Swami Sivananda - Essence of Yoga

ESSENCE OF YOGA

By SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA

So Says

Sri Swami Sivananda Founder of The Divine Life Society

Sri Swami Sivananda

Thirteenth Edition: 1988 (5000 Copies)

World Wide Web (WWW) Edition : 1998

WWW site: http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/

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© The Divine Life Trust Society

ISBN 81-7052-024-x

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WWW reprint is for free distribution

PUBLISHERS’NOTE

EvenamongtheinspiringbooksofSriGurudev,thisisauniquebook.Itwaswrittenwith thespecialintentionofhavingtheentirematterrecordedonthegramophonedisc.Forthispurpose Gurudevhadgiveninthisbooktheveryessenceofhisownteachings.

Hence,thisbookwaschosenforbeingsenttoeverynewmemberoftheDivineLifeSociety onenrolment.Itis,asitwere,the‘Beginner’sGuidetoDivineLife’.

MembersoftheDivineLifeSocietyandspiritualaspirantshaveaddedthispreciousvolume tothescriptureswhichtheystudydailyasSvadhyayaandhavederivedincalculablebenefitbythe assimilationoftheseteachingsintotheirdailylife.

Thistextcontaining,avaluabletreasureofwisdomisplacedinthehandsofaspirantsall overtheworldintheferventhopethatitwillguidethemtothegreatgoalofhumanlife,viz., God-realisation.

—THEDIVINELIFESOCIETY

UNIVERSALPRAYER

Thouart,OLord!Thecreatorofthisuniverse.Thouarttheprotectorofthisworld.Thouart inthegrassandtherose.Thouartinthesunandthestars.SalutationsuntoThee!Obestowerofjoy andbliss!

OSweetLord!Letmebefreefromtheclutchesofdeath.Letmebeabletolookuponall beingswithequalvision.Letmebefreefromimpurityandsin.Givemestrengthtocontrolthe mind.GivemestrengthtoserveTheeandthehumanityuntiringly.MakemeThyfitinstrumentfor Thywork.Makemepureandstrong.

IbowtoThee,OIndwellerofmanyhearts!OSecretofsecrets!Removemyweaknesses, defectsandevilthoughts.MakemepuresothatImaybeabletoreceiveThygraceandblessings.O Lord!Thouartthethread-soulthatconnectsallbeings.Thoupervadestall,permeatestand interpenetratestallthingsofthisuniverse.

Thouartlightdivine.Thouartthedispellerofignorance.ThouartAll-mercifulLord.Give mealifewithoutdisease.LetmerememberTheealways.Letmedevelopallsublimevirtues.

ThouartSelf-luminous.Thouartmyfather,mother,brother,friend,relativeandguide.Let merealisetheTruth.Letmebefreefromgreed,lust,egoism,jealousyandhatred.Preparemeas ThysweetmessengeronthisearthsothatImayradiatejoy,peaceandblisstothewholeworld.Let meutilisethisbody,mindandsensesinThyserviceandtheserviceofThycreatures.Breatheinto meThybreathofImmortality.Letmerecognisetheuniversalbrotherhoodofman.Letmeloveall asmyownself.SalutationsuntoThee,OLordofcompassion.

PRAYERTOTHEMOTHER

SalutationstotheDivineMotherwhoexistsinallbeingsintheformofintelligence,mercy andbeauty.Salutations,OSweetMothertheconsortofLordSiva!OMotherParvati!Thouart Lakshmi.ThouartSarasvati.ThouartKali,DurgaandKundalini.Thouarttheembodimentofall power.ThouartParaSakti.Thouartintheformofallobjects.Thouartthesolerefugeofall.Thou hastenchantedtheworld.ThewholeuniverseistheplayofThythreeGunas.HowcanIpraise Thee?Thygloryisindescribable.Thysplendourisineffable.Protectme.Guideme,OLoving Mother!

OAdorableMother!Thouhastgeneratedthisgreatillusionbywhichallpeoplewalk deludedinthisworld.AllscienceshavecomefromThee.WithoutThygracenoonecangetsuccess inspiritualSadhanaandsalvationintheend.Thouarttheseedforthisworld.Thouhasttwo aspects,viz.,theunmanifestedaspectorAvyaktamandthemanifestedaspectorthegrossuniverse. ThewholeworldgetsdissolvedinAvyaktamduringPralaya.Givemethedivineeye.Letme beholdThyrealmajesticform.Helpmetocrossoverthisillusion,OKindMother!

OCompassionateMother!IbowtoThee.Thouartmysaviour.Thouartmygoal.Thouart mysolesupport.Thouartmyguideandtheremoverofallafflictions,troublesandmiseries.Thou arttheembodimentofauspiciousness.Thoupervadeththewholeuniverse.Thewholeuniverseis filledwithThee.Thouartthestorehouseofallqualities.DoThouprotectme.Iagainandagain saluteThee;OgloriousMother!SalutationstoThee.AllwomenareThyparts.Mind,egoism, intellect,body,PranaandsensesareThyforms.ThouartPara-PrakritiandApara-Prakriti.Thouart electricity,magnetism,force,energy,powerandwill.AllformsareThyformsonly.Revealtome themysteryofcreation.Bestowonmethedivineknowledge.

OLovingMother!Thouarttheprimalenergy,Thouhasttwoaspects,viz.,theterribleand thepeaceful.Thouartmodesty,gentleness,shyness,generosity,courage,forbearanceandpatience. Thouartfaithintheheartofdevoteesandnobilityinnoblepeople,chivalryinwarriorsandferocity intigers.GivemestrengthtocontrolthemindandtheIndriyas.MakemeworthytodwellinThee! SalutationuntoThee!

OMotherSupreme!WhenshallIhaveequalvisionandaplacidstateofmind?WhenshallI beestablishedinAhimsa,SatyamandBrahmacharya?WhenshallIgetdeepabidingpeaceand perennialjoy?WhenshallIenterindeepmeditationandSamadhi?

ORadiantMother!IhavenotdoneanyspiritualSadhanaorserviceofteachers.Ihavenot practisedanyVrata,pilgrimage,charity,Japaandmeditationorworship.Ihavenotstudied religiousscriptures.Ihaveneitherpuritynoraburningyearningforliberation.Thouartmyonly refuge.Thouartmyonlysupport.MysilentadorationuntoThee!IamThymeeksupplicant. Removetheveilofignorance.

GraciousMother!ProstrationsuntoThee.WhereartThou?Donotforsakeme.IamThy child.Takemetotheothershoreoffearlessnessandjoy.WhenshallIbeholdThylotus-feetwith myowneyes?Thouarttheboundlessoceanofmercy.Whenthephilosopher’sstoneturnsironinto goldbycontact,whentheGangaturnsimpurewaterintopurewater,can’stThounotturnme,O MotherDivine,intoapureSoul?MaymytonguerepeatThyNamealways!

PURPOSEOFLIFE

Thelifeofmanisanindicationofwhatisbeyondhimandwhatdeterminesthecourseofhis thoughts,feelingsandactions.Thewiderlifeisinvisible,andthevisibleisashadowcastbythe invisiblewhichisthereal.Theshadowgivesanideaofthesubstance,andonecanpursuethepath tothetruesubstancebytheperceptionoftheshadow.Humanexistence,bythefactofits limitations,wantsandvariousformsofrestlessness,discontentandsorrow,pointstoahigher desiredend,incomprehensiblethoughthenatureofthisendbe.

Aslifeonthisearthischaracterisedbyincessantchange,andnothinghereseemstohavethe characterofreality,nothingherecansatisfymancompletely.TheBhagavadGitahasreferredto thisworldas anityam,asukham,duhkhalayam,ashashvatam—”Impermanent,unhappy,theabode ofsorrow,transient”.Thesagesofyoredeclaredwithimmediaterealisationthat“TruthisOne”and thatthegoalofhumanlifeistherealisationandtheexperienceofthisTruth.

Theuniverseisinconstant,anditisonlyafieldofexperienceprovidedtotheindividualsso thattheymayevolvetowardstheexperienceoftheHighestTruth.Itisthegloryofthepeopleof Bharatavarsha(India)thattothemthevisibleuniverseisnotrealandtheinvisibleEternalaloneis real.Theyhavenofaithinwhattheyperceivewiththesenses.Theyhavefaithonlyinthatwhichis thegroundofallexperience,beyondthesenses,beyondeventheindividualmind.

Earnestseekersusedtoseekshelterundergreatsageswhopurifiedtheholyregionofthe Himalayaswiththeirmightypresence,andlivedtheausterelifeofYogisinordertoattainfreedom fromthetrammelsofearth-boundlifeandrestinthebeatitudeoftheAbsolute,Brahman.Thisthey consideredthetruelife,andthusthewayoffulfillingthelawoftheEternal.

Thegreatlaw-giverManu,afterdescribingthevarioustenetsofDharma,finallyasserts:

“OfalltheseDharmas,theKnowledgeoftheSelfisthehighest;itisverilytheforemostofall sciences;for,byit,oneattainsimmortality.”ThepursuitofDharma,ArthaandKamahasits meaningintheattainmentofMokshawhichisthegreatestofallthePurusharthas(endofhuman life).Dharmaistheethicalandmoralvalueoflife;Arthaisitsmaterialvalue;andKamaisitsvital value;butMokshaistheinfinitevalueofexistencewhichcoversalltheothersandisitselffar greaterthanallthese.OthersexistasaidsorpreparationsforMoksha.WithoutMoksha,theyhave novalueandconveynomeaning.TheirvalueisconditionedbythelawoftheInfinite,whichisthe sameasMoksha.

TheVedasandtheUpanishadsaretheexhalationsoftheDivineBeing,andtheygivean exhaustivecommentaryonspirituallife.Theyareexpositionsofthesignificanceandtheimportof humanlifeandofthemethodofthetransmutationofthemortalappearanceintotheImmortal Essence.TheinstanceofthegreatNachiketasandthestoryofhisadventuroussearchforTruth narratedinthethrilling Kathopanishad serveasexemplarstoallmencapableofthoughtand reflection.

Nothingoftheworldofsensibilitycanbeofrealvalue—thisiswhatNachiketastaught throughhismemorableactofrenunciation.Noteventhelongestlifeandtheimmensewealth offeredtohimcouldtempthim.HeperseveredinhisquestfortheHighest,andintheendachieved

theHighest.Nothingshortofitcouldsatisfyhim.Sucharethetrueheroes.Arealheroisnothewho standsagainstbulletsorriskshislifeinhazardousattempts,fightsbattles,divesintooceansand climbshighcliffs,buthewhosubdueshissensesandovercomeshismind,recognisesthesupreme unityoflifeandcastsasidedualitiesanddesires.Toachievethisisthedutyofman;thisisthe immortalmessageofthesagesoftheUpanishads.

Thetangleofsense-experienceinwhichmaniscaughtismostvexing,andharditistofree oneselffromit.Manisdeludedbythenotionoftherealityoftheso-calledexternalrelationsof thingsandthushecomestogrief.TheMahabharatasaysthatthecontactofbeingsinthisuniverseis likethecontactoflogsofwoodinaflowingriver,temporary.Yettheattachmenttosense-percepts issostrongthatphantomsaremistakenforfacts,theimpureismistakenforthepure,thepainfulfor thepleasant,andthenot-selffortheSelf.

Themessageoftheancientsagesisthatthelifeonelivesinthesense-worldisdeceptive,for ithidestheExistenceunderlyingallthingsandmakesonefeelthattheparticularpresentationof formsbeforethesensesaloneisreal.“Childrenrunafterexternalpleasuresandfallintothenetof wide-spreaddeath.Theheroes,however,knowingtheImmortal,seeknottheEternalamongthings unstablehere,”saysthe Upanishad.Thecalloftheancientsagestomanis:“OsonoftheImmortal! KnowyourselfastheInfinite!becometheAll.Thisisthesupremeblessing.Thisisthesupreme bliss.”Thisistheundyingmessagetoman.

Thesageshaveagainandagainstressed:“IfoneknowsIt(i.e.,theImmortalBeing)here, thenthereisthetrueendofallaspirations!IfonedoesnotknowIthere,greatisthelossforhim.”

(Kenopanishad).AndsageYajnavalkyasaysthatallgreatdeedsdoneinthisworld,withoutthe knowledgeoftheOneImperishableBeing,arenotworthanything.Humanitarianservices;fasts andcharity;one’spolitical,national,socialandindividuallife;shouldallbebasedonthefeelingof universalbrotherhoodwhichistheeternalexpressionoftheRealityofuniversalSelfhood.

Humanitycanhopeforpeacewhenthiscondition,discoveredandlaiddownbytheRishis, viz.,abidingbythelawoftheDivineisfulfilled.Peacecanbehadonlytotheextentthatthesystem oftheDivineisadheredtoinlife.Andthispeaceisinverselyproportionaltotheloveofbody, individualityanditsrelationsintheworld,inwhichhumanityisgenerallysteeped.An‘awakening’ ofahigherconsciousnessisnecessarysothatdisorderanddiscontentmaybeabolished.

Educationofhumanityintherightdirectionisthepreconditionofworldpeace. Materialism,atheism,scepticismandagnosticismwhicharerampantinthesedaysandwhichhave robbedmanofhisreverencefortheSupremeAbsolutearemainlyresponsiblefortheincreasing selfishness,craving,confusion,violenceandagitationofmindthatareseethingintheworld.Man shouldlearnthatbehindtheappearanceofmateriality,discreteness,externality,doubtand impermanence,thereistherealityofspirituality,unityandinfinity.

Withouttherecognitionofthisreality,lifeloseslifeandbecomesanemptiness,devoidof meaningandpurpose,dead,asitwere.Toliveinthedivineistodietothenarrownessofthesense world;andtobeconfinedtothelatteristo‘destroyoneself’(inthewordsofthe Isavasyopanishad). Thepresenttrendoflifehastobeoverhauled,andareorientationinitbroughtaboutinthelightof

morality,ethicsandspirituality.Thechangethatisrequiredisnotmerelyintheoutwardformbutin theveryperspectiveandtheinnerconstitutionofthesystemofliving.

Thiscanbedonewhenman’sidealsarebasedonthetruthsofthespiritualityofOneness, liftedaboveblindbeliefs,differencesandmateriality.Whenthisisachieved,manwouldhave fulfilledhisgreatdutyhere.Forthemanscorchedinthewaterlessdesertofworldliness,theonly hopeisinthecoolwatersoftheGangaofwisdom,flowingfromtheHimalayanheightsofthesages ofthe Upanishads.Drinkfromthisperennialfount,andrefreshyourself.

THESPIRITOFINDIANSPIRITUALINHERITANCE

ThetruegreatnessofIndianspiritualinheritanceconsistsinthesecretandgloriousmethods ithasdeliveredtousforallayinglife’ssorrowandhumanunhappinessandforacquiringforthe circumstanceofhumanexistence,theinfinitepeaceandperfectionoftheDivineBeing.Human griefcannotbealleviatedaslongasthehumanindividualisimmuredinignoranceandstrives merelyforhisindividualpleasureandgood.ThegeniusofIndiahas,toitsimmortalhonour,soared abovetheconventionaltiesandthebondsofsociety,graspedthespiritualtruth,realiseditand proclaimedtotheworld,forthewelfareofallmankind,that“LifeisOne”andnotmany.Apart fromthepettydisharmoniesbetweenonepersonandanother,thenationsoftheworldseemtobe separatedfromeachotherandthisvirulentnotionofdivisionandseparationisthemotherofwar anddestruction.Deceivedbythespectacularadvancementofscientificknowledge,modernmind inallcountriesandcontinentshasnotcaredtounderstandthefundamentalmeaningoflife,and soughtitssatisfactioninasensationalfloatingupontheapparentlyattractivescumofExistence. Suchhasbeenthespiritinwhichsciencehastakenitsmarvellousstridesinprogress,thatithas nothinginitsconstitutiontodriveittowardsagraspofthedeepandsignificantchangesthatman undergoesbeneathhisscalp,towardsunderstandingthepotentialitiesofmanasamind,asaheart, asaspirit,asacreativeentity,towardsdirectinghisaspirations,towardsaidingtheblossomingof thenoblestforcesthatlieburiedandlatentinhisbosom.Redoundingtotheeternalcreditofthe geniusofIndia,thereliesthemomentousfactthatattheverydawnofcivilisations,ithasraisedthe deepestissuesoflife,questionedthelimitationsofhumanexistence,venturedforthforasolution intotherealmsofthatInfinitePowerthatisfound‘feebly’interpenetratingthisworldofphysics, physicalexperience,materialisticphilosophyand‘sputniks,’discoveredthatguiding,governing andsustainingPermanentGrounduponwhichisplayedthetragi-comicdramaoflifeandthepride ofmenthataredressedinbriefauthority.Ifthereisanythingvaluableinlifeasawhole,itisthe knowledgeofthesolutionoftheapparentriddleofexistence,theknowledgeoftheessentialnature andtherealdestinyofman,theknowledgeofman’srealrelationstotheothermen,totheuniverse, totheTranscendence,andthisknowledgeisthegloriousheritageofIndia.ThemenofIndiawho arealsothemenofGod,menwhohaveimposeduponthemselvesthedisciplinesthatleadthemto Perfection,tolivingthegoodlife,theideallife,thedivinelife,thelifeintheinnerRealityandfor thehappinessofmankind,forthesolidarityoftheworld,havediscoveredtheroadtoSuccessand Achievement,discernedthecluestoprogressandperfection,inastrictadherencetotherhythmsof theuniversallawsandtheeternalveritiesthatguideinaccordancetothegeniusinherentinthem, humanityasawholeandallmanifestationtothefinaldenouementinaDivineExistence.

TheattitudeoflifewhichtheIndiansdevelopedwasbaseduponthenatureoftheEndorthe Goaltobeattainedthroughtheinstrumentalityofthephenomenonoflife—lifewhichisastep,a stage,andnottheendinitself.Thisattitudeensoulstherighteouslaw,theDharma,andtoit,the universebecomeswhatitintrinsicallyis,theDharma-Kshetra,orthearenaforthedisplayandthe justificationoftheprowessoftherightaction,theactionwhosewholespiritmovestowardsthe realisationoftheabsoluteGoodthatisthenatureoftheInfiniteBeing.TheidealofDharmaforms thesubstratumuponwhichisbuiltthestructureofthewholelifeofmanwhowishestoresolvethe riddleofhispersonallife,winvictoryoverthestruggleofexistence,becrownedwithastrangeand etherealjoyevenwhileheislivingintheenvironmentoftheworld,ofthisimperfectearththatis theheirtochange,sorrow,anddeath.Dharmaisvirtueandvirtueisthatwhichleadsonetothemost perfectcondition,theconditionthatisidenticalwiththeultimatesuccessconstitutedofthejoyof life,unlimited,unfetteredandunalloyed,completebeyondexpression.Asthehighestvirtuethat manmaypractise,Ahimsaisbothanegativewithdrawalandapositiveassertionofthe‘mind’.Itis refrainingfromdoing,speakingandthinkinganythingwhichwillcausepainandsorrowtoany otherindividual,toanylivingbeing.Thisrepresentsthenegativeaspectofthedisciplineof Ahimsa.Itspositiveaspectisbroughtoutbyanexpressionofuniversallove,lovethathasno partiality,lovethatexcludesnothing,lovethatcaresnotfortheeffectoflove!Theidealofuniversal loveisaspontaneousself-fulfilmentinthedelightofadiscoveryofOneself,oftheuniversally self-same,ourowninnerconsciousnessinall.Untilthisisdone,nocivilizationisgenuine,no cultureistrue,nothingisperfectandlasting.Inoneword,itisinthelightofabsoluteConciousness whichisundifferentiatedthatAhimsawhichismoreamatterofspiritthananeffectofamereact,is practised.

ImmediatelysucceedingthedevotiontotheprincipleofAhimsa,comesthepracticeofthe excellenceoftruth.Tothespiritualgenius,Truthismorethantruth-speaking;itisGodorthe Absolute;itisthatwhichtriumphs,notuntruth.Again,Truthisright;untruthiswrong;thatwhich elevatesoneandtakesonenearertoGodisright,thatwhichbringsonedownandtakesoneaway fromGodiswrong.AndthatGodtowardswhichourwholeinnerbeingmustrise,intheindivisible unityofconsciousexistence,theinfinityofdelightandawareness.Controloverpassions constitutestheessenceoftruth;self-denialorrefrainingfromgreedyindulgenceistruth;topermit thespiritualelementinustriumphistruth.Truthisalifeintheeternal.Untruthischange,decayand death.Loveistruth;hatredisuntruth;harmonyistruth;disharmonyisuntruth.Thereisnogreater sinthanhatredandbattle—thepungentwordandtheinsolentaction,thearroganceandthe uncharitableness,theegoisticself-assertionandvehementactionoftheselfishimpulse.Relative truthsarevalidonlyinsofarastheydonotrunagainstthegrainofabsolutetruthwhichistheEternal inthehighestsense.

Thethirdcanonistheself-controlwhichistheholdingincheckoftheinstinctiveurgesthat trytodragtheindividualawayfromtheexperienceofthetruth.Self-controlisauniversalrule unexceptionallyapplicabletoallmenandallwomen,atallplacesandatalltimes.Itistheverykey tobeatitude.Indulgenceinexternalities,insensuousobjects,inphysicalpleasuresistheeffectof thefailureoftheindividualtodiscriminatethespiritualvaluefromthematerialchaff,theTruth fromtheuntruth.Desiretohavecontactwithandenjoyoutwardthingsistheoutcomeofthe ignoranceoftheTruththatisGod,theTruththatistheInfiniteExistence.Self-controlisthe restraintoftheoutgoingtendenciesofthesensesandthemindandtocentrethesameintheactive participationofTruth-existence,theUniversalOne.Thisself-control,thisenergizationof

consciousness,thisTapas,thisrestrainingofone’sexternalising,self-diffusingenergiesand foundingoneselfuponthatoneCosmicBeingisDharmathatsupportsthelifeandlawofthe universe,integratesthebeingofman,andspreadsbeforethevisionofmanthecreative God-centredlife.Adharmaisselfishnessandegoismofnaturewhichleadstoself-imprisonment, sufferingandfailureinlife.Absoluterighteousnessmeansthesacrificeoftheselfforuniversal well-being,thewell-beingpertainingnotmerelytotheearthbuttothehighestspiritualreality,the well-beingofkeepingtheConsciousnessinitspoiseliberatedfromthedistractionengenderedby thedarknessofignorance,separativencss,division,limitedness.Itistheoppositeof“I”-nessand “mine”-nesswhichbelongtothenatureoftheworldofbondage.

Lifeonearthisnotself-sufficientand,hence,thereisperpetualfluxofstatestoreachother statesofsuperiorknowledgeandhappiness.Lifeinthisworldandinthisbodyisonlyapreparation, astepforthehigherlife.Thatwhichweseeandhearofisnotthereal;theRealisbeyondthis.To reachtheReal,thepresentlifeactsasaladder,afieldofactivitythataffordstheconditionsandthe scopefortheindividualtoestablishitsrelationswiththemostexaltedDivineLife.Wrongitisto restricttheoutlookofourlifetotheperceptiblephenomenaandtojudgeoursenseofvaluesin relationtotheobjectiveworthofthings.Thegrandeurandgreatnessofourliferestsuponthe measuretowhichwehaveraisedourselvesintothelawofinmostlifeingeneral,intheSupreme Being.Dealingswithoneanotherarejustifiedonlysolongastheydonotdeviatefromtheeternal lawoftheSpiritualNature.Neithersocialwelfarenornationalbettermentispossiblebymere clingingtoshadowsandforgettingtheessentialSubstance.ThesubstanceofTruthdoesnotbelong toanyparticularpersonforitisthebeingandlifeofwhateverthatis.ThatwhichisOneand Commoncanonlybedivisionlessandall-inclusiveinaself-identicalexistence.Thisisthefulness ofattainmentandtheculminationofalltheaspirationsandidealsoflife.

Inthisintegralspiritualviewoflifeisrootedtheethicalbasisofsocialanddomestic relationship.Societyisthecollectivebodyofindividualsdeterminedtopiercetheveilsandenter therealmsofImmortalBeingwiththepowerofaunifiedandcommonaspirationandstruggleto grasptheHighest.Unifiedwelive;dividedweceasetolive.Humanrelationshipisnotmeantto signifyanythinglessthantheattempttoliveineverydaylifethespiritualegolesslovethatisatthe backgroundofallexistentbeings.TheloveoftheSelfmeanstheloveofeverythingoftheuniverse. TheIndiangeniuswouldcompletetheteaching“Lovethyneighbourasthyself”byadding “becausethyneighbouristhyownSelf”.Altruisticloveistheexpressionofeternalunisonofthe InfiniteLifethatliesatthedepthoftheuniverse.Iffamilyorsocietyornationisunderstoodasa meanstoseparateonefromanother,howevermuchlargethescopeofitsinclusionofhumanbeings maybe,suchafamily,suchasociety,suchanation,cannottriumph.Allrelationshipisexpectedto endintheabsoluteunityofexistenceexcludingnothingfromitself.Thisgoaloflifeshouldbe borneinmindintheprocessofdailyactivitiesifouractionsaretobefreefromselfishness,atone withtheuniversalmovementofNature.Lifeisadivineworship.Theproperconductoffamily,the administrationofthecountryandthesocietyisapartoftheUniversalGovernmentwhichlooksat theentiretyofbeingswithastrictlyimpartialeye.WelivebecauseGodexistsandourlifeistobe perfectandjustevenasGodisperfectandjust.WeexistinGod’sBeing,webreatheandmovein Him.

Theknowledgeofthisunityoflifeandthepropermoralandtheethicalattituderequiredto starttheprocessofrealisingitareachievedthroughbeingdirectlyinstructedbytheteacherwhois trulyadvancedinknowledgeandhasattainedSelf-perfection.

ThepsychologyofGurukulavasaisinseparablyconnectedwiththescienceof self-disciplineandSelf-knowledge.Itisnotthemechanicaleducationofthepresentdaythatis meantbyrealeducationintheGurukula,butthemeansoferasingoutthepropensitiesthatcloudthe awarenessoftheTruthandcontrollingthedistractivenatureofthepsyche.Self-masteryisthe effectoftheprotractedcheckingoftheego-senseandcentringofitintheGeneralGod-Beingwhich isegoless,freefromthesenseofindividualexistence.Thereligion,thephilosophy,thecodeof ethicalandsociallawofIndiaarealluniversalintheircharacter.Universalityistheexpressionof thenatureoftheReality.ThehighestuniversalscienceoftheTruthistheVedantainwhichare blendedtogetherthedifferentexistentviewsoflife.TheVedantaisneitherasectnoracreed,but thescienceoftheAbsoluteReality,theonlylife-givingscience,theonlysolacetotheintelligent mankind.

TheboldestproclamationofVedantaisthatmanisinessenceinfinitelyDivine,that everyoneisboundtosucceedsoonerorlater,thatallareboundtorecoverthemselvesintheInfinite LifeDivine.TheidealoftheVedantaisnotmerelyauniversalbrotherhoodnormerelylivinga unitedandhappysociallifeintheworldofdifferentiatedindividuals,butthebeingoftheAbsolute EssenceoftheHighestDivinitywhichistheLife,SourceandEndoftheUniverse.TheVedantais themaster-techniqueoftransmutingthemanyintotheUndividedOne.ItmeansExperienceWhole andexistingasthebirthlessanddeathlessInfinite.ThisisthegreatestheritageofIndia,thisisthe greatesttreasurethatIndiahasandthisisthegreatestgiftthatIndiacanoffertotheworld.Thisis thezenithofcultureandcivilization,thisisthehighestknowledgethatmancaneverattemptto acquire,thisisthefinalfruitionofthebestofhumanaspiration.

Theawe-inspiringgreatnessofIndiarestsmainlyuponthebedrockof Absolute-Experience,ofTruth-realisation,orapoisedawarenessoftheInfinitehereonearth,in thislife,intheenvironmentofthedanceandpageantryoffinitude,relativity,objectivity.Asthe dwellingplaceoftheRishis,theSages,theMenofGod-Vision,Indiaenjoysintheestimationofthe worldauniqueprerogative.

Allthegrandidealsofworld’sgreatreligionsthathavemouldedthecharactersofmen,the loftiesttenetsofethicsandmoralitythathaveraisedhumanbeingstothemagnanimousheightof supremeperfectionandallthesublimetruthsofspiritualitythathavemademandivineandhave shapedthespirituallifeofnationsandofthesavioursofmankind,firsttooktheiroriginsinIndia, thelandofthosedaringspiritualindividualswhoenteredintotheheartoftheAbsoluteand proclaimedtruthswhichhaveeternalvalues.Withitsspiritualhorizonslitupwiththedeathless lightoftheUpanishadicwisdom,Indiaisessentiallyalandofspiritualwealth,anditshistoryisthe historyofreligiousexperience.TheGoalofIndiaisSelf-realisationortheattainmentof God-Consciousnessthroughtheexpressmanifestationofaspiritofrenunciativedetachmentand throughadynamicdivineknowledge.Ifmenarebuttounderstandthesignificanceandtherichness ofthisspiritualinheritanceofIndia,andmakethespiritofthisheritagepartandparceloftheirdaily awareness,theyallwouldbeveritablegodsonearth.

ChapterI

YOGA YOGA

Yogaisaperfectpracticalsystemofself-culture.Yogaisanexactscience.Itaimsatthe harmoniousdevelopmentofthebody,themindandthesoul.Yogaistheturningawayofthesenses fromtheobjectiveuniverseandtheconcentrationofthemindwithin.Yogaiseternallifeinthesoul orspirit.Yogaaimsatcontrollingthemindanditsmodifications.ThepathofYogaisaninnerpath whosegatewayisyourheart.

Yogaisthedisciplineofthemind,sensesandphysicalbody.Yogahelpsinthe co-ordinationandcontrolofthesubtleforceswithinthebody.Yogabringsinperfection,peaceand everlastinghappiness.Yogacanhelpyouinyourbusinessandinyourdailylife.Youcanhave calmnessofmindatalltimesbythepracticeofYoga.Youcanhaverestfulsleep.Youcanhave increasedenergy,vigour,vitality,longevityandahighstandardofhealth.Yogatransmutesanimal natureintodivinenatureandraisesyoutothepinnacleofdivinegloryandsplendour.

ThepracticeofYogawillhelpyoutocontroltheemotionsandpassionsandwillgiveyou powertoresisttemptationsandtoremovethedisturbingelementsformmind.Itwillenableyouto keepabalancedmindalwaysandremovefatigue.Itwillconferonyouserenity,calmnessand wonderfulconcentration.ItwillenableyoutoholdcommunionwiththeLordandthusattainthe summumbonum ofexistence.

IfyouwanttoattainsuccessinYoga,youwillhavetoabandonallworldlyenjoymentsand practiseTapasandBrahmacharya.Youwillhavetocontrolthemindskilfullyandtactfully.You willhavetousejudiciousandintelligentmethodstocurbit.Ifyouuseforce,itwillbecomemore turbulentandmischievous.Itcannotbecontrolledbyforce.Itwilljumpanddriftawaymoreand more.Thosewhoattempttocontrolthemindbyforcearelikethosewhoendeavourtobinda furiouselephantwithathinsilkenthread.

AGuruorpreceptorisindispensableforthepracticeofYoga.Theaspirantinthepathof Yogashouldbehumble,simple,gentle,refined,tolerant,mercifulandkind.Ifyouhaveacuriosity togetpsychicpowers,youcannothavesuccessinYoga.Yogadoesnotconsistinsitting cross-leggedforsixhoursorstoppingthepulseorbeatingsoftheheartorgettingoneselfburied underneaththegroundforaweekoramonth.

Self-sufficiency,impertinence,pride,luxury,name,fame,self-assertivenature,obstinacy, ideaofsuperiority,sensualdesires,evilcompany,laziness,overeating,overwork,toomuchmixing andtoomuchtalkingaresomeoftheobstaclesinthepathofYoga.Admityourfaultsfreely.When youarefreefromalltheseeviltraits,Samadhiorunionwillcomebyitself.

PractiseYamaandNiyama.SitcomfortablyinPadmaorSiddhasana.Restrainthebreath. Withdrawthesenses.Controlthethoughts.Concentrate.MeditateandattainAsamprajnataor NirvikalpaSamadhi(unionwiththeSupremeSelf).

MayyoushineasabrilliantYogibythepracticeofYoga!Mayyouenjoytheblissofthe Eternal!

ESSENCEOFKARMAYOGA

KarmaYogaisselflessserviceuntohumanity.“Yourdutyistoworkincessantlybutnotto expectthefruitsthereof.”ThisisthecentralteachingoftheGita.

RepeatyourIshtamantramentallyevenwhenyouworkinoffice.GodistheInnerRuler.He directsthebody,mindandsensestowork.BecomeaninstrumentinthehandsoftheLord.Donot expectthanksorappreciationforyourwork.Doactionsasyourdutyandofferthemandtheirfruits totheLord.YouwillbefreedfromthebondsofKarma.ItisnottheKarmabuttheselfishmotive thatbindstheman.

Never,neversay,“Ihavehelpedthatman.”Feelandthink,“Thatmangavemean opportunitytoserve.Thispieceofservicehashelpedmetopurifymymind.Iamextremely gratefultohim.”Ifyouseeapoormancladinragsstandinginfrontofyourdoor,feelthattheLord isbeforeyouintheformofapoorman.ServehimwithNarayanaBhava.

Nevergrumblewhenyoudoservicetoothers.Takedelightinservice.Watchfor opportunities,toserve.Nevermissevenasingleopportunity.WorkisworshipoftheLord.

AKarmaYogishouldhaveanamiable,loving,socialnature.Heshouldhavesympathy, adaptability,self-restraint,tolerance,loveandmercy.Heshouldadjusthimselftothewaysand habitsofothers.Heshouldbeabletobearinsult,harshwords,criticism,pleasureandpain,heatand cold.

Youcandoselflessserviceaccordingtoyourabilityandstationinlife.Anadvocatecan pleadforpoorpeoplewithoutacceptingfees.Adoctorcantreatthepoorfreeofcharge.Ateacheror professorcangivefreetutiontopoorboys.Hecansupplythembooksforstudy.

Haveamedicine-chestof12tissueremediesorsomeallopathicmedicinesorhomoeopathic medicines.ServethepoorandsickwithAtmaBhava.Giveone-tenthofyourincomeincharity. ThisisthehighestYoga.

Donotmakeanydifferencebetweenmenialandrespectablework.Ifanyoneissuffering fromacute-paininanypartofthebody,atonceshampootheaffectedpartverygently.Feelthatyou areservingtheLordinthebodyofthepatient.RepeatyourIshtamantraalso.Ifyouseeamanor animalbleedingontheroadside,neverhesitatetotearyourupperclothorshirtanduseitfor bandaging,intheabsenceofanyothermeansofbandage.Donotbargainwiththepoorportersat therailwaystation.Beliberalandgenerous.Keepalwayssomesmallcoinsinyourpocketand distributethemtothepoorandthedecrepit.

KarmaYogapreparesthemindforthereceptionoflightandknowledge.Itexpandsthe heartandbreaksallbarriersthatstandinthewayofonenessorunity.KarmaYogaisaneffective SadhanaforChittaSuddhiorpurityofheart.Therefore,doselflessserviceconstantly.

HATHAYOGA

HathaYogarelatestotherestraintofbreath(Pranayama),Asanas,BandhasandMudras. ‘Ha’and‘tha’meantheunionofthesunandthemoon,unionofPranaandApanaVayus.‘Hatha’ meansanytenaciouspracticetilltheobjectorendisachieved.Trataka,standingononeleg,(akind ofTapas)andsimilarposesareallHathaYogapractices.HathaYogaisinseparablefromRaja Yoga.RajaYogabeginswhereHathaYogaends.RajaYogaandHathaYogaareinterdependent. RajaYogaandHathaYogaarethenecessarycounterpartsofeachother.Noonecanbecomea perfectYogiwithoutaknowledgeandpracticeofboththeYogas.HathaYogapreparesthestudent totakeupRajaYoga.

AHathaYogistartshisSadhanawithbodyandPrana;aRajaYogistartshisSadhanawith hismind;aJnanaYogistartshisSadhanawithBuddhiorintellectandwill.

AHathaYogigetsSiddhis(psychicpowers)byunitingPranaandApanaandbytakingthe unitedPrana-ApanathroughthesixChakras(centresofspiritualenergy)toSahasraraatthecrown ofthehead.ARajaYogigetsSiddhisbySamyama,i.e.,combinedpracticeofDharana,Dhyanaand Samadhiatonetime.AJnanaYogiexhibitsSiddhisthroughpurewillorSat-Sankalpa.ABhakta getsSiddhisthroughself-surrenderandtheconsequentdescentofgrace.Kriyas,viz.,Neti,Dhauti, Nauli,Basti,TratakandKapalabhatibelongtoHathaYoga.AllneednotpractisetheseKriyas. ThosewhohavegotmuchphlegminthebodyshouldpractisetheseKriyas.Learntheseunderan expertHathaYogi.HathaYogaisnotthegoal.Itisonlyameanstoanend.TaketoRajaYogaafter possessinggoodhealth.

DoAsana,Kumbhaka,MudraandshaketheKundalini.ThentakeittoSahasrarathrough ChakrasintheSushumna.Ochildrenoflight!Willyoudrinknot,willyoudrinknot,thenectarof immortality?

Brother!Attaingoodhealth.Withouthealthhowcanyoulive?Withouthealth,howcanyou earn?WithouthealthhowcanyougetsuccessinYogaoranyundertaking?Possesswonderful healththroughthepracticeofHathaYoga.DrinkthenectarinSahasraraandliveintheimmortal abodeofSiva.

YOGAASANAS

Healthiswealth.Healthisindeedacovetablepossession.Goodhealthisavaluableassetto oneandall.ItcanbeachievedbytheregularpracticeofYogaAsanas.

ThepracticeofAsanascontrolstheemotions,producesmentalpeace,distributesPrana evenlythroughoutthebodyanddifferentsystems,helpsinmaintaininghealthyfunctioningofthe

internalorgans,givesinternalmassagetothevariousabdominalorgans.Physicalexercisesdraw thePrana(energy)outbuttheAsanassendthePranain.ThepracticeofAsanascuresmanydiseases andawakensKundaliniSakti.ThesearethechiefadvantagesintheYogicsystemofexercises whichnoothersystemshave.

PractiseafewAsanasdailyatleastforaperiodoffifteenminutes.Youwillpossess wonderfulhealth.Beregularinyourpractice.Regularityisofparamountimportance.Practise Bhujang,Salabh,Dhanur,Sarvang,HalaandPaschimottasanAsanas.Bhujang,SalabhandDhanur willremoveconstipationandmuscularpainoftheback.Sirsh,SarvangandHalawillhelpyouin maintainingBrahmacharya,renderingthespineelasticandcuringalldiseases.Paschimottasanwill reducefatinthebellyandhelpdigestion.RelaxallmusclesinSavasanaintheend.

Asanasshouldbedoneonemptystomachinthemorningoratleastthreehoursafterfood. MorningtimeisbestfordoingAsanas.DonotwearspectacleswhenyoudoAsanas.Wearasinglet ifnecessaryandaLangotee.Bemoderateinyourdiet.PracticeofBrahmacharyaisveryimportant forsuccessinYogaAsanas.StartwithminimumtimeforeachAsanaandthengraduallyincrease theperiod.Answerthecallsofnaturebeforeyoustartthepractice.Boysandgirlsovertenyearsof ageaswellaswomencanpractiseAsanas.

Theworldneedsgood,healthy,strongboysandgirls.Whatdowefindinthesedaysin India?India,thelandofRishisandsages,thelandwhichproducedBhishma,Bhima,Arjuna, Drona,Asvatthama,Kripa,Parasuramaandcountlessotherchivalrouswarriors,thesoilwhich containednumberlessRajputchiefsofundauntedcourageandmatchlessstrength,nowaboundsin weakandtimidpersons.Childrenbegetchildren.Thelawsofhealthareignoredandneglected.The nationissufferinganddying.Theworldrequiresnumberlessbrave,moral,Adhyatmicsoldiers whoareequippedwiththefivevirtues, viz.,Ahimsa,Satyam,Asteya,Brahmacharyaand Aparigraha.

PRANAYAMA

Pranayamaisanexactscience.ItisthefourthAngaorlimbofAshtangaYoga.Itisthe regulationofbreathorcontrolofPrana.

Pranayamasteadiesthemind,augmentsthegastricfire,energisesdigestion,invigoratesthe nerves,destroystheRajas,destroysalldiseases,removesalllaziness,makesthebodylightand healthyandawakensKundalini.

Pranayamashouldbepractisedwhenthestomachisempty.Beregularinyourpractice.Do nottakebathimmediatelyafterthepractice.DonotpractiseKumbhakaorretentionofbreathinthe beginning.HaveonlyslowandmildPuraka(inhalation)andRechaka(exhalation).Donotstrain thebreathbeyondyourcapacity.KeeptheratioforPuraka,KumbhakaandRechakaas1:4:2. Exhaleveryveryslowly.

SitonPadma,SiddhaorSukhaAsana.Keepthehead,neckandtrunkinastraightline. Inhaleslowlythroughtheleftnostrilandretainthebreathaccordingtotheratio,thenexhaleslowly

throughtherightnostril.ThisishalfprocessofPranayama.Theninhalethroughtherightnostril, retainandexhalethroughtheleftnostril.Donotretainthebreathformorethanoneortwominutes.

DotenortwentyPranayamasaccordingtoyourcapacity.Donotfatigueyourself.Increase thenumbergradually.Youcangoupto16:64:32.ThisisSukhapurvakaoreasycomfortable Pranayama.

PractiseSitaliinsummer.Thiswillpurifyyourbloodandcoolthesystemtoo.Practise Bhastrikainwinter.Thiswillcureasthmaandconsumption.Repeat‘Om’or‘Rama’mentally duringthepractice.ObserveBrahmacharyaanddiet-control.Youwillderivemaximumbenefits andwillquicklypurifytheNadisornerves.

Pranaandmindareintimatelyrelatedtoeachother.IfyoucontrolPrana,themindwillalso becontrolled.Ifyoucontrolthemind,thePranawillbeautomaticallycontrolled.Pranaisrelatedto mind,andthroughittowillandthroughwilltotheindividualsoulandthroughindividualsoulto theSupremeSoul.

Startthepracticethisverysecondinrightearnest.Controlthebreathandcalmthemind. SteadythebreathandenterSamadhi.Restrainthebreathandlengthenthelife.Subduethebreath andbecomeaYogi,adynamoofpower,peace,blissandhappiness.

KUNDALINIYOGA

KundaliniSaktiisthecoiled-up,dormant,cosmicpowerthatunderliesallorganicaswellas inorganicmatter.ItistheprimordialenergythatliesatthebasalMuladharaChakrainadormant, potentialstate.KundaliniYogaisthatYogawhichtreatsofKundaliniSakti,thesevenChakrasor centresofspiritualenergy,thearousingofthesleepingKundaliniSaktianditsunionwithLordSiva inSahasraraChakraatthecrownofthehead.ThesevenChakrasarepiercedbythepassingof KundaliniSaktitothetopofthehead.

ThesevenChakrasare:Muladhara(attheanus),Svadhishthana(attherootoftheorganof generation),Manipura(atthenavel),Anahata(intheheart),Visuddha(intheneck),Ajna(inthe spacebetweenthetwoeyebrows)andSahasrara(atthecrownofthehead).

NadisaretheastraltubesthatcarryPraniccurrents.Theycannotbeseenbynakedeyes. Theyarenottheordinarynerves,arteriesandveins.Thereare72,000Nadis.Amongthemthreeare important.TheyareIda,PingalaandSushumna.Sushumnaisthemostimportantone,because KundalinipassesthroughthisNadionly.ThefirststepinKundaliniYogaisthepurificationof Nadis.WhenSushumnaispurethenonlyKundaliniwillpassthroughit.PurificationofNadisis donebythepracticeofPranayama.

TheYogiopensthemouthofSushumnaNadithroughPranayama,BandhasandMudras andawakensthesleepingKundaliniandtakesHertoSahasraraatthecrownoftheheadthroughthe lowersixChakras.KundalinisleepsintheMuladharain3½coils.Thethreecoilsrepresentthe threeGunasandhalfcoilrepresentstheVikritis.

KundaliniisawakenedthroughPranayama,AsanasandMudrasbyHathaYogins,through concentrationbyRajaYogins,throughdevotionandperfectself-surrenderbyBhaktasordevotees; throughanalyticalwill,bytheJnanis;byJapaofMantraandbythegraceoftheGuru.

Ifyouarepureandfreefromalldesires,Kundaliniwillawakenbyitselfandyouwillbe benefited.IfyouawakenKundalinibyviolentmethods,forcibly,whenyourheartisimpure,when desireslurkinyourmind,youwillcomeacrosstemptationsofvarioussorts,whenyoumovefrom planetoplane,youwillhaveadownfall.Youwillhavenostrengthofwilltoresistthese temptations.

ThataspirantwhohasfirmfaithinYogicSastras,whoiscourageous,devotional,humble, generous,merciful,pureanddispassionate,caneasilyawakenKundaliniandattainsuccessin Samadhi.Heshouldalsobeequippedwithrightconductandself-restraint;heshouldconstantly engagehimselfintheserviceofhisGuruandbefreefromlust,anger,Moha,greedandvanity.

WhenKundaliniistakentotheSahasrara,whenSheisunitedwithLordSiva,perfect Samadhi(super-consciousblissfulstate)ensues.TheYogidrinksthenectarofimmortality.

MayMotherKundaliniguideyouallinyourYogicpractices!MayHerblessingsbeupon youall!

RAJAYOGA

RajaYogaisanexactscience.Itaimsatcontrollingallthought-wavesormental modifications.Itconcernswiththemind,itspurificationandcontrol.HenceitiscalledRajaYoga, i.e.,kingofallYogas.ItisotherwiseknownasAshtangaYogai.e.,Yogawitheightlimbs.

TheeightlimbsofAshtangaYogaare:Yama(self-restraint),Niyama(religious observances),Asana(posture),Pranayama(restraintofbreath),Pratyahara(abstractionofsenses), Dharana(concentration),Dhyana(meditation)andSamadhi(super-consciousstate).Yamais practiceofAhimsa(non-injury),Satya(truthfulness),Asteya(non-stealing),Brahmacharya (celibacy)andAparigraha(non-covetousness)inthought,wordanddeed.Thisisthefoundationof Yoga.Niyamaisobservanceofthefivecanonsviz.,Saucha(internalandexternalpurity),Santosha (contentment),Tapas(austerity).Svadhyaya(studyofreligiousbooksandrepetitionofMantras) andIshvara-Pranidhana(worshipofGodandself-surrender).CultivateMaitri(friendshipwith equals),Karuna(mercytowardsinferiors),Mudita(complaisancytowardssuperiors),Upeksha (indifferencetowardswickedpeople).Youcaneradicatejealousyandhatredandattainpeaceof mind.AscendtheladderofYogapatientlythroughitsdifferentrungsandattainthehighestsummit oftheladder,i.e.,AsamprajnataSamadhi,whereinallSamskaras(impressions)whichbringabout successivebirthsareabsolutelyfriedup.

Ifyoureallyaspiretounfoldthelurkingdivinitywithin,ifyoureallywanttogetridofthe meshesofthisSamsara,youmustknowthetechniqueofthought-controlwhichisembodiedinthe systemofRajaYoga.Youmustknowthewaysofrightliving,rightthinking,rightspeakingand rightacting.YoumustpractisethefiverulesofYamaorrightconductorSadachara.Youmust knowhowtowithdrawthemindfromexternalobjectsandfixitononepoint.Youmustknowthe

rightmethodofconcentrationandmeditation.Thenaloneyoucanbereallyhappy.Thenandthen alone,youwillhavepower,independenceandsuzerainty.Thenandthenalone,youwillattain immortality,freedomandperfection.Aknowledgeofthewaysandhabitsofthemind,its operations,thelawsofthemindandthemethodsofmind-controlandmentaldisciplineisvery necessaryifyouwanttoenjoyrealhappinessandpeaceofanunruffledandabidingnature.

PractiseRajaYoga,controlthethoughts,disciplinethemind,meditateregularlyandattain independence,immortality,freedomandperfection.

CONTROLOFMIND

MindisAtmaSakti.ItisthroughmindonlythatBrahmanortheSupremeSelfmanifestsas thedifferentiateduniversewithheterogeneousobjects.

MindisnothingbutacollectionofSamskarasorimpressions.Itisnothingbutabundleof habits.ThetruenatureofthemindconsistsintheVasanasorsubtledesires.Theideaof‘I’or egoismistheseedofthetreeofmind.ThesproutwhichspringsupfromthisseedegoismisBuddhi orintellect.FromthissprouttheramifyingbranchescalledSankalpastaketheirorigin.

MindismadeupofsubtleSattvicmatter.AccordingtoChhandogyaUpanishad,mindis formedoutofthesubtlestportionoffood.

Mindisoftwokinds,viz.,theAsuddhaorimpuremindandtheSuddhaorpuremind.The formerleadstobondagewhilethelatterhelpstheaspiranttoattainliberation.

Manolayaortemporaryabsorptionofthemindintheobjectofmeditationwillnothelpyou toattainliberation.Manonasaorannihilationofthemindonlywillenableyoutoachievethefinal emancipationorMoksha.

Havenolongingforobjects.Reduceyourwants.CultivateVairagyaordispassion. Vairagyathinsoutthemind.

Donotmixmuch.Donottalkmuch.Donotwalkmuch.Donoteatmuch.Donotsleep much.

Controlyouremotion.AbandondesiresandVasanas.Controlirritabilityandlust.Slaythe impuremindthroughthepuremindandtranscendthepuremindthroughmeditation.Practise perfectBrahmacharya.Thereisnohalfmeasureinthespiritualpath.

Neverwrestlewiththemind.Donotuseanyviolenteffortinconcentration.Whenthemind isjumpingandwanderingmuch,makenoviolentefforttocontrolitbutratherallowittorunalong forawhileandexhaustitsefforts.Itwilltakeadvantageoftheopportunityandwilljumparound likeanunchainedmonkeyatfirst.Thenitwillgraduallybecomequietandlooktoyoufororders.

Ifevilthoughtsenteryourmind,donotuseyourwill-forceindrivingthem.Youwilllose energy.Youwilltaxyourwill.Youwillfatigueyourself.Thegreatertheeffortsyoumake,the

moretheevilthoughtswillreturnwithredoubledforce.Theywillreturnmorequicklyalso.The thoughtswillbecomemorepowerful.Beindifferent.Keepquiet.Becomeasilentwitnessofthose thoughts.Donotidentifyyourselfwiththem.Theywillvanishsoon.Substitutegoodthoughts.Pray andsingtheLord’sname.

Nevermissforadayyourmeditation.Regularityisofparamountimportance.Whenthe mindistireddonotconcentrate.Givealittlerest.Donottakeheavyfoodatnight.Thiswill interferewithyourmorningmeditation.

Japa,Kirtan,Pranayama,Satsanga(associationwiththesages),practiceofSama(serenity), Dama(self-restraint),Yama(rightconduct),Sattvicorpurefood,studyofscriptures,meditation, VicharaorAtmicenquiry—allthesewillhelpyoutocontrolthemindandattaineternalblissand immortality.

NADAYOGA

SitinPadmasanaorSiddhasanaorSukhasana.Closetheearswiththethumbs.Thisis ShanmukhiMudraorVaishnaviMudra.HearthemusicofAnahatasounds.Youwillhave wonderfulconcentration.

DoJapa(AjapaJapa)ofSohamwithbreathorJapaofanyMantra.PractisePranayamafor oneortwomonths.Youwillhearthetensoundsclearlyandenjoythemusicofthesoul.Thesound thatyouhearwillmakeyoudeaftoallexternalsounds.

Abandonallworldlythoughts.Controlyourpassion.Becomeindifferenttoallobjects. PractiseYama(self-restraint),orSadachara(rightconduct).Concentrateyourattentiononthe soundwhichannihilatesthemind.

Thesoundservesthepurposeofasharpgoadtocontroltheelephant-mindwhichroamsin thepleasuregardenofsensualobjects.Itservesthepurposeofasnareforbindingthedeer—Chitta. Justasthebeewhichdrinksthehoneydoesnotcarefortheodour,sothemindwhichisabsorbedin sounddoesnotlongforsensualobjects.

ThefirstsoundisChini,thesecondisChinichini.Thethirdisthesoundofabell.Thefourth islikethatofaconch.Thefifthislikethatofalute.Thesixthislikethatofacymbal.Theseventhis likethatofaflute.Theeighthislikethatofadrum.TheninthislikethatofaMridanga.Thetenthis likethatofthunder.Heartheinternalsoundthroughtherightear.Changeyourconcentrationfrom thegrosssoundtothesubtle.Themindwillsoonbeabsorbedinthesound.

Youwillgetknowledgeofhiddenthingsintheseventh.Intheeighthstageyouwillhear Paravak.Intheninthyouwilldevelopdivineeye.InthetenthyouwillattainParaBrahman.

Thesoundentrapsthemind.Themindbecomesonewiththesoundasmilkwithwater.It becomesabsorbedinBrahmanortheAbsolute.YouwillthenattaintheseatofEternalBliss.

ChapterII

KARMAYOGA

KARMAYOGA

Haft-heartedserviceisnoserviceatall.Giveyourwholeheart,mindandsoulwhenyou serve.ThisisveryimportantwhenyoupractiseKarmaYoga.

Somepeoplehavetheirbodyinoneplace,mindinanotherplace,andsoulinanotherplace. Thatisthereasonwhytheydonotrealiseanysubstantialprogressinthepath.

Forgetnotthegoaloflifeamidstselfishactivities.ThegoaloflifeisSelf-realisation.Are youattemptingtoreachtheendandaimoflife?AreyoudoingJapa,PranayamaandMeditation? Haveyoukeptuptheidealbeforethemind’seye?Thatdayinwhichyoudonotpractiseany spiritualSadhanaiswasted.GivethemindtoGodandthehandstowork.Youwillhavetoanalyse andscrutiniseyourmotives.Itistheselfishmotiveandnottheworkitselfthatbindsamanto Samsara.PreparethemindforKarmaYoga.MereselfishworkcannotbetakenasYogicactivity. Themindissoframedthatitalwaysexpectssomethingforasmallpieceofwork.Whenyousmile youexpectareturnofsmilefromyourfriend.Whenyouraiseyourhandinsalutation,youwill expectasalutefromotherpeople.Evenwhenyougiveacupofwatertoanotherman,youexpect himtobegratefultoyou.Whensuchisthecase,howcanyouperformNishkamaKarmaYoga?

Lifeisveryprecious.LiveinthespiritoftheGitateachingandworkwithoutexpectationof fruitsandegoism.ThinkyouareNimittainthehandsofLordNarayana.Ifyouworkwiththis mentalattitudeyouwillbecomeaYogisoon.Workneverdegradesaman.UnselfishworkisPuja ofNarayana.Workisworship.Allworksaresacred.Thereisnomenialworkfromthehighest view-pointoftheabsolute,fromtheview-pointofKarmaYoga.Evenscavengingwhendonewith therightspiritandmentalattitudeisYogicaction.EvenascavengercanrealiseGodinhisown stationoflifebyservice.Thefamousbutcher-SadhakaoftheMahahharatarealisedGodinhis meat-shop(throughservinghisparents).Youhavegotinsideallmaterialsforwisdom.Thereisa vastmagazineofpowerandknowledgewithinyou.Itwantskindling.Nowwakeup,OSaumya!

Whenyouworkdisinterestedlywithoutanyagencyandwhenyousurrendertheworksand fruitsasIshvararpana,allKarmasaretransformedintoYogicKriyas.Walking,eating,sleeping, answeringthecallsofnature,talking,etc.,becomeofferinguntotheLord.Everybitofworkis Yogaforyou.ThinkthatLordSivaisworkingthroughyourhands,andiseatingthroughyour mouth.ThinkthatyourhandsarethehandsofLordSiva.Inthebeginningsomeofyouractionsmay beselfishandsomemaybeunselfish.Inthelongrunyoucandoallactionsinanunselfishmanner. Scrutiniseyourmotivesalways.Thisisthekey-noteforNishkamaKarmaYoga.Everyactcanbe spiritualisedwhenthemotivebecomespure.Workismeditation.Serveeveryonewithintenselove, withoutanyideaofagency,withoutexpectationoffruitsorreward.IfyouadoptthepathofJnana, feelyouareasilentSakshiandthePrakritidoeseverything.

Itisselfishnessthathasdeplorablycontractedyourheart.Selfishnessisthebaneofsociety. Selfishnesscloudsunderstanding.Selfishnessispetty-mindedness.Bhogaincreasesselfishness andselfishPravritti.Itistheroot-causeforhumansufferings.Realspiritualprogressstartsin selflessservice.ServetheSadhus,Sannyasins,BhaktasandpoorandsickpersonswithBhava, PremaandBhakti.TheLordisseatedintheheartsofall.

Thespiritofservicemustdeeplyenterintoyourverybones,cells,tissues,nerves,etc.The rewardisinvaluable.PractiseandfeelthecosmicexpansionandinfiniteAnanda.Talltalesandidle gossipwillnotdo,mydearfriends!Evinceintensezealandenthusiasminwork.Befieryinthe spiritofservice.

HaveNishthawithGodandCheshtawithhandsliketheBahurupiwhohastheNishthaofa maleandtheCheshtaofafemale.Youwillbeabletodotwothingsatatimebypractice.The manualworkwillbecomeautomatic,mechanicalorintuitive.Youwillhavetwominds.Aportion ofthemindwillbeatwork;threequartersofthemindwillbeintheserviceoftheLord,in meditation,inJapa.KarmaYogaisgenerallycombinedwithBhaktiYoga.AKarmaYoginoffers totheLordasanoblationwhateverhedoesthroughtheKarma-Indriyas.ThisisIshvara Pranidhana.

TRAININGOFKARMAYOGA

Arawuntrainedaspirantfeels,“Mypreceptoristreatingmelikeaservantorapeon.Heis usingmeforpettyjobs.”HewhohasunderstoodtherightsignificanceofKarmaYogawilltake everyworkasYogicactivityorworshipoftheLord.Thereisnomenialworkinhisvision.Every workisPujaofNarayana.InthelightofKarmaYogaallactionsaresacred.Thataspirantwho alwaystakesimmensedelightindoingworkswhichareconsideredbytheworldlymanasmenial services,andwhoalwaysdoeswillinglysuchactsonlywillbecomeadynamicYogi.Hewillbe absolutelyfreefromconceitandegoism.Hewillhavenodownfall.Thecankerofpridecannot touchhim.

StudytheautobiographyofMahatmaGandhiji.Henevermadeanydifferencebetween menialserviceanddignifiedwork.ScavengingandcleaningofthelatrinewasthehighestYogafor him.ThiswasthehighestPujaforhim.Hehimselfdidthecleaningoflatrines.Heannihilatedthe illusorylittle‘I’throughserviceofvarioussorts.ManyhighlyeducatedpersonsjoinedhisAshram forlearningYogaunderhim.TheythoughtthatGandhijiwouldteachthemYogainsome mysteriousmannerinaprivateroomandwouldgivelessonsonPranayama,meditation,abstration, awakeningofKundalini,etc.Theyweredisappointedwhentheywereaskedtocleanthelatrine first.TheylefttheAshramimmediately.Gandhijihimselfrepairedhisshoes.Hehimselfusedto grindflourandtakeuponhisshoulderstheworkofothersalsowhentheywereunabletodotheir allottedportionofworkforthedayintheAshram.Whenaneducatedperson,anewAshramite,felt shytodothegrindingwork,Gandhijihimselfwoulddohisworkinfrontofhimandthentheman woulddotheworkhimselffromthenextdaywillingly.

IntheWest,cobblersandpeasantshaverisentoaverygreatpositioninsociety.Everywork isarespectableworkforthem.AboyappliespolishtothebootsinthestreetsofLondonfora penny,carriesnewspapersandjournalsintheafternoonforsaleandworksasanapprenticeundera

journalistduringhisleisurehoursatnight.Hestudiesbooks,workshard,neverwastesaminuteand inafewyearsbecomesajournalistofgreatreputeandinternationalfame.InPunjabsomegraduates havetakentohair-dressingwork.Theyhaveunderstoodthedignityoflabour.

ArealYogidoesnotmakeanydifferencebetweenmenialandrespectablework.Itisonly anignorantmanwhomakessuchadifference.Someaspirantsarehumbleinthebeginningoftheir spiritualcareer.Whentheygetsomenameandfame,somefollowers,admirers,devoteesand disciples,theybecomevictimstopride.

Theycannotdoanyservice.Theycannotcarryanythingontheirheadsorhands.ThatYogi whocarriesthetrunkonhisheadwithouttheslightestfeelingintherailwayplatformamidsta multitudeofhisadmirers,disciplesanddevotees,withoutmakinganyoutwardshowofhumility mustbeadored.SageJadaBharatacarriedthepalanquinofKingRahuganaonhisshoulders withoutmurmuring.LordKrishnashampooedthelegsofaRajawhenhisbarberdevoteewason leave.SriRamacarriedapotofwaterfortheablutionofoneofhisdevotees.SriKrishnatookthe formofamenialservantasVithooandpaidthemoneytotheNawabonbehalfofhisdevotee, Dhamaji.Ifyoureallywanttogrowinthespiritualpathyoumustdoallsortsofservicedailytillthe endoflife.Thenonlyyouaresafe.Donotstopdoingservicewhenyouhavebecomeafamous Yogi.Thespiritofservicemustentereverynerve,cell,tissueandboneofyourbody.Itmustbe ingrainedinyou.ThenonlyyouwillbecomearealfullblownpracticalVedantin.

IsthereanygreaterVedantinorKarmaYogithanLordBuddha?Hestilllivesinourhearts, becausethespiritofservicewasingrainedinhimandhespenthiswholelifeinservingothersina varietyofways.Amagnanimoussoul,onewithoutasecond!YoucanalsobecomeaBuddhaifyou applyyourselfdiligentlytoselflessservicewiththerightmentalattitude.

ATTAINNIRLIPTASTATE

LordKrishnasaysinHisGita: ‘TasmatSarveshukaleshumamanusmarayudhyacha". “ThereforeatalltimesthinkofMeandfight.”GivethemindtoGodandthehandtowork.The typistworksatthemachineandtalkswithhisfriends.Theplayerontheharmoniumplaysonthe organandtalksandjokeswithhisfriends.Theladyknitsandtalkswithhercomrades.Themindof thegirlwhohasawater-potonherheadisonthewater-pot,thoughsheistalkingandjokingwith hercompanionswhilesheiswalkingontheroad.Anursewhilesheisnursingthebabyofanother ladyhashermindrivettedonherownbaby.Acowherdwhileheislookingafterthecowsofother peoplehashismindfixedonhisowncow.Evenso,haveyourmindfixedatthelotusfeetofthe Lord,whileyouaredoingyourhouseholddutiesandofficework.Youwillrealise Self-consciousnessquickly.Justasthewaterremainsunaffectedinthelotusleaf,justastheoil floatsuponthesurfaceofthewaterwithoutbeingaffectedinanyway,soalsoyoushouldremainin theworldamidsttroubles,pleasuresanddifficulties.

Justasthetongueisnotaffectedbytakingghee,soalsoyoushouldremainunaffectedeven amidstworldlyactivitiesandtroubles.YoumustkeepuptheNirliptastate.ThisisJnana.Thisis balance(Samata).YoumayfailtokeepthebalanceandNirliptastateinthousandandonetimes. Butinthelongrunyouareboundtosucceedifyoupersistinyourpracticeandifyoudisciplinethe mindproperly.Everyfailureisapillarforfuturesuccess.Rememberthispointwell.

AKarmaYoginshouldnotexpectevenreturnoflove,appreciation,gratitude,and admirationfromthepeoplewhomheisserving.

OnlyhewhohasreducedhiswantsandcontrolledtheIndriyascandoKarmaYoga.How canaluxuriousmanwithrevoltingIndriyasserveothers?

Hewantseverythingforhimselfandwantstoexploitanddomineerothers.

Anotherqualificationisthatyoumustbebalancedinsuccessorfailure,gainorloss,victory ordefeat.YoumustbefreefromRagaandDvesha.“Anactionwhichisordained,donebyone undesirousoffruit,devoidofattachment,withoutloveorhate,iscalledpure”.(GitaXVIII-23).

WHATISKARMA

Karmameansworkoraction.AccordingtoJaimini,ritualslikeAgnihotra,Yajnas,etc.,are termedKarmas.ThereisahiddenpowerinKarmatermedAdrishtawhichbringsinfruitsof Karmasfortheindividual.KarmaisallforJaimini.KarmaiseverythingforastudentofMimamsa schoolofthought.JaiminiisthefounderofPurvaMimamsa.HewasastudentofMaharshiVyasa, thefounderofUttaraMimamsaorVedanta.TheMimamsaschooldeniestheexistenceofIshvara whoawardsthefruitsofworks.

AccordingtotheGita,anyactionisKarma.Charity,sacrifice,TapasareallKarmas.Ina philosophicalsense,breathing,seeing,hearing,tasting,feeling,smelling,walking,talking,etc.,are allKarmas.ThinkingistherealKarma.Raga-DveshaconstitutetherealKarma.

HOWTOFINDRIGHTORWRONGACTION

Haverightthinking.Useyourreasonandcommonsense.Followtheinjunctionsofthe Sastras.ConsultthecodeofManuorYajnavalkyaSmritiwheneveryouhavedoubts.Youwillbe abletofindoutwhetheryouaredoingrightorwrongaction.Ifyousay,‘Sastrasarecountless.They arelikeocean.Icanhardlyunderstandthetruthsthatareinculcated.Icannotfathomandgauge theirdepths.Therearecontradictions.Iampuzzledandbewildered.’Thenstrictlyfollowthewords ofaGuruonwhomyouhaveabsolutefaithandconfidence.Thethirdwayis:HavefearinGod. Consultyourconscience.Theshrill,innervoicewillguideyou.Assoonasyouhearthevoice,do notdelayevenamoment.Starttheactiondiligentlywithoutconsultinganybody.Practisetohear theinnervoiceinthemorningatfour.Ifthereisfear,shame,doubtorprickingofconscience,know thatyouaredoingawrongaction.Ifthereisjoy,exhilarationorsatisfaction,understandthatyou aredoingtherightaction.

INNERVOICE

Whenthediverse,confiningsheathsoftheAtmahavebeendissolvedbySadhana,whenthe differentVrittisofthemindhavebeencontrolledbymentaldrillorgymnastic,whentheconscious mindisnotactive,youentertherealmofspiritlife,thesuper-consciousmindwhereBuddhiand purereasonandintuition,thefacultyofdirectcognitionofTruth,manifest.Youpassintothe kingdomofpeacewherethereisnonetospeak,youwillhearthevoiceofGodwhichisveryclear

andpureandhasanupwardtendency.Listentothevoicewithattentionandinterest.Itwillguide you.ItisthevoiceofGod.

PRAYERFORAKARMAYOGIN (BySriSankaracharya)

Atmatvamgirijamitihsahacharahpranahsareeramgriham.

Pujatevishyopabhogarachananidrasamadhisthitih, Sancharahpadoyohpradakshinavidhihstotranisarvagiro; Yadyatkarmakaromitattadakhilamsambhotavaradhanam.

RepeattheSlokaattheendofyourmeditation.

“ThouartAtma:Buddhiisthyconsort,Parvati(whoisbornofmountain);thePranasarethy attendants;thisbodyisthyhouse;theactionofsensualenjoymentisthyworship;deepsleepisthe establishmentofSamadhi;walkingbymyfeetistheperambulationaroundThee;allmyspeeches arethypraises;whateveractionsIperform,areallThyworship;OhSambho!”

ChapterIII

BHAKTIYOGA

BRAHMANORGODEXISTS

ParaBrahmancannotbedemonstrated.Butitispossibletoinfertheexistencefromcertain empiricalfactors.TheexistenceofBrahmanisknownfromthefactofitsbeingtheSELFof everyone.Foreveryoneisconsciousoftheexistenceofhisselfandneverthinks“Iamnot.”Ifthe existenceofhisselfwerenotknown,everyonewouldthink:“Iamnot.”Thisself,ofwhose existenceallareconscious,isBrahman.Thereisaninherentfeelingineverybody:“Iexist—Aham Asmi.”

Youdreamsometimesthatyouaredeadandthatyourrelativesareweeping.Eveninthat supposeddeathstate,youseeandhearthemweeping.Thisclearlyindicatesthat,evenafterthe apparentdeath,lifereallypersists.Youexistevenafterthephysicalsheathisthrownout.That existenceisAtmanorBrahmanortheSupremeSelf.

Closeyoureyesandimagineforamomentthatyouaredead.Youcanneverdoso.Youcan neverthinkthatyouwillnotexistafterdeath.Youwillimaginethatyourdeadbodyislyingflatand

thatyouarewitnessingthedeadbody.Thisdefinitelyprovesthatyouarealwaysthewitnessing subjectorSakshi.

Whenyouareinthedark,whenyouarebehindaveil,ifanybodyenquires:‘Whoisthere?’, youwillunhesitatinglyanswer:‘ItisI’.Ifheagainasksyou:‘Whoisthere?’youwillsay:‘IamSo andSo.’This‘IamSoandSo’isamentalKalpnanaorfalsesuperimpositiononaccountof ignorance.Atfirstyouhaveexpressedspontaneouslyyourinherentfeelingofexistence,thebig infinite‘I’.Nothingcanresistthisinnatefeelingof‘AhamAsmi.’

Bywhosecommandaretheearthandthesky,thesunandthemoon,upheldintheirplaces? Bywhosecommanddotheseasnotoversteptheirlimits?Bywhosecommanddoesthesunrise punctuallyinthemorningandsetintheevening?Bywhosecommanddotheseasons,solsticesand theyearsnottransgress?BywhosecommanddoKarmasandtheirperformersandtheirfruitsnot likewisegobeyondtheirappointedtime?ItisbythecommandofBrahman—theInnerRuler, ControllerandGovernor.

Whatiscommonintrees,ants,birds,stonesandman?Existence.Atreeexists.Abird exists.Astoneexists.Amanexists.ExistenceisBrahman.

Somearerich,somearepoor.Somearehealthy,somearebornblind.Somedieateighty, somedieatten.Whatisthecauseforthisvariation?ThisclearlyprovesthetheoryofKarmathat thereisoneOmniscientLord,whoisthedispenseroffruitsofactionsofhumanbeings,whofixes thespanoflifeinaccordancewiththenatureoftheiractions,whoknowstheexactrelationbetween Karmasandtheirfruits.KarmaisJadaorinsentient.Itcertainlycannotdispensethefruitsofthe actions.

Insleeptherearenosenses,noobjects,nomindandyetyouexperiencethehighestbliss. Wherefromhaveyouderivedthebliss?ThemindrestsinBrahmanduringsleepanditisfrom BrahmanthatthisBlissisderived.

Cogito,ergosum—"Ithink,therefore,Iam."ThisisDescartes’sfundamentalbasisof philosophy.SriSankarasays:“ThisAtmancannotbeillusive,for,hewhowoulddenyit,witnesses itsrealityevenindenyingit.”

POWEROFPRAYER

Prayerelevatesthemind.Itfillsthemindwithpurity.ItisassociatedwithpraiseofGod.It keepsthemindintunewithGod.Prayercanreacharealmwherereasondarenotenter.Prayercan movemountains.Itcanworkmiracles.Itfreesthedevoteefromthefearofdeath,bringshimnearer toGodandmakeshimfeelthedivinepresenceeverywhere.Itawakensinhimthedivine consciousnessandmakeshimfeelhisessentialimmortalandblissfulnature.

ItwastheprayerofPrahladathatrenderedcooltheburningoilwhenitwaspouredonhis head.ItwastheprayerofMirathatconvertedthebedofnailsintoabedofrosesandthecobraintoa flower-garland.

BHAKTIYOGA

Prayerhastremendousinfluence.MahatmaGandhiwasagreatvotaryofprayer.Ifthe prayerissincereandifitproceedsfromthebottomofyourheart(Antarika),itwillatoncemeltthe heartoftheLord.SriKrishnahadtorunbare-footedfromDvarakaonhearingtheheart-feltprayer ofDraupadi.Youallknowthis.LordHari,themightyrulerofthisuniverse,apologisedbefore Prahladaforcomingalittlelatewhenthelatterprayed.HowmercifulandlovingistheLord!

Sayevenoncefromthebottomofyourheart:“OLord,Iamthine.Thywillbedone.Have mercyonme.IamThyservantanddevotee.Forgive.Guide.Protect.Enlighten.Trahi. Prachodayat.”Haveameek,receptiveattitudeofmind.HaveBhavainyourheart.Theprayerisat onceheardandrespondedto.Dothisinthedailybattleoflifeandrealiseyourselfthehighefficacy ofprayer.YoumusthavestrongAstikya-Buddhi(strongconvictionintheexistenceofGod).

ChristianshavedifferentprayersforgettingvariousgiftsandbountiesfromGod. Mohammedansandallreligionistshavedailyprayersatsunrise,noon,sunset,justbeforeretiringto bed,justbeforetakingfood.PrayeristhebeginningofYoga.PrayeristhefirstimportantAnga (limb)ofYoga.PreliminaryspiritualSadhanaorpracticeisprayer.

Godhelpsevenadacoitwhenheprays.PraytoGodforpurity,devotion,lightand knowledge.Youwillgetthesethings.Getupearlyinthemorningandrepeatsomeprayersfor gettingmentalandphysicalBrahmacharya.Prayinanymanneryoulike.Becomeassimpleasa child.Openfreelythechambersofyourheart.SincereBhaktasknowprettywellaboutthehigh efficacyofprayers.NaradaMuniisstillpraying.NamaDevaprayedandVittalcameoutofthe imagetoeathisfood.Ekanathprayed.LordHarishowedHisChaturbhujform.SriKrishnaserved Damajiasaservantwhenheprayed;Heplayedthepartofamenialinpayinghisduestothe Badshah.Whatmoredoyouwant?Prayferventlyrightnowfromthisverysecond.Donotdelay, friend.That‘to-morrow’willnevercome.

Thepowerofprayerisindescribable.Itsgloryisineffable.Onlysinceredevoteesrealiseits usefulnessandsplendour.Itshouldbedonewithreverence,faithandNishkama-Bhava (non-expectationoffruits),andwithaheartwetwithdevotion.Oignorantman!Donotargueabout theefficacyofprayer.Youwillbedeluded.Thereisnoarguinginspiritualmatters.Intellectisa finiteandafrailinstrument.Donottrustthis.Removenowthedarknessofyourignorancethrough thelightofprayer.

BHAKTIYOGA

Theterm‘Bhakti’comesfromtheroot‘Bhaj’whichmeans‘tobeattachedtoGod.’Bhakti istheformofsupremelovetowardsGod.Itisloveforlove’ssake.ThedevoteewantsGodandGod alone.Thereisnoselfishexpectationhere.Bhaktiisofthenatureofnectar.Itisthespontaneous outpouringoflovetowardsGod.ItispureunselfishloveorSuddhaPrem.Itisthesacredhigher emotionwithsublimesentimentsthatunitesthedevoteewiththeLord.Ithastobeexperiencedby thedevotees.

Bhaktiisthebasisofallreligiouslife.BhaktidestroysVasanasandegoism.Bhaktielevates themindtomagnanimousheights.Bhaktiisthemaster-keytoopenthechambersofwisdom. BhakticulminatesinJnana.Bhaktibeginsintwoandendsinone.ParaBhaktiandJnanaareone.

Thereisnovirtuehigherthanlove;thereisnotreasurehigherthanlove;thereisnoDharma higherthanlove;thereisnoreligionhigherthanlove;because,loveisTruthandloveisGod.Love, PremandBhaktiaresynonymousterms.Thisworldhascomeoutoflove.Thisworldexistsinlove andthisworldultimatelydissolvesinlove.Godisanembodimentoflove.IneveryinchofHis creation,youcanverilyunderstandHislove.

Alifewithoutlove,faithanddevotionisadrearywaste.Itisarealdeath.Loveisdivine. Loveisthegreatestpoweronearth.Itisirresistible.Itislovealonethatcanreallyconquertheheart ofaman.Lovesubduesanenemy.Lovecantamewildferociousanimals.Itspowerisinfinite.Its depthisunfathomable.Itsnatureisineffable.Itsgloryisindescribable.Theessenceofreligionis love.Therefore,developpurelove.

DoyoureallywantGod?DoyoureallythirstforHisDarshan?Haveyougotrealspiritual hunger?OnlyhewhothirstsfortheDarshanofGodwilldeveloplove.Untohimalone,Hewill revealHimself.Godisaquestionofsupplyanddemand.IfthereisasinceredemandforGod,the supplywillcomeatonce.

DeveloptheninemodesofBhaktigradually.HeartheLilasoftheLord:thisisSravana. SingHispraise:thisisKirtana.RememberHisNames:thisisSmarana.WorshipHislotus-feet:this isPada-seva.Offerflowers:thisisArchana.ProstrateyourselfbeforeHim:thisisVandana.Do serviceuntoHim:thisisDasya-Bhava.MakefriendshipwithHim:thisisSakhya-Bhava.Dototal unreservedself-surrenderuntoHim:thisisAtma-Nivedana.

SitnotidlyprayingtoGodtohelpthee,butbeupanddoingasGodhelpsonlythosewho helpthemselves.DothebestyoucanandleavetheresttoGod.Servethedevotees.Remainintheir company.DoJapaandKirtan.StudyRamayanaandBhagavata.LiveinBrindavanorAyodhyafor sometime.Youwillsoondevelopdevotion.

PrayferventlylikePrahlada.SinglikeRadha.RepeatHisnamesasValmiki,Tukaramand Tulsidasdid.DoKirtanlikeGauranga.WeepinsolitudelikeMirafortheseparationfromtheLord. YouwillhaveDarshanoftheLordthisverysecond.

Kindlethelightofloveinyourheart.Loveall.Includeallcreaturesinthewarmembraceof yourlove.CultivateVisvaPremorall-embracing,all-inclusivecosmiclove.Loveisamysterious divinegluethatunitestheheartsofall.Itisadivinemagicalhealingbalmofveryhighpotency. Chargeeveryactionwithpurelove.Killcunningness,greed,crookednessandselfishness. Immortalitycanbeattainedonlybyperformingactsofkindnesscontinuously.Hatred,angerand jealousyareremovedbycontinuousservicewithlovingheart.Youwillgetmorestrength,more joy,moresatisfactionbydoingkindacts.Practiceofcompassion,charitableacts,kindservices purifyandsoftentheheart,turntheheart-lotusupwardsandpreparetheaspirantforthereceptionof divinelight.

TheSastrasareendless.Thereismuchtobeknown.Timeisshort.Obstaclesaremany.That whichisessenceshouldbegrasped,justastheswantakestheessenceofmilkalonefromamixture ofwaterandmilk.ThatessenceisloveorBhakti.Drinkthisessenceandattaintheeverlasting abodeofPeaceandImmortality.

Liveinlove.Breatheinlove.Singinlove.Eatinlove.Drinkinlove.Walkinlove.Talkin love.Prayinlove.Meditateinlove.Thinkinlove.Moveinlove.Writeinlove.Dieinlove.Taste thehoneyofdivineloveandbecomeanembodimentoflove(Prema-VigrahaofPrema-Murti).

Maythefireofdevotiongrowbrighterinyouall!Mayyourheartbefilledwithdevotion! Mayyoualllivedrownedintheoceanofloveinanilluminedstate!Maytheblessingsof Bhagavatasbeuponyouall!Peacebewithyouall!

JAPAYOGA

JapaistherepetitionofanyMantraornameoftheLord.InthisIronAge,Japaisaneasy wayforGod-realisation.Tukaram,Prahlada,Valmiki,Dhruvaandseveralothersattainedsalvation byJapaalone.SriKrishnasaysintheGita, “YajnanamJapa-Yajnosmi”. AmongtheYajnas,Iam JapaYajna(Yaga)".

TherearethreekindsofJapa, viz.,verbalorloudJapa(Vaikhari),semi-verbalJapaor humming (Upamsu),andmentalJapaorsilentrepetitionthroughmind(Mansic).MentalJapais morepowerful.ItgivesarewardtenthousandtimesmorethantheloudJapa.Whenthemind wandersaimlesslytaketoloudJapa.

Japamustbecomehabitual.ItmustbedonewithSattvicordivineBhavaorfeeling,purity, PremaandSraddha.ThereisanindescribablepowerorAchintyaSaktiinthenamesofGodor Mantra.EverynameisfilledwithcountlessSaktisorpotencies.

PracticeofJaparemovestheimpuritiesofthemind,justassoapcleansestheclothofits impurities.BeregularinyourJapa.Japadestroysthesinsandbringsthedevoteefacetofacewith God.

ThenameofGodchantedcorrectlyorincorrectly,knowinglyorunknowingly,carefullyor carelessly,withBhavaorwithoutBhavaissuretogivethedesiredfruit.TheBhavawillcomeby itselfaftersometime.Getupat4a.m.anddotheJapafortwohours.Youwillgetthemaximum benefits.

ThegloryofthenameofGodcannotbeestablishedthroughreasoningandintellect.Itcan certainlybeexperiencedorrealisedonlythroughdevotion,faithandconstantrepetitionofthe Name.HavereverenceandfaithforthenameofGod.Donotargue.DevoteesofLordHarican repeattheMantras‘HariOm’or‘OmNamoNarayanaya’.DevoteesofSriRamcanrepeat‘Sri Rama’,or‘Sitaram’,or‘OmSriRam,JayaRam,JayaJayaRam.’DevoteesofSriKrishnacan repeat‘OmNamoBhagavateVasudevaya.’DevoteesofLordSivacanrepeat‘OmNamahSivaya.’ Perform200MalasofJapadaily.WearaMalaonyourneck.Malaisawhiptogoadthemind towardsGod.

Oman!TakerefugeintheName.NameandNamiareinseparable.InthisIronAge,Japais theeasiest,quickest,safestandsurestwaytoreachGodandattainimmortalityandperennialjoy. GlorytotheLord!GlorytoHisName!

SANKIRTANYOGA

SankirtanissingingGod’snamewithfeeling(Bhava),love(Prema)andfaith(Sraddha).In SankirtanpeoplejointogetherandsingGod’snamecollectivelyinacommonplace.Sankirtanis oneoftheninemodesofBhakti.YoucanrealiseGodthroughKirtanalone.Thisistheeasiest methodforattainingGod-consciousnessinKaliYugaortheIronAge “KalauKesava-Kirtanat”.

WhenseveralpeoplejointogetherandpractiseSankirtan,ahugespiritualcurrentor Mahasaktiisgenerated.Thispurifiestheheartoftheaspirantsandelevatesthemtothesublime heightsofdivineecstasyorSamadhi.Thepowerfulvibrationsarecarriedtodistantplaces.They bringelevationofmind,solace,strengthtoallpeopleandworkasaharbingerofpeace,harmony andconcord.Theyannihilatehostileforcesandquicklybringpeaceandblisstothewholeworld.

LordHarisaystoNarada, “NahamVasamiVaikuntheYoginamHridayenacha, Mad-BhaktaYatraGayantiTatraTishthamiNarada”, i.e.,“IdwellnotinVaikunthanorinthe heartsoftheYogins,butIdwellwheremydevoteessingmyname,ONarada.”

Kirtandestroyssins,VasanasandSamskaras,fillstheheartwithPremanddevotionand bringsthedevoteefacetofacewithGod.

AkhandaKirtanisverypowerful.Itpurifiestheheart.TheMahamantra: ‘HareRama, HareRama,RamaRama,HareHare—HareKrishna,HareKrishna,KrishnaKrishna,Hare Hare’or‘OmNamahSivaya’ shouldbesungcontinuouslyfor3hoursor24hours,threedaysora week,byformingbatches.Onewillleadandotherswillfollow.DoAkhandaKirtanonSundaysor holidays.Do Prabhat-Pheri Kirtaninthemorningaroundthestreets.Kirtanintheearlymorning ismoreeffectivethanatnight.

Atnight,sitbeforethepictureoftheLordalongwithyourchildren,family-membersand servants.DoKirtanforoneortwohours.Beregularinthepractice.Youwillderiveimmensepeace andstrength.

SingtheLord’sNamefromthebottomofyourheart.BewhollyandsolelydevotedtoHim. DelayinGod-realisationisextremelypainful.MergeinHim.LiveinHim.BeestablishedinHim.

Maypeaceandprosperityabideinyouall!

KALISANTARANAUPANISHAD

AttheendofDvaparaYuga,NaradawenttoBrahmaandsaid:“OLord!HowcanIcross Kaliormundaneexistenceeasily?”Brahmareplied.“Wellasked.HearkentothatwhichallVedas keepsecretandhidden,throughwhichonemaycrosstheSamsaraormundaneexistence.He destroystheevileffectsofKalithroughthemereutteringoftheword‘LordNarayana,’whoisthe primevalPurusha!”

NaradaaskedBrahma:“OvenerableLord!Whatisthename?”Brahmareplied:“The namesare: HareRama,HareRama,RamaRamaHareHare,HareKrishna,HareKrishna, KrishnaKrishnaHareHare.

ThesesixteennamesdestroytheevileffectsofKaliorsins.Thereisnobettermeansthan thisinalltheVedas.ThesesixteennamesdestroytheAvaranaorveilofignorancethathas envelopedtheJivasorthehumanbeings.Thenjustasthesunshinesfullyafterthecloudsare dispersed,soalso,ParaBrahmanorSupremeSelfaloneshinesaftertheveilisremoved."

Naradaasked.“OLord!Whataretherulestobeobservedwhenoneuttersthesenames?” Brahmareplied:"ORishiNarada!Therearenorules.Whoeverrepeatsthesenamesthreeandahalf croresor35millionsinapureoranimpurestate,isfreedatoncefromallsins.Heisatoncereleased fromallbondages.HemergeshimselfintheLordandattainsEternalBlissandImmortality".

TheJivahassixteenKalas,correspondingtowhichsixteenwordsornamesaregiveninthis Mahamantra.ThisisverygoodforrepetitionduringAkhandaKirtan.IfyourepeatthisMantra 20,000timesperdayyouwillfinishthreeandahalfcroreswithin5years.YoucansingthisMantra andcandoJapaalso.YoucanwritethisMantrainanotebookasLikhitaJapa.

ThenamesofGod,chantedinanywaycorrectlyorincorrectly,knowinglyorunknowingly, carefullyorcarelessly,issuretogivethedesiredresult.ThegloryoftheNameofGodcannotbe establishedthroughreasoningandintellect.Itcancertainlybeexperiencedorrealisedthrough devotion,faithandconstantrepetitionofthenameonly.Thepowerofnameisineffable.Itsgloryis indescribable.TheefficacyandinherentSaktiofthenameofGodisunfathomable.

MayyouattainGod-consciousnessbyrepetitionofthenamesofGodasdescribedabove. MayyouhaverealtasteforthenamesoftheLord!

ChapterIV

RAJAYOGA

Mindisamysterioussomethingwhichisreallynothingbutdoeseverything.

ItisbornofMaya.Itisaproductofignorance.ItisacompoundofVasanaandSankalpa.It isamixtureofworryandfear.ItisasolutionofAhamkara.Itisaconfection.

AbsoluteandrelativeManifestations. ATMA

MATTER

Matter,PranaandMindarethethreerelativemanifestationsoftheAbsolute.Pranaisreally amodificationormanifestationofMind.PranaisKriyaSaktiorfacultyofactions.Matteremanates fromPrana.Pranaproceedsfrommind.MatterisbelowPrana.Pranaisabovematterbutbelow mind.Pranaispositivetomatterbutnegativetomind.MindispositivetobothPranaandmatterbut negativetowill.Willisthecentreoftheego.WillistheGeneral-in-chiefwhichdirectsthemind andPranatoallpartsandinalldirections.Intuitionisabovereasonandisthechannelof communicationbetweenmanandspirit.DevelopmentoftheWill-powerbyautosuggestionisthe basicprincipleofRajaYogaorVedanta.SuperconsciousMindistherealmorSpiritofLife.

METAPHYSICSOFTHEINNERMAN

ThePhysicalbody,theastralbody,Prana,intellectorBuddhi,theinstinctivemind,the spiritualmindandthespiritarethesevenprinciplesofman.Buddhiispurereason.Theseatof Buddhiisjustbelowthecrownoftheheadinthepinealglandofthebrain.Buddhiismanifested onlyinthosepersonswhohavedevelopedrightintuitivediscriminationorViveka.Theordinary reasonoftheworldlypeopleistermedpracticalreason,whichisdenseandhaslimitations.

Pranaisthevitalforce,life-energyorJiva-Sakti.ItistheeternalsymbolofGodorBrahman. ItisHiranyagarbhaorGoldenSonofGod.Itisthelinkbetweentheastralandphysicalbodies.

PranaisdividedintophysicalPranaandpsychicPrana.Breathingisexternalmanifestationof physicalPrana.AllthoughtsareduetothevibrationsofpsychicPranaintheChitta.

ThecausalbodyorKaranaSariraisthesupportfortheastralandphysicalbodies.Willis ParaSakti.GetthisSakti—youwillgetSatorExistence.

Chittaisthesubconsciousmind.Ithastwolayers.Onelayerforemotionandtheotherfor passivememory.Theinstinctivemindisthelowernatureofhumanbeings.Itisthedesiremindor KamaManas.TheSpiritualmindisthehigherManas.Theseatofthemindistheheart.Themind connectedtotheSomachakraofthelowermostportionorundersurfaceofthebrainistermedthe organofunderstanding.ByManonasaorannihilationofthemindismeantthedestructionor dissolutionofthelowernature,desire-mind.SankhyaBuddhiorBuddhiinthelightofSankhya philosophyiswillandintellectcombined.Mindismicrocosm.MindisMaya.Mindoccupiesan intermediatestatebetweenPrakritiandPurusha,matterandSpirit.

TAMETHESIXWILDBEASTS

Youhaveawholemenageriewithin,withthelion,thetiger,theserpent,theelephant,the ape,andthepeacock.Bringthemtosubjection.Thebeautyofthefleshisreallyduetothe life-givingprinciplePrana.ThebeautyisattributabletothelightthatemanatesfromAtman.The nastybodywithoozingdischargesfromnineguttersiscomposedoffiveelements,isJada-Vastu andApavitra.Alwaysentertainthisidea.Haveaclear-cut,well-definedimage-picturelikethis. Youwillconquerlustbysuchamentaldrill.Ifyouunderstandthedoctrineofunityinvariety,if youknowthereisonlyoneMatter,oneEnergy,oneMind-substance,oneLife,oneExistence,Sat, oneReality,andifyouentertainalwayssuchathought,youcancontrolKrodha.Ifyouremember thatyouareonlyaninstrumentinthehandsofGod,thatGodiseverything,Goddoeseverything, Godisjust,thenyoucangetridofAhamkara.YoucanannihilateDveshabyPratipakshaBhavana. Looktothebrightersideofpersons.Ignorethedarkaspect.

Emotionisamotivepowerlikethesteamofanengine.Ithelpsyouinyourevolution.Hadit notbeenforthepresenceofemotionyouwouldhavepassedintoastateofpassivityorinertia.It givesapushforactionormotion.Itisablessing.Butyoumustnotbecomeapreytoemotions.You mustnotallowtheemotionstoruleoveryou.Youmustnotallowthemtobubbleout.Youmust purifyandcalmthesurgingemotions.Youmustallowittoriseslowlyandsubsidequietlyfromthe mind-ocean.Youmustkeeptheemotionunderperfectcontrol.Donotmistakephysicalsensations forhighersublimeemotions.Donotbecarriedawaybyemotions.Therearecertainpeoplewho liketohearsomenewsensationaleventsjusttoarousetheiremotions.Theyliveonemotions, otherwisetheyfeelquitedull.Thisisagreatweakness.Thismustbeeradicatediftheyliketohavea calm,quietlife.

Allevilqualitiesproceedfromanger.Ifyoucontrolanger,allevilqualitieswillvanishby themselves.

Ahamkara,Sankalpa,Vasana,Pranahaveintimateconnectionwiththemind.Therecannot beanymindwithoutthesefour.Pranaisthelifeofthemind.Ahamkaraistherootofthemind. Sankalpasarethebranchesofthetreemind.Vasanaistheseedofmind.Thisdeep-rootedtreeof

SamsaraofdireAjnanawhichramifiesinvariousdirectionswithbranchesfullofflowers,tendrils, fruits,etc.,hasthemindasitsroot.Ifthisroot-mindisdestroyed,thetreeofSamsara,thistreeof birthanddeathwillbedestroyed.Cutthisroot-mindwiththeaxeofBrahma-Jnana.Chopoffthe branches—theSankalpas—withtheknifeofVichara-Viveka.

Theever-restlessmindbecomesquiescentwhenalldesiresvanish.DesireraisesSankalpas (thoughts).Manperformsactionsforacquiringthedesiredobjects.Thusheiscaughtupinthe wheelofSamsara.ThewheelstopswhentheVasanasperish.

Justastherearedoorsinabungalowbetweentheouterandinnerrooms,soalsothereare doorsbetweenthelowerandhigherminds.WhenthemindispurifiedbythepracticeofKarma Yoga,Tapas,rightconductorthepracticeofYama,Niyama,Japa,meditation,etc.,thedoors betweenthelowerandthehighermindareopened.Discriminationbetweentherealandtheunreal dawns.Theeyeofintuitionisopened.Thepractitionergetsinspiration,revelationandhigher DivineKnowledge.

Itisextremelydifficulttohaveacalmandpuremind.Butyoumusthavesuchamind,ifyou wanttohaveprogressinmeditation,ifyoudesiretodoNishkamaKarmaYoga.Thenonlyyouwill haveaperfectinstrument,awell-controlledmindatyourdisposal.Thisisoneofthemostimportant qualificationsfortheaspirant,youwillhavetostrugglehardforalongtimewithpatienceand perseverance.NothingisimpossibleforaSadhakawhohasiron-willandstrongdetermination.

JustassoapcleansesthephysicalbodysoalsoJapaofaMantra,Dhyana,Kirtanand practiceofYamacleansethemindofitsimpurities.

CHITTA

Thesubconsciousmindistermed“Chitta”inVedanta.Muchofyoursubconsciousness consistsofsubmergedexperiences,memories-thrownintothebackgroundbutrecoverable.

Whenyoushowsymptomsoflosingyourmemory,asyougrowold,thefirstsymptomis thatyoufinditdifficulttorememberthenamesofpersons.Thereasonisnotfartoseek.Allthe namesarearbitrary.Theyarelikelabels.Therearenoassociationsalongwiththenames.Themind generallyremembersthroughassociations,astheimpressionsbecomedeepthereby.Youcan rememberinoldagesomepassagesthatyouhavereadinschoolsandcolleges.Butyoufindit difficulttorememberintheeveningapassageyouhavereadinthemorning.Thereasonisthatthe mindhaslostitsDharana-Sakti(powerofgraspingideas).Thecellshavebeendegenerated.Those whooverworkmentally,whodonotobservetherulesofBrahmacharyaandwhoareafflictedwith muchcares,worriesandanxieties,losetheirpowerofmemorysoon.Eveninoldageyoucan rememberoldeventsasthereareassociationswithevents.

Thementalprocessesarelimitedtothefieldofconsciousnessalone.Thefieldof subconsciousmentationisofamuchgreaterextentthanthatofconsciousmentation.Messages whenready,comeoutlikeaflashfromthesubconsciousmindorChittaoftheVedantins.Onlyten percentofmentalactivitiescomeintothefieldoftheconsciousness.Atleastninetypercentorour mentallifeissubconscious.Wesitandtrytosolveaproblem,andfail.Welookaround,tryagain

andagainbutfail.Suddenlyanideadawnsandleadstothesolutionoftheproblem.The subconsciousprocesseswereatwork.

Sometimesyougotosleepatnightwiththethought“Imustgetupveryearlyinthemorning tocatchatrain”.Thismessageistakenupbythesubconsciousmindanditisthissubconscious mindthatwakesyouupunfailinglyattheexacthour.Subconsciousmindisyourconstant companionandsincerefriend.Yourepeatedlyfailatnighttogetasolutionforaproblemin ArithmeticorGeometry.Inthemorningwhenyouwakeupyougetaclearanswer.Thisanswer comeslikeaflashfromthesubconsciousmind.Eveninsleepitworksincessantlywithoutanyrest. Itarranges,classifies,compares,sortsallfactsandworksoutapropersatisfactorysolution.Thisis allduetosubconsciousmind.

Withthehelpofthesubconsciousmindyoucanchangeyourviciousnaturebycultivating healthy,virtuousqualitiesthatareopposedtotheundesirableones.Ifyouwanttoovercomefear mentallydenythatyouhavefearandconcentrateyourattentionupontheoppositequality,theideal ofcourage.Whenthisisdevelopedfearvanishesbyitself.Thepositivealwaysoverpowersthe negative.Thisisaninfalliblelawofnature.ThisisPratipakshaBhavanaoftheRajaYogins.You canacquirealikingfordistastefultasksanddutiesbycultivatingadesireandtasteforthem.You canestablishnewhabits,newideals,newideasandnewtastesandnewcharacterinthe subconsciousmindbychangingtheoldones.

ThefunctionsofChittaareSmritiorSmarana,Dharana(retention)andAnusandhana (inquiryorinvestigation).WhenyourepeataMantraitistheChittathatdoestheSmarana.Itdoesa lotofwork.ItturnsoutbetterworkthanthemindorBuddhi.

Allactions,enjoymentsandexperiencesleavetheirimpressionsinthesubconsciousmind intheformofsubtleimpressionsorresidualpotencies.TheSamskarasaretherootofcausingagain Jati,lifeandexperiencesofpleasureandpain.RevivalofSamskarasinducesmemory.TheYogi divesdeepinsideandcomesindirectcontactwiththeseSamskaras.Hedirectlyperceivesthem throughtheinnerYogicVision.BySamyama(concentration,meditationandSamadhi)onthese Samskaras,heacquiresknowledgeofpreviouslives.BydoingSamyamaontheSamskarasof others,theYogigetstheknowledgeoftheirpastlivesalso.

Whenyoudesiretorememberathingyouwillhavetomakeapsychicexertion.Youwill havetogoupanddownthedepthsofthedifferentlevelsofthesubconsciousmindandthenpickup therightthingfromacuriousmixtureofmultifariousirrelevantmatter.Justasthemailsorterinthe RailwayMailServicetakesuptherightletterbymovingthehandupanddownalongthedifferent pigeon-holes,soalsothesorterinthesubconsciousmindgoesupanddownalongthepigeon-holes inthesubconsciousmindandbringstherightthingtothelevelofnormalconsciousness.The subconsciousmindcanpicktherightthingoutfromaheapofvariousmatters.

ASamskaraofanexperienceisformedordevelopedintheChittatheverymomentthe mindisexperiencingsomething.Thereisnogapbetweenthepresentexperienceandtheformation ofaSamskarainthesubconsciousmind.

SmritiofmemoryisthefunctionofChitta(subconsciousmind).Itisaseparatefacultyor categoryinVedanta.SometimesitisAntarangata(comesunderthemind).InSankhyaphilosophy itisincludedinBuddhiorMahatTattva.TheChittaofPatanjaliRishi’sphilosophyofRajaYoga (YogasChittavritti-Nirodhah)correspondstotheAntahkaranaofVedanta.

MINDANDITSMYSTERIES

Justasabusyofficerworksaloneinaroombyclosingallthedoors,soalsothebusymind worksaloneinadreambyshuttingoutallthedoorsofthesenses.

Mindisapowerbornofthesoul.ItisthroughmindthattheLordmanifestsHimselfasthe differentiateduniversewithheterogeneousobjects.

Mindismerelyabundleofthoughts.Ofallthoughtsthethought‘I’istheroot.Therefore, mindisonlythethought“I”.

MindisnothingbutacollectionofSamskarasorimpressions.Itisnothingbutabundleof habits.Itisnothingbutacollectionofdesiresarisingfromcontactwithdifferentobjects.Itisalsoa collectionoffeelingsarousedbyworldlybotherations.Itisacollectionofideasgatheredfrom differentobjects.Nowthesedesires,ideasandfeelingsconstantlychange.Someoftheolddesires areconstantlydepartingfromtheirstorehouseofthemind,andnewonesarereplacingthem.

Inthewakingstate,theseatofthemindisthebrain;inthedreamingstatetheseatofthe mindisthecerebellum;inthedeepsleepstateitrestsintheheart.

Mindalwaysattachesitselftosomethingobjective.Itcannotstandbyitself.Itisonlythis mindthatassertsitselfas‘I’inthisbody.

Thethingsthatweperceiveallroundusareonlymindinformofsubstance. Manomatram-JagatManah-KalpitamJagat.Mindcreates.Minddestroys.

Theoccultphenomenathattakeplaceinthementalworldareallbasedonscientificlaws. OccultistsandRajaYoginsshouldhaveacomprehensiveintelligentunderstandingoftheselaws. Thenonlywilltheybeabletocontrolthepsychicforceseasily.

Practiceoftelepathy,thought-reading,hypnotism,mesmerism,distanthealing,psychic healing,etc.,clearlyprovesthatmindexistsandthatahigherdevelopedmindcaninfluenceand subjugatethelowerminds.Fromtheautomaticwritingandtheexperiencesofahypnotisedperson, wecanclearlyinfertheexistenceofsubconsciousmindwhichoperatesthroughoutthetwenty-four hours.

Ifanideaisplantedinthemind,itgrowsatnightthroughtheoperationofthesubconscious mind.Thesubconsciousmindnevertakesanyrest.Itworksvigorouslythroughoutthetwenty-four hours.Thosewhoknowhowtomanipulatethissubconsciousmindcanturnouttremendousmental work.Allgeniuseshavecontrolovertheirsubconsciousmind.Youmustunderstandthewaysof

extractingworkfromthesubconsciousmind.Subconsciousmindisawonderfulunderground mentalfactory.

Mindisthegreatestforceonthisearth.Hewhohascontrolledhismindisfullofpowers.He canbringallmindsunderhisinfluence.Alldiseasescanbecuredbypsychichealing.Oneisstruck withaweandwonderatthemarvellousandmysteriouspowersofthemindofaman.Thesourceor homeorsupportofthismysteriousmindisGodorAtman.

Anyactionthatisdonebythephysicalbodyistheoutcomeofapreconceivedidea.The mindthinks,plansandschemesatfirst.Thentheactionmanifestsitself.Hewhoinventedawatchat firsthadallideasinhismindabouttheconstructionofthelever,variouswheels,dial,minute-hand, second-hand,hour-hand,etc.Theseideasmaterialisedlateronintoactuality.

Asparkoflightpresentstheappearanceofacontinuouscircleoflightifitismadetorotate quickly.Evenso,thoughthemindcanattendbuttoonethingatatime,eitherhearingorsmelling, thoughitcanadmitofbutonekindofsensationatatime,weareledtobelievethatitdoesseveral actionsatatime,becauseitmovesfromoneobjecttoanotherwithtremendousvelocity,sorapidly thatitssuccessiveattentionandpreceptionappearasasimultaneousactivity.

Thebestphilosophersandseers(Rishisandsages)areunanimouslyagreedthatthemind cannotactuallyattendtomorethanonethingatatime,butitonlyappearstobedoingsowhenitis shiftingwithprodigiousrapiditybackwardandforwardfromoneendtotheother.

Changeofthought,relaxationofmindbydwellingonthoughtsofpleasantobjects, cheerfulness,Sattvicfood,mentalrecreationofSattvicnaturearenecessaryformentalhealth.

Themindassumestheshapeofanyobjectitintentlythinksof.Ifitthinksofanorangeit assumestheshapeofanorange.IfitthinksofLordJesusontheCrossitassumestheshapeofLord JesusontheCross.Youmusttrainthemindproperlyandgiveitproperpurefoodforassimilation. HaveaDivinebackgroundofthoughtormentalimage.

Ifallthethoughtsareeliminated,thenthereremainsnothingwhichcanbecalledmind.So thoughtsarethemind.Againthereisnosuchthingasworld,independentofandapartfrom thoughts.Twothoughts,however,closelyrelatedtooneanother,cannotexistatthesametime.

Themindbecomesthatonwhichitdwells.Thisisanimmutablepsychologicallaw.Ifyou begintothinkabouttheDoshaordefectsofaman,forthetimebeingatleastyourminddwellson thebadqualitiesandbecomeschargedwiththesequalities,whetherthemanpossessesthesebad qualitiesornot.Thismaybeyourvainimaginationonlythroughyourwrongthinking,wrong Samskarasorwrong(bad)habitsofthemind.Hemaynotpossessevenabitofthebadqualities whichyouhavesuperimposedonhimthroughill-willorsomeformofjealousyor petty-mindednessorhabitualDosha-Drishtiorfault-findingnature.Therefore,giveupthe dangeroushabitofcensuringothersandfindingfaultinothers.Praiseothers.Developthepoweror visionoffindingonlygoodinothers.Donotbarklikeawilddogaboutthebadqualitiesofothers. Glorifyothers.Youwillgrowspiritually.Youwillbeliked,honouredandrespectedbyothers.

Deepsleep(Sushupti)isnotmerelyastateofinactivityorpassiverepose.Ithasdeep philosophicalsignificance.Vedantinsstudythisstateverydeeplyandcarefully.Itgivesthecluefor non-dualphilosopherstotrace,searchandfindoutthehidden,silentwitness.

Atmaniseverawake,althoughallthemindsareatrest.Motherofthisworld,Rajesvari, takestheJivasbacktoHerandHerLordduringdeepsleep,hugsthemtoHerbosom,bestowson themrefreshingpeace,newvigour,vitalityandstrengthandmakesthemquitefitfortheensuing battleoflifeonthefollowingday.Butforthissleep,lifewouldhavebeenabsolutelyimpossiblein thisphysicalplanewhenmiseries,diseases,cares,worries,fearsandanxietiesofvariouskinds troublemeneverysecond.Ifamandoesnotgetsoundsleepevenforonenight,ifheloseshissleep onenightforthreehoursbykeepingwatchoverasickpatientorattendingthecinema,how miserable,gloomy,depressedhefeelsthenextday!

MindisatomicaccordingtotheIndianschooloflogic.Itisall-pervadingaccordingtoRaja YogaschoolofPatanjaliMaharshi;itisofthemiddlingsize(samesizeasthatofthebody) accordingtotheVedanticschool.

Mindismaterial.Mindismadeupofsubtlematter.Thisdiscriminationismadeonthe principlethatthesoulistheonlysourceofintelligence:itisself-evident;itshinesbyitsownlight. Mindisformedoutofthesubtlestportionofthefood.

Mindcanbecomparedtowater.Waterexistsinfourstates,viz.,causalstate,intheformof hydrogenandoxygen;subtlestate,intheformofwater;grossstate,intheformofice:andgaseous state,intheformofvaporisedsteam.EvensothemindisinagrossstateduringJagratstatewhenit enjoyssensualobjects,isinasubtlestatewhenitfunctionsinthedreamstate,isinacausalstate whenitgetsinvolvedintoitscause,Mula-Avidya,duringdeepsleepanditevaporatesasgaswhen itmeltsordissolvesinBrahmanduringNirvikalpaSamadhi.

Justasthephysicalbodyiscomposedofsolid,liquidandgaseousmatter,soalsothemindis madeupofsubtlematterofvariousgradesofdensitywithdifferentratesofvibration.ARajaYogi penetratesthroughthedifferentlayersofthemindbyintensepractice.

Justasyounourishthephysicalbodywithfood,soalsowillyouhavetogivefoodforthe mindandspiritualfoodforthesoul.

Whenyourbusinessfails,orwhenyouareinheavygriefbythedeathofyouronlyson,you getemaciationofbodyeventhoughyoueatnourishing,substantialfood.Youfeeltremendous internalweakness.Thisclearlyprovesthatmindexistsandcheerfulnessisagoodmentalfood.

Whenaladyisdeeplyengagedinthemanagementoftheaffairsofherdaughter’smarriage, sheforgetstotakeherfood.Sheisalwayshappy.Herheartisfullofjoy.Thejoyandcheerfulness arepowerfultonicsforhermind.Shegetsinnermentalstrengthalthoughshedoesnottakeany food.

CONTROLOFMIND

Lifeinthisphysicalplaneisamerepreparationfortheeternallifeofeverlastingsunshine andjoywhichistocomewhenonegetsknowledgeoftheSelfthroughintenseandconstant meditationafterpurifyingthemind.Thisimmortallifeofsupremejoyisdescribedasthe‘Kingdom ofHeaven’intheBible.ThatKingdomofHeaveniswithinyou,inyourheart.Realisethis ImmortalLife,OSusil!bycontrollingthemind,andenjoytheSupremeBlissoftheSelf.

ThesecretsofYogaSastracanonlybeimpartedtothatstudentwhoisJita-Indriyaand Abhyasa-sura,whohasdevotiontoGuru,whohasVairagya,discrimination,whoisfirminhis determinationandwhohasstrongconvictionintheexistenceofGod.

Themindissingle,butitappearsdualindreamingstateastheperceiverandtheperceived, throughthepowerofMayaorillusion.Theminditselftakestheformsofrose,mountain,elephant, rivers,ocean,enemy,etc.Justasheatisinseparablefromfire,soalsofluctuationisinseparable frommind.Itmakesthemindrestless.ThefluctuationiscausedbythepowerofRajas.Itisthe fluctuationthatcausesAsanti(absenceofpeaceofmind).TheBhaktasremovethistossingbyJapa, UpasanaandworshipofIshtadevata.

Thepoweroffluctuationisitselfthemind.Thisfluctuatingmindaloneisthisworld.The mindbecomesnomindiffluctuationdisappears.Themindceasestoexist,ifitbecomesdestituteof thisfluctuation.WhatiscalledMayaisthisfluctuatingpotencyofthemind.Minddoeshavocs throughthepoweroffluctuation.FluctuationisMaraorSatanorVasanaorEshanaorTrishna.It wasthisfluctuationthattemptedVisvamitra.Itisthisfluctuationthatbringsaboutthedownfallofa strugglingaspirant.DestroythisfluctuationthroughstrongViveka,constantmeditationand ceaselessBrahma-Vichara.

Assoonasfluctuationmanifestsitselfvarioussortsofimaginationscropup.Imagination co-existswithfluctuation.Imaginationisasmuchdangerousasfluctuation.Fluctuationmovesthe mind.Imaginationfattensthemind.Mindminusfluctuationandimaginationisamerezero. Fluctuationandimaginationarethetwowingsofthemind-bird.CuttherightwingthroughAtmic enquiryandtheleftwingthroughthepracticeofthoughtlessness.Thegreatbird—mind—willfall deadonthespotimmediately.

Theonedividingwallbetweenthesoulandbodyismind.Ifthiswallisbrokenbyceaseless Atmicenquiry,thentheJivamixeswiththeSupremeSouljustastherivermixeswiththeocean.

Closeyoureyes.Meditate.Openyourhearttotheinflowoftheinvisiblepower.Youwill findintheBible“Emptythyself,Iwillfillthee”.Thenyouwillhaveabundant,superintuitional knowledgewhichisbeyondthereachofintellect.Justaswaterfreelyflowswhenthetapisturned soalsoDivineWisdomwillflowfreelywhentheobstaclesofignorancethatstandinthewayof knowledgeareremoved.Youwillgetflashes,glimpsesoftheDivineinspiration,revelationand intuition.Youwillhavetoputyourselfinastateofquietudebysilencingallbubblingthoughtsand emotionsandconnectthemindwiththesourcebywithdrawingthemindfromsensualobjects,just asyoudointelephonebyturningtheswitchoffandconnectingthetwopersonswhowanttospeak.

Alldualityisofmind.Thewholeofdualityiscausedbytheimaginationofthemind.Ifall imaginationsarewithdrawnintotheminditselfbyconstantpracticeofdiscrimination,Vairagya (dispassion),Sama,Dama,andSamadhana,youwillnotexperiencethedualuniverse.Themind willbecomenomind.Asithasnothingtocognise,itwillrestinthesource,theAtman.

“Mymindwaselsewhere,Ididnotsee”.“Mymindwaselsewhere,Ididnothear”;fora manseeswithhismindandhearswithhismind.

Theattractionforobjectsandthetiesofvarioussortsmakethemanboundtothisworld. RenunciationofallattractionsforobjectsandbreakingupthetiesconstituterealSannyasa.That SannyasiorYogiwhoisfreefromattractionandtiesenjoystheinfinitebliss,supremejoyand eternalbliss.

ThemindshouldbeabsorbedinthewordOm(Pranava).ThatYogiorJnaniwhosemindis absorbedinOmhasnofearwhatever.Hehasreachedthegoaloflife.

Thefireofmeditationrapidlyconsumesallevilsandsins.Thentherefollowsthat knowledgeofTruthwhichconfersperfections,everlastingpeaceandimmortality.

StoptheVrittisthroughconstantandsteadypractice.Themindwillbecomenomind.You willattainYogarudhaState(theAbsolutestate).TheseedsofAvidyaintheformofpotential tendencieswhichareembeddedinthemindareallburnttoasheswhenthemindrestsintheTruth duringSamadhi.ThefirethatburnsisthefireofknowledgeofAtman(Jnana-Agni,Yoga-Agni).

WhentheYogihasattainedthelaststageofmeditation,whenhehasenteredinto AsamprajnataSamadhi,hebecomesaJivanmuktainthisverylife.

ThefireofYogicSamadhiburnsallSamskarasintoto.Therearenownoseedsforrebirth.

SIDDHIS

Apowerfuloccultisthypnotisesthewholeaudiencecollectivelythroughhispowerof concentrationandwill,andperformstherope-trick.Hethrowsaredropeintheair,givesthe suggestiontotheonlookersthathewillclimbintheairthroughthisropeanddisappearsfromthe platform,inthetwinklingofaneye.But,whenaphotographistaken,nothingisrecorded.

Yoginsofoldentimes,likeSriJnanaDeva,Bhartrihari,PatanjaliMaharshi,usedtosend andreceivemessagestoandfromdistantpersonsthroughmind-telepathyand thought-transference.Telepathywasthefirstwirelesstelegraphandtelephoneserviceintheworld. EvennowthereareYoginswhoareversedintelepathy.Thoughttravelswithtremendousvelocity throughspace.Thoughtmoves.Thoughtisasmuchasolidmatterasapieceofstoneis.Itcanhita managainstwhomitisdirected.

Understandandrealisethepowersofthemind.Unfoldthehiddenpowersoroccult faculties.Closetheeyes.Concentrate.Explorethehigherregionsofthemind.Youcanseedistant objects,heardistantvoices,sendmessagestodistantparts,healpersonswhoareatadistance,and

moveabouttoadistantplaceinthetwinklingofaneye.Believeinthepowersofthemind.Ifyou haveinterest,attention,will-power,faithyouareboundtosucceed.Thesourceforthemindis AtmanortheHigherSelf.ThismindisbornofAtmanthroughHisMayaorillusorypower.Cosmic mindisuniversalmind.Cosmicmindisthesumtotalofallindividualminds.Cosmicmindisthe HiranyagarbhaorIshvaraorKarya-Brahman.Man’smindisjustafragmentoftheuniversalmind. ARajaYogibecomesonewiththecosmicmindandknowstheworkingsofallminds.TheYogi getsomnisciencethroughthecosmicmind.TheYogiexperiencescosmicconsciousnessthrough thecosmicmind.

Taptheuniversalmind.Youwillgethighersupersensuousknowledge.Youwillexperience cosmicconsciousness.Youwillgetknowledgeofthepast,presentandfuture.Youwillacquire knowledgeoftheTanmatras(rootelements)andmentalplane.Youwillexperienceclairvoyance andclairaudience.Youcanknowwhatisgoingoninthemindsofothers.YouwillgetDivine AisvaryaorVibhutisofGod.Therearescientificmeanstotapthisuniversalmind.Purity, concentration,dispassion,rightliving,rightthinking,rightconduct,rightaction,devotion, moderationineatingandsleeping,purityinfood,truthfulness,continence,non-injury,austerities havetoberegularlypractisedforaprotractedtime.

Lookatthemarvelsofmind!Oneisstruckwithaweandwonderwhenhewitnessesa hypnotisedpersonintranceandhearshisnarratives.Thehypnotisedpersonnarratesverylucidly thelife-historyandincidentsofapersonwhomhehasnotseeninhislife.

Amaidservant(aJew)whowasattendingonaHebrewPriestusedtoheartheHebrew versesduringherservice.Shesuddenlydevelopedadouble-personalitywhenshewassickinthe hospitalandrepeatedHebrewverses.ShedidnotknowtheHebrewlanguage.AlltheSamskaras (ofhearingfromthepriest)wereinthesubconsciousmind,andsherepeatedtheverses.No Samskarasarelost.TheyareindeliblyrecordedinthegramophonicmachineofChitta.

Apriestusedtoforgethisoldpersonalityandassumeanewpersonality,anewname,anew avocationforsixmonths.Whenhedevelopedadouble-personalityhecouldleavehisoldhouse, entirelyforgetallabouthisoldlifeandwouldreturntohisnativeplaceaftersixmonthsandwould entirelyforgetallaboutthesecondpersonalityheassumedforsixmonths.

ChapterV

SPIRITUALSADHANA

TWENTYSPIRITUALINSTRUCTIONS

1.Getupat4a.m.daily.ThisisBrahmaMuhurtawhichisextremelyfavourablefor meditationonGod.

2.ASANA:SitonPadma,SiddhaorSukhaAsanaforJapaandMeditationforhalfanhour, facingtheeastorthenorth.Increasetheperiodgraduallytothreehours.DoSirshasanaand SarvangasanaforkeepingupBrahmacharyaandhealth.Takelightphysicalexercisesaswalking, etc.,regularly.DotwentyPranayamas.

3.JAPA:RepeatanyMantraaspureOmorOmNamoNarayanaya,OmNamahSivaya,Om NamoBhagavateVasudevaya,OmSaravanabhavayaNamah,SitaRam,SriRam,HariOm,or Gayatri,accordingtoyourtasteorinclination,from108to21,600timesdaily.

4.DIETETICDISCIPLINE:TakeSattvicfood,SuddhaAhara.Giveupchillies,tamarind, garlic,onion,sourarticles,oil,mustardandasafoetida.Observemoderationindiet(Mitahara).Do notoverloadthestomach.Giveupthosethingswhichthemindlikesbestforafortnightinayear. Eatsimplefood.Milkandfruitshelpconcentration.Takefoodasmedicine,tokeeplifegoing. Eatingforenjoymentissin.Giveupsaltandsugarforamonth.Youmustbeabletoliveonrice, dhallandbreadwithoutanychutni.Donotaskforextrasaltfordhallandsugarfortea,coffee,or milk.

5.Haveaseparatemeditation-roomunderlockandkey.

6.Docharityregularly,everymonth,orevendaily,accordingtoyourmeans,saysixpaisa perrupee.

7.SVADHYAYA:StudysystematicallytheGita,Ramayana,Bhagavata, Vishnu-Sahasranama,LalitaSahasranama,AdityaHridaya,Upanishads,Yoga-Vasishtha,the Bible,ZendAvesta,theKoran,theTripitakas,theGranthSahib,etc.,fromhalfanhourtoonehour dailyandhaveSuddha-Vichara.

8.Preservethevitalforce(Veerya)veryverycarefully.VeeryaisGodinmotionor manifestation,Vibhuti.Veeryaisallpower.Veeryaismoney.Veeryaistheessenceoflife,thought andintelligence.

9.Getbyheartsomeprayer,Slokas,Stotras,andrepeatthemassoonasyousitontheAsana beforestartingJapaormeditation.Thiswillelevatethemindquickly.

10.HaveSatsanga.Giveupbadcompany,smoking,meatandalcoholicliquorsentirely.Do notdevelopanyevilhabits.

11.FastonEkadasidayorliveonmilkandfruitsonly.

12.HaveaJapaMala(rosary)roundyourneckorinyourpocketorunderneathyourpillow atnight.

13.ObserveMounaforacoupleofhoursdaily.

14.Speakthetruthatallcost.Speakalittle.Speaksweetly.

15.Reduceyourwants.Ifyouhavefourshirtsreducethenumbertothreeortwo.Leada happycontentedlife.Avoidunnecessaryworry.Haveplainlivingandhighthinking.

16.Neverhurtanybody.Controlangerbylove,Kshama(forgiveness)andDaya (compassion).

17.Donotdependuponservants.Self-relianceisthehighestofallvirtues.

18.Thinkofthemistakesyouhavecommittedduringthecourseoftheday,justbefore retiringtobed(self-analysis).Keepdailydiaryandself-correctionregister.Donotbroodoverpast mistakes.

19.Rememberthatdeathisawaitingyoueverymoment.Neverfailtofulfilyourduties. Havepureconduct(Sadachara).

20.ThinkofGodassoonasyouwakeupandjustbeforeyougotosleep.Surrenderyourself completelytoGod(Saranagati).

ThisistheessenceofallspiritualSadhanas.ThiswillleadyoutoMoksha.Allthese Niyamasorspiritualcanonsmustberigidlyobserved.Youmustnotgiveleniencytothemind.

RESOLVES

Thespiritualpathisthorny,precipitousandrugged.Temptationswillassailyou.Yourwill, sometimes,willbecomeweak.Sometimes,therewillbedownfallorabackwardpullbythedark Asuricantagonisticforces.Inordertostrengthenyourwillandresisttheunfavourablecurrents,you willhavetomake,againandagain,freshresolves.ThiswillhelpyoutoascendtheladderofYoga, vigorouslyandquickly.Herearesomeresolves.Sticktothemtenaciously.Watchthemind carefullyandkeepadailyspiritualrecord.

1.Imustgetupat4a.m.todayforpractisingmeditation.(Iwillhaveanalarmtime-piece).

2.IwillcertainlyobserveBrahmacharyaforamonth.

3.Iwill,atanycost,speakthetruthtoday.

4.Iwillnotspeakharshorvulgarwordstoday.

5.Iwilldo21,600(200Mala)JapathisSunday.

6.IwillobservecompleteMounathisSunday.

7.IwillliveonmilkandfruitsthisEkadasi.

8.IwillfinishthestudyofthewholeofGitaonthisSunday(Svadhyaya)andwritemyIshta MantraorGuruMantrafor2hours.

9.Iwillspendone-tenthofmyincomeoncharitythismonth.

10.Iwilltakeonlythreethingstoday—dhallandbreadinthenoonandmilkatnight.

11.Iwillnotuseshoesandbed-steadtoday.

12.Iwillnotbecomeangrytoday.

Iwillgiveupnightmealsanddo10MalasofJapaifIbreakanyofmyresolves.

Whenyoumaketheseresolves,standbeforetheLord’spicturewithfoldedhandsandpray devoutlyforHisgraceandmercy.Youwilldoubtlessgetimmensestrengthtocarryoutthese resolves.

Evenifyoufailinyourattempt,donotbediscouraged.Everyfailureisastepping-stonefor success.Makeafreshresolveagainwithmorefirmandfierydetermination.Youareboundto succeed.Conquestoveroneweaknesswillgiveyouadditionalstrengthandwill-forcetogetover anotherweaknessordefect.Thebabytriestowalk,getsupandfallsdown.Againitmakesanother attempt.Eventuallyitwalkssteadily.Evenso,youwillhavetofalldownandgetup,againand again,whenyouwalkinthespiritualpath.Inthelongrun,youwillsteadilyclimbuptothesummit ofthehillofYogaandreachthepinnacleofNirvikalpaSamadhi.

MaytheLordgiveyoustrengthofwilltocarryoutyourresolves!

MESSAGESOFVAIRAGYA

Thereisnotevenaniotaofblissinthisworld.Everythingisillusoryinthisuniverse.All worldlythingsaregenerativeofpainonlyandfraughtwithalldangers.Thislifeisephemeral. Thereisnothingsobanefulasthislifewhichisperishableinitsnature.Whatbeautyistheretobe enjoyedinthisbodywhichiscomposedofbloodandfleshandwhichhasatendencytorot?Even themostvirulentpoisonisnopoisonbutthesensualobjectistrulyso.Theformerkillsonlyone body,whereas,thelatterdestroysmanybodiesinsuccessivebirths.

Fieonthisunevenlifewhichisattendedwithpains,sorrows,diseasesanddeath.You cannotfindoneobjectinthisuniversewhichissweetandbeneficialforonetwinklingoftheeyeat least.Eventhegreatestofpersonswill,incourseoftime,becomedust—thelowestofthelow. Emperors,poets,scientists,oratorsandintellectualgiantshavecomeandgone.

Itisverydifficulttogetahumanbirth.Thispreciouslifeismeantforattaining Self-realisation.Ignorantpersons,likeinnocentchildrenthatdotasteagainandagainsweetmeats whichgivesweetnessforthetimebeing,indulgethemselvesinillusory,transient,sensualpleasures andarecaught,againandagain,inthewheelofbirthsanddeaths.Theyarenotashamedtorepeat thesamesensualact.Whatamiserablelifetheylead!Howpitiableistheirlot.!

Youareelatedwhenyougetason,whenyougetmarried,whenyougetsomesudden fortuneorincreaseinsalary;butyoufeelsorrywhenyourwifedies,whenyouloseyourmoney, whenyouarethrownoutofemployment,whenyousufferfromsomeacutepain.

Nowtellme,friend,whatdoyoureallyfindinthisillusoryworld—happinessorpain?Have younowunderstoodtheillusorynatureofthisworld?Thisworldisamereshow.Themindandthe sensesaredeceivingyouateverymoment.Youhavemistakenpainforpleasure.Thereisnoteven aniotaofhappinessinthisuniverse.

Willyourson,ordaughter,orfriend,orrelative,helpyouwhenyouareabouttodie?Have yougotone,sincere,unselfishfriendinthisworld?Allareselfish.Thereisnopurelove.Butthat Lord,yourrealimmortalfriendandfatherwhodwellsinyourheart,willneverforsakeyouthough youmayforgetHim.AdoreHiminsilence,thatGodofgods,thatDivinityofdivinities,Highestof themosthigh.MayHeblessyouwithHislove,wisdom,powerandpeace!

Byindiscriminateclingingtowife,children,house,wealthandproperty,youhaveforgotten allaboutyouressentialdivinenature.Inyouthyouareenvelopedinignorance;inadultageyouare entangledinthemeshesofwomen;inoldageyouaregroaningundertheburdenofSamsara.When youwillfindtime,friend,todovirtuousactionsandworshipGod?

Sensualpleasureismomentary,deceptive,illusoryandimaginary.Agrainofpleasureis mixedwithamountainofpain.Enjoymentcannotbringsatisfactionofdesires.Onthecontrary,it makesthemindmorerestlessthroughintensecraving.Sensualpleasureisthecauseofbirthsand deaths.Itisanenemyofpeaceandknowledge.

Abandontheseselfishstrugglesandschemesforamassingwealth.Doallactionswith NishkamaBhava.Marchdirectlytothatwire-puller(God),whoismovingthesetoysoffleshy humanbodies,whoiskeepingupthisbigshow,whoisbehindthispageant.InHimonlyyouwill findeverlastinghappinessandperennialjoy.MergeinHimbypractisingdailyJapaand Meditation.

Giveupclingingtothisillusorylife.TakerefugeinGod.Developlasting,sustained dispassion(Vairagya)orindifferencetosensualenjoymentshereinandhereafter.Youhavehad countlessfathers,mothers,wivesandchildreninthepast.Youcamealone.Youwillgoalone.No onewillfollowyousaveyourownactions.WorshipGod.RealiseHim.Allmiserieswillcometoan end.

ORam!Doyounotwishtoattaintheillimitablekingdomofeternalblissandperennialjoy? Doyounotlongtoattaineverlastingpeaceandimmortality?Doyounotdesiretodwellinthat

sweetabodeofBrahmanwherethereisneitherpainnorsorrow,neitherhungernorthirst,neither fearnorgrief,neitherdoubtnordelusion?

Thencome,mybelovedRam!Develop,real,lastingVairagya(dispassionormental non-attachment)bylookingintothedefectsofsensuallife(DoshaDrishti)andthroughassociation withSages,SadhusandSannyasins(Satsanga).Serve.Love.Give.Bekind.Begood.Dogood. PractisevigorousJapaandmeditationandattainGod-consciousnessorSelf-realisation(Brahma jnana)inthisverybirth.

Mayyouallpossessthatmaster-key,VairagyatoopentherealmsofBrahmicbliss!

MayyouallattainKaivalyaorAtma-Svarajyaorindependence!Mayyoualldwellinthe immaculateBrahmicseatofineffablesplendourandglory!

LIVEWISELY

Minusskin,minusdress,minusornaments,physicalbeautyisnothing.Justimaginefora momentthattheouterskinisremoved.Youwillhavetostandwithalongsticktodriveawaycrows andvultures.Physicalbeautyissuperficial,illusoryandfading.Itisskin-deeponly.Donotbe deludedbyexternalappearances.ItisthejuggleryofMaya.Gotothesource—Atman,theBeauty ofbeauties,theEverlastingbeauty.

Ifyourhairsbecomegrey,thatisthefirstwarrantfromLordYama,theGodofDeath.You mustgetyourselfreadytomeethim.Thewrinklesonthefaceandthebendingofthebodywill remindyouofthewarrant.Whentheteethfallandtheeyesightbecomesdim,youmustbefully preparedtogreethim.Youwillgetthreehiccupsorfinalpassingofbreathslyingonthebed.When thelasthiccupcomes,allyourpossessionwillbetakenawaybyyoursonsandpartners.Onewill runafterthesavingsbankpass-book,anotherwilltakeholdofthecashchest,thethird,ofyour providentfundpapersandinsuranceclaims,thefourth,oftheornamentsthatlieonyourpersonand soon.Suchislifeonthisearth-plane.Whycan’tyouseethatthemoneyiswellspentforyour spiritualprogressandtheserviceofthepoorandtheMahatmas?Friends!Trytoattainimmortality throughdevotion,meditation,purity,service,Japa,prayerandenquiry.Alltroublesandmiseries willcometoanend.

ONectar’ssons!Enoughofthismundanelife.Enoughofthislifeofpassioninthis earth-plane.Youhavespentyourwholelife,energyandtimeinobtainingmaterialwealth,power, nameandfame.Allyoureffortshavegoneinvain.Allyourwealthisonlyabrokenshellwhen comparedwiththeinexhaustibleorsupremewealthofAtman.Obtainthisspiritualwealth.Giveup thisvainselfishstruggle.Youhavewalkedtoolongwithpassionateeyesinthisuniverse.Giveup thislustfullook.Meditate.LookwithinnowandbeholdthemarvellousSelfandbefree.

AtmanorBrahmanorSupremeSelfisthehiddentreasure.Itisthepearlofincalculable value.Itisthejewelofjewels.Itisthegemofgems.Itistheimperishable,inexhaustible,supreme wealthwhichnodacoitcanrob.ItisChintamaniofChintamanisthatwillgivemanwhateverhe wishes.

Brahmanisbeyondspeech,timeandcausation.Itislimitless.ItistranquilandItshineswith equaleffulgenceinallbodies.Itcannotbeaparticularthing.ItisChaitanyaorpureconsciousness. ItisVastu.ItisSat-Chit-Ananda.

KnowingthenatureofBrahmanorAtmanassuch,attainfreedomorperfection.Think yourselfbodiless.IdentifyyourselfwiththeSupreme.Achievepeaceandeternalblissofyour all-pervadingsoul.

Mayyouallleadthedivinelifesharingwhatyouhavewithothers,singingtheLord’sname, rejoicinginHimaloneandmeltingthemindintheSupremeSelf!

MESSAGEOFBRAHMACHARYA

Brahmacharyaispurityinthought,wordanddeed.Brahmacharyaincludesthecontrolof notonlythesexorreproductiveIndriyabutalsootherIndriyas.Thisisthedefinitionof Brahmacharyainabroadsense.Brahmacharyaisoftwokindsviz.,physicalandmental.Physicalis controlofthebodyandmentalisthecontrolofevilthoughts.InmentalBrahmacharyaevena lustfulthoughtwillneverenterthemind.Freedomfromallsexualthoughtsinwakingaswellas dreamingstatesisstrictBrahmacharya.

Thevitalenergy,theVeerya,whichsupportsyourlife,isagreattreasureforyou.Itisthe quintessenceofblood.Brahmacharyaistrulyapreciousjewel.Itisthemosteffectivemedicineor nectarwhichdestroysdiseases,decayanddeath.ThisAtmaorimmortalsoulisverilythenatureof Brahmacharya.AtmaresidesinBrahmacharya.

Veeryaistheessenceoflife,thought,intelligenceandconsciousness.WhentheVeeryais oncelost,itcanneverberecoupedinyourlifetimebyyourtakinganyamountofBadam,nervine tonics,milk,cream,Makaradhvaja,etc.Thisfluid,whenpreservedcarefully,servesasa master-keyforyoutoopenthedoorsofelysianblissortherealmsofGodorAtmaandforallsorts ofhigherachievementsinlife.ByBrahmacharyaalonetheRishisofyorehaveconquereddeathand attainedtheimmortalabodeofjoyandbliss.

YoucannothavehealthandspirituallifewithoutBrahmacharya.Brahmacharyaisthe key-noteofsuccessineverywalkoflife.Brahmacharyaservesasagatewayforblissbeyond.It opensthedoorofMoksha(emancipation).SiddhisandRiddhis(psychicpowers)rollunderthefeet ofaBrahmacharin.WhocandescribethemajestyandgloryofaBrahmachari?Brahmacharyaor spotlesschastityisthebestofpanaceas.Thereisnothinginthisworldthatcannotbeattainedbya celibate.Hecanmovethewholeworld.

Sensualitydestroyslife,lustre,strength,vitality,memory,wealth,fame,holinessand devotiontotheSupreme.Deathishastenedbylettingoutvitalenergyfromthebody.Lifeissaved andprolongedbypreservingit.ThosewhohavelostmuchoftheirVeeryaorthevitalenergy becomeeasilyirritableandlazy.Theyeasilysuccumbtoanydisease.Theymeetwithpremature death.

Haveyourealised,mydearfriend,theimportanceandgloryofBrahmacharya?Haveyou recognisedthetruesignificanceofBrahmacharya?Howcanyouexpecttobestrongandhealthyif thepreciousenergythatisacquiredthroughvariousmeanswithgreatdifficultyiswasteddaily?

Whatdowefindinthesedays?Men,women,boysandgirlsaredrownedintheoceanof impurethoughts,lustfuldesiresandlittlesensualpleasures.Itishighlydeplorableindeed.Many collegestudentshavepersonallycometomeandnarratedtheirpitiablelivesofgloomand depressionbroughtaboutbyheavylossofsementhroughunnaturalmeans.Personsarephysically, mentallyandmorallydebilitatedbecauseofthewantofBrahmacharyaorbecauseofwastingthe seminalpower.Suchpersonsbecomeeasilyirritableforlittlethings.Theyfallavictimtovarious diseasesandprematuredeath.Iappealtotheparents,theteachersandtheprofessorstoinstructand guidetheirchildreninBrahmacharyaatthepropertimeandsavethem.Throughthemthecountryis saved.Youthsarethefuturehopeofthecountry.Iftheyareinspiredthewholenationisinspired andelevated.

Itisquitepossibleforamantopractisecelibacyalbeittherearevarioussortsoftemptations anddistractions.Awell-disciplinedlife,studyofScriptures,Satsanga,Japa,Dhyana,Sattvicdiet, dailyself-analysis,practiceofsadachara,andthethreekindsofTapasandsuchotherspiritual discipline,pavealongwayintheattainmentofthisend.

Thepracticeofcelibacyisnotattendedwithanydangeroranydiseaseoranyundesirable result,suchasthevarioussortsof‘complex’whicharewronglyattributedbytheWestern psychologiststoit.Theyhavenopracticalknowledgeofthesubjectonhand.Theyhavegota wrongill-foundedimaginationthattheungratifiedsex-energyassumesvariousformsofcomplexes indisguise,suchas,touch-phobia,etc.Itisamorbidstateofmindduetoexcessiveanger,hatred, jealousy,worryanddepressionbroughtaboutbyvariouscauses.

Householderswhoaremoderateintheirsexualenjoyment,whoarefreefromanimal passion,whoaredesirousofprogenytokeepupthelineonly,arealsoBrahmacharins.Thisisalso BrahmacharyaVrata.Assoonasasonordaughterisborn,thewifebecomeshismother.

Donotlookatobscenepictures.Donotspeakvulgarwords.Donotreadnovelsthatexcite passionandproduceignoble,undesirablesentimentsinthemind.Shunbadcompany.Donotgoto Cinemas.Giveuponions,garlic,hotcurries,chutniesandspiceddishes.Takewholesome,bland Sattvicfood.Transmutethesex-energyintospiritualenergy(Ojas)bysublimethoughts,practiceof Japa,Kirtan(singingGod’sName),VicharaorAtmicenquiry,Pranayama(restraintofbreath), Sirshasana,Sarvangasana,studyofGita,Upanishadsandotherreligiousbooks.Have Satsanga—associationwithMahatmas,YoginsandSadhus.Youwillbeestablishedin Brahmacharya.Therewillbesublimationofsex-energy.

GlorytoBrahmacharya!GlorytoBrahmacharinswhoareveritablegodsonearth!Mayyou allattainimmortalitybyleadingalifeofBrahmacharyaoridealdivinelifewhileremaininginthe world!!

UPADESAMRITAM

InthenameofTapascharya(austerities)donotspoilyourhealth.Constantrepetitionof “VairagyaDindima”ofSriSankara,withfeeling,studyof“VairagyaSataka”ofBhartrihariand “VairagyaPrakarana”ofYoga-Vasishtha,reflectionontheSlokasofGitawhichtreatofVairagya, andfindingoutthedefectsinthesensuallifewillsurelyintensifyyourVairagya.

Spiritualgrowthisgradual.Thereisprogressiveevolution.Youshouldnotbeinafeverish hurrytoaccomplishgreatYogicfeatsorenterintoNirvikalpaSamadhi(superconsciousstate)in twoorthreemonths.YouwillhavetoascendtheladderofYogastepbystep.Youwillhaveto marchinthespiritualpathstagebystage.

Thisworldisyourbestteacher.Youwillhaveyettolearnmanylessonsfromthisworld. TheworldlydutiesarenottieswhendoneinthespiritofNishkamaKarmaYoga(selflessservice). YouarenotrequiredtorenouncetheworldandtakeshelterintheHimalayancavestoclaimback yourlostdivinity.Thesecretofrenunciationisrenunciationofegoismanddesires.Liveinthe worldbutbenotworldly-minded.Hewho,livinginthemidstofthetemptationsofthisworld, attainsperfection,isatrueheroindeed.

Guru’sgraceisneededbythedisciple.Thisdoesnotmeanthatthediscipleshouldsitidle andexpectamiraclefromtheGurutopushhimdirectlyintoSamadhi.TheGurucannotdoSadhana orthespiritualpracticeforthestudent.Hecanguidetheaspirant,clearhisdoubts,pavetheway, removesnares,pitfallsandobstaclesandthrowlightonthepath.Thedisciplehimselfwillhaveto placeeachfootstepinthespiritualpath.Hewillhimselfhavetoplacehisfootstepineachrungof theladderofYoga.

Knowthingsintheirproperlight.Donotbedeluded.Emotionismistakenfordevotion; violentjumpingintheairduringSankirtanfordivineecstasy;fallingdowninswoononaccountof exhaustionfromtoomuchjumpingforBhavaSamadhi;Rajasicrestlessnessandmotionfordivine activitiesandKarmaYoga;TamasicmanforSattvicman;movementofairinthebackdueto rheumatismforascentofKundalini;TandrianddeepsleepforSamadhi;Manorajyaorbuilding castlesintheairformeditation;physicalnudityfortheJivanmuktistate.

Understandthelawsoftheuniverse.Movetactfullyinthisworld.Learnthesecretsof Nature.Trytoknowthebestwaystocontrolthemind.Conquerthemind.Conquestofmindis reallyconquestofnatureandtheworld.Conquestofmindwillenableyoutogotothesourceof Brahmanandyoucanrealise:“Iamtheall-pervadingSat-Chit-AnandaAtmanortheSelf”.

Learntodiscriminateandbecomewise.Fightouttheinnerbattle,againandagain,and comeoutvictorious,OSushil!

MayyouallbecomedynamicYoginsandradiatejoyandpeacetoallcornersoftheworld!

PRACTICALSPIRITUALINSTRUCTIONS

Thouartdivine.Liveuptoit.Feelandrealisethydivinenature.Donotmurmurwhenyou getdifficulties,troubles,tribulationsanddiseases.Everydifficultyisanopportunityforyouto developyourwillandpowerofenduranceandtogrowstrong.Conquerthedifficultiesonebyone. Thisisthebeginningofanewlife,alifeofexpansion,gloryanddivinesplendour.Aspireanddraw. Grow.Expand.Buildupallpositivequalities,theDaiva-Sampatti, viz.,fortitude,patienceand courage,thataredormantinyou.Treadthespiritualpathandrealise:‘IamtheImmortalSelf."

Neverweepevenifyouloseyournearanddearrelations.Birthsanddeathsarethetwo illusoryscenesinthemarvellousdramaofthisworld.TheyareallthejuggleryofMaya.Inreality nobodycomesandnobodygoes.Atmanaloneexists.AtmanisBrahmanortheImmortalSoul.

Behopefulalways.Facealldifficulties,tribulationsandanxietiesinlifewithasmile. Alwaysrepeattheformula“Eventhiswillpassaway.”Youwillthenbealwaysbeyondgriefand sorrow.

Painisablessingindisguise.Painisaneye-opener.Painisyoursilentteacher.Painwill turnyourmindtowardsGod.ManyoldKarmashavetobepurgedoutquicklybythethirsting aspirantbeforeheattainstheblissfulSamadhi(superconsciousstate).Therefore,thethirsting aspirantonlywillgetmoretroubles.Becomeaspiritualwarriorandchopoffthethoughtsand subtleformsofsecretdesiresforenjoyment.Agloriousbrilliantfutureisawaitingyou.

Conquerdifficultiesonebyone.Standadamant.Rootyourselfintheimmortal Sat-Chit-AnandaAtmanorSelfwithin.Developamagnanimous,serene,calmandpoisedmental state.Sing“Anandoham,Anandoham—Iamallbliss.Iamallbliss.”

Toliveistofightfortheidealandgoal.Lifeisconquest.Lifeisaseriesofawakenings. Conqueryourmindandthesenses.Theseareyourrealenemies.Liveunderlifelongvows.Conquer yourinternalandexternalnature.FightagainsttheantagonisticdarkevilforcesthroughJapaand meditation.

IfyouarefirminyourresolvestoreachthehighestgoalofYoga,ifyouhavefirm determinationtoattaintheaimofspirituallife,youwillriseupagainandmarchforwardevenifyou haveatemporaryfall.Feelthedivinewithinyou.Openyourselffullytothedivineinfluence. DevelopburningdesirefortheattainmentofGod-consciousnessandburningdispassion (Vairagya)forworldlyenjoyments.Abandonallworldlyambitionsandmundanedesires.Soar highalwaysintherealmsofhigherspiritualknowledge.Showyourmanliness,moralcourageand spiritualstrengthnow,ORam!

Spirituallifeisnotmereidletalk.Itisnotmeresensation.ItisactuallivinginAtman.Itisa transcendentalexperienceofunalloyedbliss.

Mayyouallbecomeimmortalanddrinkdeepthedivinenectarofperennialjoyandeternal bliss!

LIVEINGOD

ImmortalSelf.

Thereisamakerforapotoratable.So,theremustbeacreatorforthismarvellousworld also.ThatcreatorisGOD.

Godisthewire-puller(Sutradhara)standingbehindthemachineofthisworld.Heisthe indwellerofyourheart.Hepresidesoverallactions(Karma-dhyaksha).Heisthedispenserofthe fruitsofyouractions.LiveinGodbysingingHisname,repeatingHisMantraandsurrenderingthe fruitsofyouractionsuntoHim.

TheLordabidesineverycreature.BeholdtheLordinallobjects,inallmanifestations.Heis inthebreath,inthevoice,intheeyes.HeistheLifeofyourlife,Soulofyoursoul.Makeno distinctionbetweenaHinduandaMussalman,aProtestantandaCatholic,aSaiviteanda Vaishnavite.

WithinyouisthehiddenGod.Withinyouistheimmortalsoul.Withinyouisthe inexhaustiblespiritualtreasure.Withinyouisthefountainofjoyandhappiness.Withinyouisthe oceanofbliss.Lookwithinforthehappinessyouhavesoughtinvainintheperishablesensual objects.RestpeacefullyinyourownAtmaanddrinkthenectarofImmortality.

InsureyourlifewithGod.DependuponHimalone.Allotherinsurancecompanieswillfail, butthisDivineCompanywillneverfail.YouneednotpayanypremiumtothisDivineCompany. YouwillhavetoloveGodonly.YouwillhavetogiveHimyourheart.

Satyam(truth)istheseed.Brahmacharya(celibacy)istheroot.Meditationistheshower. Santi(peace)istheflower.Moksha(salvation)isthefruit.Therefore,speaktruth.Practise Brahmacharyaandmeditation.CultivateSanti.Youwillsurelyattainthefinalemancipationor freedomfromthetrammelsofbirthsanddeathsandenjoyeternalbliss,supremepeace,perennial joyandimmortality.

SurrendereverythinguntoHim.PlaceyouregoatHisfeetandbeatease.Hewilltake completechargeofyou.LetHimmouldyouinanywayHelikes.LetHimdoexactlyasHewills. Hewillremovealldefectsandweaknesses.Hewillplaybeautifullyinthisbodyflute.Hearthe marvellousmusicofthefluteoftheLord—themysteriousmusicofthesoul—andrejoice.

Peaceisadivineattribute.Itisaqualityofthesoul.Itcannotremainwithgreedypersons.It fillsthepureheart.ItisasweetcompanionofsagesandYogins.Itdesertsthelustful.Itrunsaway fromtheselfish.ItisanornamentofaParamahamsa.

“Asyouthink,soyoubecome.”Thisistheimmutablepsychologicallaw.Yourthoughts makeyourlife.Youcanchooseyourthoughts.Youcanchooseyourmodeofthinking.Youcan makeyourlifeasyouchoose.Ifyouentertainevilthoughts,youwillleadamiserablelife.Ifyou cultivatesublimethoughts,youwillattainGodhead.

Mayyouallprospergloriously!MayyouallleadthedivinelifesingingHari’sName, servingthepoorandthesickwithAtmaBhava,sharingwhatyouhavewithothersandmeltingthe mindintheLordthroughsilentmeditation!

UNIVERSALLOVE

TheonlySaraVastuinthisworldisPremaorlove.Itiseternal,infiniteandundecaying. PhysicalloveispassionorMohaorinfatuation.Universalloveisdivinelove.Cosmiclove,Visva Prema,universallovearesynonymousterms.GodisLove.LoveisGod.Selfishness,greed, egoism,vanity,prideandhatredcontracttheheartandstandinthewayofdevelopinguniversal love.

Developuniversallovegraduallythroughselflessservice,Satsanga(associationwith Mahatmas),prayer,recitationofGuruMantra,etc.Whentheheartiscontractedthrough selfishness,manloveshiswife,children,afewfriendsandrelationsonly,inthebeginning.Ashe evolves,helovesthepeopleofhisowndistrict,thenthepeopleofhisownprovince.Lateron,he developsloveformenofhisowncountry.Eventuallyhebeginstolovepeopleofdifferent countries.Inthelongrun,hebeginstoloveall.Hedevelopsuniversallove.Allthebarriersare brokennow.Heartexpandsinfinitely.

Itisveryeasytotalkofuniversallove.Butwhenyouwanttoputitinactualpractice,it becomesextremelydifficult.Petty-mindednessofallsortscomesintheway.Old,wrong Samskaras(impressions)whichyouhavecreatedbyyourwrongmodeoflifeinpast,actas stumblingblocks.Throughirondetermination,strongwill-power,patience,perseveranceand Vichara(rightenquiry),youcanconquerallobstaclesquiteeasily.ThegraceoftheLordwill descendonyouifyouaresincere,mydearfriends!

UniversalloveterminatesinAdvaiticunityoronenessorUpanishadicconsciousnessof SeersandSages.Pureloveisagreatleveller.Itbringsequality.Hafiz,Kabir,Mira,Gouranga, Tukaram,Ramdas,allhavetastedthisuniversallove.Whatothershaveachieved,youcanalso attain.

Feelthatthewholeworldisyourbody,yourownhome.Meltordestroyallbarriersthat separatemanfromman.Ideaofsuperiorityisignoranceordelusion.DevelopVisvaprema, all-embracinglove.Unitewithall.Separationisdeath.Uniteineternallife.Feelthatthewhole worldisVisvabrindavan.FeelthatthisbodyisamovingtempleofGod.Whereveryouare,whether athome,office,railwaystationormarket,feelthatyouareinthetemple.Consecrateeveryactasan offeringuntotheLord.TransmuteeveryworkintoYogabyofferingitsfruitstoGod.Have Akartri-SakshiBhava,ifyouareastudentofVedanta.HaveNimittaBhava,ifyouareastudentof BhaktiMarga.FeelthatallbeingsareimagesofGod. Isa-VasyamidamSarvam—thisworldis indweltbytheLord.FeelthatonepowerorGodworksthroughallhands,seesthroughalleyes, hearsthroughallears.Youwillbecomeachangedbeing.Youwillenjoythehighestpeaceand bliss.

MayLordHaritakeyoualltoHisbosomandbatheyouwiththewatersofsweetlove!

Mayyourheartbefilledwithcosmiclove!

PRACTICEOFMEDITATION

MeditationistheonlyroyalroadtotheattainmentofsalvationorMoksha.Meditationkills allpains,sufferings,thethreekindsofTaapas(fevers)andthefiveKleshas(sorrows).Meditation givesthevisionofunity.Meditationproducessenseofoneness.Meditationisanaeroplanethat helpstheaspiranttosoarhighintherealmsofeternalblissandeverlastingpeace.Itisamysterious ladderthatconnectsearthandheavenandtakestheaspiranttotheimmortalabodeofBrahman.

MeditationisthecontinuousflowofonethoughtofGodorAtman,likethecontinuousflow ofoilfromonevesseltoanother(Tailadharavat).MeditationfollowsConcentration.

Practisemeditationintheearlymorningfrom4to6(Brahma-Muhurta).Thisisthebest timeforthepracticeofmeditation.

SitonPadmaorSiddhaorSukhaAsana.Keepthehead,neckandthetrunkinastraightline. ConcentrateeitherontheTrikuti—thespacebetweenthetwoeyebrows—orintheheart,with closedeyes.

Meditationisoftwokinds,viz.,SagunaDhyana(concretemeditation)andNirgunaDhyana (abstractmeditation).InconcretemeditationtheYogistudentmeditatesontheformofSriKrishna, Rama,Sita,Vishnu,Siva,GayatriorDevi.Inabstractmeditation,hemeditatesonhisownSelfor Atman.

PlacethepictureofLordHariwithChaturbhujainfrontofyou.Gazeatthispicturesteadily forfiveminutes,thenclosetheeyesandvisualisethepicture.Duringvisualisationmovethemind onthevariouspartsofVishnu.SeewiththemindHisfeetfirst,theninthefollowingorder:Hislegs, Hisyellowsilkcloth,HisgoldennecklacesetwithKaustubhagemonthebreast,theearring MakaraKundala,thentheface,thenthecrownonthehead,thenthediscintherightupperhand, thentheconchintheleftupperhand,thenthemaceinthelowerrighthand,thenthelotusinthe lowerlefthand.Thencomedowntothefeetandrepeattheprocessagainandagain.Finallyfixthe mindeitheratthefeetortheface.RepeattheMantramentally:“HariOm”or“OmNamo Narayanaya”.ThinkoftheattributesoftheLordsuchasOmnipotence,Omnipresence,Purity,etc.

MeditateonOmanditsmeaningwithfeeling.ThisisNirgunaDhyana.RepeatOm mentally.IdentifyyourselfwithAtman.Feel,“Iamtheall-pervadingimmortalSelforAtman.Iam Sat-Chit-AnandaBrahman.IamSakshiorsilentwitnessofthreestatesandallmodificationsofthe mind.Iampureconsciousness.Iamdistinctfromthebody,mind,Pranaandsenses.Iamthe self-luminousLightoflights.IamtheEternalSupremeSoul.

Ifyouhavecontentment,cheerfulness,patience,unruffledstateofmind,sweetvoice, one-pointednessofmind,lightbody,fearlessness,desirelessness,disgustforworldlythings,know thatyouareadvancinginthespiritualpathandthatyouarenearingGod.

Beregularinyourmeditation.Regularityisthekeytosuccess.Regularityisofparamount importance.MayyouallbeestablishedinSamadhi(superconsciousstateofbliss)throughregular meditation!

THYREALNATURE

ReligionisfaithforknowingandworshippingGod.Itisnotamatterfordiscussionataclub table.ItistheperceptionandrealisationoftheTrueSelf.Itisthefulfilmentofthedeepestcravingin man.Therefore,holdreligionasthegoalofyourlife.Liveeverysecondofyourlifeforits realisation.Lifewithoutreligionisrealdeath.

Analyseyourthoughts.Scrutinizeyourmotives.Removeselfishness.Calmthepassions. ControltheIndriyas.Destroyegoism.Serveandloveall.Purifyyourheart.Cleansethedrossof yourmind.Hearandreflect.Concentrateandmeditate.AttainSelf-realisation.

Thereissomethingdearerthanwealth.Thereissomethingdearerthanyourwife.Thereis somethingdearerthanyourchildren.Thereissomethingdearerthanyourlifeitself.Thatdearest somethingisthyownSelf(Atman)—InnerRuler(Antaryamin),Immortal(Amritam).This ImmortalSelfcanberealisedbyincessantpracticeofmeditation.

OSaumya!DearImmortalSelf!Bebold:Becheerful,eventhoughyouareunemployed, thoughyouhavenothingtoeat,thoughyouarecladinrags.Thyessentialnatureis Sat-Chit-Ananda.Theoutercloak,thismortalphysicalsheathisanillusoryproductionofMaya. Smile,whistle,laugh,jump,danceinjoyandecstasy.SingOmOmOm!RamRamRam!Comeout ofthiscageofflesh.ThouartsexlessAtma.ThouartthatAtmawhodwellsinthechambersofyour heart.Actassuch.Feelassuch.Claimyourbirthright,notfromtomorroworthedayafter,butright nowfromthisverysecond. “TatTvamAsi—ThouartThat”.Feel,Assert,Recognise,Realise,my belovedRam!

Findoutyourcentre.Dwellalwaysinthiscentre.ThiscentreistheabodeofSupremeBliss andEternalSunshine.ThiscentreistheParamDhamorParamagatiorSupremeGoal.Thiscentreis yoursweetoriginalhome,theabodeofimmortalityandfearlessness.ThiscentreisAtmaor Brahman.ThisistheImperishableBrahmicseatofineffablesplendourandglory!

DIVINELIFE

DivinelifeislifeinGodortheImmortalSoul.Hewholeadsthedivinelifeisfreefrom cares,worries,anxieties,miseries,sufferingsandtribulations.Heattainsimmortality,perfection, freedom,independence,eternalpeace,supremeblissandperennialjoy.Heradiatesjoy,peaceand lighteverywhere.

Toleadthedivinelife,youneednotretireintoforests.Youcanleadthedivinelife,while remainingintheworld.Whatiswantedisrenunciationofegoism,mineness,attachment,Vasanas andTrishnas.GivethemindtoGodandthehandstotheserviceofhumanity.

ServehumanitywithAtmaBhava.Servethepoor.ServethesickwithNarayanaBhava. Servethesociety.Servethecountry.SelflessserviceisthehighestYoga.Samadhiwillcomeby itselfwithoutanyeffortforone,whoissolelyabsorbedinservice,whenhisheartispurified. ServiceisworshipoftheLord.Neverforgetthis.HewhoseesBrahmanortheImmortalSoulinthe spoon,Brahmaninthemedicine,Brahmaninthepatient,Brahmaninthedoctor,Brahmanin service,hewhothinksormeditatesthus,whiledoingservice,verilyreachesBrahmanorthe Eternal.

ThepracticeofBrahmacharyaisveryimportantforspiritualprogress.Brahmacharyaisthe basisforacquiringimmortality.Itisitselfdivinelife.Brahmacharyabringsmaterialprogressand psychicadvancement.ItisasubstratumforalifeofpeaceinAtma.Itisapotentweaponfor controllingtheinternalRajasicforces,viz.,Kama,Krodha,Lobha,etc.Itgivestremendousenergy andgiganticwillpowerandgoodVicharaSakti.

JapaisanimportantAngaofYogaordivinelife.AMantraisdivinity.Japaistherepetition oftheMantraorthenamesoftheLord.InKaliYuga,practiceofJapaalonecangiveeternalpeace, blissandimmortality.JapaultimatelyresultsinSamadhiorcommunionwiththeLord.

SankirtanisthesingingofLord’snameswithfaithanddevotion.WhenyousingHisnames, feelthatLordHariorIshtaDevataisseatedinyourheart,thateverynameoftheLordisfilledwith divinepotencies,thattheoldviciousSamskarasandVasanasareburntbythepowerofthename andthatthemindisfilledwithSattvaorpurity,thatRajasandTamasarecompletelydestroyed,and thattheveilofignoranceistorndown.Thiskindofmentalattitudebringsthemaximumbenefitof Sankirtan.ItisnotthenumberofJapaorthelengthoftimeofKirtanthatcountsforspiritualgrowth butitistheintensityofBhavawithwhichtheLord’snamesaresung.

DIVINEMESSAGE

PureasthesnowoftheHimalayas,brightassunlight,expansiveasthesky,all-pervadingas theether;unfathomableastheocean,coolasthewatersoftheGanges,istheImmortalAtman—the substratumforthisworld,body,mindandPrana.NothingissweeterthanthisAtman.

Purifyyourheartandmeditate.Plungedeepinyourheart.Divedeepintotheinnermost recess.Youwillfindit.Onlyifyousearchindeepwater,youwillfindthepearlofAtman.Ifyou keeptotheshore,youwillfindbrokenshellsonly.

ThebestflowerthatcanbeofferedtotheLordisyourheart.Penetratemoredeeplyintothe infinitedomainofKailas,thekingdomofillimitableblissandboundlessjoyandpeacewithin.

Justasthelightisburningwithinthehurricanelantern,soalso,thedivinelightisburning withintheheart.Youcanbeholdthedivinelightthroughyourinnerthirdeyeortheeyeofintuition bywithdrawingthesensesandstillingthemind.

Ittakesalongtimeforcharcoaltocatchfirebutgunpowdercanbeignitedwithinthe twinklingofaneye.Evenso,ittakesalongtimeforignitingthefireofknowledgeforamanwhose

heartisimpure.ButanaspirantwithgreatpurityofheartgetsknowledgeoftheSelf,withinthe twinklingofaneyewiththetimetakentosqueezeaflowerbythefingers.

Armedwithpatience,perseverance,tranquillityandcourage,slowlyascend,peakafter peak,subduetheIndriyasonebyone,controlthethoughtsonebyone,eradicatetheVasanasoneby oneandeventuallyreachthesummitofSelf-realisationorDivineGlory.

Ofriend!Wakeup.Sleepnomore.Meditate.ItisBrahmamuhurtanow.Openthegateof thetempleoftheLordinyourheartwiththekeyoflove.Hearthemusicofthesoul.Singthesongof Prematoyourbeloved.PlaythemelodyoftheInfinite.MeltyourmindinHiscontemplation.Unite withHim.ImmerseyourselfintheoceanofLoveandBliss.

SELF-ANALYSIS

Dailyself-analysisorself-examinationisanindispensablerequisite.Thenalonecanyou removeyourdefectsandcangrowrapidlyinspirituality.Agardenerwatchestheyoungplantsvery carefully.Heremovestheweedsdaily.Heputsastrongfencearoundthem.Hewatersthematthe propertime.Thenalonetheygrowbeautifullyandyieldfruitsquickly.Evenso,youshouldfindout yourdefectsthroughdailyintrospectionandself-analysisandtheneradicatethemthroughsuitable methods.Ifonemethodfails,youmustadoptacombinedmethod.Ifprayerfails,youshouldtake recoursetoSatsangaorassociationwiththewise,Pranayama,meditation,dieteticregulation, enquiry,etc.Youshoulddestroynotonlybigwavesofpride,hypocrisy,lust,anger,etc.,that manifestonthesurfaceoftheconsciousmind,butalsotheirsubtleimpressionswhichlurkinthe cornersofthesubconsciousmind.Thenonlyareyouperfectlysafe.

Thesesubtleimpressionsareverydangerous.Theylurklikethievesandattackyouwhen youarenapping,whenyouarenotvigilant,whenyourdispassionwanes,whenyouslackenabit yourdailyspiritualpractice,andwhenyouareprovoked.Ifthesedefectsdonotmanifesteven underextremeprovocationonseveraloccasions,evenwhenyouarenotpractisingdaily introspectionandself-analysis,youcanberestassuredthatthesubtleimpressionsalsoare obliterated.Nowyouaresafe.Thepracticeofintrospectionandself-analysisdemandspatience, perseverance,leech-liketenacity,application,ironwill,irondetermination,subtleintellect, courage,etc.Butyouwillgainafruitofincalculablevalue.Thepreciousfruitisimmortality, SupremePeaceandInfiniteBliss.Youwillhavetopayaheavypriceforthis.Thereforeyoushould notmurmurwhenyoudodailypractice.Youshouldapplyyourfullmind,heart,intellectandsoul tospiritualpractice.Thenonlyrapidsuccessispossible.

Keepdailyspiritualdiaryandpractiseself-analysis(self-examination)atnight.Notedown howmanygoodactionsyouhavedone,whatmistakesyouhavecommittedduringthecourseofthe day.Inthemorningresolve:“Iwillnotyieldtoangertoday.Iwillpractisecelibacytoday.Iwill speaktruthtoday.”

IMPORTANCEOFKEEPINGASPIRITUALDIARY

Thekeepingupofadailyspiritualdiaryisanindispensablerequisiteandofparamount importance.Thosewhoarealreadyinthehabitofkeepingitknowitsincalculableadvantages. DiaryisawhipforgoadingthemindtowardsGod.Itshowsthewaytofreedomandeternalbliss.It isyourGuru.Itistheeye-opener.ItdevelopstheManana-Saktiorthepowerofreflection.Itwill helpyoutodestroyallyourevilqualitiesandtoberegularinyourspiritualpractices.Ifyou regularlymaintainadiary,youwillgetsolace,peaceofmindandquickprogressinthespiritual path.Thosewhodesiretogrowinmoralityandspirituality,thosewhowishtoevolverapidlymust keepadailyrecordoftheiractions.

Allgreatmenoftheworldkeepdiaries.ThelifeofBenjaminFranklinisknowntoyouall. Hekeptadailydiary.Henoteddownthenumberofuntruthsandwrongactionsforwhichhewas responsibleduringthecourseoftheday.Incourseoftime,hebecameaperfectman.Hehadperfect controloverhismind.MahatmaGandhiusedtoadvisethestudentstokeepadailydiaryalways.

Abigthiefishidinghimselfinyourbrain.HehassnatchedawayyourAtmicpearl.Heis givingyouimmenseworriesandtroubles.Heisdeludingyou.Thethiefisyourmind.Youmustnot belenienttowardshim.Youmustkillhimruthlessly.Thereisnootherswordsharperthanthisdiary tokillhim.Itcheckshishappy-go-luckywaysanddestroyshimeventually.Allyourdailymistakes willbecorrected.Agoodtimewillcomewhenyouwillbeentirelyfreefromanger,untruth,lust, etc.YouwillbecomeaperfectYogi.

Yourfatherandmothergaveyouthisbody.Theygaveyoufoodandclothing.Butthisdiary issuperiortoyourparents.Itshowsthewaytofreedomandeternalbliss.Itgivesyousolace, satisfactionandpeaceofmind.Turnthepagesofyourdiarycarefullyonceaweek.Ifyoucan recordyouractionseveryhour,yourgrowthwillberapid.Happyisthemanwhokeepsadailydiary forheisveryneartoGod.Hehasastrongwillandheisfreefromdefectsandmistakes.

Bykeepingaspiritualdiaryyoucanthenandthererectifyyourmistakes.Youcandomore Sadhanaandevolvequickly.ThereisnootherbestfriendandfaithfulteacherorGuruthanyour diary.Itwillteachyouthevalueoftime.Attheendofeverymonthcalculatethetotalnumberof hoursyouspentinJapa,studyofreligiousbooks,Pranayama,Asanas,sleep,etc.Thenyouwillbe abletoknowhowmuchtimeYouarespendingforreligiouspurposes.Youhavegoteverychance toincreasetheperiodofJapa,meditation,etc.,gradually.Ifyoumaintainadailydiaryproperly, withoutanyfaultinanyoftheitems,youwillnotliketowasteevenasingleminuteunnecessarily. Thenalonewillyouunderstandthevalueoftimeandhowitslipsaway.

Comparethetotalofthelastmonthwiththoseofthepreviousmonths.Findoutwhetheryou haveprogressedinyourSadhanaornot.Ifyouhavenotprogressed,increaseyourpracticedaily. YoucandomoreSadhanaandevolvequickly.

Inmaintainingadiary,youshouldnotutteranyfalsehoodanywhere.Youarekeepingit onlyforyourownbenefit.Itisthediaryofareligiousaspirantwhoistreadingthepathoftruthto realiseTruth.Acknowledgeyourfaultsopenlyandendeavourtorectifyyourselfinfuture.You shouldnotneglecttorecordeverythinginyourdiary.Itisbetterifyoucomparetheprogressofyour

workofthepresentweekwiththatofthepreviousweek.Ifyouarenotabletodosoonceaweek, youmustatanycostcompareitonceamonth.Thenyouwillbeabletomakevariousadjustmentsin differentitems,increasetheperiodofJapaandmeditationanddecreasethetimeofsleep.

Self-punishmentconsistsingivingupthenightmealsandindoingfiftyMalasofJapamore thantheusualnumber.Thefillinginoftheformshouldnotbeamereroutinework.Theannexed formisonlyaspecimenforguidance.Theseitemsshouldbecopiedonafoolscapsizepaperneatly withcolumnsdrawnforallthedaysofthemonth.

Donotbeashamedtomentionyourmistakes,vicesandfailures.Thisismeantonlyforyour ownprogress.Donotwasteyourprecioushours.Itisenoughthatyouhavewastedsomanyyearsin idlegossiping.Enough,enoughofthetroublesyouhadallthesedaysinsatisfyingyoursenses.Do notsay,“Fromtomorrow,Iwillberegular.”That“tomorrow”willnevercome.Besincereandstart doingSadhanafromthismoment.Ifyouarereallysincere,Heiseverreadytohelpyouandgive youapushinyourspiritualmarch.

HewhoregulateshislifeontheabovelinesissuretobecomeaJivanmuktaoraYogiinthis verybirth.Doitpracticallyandseehowyougrow.Startmaintainingaspiritualdiaryfromthis momentitselfandrealisethemarvellousresults.

SPIRITUALDIARY

1.Whendidyougetupfrombed?

“Earlytobed,earlytorise,makesamanhealthy,wealthyandwise.”Youmustgetupat4 a.m.,andpractiseJapaandmeditation.Themeditativestateofthemindwillcomebyitselfwithout exertionatthisperiod.

2.Howmanyhoursdidyousleep?

Sleepforsixhoursisquitesufficientforeveryindividual.Gotobedat10p.m.,andgetupat 4a.m.NapoleonBonapartebelievedinonlyfourhoursofsleep.Toomuchsleepmakesamandull andlethargic.Toomuchsleepcausesprematuredecayandweakensthebrain-power.Those spiritualaspirantswhowanttodorigorousSadhanashouldreducethesleepgradually.Forthree monthsreducethesleepbyhalfanhour.Duringthenextthreemonthsgotobedat11p.m.,andget upat4a.m.InthiswayyoucanconquersleepandbecomeonelikeArjunaorLakshmana.

3.HowmanyMalasofJapa?

JapaisanimportantlimbofYoga.InthisKaliYuga,JapaandKirtanareeffectiveSadhanas forGod-realisation.JaparesultsinSamadhiorcommunionwithGod.Japaistherepetitionofthe nameoftheLord.TherearethreevarietiesofJapa,viz.,Vaikhari(verbal),Upamsu(whispering), andManasic(mental).HaveaJapaMala(rosary)roundyourneckorinyourpocketorunderneath yourpillowatnight.UseaMalaof108beads.AMalaisawhiptogoadthemindtowardsGod.The fruitsofManasicJapaaretenthousandtimesmorethanVaikhariorUpamsu.Alwaystrytodo

mentalJapawhenyouarebusyindailyactivities.MakeitapointtorepeattheMantrasome thousandtimesandrecordthenumberinthediary.

4.HowlonginKirtan?

RepetitionofGod’snameenablesthedevoteetofeelthedivinepresence,thedivineglory andthedivineconsciousnesswithinhimselfandalsoeverywhere.HowpowerfulisGod’sname! WhenonesingsHisnameorhearsitssound,heisunconsciouslyraisedtosublimespiritualheights. Heloseshisbody-consciousness.Heisimmersedinjoyanddrinksdeepthedivinenectarof immortality.SankirtanissingingGod’snamewithBhavaandPremaordivinefeeling.Sankirtan bringsDarshanofGodorattainmentofdivineconsciousnesseasilyinthisKaliYuga.

5.HowmanyPranayamas?

Pranayamais‘controlofbreath’.SitinPadmasana,Sukhasana,oranyothercomfortable pose,withanemptystomach.Closeyoureyes.Closetherightnostrilwiththethumb.Drawinthe airveryveryslowlythroughtheleftnostril.Nowcloseyourleftnostrilwiththelittleandright fingers,andretainthebreathaslongasyoucancomfortablykeep.Thenveryveryslowlyexhale throughtherightnostrilafterremovingthethumb.Againdrawintheairthroughtherightnostril retainitaslongasyoucanandexhalethroughtheleftnostrilveryslowly.ThisisonePranayama. Tostartwith,dofivePranayamasinthemorningandeveningandgraduallyincreaseto10or20. ThisisSukhapurvaka—easy,comfortablePranayama.

6.HowlongdidyouperformAsanas?

AsanaisthefirststageofAshtangaYoga.PadmasanaandSiddhasanaareintendedfor doingJapaandmeditation.DonotoftenchangetheAsana.Sticktooneandgraduallyincreasethe periodtoeventhreehours.Sirshasana,Sarvangasanaandotherexercisesareintendedfor maintaininggoodhealth.Theyremovevariousdiseases.TheseAsanaswillawakentheKundalini Sakti.PerformtheAsanaswhenthestomachisemptyorlight.Earlymorningandeveningarevery goodforthepracticeofAsanas.PractisetheAsanasinwell-ventilatedroomoronthesandybedsof rivers,openairyplaces,orseaside.DuringthepracticerepeatyourIshtaorGuruMantra.

7.HowlongdidyoumeditateinoneAsana?

SitinPadmasanaorSukhasanainyourmeditationroom.Earlymorningbetween4and6is thebestperiodforcontemplationandJapa.Youcanhaveanothersittinginthenightalso.Takeyour seatbeforethepictureofyourIshtaDevata.Lookatthepicturesteadilyforafewminutes.Repeat someStotrasmentally.Thencloseyoureyesandvisualisethepicture.RepeattheIshtaMantra mentally.Sitformeditationforhalfanhourinthebeginningandtrytoincreasetheperiodtothree hoursbygradualdailypractice.WhenyousitonyourAsanaformeditation,donotshakethebody. TrytokeepuponecurrentofthoughtofGod.

8.HowmanyGitaSlokasdidyoureadorgetbyheart?

StudyofscripturesisKriyaYogaorNiyama.Itpurifiestheheartandfillsthemindwith sublimeandelevatingthoughts.GitaisauniquebookforSvadhyaya.Itcontainstheessenceofall theYogasandthecreamoftheVedas.Youcandevotehalfanhourtothreehoursforthispurpose accordingtothetimeatyourdisposal.

9.Howlonginthecompanyofthewise(Satsanga)?

ThegloryandpowerofSatsangaorassociationwiththewise,Saints,Yogins,Sannyasins andMahatmas,isdescribedindetailinBhagavata,Ramayana,andotherholyscriptures.Evena moment’scompanyisquitesufficienttooverhaultheoldviciousSamskarasofthepeople.Service toMahatmaspurifiesthemindofpassionatemenrapidly.Satsangaelevatesthemindto magnanimousheights.Studyofbookswrittenbyrealisedpersonswillalsobetantamountto Satsanga.

10.HowmanyhoursdidyouobserveMouna?

Monnameansvowofsilence.Energyiswastedinidletalkingandgossiping.Mouna developswill-power.Mounacheckstheimpulseofspeech.Itisagreathelpfortheobservanceof truthandcontrolofanger.Emotionsarecontrolledandirritabilityvanishes.ObserveMounaatleast foronehourortwohoursaday.DuringMouna,sublimethoughtsshouldreplaceworldlythoughts andJapashouldbedone.

11.Howlongindisinterestedselflessservice?

ThepracticeofNishkamaKarmaYogadestroyssinsandimpuritiesofthemindandcauses ChittaSuddhiorpurityofAntahkarana.KnowledgeofSelfdawnsinapuremind.Knowledgeof Selfistheonlydirectmeanstofreedom.NishkamaKarmaYogaisselflessservicetohumanity. Theimportantpointistoservehumanitywithoutanyattachmentoregoism.Thecentralteachingof theGitaisnon-attachmenttowork.SriKrishnasays:“Workincessantly.Yourdutyistoworkbut nottoexpectthefruitsthereof.”Dovigorousserviceforsometime.Youwillgraspthespiritof NishkamaKarma.

12.Howmuchdidyougiveincharity?

Whenyouwalkalongtheroadorstreet,keepalwayssomeloosecoinsinyourpocketand distributethemtothepoor.Beliberal.Feelthatyouareenjoyinginallthebodies.Yourheartwill expand.Youwillbegintorealiseunityoroneness.Youwillbecomemoregenerous.Doregular charityofonetenthofyourincome.Performanceofvirtuousactionsisthebeginningofspiritual life.

13.HowmanyMantrasdidyouwrite?

MaintainaMantranotebook.WriteyourIshtaMantra,GuruMantraorMahaMantrafor halfanhourinthisnotebook.YoushouldpreferablydothisitemofSadhanajustbeforethe

commencementofthehouseholdduties.YoushouldobserveMounaorsilencewhilewritingthe Mantra.Thereshouldbeperfectcalmandquietude.Youshouldconcentrateonthewritingalone.In Mantrawriting,theeyes,thehandsandthemindareallengaged.Thereisnorestrictionof language.Ifthispracticeiscontinuedwithsincerity,theaspirantgetsconcentrationeasilyand muchinternalpeaceandhappiness.

14.Howlongdidyoupractisephysicalexercise?

Physicalcultureorthedevelopmentofthebodyisasmuchimportantasthedevelopmentof themind,will,ormemory.Ifthebodyisnotkeptstrongandhealthy,vigorousandactive,noculture ispossible. “Menssanaincorporesano” isawisesayingwhichmeans—asoundmindinasound body.Therearedifferentkindsofphysicalculture.Youwillhavetoselectoneaccordingtoyour capacity,tasteandtemperament.

15.HowmanyliesdidyoutellandwithwhatSelf-punishment?

Srutisemphaticallydeclare: “SatyamVada—SpeaktheTruth”. “SatyamevaJayate Nanritam—Truthalonetriumphsbutnotfalsehood”.Atruthfulmanisabsolutelyfreefrom worriesandanxieties.Hehasacalmmind.Heisrespectedbyall.Ifyouobservespeakingthetruth fortwelveyears,youwillhaveVak-Siddhi.Thenwhateveryouspeakwillcometopass.Speakthe truth.TruthisKnowledge.TruthisBliss.Truthguidesyouinallyouractions.Writeinboldtypes thewords:“SpeakTruth”oncardboardsandhangthemindifferentplacesinyourhouse.Thiswill remindyouwhenyouspeakalie.Youwillcheckyourselfatonce.Punishyourselfbyfastingifyou tellalieandrecordtheliesinthediary.Graduallythenumberoflieswilldecreaseandyouwill becomeatruthfulman.

16.Howmanytimesandhowlongofangerandwithwhatself-punishment?

Angerisanenemytopeace.Itisamodificationoflust.Whenadesireisnotgratified,aman becomesangry.Heloseshismemoryandunderstanding.ControlangerbythepracticeofKshama, loveandkillingegoism.Drinkalittlewaterwhenyoubecomeangry.Itwillcoolthebrainandcalm theexcitednerves.Repeat“OmSanti”severaltimes.Ifyoufinditextremelydifficulttocontrol anger,leavetheplaceimmediatelyandtakeawalkforhalfanhour.PraytoGod.DoJapa. Meditationgivesimmensestrengthtodestroyangerandotherobstacles.

17.Howmanyhoursdidyouspendinuselesscompany?

Theso-calledfriendsarerealenemies.Youcannotfindevenasingleunselfishfriendinthis universe.Becareful.Friendscometohaveidletalkswithyouandtheywasteyourtime.Theywant topullyoudownandmakeyoualsoworldly.Donotbecarriedawaybythefloweryspeechofsuch friends.Cutoffconnectionsruthlessly.Livealoneatalltimes.Trustinthatimmortalfriendwho dwellsinyourheart.IfyoucannothavepositiveSatsangaofMahatmas,haveindirectSatsanga withbookswrittenbyrealisedSages,SaintsandBhagavatas.

18.HowmanytimesdidyoufailinBrahmacharya?

Nospiritualprogressispossiblewithoutthepracticeofcelibacy.Veeryaisadynamicforce. ItshouldbeconvertedintoOjas-Sakti.ThosewhoareveryeagertohaveGod-realisationshould observeunbrokencelibacystrictly.ObservethevowofBrahmacharyastrictly.

19.Howlonginstudyofreligiousbooks?

Beregularinthestudyofreligiousbooks,Ramayana,Bhagavata,YogaVasishthaandother goodbooks,forSvadhyaya.IfyoureflectontheideasofGitaandfixthemindontheseideas,this itselfisaformoflowerSamadhi.Svadhyayaisanauxiliaryforconcentration.Svadhyayawill checkmind-wanderingalso.

20.Howmanytimesdidyoufailinthecontrolofevilhabitsandwithwhatself-punishment?

Therearesomewhoareunconsciousoftheirbadhabitsandmanywhodonotrecognise themasbad.Iftheyrecognisethemtobebad,thenthecorrectionisverysimple.Alcoholisastrong devil,whichifonceentersthesystemofamanwillneverleavehim.Thencomes,smoking. Anotherevilhabitisbetel-chewing.Drinkingofstrongteaandcoffeeoftendevelopsabadhabit. Novelreading,visitingcinemas,sleepinginthedaytime,usingslangtermsandabuses,etc.,are someoftheevilhabits.Firstrealisethatyouhavegotanevilhabitandintenselydesirethatyou shouldgiveitupatanycost.Thenyoursuccesshasalreadycome.Givingupanybadhabitatonceis better.Useyoursubconsciousmindforeradication.Establishnewhealthyhabitsanddevelopyour will.ThereisnothingimpossibleundertheSun.

21.HowlongyoudidconcentrateonyourIshtaDevata(SagunaorNirgunaDhyana)?

Concentrationcanbedoneonlyifyouarefreefromalldistractions.Concentrateon anythingthatappealstoyouasgoodoranythingwhichthemindlikesbest.Themindshouldbe trainedtoconcentrateongrossobjectsinthebeginningand,lateron,youcansuccessfully concentrateonsubtleobjectsandabstractideas.Regularityinthepracticeisofparamount importance.

GrossForms:Concentrateonablackdotonthewalloracandle-flame,abrightstar,moon, onthepictureofOm,LordSiva,Rama,Krishna,Devi,oryourIshtaDevatainfrontofyouwith openeyes.

SubtleForms:SitbeforethepictureofyourIshtaDevataandcloseyoureyes.Keepamental pictureofyourIshtaDevataatthespacebetweenthetwoeyebrows,orheart(AnahataChakra); concentrateonMuladhara,Anahata,AjnaoranyotherinternalChakra;concentrateonthedivine qualitiessuchaslove,mercy,oranyotherabstractideas,SatChitAnanda,purity,perfection,peace.

Keepingwideawakethroughoutthenightiscalledvigil.Youwillderiveincalculable benefitifyoupractisevigilonVaikuntha-Ekadasi,Sivaratri,Gokulashtamiday(thebirthdayofSri

22.Howmanydaysdidyouobservefastandvigil?

Krishna).Completefastinghelpstocontrolthesleep.Controlofsleepbytakingrecoursetoteais notdesirable.Youwillnotgainspiritualstrengthasyoudependuponanextraneousdrug.During fastingavoidcompany.Livealone.UtiliseyourtimeinYogicSadhana.Afterafast,donottakeany heavyfood.Milkorsomefruit-juiceisbeneficial.

23.Wereyouregularinyourmeditation?

Nevermissadayinmeditation.Beregularandsystematic.Regularityinmeditationisof paramountimportance.Themeditativestatewillcomebyitselfattheappointedtime.TakeSattvic food.Fruitsandmilkwillhelpmentalfocussing.Whenthemindistired,donotconcentrate.Giveit alittlerest.

24.Whatvirtuesareyoudeveloping?

Developthatvirtueinwhichyouarehopelesslylacking.Courage,mercy,universallove, nobility,Kshama,contentment,franknessandhonestymustbedevelopedonebyone.Takeupone virtueeverymonthandmeditateonthatvirtueregularly.Youwillmanifestthatvirtueinyour character.Ifyoudeveloponeimportantvirtue,allothervirtueswillclingtoyou.Ifyouhave humilityandcourage,allothervirtueswillcomeoftheirownaccord.Youshouldspenddailysome time,sayhalfanhour,fordevelopmentofvirtues.

25.Whatevilqualityareyoutryingtoeradicate?

Thedevelopmentofvirtuousqualitieswillitselfremovethenegativequalities.Butitis bettertomakeapositiveattemptalsointheeradicationoftheevilqualities.Thentheprogresswill berapid.Itisadoubleattackontheenemy.Ifyouremovelustorangeroregoism,allotherevil qualitieswilldisappearbythemselves.Allevilqualitiesaretheattendantsofegoism.Allvices originatefromanger.Ifthesearedestroyed,allsortsofviceswillvanish.Therefore,concentrate yourattentioninkillingegoismoranger.

26.WhichIndriyaistroublingyoumost?

DisciplineoftheIndriyasisaveryimportantpoint.IftheIndriyasareturbulent,youcannot haveconcentration.WatcheveryIndriyacarefullyandcurbitbysuitablemethods,suchasfasting, Mouna,Tratak,celibacy,renunciationofarticles,DamaandPratyahara.CurbingofIndriyasmeans curbingofmind.Theycannotdoanyindependentworkwithoutthedirecthelpofthemind. Celibacychecksthegenitals;Mounawillcontroltheorganofspeech;Tratakcontrolstheeyes. Sufficientpracticeforalongtimeisnecessary.ThentheIndriyasbecomeemaciatedandthinand arestarvedtodeath.

27.Whendidyougotobed?

Sleepisnature’stonic,forhealthyliving.Themoresoundsleeponehas,themorehealthy hewouldbe.Hoursofsleepdependuponyourphysicalormentalcapacityforresistingfatigue. Withoutasufficiencyofsleep,youwillnothaveefficiency.Theamountofsleeprequiredvaries withage,temperamentandamountofwork.Accordingtoanoldadagethereshouldbesixhours’

sleepforaman,sevenforawomanandeightforafool.Asageadvances,peoplerequiremoresleep. Avoidgoinglatetobed.Donottakedrugstoinducesleep.Ifyoudonotgetsleep,takeabriskwalk intheopenairforfifteenminutesandthengotobed.Youwillhaverefreshingsleep.

THESPIRITUALDIARY

TheSpiritualDiaryisawhipforgoadingthemindtowardsrighteousnessandGod.Ifyou regularlymaintainthisdiaryyouwillgetsolace,peaceofmindandmakequickprogressinthe spiritualpath.Maintainadailydiaryandrealisethemarvellousresults.

SPIRITUALDIARY

Date

Questions

1.Whendidyougetupfrombed?

2.Howmanyhoursdidyousleep?

3.HowmanyMalasofJapa?

4.HowlonginKirtan?

5.HowmanyPranayamas?

6.HowlongdidyouperformAsanas?

7.HowlongdidyoumeditateinoneAsana?

8.HowmanyGitaSlokasdidyoureadorgetby heart?

9.Howlonginthecompanyofthewise (Satsanga)?

10.HowmanyhoursdidyouobserveMouna?

11.Howlongindisinterestedselflessservice?

12.Howmuchdidyougiveincharity?

13.HowmanyMantrasyouwrote?

14.Howlongdidyoupracticephysicalexercise?

15.Howmanyliesdidyoutellandwithwhat self-punishment?

16.Howmanytimesandhowlongofangerand withwhatself-punishment?

17.Howmanyhoursyouspentinuseless company?

18.HowmanytimesyoufailedinBrahmacharya?

19.Howlonginstudyofreligiousbooks?

20.Howmanytimesyoufailedinthecontrolof evilhabitsandwithwhatself-punishment?

21.HowlongyouconcentratedonyourIshta Devata(SagunaorNirgunaDhyana)?

22.Howmanydaysdidyouobservefastand vigil?

23.Wereyouregularinyourmeditation?

24.Whatvirtueareyoudeveloping?

25.Whatevilqualityareyoutryingtoeradicate?

26.WhatIndriyaistroublingyoumost?

27.Whendidyougotobed?

ChapterVI

PHILOSOPHYANDVEDANTA

YOUARETHEMASTEROFYOURDESTINY

Courageisthybirthright,butnotfear;peaceisthydivineheritage,butnotrestlessness. Immortalityisthybirthright,butnotmortality;strength,butnotweakness;health,butnotdisease; bliss,butnotsorrow;knowledge,butnotignorance.

Pain,sorrowandignoranceareillusory;thesecannotlive.Bliss,joyandknowledgeare true;thesecannotdie.

Youarethearchitectofyourownfate.Youarethemasterofyourowndestiny.Youcando andundothings.Yousowanactionandreapatendency.Yousowatendencyandreapahabit.You sowahabitandreapyourcharacter.Yousowyourcharacterandreapyourdestiny.Therefore, destinyisyourowncreation.Youcanundoitifyoulike—destinyisabundleofhabits.

Purusharthaisself-exertion.Purusharthacangiveyouanything.Changeyourhabits. Changethemodeofthinking.Youcanconquerdestiny.Youarenowthinking:“Iamthebody.” Startthespiritualanti-currentandthink:“Iamimmortal,diseaseless,sexlessAtman.”Youcan conquerdeathandattaintheimmortalseatofsupremesplendour.

Byvirtuousdeedsandrightthoughtsyoucandisarmdestiny.Youhaveafree-willtoact.By self-exertion,RatnakarbecameValmiki.Byself-exertion,Markandeyaconquereddeath.By self-exertionalonedidUddalakaattainNirvikalpaSamadhi(higherrealisation).Byself-exertion, Savitribroughtbackherhusband(Satyavan)tolife.

Therefore,applyyourselftenaciously,OPrema,toAtmicenquiryandmeditation.Be vigilantanddiligent.Killthethoughtsanddesires.Overcometomorrow’sevilbytoday’s self-exertion.Destroyunholydesires(AsubhaVasanas)throughholydesires(SubhaVasanas). Slayunholythoughtsbyholythoughts,andgainvictoryoveryourdestiny.

Donotyieldtofatalism.Donotbecomeimpotent.Standlikealion.Exertandattain independenceorAtmaSvarajya.Thereisamagazineofpowerwithinyou.Thereisavastoceanof knowledgewithinyou.Allfacultiesarelatentinyou.UnfoldthemandbecomeaJivanmukta (liberatedsoul).

Positiveovercomesthenegative.Thisistheimmutablelawofnature.Purushartha (self-exertion)isamightierpower.Purusharthaisthelionortheelephant.Prarabdha(destiny)is thecatorthejackal.Godhelpsthosewhohelpthemselves.VasishthaaskedRamatodo Purushartha.Fatalismwillcertainlyinduceinertiaandlaziness.Therefore,girdupyourloinsand exertyourselftotheutmost,OPrema.

MayyouallattainSelf-realisationorBrahmaJnanainthisverybirth!Mayyoualllive immersedintheoceanofblissinanilluminedstate!Mayyoushineasliberatedsages!

KNOWTHYSELF

That‘Being’whoisdescribedintheUpanishadsisBrahmanorAtmanortheAbsolute.He isthefountain-headofallscripturalknowledge.Heisthesourceorwombforeverything.Heis ExistenceAbsolute,KnowledgeAbsoluteandBlissAbsolute.Heisindivisible,all-pervading, self-contained,eternalandimmortal.Heisbeyondtime,spaceandcausation.Heisbeginningless andendless.Heistheindwellerofallbeings.Heisthewitnessoftheactivitiesofalltheminds.

WhatonearthcancausefearinyouwhenyouhaverealisedidentitywithBrahman?What onearthcangeneratehatred,delusion,differenceandsorrowinyouwhenyoubeholdoneinall,and allinone?Whatonearthcancauseagitationinyouwhenyouhavetranscendedthemindandwhen yourestpeacefullyinyourownSatChitAnandaSvarupa—thatmagnanimousoceanofblissand stupendoussilence?

YouexperiencedisharmonyanddiscordwhenRajas(passion)andTamas(inertia)prevail inthemind.AnnihilateTamasbyincreasingRajasanddestroyRajasincreasingSattva.Therewill beharmonyandconcordwhenSattvaprevailsinthemind.GobeyondSattvaandhearthecelestial musicoftheSoul—musicthatyouneverheardbefore.Itisthemusicofthemeetingofthesoulwith Soul.ItisthewonderfulmusicthattranscendsallRagasandRaginis.Itistheunstruckmusicofthe Infinite—thatcelestialmelodywhichhelpstheaspiranttomergehimselfinBrahman.Itisthe musicofOmorPranavaDhvani.ItistranscendentalAnahatasound.Itisthedivinemusicof Krishna’sflute.Itissilenceitself.Drownyourselfintheblissoftheinnermusicofthesoul.Its melodyandsweetnessarebeyonddescription.Youshouldexperienceityourself.

Youaretherealmasterorgovernoroftheuniverse.Youareboundtonone.Feelthemajesty ofyourself.Whateveryourcircumstancesandenvironmentsmaybe,keeppeacefulandhappy. Abandonallanxiety,fearandworry.Restinyourcentre.Beself-poised,self-pleasedand self-contained.SingOm.ChantOm.MeditateonOm.RealisetheSelf.KnowtheSelfandbefree. Nowthewholeworldwillbeaheavenoraparadiseforyou.YouaretheLordoflords,theGodof allgods,theEmperorofemperors.Youareinpossessionoftheinexhaustiblespiritualwealth.The sumtotalofthepleasuresofthewholeworldisbutameredropwhencomparedtotheblissyou enjoynow.Youaretheoceanofblissnow.Whatamagnificentstate!Eventhethousand-tongued Adiseshacannotdescribeit.

MESSAGEOFAMRITA

AmritaPutra!

Areyoualwayspeaceful?Areyounoble?Doyoupossessself-restraint?Areyouendowed withdivinevirtues?Areyoufreefromignorance?DoyoupossessknowledgeoftheSelf?Haveyou gotillumination?Haveyourealisedtheimmortal,pureSelf?Howdoyoustandbeforethese questions?Ifyouhavenotgotthesethings,thencome,sitdownandlisten!Hereisthemessageof

Amritaforyouall!Evenifyoupractiseaparticleofthis,youwillgobeyonddeath,sorrowand pain.

Meditatealways:“Iampureconsciousness,IamSat-Chit-AnandaBrahman.Iam immutable,self-effulgent,immortalSelf.Iamthesilentwitnessofthethreestates,viz.,waking state,dreamstateanddeepsleepstate.Iamdistinctfromthebody,mind,Pranaandsenses.Iam distinctfromthefivesheaths”.YouwillsoonattainSelf-realisation.Youwillattainknowledgeof theSelf(BrahmaJnana).

Itisbondagewhenyouareattachedtoyourwife,son,propertyorbody,whenyoutakethe bodyasthepureSelf.Itisliberationwhenyouarenotattachedtoanyobjectofthisworld,whenyou identifyyourselfwiththepure,immortalAtman.

WheneverthereisKama(desire),thereisnoRama;wheneverthereisRamathereisno Kama.Wheneverthereisdesirethereistheworld.Therefore,gobeyonddesirebycultivating discrimination(Viveka)anddispassion(Vairagya)andmeditatingonBrahmanortheSupremeSelf andbehappy.

Livewithoutthefeelingof‘I-ness,’and‘mine-ness’andattachment.Restrainthesenses. Observetherulesofrightconduct.Getpurityofheart.Hearthetruth.AbideintheSelf.Behappy.

Assoonasyourealisethatyouarenotthisbody,youbecomefreefromsorrowanddeath. YouarefreefromthebondageofKarma,fromthefettersofdesires,fromthemirageofthis mundanelifeanditsconcomitantevilsandmiseries.

‘Soul’or‘SupremeSelf’or‘Atma’or‘Brahman’isthatabiding,constantlyexistingand imperishableentitywhichisthebasisoftheworld,whichisindivisible,self-luminous,unchanging andall-pervading,whichisthesilentwitnessorSakShiofthethreestates,viz.,waking,dreamand deepsleep.TheknowerofthissoulorAtmaattainsimmortalityandenterstheabodeofblissand nectar.

Brahmanisrealandeternal.Thisbodyisunrealandperishable.FromtheknowledgeofSelf (Atma)andnot-self(Anatma)springsthestreamofimmortalityortheancientwisdomoftheseers oftheUpanishads.

Atmaistheimmortalsubstanceoressenceinman.Atmaistheoriginofthoughts,desires andreasonings.Atmaisspiritualbecauseitisbeyondmatterandmind.Itmustbeimmortalbecause itisspiritual.Itisbeyondtime,spaceandcausation.Itisbeginningless,endless,causelessand infinite.

Ifyourealisethisimmortalsoulwhichishiddeninyourheartandalltheseforms,ifthe knotsofAvidya(ignorance),Kama(desire)andKarma(action)arerentasunder,ifthechainof ignorance,viz.,ignorance,non-discrimination,egoism,likesanddislikes,Karma,body,etc.,is broken,youwillbefreedfromtheroundsofbirthsanddeathsandenterthecityofdeathlessness.

Theignorantmanonlyrunsaftersensualobjectsandfallsintothemortalcoilsspreadround him.Helivesinthemidstofdarkness.HefallsagainandagainundertheswayoftheLordofDeath (Yama).ThewaytoMokshaisnotapparenttohim.Heisdeludedbythesensualpleasuresofthis world.Butthepatient,thoughtfulmanofdiscriminationanddispassiondoesnotcraveforthe illusorypleasuresofthisworld.HemeditatesontheSupremeSelfandattainseternalblissand immortality.

Mokshaisthe summumbonum oflife.Mokshaisthefulfilmentofthelife’spurpose.Life endsintheearthplanewhenyouattainMoksha,orliberationfrombirthsanddeaths.The realisationofyourrealobjectinlifeisfreedomorMoksha.Mokshabestowsonyoueternallifeof undecayingblissandperennialjoy.Mokshaisnotannihilation.Mokshaistheannihilationofthis little,self-arrogatingegoonly.Mokshaisrealisationoftheidentityoftheindividualsoulwiththe SupremeSoul.Byannihilatingthislittleself,youpossessthewholeoftrueuniversality.Youattain lifeeternal—afullerlife.

Ifyouhavepurityofmindandconcentration,youcanmakethemindassumeanyBhava youlike.Ifyouthinkofmercy,yourwholebeingwillbesaturatedwithmercy.Ifyouthinkof peace,thewholebeingwillbefilledwithpeace.

Thespiritualpathisdoubtlessbesetwithvariousdifficulties.Itisarazorpath.Thewalkin thispathislikewalkingontheedgeofasharprazor.Youwillfalldownseveraltimes,butyouwill havetoriseupquicklyandwalkagainwithmorezeal,boldnessandcheerfulness.Everystumbling blockwillbecomeastepping-stonetosuccessorascentinthehillofspiritualknowledge.Everyfall willgiveyouadditionalstrengthtoriseuptoagreatheightintheladderofYoga.Donotlosesight ofthegoal.Donotmisstheideal.Donotbediscouraged.Youwillsoongetspiritualstrengthfrom within.TheIndwellerwillguideyouandpushyouup.Allsaintsandsages,allprophetsandseers hadtopassthroughtremendousstrugglesandsevereordealsbeforetheyreachedthegoal.March boldly,Ofairyouth,andreachthegoal.

ItisnottruethatonlyoneattainedMokshaorliberation,andnoneelsecan.Historybears evidenceofmanyaSankarahavingcomeintothisworld.IfthepastcouldproduceSankaras,why notthefuturealso?Whatonehasachieved,canbeachievedbyothers,also.Thisistheimmutable lawofnature.WhosoeverwouldattaintheknowledgeofSelflikeYajnavalkyaofBrihadaranyaka Upanishad,likeUddalakaofChhandogyaUpanishad,willalsoattainMokshaorImmortality.

Thewayoftheenlightenedsagesissinless.Thewaytoliberationorfreedomorperfect happinessandpeaceisthroughperfectpurityofmindandheart,ofeveryact,ofcharacterandlife, throughself-restraintandcontrolofmind,andthroughregularmeditationonthepure self-luminous,indivisible,all-pervadingSelforAtman.

IfyouattainSelf-realisation,alldoubtswillberentasunder.Supremecontentmentwillever dwellinyourheart.YouwillbepurgedofRajasandTamas.Youwillbeeverpeacefulandhappy. Thereforestrugglehardtoattainthisrarestateofsupremeblessednessinthisverybirth.

Theflameofalampdestroysimmensedarkness.EvensoknowledgeofSelfdestroys ignoranceorAvidya—theroot-causeofhumansufferingsandtribulations.Therefore,attainthe knowledgeoftheSelf,getilluminationandgoabouthappily.

Whatisthatbyknowingwhicheverythingelsewillbeknown?Whatisthatbyattaining whichtherewillbenohankeringafteranyotherthing?Whatisthatbyrealisingwhichonebecomes immortal,fearless,desirelessandrestsineverlastingpeaceandhappiness?ItisBrahmanorAtma ortheultimateTruthwhichisthe summumbonumoflife. ItistheBhumaorintelligenceorthe unconditioned.Youcangetrealhappiness,onlybyattainingthisBhumaortheHighestSelf.

MayyouallliveinthespiritofthismessageofAmrita!Mayyouallbeequippedwiththe fourmeansofsalvationthroughthegraceoftheLord!MayyouallattainSelf-realisationinthis verybirth!

VEDANTA

ThetermVedaisderivedfromtheSanskritroot.‘Vid’—toknow.‘Anta’meansend.Thus Vedantaliterallysignifies“endofwisdom.”PhilosophyiscalledVedanta,because,itexplains whatthatendisandhowtoachieveit.VedantaisthereligionoftheVedasortheUpanishads.Itis theonlyuniversal,eternalreligion.ItistheessenceoftheteachingsoftheSrutis.

Vedantaisthatboldphilosophywhichteachesunityoflifeoronenessofconsciousness.Itis thatsupremephilosophywhichboldlyproclaims,withemphasisandforce,thatthislittleJivaor humanbeingisidenticalwiththeSupremeSoulortheEternal.Itisthatsublimephilosophywhich elevatesthemindatoncetothemagnificentheightsofBrahmanhood,divinesplendourandglory, whichmakesyouabsolutelyfearless,whichdestroysallbarriersthatseparatemanfromman,and whichbringsconcord,unruffledpeaceandharmonytothesufferinghumanityatlarge.Itistheonly philosophythatcanreallyunite,onthebasisoftheonecommonSelfinall,aHinduanda Mohammedan,CatholicandaProtestant,aVaishnaviteandaSaivite,anIrishmanandan Englishman,aEuropeanandanAmerican,onacommonplatform,andinthecoreoftheirhearts also.Itistheonlyphilosophythat,whenproperlyunderstoodandpractised,canputadefinitestop totheworldwar,dissensions,splits,communalfights,skirmishes,etc.,thatexistindifferent nationsandcommunities.

Vedantaisamagnetichealingbalmforthewoundedandafflictedinthedreadful battle-fieldofthisdireSamsara.Itisthedivinecollyriumwhichremovesthecataractofignorance andgivesanewinnereyeofintuitionorwisdom.Itisthedirectroyalroadtothedomainof unalloyedfelicityandtheSupremeAbodeofImmortalityandEternalBliss.

Iteradicatesignorance—theroot-causeofhumansufferings—putsanendtothe ever-revolvingwheelofbirthsanddeathsandconfersimmortality,infiniteknowledgeandbliss.It giveshopetothehopeless,powertothepowerless,vigourtothevigourlessandjoytothejoyless.

VedantaspeaksofoneAtmaorBrahmanwhichisbeginningless,endless,timeless, spaceless,immortal,self-luminous,indivisibleandall-pervading,whoisSat-Chit-Ananda.

Vedantagivesfreedomforall.Itembracesorincludesoneandall.Vedantaisneithertheory nordryphilosophyforcontentionandargumentation.ItisactuallifeofperennialblissinBrahman orTruth.Equipyourselfwithfourmeans.Enquire,“WhoamI?”MeditateonBrahman.Know “ThouartThat.”Oaspirantsbold!SayOmTatSat;Om-Sat-Chit-Ananda-rupah,Sivoham, Sivoham;Sat-Chit-Ananda-Svarupoham."

MESSAGEOFGITA

TheAtmaisnotbornnordoesHeeverdie.Heisunborn,eternal,changeless,ancientand inexhaustible.Heisnotkilledwhenthebodyiskilled.Heslaysnot,norisheslain.

ASthitaprajnaorJivanmuktaisfreefromdesires,longings,fears,mineness,‘I-ness’and attachment.Heissatisfiedinhisownself.Heisindifferentamidstsensualpleasures.Heisnot elatedbygettingdesirableobjects.Hehasapoisedmindatalltimesandunderallconditions.Heis centredinhisownself.

Workincessantlywithoutegoismandwithoutexpectationoffruits.Haveabalancedmind insuccessandfailure.YouwillnotbeboundbyKarmasoractions.

Thesensesmoveamongsense-objects.Seeing,hearing,touching,smelling,eating,going, sleeping,breathing,speaking,sneezing,openingandclosingtheeyesarethefunctionsorDharmas oftheorgansonly.Inrealitythouartthesilentwitnessoftheactivitiesofthesensesandthe modificationsofthemind.PrakritiorSvabhavadoeseverything.TheAtmaisactionless (Nishkriya).Inessence,thou-arttheAtma.

WiththemindharmonisedinYoga,hewhoseestheSelfinallbeingsandallbeingsinthe Selfseesthesameeverywhere.

Hewhohatesnocreature,whoisfriendlyandcompassionatetoall,whoisfreefrom attachmentandegoism,balancedinpleasureandpain,forgiving,ever-content,steadyin meditation,self-controlled,possessedoffirmconvictionwithmindandintellectdedicatedtothe Lord,whoneitherrejoicesnorhates,neithergrievesnordesires,whoisfullofdevotion,whoisthe sametoafoeandafriendinhonouranddishonour,whoisthesameincoldandheat,inpleasureand pain,whoisbalancedincensureandpraise,isagreatdevoteeorGunatita.Heisverydeartothe Lord.

Doubtlessthemindisfleetingliketheair,impetuousandrestless.Itishardtobecontrolled. Butbypractice(Abhyasa)anddispassion(Vairagya)itcanbecontrolled.

FixyourmindontheLord.BecomeHisdevotee.SacrificeeverythinguntotheLord.Bow downtoHim.SurelyyouwillattainHim.Abandonthefruitsofallworks.TakerefugeintheLord alone.Hewillliberateyoufromallsins.

WhereverisKrishna,theLordofYoga;whereverisPartha,thearcher;thereisprosperity, victory,happinessandsoundpolicy.

ESSENCEOFYOGA-VASISHTHA

IfthefoursentinelsthatwaitatthegatesofMoksha(salvation),viz.,Santi(peace),Vichara (Atmicenquiry),Santosha(contentment),andSatsanga(associationwiththewise),arebefriended, thentherewillbenoobstacleintheattainmentofthefinalemancipation.Evenifoneofthemis befriended,thenhewillintroduceyoutotherestofhiscompanions.

IfyouattainknowledgeoftheSelforBrahmaJnana,youwillbefreedfromthetrammelsof birthsanddeaths.Alldoubtswillvanish;allKarmaswillperish.Itisthroughone’sownefforts alonethattheimmortal,all-blissfulBrahmicseatcanbeattained.

TheslayerofAtmaisthemindonly.TheformofthemindisSankalpas.Thetruenatureof themindconsistsintheVasanas.TheactionsofthemindalonearetrulytermedKarmasoractions. Theuniverseisnothingbutthemind,manifestingassuchonlythroughthepotencyofBrahman. Themindcontemplatingonthebodybecomesthebodyitselfandthenenmeshedinit,isafflictedby it.

Themindmanifestsitselfastheexternalworldintheshapeofpainsorpleasures.Themind subjectivelyisconsciousness;objectivelyitisthisuniverse.Themindattains,throughitsenemyof discrimination,thequiescentstateofPara-Brahman.Therealblissisthatonewhichariseswhenthe mind,divertedofalldesiresthroughtheeternalJnana,destroysitssubtleform.TheSankalpasand Vasanas(subtledesires),whichyougenerate,enmeshyouasinanet.Theself-lightof Para-Brahmanaloneisappearingasthemindorthisuniverse.

PersonswithoutAtmicenquirywillseeasrealthisworldwhichisnothingbutofthenature ofSankalpa.TheexpansionofthismindaloneisSankalpa.Sankalpa,throughitspowerof differentiation,generatesthisuniverse.ExtinctionofSankalpasaloneisMoksha.

TheenemyofAtmaisthisimpuremindonlywhichisfilledwithexcessivedelusionand hostsofworldlythoughts.Thereisnoothervesselofthisearthtowadethroughtheoceanofrebirth thanthemasteryoftheantagonisticmind.

TheoriginalsproutofthepainfulAhamkara(egoism)withitstenderstemofrebirthsat lengthramifiesitselfeverywherewithitslongbranchesof‘mine’and‘thine’andyieldsitsunripe fruitsofdeath,disease,oldage,painsandsorrows.Thistreecanbedestroyedtoitsrootbythefire ofJnanaonly.

Alltheheterogeneousvisiblesperceivedthroughtheorgansofsenseareonlyunrealbutthat whichisrealisParaBrahmanortheSupremeSoul.

Ifallobjectswhichhaveanenchantingappearancebecomeeye-soresandpresentthevery reverseoftheformerfeelings,thenthemindisdestroyed.Allyourpropertiesareuseless.All wealthlandyouindangers.Desirelessnesswilltakeyoutotheeternalblissfulabode.

DestroyVasanasandSankalpas.Killegoism.Annihilatethismind.Equipyourselfwiththe fourmeans.Meditateonthepure,immortal,all-pervadingSelforAtma.GetknowledgeoftheSelf andattainimmortality,everlastingpeace,eternalbliss,freedomandperfection.

MESSAGEOFWISDOM

ThedesiretoknowtheBrahmanspringsonlyinthepersonwhosemindispure,whoisfree fromdesiresandwhoisfreefromthedeedsdoneinthisbirthandinthepreviousones,becomes disgustedwiththeexternal,ephemeralperishableobjects.

EvenwhenBrahmanisexplained,thosewhohavenotbeenpurgedoftheirfaultsand impurities,eitherdisbelieveormisbelieveitaswasthecasewithIndra,Virochana,etc.Therefore, knowledgeasinculcatedarisesonlyinhimwhohas,byTapas,etc.,performedeitherinthisbirthor inmanypreviousbirthspurifiedhimself.TheSrutisays:“Tothathigh-souledmanwhosedevotion totheLordisgreatandwhosedevotiontohispreceptorisasgreatasthattotheLord,thesesecrets explainedbecomeilluminated.”

Justasthecolouredwaterpenetratesfreelyandnicelyapieceofclothwhenitispurewhite, soalso,theinstructionsofasagecanpenetrateandsettledownintheheartsofaspirantsonlywhen theirmindsarecalm,whentherearenodesiresforenjoymentsandwhentheimpuritiesoftheir mindsaredestroyed.

“ButIassureyou,ontheauthorityofmyownintuitionalknowledgeaswellasthatofother illuminedsouls,thattheRealitycanberealisedbyman.Butonewhohasknownitcannot communicateittoothersforwantofmeans.”

Eventheknowledgeacquiredbythefivesenseswhicharecommontoallcannotbe communicatedtoothers.Youcannottellthetasteofbuttertoamanwhohasnevertasteditoreven communicatetheideaofcolourtoonebornblind.

AllthatateachercandoistotellhisdisciplethemethodofknowingtheTruthorthepath thatleadstothedisclosureofintuitionalfaculty.

Holdthemagnificenttorchoffaith.Flyhightheuniquebannerofpeace.Wearthe magnificentshieldofdispassion.Putonthemarvellouscoat-of-armsofdiscrimination.Singthe immortalsongof‘Soham’.MarchboldlywiththebannerofPranava—OmOmOm.Blowthe wonderfulconchofcourage.Killtheenemies—doubt,ignorance,passionandegoism—andenter theillimitablekingdomofAtma.PossesstheimperishablewealthofAtma.Tastethedivine immortalessence.DrinkthenectarofImmortality.

—SageVasishtha.

MESSAGEOFPEACE

Thekingdomofpeaceisbeyondallspeechandthought.Peaceisnotmerelytheabsenceof noise,tumult,strifeorquarrels,controversiesordisputes.Itisnotaconditionorenvironmentfrom whichallundesirableelementsareremoved.Thispeaceisnotaninertpassivestate.Itisnota hypnotictrance.Itisnotanegativephysicalcondition.Itisapositivestateofspiritualattainment.It isyourcentre,idealandgoal.Itisperfectawareness.Itisamagnificent,indescribablestatein whichthepuresoulenjoysthehighestdivineblissandtranscendentaldivineknowledge.Youwill becomeabsolutelyfearlessanddesirelessbydrinkingthisdivinenectarofpeace.Youwillbein communionwiththeSupremeSoulorAtmabyattainingthispeace.Inthisstateofpeacethereare noyesterdaysortomorrows,nosunsetordaybreak—thereiseternalsunshine.Itcanhardlybe acquiredfromexternalsources.Itcanbereachedonlybypatientspiritualpractices.

Youmaybeinquiteadversecircumstances.Youmayremaininthemidstofcalamities, troubles,tribulations,difficultiesandsorrows,andyet,youmayenjoytheinwardharmonyand peaceifyourestinGodbywithdrawingthesenses,bystillingthemindanderadicatingits impurities.LordJesuswaspersecutedinavarietyofways.Hewasputtodeathonthecrossandyet whatdidhesay?Hesaid,“OLord,forgivethem!Theyknownotwhattheyaredoing.”How peacefulHewasevenwhenHislifewasatstake!Hewasenjoyingtheinnerpeace.

Thegoaloflifeisattainmentofself-realisationorGod-consciousness.Thereisone supreme,undying,intelligentprincipleoressenceorAtmaortheSupremeSelfwhodwellsinthe chambersofyourheart.Heexistsinthepast,presentandfuture.HeisExistenceAbsolute, KnowledgeAbsoluteandBlissAbsolute.Theignorantmayvainlysearchfortheirhappinessin perishableexternalobjectsthatareconditionedintime,spaceandcausation.Hehasnopeaceof mind.Hisdesiresarenotgratified.Heamasseswealth,begetschildren,getstitles,honours,name andfameandyethismindisrestless.Hehasnoabidingjoyandlastinghappiness.Heisstillinwant ofsomething.Hehasnofeelingoffulness.Thisfeelingoffulnessandeternalsatisfactioncanonly beobtainedbyrealisingone’sownSelfthroughself-restraint,purityandmeditation.

Howlongdoyouwanttoleadalifeofduality,restlessness,discontentmentand dissatisfaction?Howlongdoyouwishtoleadalifeofignorance,bitterness,hatredandseparation? Howlongdoyouwishtocontinueyourselfishstruggles?Howlongdoyouwishtobehold differencesanddistinctions?Howlongdoyouwishtokeepthebarrierbetweenmanandman?

YoucryforpeaceorSanti.Butwheretogetitandthroughwhom?Youcanrealisepeacein yourownheartthroughassociationwiththesagesandbymeditation.Youcanfindthispeaceonly instillness.Peacecanbefoundonlywithin.Youcertainlycannotfinditinexternalobjects.Look within.Sitsilentlyinaquietroomforoneortwohours.Closeyoureyes.Concentrateonapoint betweenthetwoeyebrows.Withdrawthesensesandthemindfromtheexternalobjects.Bestill. Silencethesurgingemotionsandbubblingthoughts.Forgetthebodyandtheworld.Enterintothe greatcalm.Getdeepdownintotheinnermostrecessesofyourheart.Plungeintheoceanofpeace. RealiseyouronenesswiththeoneSupremeSelfthatdwellsinthechambersofyourheart.Have

fourdailysittingsinwinterandtwoinsummer.Beregularinyourpractice.Regularityisof paramountimportance.

Itisuselesstotalkofthecessationofwarwhileyouareallfullofpettyjealousyandprivate hatred.Removeyourdiscordant,inharmoniousvibrationsfirst.Therewillbenomorewarbetween nations.Individualsonlygotoconstituteanation.Leadanideallifeofpeace.Ruthlesslykill suspicion,prejudiceofallsorts,envy,selfishness,greedforpowerandpossessions.Leadasimple life.Practisedailymeditationandestablishpeaceinyourownheart.Thenradiateittoyour neighboursandallwhocomeincontactwithyou.Disseminateitfarandwide.

Mysteriousisthispeace.Ifyouyourselfenjoythispeace,youcancontributepeacetothe world.RealisethisPeacethatpassethallunderstandingandbefree.MaythisPeaceguideyouall! MaythisPeacebeyourcentre,idealandgoal!

PHILOSOPHYANDMEDITATIONON‘OM’

BrahmanortheSupremeBeingisthehighestofall.OmisHisname.So,Omistobeadored. Omiseverything.OmisthesymbolofBrahman.Itisthewordofpower.Itisthesacred monosyllable.ItistheessenceoftheVedas.Itistheboattotakeyoutotheotherchoreof fearlessnessandimmortality.

PranavaorOmisthegreatestofallMantras.Itbestowsliberationdirectly.AllMantras beginwithOm.EveryhymnbeginswithOm.EveryUpanishadbeginswithOm.Gayatribegins withOm.TheoblationsthatareofferedtothevariousgodsareprecededbythechantingofOm.The greatnessofOmcannotbeadequatelydescribedbyanybody.

Thatplacewhereallspeechstops,allthoughtscease,wherethefunctionoftheintellectand allorgansstop,isOm.ThegoalorwordwhichallVedaspraise,whichallscripturesproclaimand wishingforwhichtheaspirantsleadthelifeofBrahmacharyaisOm.Omisverilythehighest.Itis thebestsupport.ItisthehighestTruth.HewhoknowsOmisworshippedintheworldofBrahman. Heobtainsverilywhateverhedesires.

OmisformedbyadoringthelettersA,UandM.‘A’representsthebeginningoftherangeof sound.‘U’representsthemiddle.‘M’representstheend.ThusOmcoversthewholerangeofsound andwords.

Alltriplets,suchas,Brahma,Vishnu,Siva;Virat,Hiranyagarbha,Ishvara;Sattva,Rajas, Tamas;wakingstate,dreamstate,deepsleepstate;creation,preservationanddestruction,etc.,are representedbyOm.

ChantingofOm,JapaorsilentrepetitionofOm,singingofOm,meditationonOm,purify themind,removethetossingofthemind,destroytheevilofignoranceandhelptheaspirantto mergeinBrahmanortheSupremeSelf.

Omisthebow,mindisthearrow,BrahmanortheSupremeSelfisitsaim.HitatBrahman withapureandone-pointedmind.Justasthearrowbecomesonewiththetarget,youwillbecome onewithBrahman.

Knowthisonesyllableonly.Youwillknoweverything.Youwillattainthehighest knowledge.

SitinPadma,Siddhaoranycomfortablepose.Concentrateonthespotmidwaybetweenthe twoeyebrows(Trikuta).MeditateonthesignificanceofthefollowingformulaewithBhavaor feeling.Repeatthemmentallyalso.

SAT-CHIT-ANANDA-SVARUPOHAM

IamSat-Chit-AnandaSvarupaOmOmOm Aham Brahmasmi—IamBrahmanOmOmOm

IamAll-pervadingconsciousnessOmOmOm IamSakshi(silentwitness)OmOmOm Soham,Sivoham:IamHe,IamSivaOmOmOm

IamdistinctfrombodyandmindOmOmOm IamImmortal.All-pervadingSoulOmOmOm

YouwillsoonrealiseyouridentitywiththeSupremeSelfandshineinyourpristine Brahmicglory.

JIVANMUKTA

AJivanmuktaorliberatedsageisabsolutelyfreefromdesires,fear,selfishness,egoism, mineness,attachment,greedandhatred.Heisfullofpurelove,compassionandmercy.

Hehasmasteryoverthemindandsenses.Hedoesnotidentifyhimselfwiththebody.He alwaysdwellsinhisownInnerSelf.Heisevercontentedandhappy.

Hedoesnotoffendanybodyinthought,wordanddeed.Heisnothurtevenabitbytaunts, censures,insultsandpersecutions.Hekeepsequanimityofmindincensureandpraise,honourand dishonour,pleasureandpain.

Helivesintheworldbutheisnotoftheworld.Hehasnoideaofenjoymentorenjoyer.This stateisindescribable.HeisBrahmanhimself.

Heisapower-houseofspiritualenergy.Sitbeforehim.Yourdoubtswillbeclearedby themselves.Youwillfeelapeculiarthrillofjoyandpeaceinhispresence.Hemaynotspeakand yetmayteachtheaspirantsthroughthelanguageofsilence.

Hesleepswhereverhelikesandeatsanythingfromanybody’shands.Heisabove injunctionsandprohibitionsbuthewillnotviolatetherulesofthescriptures.Heisabovegoodand evil,virtueandvice.Hefindsnofaultswithothers.Heneverbecomesangryevenunderextreme

provocations.Heisevergentleandmild.Healwaysspeakssweetly.Heneveruttersharshwords. Hehasnodislikeorhatredforanycreatureinthisworldinthought,wordordeed.Heblessesthose whopersecutehim.

Hespeaksafewwordsbutthesewordsproduceatremendousimpressiononthemindsof thehearers.Theygiveanewlifeandjoytoallwhohearhismessage.

Theliberatedsage(theprinceofascetics)hasconqueredtheenemyofignorance.Hehas knownthesecretoftruebliss.HehasreachedtheimperishableseatofBrahman.Healwaysrestsin hisownSat-Chit-Ananda-Svarupa.

Hehasrealisedthatheisdistinctfromthethreebodiesandfivesheathsandthatheisthe witnessofthethreestates.HeisfreefromthedistinctionsofI,heandyou.

AJivanmuktainspiredwiththedivinespirit,intoxicatedwiththeimmortalnectar,filled withtheinfiniteAtma,endowedwithanequalvisionandbalancedmind,beholdsonlytheSelfor Atmaeverywhereandembracesallwithpurelove.Glorytosuchawakenedinspiredhighsouls! Maytheirblessingsbeuponyouforever!

ChapterVII

DIALOGUESFROMSCRIPTURES

RAMA-VASISHTHA-SAMVADA (Yoga-Vasishtha)

SriRamaasked:“VenerableGuru!Whatisattraction?Whatisnon-attraction?Whatisthat attractionwhichleadsonetobondage?Whatisthatnon-attractionwhichtendstofreedom?How canIdestroythisbondage?Pleaseenlightenmeontheabovepoints.”

Vasishthareplied:“Ifanyonebelievesthatthisbodyispermanent,ifhefailstodiscriminate betweenthebodyanditspresiderorindwellerorinnerrulerwhoiseternalandifhethinksalways ofbodyonlyheisaslavetoattractionandheisboundbyattraction.Thisisattraction.Thiswill undoubtedlyleadtobondage.ThebeliefthateverythingisBrahmanorAtmaonly,andthatthereis nothingforonetoloveorhateinthisuniverseisnon-attraction.Thisnon-attractionwillleadto Mokshaorfinalemancipation.

Jivanmuktasareendowedwithnon-attraction.Whenthereisnon-attraction,themind abandonsthepleasuresoftheworld,egoismvanishesandattachmentforeverythingperishes.The stateofnon-attractionleadstoMoksha.Thosewhohaveattainedthestateofnon-attraction relinquishthefruitsofactions.Theyseekneitheractionnorinaction.Attractionentailsonein rebirths.

Thisattractionisoftwokinds,viz.,Bandhya(binding)andAbandhya(non-binding).The formerbelongstotheignorant,whilethelatteristheornamentofthosewhohaveattained self-realisation.Theformerproducesrebirthsthroughattachmenttoobjectswhilethelatter generatesdiscriminationandknowledgeoftheSelf.LordVishnuandthehostsofSiddhasprotect thisearthbyperformingvariousactionsthroughtheAbandhyaattraction.

AJivanmuktaisnotattachedtoactionsthoughheperformsmanifoldactionsforthe well-beingoftheworld.Heisquiteindifferentthoughheassociateshimselfwithobjects.Hehasno attractionfortheobjects.HismindiseverfixedintheSupremeSelfonly.Heregardsthisworldas anunreality.Hedoesneitherliveinfutureexpectationnordoesherelyonhispresentpossession. Hedoesnotliveonthepleasureofhispastmemory.Sleeping,heisawakeinhisvisionofsupreme light;andwaking,heisplungedinthedeep,sleeplesssleepofNirvikalpaSamadhi.Hedoesactions andremainsasifhehasdonenothing.Hedoesallactionswithouttheerrorofbelievinghimselfas theactor.Heneitherrejoicesnorgrievesatanything.Hebehaveshimselfasaboywithboysandas aveteranwitholdpeople.Heisyouthfulinthesocietyofyoungmenandisgraveinthecompanyof thewise.Herejoicesatthehappinessofothers.Heissympatheticwiththepeoplewhoarein distress.ORam!Conductyourselfinsuchamannerwhenyouruleyourkingdom.Youwillnever losesightoftheReality."

DEVA-YAKSHA-SAMVADA (KenaUpanishad)

InthefightwiththeAsuras,theDevaswerevictorious.TheDevasthoughtthattheydidso withtheirownpowerandprowessandforgotthatitwasdivinehelpwhichbroughtvictorytothem. LordBrahmawantedtoteachthemalesson.Heknewtheirideaofbeingpuffedupwithvanityand appearedbeforethemintheformofaYaksha(Greatspirit)thebeginningandendofwhichwere notvisible.TheydidnotknowHim.TheyspoketoAgnithus:“OJataveda!Findoutwhatthisgreat spiritis”.Hesaid“Yes”.AgniranuptoBrahmaandBrahmasaid:“Whoartthou”?Hereplied:“I amverilyAgni,IamverilyJatavedas”.BrahmaaskedAgni:“Whatpowerhastthou?”Agni replied:“Icanevenburnwhatsoeverthereisontheearth”.Brahmaplacedabladeofgrassbefore Agniandsaid:‘Burnthis’.Agniapproacheditwithallitspower.Hecouldnotburnit.Nextcame Vayu(thegodofwind).BrahmaaskedVayu:“Whatpowerhastthou?”Vayureplied:“Icanblow awayalltheuniverseandallthatisontheearth”.BrahmaplacedabladeofgrassbeforeVayuand said:“Blowthisaway”.Vayuapproacheditwithallhispowerandwasnotabletomakeitmovean inchfromitsplace.LastofallthechiefoftheDevas,Indrahimselfcame.Butwhenhereachedthe spothefoundthattheYakshahadvanished.Indrawasinastateofgreatdilemma.Hewasconfused andperplexed.Whenhewasthusstandingthere,bewilderedandashamedattheirdefeat,Uma (Haimavati)—thedaughterofHimavan(Himalayas)andtheconsortofLordSiva—appeared beforehimandrevealedtohimtherealidentityoftheYaksha.ThenonlyIndraknewthe‘spirit’to beBrahma.HeverilybecameexcellentbeforetheothergodsonaccountofthegraceoftheMother Uma.

Onaccountofegoism,youthinkthatyoudoeverythingandsoyouarebound.Feelthatyou areaninstrumentinthehandsofGod.Godworksthroughyourhands,beholdsthroughyoureyes, hearsthroughyourears,smellsthroughyournose.Youwillbefreedfromegoismandthebondage

ofKarma.YouwillattainpeaceandbecomeonewithGod.ThisisthesecretofKarmaYogaand BhaktiYoga.

YAJNAVALKYA-MAITREYI-SAMVADA

Yajnavalkya,thegreatestseerandsage,said:“Maitreyi,verily,Iamgoingawayfromthis houseintotheforesttoenteranotherorderoflife(Sannyasa);thereforeletmedividemyproperty betweenyouandKatyayani”.

Maitreyisaid:“Myvenerablelord,ifthiswholeworldwithallitswealthbelongstome,tell metruly,couldIattainimmortality”.

“No,”repliedYajnavalkya,“Likethelifeofrichpeoplewillbeyourlife;butthereisno hopeofobtainingimmortalitybywealth”.

Maitreyi:“Ofwhatusewouldbewealthtome,ifIdonotbecometherebyimmortal?Tell me,Ovenerablelord,anymeansofattainingimmortalityofwhichthouknowest”.

Yajnavalkyareplied:“Come,sitdown,mybelovedMaitreyi,Iwillexplainittothee.Tryto understandwellwhatIsay”.

Yajnavalkyasaid:“Verily,notindeedforthehusband’ssakethehusbandisdear,butforthe sakeOftheSelfthehusbandisdear.Verily,notindeedforthewife’ssakethewifeisdear,butfor thesakeoftheSelfthewifeisdear.Verily,notindeedforthesakeofthesonthesonisdear,butfor thesakeoftheSelfthesonisdear.Verily,thisimmortalall-pervadingAtmanorBrahmanistobe seen,heard,reflectedandmeditatedupon,OMaitreyi: AtmaVaareDrashtavyahSrotavyo MantayoNididhyasitavyah”.

OMaitreyi!Whenthereisduality,oneseestheother,onesmellstheother,onetastesthe other,onesalutestheother,onespeakstotheother,onetouchestheother,oneknowstheother,but whentheSelforAtmaonlyisallthis,howcouldoneseetheother,howcouldhesmelltheother, touchtheother,knowtheother?HowcouldheknowHimbywhomheknowsallthis?ThatSelfis tobedescribedby“No,no”(Neti,Neti).AtmanortheSupremeSelfisimperishable.Heisfreeand unattached.Heisnotsubjecttopainordestruction.Howcouldoneknowtheknower?Thus,O belovedMaitreyi,thouhastbeeninstructed".

Havingsaidthis,Yajnavalkyawenttotheforest.

Nachiketassaid:“Thatwhichthouseestasotherthanvirtueandvice,otherthancauseand effect,otherthanthepastandfuture,tellmethat,OLordYama.Thisismythirdboonfromthee”.

NACHIKETO-YAMA-SAMVADA (KathaUpanishad)

Yamareplied:“ThegoalwhichalltheVedasspeakof,whichallpenancesproclaimand wishingforwhichtheaspirantsleadthelifeofaBrahmacharinorcelibate,thatgoalIwillbriefly tellthee.ItisOm”.

ThiswordisverilyBrahman;thiswordisverilythehighest;hewhoknowsthisword, obtains,verilywhateverhewishes—heattainsImmortalityandEternalBliss.

ThisAtmanisbeginningless,endless,birthless,deathless,changeless,formless, attributeless,andcolourless.Heiswithoutsound,touch,smellandtaste.Heiseternal,immortal, all-pervading,self-luminous,indivisible,onewithoutasecond.Heisbeyond,Avyaktamorthe unmanifested.Hedwellsintheintellectorthecaveoftheheart.HeistheinnerSelfofallbeings.

Hewhoisfreefromdesires,whosemindisconcentratedandpeaceful,whosesensesare subdued,beholdsthismysteriousAtmanthroughmeditationandintuitioninhisownintellectand enjoysimmortalityandeverlastingpeaceandbliss.

ThisAtmanishiddeninallbeings.Itisrealisedbysubtleseersthroughtheirsharpand subtleintellect,witheyesandothersensesturnedfromsensualobjects.

Whenalldesiresaredestroyed,whenthethreeknotsoftheheart,i.e.,Avidya(ignorance), Kama(desire),Karma(work)arerentasunder,when,thefiveorgansofknowledgeareatrest togetherwiththemindandwhentheintellectceasesfunctioningorbecomescalm,youwillattain immortalityorParamaGatiorthehigheststate.

Justasyoudrawthepithorstalkfromareed,soalso,youwillhavetodrawortakeoutthis essenceofAtmafromthebodyorthefivesheathspatientlyandboldlythroughmeditation,Vichara orenquiryandViveka(discrimination)".

NachiketasgotclearinstructionsonBrahmaVidyafromLordYamathroughthethirdboon grantedbyYama,practisedmeditationandattainedBrahman,i.e.,becameimmortalthrough knowledgeoftheSelf.AnyqualifiedstudentlikeNachiketaswhoknowstheAtmancansurely attainimmortality.

OmSantih!Santih!Santih!

“Om!MayHeprotectusboth(teacherandpupil).MayHecauseusbothtoenjoytheblissof Mukti.Maywebothexerttogethertofindoutthetruemeaningofthescriptures.Mayourstudiesbe fruitful.Mayweneverquarrelwitheachother”.

OmPeace!Peace!Peace!

“OmSahanavavatu,Sahanaubhunaktu, SahaviryamKaravavahai’;Tejasvinavadhitamastu, Mavidvishavahai."

KAUSALYA-PIPPALADA-SAMVADA (PrasnaUpanishad)

Kausalya,sonofAsvala,questionedPippalada:“OBhagavanPippalada:Whenceisthis Pranaborn?Howdoesitcomeintothisbody?Howdoesitabideafterithasdivideditself?How doesitgoout?Howdoesitsupportwhatiswithout?Howdoesitsupportallwithinthebody?”

Hereplied:“Youaskquestionsabouttranscendentalmatters.Iwillexplaintotheebecause youareagreatenquirerofBrahman.

ThisPranaisbornoftheAtman.Asisthisshadowintheman,soisthisPranaintheAtman. Bytheactionofthemindthisentersintothisbody.

Asakingcommandshisofficers,sayingtothem:‘Governtheseorthosevillages’,sodoes thisPranadisposetheotherPranas,eachfortheirseparateallottedwork.

TheApanadwellsintheorgansofexcretionandgeneration:thePranaitselfabidesinthe eye,ear,mouthandnose.InthemiddleisSamana.Itdistributesthefoodsuppliedequallyandthe sevenflamesproceedfromit.

ThisAtmanisintheheart.Herethereareahundredandonenerves(arteries).Eachofthem hasahundredbranches;againeveryoneofthesehasseventy-twothousandsub-branches.Inthese theVyanamoves.

Again,throughoneother,theUdanaascending,leadsusupwardstothevirtuousworldby goodwork;tosinfulworldsbysin:andtotheworldofmenbyvirtueandsincombined.

ThesunverilyistheexternalPrana.HerisesandassiststhePranaintheeye.Thegoddessof theearthattractsApanadownwards.Theother(betweenthesunandtheearth)isSamana.Thewind isVyana.

TheexternalfireindeedisUdana.Therefore,hewhosefirehasgoneout,entersanother bodywithhissensesabsorbedinthemind.

Whateverhisthought(atthetimeofdeath),withthatheattainsPrana:andthePranaunited withUdanatogetherwiththeJivatma,leadsontotheworldthoughtof.Thelearnedmanwho knowsPranathus—hisoffspringdoesnotperishandhebecomesimmortal.

Hewhoknowstheorigin,theentry,theseat,thefivefolddistributionofPranaandits internalstateinthebody,obtainsimmortality,yea,obtainsimmortality".

UDDALAKA-SVETAKETU-SAMVADA (ChhandogyaUpanishad)

Uddalakasaid:“Svetaketu!Haveyoueveraskedyourteacherforthatinstructionbywhich wehearwhatcannotbeheard,bywhichweperceivewhatcannotbeperceived,bywhichweknow whatcannotbeknown?”

Svetaketusaid:“Whatisthatinstruction,Sir?”

Thefatherreplied,“Mydear,justasbyasinglelumpofclay,allthatismadeofclayis known,allmodificationsbeingonlyanamebaseduponwords,(thedifferencebeingonlyaname arisingfromspeech)butthetruthbeingthatallisclay—thus,mydear,isthatinstruction”.

“PleaseSir,explaintomefurther”saidSvetaketu.

Uddalaka:“BringmeafruitofthatNyagrodhatree(banyantree)”.

Svetaketu:“Hereisone,Sir.”

Uddalaka:“Breakit.”

Svetaketu:“Itisbroken,Sir.”

Uddalaka:“Whatdoyouseethere?”

Svetaketu:“Thoseextremelysmallseeds,Sir.”

Uddalaka:“Breakoneofthem,mydear.”

Svetaketu:“Itisbroken,Sir.”

Uddalaka:“Whatdoyouseethere?”

Svetaketu:“Nothing,Sir.”

Thefathersaid:“Myson,thatsubtleessencewhichyoudonotperceivethere,ofthatvery essencethisgreatNyagrodhatreegrows(exists).Believeme,myson.”

“Now,thatwhichisthesubtleessence(therootofall)inThatallthatexistshasitsSelf;that istheSelf;ThatistheTruth;Thatthouart,OSvetaketu!”

“Please,Sir,explaintomefurther,”saidtheson.“Beitso,mychild,”repliedthefather.

Uddalaka:“Placethissaltinthewaterandcometomeinthemorning.”

Svetaketu,theson,didashewascommanded.

Thefathersaidtohim:“Bringthesalt,mydear,whichyouputinthewaterlastnight.”

Thesonlookedforitanddidnotfindit,forithadbecomedissolved.

Thefathersaid:“Mychild,tasteitfromthesurfaceofthewater.Howisit?”

Thesonreplied:“Itissalt.”

Uddalaka:“Tasteitfromthemiddle.Howisit?”

Thesonreplied:“Itissalt.”

Uddalaka:“Tasteitfromthebottom.Howisit?”

Thesonreplied:“Itissalt.”

Thefathersaid:“Throwitawayandcometome.”

Thesondidso;‘Itexistsforever.’

Thenthefathersaidtohim:“Herealsointhisbody,forsooth,youdonotperceivetheTruth (SatorPureBeing),myson,butthereitisindeed.”

Thefathersaid:“Nowthatwhichisthesubtleessence(therootofall),inThatallthatexists hasitsSelf:ThatistheSelf;thatistheTruth;Thatthouart;OSvetaketu.”

YAJNAVALKYA-GARGI-SAMVADA (BrihadaranyakaUpanishad)

Gargi,daughterofVachuknusaid:“Ishallasktheetwoquestions.Willyouanswerme,O venerablesage?”

Yajnavalkyasaid:“Ask,OGargi.”

Gargisaid:“OYajnavalkya,thatofwhichtheysaythatisabovetheheavens,beneaththe earth,embracingheavenandearth,past,presentandfuture,tellmeinwhatisitwoven,likethe warpandthewoof.”

Yajnavalkyareplied:“InetherorAkasa.”

Gargisaid:“Ibowtothee,OYajnavalkya.Bepreparedforthesecondquestion,”

Yajnavalkyasaid:“Ask,OGargi.”

Gargisaid:“Inwhatistheetherwovenandrewovenlikethewarpandthewoof?”

Yajnavalkyareplied:“OGargi,inBrahmanistheetherwovenandrewovenlikethewarp andthewoof.SagescallthistheAkshara(theimperishable).Itisneithercoarse,norsubtle,neither shortnorlong,neitherrednorwhite.Itisneithershadownordarkness.Itiswithoutears,eyes,or mind,orbreath,withoutspeech,withoutsmell,withoutmouth.Ithasnowithinandnowithout.”

“BythecommandofthisIndestructibleBeing,OGargi,sunandmoon,heavenandearth, standupheldintheirplaces.BythecommandofthisAkshara,OGargi,minutes,hours,days, nights,weeks,months,seasonsandyearsstandapart.”

“Whosoever,OGargi,withoutknowingtheAkshara,departsfromthisworld,becomesa miser.Buthe,OGargi,whodepartsfromthisworld,knowingthisIndestructibleBeing,isatrue Brahmanorliberatedsage.”

“ThatBrahman,OGargi,althoughunseen,butHesees;althoughunheard,butHehears; althoughunthought,butHethinks;althoughunknown,butHeknows.Thereisnonethatseesbut He,thereisnonethathearsbutHe,thereisnonethatthinksbutHe,thereisnonethatknowsbutHe. InthatAkshara,then,OGargi,theetheriswovenandrewovenlikethewarpandthewoof.”

OnhearingthesewordsofwisdomfromthemouthofYajnavalkya,Gargibecamesilent.

PRAJAPATI-INDRA-SAMVADA (ChhandogyaUpauishad)

Prajapatisaid:“OnemustsearchoutandmusttrytounderstandtheSelforAtmanwhichis freefromsin,oldage,death,grief,hungerandthirst,withtruedesires(Sat-Kama),andtruewill (Sat-Sankalpa).Thenonlyhewillobtaineternalblissandimmortality.”

Indrasaid:“OVenerableLord!IwanttoknowtheAtman.Pleaseinstructme.”

Prajapatisaid:“Adornyourselfwell;dressyourselfwell;cleanyourselfwellandthenlook atyourselfinthebasinofwater.”

Indradidso.

Prajapatisaid:“OIndra!Whatdoyousee?”

Hereplied:“Ibeholdmyselfinthebasinofwaterwell-adorned,well-dressedandclean.”

Prajapatisaid:“ThatistheSelf,theImmortal,theFearless—thatisBrahman.”

Indrawasnotsatisfiedwiththisinstruction.Hereflectedwithinhimself:“TheAtmanalso willbeblind,ifthebodyisblind;lame,ifthebodyislame;one-eyed,ifthebodyisone-eyed;

crippled,ifthebodyiscrippled;andwillperishifthebodyperishes.ThereforeIseenogoodinthis doctrine.”

HeagainwenttoPrajapati.

PrajapatiSaid:“TheSelfthatdreamsistheImmortal,Fearless,Brahman.”

Indrawasnotsatisfiedwiththisdoctrinealso.Hereflected:“Thoughthedreamselfisnot blindwhenthebodyisblind,notone-eyedwhenthebodyisone-eyed,isnotdestroyedwhenthe bodyisdestroyedyetitbecomesconsciousofpainandshedstearsevenindream.ThereforeIsee nogoodinthis”.

IndraagainwenttoPrajapati.

Prajapatisaid:“TheSelfthatenjoysdeepsleepistheImmortal,Fearless,Brahman.”

Indrareflected:“Indeepsleepthereisutterannihilation.Idonotgetanyintuitional knowledge,Iseenogoodinthisdoctrinealso.”

IndraagainwenttoPrajapati.

Prajapatisaid:“OIndra,thisbodyismortal.Theembodiedselfissubjecttopleasureand pain.Theeyeistheinstrumentofseeing.Thenoseistheinstrumentofsmelling.Theearisthe instrumentofhearing.ButtheAtmanorBrahmanisthesilentwitness(Sakshi).Heisimmortal, fearless.Heisdistinctfromthethreebodies,thethreeAvasthasorstatesofconsciousnessthemind, bodyandsenses.”

IndrameditatedonBrahmanandattainedEternalBlissandImmortalitythrough Brahma-JnanaorknowledgeoftheBrahman.

ChapterVIII

SELF-REALISATION

Behindthisworld-show,behindthesephysicalphenomena,behindthesenamesandforms, behindthefeelings,thoughts,emotionsandsentimentstheredwellsthesilentwitnessthyimmortal friendandrealwell-wisher—thePurushaorworldteacher,theunseengovernorormaster,the unknownYogi,theindivisiblepowerofconsciousnessorhiddensage.Thatistheonlypermanent realityandlivingtruth.ThatisBrahmanortheSupremeBeingortheAbsolute.ThatisAtma.That isSelf.Thegoalofhumanlifeistorealisetherealitybehindthechangingphenomena.The summumbonum ofhumanaspirationistoattainSelf-realisation.Self-realisationalonecanmake youabsolutelyfreeandindependent.Trustnotyourbody,mindandsenses.Haveinnerspiritual life.AttainknowledgeoftheSelfthroughsteadydevotionanddiscipline.Drinkthenectarof immortality,quenchtheflamesofSamsaraandallayitstortures,miseriesandsorrows.

Friends!Istherenotahighermissioninlifebesideseating,sleepingandtalking?Istherenot anyhigherformofeternalblissthanthesetransitoryandillusorypleasures?Istherenotadignified lifethanthesensuallife?Howuncertainislifehere!Howinsecureisourexistenceinthis earth-planewithvariouskindsoffear!Howpainfulisthismundanelife?Shouldwenotattempt diligentlynowtoreachaplace—theimmortalabode,ouroriginalsweethomeofpristinepurityand divinesplendour—wherethereiseternalsunshine,absolutesecurity,perfectpeaceandwherethere isneitherdisease,nordeath,norwar?

Come,come!BecomeaYogi.Comeoutofyournarrowholesorruts.Crushallsortsof superstitions.Aimhigh.Tobecomeanadvocate,oradoctor,oranengineer,oraprofessor,isthe heightofyourambition.Canthisgiveyoufreedom?Canthisgiveyoueternalbliss?Canthisgive youeverlastingpeace?Canthismakeyouimmortal?Doyounotliketoattainperfectionor immortality?Doyounotwishtoachievethe summumbonum ofexistence—Kaivalyaor independence—AtmaSvarajya?Thencome,struggleforhigherthings.Bebold!Looknotback. Marchforward!Enquire:“WhoamI?”Hear,reflect,meditateandrealisetheAtmicsplendour!

OmisSat-Chit-Ananda.OmisInfinite.OmisEternal.OmisImmortality.SingOm.Chant Om.FeelOm.

Santi!Santi!Santi!

Peace!Peace!Peace!

MESSAGES

ChapterIX MESSAGES

NEWYEARMESSAGE

BythecommandoftheIndestructibleBeing,minutes,hours,daysandnights,standapart. BythecommandoftheImmortalBrahman,months,years,seasonsandsolsticesstandapart.He whoknowsthisIndestructibleBeingisaliberatedsageorJivanmukta.

Timerollson.Newbecomesoldandoldbecomesnewagain.Todayisthemostauspicious NewYear’sday.Godhasgivenyouanotherchancethisyeartoenableyoutostriveforyour salvation.Todaymanis.Tomorrowheisnot.Thereforeavailyourselfofthisgoldenopportunity, strugglehardandreachthegoaloflife.MakethebestuseofeverymomentofthisNewYear. Unfoldalllatentfaculties.Hereisachancetobeginlifeanew,togrowandevolveandbecomea superhumanoragreatdynamicYogi.

OnthisgloriousNewYear’sdaymakeastrongresolvetowipeawayalltheoldworldly Vasanasortendenciesandbadimpressionsandtocontrolthesensesandthemind.

Knowthevalueoftime.Timeismostprecious.Utiliseeverysecondprofitably.Liveevery momentofyourlifefortherealisationofyouridealandgoal.Donotprocrastinate.That “tomorrow”willnevercome.Nowornever.Abandonidlegossiping.Killegoism,lazinessand inertia.Forgetthepast.Agloriousandbrilliantfutureisawaitingyou.

Equalvisionisthetouchstoneofknowledge.Unselfishnessisthetouchstoneofvirtue. Brahmacharyaisthetouchstoneofethics.OnenessisthetouchstoneofSelf-realisation.Humilityis thetouchstoneofdevotion.Therefore,beunselfish,humbleandpure.Developequalvision.Bein tunewiththeInfinite.

Satyam(truth)istheseed.Ahimsaistheroot.Meditationistheshower.Santi(peace)isthe flower.Moksha(salvation)isthefruit.Therefore,speakthetruth,practiseAhimsaandmeditation. CultivateSanti.Youwillattainthefinalemancipationorfreedomfromthetrammelsofbirthsand deaths,andenjoyEternalbliss.

BethouaspiritualwarriorofTruth.Putonthearmourofdiscrimination.Weartheshieldof dispassion.HoldtheflagofDharma.SingthesongofSohamorSivoham.Marchboldlywiththe bandofPranava—OmOmOm.Blowtheconchofcourage.Killtheenemiesofdoubt,ignorance, passionandegoismandentertheillimitablekingdomofblissfulBrahman.Possessthe imperishablewealthofAtma.Tastethedivineimmortalessence.DrinkthenectarofImmortality.

MaythisbrightNewYear’sdayandallthesucceedingdaysofthisyearandallthefuture yearsalsobringyouallsuccess,peace,prosperityandhappiness.Mayyoualltreadthepathof Truthandrighteousness!MayyouenjoytheeternalblissoftheAbsolute,leadingadivinelife,

singingLord’sname,sharingwhatyouhavewithothers,servingthepoorandthesickwithAtma BhavaandmeltingthemindinsilentmeditationintheSupremeSelf.

GURUPURNIMAMESSAGE

GuruPurnimaisaveryauspiciousdayfordoingvigorousSadhanaorYogicpracticeand forstartinganyspiritualSadhanaalso.ThisistheAshadhaPurnimaday.Thisisalsoknownbythe nameVyasaPujaday.SriVyasaandtheBrahmaVidyaGurusareworshippedonthisday.

Onthismemorableday,SriVyasa,oneoftheChiranjeevis,anincarnationofLordVishnu, begantowritehisuniqueBrahmaSutrasorVedantaSutrasandMahabharata.Chaturmasafor Sannyasinsbeginsfromthisday.Sannyasinsstayinoneplaceduringrainyseasonforfourmonths, studyBrahmaSutrasandpractisemeditation.

Liveonmilkandfruitsonthisday,practiserigorousJapaandDhyana.WorshipyourGuru andfeedtheMahatmas.Sadhusandthepoor.StudytheBrahmaSutrasanddosomelakhsofJapa (AnushthanaorPurascharana)ofyourGuruMantraorIshtaMantraduringtheChaturmasa.You willbehighlybenefited.

GuruisBrahmanorIsvaraHimself.Guruisyourrealfather,mother,friend,guideand saviour.TheGraceoftheGuruisindispensableforthespiritualprogressoftheaspirants.TheSruti says,“Tothathigh-souledaspirantwhosedevotiontotheLordisgreatandwhosedevotiontohis GuruisasgreatasthattotheLord,thesesecretsexplainedbecomeilluminated.”

BrahmanortheSupremeSelfaloneisreal.HeistheSoulofall.HeisAllinall.Heisthe Essenceofthisuniverse.HeistheUnitythatneveradmitsofadualityunderallthevarietiesand diversitiesofnature.ThouartthisImmortal,All-pervading,All-blissfulBrahman.ThouartThat. Realisethisandbefree—TatTvamAsi.

RememberthefourimportantversesoftheBrahmaSutras.(1) “Athato Brahmajijnasa—nowtherefore,theenquiryofBrahman.”(2) “JanmadyasyaYatah—From whichproceedtheorigin,etc.”(3) “Sastra-Yonitvat—Thescripturesbeingthemeansofright knowledge.”(4) TatTuSamanvayat—ButThat,becauseItisthemainsupport."

Nowsing: “JayaGuruSivaGuruHariGuruRam,JagadGuruParamGuruSatGuru Syam.”

RememberandadoreSriVyasaandtheBrahmaVidyaGurus.Maytheirblessingsbeupon youall.

DUSSERAMESSAGE

SalutationstoSriDurga(MotherDivine)Whoexistsinallbeingsintheformof intelligence,mercy,beauty;WhoistheconsortofLordSiva;whocreates,sustainsanddestroysthe universe.

DusseraisthegreatestHindufestivalofadoringGodasMother.Durgarepresentsthe DivineMother.SheistheenergyaspectoftheLord.WithoutDurga,Sivahasnoexpressionand withoutSiva,Durgahasnoexistence.SivaisthesoulofDurga.DurgaisidenticalwithSiva.Lord Sivaisonlythesilentwitness.Heismotionless,absolutelychangeless.Heisnotaffectedbythe cosmicplay.Durgadoeseverything.

Mother-worshipistheworshipofGodastheDivineMother—SriMata.Saktiisthepower oftheLordorthecosmicenergy.TheDivineMotherinHeraspectofDurgaisrepresentedas havingtendifferentweaponsinherhands.Sheissittingonalion.ShekeepsuptheLilaoftheLord throughthethreeGunas—Sattva,RajasandTamas.Vidya,Santi,lust,anger,greed,egoismand prideareallHerforms.

TheUpasanaorworshipofDeviorUniversalMotherleadstotheattainmentofknowledge oftheSelf.ThestoryoftheKenaUpanishadknownasthe“YakshaPrasna”supportsthisview. UmataughttheTruthtotheDevas.GoddessSaktishedswisdomonHerdevotees.

Achildismorefamiliarwiththemotherthanwiththefather,becausesheisverykind, loving,tender,affectionateandlooksafterthewantsofthechild.Inthespiritualfieldalsothe aspirantorthedevotee—thespiritualchild—hasintimaterelationshipwiththeMotherDurgathan withtheFatherSiva.Itbehoves,therefore,thattheaspirantshouldapproachtheMotherfirstand ShewillintroduceHerspiritualchildtotheFatherforhisilluminationorSelf-realisation.

Mother’sgraceisboundless.Hermercyisillimitable.Herknowledgeisinfinite.Herpower isimmeasurable.Hergloryisineffable.Hersplendourisindescribable.ShegivesyouBhuktior materialprosperityandMukti(liberation)also.

ApproachHerwithanopenheart.LaybareyourhearttoHerwithfranknessandhumility. Beassimpleasachild.Killruthlesslyegoism,cunningness,selfishnessandcrookedness.Make total,unreserved,ungrudgingsurrendertoHer.SingHerpraise.RepeatHername.WorshipHer withfaithandunflinchingdevotion.DospecialPujaonNavaratridays.NavaratriorDusseraisthe mostsuitableoccasionfordoingintenseSadhana.TheseninedaysareverysacredtoDevi.Plunge yourselfinHerworship.DoAnushthana.DevifoughtwithBhandasuraandhisforcesforninedays andninenights.ThewarendedintheeveningofthetenthdayknownasVijayaDasamidayorthe dayofvictory.Aspirantsareinitiatedonthisday.AksharaAbhyasaforchildrenisdoneonVijaya Dasamiday.Thebeginningoflearningofanyscienceisdoneonthismostauspiciousday.Itwason thisdaythatArjunaworshippedtheDevibeforestartingthefightagainsttheKauravasonthefield ofKurukshetra.

MayDurgagivethemilkofdivinewisdomtoHerchildrenandliftthemtothemagnificent heightsofdivinesplendourandglory,theimperishablestateofKaivalyaandeternalSunshine!

DEEPAVALIMESSAGE

Deepavaliisthefestivaloflamps.ItisobservedalmostthroughoutIndiawithgreatpomp andshow.ItisatimeofgreatrejoicingandworshippingamongtheHindusandlastsfortwodays. ThisisheldatthebeginningoftheHinducommercialyearinhonouroftheGoddessLakshmi.

ItcommemoratesthatblesseddaywhenSriRamareturnedtoAyodhyaafterkilling Ravana.OnthisdaySriKrishnakilledthedemonNarakasura.

InSouthIndiaalltakeoil-bathinthemorningandwearnewclothes.Atthisfestival,Hindu merchantsinNorthIndiabegintheirnewaccountbooksandprayforsuccessandprosperityduring thecomingyear.ThehousesoftheHindusarecleanedanddecoratedbydayandilluminatedby nightwithearthenlamps.ThebestandfinestilluminationsaretobeseeninBombayandAmritsar. ThefamousGoldenTempleatAmritsarislitintheeveningwiththousandsoflampswhichare placedalloverthestepsonthesidesofthebigtank.VaishnavitescelebrateGovardhanaPujaand feedthepeopleonalargescaleAnnakootorSamashtiBhandara).

ORam!TheLightoflights,theself-luminousinnerlightofAtmaniseverburningsteadily inthechambersofyourheart.Sitquietly.Closeyoureyes.Withdrawthesenses.Fixthemindon thissupremelight(ParamJyoti)andenjoytherealDeepavali,byattainingilluminationofthesoul.

EgoismorAhamkaraistherealNarakasura.Killthisegoismthroughtheswordof Atma-JnanaorknowledgeoftheSelf,mergeinSriKrishna,thesupremelightoftheworld,and enjoythespiritualDeepavaliofinnerillumination.

HewhoHimselfseesall,whomnoonebeholds,whoilluminestheintellect,thesun,moon andstarsandthewholeuniverse,butwhomtheycannotillumine—ThatisBrahman.ThatisAtma. CelebratetherealDeepavalibylivinginBrahmanandenjoytheeternalblissofthesoul.

Thesundoesnotshinethere,nordothemoonandthestars,nordotheselightningsshine andmuchlessthisfire.Allthelightsoftheworldcannotbecomparedeventoarayoftheinnerlight ofthesoul.MergeyourselfinthisLightoflightsandenjoythesupremeDeepavali.

ManyDeepavalifestivalshavecomeandgone.Yettheheartsofthevastmajorityof personsareasdarkasthenew-moonnight.Thehouseislitwiththelampsbuttheheartisfullof darknessofignorance.Oman!Wakeupfromtheslumberofignorance.Realisetheconstantand eternallightofthesoulwhichhasneitherrisingnorsettingthroughmeditationandVicharaor enquiryanddispelthedarknessofignorance.

Mayyouallattainfullinnerillumination!MaytheSupremeLightoflightsenlightenyour understanding!MayyouallgettheinexhaustiblespiritualwealthofAtma!Mayyouallprosper gloriouslyinthematerialandspiritualplanes?

ADVICETOSTUDENTS

Om!Friends,youarethefuturehopeofthemotherland.Youarethecitizensoftomorrow. Youshouldalwaysthinkoverthegoaloflifeandlivetoattainit.Thegoaloflifeistheattainmentof freedomfromallsortsofmiseryorthestateofKaivalyaorliberationfromthecycleofbirthsand deaths.Leadawell-regulatedmorallife.Moralstrengthisthebackboneofspiritualprogress. EthicalcultureispartandparcelofspiritualSadhana.KeepupBrahmacharyaorthevowof celibacy.BytheobservanceofBrahmacharyamanyofthesagesofyorehaveattainedimmortality. Brahmacharyaisthesourceofnewstrength,vigour,vitalityandsuccessinlife,andeternal

happinesshereafter.Lossofthisvitalenergyisthecauseofdisease,miseriesandprematuredeath. Therefore,takeparticularcaretopreservethisvitalenergy.PracticeofBrahmacharyagivesgood health,innerstrength,peaceofmindandlonglife.Itinvigoratesthemindandthenervesandhelps toconservephysicalandmentalenergy.Itaugmentsthestrengthandcourage.Itgivespowerto facethedifficultiesinthedailybattleoflife.AperfectBrahmacharican,likeJnanadeva,movethe world,cancommandnatureandthefiveelements.DevelopfaithintheVedasandthepowerof Mantra.Practisemeditationdaily.TakeSattvicfood.Donotoverloadthestomach.Repentforyour mistakes.Admityourfaultsfreely.Nevertrytohideyourfaultsbylameexcusesorbyuttering falsehoods.Obeythelawsofnature.Takeplentyofphysicalexercisedaily.Performtheprescribed dutiesattheappointedtime.Developsimplelivingandhighthinking.Giveupvileimitation.Get thoroughoverhaulingofyourwrong-Samskarasyouhavecreatedthroughbadassociation.Study theUpanishads,theYoga-Vasishtha,theBrahmaSutrasandSriSankara’sSelectWorksandother scriptures.Thereinyouwillfindrealsolaceandpeace.SomeWesternphilosophershavedeclared: “WeareChristiansbybirthandfaithbutwecanfindthepeacewhichthemindwantsandthe satisfactionthesoulneedsonlyintheUpanishadsoftheseersofEast.”Moveamicablywithall. Loveall.Serveall.Developadaptabilityandthespiritofselflessserviceandpenetrateintothe heartsofallthroughuntiringservice.ThisisverilyAdvaiticrealisationofunityoroneness.

MESSAGEOFFREEDOM

Om,Childrenofimmortality!TheLordiswithinyou.Heisseatedintheheartsofall beings.Whateveryousee,hear,touchorfeelisGod.Therefore,hatenotanybody,cheatnot anybody,harmnotanybody.Loveallandbeonewithall.Youwillsoonattaineternalblissand perennialjoy.Beself-disciplined.Besimpleandharmoniousinthought,feeling,dietanddress. Loveall.Fearnone.Shakeofflethargy,laziness,fear.LeadtheDivineLife.Beaseekeraftertruth orreality.Understandsorrowandconflictthroughenquiryandreflection.Movetowardsfreedom, perfectionandeternalblisseverysecond.Isthereanyoneamongyouwhocansaywithemphasis andforce:“NowIamadeservingaspirant.IamyearningforMoksha.Ihaveequippedmyselfwith thefourmeans.Ihavepurifiedmyheartthroughselflessservice,KirtanandJapa.Ihaveservedthe GuruwithfaithanddevotionandIhaveattainedhisgraceandblessings.”Thatmancansavethe world.Hewillsoonbecomeacosmicbeacon-light,auniquetorch-bearerofwisdom,adynamic Yogi.Oman!Getyourselfreadynow.Itisashamefulthingthatyouhavelivedinvaintillnowand spentthelifeineating,drinking,sleeping,idlegossipingandworthlesspursuits.Youhavenotdone anymeritoriousact.Thehourdrawsnearer.Itisnottoolateevennow.StartNamasmaran,orthe repetitionoftheLord’sNamefromthissecond.Besincereandearnest.Loveall.Youcanmake yourselfworthyofHisGrace.Youcancrosstheformidableoceanofbirthsanddeathsandattain eternalblissandimmortality.Nevermissadayinmeditation.Regularityisofparamount importance.Whenthemindistired,donotconcentrate.Giveitalittlerest.Donottakeheavyfood atnight.Itwilldisturbyourmorningmeditation.Japa,Kirtan,Pranayama,Satsangaorassociation withsages,practiceofSama(serenity),Dama(self-restraint),Yama(rightconduct),Sattvicorpure food,studyofscriptures,meditation,Vichara(Atmicenquiry)allwillhelpyoutocontrolthemind andattaineternalblissandimmortality.Ifevilthoughtsenteryourmind,donotuseyourwill-force todrivethemaway.Youwillloseyourenergy.Om.

ChapterX

QUESTIONSANDANSWERS VIVEKAPRASNOTTARI

Q:Wherecanyoufindeternalhappiness?

A:InyourownAtmanwithin.

Q:Whichisthemosttroublesomeorgan?

A:Tongue.

Q:Whoisyourterribleenemy? A:Mind.

Q:Whoisyourbestfriend?

A:Satsangaorassociationwiththewise.

Q:Whoisyourrealfather? A:Guru.

Q:Whichisthebestlanguage?

A:Languageoftheheart.

Q:Whichisthebestvirtue?

A:Brahmacharya.

Q:Whichistheworstintoxicant? A:Lust.

Q:Whichisthesacredriver? A:BrahmaJnana.

Q:Whoistherealking?

A:AJivanmuktaorliberatedsage.

Q:WhichisthebestDharma?

A:Selflessservice.

Q:Whichistheworstquality?

A:Anger.

Q:Whichisthebestthinginthisworld?

A:Pain(becauseitistheeye-opener,itgoadsyoutoseekliberation.)

Q:Whichisthebestfood?

A:HearingoftheSrutisorUpanishads.

Q:Whoisthebestman?

A:Akind-heartedman.

Q:Whoistheworstman?

A:Aselfishman.

Q:Whereistheworsthell?

A:Inthemindfilledwithjealousy,crookednessandhatred.

Q:Whereisthebestheaven?

A:Intheheartfilledwithlove,mercyandgenerosity.

Q:Whichisthebestscience?

A:Brahma-VidyaorthescienceofAtman.

Q:Whichisthemostpreciousthinginthisworld?

A:Vairagyaordispassion.

Q:Whoisthestrongestman?

A:HewhopractisesAhimsa,hewhocanbearinsults,injuriesandpersecutionswithasmilingface.

Q:Whoisaweakman?

A:Anirritableman.

Q:Whoisthehappiestman?

A:ATyagioramanofrenunciation.

Q:Whoisthemostmiserableman?

A:Arichman.

Q:Whoisthemostbeautifulman?

A:AYogi.

Q:Whoistheugliestman?

A:Agreedyman.

Q:Whoisabeggar?

A:Hewhohasdesires.

Q:Whichisthebiggestocean?

A:OceanofBliss(BrahmanorAtman).

Q:Whichisthemostdangerousthinginthisworld?

A:Companyofaworldlyman.

Q:Whichisthegreatesttemptation?

A:Womanforaman,manforawoman.

Q:Whichisthemostdesirablething?

A:BrahmaJnana.

Q:Whoisthebestenginedriver?

A:God.

Q:Whichisthemostwonderfulmachineorengine?

A:Mind.

Q:Whichisthebiggestfactoryinthisworld?

A:Mentalfactory.

Q:Whoisarealdrunkard?

A:Hewhoisintoxicatedwiththeprideofwealthandlearning.

Q:Whoisarealblindman?

A:Hewhohasnoinnerdivineeyeortheeyeofintuition.

Q:Whoistherealcobbler?

A:HewhothinksthatthebodyisAtmanandtalksalwaysofmattersconcerningthebody.

Q:Whatisyourforemostduty?

A:Tofindoutthishiddendriverofthisbody-enginetoloveHim,toliveforHim,toserveHim,to knowHim,torealiseHim,toliveinHimandmergeinHim.

Q:WhydidtheAll-mercifulGodcreatepaininthisworld?

A:Painistheonlyblessinginthisworld.Itisaneye-opener.Manwouldneverattempttoattain salvationiftherehadnotbeenanypaininthisworld.

Q:HowcanIknowwhetherIhavepurityofmindornot?

A:IfyouhaveVairagya(dispassionorindifferencetosensualenjoyments),thatisasignofChitta Suddhiorpurityofmind.NosensualdesiresorVasanaswillariseinthemind.

Q:WhatisthepurposeofGodcreatingtheworld?

A:ThisisatranscendentalquestionorAtiprasna.Youwillknowthepurposewhenyouattain Self-realisationorBrahmaJnana.Thefinitemindthatisconditionedintime,spaceandcausation cannotgetananswertoaquestionthatrelatestotranscendentalmatters.

Q:WhatistheuseofrepeatingtheMantraagainandagain?

A:Itgivesforce.ItintensifiesthespiritualSamskaras.

QUESTIONSANDANSWERS

Q:WhenIconcentrate,somanythoughtsariseinmymind.HowcanIavoidthem?CanIsuppress them?

A:Donottrytosuppressthemwithforce.Thethoughtswillmanifestwithredoubledforce.They willriseupfrequentlyalso.Youwilltaxyourwillandwasteyourenergy.Beasilentwitnessof thesethoughts.Sayuntoyourself:“Ihavenoconcernwiththesethoughts.”Beindifferent.All uselessworldlythoughtswilldiebythemselves.

Q:Howtopreventbaddreams?

A:Studyanyreligiousbook.Meditateforhalfanhourjustbeforeretiringtobed.Youwillhaveno baddreams.

Q:WhatarethesignsofapersonwhohasnoAhamkaraoregoism?

A:Hewillnotidentifyhimselfwithhisbody.Hewillbefreefrompride,likes,dislikes,jealousy, angerandhypocrisy.

Q:Whydoesevilexistintheworld?

A:ChangetheangleofvisionorDrishti.Allevilswilldisappear.Evilisnegativegood.Evilexists toglorifygood.Ithasa raisond’etre,reasonforitsexistence.Evilandgoodarerelativeterms. Whatisgoodatonetimeisevilatanothertime.Whatisgoodforoneisevilforanother.Understand thisandbecomewise.BeholdtheoneAtmaninallformsandbeings.Evilandgoodaremental creations.TransmuteevilintogoodbyAtma-Drishti.Thereisgoodinevilalso.

Q:Howtoleadthelifeofunity?

A:Thisisattainedbyservice,charity,sharingwhatyouhavewithothers,cultivatingcosmiclove andrealisingtheoneAtmanseatedintheheartsofall,throughconstantBrahmachintanaor meditationonAtman.

HOWTOLIVEADIVINELIFE

1.NityaSukha,ParamaSanti,eternalsatisfaction,InfiniteBliss,knowledgeand ImmortalitycanbehadonlyinGodorAtmanwhogiveslighttotheintellectandtheSun. Therefore,realisetheSat-Chit-AnandaAtmathroughmeditationrightnow,thisverysecond,by purifyingthemind.

2.Samsara(world)isMithya,Asara,Apadramaniya,evanescent,impermanent,fullof miseries,untruth,hatredandselfishness,diseaseandpain.Itisalongdream.Benotworldly.

3.Timeismostprecious.Utiliseeverysecondprofitably.

4.ServeSadhus,Sannyasins,thesick,thepoorandthecountry.ThisisPada-SevanofGod.

5.Wheneveryourfriendisannoyedwithyou,speaktohimfirst,withasmile,andapologise sincerelywithtearsinyoureyeseventhoughyoumaybeintheright.ServehimnicelywithPrema. Vindictivespiritisadeadlyenemyofpeace,devotionandJnana.

6.ObserveMouna(silent)duringeating.ObserveMounaforsixhoursonSundays.

7.KeepthepicturesofSaintsandSagesinyourbedroomandthefrontroom.Donotkeep anyobscenepicturesinthehouse.

8.Speakthetruth,preserveVeeryaandcontrolangerbyKshama,loveandservice.Repeat ‘OmSantih’twelvetimesmentallyanddrinksomecoldwaterwhenyoudetecttheleastsymptom ofirritationinyourmind.

9.Sleepalwaysalone.TakeonemealandsomemilkatnightonSundays.Doonelakhof Rama-NamaJapaonSundays.

10.WritedailyforhalfanhourinanotebooktheMantraofyourIshtaDevataor“Rama Rama.”Writedowninboldtypesonslipsofpaper“SpeakTruth.”“OmCourage,”“OmPurity,”“I amimmortalAtman,”“ImustrealiseGodnow,”“Timeismostprecious,”“Iwillbeatrue Brahmachari”and“BrahmacharyaisDivineLife”andfixtheminthebedroom,frontroomsand verandah.Keepsomeslipsinyourpocket.

11.Keepalwaysafewpiesinyourpocketanddistributethemdailytothepoorandthe decrepit.

12.DoHari-Kirtanatnight.Sing“HareRamaHareRama,RamaRamaHareHare—Hare KrishnaHareKrishna,KrishnaKrishnaHareHare”alongwiththemembersofyourfamilyand servantsofyourhouseforonehour.

13.StudyGitaorUpanishads,Ramayana,BhagavataorYogaVasishthaforonehourinthe eveningwithsomeofyourfriends.Theladiesofthehouseholdshouldalsodothis.

EPILOGUE

ThebeginningofsaintlinessiskillingofegoismorAhamkara.Theendofsaintlinessis EternalLife.Thekeytosaintlinessishumilityandself-mortification.Thelightofsaintlinessis silentmeditation.Thegarbofsaintlinessisvirtueandtolerance,nottheGeruaclothalone.

PravrittiandNivrittiarenottwodifferentpaths.Theyaretwoaspectsofoneandthesame path.ThereisPravrittiinNivrittiandNivrittiinPravritti.Itisthementalstatethatcounts.Lookat Janaka,thekingofVidehas.Inhim,therewasabsoluteNivrittiinPravritti.Alwaysremember: “YogasthahKuruKarmaniSangamTyaktvaDhananjaya.”

Manisthemasterofhisowndestiny.Hesowsanactionandreapsahabit;sowsahabitand reapsacharacter;sowsacharacterandreapsadestiny.Soheisentirelyresponsibleforhis PrarabdhaKarma.PrarabdhaisunderhisAdheenataorcontrol.Hewillbecomeanabsolutefatalist andaslothful,inactiveman,ifheattributeseverythingtoapreordaineddestinyorPrarabdha.Let himawakenhisfreewill.LethimavailhimselfofhisParamartha(Will).Godhasendowedman withBuddhi,independent,freethinkingprinciple,rationalreasoningandallsortsoffaculties.He cancontrolatoms;hecancontrolelements;hecanflyintheair,hecanforwardathoughtfromone cornertoanothercorneroftheworld;hecancommandelectricitytopumpoutwaterfromawell;he

QUESTIONSANDANSWERS

canwalkoverwater;hecansitonfire:hecanpassfromonebodytoanother;hecanroamaboutthe worldwithoutbeingseenbyanyone.

Infactthereisnothingimpossibleforhimunderthesun.Insteadofrealisinghisrealnature byintrospectionwithinhimselforAtmicenquiry,hedwellsinaninstinctiveplane,wandersabout invainhereandthereinthisphenomenalworldofmerementalcreationandforgetsthe magnificenceofhisrealSelf.HeworshipsmaninsteadofworshippingGod.Heisa man-worshipper.Hesigns“Ibegtoremain.Yourobedientservant”,insteadofassertinghisdivine natureasacentreofconsciousnessintheoceanoflife,insteadofstylingasaDirector,controller andsupporterofUniverse.Wakeupimmediatelytorectifythislamentablecondition;otherwiseit willbetoolatetogatherhoneyinwinter!Awake!Arise,DearReader!

Forsincerespiritualaspirants,marchingboldlyintheAdhyatmicfield,thishandy publicationprovides,succinctly,innumerablePRACTICALhints.Everypageaboundsinmuch valuableinformationinacondensedform.Thelaconiclessonscontainedinthisbookshouldspeak forthemselves.IfthisprovesinanywayusefultotheardentMumukshus,theauthor’ssincere endeavourtohelpthemwillbemorethanamplyfulfilled.