think this is possible and helplessly keep agonizing over our weakness. This weakness is primarily due to the dichotomy between our thoughts and emotions. We associate our goals only with our intellect, not with our hearts, so we begin to lose our morale whenever any difficulties or obstacles arise. In contrast, the desire to achieve the goal that comes from the heart provides us sufficient energy to overcome all challenges and takes us all the way to complete it. Along with intellectual understanding, a sincere love towards our ideals, goal, or chosen deity is an invaluable asset that makes our willpower strong. Guilt over past mistakes and anxiety over the future are two main reasons that weaken our willpower. Carrying guilt and fretting over past mistakes blunts our will, and worrying

The biggest enemies of willpower: temptation, self-criticism, and stress. (...) these three skills — self-awareness, self-care, and remembering what matters most - are the foundation for self-control. - Kelly McGonigal

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about the future makes us lose interest in taking action. Instead of getting entangled in the past and the future, living in the present gives a new meaning to our lives. And to live in the present, it is necessary to have a clear understanding of human values. When this understanding is lacking, people become toys in the hands of fickle desires and weaken their mental strength and willpower. So, it is crucial to think about what is right and what is wrong. In the absence of discretion, a person does not even realize when he falls prey to worldly desires and passions. This path eventually leads to only pain and misery. Peace of mind and happiness in life are determined by instilling good qualities and value systems and not accumulating money or objects that appeal to the senses. Adoption of discretion strengthens willpower. We must keep ourselves busy with work as much as possible. An empty mind is a devil’s workshop that instigates people to indulge in worthless activities, leading to guilt. Adopt good habits while working so that the mind can be involved in creative activities in times of leisure. This gives the satisfaction of creating something new and enhances willpower. Avoid gossiping, thinking, and fantasizing meaninglessly, useless activities, and wrongful addictions. Saving our energies from these, we must deploy them in carrying out positive and creative tasks, self-study, and

If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.’ - Martin Luther King Jr.

listening to spiritual discourses. Right utilization of our capabilities helps in increasing our willpower. Failure in any task should be taken sportingly. Do not get disheartened, learn from the mistakes, and restart work with double zeal and vigor. Every success will increase willpower further, and life will progress towards new vistas of achievements. Living a disciplined life is a must, not due to external pressures but out of our own will and discretion. While preparing for examinations, children who live a chaotic life do not follow a timetable, finally get stressed out, enter depression, and earn failure. Whereas children who control their temptations, stay away from time-wasting devices like smartphones, utilize every moment of their time, and prepare for their examinations with disciplined zeal, end up facing them with confidence and eventually earn success. All the examinations of life also demand similar discipline. A tight daily routine that is suited to the goal in mind, the discipline of mind-body, thoughts, and behavior make a person strong both externally and internally. Then this enhanced willpower takes a person to the pinnacle of holistic excellence.

The eagle has no fear of adversity. We need to be like the eagle and have a fearless spirit of a conqueror. - Joyce Meyer Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

Amrit Vani

S³dhan³ of the Pancakoïas: Harness the Five Supreme Resources Within

(English version of some excerpts of a discourse given by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

The life of revered Gurudev, Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, is a live exemplar, an ideal guiding light for all s³dhakas — seekers of the ascetic life and spiritual ascent. He was a seersage, a true saint, a preeminent rishi of the present era, who not only accomplished supreme levels of spiritual endeavors but also elucidated the mystic knowledge and explained the deep aspects and otherwise intractable facets of arduous s³dhan³s so lucidly and convincingly that following his adept guidance, ordinary people could also achieve great goals. The present article brings us the essence of one such enlightening discourse in which he eloquently explained, in extraordinarily simplified articulation, the deep and difficult topic of a higherlevel spiritual experiment - the Pancakoïº S³dhan³. Let us begin with a collective chant of the Gayatri Mantra: “O® Bh¿r Bhuva¡ Swa¡, Tatsaviturvareñya® Bhargo Devasya Dhºmahi, Dhiyo Yona¡ Pracoday³t ||” Sisters and Brothers, The Almighty Creator has sent us (human beings) with the five precious sheaths (Panca Koïas) that shield our real-self, our soul. These Panca Koïas are like five devat³s (god-forms, divine powers). You might wonder, as to who these devat³s are?

who can bless us with enormous wealth, joy, brilliance, talents, and everything we desire; who can liberate and protect us from all diseases, sorrows, worries, hardships, scarcities, and all kinds of adversities. However, one does not quite know about their reality; how do they look like, where do they live? For Hindus, they are real; there also are some imaginations and convictions about their realization/appearance before true devotees. But this truth is not universally accepted. For example, if you ask a Muslim or a Christian about Hanumanji’s enormous grandeur, they will simply reject or deny it. Similar would be the reaction of people of other faiths. We certainly can’t prove the truth behind our convictions; we can’t convince others.

Popular Convictions about Devat³s: Many of us consider devat³s as omnipotent, who can do miracles,

That way, when we see the ostentation of some priests and find no difference in the conduct of some so-called devotees and others, we feel frustrated and doubt their ‘devotion’;

Empathy nurtures wisdom. Apathy cultivates ignorance. - Suzy Kassem Akhand Jyoti

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sometimes we wonder as to why the devat³s whom they worship are not helping their improvement! Spirituality is a Science, Not a Conviction: But the devat³s I am referring to, and the topic of my talk, pertain to spirituality. Spirituality is not a conviction or blind faith. Spirituality is like a science. It is based on evidential experiences and reasoning; its truth can be challenged, tested, and verified. It is not based on any tradition or doctrine. It is not derived from any abstract philosophical theory or principle. It is a science of awakening and elevating the vital spiritual energy; it is a science of holistic development of life; it pertains to the evolution of consciousness. The experiments of this science are conducted on one’s own body, mind, and inner-self, through specific s³dhan³s. I am going to tell you about a higher-level Gayatri S³dhan³ - the Pancakoïº S³dhan³. What are the Panca Koïas, which I have referred to as devat³s? These are foundational components of the inner being and its manifestation. Our physical body is made up of bones, flesh, blood, muscles, nerves, etc., at the visible level, and its subtler constituents are cells, the extracellular fluids, and intracellular components, etc., still subtler are the bio-chemicals, (bio)molecules, and their atomic and subatomic particles, etc. But the physical body alone is not our being. Our physical body is alive and functions because of the flow of vital energy, the life-force in it; we also have sensory faculties, the (conscious) mind, and intellect. These are the components of our subtle body. At further sublime levels of our being is our emotional core, our unconscious mind, our conscience. All these are expressions of our ConsciousnessForce (Cetan³1). All of these constitute the Panca KoïasAnnamaya Koïa (the Physical Sheath), Pr³ñamaya Koïa (the

Energy Sheath), Manomaya Koïa (the Mind Sheath), Vijó³namaya Koïa (the Knowledge Sheath), and Ânandamaya Koïa (the ultimate Bliss Sheath). I call the Panca koïas as the five living devat³s. S³dhan³ of these devat³s can bestow most precious boons, supreme blessings upon you. I am saying this based on my own experience. But neither these devat³s nor their s³dhan³ is superficial like what you often believe in. Your devat³s (deities) seem to become extremely happy by the flowers, sweets, and oblations you offer as part of worshiping them; and in return, they seem to shower success, wealth, and power upon you and your family! They seem to be so pleased by your admirations that you sing/chant or by the rotations of the rosary in your hand with some divine chants, as part of your devotion, that they remove all your adversities and challenges and fulfill all your wishes! Your prayers also are mostly like acts of begging. Time and again, I tell you that you should correct your wrong concepts, eliminate your ignorance and illusions, and get rid of your false convictions and beliefs. The Almighty God, the Supreme Creator, has already blessed you with the invaluable gift in the form of human

Thoughts don’t become things; thoughts ARE things.- Eric Micha’el Leventhal Akhand Jyoti

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life, which is endowed with the Panca koïas. It is entirely up to you as to how you benefit from them. Irrespective of your age, gender, family lineage (creedcaste), occupation, education, training, you all, in fact, every human being, can do this s³dhan³ and achieve glorious worldly goals and spiritual benefits. Supernormal attainments, like those of the preeminent spiritual yogis (rishis) of the ancient times, maybe possible even in this modern age (Kaliyuga), provided one endeavors the ascetic disciplines and devout s³dhan³s with absolute dedication like them. I can assure you that if you sincerely attempt the s³dhan³ of even the first three of these koïas, you will achieve excellence and enormous worthy success with happiness in this very life. In fact, if you are determined and sincere, you will start experiencing this gradually with the progress of your s³dhan³, within a short time. I will now tell you about what you need to do to make the best use of the immense potential of these invaluable bequeaths. First of all, you need to realize, awaken, refine, righteously channelize, and augment the powers and capabilities of all the faculties of your body and mind. This is the simplest and essential

way of doing the s³dhan³ of the annamaya, pr³ñamaya, and manomaya koïas. Unless you succeed in this, you won’t really ‘qualify’ for higher-level spiritual endeavors of unfolding the five sheaths to attain the ultimate soul-light and absolute bliss. S³dhan³ of Annamaya Koïa: As I have explained to you several times, s³dhan³ means “s³dha len³” — to refine, sharpen and glaze, to have complete control to accomplish the best. Sincere practice of indriya sa®yam — self-restraint over the instinctive passions and self-discipline over the sensory organs is most essential for the s³dhan³ of annamaya koïa (the physical body including its functional unit, the mind-body system). Among all the sensory organs, the tongue is most vital in this s³dhan³. It is like the entrance, the key to the treasure of potentials of this koïa. It is the greed of your tongue, its craving for tasty and lavish food, which, if left unchecked, would upset your metabolic functions and invite varieties of diseases and health problems. On the contrary, if you control it and discipline your food habits according to your physique, overall health, climate, and the nature of your work, then you may allay and gradually uproot the health-problems if any, and (re)gain good health. A balanced routine with appropriate exercise (as guided by your doctor or fitness teacher) is also necessary for the sustenance of a healthy and energetic body. I often cite the examples of the famous wrestlers of the yesteryears — Master Chandagiram and Sandow, who had not only overcome the diseases and physical weakness that they suffered in their childhood but who also gained immense strength and became very successful wrestlers (of the 19th century) by unflinching s³dhan³ of their annamaya koïas. Mahatma Gandhi used to cure his sickness by the ‘worship’ (through naturopathy) of this very devat³ (annamaya koïa);

If every day is an awakening, you will never grow old. You will just keep growing. - Gail Sheehy Akhand Jyoti

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strict self-discipline, indriya sa®yam was integral and essential part of the life of this globally respected great leader. You should also be vigilant and discipline your tongue. Not only the discipline of food, but control over speech is also crucial. Similarly, you need to keep a watch over all your sensory organs. As part of the exercise, you must keep in mind that you need to keep every organ of your body fit and active. Stretching or straining only some of them and letting others unused or neglected may be harmful. Another crucial component is your approach and style of working. Friends, this body could do wonders for you; it can be incredibly efficient if you keep it energetic and alert. Unfortunately, most people take it for granted and squeeze out all its potentials in running behind cravings or haphazard activities. Most often, they rust and ruin it in lethargy and idleness. You may not accept it, but honestly analyze what you do on a regular (usual) day! Most of you will find that although you put in about 8-10 hours of physical labor (work that keeps your body actively busy) a day on an average, most often, only about 2-3 hours of it are really productive. Or, in other words, the real work that could have been completed in 2-3 hours if you did it properly with a focused mind often takes much longer; or in the remaining time, you are busy without any substantial work. Remember, what matters is not the nature of the work but how do you do it. Most of the time, you work half-heartedly or consider it as burdensome that is to be somehow finished; this often happens, especially if the work is not of your interest, or it is a sundry activity. This is why you might remain busy, strain your body, and feel tired but don’t quite get the desired success, recognition, or satisfaction.

If you care for it, you will pay attention and cultivate a positive temperament to see the good associated with it. If you learn the importance of every task in your hand, every work, however big or small it might be, then it would become interesting, and you would do it most efficiently. The immediate gain of this approach/attitude will be that you would become optimistic, calm, and cheerful. This will help improve your health and ambiance as well. Sooner or later, you would start getting recognition and rewards for your wholehearted hard work, efficiency, and dedication. It could be enormously more than what you would ever expect. I will now narrate some interesting and inspiring real stories and give live examples in this context. (To be continued in the next issue) Notes: 1. Cetan³: Consciousness-Force of a being. It is the source of all our manifested and sublime experiences; it is an expression of the existence of our soul. It is an expression of the Brah® - the Omnipresent, Eternal Consciousness Force.

Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens. - Carl Jung Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

Do not Forget the Purpose of Life in the Rat Race of Material World

f we look into the previous century’s significant events, we find that they revolved around three principles/ thoughts of action. The first among them was the fundamentalist approach to political governance, which was also known as fascism - an authoritarian ultra-nationalism characterized by dictatorial power. In the early years of the previous century, almost every nation seemed to embrace this philosophy. But the Second World War rejected this fundamentalist principle of Germany, Italy, and Japan. Hitler had to commit suicide, Mussolini was killed, and Japan witnessed the dreadful destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It was clear that the world community wanted to keep itself away from it. After the Second World War, the entire world was divided into two types of philosophical thoughts. One was Marxism or communism; about half of the world, including the Soviet Union, China, and North Korea, seemed to adopt this principle. The second principle was liberal democracy-America, Europe, and several other nations based their political governance on this philosophy.

Every principle/theory is challenged one day by the new thought/philosophy. The same happened to the abovementioned two theories. The disintegration of the Soviet Union and the demolition of the Berlin Wall of Germany shook the foundation of communism, and the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center (New York, USA) and the global economic crisis of 2008 due to a very liberal approach have shaken the faith of people in a liberal democracy. Today the entire world seems to be standing on the verge of confusion. That is why, where a fundamentalist approach appears to overpower the immigration policy in America, the United Kingdom has put itself in a dilemma by separating itself from the European Union. It will not be an exaggeration to say that such circumstances give rise to doubt, difficulty, stress, and chaos everywhere – which appears to be the case today. In today’s circumstances, apart from the lack of unanimity among the world community, one more challenge is rising on the global scene: the challenge of the rapid development of technology. The speed with which computers, the digital world, the internet, etc., have made their place in our daily routine, we could not even imagine that fifty years back. The consequences of this technological revolution, which seems to overwhelm today’s human community, are in front of our own eyes. Economics is already so complicated due to computer algorithms that everyone can’t understand it. With the coming of cryptocurrency, bitcoin, blockchain, etc., the cash currency would gradually vanish completely. Then it would be redundant to impose a currency tax. In such a

The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. - Ralph Waldo Emerson Akhand Jyoti

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situation, the Governments would have to think of new ways to collect resources for the treasury. Along with this, one more challenge has arisen; it is regarding the purpose of human life. Gradually, we are establishing control over almost every aspect of the external world, but have we been able to control our minds or the inner world? We know how to stop the flow of rivers and construct dams, but we do not know how to control thoughts and emotions. The revolutionary work is being done in the fields of biotech and infotech. What will happen when technology starts controlling our inner world? This question is worth exploring. When industrialization was taking shape globally, we jumped into its mad race. By the time we realized that it would lead to ecological imbalance, it was too late. After the failure of three prime philosophies of the previous century, technicalization has emerged as the leading role model in the present century. It is impossible to guess its consequences now, but the changes in human life that are being observed today cannot be called promising. Industrialization replaced human labor, but the new technical revolution seems to be taking control of the human mind. The impact of the present technological advancements is visible in many facets of human life. In the new context, it has become necessary to find solutions to unemployment

and security problems. But the most challenging aspect is when all the human needs would be fulfilled by the machines and the tasks of the human mind would be taken over by the computers using artificial intelligence, then what would be the purpose of human life? These are some such questions that are worrying the serious thinkers. In fact, the solution to these challenging problems cannot be found in the external world. The years of toing and froing have taught humans that stability and peace do not come from material prosperity but internal contentment/satisfaction. In the Gita, Lord Shrikrishna says the same thing to Arjuna – ‘Ashantasya kuto sukham’ - How can a restless person enjoy the pleasures of life? Therefore, there is a need to clarify life’s purpose, which ultimately provides peace and contentment. If this fact is kept in mind, any revolution (technical or otherwise) will prove beneficial to humanity.

I am convinced that the jealous, the angry, the bitter, and the egotistical are the first to race to the top of mountains. A confident person enjoys the journey, the people they meet along the way, and sees life, not as a competition. They reach the summit last because they know God isn’t at the top waiting for them. He is down below, helping his followers to understand that the view is glorious wherever you stand. - Shannon Alder The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience.- Eleanor Roosevelt Akhand Jyoti

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Plant Trees to Conserve the Environment

e are all familiar with the present disturbances of nature and the environment. Poisonous air, natural calamities, irregularity in climate, abnormalities in weather, fertile land turning into desert, and many other reasons are giving us the indication that poison is continuously being poured into the environment and that human life is also affected by it. A simple solution to this grave problem is to increase the greenery in nature to absorb the toxins. Therefore, planting trees is the best way to conserve nature and protect the environment. Nature created plants to nurture the humans on this earth. The creator’s aim was that both of them become companions and allies in the earth’s preservation and mutual blossoming. Due to this symbiotic relationship, the world grew green and happy; but over time, human greed took over, and people started destroying greenery to gain profit from it. This relationship deteriorated further when the industrial era emerged, due to which the plants that used to absorb toxic human emissions began to dwindle, and the direct and indirect benefits from the

plants diminished. Before the industrial revolution, all the countries of the world met most of their needs from the forests. Even now, forests contribute 0.1 percent to India’s GDP. 12.8 crore tons of wood is obtained annually for fuel through them. Every year, 4.1 crore tons of timber is made available from them. Mahua (Bassia latifolia), Teak (Indian oak), Palash (The flame of the forest), Peepal (Sacred Fig), Banyan tree, Neem (Azadirachta indica), Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo), Sandalwood, etc., and several medicinal plants are still available in our forests. However, their density has gone down considerably. We can derive many benefits by increasing the population of these plants and trees. Today, eight crore hectares of land are undergoing soil erosion due to wind and water, and due to this, about 50 percent of the land is suffering severe damage. Owing to this, the productive capacity of the land is also decreasing. The severe problem of erosion of this land can be easily saved by growing more plants and trees. Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and give oxygen in exchange for it. Trees planted in an acre can absorb as much carbon as a car emits to run 24,000 miles. Besides, it also captures the harmful gases reaching the atmosphere. Apart from this, the trees and plants reduce the effect of the sun’s ultraviolet rays up to 50%. These rays are responsible for skin cancer. In such a situation, people are always protected from the harmful rays of sunlight by planting gardens and trees. If trees are planted around the house, it

The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all, our most pleasing responsibility.- Wendell Berry Akhand Jyoti

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reduces the house’s air-conditioning requirement by 50% during summer. Also, the water’s evaporation from the garden is very low, and the moisture is retained in the land and the environment. If we look closely, every part of the plants and trees contributes to nature’s balance and coordination. For example, the leaves of the plants, trees, twigs, and branches absorb the unnecessary noise (i.e., noise pollution) present in the environment. It also prevents erosion of the soil by slowing the velocity of heavy rain. The roots, leaves, branches, etc., of trees and plants provide shelter to birds, reptiles, amphibians, and animals. The roots also hold the soil in place, preventing its erosion. The leaves can filter the harmful elements of the air. It also helps keep the atmosphere moist and emits oxygen into the atmosphere through photosynthesis. In India, out of about 6.4 lakh villages, 2 lakh villages are in or around forests. The nearly 40-crore population of our country is directly or indirectly dependent on forests for their livelihood. Forest products contribute 40% to 60% of their income. Our country’s forests provide 74.1 crore tons of fodder to about 24 crore cattle. However, this is causing damage to about 78% of the woods, and about 18% of the forests are badly affected. Our ancestors were fully aware of the significance of plants and trees. Therefore, they proposed and implemented the concept of sacred groves (preserved forest area). Such groves used to be maintained and protected by the residents living near the area. Any movement and exploitation of natural resources were prohibited in such areas. Not only that, but some communities also started worshipping various trees and plants like Peepal, Banyan, Mango, Palash, Mandar (Calotropis gigantea), etc., to make people realize their

importance and make sure that they are not harmed in any way. In some regions, this practice is still followed. Planting local multi-purpose trees supports the livelihood of the forestdependent residents and has a favorable effect on the environment. Besides, local plants grow spontaneously according to that region’s climate and do not inhibit other plant species’ growth that grows near them. This results in a constant promotion of local biodiversity. Cultivating these plants fulfills people’s day-to-day needs (e.g., seasonal fruits, fodder for animals, firewood, medicines, oils, etc.) Renowned environmentalists and the sources of inspiration of Chipko Movement, Chandi Prasad Bhatt and Sundarlal Bahuguna, who are the recipients of the Padma Vibhushan award, also inspire people to plant local trees and explain their importance. According to them, the trees of Burans (Rhododendron arboretum), Walnut, Chestnut, Apricot, Pear, Pangar (horsechestnut), Fig, etc., should be planted maximally in hill stations. Plantation in our country is done mainly during the south-west monsoon times, i.e., June to September. Of course, it is necessary to choose plants according to the local climate and the residents’ needs so that they get direct

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.- Chinese proverb Akhand Jyoti

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benefits from the trees, which will motivate them to protect these plants. India has diversity in its climate ranging from tropical in the south to temperate in the north. People must identify and plant local indigenous plants that thrive in that area’s unique environment. Native plants are those that occur naturally in a region in which they evolved. For example, great varieties of apples are produced in the coldest northern part of India in Himachal Pradesh, and from here, it is distributed all over the country. Apples can never be grown in hot regions like Rajasthan. Even if it is grown somehow, its fruit will not have the taste of the apple grown in the Himalayas’ foothills. Similarly, tamarind and coconut have the highest yield in South India. Maharashtra is famous for grapes and oranges. Calcutta is popular for bananas. In this way, according to the climate of every region, nature has

given a unique gift of specific fruit and flowers throughout India. That is why, while planting saplings, it should be kept in mind to plant native indigenous plants and trees. Similarly, in Central India, according to the usefulness of the local people. Chironji (Buchanania lanzan), Tendu leaves (Diospyros melanoxylon), Sal (Shorea robusta), Teak, Neem, Tamarind, Amla (Indian gooseberry), Lasora (Cordia myxa), Jujube, Bamboo plant, etc., can be planted in this region. These plants are also extremely useful in maintaining the livelihood of people. We should realize that trees have played an essential role in the evolution, sustenance, and development of life on earth. Since the beginning of this world, they have furnished us with life’s essentials like food, oxygen, shelter, medicine, furniture, and so on. But the ever-increasing population has led to the deforestation of the earth at almost the same rate. This, coupled with pollution and modernization, has produced an ecological imbalance. If this grave problem is not tackled in time, it may lead to the destruction of life on earth. Therefore, we should support the preservation of trees and play an important role in saving them. At an individual level, we should plant a few trees in our yards; where possible, plant native species that grow tall and provide shade on the sides of the road; and nurture them.

Any attempt to solve the ecological crisis within a bourgeois framework must be dismissed as chimerical. Capitalism is inherently anti-ecological. Competition and accumulation constitute its very law of life, a law … summarized in the phrase, ‘production for the sake of production.’ Anything, however hallowed or rare, ‘has its price’ and is fair game for the marketplace. In a society of this kind, nature is necessarily treated as a mere resource to be plundered and exploited. The destruction of the natural world, far being the result of mere hubristic blunders, follows inexorably from the very logic of capitalist production. - Murray Bookchin Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.- Warren Buffett Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

Correct Your Sitting Posture

n the present age of electronic gadgets, everyone loves to spend hours in a sitting position, either to work on the computer, watch TV or read messages on mobile. Even in the offices, most of the work is done on the computer, and therefore most of us spend our working time in sitting positions, including driving for a long commute. In reality, such kind of lifestyle has not only created an isolated and gloomy society but also affected our physical and mental health. Most of us spend our entire day at work and keep busy, whereas many women who stay at home spend their time watching TV or playing games on mobile. In general, social interaction, which brings joy and happiness in our lives, has been reduced. Physical activity, like playing outside in the playground, running, etc., has decreased drastically in the entire society. Even kids like to play games for hours in a lying position, on the bed or read books in a half-lying position. So, in a way, our lifestyle is such that we don’t pay attention to our sitting posture and don’t perform proper yogic exercises either. Such a lifestyle is creating stress and affecting the health of the masses severely. Sitting in a lousy posture puts pressure on neck muscles and affects blood flow through the spinal cord to the brain. This causes back pain and headache and affects energy levels, and creates fatigue. A wrong sitting posture affects our health in many ways. We never pay attention to our sitting position until we get pain in the back and neck area. In reality, it does not just affect our health but affects our confidence level as well.

Sitting in the wrong posture for a long time affects our digestive system as well. When people sit with a bent back, it makes the backbone curved. Watching TV in a half-lying position affects the digestive system adversely. Sitting in the right posture keeps our digestive system in good working condition. Not only our posture should be correct, but our clothes should be loose enough so that no part of our body has poor blood circulation. Even scientists worldwide claim that our postures are essential to keep good health, and sitting for a long time in a lousy position, can give rise to blood pressure. Sitting for a long time in one posture puts pressure on veins and gives rise to diseases like blood pressure. Sitting in a bent position can also affect lung functioning. In a bent position, one cannot have deep breathing, and in the long run, it can affect one’s lung functioning due to a lack of ability to breathe in such postures. It means they can only take shallow breathing and eventually increase body stress. Simultaneously, someone, who sits in the right posture, breathes well and keeps his/her digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems healthy.

Mere physical sitting is not enough. You have to sit carefully and attentively. Let your body and breathing sit. Let your mind and emotions sit. …Then your sitting becomes indestructible, immovable. – Taizan Maezumi

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Sitting in a bad posture puts extra pressure on muscles. This kind of action secretes stress hormones in the body, which imbalances the body’s endocrine system. Imbalance in endocrine gland functioning causes many physical and mental ailments. An unhealthy body usually makes a person lazy. In fact, the right posture increases energy levels, and that is why, all yogic exercises help us improve our physical postures. Meditation posture is always recommended with a straight back. Breathing exercises are also done by keeping the back straight. However, sitting for a long time by keeping the back straight also creates

stress on muscles. Therefore, one can bend the waist area for a while and continue back to the right posture. However, keeping the back in the bent situation for a long time and keeping straight for a while could be very bad for health. Many kids, while studying, sit in a curved back posture; sometimes, they study in lying positions and also carry heavy load of books on their backs - all such postures affect health. Similarly, while working on the computer, watching videos on mobile, if one does not keep the right position, it can affect their health. After a short while, they get pain in the neck, back, fingers, eyes, etc. In the present world, we can’t escape from the kind of lifestyle we have acquired to keep very busy and work for long hours. Still, we can certainly practice to maintain a good body posture, perform regular yogic exercises, and meditate, to keep our mind and body happy and healthy and augment our energy levels.

Nine Reasons Why Improving Your Posture is Important

By projecting strength and excellence in your physical presence, you will: 1. Look better and feel better. 2. Appear, and be, more fit and healthy. 3. Powerfully influence your mindset. 4. Appear more confident, self-assured, and competent. 5. Carry yourself with more purpose and intention. 6. Breathe deeper and get more oxygen in your body, which will improve your energy and health. 7. Reduce or prevent back pain and muscle tension. 8. Improve productivity by energizing your physiology. 9. Make a significantly more positive impression. - Susan C. Young I want to get old gracefully. I want to have good posture; I want to be healthy and be an example to my children. – Sting Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

Pay Attention to Mental Health

n the race of life, a person usually gets so entangled that he does not pay heed to his mind. When there is a big setback in social life, or one falls prey to mental disorders and has to consult a psychiatrist frequently, he realizes that life has drifted away in the wrong direction; the aspect of mental health and balance has been left untouched. In such a situation, one feels the need to reformulate the working style and vision of life. In order to live life properly, the person needs to have a sportsman’s spirit. While playing, one does not take either victory or defeat seriously and keeps moving forward amidst them while improving his skills. Similarly, take life sportingly and move forward by learning the necessary lessons from its ups and downs. Every situation is relative, whose material form should not be taken so seriously that life’s eternal element gets out of our hands. If you still have to worry, then at least do so for the immortal element, which remains the fundamental basis of happiness, peace, and mental balance. While playing, people react in a simple, spontaneous, and healthy manner, but the scenario changes when life is taken too seriously. So in any situation in life, do not react impulsively or insanely to make a mockery of yourself, for which you have to repent later. Always hold onto your wisdom in any case so that no situation may lead you to mental imbalance. For doing this, remember the Supreme God and meditate upon his creation - the Universe, in which innumerable lives

are appearing every moment, and no one knows how many are disappearing. Our game is not too long either, but the role is only relative. Moreover, He is the father of every being. He has to take care of all his children. The universe functions according to His principles. So, how is it possible that everything may occur at our behest and as per our wishes? This type of thinking and understanding makes a person humble, patient, and courteous and creates a solid foundation of mental health and balance. When there is no disappointment to a person, life presents thousands of creative options, even if everything is not favorable. In such a situation, life appears full of possibilities for him, and he does not get discouraged over defeat, failure, or loss. Disappointment is actually a kind of disability. It is a mere mental illusion that arises from ill-presumptions. The root of this is the lack of faith in the possibilities of life. It gives nothing except worsening the circumstances. Moreover, society gets the impression of the underdevelopment and immaturity of the individual. Therefore, believe in your capabilities as you are an integral part

Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. - Fred Rogers

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of God. Invest your time, efforts, and energy in expressing these potentials according to your interest and caliber. By doing this, the world of your aspirations will gradually begin to take form. Do your best and leave the rest to God; then, whatever happens, it is for your good. The Omniscient Lord, who is the well-wisher of all beings, would do only good for us, but this does not mean that we should sit idle. Our efforts have their own place, and there is no alternative for them. Do not leave any stone unturned in creating the world you aspire. The grace of God works at the peak of human endeavor, and he helps only the diligent. Keep this in mind, and work relentlessly. Treat lethargy, negligence, and laziness as your enemies and not let them come near you. Also, practice being happy in life. Make confidence a part of life and boost your morale. Refrain from such

tasks, thoughts, and practices that suppress them. As a result, your lost smile will gradually come back to your face. You will be able to see these miraculous effects in your life. If life is entangled in the vicious circle of circumstances, all this can be difficult, but by making small victories inside and out, gradually, life will begin to get rejuvenated. Small accomplishments boost confidence. Morale becomes higher and higher with every success, and joy begins to emanate from within, which can be further enhanced with practice. In fact, the highway to life is ascertained with diligence, honesty, good-will, and generosity. In this, please refrain from the desire of getting quick success and stature in any way without paying its price. This tendency compels a person to adopt shortcuts and, in the long run, proves to be a deal of loss. The desire to become a big name quickly and the lust for becoming rich leads a person to indulge in frivolous show-off and forces him to do drama for cheap appreciation. In this way, even if one gets cheap appreciation from sycophants, yet in the eyes of the prudent, these childish acts only makes the person a subject of mockery. It then becomes a policy of life to safeguard one’s vested interests by hook or by crook, by using trickery or deceit or influence or pressure, which upon failing ultimately results into disappointment and frustration, and at the same time the burden of hatred of the society also begins to build up. Finally, it proves to be the

However mean your life is, meet it and live it; do not shun it and call it hard names. It is not so bad as you are. It looks poorest when you are richest. The faultfinder will find faults even in paradise. Love your life, imperfect as it is. You may perhaps have some pleasant, thrilling, glorious hours, even in a poorhouse. The setting sun is reflected from the windows of the almshouse as brightly as from the rich man’s abode; the snow melts before its door as early in the spring. I do not see, but a quiet mind may live as contentedly there and have as cheering thoughts, as in a palace. - Henry David Thoreau My dark days made me stronger. Or maybe I already was strong, and they made me prove it. - Emery Lord Akhand Jyoti

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path to decline, and in such a situation, one is doomed to live a suspicious and intimidating life. Despite external dazzle, stature and influence, and comforts and luxuries, such a moribund state of mind cannot be called a successful life. Therefore, such behavior and thought process has been discredited as wrong because it causes restlessness in mind. The person moves towards the state of distress, perplexity, and insanity and does not make any worthy achievement, but one gets tension, fear, anger, frenzy, apprehension, despair, inferiority, and lowliness, and his mind becomes hugely imbalanced and fickle and turns into a reservoir of psychological disorders. At the root of all this lies ill-imagination and a destructive thinking pattern, while negative thought process dominates over the mental space. Criticizing others becomes a part of the attitude, and one finds it easy to blame others for every bad situation or failure in life. The person refrains from taking responsibilities, but for how long can one hide his face from the truth of life. When faced with reality, all malice, deceit, and hypocrisy get destroyed. In such a situation, there is nothing left except embarrassment, humiliation, and guilt. Further, the person loses his credibility before the public, owing to which he loses his dignity among the masses, while divine grace is nowhere near him. There is only one way to get out of this self-created vicious circle, and it is to keep the mind always full of positive thoughts and keep yourself busy in constructive activities. Keep remembering about your God and the goal of your life. Also, keep analyzing your life on the highest criterion every moment. Go ahead in life with your pious resolve while succeeding in small pursuits of righteousness and nobility.

Neglect the evil and show the prudence of not cleaning mud with mud. In this way, the process of restructuring the personality will pick up the pace. One will be protected from mental impulses; his mental balance will be maintained, and life will continue to move towards the set goal and peace, harmony, and joy.

To make bread, to dig in the earth, to feed an animal or cook for a stranger — these activities require no extensive commentary, no lucid theology. All they require is someone willing to bend, reach, chop, or stir. Most of these tasks are so full of pleasure that there is no need to complicate things by calling them holy. And yet these are the same activities that change lives, sometimes all at once and sometimes more slowly, the way dripping water changes stone. In a world where faith is often construed as a way of thinking, bodily practices remind the willing that faith is a way of life. - Barbara Brown Taylor

Tough times never last, but tough people do! - Robert Schuller Akhand Jyoti

JAN.-FEB. 2021

A Guide to Sanskrit-English Transliteration Devan³gari Script 1. Vocalic Sounds अ आ इ ई उ ऊ ऋ ए ऐ ओ औ ं ः

Devan³gari Script

“AHD Symbol”

ट ठ ड ढ़ ण त थ द ध न प फ ब भ म य र ल व श ष स ह क्ष त्र ज्ञ

a ³ i º u ¿ • e ai o au ® ¡

2. The Consonants k

D क

ka kh

[ ख

kha g

X ग

ga gh

? घ ङ च छ ज झ ञ

“AHD Symbol”

gha òa ca cha ja jha óa

Úa Úha Ãa Ãha ña ta tha da dha na pa pha ba bha ma ya ra la va ïa Ìa sa ha kÌa tra jóa

Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light. - Albus Dumbledore Akhand Jyoti

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