Akram Youth
August 2015 | English
Dada Bhagwan Parivar
12
ANTRAY
Obstacles
Contents 04 Gnani with Youth | Grace 06 Story | Am I to be blamed? 08 Gnani's Scientific Solutions 09 Experience 10 Self Development 12 Quotes | Param Vinay 14 Dada’s Book Excerpt | Guru and disciple
16 Glimpses of Great Souls 18 Solutions to our Problems 19 You can be | Humility & Param Vinayi 22 Gnani an idol of Astonishment 23 The science behind touching the feet of guru
Download free ebook version of all issues of Akram Youth by scanning this QR code OR Visit - http://youth.dadabhagwan.org/Galaxy/Akram-Youth
02 | August 2015
Editorial
Having a
Friends, at some point in time we all must have wondered, 'how could this happen to me?' Be it for the poor grades after studying hard, or not getting appreciation even after putting in our best efforts. The situation may vary but the root cause for all of them is the same,'antaray karma'(obstacles). Param Pujya Dadashri has identified this hidden cause and in his unique style not only shown us the various types of obstacles but has also revealed the cause of these obstacles and the purusharth (effort) needed to overcome them. In this issue we have made a small effort to help us better understand the science behind 'antaray.'
desire generate an
obstacle. As the
desires decrease, the obstacle starts disappearing
gradually. After that one can achieve
everything. - Dadashri
- Dimple Mehta
Publisher & Editor: Dimple Mehta Pg. 24 - August 2015. Year: 3. Issue: 4. Cont. Issue: 28. Contact : Gnani Ni Chhayama (GNC), Trimandir Sankul, Simandhar City, Ahmedabad-Kalol Highway, Adalaj, Dist. Gandhinagar, Gujarat-382421 Phone: (079) 39830100 email: akramyouth@dadabhagwan.org website: youth.dadabhagwan.org store.dadabhagwan.org/akram-youth
Printed & Published by Dimple Mehta on behalf of Mahavideh Foundation Simandhar City, Adalaj 382421. Dist- Gandhinagar Owned by Mahavideh Foundation Simandhar City, Adalaj 382421. Dist- Gandhinagar Printed at Amba Offset Basement, Parshvanath Chambers, Nr. RBI, Usmanpura, Ahmedabad-14.
Published at Mahavideh Foundation Simandhar City, Adalaj 382421. Dist- Gandhinagar
Total 24 Pages with Cover page Subscription Yearly Subscription India :125 Rupees USA: 15 Dollars UK: 10 Pounds 5 Years Subscription India : 500 Rupees USA: 60 Dollars UK: 40 Pounds In India, D.D. / M.O. should be drawn in favour of "Mahavideh Foundation� payable at Ahmedabad.
Akram Youth | 03
i n a n G
t n e m h s i n o t s A f chance O e n i v l i d o An Id o Pujyashri Deepakbhnaail gseovtat.he ar Many ye
s ag
long. perso e s ’ c i n r i h s s a a v d of Da rsonal se e p s ’ i r h as as in Dad
the uben. In ir N s d r a ow His evotion t agwan'. d h s B u o h t d a n allin tion reme hai had t n with 'M anumanji's devo b e k b a u p ir e N e H iD he ed Pujyashr ben on t t of Shri symbolis u a ir h e t h N , o d s t n t r a akin nd his hea n one ha en was o b i u r h ir heart of s N a s d was Da toward devotion d Ram. For him, it n?” her in Nirube Lor lt s u d r a f a y fault in y w n n o a a t e e e e s s y you on't gets to m s such I d him: “Do a it d , e n a other. k e d s a h a t i D r sh No her Yet Dada akbhai replied: “ s about e iv t a g e n eep n do so?” akbhai saying, e some e b m u To this D s ir ll e N t did ep ody en as to why ioned De t n someb g e u in a h r c istake th w e d t ly m n u e a t o b h ia w c d n u e ke s her I keep o hri imm f you ma hrough I t . n e head and ring this, Dadas e d b a u m Nir ve ver On hea le fault in ess that you ha p his mind to ne g in s a e ever se e progr made u “Look. N se out on all th ent Deepakbhai ll lo mom a. you sha that very m s in Nirum o lt r u F a f .” n e e c . ma er se guidan i has nev ult in Niru a a f h y b k n a a p e our end n ever se ent, Dee o ) id c n o in i s is i h dec After t Nischay (
Nir uma
w
2-strong mistake. r & u e o c f n o a d y gui from an s u 1 Gyani's e t a r e can lib
04 | August 2015
Akram Youth | 05
Beware Do Not obstruct anyone
Organised planning was undertaken by Gnanvardhan Seva Mandal Trust for providing knowledge in various fields to children of middle-class families. Through different projects they planned to collect funds for training these children. There was a proposal to start typing and computer training for needy people. Some ladies proposed to organise sessions in cooking skills by demonstrating new recipes. Sudhanshubhai from Milan colony proposed to the resident families during the General Meeting to allot a part of Community Hall for these projects. Everybody gladly consented. Questions were raised about the management and financial support for these activities. Sudhanshubhai enthusiastically announced his full support and services in the collection of donations for getting the project started and he would himself look after the day to day management and functioning. He humbly approached Hargovindbhai, the Contractor of the Colony to take interest and accept to make the big investment needed for setting up the projects. Everybody present supported the idea and joyfully clapped in approval. Necessary Government approvals and other inputs for establishing the Trust would be obtained. Hargovindbhai was elected as the president and Sudhanshubhai was elected as the Secretary. All facilities would be available within their complex 06 | August 2015
premises itself and so everybody was happy. Now that all required formalities were over it was time to call Trust's first General Meeting to discuss financial aspect to kick start the project. All members were informed by letter. Sudhanshubhai recited a prayer and dialled Hargovindbhai's residence. “Namaste Vadil, Susdhanshubhai speaking”– said Sudhanshubhai in a humble tone. “Namaste, tell me. What can I do for you?” “Ganvardhan Seva Mandal Trust's first General Meeting has been arranged at 4 o'clock this evening and the Agenda letter has been sent to all the residents in the Colony. You must also have received it.” “Yes, yes I have received it. We have some family commitments. But this being the first General Meeting and everybody's insistence to attend has forced me to adjust my schedule and we both shall come.” replied Hargovindbhai “Thanks. It is our sincere wish that the inauguration of the fund should be done by you. We hope you must be ready at your end with necessary arrangements. Once you start, others will follow according to their means.” “Yes, of course! I will declare it when we arrive there after discussing the same with my family members.” informed Hargivondbhai with pride and politeness. “Thank you Sir. So we shall meet at the Hall at 4 o'clock this evening.” Sudhanshubhai concluded. “Sure” replied Hargovinbhai as he hung up. Hargivondbhai's wife Rambhaben,
who was sitting beside on me sofa was listening to the whole conversation. “Just to satisfy your ego, how much are you going to 'blow away'?” taunted Rambhaben. “They are doing this for youngsters. We have sufficient wealth by the grace of Goddess Laxmi. If we part something from it for a noble cause, it will help several bright youngsters go ahead in life. Besides we will receive their and their parent's blessings” explained Shethji. “Who knows whether the donated amount will be used for the right causes or the people managing the show will fill their own pockets....” “What are you saying? You know these people well. Don't you know the various ways in which they have been serving our society?” said Sethji who was taken aback by Rambhaben’s negative remarks. “Let's forget it. You are so simple and think without any long term view. We have received an invitation from our daughter's in-laws 'Tribhuvandas' to
preside at Navratri Festival as Chief Guests. So we will have to donate big amount there according to our status. We have to impress our daughter's in-laws so that they don't mistreat our daughter for this and belittle our image in the society. Whereas these people (Trust) can be satisfied even with a small amount of money.” “Will do as you wish. I believe that Goddess Laxmiji's grace upon us is the fruit we are reaping for the good work and charity done in the previous life. Therefore it is my belief that our wealth should be donated for a noble cause in this life also. However, your decision will finally prevail. So do as you please.” Sethji quietly ended the conversation and went away to another room. Any idea what would be the consequences that Rambhaben will face for her mean attitude?
Let's see what Dadashri says about this... Akram Youth | 07
Gnani's Scientific Solutions You yourself have created obstacles due to ignorance. Questioner: How do hurdles happen? Dadashri: This gentleman is offering snacks and you say, “Now leave it. It will be wasted.” Thus you have created an obstacle. When somebody is doing charity and you say: “Don't donate to them. They are cheating.” Here you have placed a hurdle on yourself for money. The other person may donate or may not, that's beside the point. But you have for sure placed an obstacle whereby even in your bad times there won't be anyone to help you. At your office you humiliate your assistant saying, “You idiot”. Thus you have put a mental block on your own intellect. Tell me, how many births have human beings wasted by being trapped in their self-created obstacles? You have no right to call anyone 'idiot'. By doing so, he may also reciprocate with bad words and create obstacles for himself! So how can one stop creating obstacles in this world? If you call someone “a useless fellow”, you create hurdles on your own abilities. If you immediately regret and do 'Pratikraman' for that mistake, the 08 | August 2015
hurdle will be removed before it sets in. Questioner: What if one has created obstacles by his thoughts rather than his speech? Dadashri: Such obstacles affect more, but in your next life; whereas those created by speech affect you in this life. Your speech and it's 'effects' are both encased in this life; whereas what you have 'designed' in your mind will result as obstacles in your next life. Your son may be changing clothes twice a day and you scold him saying; “Why are you wasting money, besides spoiling clothes?” Here you have created obstacles for yourself when it comes to the matter of clothes. On the way, you come across a poor man who is crying, so you give him Rs.11/-. Another man comes and tells you: “Leave it, don't give Rs.11/- but give him only Re.1/. You are the giver, the other person is the receiver and the last person who has stopped you has created obstacles for himself when it comes to money matters.
Experience
E
arlier I used to stay at Vapi. As I was not in contact with any 'satsang', I was always surrounded by 'kusang' such as partying with friends, gossiping, chatting, facebook, talks, etc. I used to find happiness in all these activities. Only once a year when I used to attend 'summer camp' or such program I had the chance of live 'satsang'. I also got 'satsang' watching it on TV or when mother would discuss about it. Although I was far away, whenever I made mistakes and wanted help to come out of these Kusang, I would ring up “didi� (counselor); also to seek guidance and blessings before exams; to inform her about my exam results; to ask solutions to problems. But I was not fully satisfied. Ever since I have come to reside in this Simandhar City almost daily I am in contact with 'didi's and doing 'seva' (voluntary service). Every morning I have been attending Pujyashri's 'soneri prabhat' satsang or watching VCD satsang. It has made a big difference after I joined Y-MBA. One rule has been particularly helpful in strengthening my goal. It cautions against talking or gossiping with boys. All my earlier habits have stopped. Even at college, unless it is absolutely necessary, all my frivolous talks have stopped. Y-MBA sessions are held twice a week and I feel happy learning Gyan and playing games. By attending these meetings I have now realized my true 'goal' and understood what my efforts should be for achieving it. I have learnt many other things by being in contact with the Y-MBA girls: leadership, dealing with others, manner of talking, polite speech, etc. The bond which I was seeking earlier in my friends, I started receiving through 'didis'. I was withdrawing from kusang and turning towards satsang. While doing 'seva', I understood my strengths which earlier I doubted. On the other hand, by contacting
-Foram Modi Simandhar City
'didis' daily, my 'determinations' grew stronger and I realized how powerful they could become. Thus, I started putting in more effort for my goals. By participating in Y-MBA girl's picnic, there was no need for searching friends outside my present circle. Previously, I used to realise my faults very late, but now I am aware of my mistakes or what is going on inside me? I have made little progress in Gyan and admit that I too have faults like others and make mistakes. At present I am staying at my college hostel so I am unable to attend satsangs and Y-MBA meetings regularly. But those six months which I spent at Simandhar City in the midst of Y-MBA and doing 'seva' there has made my determination strong. My first attempt will be to attend these regularly so that I may never slip back. My 'Raag' (spiritual admiration) for Pujyashri has been increasing more. As soon as my studies will be over I shall be able to attend satsangs and do 'seva' regularly. Meanwhile, I am missing that good environment! Finally, I am unable to put in words some very good experiences I have been feeling ! Akram Youth | 09
Gnani with Youth Questioner: I would like to know as to how do these obstacles form? Pujyashri: The fundamental reason for all obstacles is the desire for material pleasures, whereas a Gnani does not have any such desires and hence their status can be termed completely obstacle free. To attain that status we merely have to bring an end to these desires. One should have no other yearning besides attaining the experience of the pure soul. These wants and need for something, be it the greed for seeking pride or position, for wealth or for illusory attachment (moha), for sensual pleasures or the attitude of being obstinate and bent on having one's own way creates obstacles in one's path of realizing the 'self'. Otherwise, how can there be obstacles on the path for achieving salvation? So the decision for no need of any of the worldly things should be so strong that no matter what, self realization should always be our goal. Such a person would not have any hurdles to overcome. Dadashri explains that he has never had any desire for
10 | August 2015
anything worldly and hence the necessities he receives are superior to what we normally have. Even these he does not want, nor he gets engrossed in them. He is only concerned in “settling his files “. Your only goal in life should be “self-realization” and nothing else. Through one 'samayik' try to find out what are your 'wants' besides 'self-realization' . In case whatever you desire and are wishing for will come to you in due course of time. Whatever is your rightful share you will get; if not, you will not succeed in getting it however hard you may try. Only remain consistent in your efforts towards achieving selfrealization. Thus unnecessarily you are wishing for those 'wants' which have already been set aside for your present life which in turn create obstacles for next life. In fact, your life's achievement, right from birth to death, are fixed : how many years you will spend in engineering career as a boss or chief executive or you may even be fired : all these destined situation are designed by you! We should only wish for realizing Pure Soul. Questioner: Why do we face obstacles in matter of good eating items, as well as procuring wealth? Pujyashri : For this, Dadashri has only one explanation: In whatever way you will obstruct others, you will yourself have to face similar hurdles. By interfering when someone is doing charity, or giving donation, or offering food to others and you stop him you will create similar obstructions for yourself!
Akram Youth | 11
Not getting g ood grades i n studies?
Not satisfied w ith your job?
? d e l l i f l u f g n i t t e g ot n e r a s ire s e D r u Yo
y a r t n A
s o acces t e l b a are un u o Y , s g rial thin e t a m by unded o r r u s being e t i p s e D
it?
Are you facing insults al though being more com petent than others?
Are you finding obstacles whenever beginning a good project? Antray me ans “vigh na karma� . An obsta cle occurs , as it wa s caused before.
s. e l c a t s b O Antray =
-breakers Antray = Self-created Speed 12 | August 2015
Antray-Obstacles When we face obstacles or difficulties while performing any task or while enjoying material possessions, it is called 'Antray'. These are self created hindrances for our growth or work. Pujya Dadashri has shed light on different types of obstacles (Antrays) that we normally encounter with the help of wonderful illustrations and also provided remedies to overcome that.
Dhan-antray (obstacles to wealth/Laxmi) Money (Laxmi) should never be shown disrespect. The law is such that whatever we disregard will not be available to us. Dadashri says –“We should be totally respectful towards Laxmiji (the goddess of wealth).” We shouldn't utter egoistic sentences like “I don't give a damn to monetary possessions or wealth. I don't care for money, etc. It will result in remaining poor for many lives. Instead, we should be humble. We should say “Jay Sachidanand” whenever money comes in. The same way say “Jai Sachidanand” respectfully when it goes. We should say, “Laxmiji, This is your house. You may come or go as per your wish.” We must plead nobly. We do often hear that a certain person has loaned thousands of rupees to someone and he is not getting it back. It will not come because of obstructions created unknowingly in the past. If a payment is due currently and the other fellow couldn't manage it and says, “It's not possible now. I will pay next year.”In this case, one shouldn't say, “Hell with you. I don't need it.” It will create obstacles/antray. One should also refrain from recovering one's money by applying pressure tactics. That too may result in binding 'Antray-karma' for the future. Instead one has better chance to recover debts by being patient and humble. We should never comment negative remarks if someone donates money for a noble or charitable cause. Whether we are able to donate or not is a different matter. But at least we should remain positive in our intent for someone while he is donating. Otherwise, regardless of that person donating money or not, you create an obstacle towards charity. So by praising such acts you bind merit (punya) karmas that can that help you to overcome Dhan-antray.
“Obstacles” for 'long-life'/Longevity At times we may think about someone we hate, “It is better that fellow dies” – generally it happens when someone hurts us and we are not at ease with him. Such thoughts or speech can create “obstacles” on our life-span. The other fellow may live or die according to his 'vyavasthit' (scientific circumstantial evidence) But your negative thoughts will hinder your life and make it shorter. If someone is suffering from illness, then our positive feelings towards him and prayers for his well-being can overcome our own obstacles with regard to our “health” in future and increase our life-span. Akram Youth | 13
Labhantray (Obstruction against material benefits) Obstructing someone's progress, promotion in turn will block his own progress or benefits in future. That is Labhatray. When someone offers a charity to beggars, you may meddle and say, “What's the use? These people are worthless. They do not work and are lazy bums.” By uttering such remarks, you obstruct your own access to money in times of need. Even in studies if someone secures higher grades, you start feeling negative for him and wish bad thing happen to him. That is again an obstacle to your own growth and improvement. Appreciation is the key. Good work should be appreciated. This way we overcome our obstacles. If you curse somebody as 'stupid', you are causing obstacles for your own intelligence. When you call someone 'worthless', you apparently draw a question mark over your own competence someday. It is better to do 'pratikraman' instantly for all such acts, to wash away antrays. It is dangerous to tease someone for our pleasure or to make an impression on others. The results can be awfully grave. Don't we often hear that a new born child is unable to speak and for many years remained speechless since birth? These are the results of causing pain by teasing the less fortunate people or those who are handicapped. We may even face insults and won't get the credit for a commendable performance. This is also called 'Manantray' – obstacles of pride.
Bhog-Antray (obstacles in deriving pleasure from material possessions)
Everyone on dining table may be enjoying good delicacies prepared except one person. He eats only Roti and Chhas (Butter milk) because doctors have warned him against eating sweets and spicy food. This is obstacles against 'pleasures' (Bhogantray). Why does this happen? It's because he might have rejected food, with anger in the past. He might have seen faults in preparations and scolded people for that. This way he creates an antray. When someone sits for lunch and exactly at the same time he may receive a call or news of bad incident in factory, etc. He will be lost in thoughts all the time when he eats and will not be able to enjoy the tasty food in front of him. If a person serving food taunts “You cannot eat this or that because it's not good for your health”! Then it will also cause obstacle for that serving person, in future. One should be humble and straightforward. He can point out dangers of consuming avoidable foods but should not keep on persisting. “Why do you eat sweets and snacks daily?” Such kind of remarks becomes the reason for his “obstacles” for his own consumption of food. Prayer and Pratikraman are the solution to erase the effects of obstacle we might have caused. When our Bhogantray karma comes into effect, we must pray, “Oh Lord. I am at the receiving end due to my past karmas. But I will never repeat my mistakes now.” This way we can avoid new charging of antray karmas and put an end to the old antray karmas.
14 | August 2015
Dharmantray (obstacles for religion) Any adverse remarks made for any religious leaders, saints or such personalities and even of a particular religion will cause 'Antray'/obstruction in achieving our religious pursuits. Communal riots leading to demolition of places of worship or religious activities and cause pain to large number of people who share common beliefs. So such acts may cause “obstructions” in future and may be called Dharmantray. One can never achieve happiness by giving pain or suffering to others. People are very rigid also nowadays. “I will die but not go to a particular place of worship belonging to other sect” that is imbibed in his belief. It is not necessary that you visit a temple or a mosque or a church or a Gurudwara. The point is one should not form a biased opinion on any other religious faith; that is a crime and may cause obstructions for self progress. The solution is that we should firmly decide not to speak or spread negative remarks on any priests or religious heads. Dadashri's nine principles (Nav Kalmo) provide sufficient insulation to overcome these obstacles – particularly 2nd/3rd principles. We must recite them daily. So we must put them it practice to overcome this 'obstacles'.
Gnanantray (Obstacles for Gnan) Presence of an 'Enlightened Master' is a rare phenomenon. If someone calls us, “A satsang is in progress! Would you like to join?” And we respond “No I have seen many such so called masters”. This will become the reason for possible “obstacles” for us to acquire Gnan (right knowledge) in future. Many times we observe that people do not get to know the right path – That is because of the 'obstacles' caused earlier. Obstacles can be formed knowingly or unknowingly. Total respect towards an Enlightened Master can only destroy our obstacles for achieving right knowledge (Samyak Gnan). Therefore one should never resort to form negative opinion for Gnani Purush. “Obstacles for wealth or other things can still be overcome by applying some efforts. But overcoming ‘gnan antray' is not that easy, because hardly we come across a Living Master. So there is a need to apply caution on this front. Even though you do not go to attend satsang/darshan, make sure you develop intent - “Today I am unable to go, but in future I will definitely try to make it” This way you can overcome the obstacles for Gnan. It is absolutely imperative to maintain 'param vinay' (total respect) and the impression that 'I know nothing about spirituality'. That will help us in overcoming our Gnanantrays.
Lack of determination causes “Antray” Firm determination breaks it. Pure Soul is the source of infinite strength within. If our determination is firm then no power on earth can stop us from achieving our goals. Our 'intent' has to be clear in this respect. Lack of determination or fickle mindedness causes obstacles. That's why we need to ask for 'strength' from the Lord within. Maintain a strong will power; that coupled with the grace of Enlightened Master will break all our obstacles! Akram Youth | 15
Determination
Pratikraman Nav Kalam
Positive Bhav
Prayer
Obstacles Jealousy
Competition
2015 16 || August 16 yku„Mx 2015
Negative Bhav
Insistence
Negative words
Solutions to our problems
Questioner: I need Good friends, mobile, good marks; I work hard to get them and I put in my efforts, but I do not succeed. So what should I do? Answer: You have created obstacles; that is why you don't get all of these. In your previous life, you must have insulted and forsaken some good friends; that is why you don't have good friends now. In your previous life, you must have called somebody 'idiot', somebody 'stupid'. So in this life your own intellect gets affected and you can't remember what you study and despite your efforts do not get good marks. In your previous birth, you must have interfered and stopped somebody from receiving some items of his choice. Now, even though you want a mobile, you are unable to get it due to the 'obstacles' you have caused. To stop these hurdles and to break these obstacles (antray), you have to do 'Pratikraman', thereby washing away the obstacles you had created for others. You make amendments for all these mistakes. Be noble towards all, help them, don't give sufferings to anybody. If someone is giving something to another person some item of his choice, do not stop him from doing so. When someone receives something, we should feel happy about it and not cause any hurdles. Always speak positively about all and never speak negatively; then you will be able to break all your obstacles. One can break 'antray' with strong determination and by remaining in proximity to the Gnani. Send your questions to youth@dadabhagwan.org Answers to appropriate questions shall be published in forthcoming issues Akram Youth | 17
Glimpses of Great Souls John A Roebling was a German-born American civil engineer. He is famous for his wire rope suspension bridge designs and constructions. In the year 1869, he kick started the construction work of 'Brooklyn Bridge' to connect New York City with Manhattan. However, bridge building experts throughout the world thought that this was an impossible feat and commented adversely on his venture. Roebling could not ignore the vision he had in his mind of this bridge. He thought about it all the time and he knew deep in his heart that it could be done. He shared his dream with his son Washington Roebling, young and an up-coming engineer, that the bridge in fact could be built with the kind of technological vision he had envisaged. Working together, the father and son developed concepts of how it could be accomplished and how the obstacles could be overcome. With great excitement and inspiration, and the headiness of a wild
challenge before them, they hired their crew and began to build their dream bridge. The project started well, but when it was only a few months underway a tragic accident happened. John's toe was damaged on site that developed into a fatal infection resulting in his death. Young Washington instantly took charge of the proceedings and continued with the work in progress. But Washington Roebling also suffered a paralyzing injury as a result of mishap on the work site during 1870. He was unable to physically move and supervise the work. And then came the public remarks: “We told them so.” “Crazy men and their crazy dreams.” “It`s foolish to chase wild visions.” So on and so forth. Everyone had a negative comment to make and felt that the project should be scrapped since the Roebling's were the only ones who knew how the bridge could be built.
John A Roebling
18 | August 2015
In spite of his handicap, Washington was never discouraged and still had a burning desire to complete the bridge and his mind was still as sharp as ever. He tried to inspire and pass on his enthusiasm to some of his friends, but they were too daunted by the task. It was his wife, Emily, who became his aide. She had studied higher mathematics and was aware of basic knowledge pertaining to strength of materials and intricacies involved in construction. Washington, lying paralyzed in his bed, overlooking the river and the site, developed a method of communication through signs and movements of fingers or hand with his wife Emily. For next 11 years she assisted Washington Roebling to conduct and supervise the entire construction work from his apartment with a view of the work, designing and redesigning wherever required and provided critical link between her husband and the engineers on the site. Finally the moment of truth arrived. The Brooklyn Bridge was opened for use on May 24, 1883. The opening ceremony was attended by several thousand people including government dignitaries. Emily
Warren Roebling was the first to cross the bridge amongst the thousands of people and vehicles on the opening day. Today the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge stands in all its glory as a tribute to the triumph of one man's indomitable spirit and his determination not to be defeated by any circumstance. It is also a tribute to the engineers and their team work, and to their faith in a man who defied most of the negative comments on his work plans. It stands as a tangible monument to the love and devotion of his wife for her contribution and assistance. Perhaps this is one of the best examples of a never-say-die attitude that overcame a terrible physical handicap and achieved an impossible goal. Often when we face obstacles in our day-to-day life, our hurdles seem very small in comparison to what many others have to face. The Brooklyn Bridge shows us that 'dreams that seem impossible can be realized with determination and persistence, no matter what the odds are'. All obstacles can be overcome with determination and persistence.
Akram Youth | 19
Behind the Scenes of the
Suspension Bridge Most bridges we may see or travel on are supported by many pillars underneath. That is an old age technology. Today, suspension bridges have emerged as new technological inventions to encompass the needs of rising commuting requirements. They hold vital economic advantages and ease commuting and trading between two separate locations. The suspension bridge consists of two pillar-like structures called towers. The deck (platform supporting the road) is firmly held by cables (wires, chains or ropes) which are connected to the towers and anchors. The key to the bridge's success is possible by dealing with two important forces effectively i.e Compression and Tension. Compression: Imagine a spring. If you press the spring by applying force from the sides of the spring, it will shorten in length. The spring is under the force of compression. Te n s i o n : S i m p l y t h e o p p o s i t e o f compression. Again imagine the spring. If you pull from both the ends, you will see that the spring expands in length. This is due to the force of tension. Suspension bridges need to effectively deal with these forces. If compression is too 2015 20 || August 20 yku„Mx 2015
high then the bridge may 'buckle'. On the other-hand if the tension is too high it may cause the bridge to 'snap'. Let us see how the forces are dealt with: A suspension bridge makes sure the forces are spread out through a larger area by the use of the two towers and anchors that are based on a stable foundation. Compression force that arises gets transferred through the wire cables to the towers that are firmly supported in the base thereby dissipating the force into the Earth. This takes the compression force off the bridge deck. The force of tension is created when the cables are stretched because of the load of they carry. The cables are the recipients of the tension force but since they are connected to the anchors firmly rooted to the Earth at either end, the force gets absorbed. Most suspension bridges have a truss system underneath that stiffens the deck so as to prevent it from swaying. All in all, suspension bridges are spectacular structures. They are the pinnacle form of bridges, not only structurally sound, but also beautiful in their appearance.
Life is an 'Echo'
A boy once went trekking on the mountains with his father in order to enjoy the scenic beauty. While he was climbing a steep valley, he suddenly slipped and fell down a couple of steps down the line. He exclaimed, “Oh Mom.” To his surprise, there was a reactionary sound from the valley in response to it 3 times as “Oh Mom, Oh Mom, Oh Mom.” Somewhat puzzled, he shouted “Who are you?” The result was the same. There was a rebound of that phrase “Who are you? Who are you?” The boy looked at his father inquisitively and asked him about the matter. He could not understand what was happening. His father told him “It is called an “echo”. The words we speak go into the air, get reflected back to the source after its collision with an obstruction. For example, deep wells, big walls in a small room and mountain valleys are places where sound gets reflected very fast and loud. Our life is just like an echo. We get to experience good or bad things as per our actions. So if we obstruct anyone, we will in turn be obstructed. LAW OF NATURE : If we spread happiness, we shall receive happiness in return. If we cause misery and pain to others, we shall receive sufferings in return. This is the law. But people get confused as the effect of our causes comes after a gap of time. It may come into effect in the next life, depending on its nature. So when people are at the receiving end even after doing some good work, they fail to understand that this is an 'ECHO', i.e. result of past deeds. The present karma will bear fruits later. Echo will come into effect next life. The best solution is to repent and remain steadfast will a Gnani Purush (Enlightened Master) and follow his principles.
Akram Youth | 21
Dada’s Book Excerpt
Download free PDF version of Dadavani December 1995 by scanning this QR code
Questioner: Whenever we try to do something good and act wise, we face a lot of obstructions. Why does this happen? Dadashri: When we are obstructed in our deeds, it is called 'Antray Karma' (obstacles). For example, we pass through a garden and give our opinion saying “It is not worth coming here.” This forms an obstacle which becomes effective when you happen to visit that garden again. This will cause an obstacle and stop you from going there again. The only reason we are unable to get things we want is due to obstacles created by us knowing or unknowingly because we are unaware of its outcome. There is no interference from others at all. We will simply not be able to go and visit the garden. We may reach up to the gate and return, but we won't be able to get inside. That is called 'Antray' (obstacles).Our preformed opinions are our 'obstacles' Solution to crack obstacles The moment you start liking to attend Dada's Satsang, you take the first step towards overcoming your obstacles. When you don't face any hurdles while performing a deed or start attending satsang at your will, just know that your 'obstacles' for satsang are gone. You did overcome them. Even if you say “Dada Bhagwan”, your obstacles will get dissolved. Just say “I bow down to Dada Bhagwan.” This will help you to overcome your hurdles to a great extent. 22 | August 2015
Puzzle 1
O
C P
6
S A
2
V
D
E S
10
N
P 5
I
8
9
I
P
R
N
R
E
U 7
3
O W
4
H
Instruction 타 Find words from the word search and fill appropriate in to the spiral puzzle. 타 Solution to the second word is given as an example. 타 After filling the spiral puzzle assemble the letters in blue and unscramble it to find the answer. Akram Youth | 23
Date of Publication: 22nd of Every Month RNI No. GUJENG/2013/53112 Reg. No. G-GNR-311/2014-2016 Valid up to 31-12-2016 LPWP Licence No. CPMG/GJ/121/2014 Valid up to 31-12-2016 Posted at Adalaj Post Office on 22th of every month
Pg. 24 - August 2015. Year: 3. Issue: 4. Cont. Issue: 28.
Akram Youth
Oh Inner Pure Soul,Bring Salvation To The World May All Living Beings Attain Knowledge Of The Self May The World's Obstacles Disappear Swami Grant Shelter To All
Puzzle Ans : 1.Obstacles, 2.Desire, 3.Wealth 4.Hinder, 5.Illness, 6.Appreciate, 7.Overcome 8.Negatively, 9.Pleasure, 10.Pratikraman
Send your suggestions and feedback at: akramyouth@dadabhagwan.org Printed and Published by Dimple Mehta on behalf of Mahavideh Foundation-Owner. Printed at Amba Offset, Basement, Parshvanath Chambers, Usmanpura, Ahmedabad-38014
24