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SANT TUKARAM: A DEVOTEE OF THE LORD SADHU VASWANI
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he thought grew upon him that he who would find Vithal should sing rather than speak. Tukaram shaped his life by two spiritual disciplines. The first was fasting. He ate little. He observed fast on every Ekadashi (eleventh day): he sat apart from men and in silence thought of the Life Divine. The second discipline was Naam-sankirtan. He sang the Name of Vithoba. He read from the Scriptures: he committed to memory some of the words of the Holy Ones: they were “words of awakening”. He recited them with reverence: he meditated upon them: he tried to enter into their inner significance. “Then,” he says, “I found that my heart rejoiced in the Name of the Lord. Kirtan (singing the Name of the Lord) became to me a spiritual reality.” Tukaram entered on the pilgrim path. Whenever he found a bhakta (devotee) of God doing Naam-kirtan, he went and stood behind him and sang with him the Name of the Lord. “I sang in bhakti,” says Tukaram. “And, gradually, my *March 22 is sacred as Sant Tukaram Jayanti.
mind was purified. And I learnt, more and more, to keep the mind steady in meditation. There came a time when I found my mind and heart were filled with the one supreme emotion, the love of God, the love of my Beloved.” This state of mind was intolerable to his friends and relatives. They began to “preach” to him on the duties of the householder. They tried to pull him back to the world. “But,” says Tukaram, “I hardened my heart.” Yes— the heart that would
Contd. on page 11
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Marriage: A Miracle of Love DADA J. P. VASWANI
The happiest wife is not the one who marries the best man but who makes the best of the man she marries! The most wonderful husband is not he who marries the most wonderful woman but he who makes most wonderful the woman he marries! Every successful, happy marriage is a miracle of love. I know dozens of men and woman who are alive today, who have been rescued from near-certain death by the miraculous power of love. Despite the troubled times we live in, it is still very common to come across people who have succeeded in making their marriage work— ‘silver’ medallists who have completed 25 years, ‘goldies’ who have crossed the 50-year mark. They are a living testimony to the remarkable fact that marital love can grow, endure and triumph against all odds. There is, there can be no such thing as a trouble-free marriage. Life brings its share of crises, problems and challenges to every one of us. A successful marriage not only survives, but flourishes through them. The secret of this success is the selfless love and commitment that can stand
the severest tests— like financial ruin and unexpected illnesses and disease. You have no doubt heard the story of King Midas who was granted the boon of a single wish. You know too, that he asked that all he touched should turn to gold, and the disastrous consequences that followed. Now let me ask each one of you— if you could have one such boon granted to you, what would you wish for? Health? Wealth? Long life? Happiness? Midas thought that the prospect of permanent wealth would ensure happiness. As it happened, he was left all alone, in misery— surrounded by glittering riches, but starving to death. The people who could have given meaning to the gold— the members of his family— had been rendered lifeless by the mere touch of his hands, turned into useless gold. What would you wish for? If you wished for long life, you will surely require someone to share it with. If you wished for good health, you will surely need someone to rejoice in your well-being. If, like Midas, you wished for personal riches, you will surely require someone to enjoy your material treasures with you.
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When you have a happy and successful marriage you will be free of the need to wish for anything because you will have someone who is ready to share everything with you! This is what I call the miracle of marriage: two people who do not take each other for granted, but do take it for granted that they will love and cherish each other all their lives, and give that love priority over everything else in their life. Anybody can laugh together, but a loving husband and wife can cry together. To laugh, to cry, to work, and to love and live together— each for the other— is surely the most remarkable achievement that two human beings can accomplish. Thus a true marriage is a miracle that defies all the vicissitudes of the crass and selfish world we live in today. “Where has love gone?”— tragic poets wail. “Where has the glory fled?” “Where is the love that I felt all those days ago?” A happily married woman who celebrated her sixtieth wedding anniversary said to a writer who was interviewing her, “Nobody can find love if they go looking for it alone.” Love is not out there somewhere. It is with you, within you. You and your partner can make it flourish in your marriage. A miracle marriage is within the grasp of all couples who wish to give and take, understand, love, forgive, care, and share. Your wish for the miracle of lasting love can come true when you enter married life in this spirit. Here are the “Vows of A Miracle Marriage” penned by best-selling author Park Pearsall, Ph.D.: • We promise to cherish our sacred time together, and to put our marital
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moments before all others: Taking Time for Two • We promise to learn about and with each other forever: Tolerating Confident Uncertainty • We promise to be as and for our one: Loving as One • We promise to look at each other for and with love: Looking with Love • We promise to accept our differences to make us stronger together: Complementing our Spouse • We promise never to let time or space separate us: Loving Everywhere Anytime • We promise to accept, tolerate and grow with the chaos of our life: Caring Through the Chaos • We promise to see our sadness as symbolic of the intensity of our looking: Sharing our Disappointments • We promise to explore realities of our spirit far beyond what we can see and touch: Creating Our Own Realities of Love • And we promise to create a growing, loving energy between us and for the world: Energising and Being Energised by Our Love. Marriages fail when companionship and understanding are absent in the partners. Therefore, I urge husbands to respect their wives, and wives to respect their husbands. Give one another the freedom to be themselves, to express themselves, and assert their unique identity! When there is complete understanding, respect and affection, all marriages become ‘love-marriages’ in the true sense of the word.
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THE ROLE OF THE GURU SWAMI SIVANANDA
The Guru is God Himself manifesting in a personal form to guide the aspirant. Grace of God takes the form of Guru. To see the Guru is to see God. The Guru is united with God. He inspires devotion in others. His presence purifies all. The Guru is verily a link between the individual and the Immortal. He is a being who has raised himself from this into that, and thus has a free and unhampered access to both the realms. For a beginner in the spiritual path— a Guru is necessary. To light a candle, you need a burning candle. Even so, an illumined soul alone can enlighten another soul. The mind will mislead you very often. The Guru will be able to remove pitfalls and obstacles, and lead you along the right path. He will tell you: “This road leads you to Moksha; this one leads to bondage.” Without this guidance, you might want to go to Badrinath, but find yourself in Delhi!
A Guru is absolutely necessary for every aspirant in the spiritual path. It is only the Guru who will find out your defects. The nature of egoism is such that you will not be able to find out your own defects. Just as a man cannot see his back, so also he cannot see his own errors. He must live under a Guru for the eradication of his evil qualities and defects. The aspirant who is under the guidance of a Master or Guru is safe from being led astray. Satsanga or association with the Guru is an armour and fortress to guard you against all temptations and unfavourable forces of the material world. All great ones had their teachers. All the sages, saints, prophets, world teachers, incarnations, great men have had their own Gurus, however great they might have been. Svetaketu learnt the nature of Truth from Uddalaka, Maitreyi from Yajnavalkya, Bhrigu from Varuna, Narada from Sanatkumara,
Contd. on page 21
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Shivoham! Shivoham! DADA J. P. VASWANI
Om Namah Shivaya! I bow to Lord Shiva! Adoration to Lord Shiva! Known among the devout as the Panchakshara or five-syllable mantra, this is also venerated as the mantra for redemption. The five syllables na, ma, shi, va, ya are said to represent the pancha bhoota or five elements– earth, water, fire, air and space. Chanting of the panchakshara mantra with intense devotion can bring before us, the vision of Kailashnath. And what a magnificent form it is! The puranas tell us that when Shiva came in the traditional baaraat or marriage procession to wed Parvati, the daughter of King Himawaan, Parvati’s mother wept in anger and disappointment to see the ascetic figure smeared in ashes, who had captured the heart of her dear daughter. It was Lord Vishnu, who explained Shiva’s power and magnificence to the ignorant queen, and assured her that her son-in-law *March 4 is sacred as Mahashivratri Day.
was a Supreme Being whose nature transcended appearances. Saivite scholars tell us that Shiva’s outward appearance is a reminder to us of the fundamental truths of Hindu philosophy. The Ganga that flows from His head symbolises the eternal stream of bhakti; His contemplative posture symbolises the principles of jnana or true knowledge and dhyana or meditation upon the Ultimate Truth; his ash-smeared form symbolises the principle of vairagya or detachment from worldly attractions. As human beings, we wear the garment of the physical body, our outer form of matter. This is the annamaya kosha. Within this outer sheath is the prana or vital breath, which constitutes the pranamaya kosha; our mind, or the instrument of cognition constitutes the manomaya kosha; the ego and the intellect, together constitute our vignanamaya kosha; the consciousness of pure bliss is the innermost sheath, the anandamaya
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kosha. Folded in the centre of the five sheaths resides the true self, that which is. Caught up as we are in the mire of worldly existence, most of us rarely experience this bliss or indeed become aware of the true self within us. Our puranas give us a beautiful narrative to help us understand this complex idea. It is said that shakti, the principle of Divine energy, created this world in all its changeable manifestations, and invited her celestial partner, Shiva to come and dwell with her in the world she had created. Shiva told her that he represented the principle of Unchangeable, Stable, Permanent Reality; how then, could he dwell in her constantly changing world? Shakti then pointed out to him that if He came to dwell at the very centre of being, which was ever-fixed and centred in ananda, that centre would take on his unchangeability and would remain ever constant, ever the same; everything around Him would change; but He would remain the sat chit ananda— the unchanging bliss at the centre of all consciousness. Therefore is Shiva described as the true Self that resides in us all; and the sacred Namah Shivaya mantra is the link to our true self of bliss and truth! Mano Buddhi Ahankara Chitta Ninaham Nacha Shrotra Jihve Na Cha Ghrana Netre Nacha Vyoma Bhoomir Na Tejo Na Vayu Chidananda Rupah Shivoham Shivoham Adi Shankara said of this mantra, that the very utterance of the Name Shiva purifies the one who utters it. His immortal Atmastakam, is a hymn which glorifies this True Self, the
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Divine Principle that dwells within us, and links us directly with Lord Shiva. We live in an age of haste and speed. People have neither the time nor the patience to listen, wait, reflect or sit still. Modern man is basically a restless creature. His mind knows no peace; his thoughts run with the speed of lightning. If we are fortunate, if the grace of God is upon us, a day comes in our lives when we see the futility of all the running around and the restlessness. Our soul is awakened and we realise that we have wandered far too long. The truth dawns upon us that we have dwelt in darkness till now; the restlessness now gives way to an overwhelming emptiness within; we long for peace within the heart; we are filled with a sense of yearning to realise the goal of our life. Om Namah Shivaya is not only a powerful mantra that can help us realise this goal; it is a mantra that can be chanted for cleansing the inner koshas, and to connect with the innermost self within us. It is said that reciting this mantra can free us from the necessity to perform rites and rituals; when this mantra begins to vibrate in our consciousness, we effortlessly attain oneness with the divine that is within us. This popular mantra is chanted in various forms that are well known to us all: Namah Shivaya; Namaha Shiva; Shivaya Shiva; Shivaya Namah; There is also the most often recited and chanted in kirtan among the youth today: Shiva Shambo! Om Namah Shivaya is the chant that can take us to the highest crest of spirituality that can be climbed within each one of us. As you sit in
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silence, with eyes closed and breath in rhythm, keep repeating the mantra, Om Namah Shivaya. Begin to visualise that you are on the snowy mounts of Kailash. Imagine an endless silence and a peaceful tranquillity that surrounds you. Here everything is still and eternal. It is timeless, with no beginning and no end. Nothing matters but stillness and nothingness. Shivoham! Shivoham! That is what you are! Pure light and pure consciousness is what you have come to experience! Om Namah Shivaya! Allow your consciousness to rise higher and higher as you chant the mantra.
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Become aware that you are not the ego; you are not the intellect; you are not restricted to the five senses; there is no reason for you to be limited by like and dislike, joy and sorrow; life and death need not hold any fear for you: for you are not a narrow, small, limited creature! You are That! Tat twam asi! Shivoham! Shivoham! You are pure consciousness and pure bliss! Dwell in this awareness as long as you can. Let the chant go on. Namah Shivaya; Namaha Shiva; Shivaya Shiva; Shivaya Namah; There is also the most often....
Sant Tukaram— A Devotee Of The Lord Contd. from page 5 be God-filled must be “hardened” against the temptations of the world and the flesh. Tukaram says: “Many came to seduce me. I listened to none. I made myself obdurate. My heart simply could not return to the things of the world. I did not even wish to turn for a moment to the thoughts and things of the earth. Friends were trying to pull me to earthly things: but my mind thought, more and more, of the things of the Spirit.” Tukaram’s heart rejoiced in renunciation. He said to himself: “I shall bear witness to the Beloved who is Satya Swarupa (the Face of Truth Divine!)” Many became his advisers: he listened to none. He accepted; in ail the confusion of counsels and creeds, the call within him. Tukaram loved to walk the forest, near Dehu. He often sat
there in silence and meditation. The spirit of the forest, the tapobana, grew upon him: he often sat underneath a tree and cried out: “Where O Vithal! where, Beloved! hast Thou hidden Thyself?” Tukaram spent part of the day in the service of the village folk. He executed their errands: he served them free. He served them with the purest motive of offering himself at the feet of the Eternal. “What others called service” Tukaram says, “was to me a sacrifice, a yagna, an offering which placed in reverent love at the feet of my Beloved. If, indeed, in serving, my body sometimes was inconvenienced or suffered from pain, I said: ‘Blessed be this pain: it is a flower I place at the feet of my Beloved!’
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THE WORD AND THE VOICE OF HOLI SADHU VASWANI The “Holi” Festival is celebrated in different parts of India in honour of spring. With the return of spring is this festival observed every year. Again and again, has the feeling grown on me, that an influence flows, a fragrance emanates from trees and stones, from streams and stars— on the Holi day. That day a new life moves on this ancient Earth: the southern breeze blows beautifully, and the birds sing their new songs of hope and love. Verily, the Holi marks a new turn in the cycle of seasons: and there is joy on that day in Hindu homes. On that day was born a Prophet of Love— Sri Chaitanya. He was born in Nadia— still a seat of Sanskrit learning. Like Guru Nanak and Saint Kabir, Sri Chaitanya bore witness to Divine Love and out of him moved out influences which shaped the deeper life of Bengal and Orissa, of Bihar, Assam, and the Deccan. *March 20 is sacred as Holi.
Sri Chaitanya in Bengal and Sankardev in Assam taught the Cult of bhakti or devotion to Krishna and Radha. Sankardev’s Vaishnava movement like Sri Chaitanya’s was a protest at once against intellectualism and ceremonialism. Both Sri Chaitanya and Sankardev had a simple ceremonial consisting of devotion, hymns and prayers. The message of Sri Chaitanya and Sri Sankardev is, also, the message of Holi: it is the message of Divine Love— love for God and love for man. The coloured water poured on the Holi day is but a symbol of the Love which should flow out of our hearts to this broken, shattered world. Both Chaitanya and Sankardev rediscovered Krishna and Brindaban. Krishna was Love incarnate and Brindaban was the Shrine of Love. The message of the Holi calls us to the new Life of Love. Without it the world would
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belong to armed brutes. Under the influence of Chaitanya, processions of men moved through the streets, singing the Name of God, with flags flying and drums beating. Chaitanya called the processions, Nagar-kirtan, praising the Name in processions moving through the town. What a joy filled their hearts as they sang the Name Divine! They would sit together for hours, singing the Name of God with musical instruments. The kirtan, the hymns, the teaching of the Chaitanya movement: “Die to self and will new life,” influenced the poetry of India’s beloved poet— Rabindranath Tagore and the thought and life of India’s beloved bhakta and preacher— Sri Keshub Chandra Sen. Years ago, I read a saying of Mahaprabhu Sri Chaitanya Dev: “Be like a Tree! The tree giveth shade even to him who cutteth off the branches of the Tree.” The words have clung to my memory. When shall we listen to this message? When shall we be banded together into a loving Brotherhood? When shall we be like a “Tree”? Sankardev gave in Assam the same message of Love, the message of “Supreme Devotion”. Listen to his words: What dost thou gain if thou possess the whole Earth but lose the beauty of the inner self? What dost thou gain if thou dost spend thy years in meditaion and in penance, in pilgrimage and in prayers’ In Kasi and Gaya? What dost thou gain if thou art versed in the arguments of Yoga, But dost move with a clouded mind?
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Know thou not this—That except through Supreme Devotion There is no mukti, no Liberation? In another beautiful poem, this great poet-seer of medieval India peals his message thus: Oh mind! Why art thou blind? Seest thou not The vanity of life? Why still wilt thou slumber on Oh mind! Awake! Awake! Think of Govinda! Except through Rama There is no hope for thee! And thinking of Holi, as I think of the Beloved, Sri Krishna, I recall some words in yet another beautiful poem of Sankardev: Beholds On this Earth all is passing, All uncertain! Wealth and kinsmen, Life and youth The world itself, Children and family, Uncertain are all. And like a drop of water On the lotus-leaf Is the mind, unsteady! So I pray to Thee, 0 Krishna! The Dweller in my Heart! To pilot me safe across this world of pain! Turn my heart to Thee! Lead me to Thyself! Vouchsafe to me the Truth and Thy Way and Thy grace! Be Thou my Mind’ Be Thou my Destiny! Be Thou my Guru and my Guide! And lead me safe Across this Vale of Tears and woe! In these words is the cry of him who moveth on the pilgrim-path: I fall at Thy Feet, O Singer of the Flute! I fall at Thy Feet! Thy servant am I! Oh save my soul and in this cry is the word and the voice of the Holi— the word and the voice of the Vaishnava Faith: I ask not for salvation! I do but ask that I may grow in bhakti at Thy Lotus Feet!
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Mother: The Shaper of Destinies DADA J. P. VASWANI
Woman is the centre of the home and hence, she is the integrating force of society. Needless to say, the mother’s role is vital in making the home heavenlike. It is her nature, her qualities, her temperament which will go to build her home and influence her children. It is her personality which is stamped upon the home she lives in— and the family she raises. Jijabai was the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who is the greatest hero of Maharashtra. Jijau, as she was called, was born to Mhalsabai and Lakhoji Jadhav, a commanding officer in charge of the Sindkhed territory
under Mughal rule. Thus, she was exposed to a military environment from birth. At an age when other young girls were playing with their dolls and their pots and pans to prepare themselves for a married life, Jijau was learning the fine art of sword fighting. Her mother Mhalsabai nurtured Jijau’s courage by narrating great tales of valour to the girl. Excited and inspired by these tales, Jijau begged her father to send her for armament training. Even at that young age, Jijau was saddened by the plight of the Hindus under alien rule. She was ashamed of some of the men she saw around her— men who could do nothing to protect their women,
*March 8 is observed as International Women’s Day.
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children, culture, country and religion. Jijau was married to Shahaji Raje Bhosale in 1605. Although he was an accomplished warrior, he was essentially undervalued by his Mughal masters. She realised that she and her family were in servitude under the Muslim rulers, with no recognition, security or benefit of the community. She finally found recourse in prayer by appealing to Bhavani, the Goddess of valour and the deity of this land. She entreated the Goddess to give her a son who would be bright, accomplished and immensely capable of establishing Swarajya. The mighty Goddess heard her faithful devotee’s prayer and Jijabai was soon blessed with the birth of Shivaji. Chhatrapati Shivaji was extremely devoted to his mother Jijabai, who was deeply religious. She was educated, able and wielded great authority; her historical personality belies the myth of the “oppressed Hindu woman of medieval India”. She was responsible for most of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s education. She was determined to make her son the new leader of a new generation who could take on the role of a great leader. She carefully studied the complex political problems of her day, and infused a love of liberty in her infant son. She taught him values and lessons from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. He was also sent to learn about the Holy Scriptures and arts of administration and weaponry,
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and the political situations in the land. To this day, her memory is honoured as the great mother of a great emperor. Her life story is a testimonial to nari-shakti! A mother is the shaper of her child’s destiny and collectively, mothers have the power to shape the destiny of an entire nation! Mothers alone can sow the seeds of high values in the young impressionable minds of children. The health and well-being of a society, indeed the progress and prosperity of a nation, depends on these values. Chhatrapati Shivaji was a great military leader, a hero in his lifetime. He built the powerful Maratha empire almost single handedly. But he was endowed with special qualities of head and heart which made him a great human being! And these special qualities, he imbibed from his caring mother! He was a true Guru bhakta: he symbolically offered the keys of his kingdom, and his royal sceptre at the feet of his Guru, Samarth Ramdas. He said to his Guru, “I surrender my entire kingdom to you. Please accept it. From today onwards I wish to be an ordinary citizen. I want to live like a common man. This kingdom now belongs to you.” Imagine the humility of that great warrior king! He willingly accepted the post of a ‘custodian’. He ruled his kingdom according to the teachings of his Guru. Chhatrapati Shivaji was truly a noble man. In his impeccable, spotless character and courage, his
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mother Jijabai’s contribution is enormous. Today, she is credited with raising Shivaji in a manner that led to his future greatness. She is regarded as an ideal mother. Her upbringing of Shivaji is the subject of folklore and legend all over India. Needless to say, the mother’s role is vital in making the home heaven like. It is her nature, her qualities, her temperament which will go to build her home and influence her children. It is her personality which is stamped upon
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the home she lives in and the family she raises. Truly, it has been said that the home is the door to the Kingdom of God, the kingdom of true happiness. But you cannot just buy or rent a heaven-like home readymade and offered to you for the asking! It is the women of the family who can turn a brick-andmortar house or dwelling into a home where love, joy, peace, commitment, values and mutual understanding flourish.
The Role Of The Guru Contd. from page 8 Nachiketas from Yama, Indra from Prajapati; and several others humbly went to wise ones, observed strict Brahmacharya, practised rigorous discipline, and learnt Brahma-Vidya from them. Lord Krishna sat at the feet of His Guru Sandipani. Lord Rama had Guru Vasishtha who gave Him Upadesa. Lord Jesus sought John to be baptised by him on the banks of the river Jordan. Even Devas have Brihaspati as their Guru. Even the greatest among the Divine beings sat at the feet of Guru Dakshinamurthi. A neophyte must have a personal Guru first. He cannot have God as Guru to begin with. He must have a pure mind. He must have ethical perfection. He must be intensely virtuous. He must be above bodyconsciousness. Then alone can he have God as Guru.
He who is able to clear your doubts, he who is sympathetic in your Sadhana, he who does not disturb your beliefs but helps you on from where you are, he in whose very presence you feel spiritually elevated— he is your Guru. Once you choose your Guru, implicitly follow him. God will guide you through the Guru. Man has a twofold duty here on earth— to preserve his life, and to realise his Self. To preserve his life, he has to learn to work for his daily bread. To realise his Self, he has to serve, love and meditate. The Guru who teaches him the knowledge of worldly arts is the Siksha Guru. The Guru who shows him the path of Realisation is the Diksha Guru. Siksha Gurus can be many— as many as the things he wishes to learn. Diksha Guru can be only one— the one who leads him to Moksha.
SADHU VASWANI
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THE VISION OF
Sri Ramakrishna SADHU VASWANI
Presiding at a meeting held in London, Sir Francis Younghusband referred to Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, the beloved saint of India, as a genius imbued with the real spirit of the great religions. Sri Ramakrishna, so simple, so childlike in faith, in trust, in love, a bhakta, Sri Ramakrishna developed through the power of intuition and sympathy a wondrous vision of the soul. Sri Ramakrishna grew in understanding and sympathy until he saw, as theologians and thinkers have not seen, the essence of the great religions of the world. How he loved Sri Krishna! The saint was thrilled at the sight of blue flowers: they reminded him of Shyama Sundaram— the Lord of the Blue Lotus Face!
Sri Ramakrishna goes to Brindaban— the place where the Lord worked the wonders of his early life, where the Master played upon the flute and ravished the hearts of many. Sri Ramakrishna goes to Brindaban and looks around and cries out: “Where art Thou, O Krishna?” And today, surveying the situation of India, many a bhakta of the Lord has cried: “Where art Thou, O Lord?” From Brindaban Ramakrishna brings with him a handful of dust: this dust is to him sacred. He returns from Brindaban to his temple. He comes to his room and sprinkles it with the dust of Brindaban and says, “Now this cottage is become sacred as Brindaban!” Wonderful was his love for Sri Krishna! Ramakrishna’s love went out: also, to Sri Isa (Jesus). He adored Jesus
*March 8 is sacred as Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa’s Birth Anniversary.
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at Dakshineswar and burnt incense at the picture of Jesus kept before him. He spoke of Jesus as the “embodiment of Love” and, again, as “the Master Yogi in union with the Eternal.” Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa had love for Muhammad, too. There were days when he recited the nimaz and verses from the Qur’an. Ramakrishna revered all religions and all prophets. His heart was spacious as the sea. It embraced in love and reverence the great ones of humanity. In his heart was such tender love for the poor! One of his Bengali disciples, Mathura Babu, was rich, prosperous. One day he says to Sri Ramakrishna: “Won’t you come with me on a pilgrimage to Kashi?” And Sri Ramakrishna consents to go. Blessed was Mathura Babu: for he got the rare privilege of taking with him a saint. Sri Ramakrishna goes with Mathura Babu. On the way they halt at a village. India lies broken and bleeding, today: but still the ancient tradition is alive in our villages. When the village-folk come to know that a saint is come, men and women flock together to have a darshana of the holy one. So many come to see Sri Ramakrishna. The village-folk feel happy. The blessed one is come— they say. They gaze at Sri Ramakrishna: and in his face they see a beauty more radiant
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than the beauty of flowers and stars. Sri Ramakrishna sees them, too. Sri Ramakrishna sees the village-folk. How poor they are! They do not get enough food. And they haven’t clothes to wear. Sri Ramakrishna looks at the starved faces of the poor people and then turns to his disciple, Mathura Babu. The Master says: “Mathura Babu here are the poor. Won’t you feed them and give everyone, a piece of cloth?” Mathura Babu is taken aback. Saints think in terms the soul: but we, ordinary mortals, think in terms of cash. Mathura Babu says to himself: If I do as Sri Ramakrishna asks me to do, I shall have to spend much money. They are so many— the poor village-folk! If I am to feed them all, and if I must give a piece of cloth to everyone, I must spend many hundreds of rupees!” Mathura Babu hesitates. What does the Saint do? Quietly— for that is the method of the saints: they are not aggressive, as we noisy men so often are: the saints walk the quiet way, the gentle way— Sri Ramakrishna quietly gets up, then goes and sits in the midst of the poor village-folk. They are his children. He cannot bear to see his children being starved, ill-fed, ill-clothed. He sits there, quietly. Mathura Babu says: “Master! It is time to resume our journey.
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We have to go to Kashi.” “My child! I shall not go. I shall stay here with the poor. I am not going to Kashi,” says the Saint— and weeps! Yes— to the true saint of God, Kashi is at the feet of the poor, for the Beloved is where the broken ones are. And Mathura Babu feels ashamed of his conduct. Immediately, he makes arrangements for the feeding of the poor villagefolk and he sends an order to Calcutta for cloth to come for the poor. When the bales of cloth arrive from Calcutta, everyone of the poor folk is given a piece of cloth, and then Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa feels free to go! He was as a child, moving in the midst of men with the tender grace and beauty of a child of God. As a child he cried to God as the Mother: “Ma! Ma!” When two women of ill-fame came to tempt him, he saw them, then cried, “Mother,” and dropped down unconscious! When some beautiful girls came, filled with the conceit of their beauty and their power which they thought the Saint would not be able to resist, once more he went into samadhi, crying, “Ma!” “Mother!” And ever the Mother, the Divine Mother, guarded him. When he came to normal consciousness, the girls realised what a sin they had committed in coming to a saint with an evil intent. They repented: they fell down at his feet and asked
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to be forgiven: they became his disciples! There is a touching, little story told us of Sri Ramakrishna. One evening, the Saint stands on the roof of his temple. The bells are ringing: the conchshells are sounding for the evening worship. And there, on the roof of the Dakshineswar temple, Sri Ramakrishna breaks out into a few words. But they are words filled, to my mind, with a great idea and a deep emotion. Sri Ramakrishna says: “Where are you, my children? Come unto me, O ye that are young! For I am lonely without you!” May these words of the Saint ring in many hearts! Sri Ramakrishna wants you, O youth! For the world wants India. The world’s fever will continue and the nations will wander from violence to violence, until India pours out again upon this parched earth her ancient inspiration which was the inspiration of her rishis in the long ago and which enriched the life of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa. The world wants India: and so the world wants you! The world wants the message of India’s rishis and sages. So I ask you to treasure in your hearts the words of Sri Ramakrishna: “Where are you, my children? Come unto me, O ye that are young! For I am lonely without you.”
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Laugh Health
YOU R
WAY
Teacher: “Alfred, you may spell the word neighbour.” Alfred: “N-e-i-g-h-b-o-u-r.” Teacher: “That’s right. Now can you tell me what a neighbour is?” Alfred: “Yes ma’am, it’s a woman that borrows things.” *** He: “Do you believe in love at first sight?” She: “Well, I think it saves a lot of time.” *** The live-wire salesman walked into a factory and demanded an interview with the manager. “Look here sir,” he began, energetically, “I’d like to talk to your men and sell them my correspondence course on how to put fire and sparkle into their work.” The manager turned pale. “Get out, you idiot— this is a dynamite factory.” *** A hotel clerk was growing impatient as the prospect took so long to read just the names on the register. “Just sign on that line, please”, said the clerk.
TO
The prospect was indigent and retorted, “Young man, I’m too old a hand to sign at anything without reading it.” *** “Papa are you growing tall all the time?” “No, my child. Why do you ask?” “Cause the top of your head is poking through your hair.” *** A little boy was saying his goto-bed prayer in a very low tone voice. “I can’t hear you dear,” his mother whispered. “Wasn’t talking to you,” said the small one firmly. *** Teacher: Tommy name five things that contain milk.” Tommy: “Butter, cheese and ice cream… and two cows.” *** A woman caught her husband on the weighing scale, sucking in his stomach. “That won’t help you, Joe, you know?” “Oh it helps a lot,” says the man, “it’s the only way I can see the numbers!”
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IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY IN OUR LIFE KATHRYN PARRY
Not everyone out there can imagine life without a family. Barring a few unfortunate individuals, for most of us our family is an integral part of our lives. No law in this world can defy this fact. The moment you enter this merciless world, where each man is for himself, there are some near and dear ones out there who leave no stone unturned to ensure your happiness. Let’s face it; we are nothing more than a perishable object, without someone taking care of us on our arrival in this world. Despite all the odds, your family will take care of your well-being, and try their best to provide you the greatest comforts in the world. They will also protect your dignity and make sure that your boat sails successfully to the shore, irrespective of the odds in life. It doesn’t require a sharp memory to recall those days, when your parents must have spent sleepless nights to ensure
that you feel at home, get well or ease your burden. No one out there, except your family must have forgiven the endless number of blunders you must have committed in your life. Apart from teaching you forgive and forget lessons, they must have always been there for you, when you needed them the most. The values and coaching passed on to us from our family members will stay there guiding us for the rest of our lives, thereby ensuring our growth and survival in the society. It won’t be an understatement to claim that our family is the first institute where we were taught how to cope up with the physical world. In fact, psychologists state that a child learns most of the things in life from his family. After all, we all inherit some qualities from our parents. Right from changing the diapers when we could barely stand on our feet, to supporting us with a responsible shoulder for tear shedding, our family
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members stand by us like a rock solid force compelling us to face the world courageously, even during times of adversity. Goes without saying, the family is the most important force responsible for shaping our personality. Even when we migrate from one place to another, we carry our family values with us. In fact, our family is responsible for our identity. Remember, the world knows you by your actions and not by your intentions. Whatever we have learned from our family over the years serves as a basic premise for our actions in life. As such, individuals with extended family enjoy more benefits over a person who decides to lead a solo life. A person with a family receives an emotional edge, which often results in his success in life.
During hard times, everyone in the family including you benefit due to the extended relationship, especially during events such as deaths, accidents and so on. and so on. Also, the joy associated with success or any other happy moment magnifies when our family is around. Everyone out there is able to reap the benefits of one person’s success, whether it’s your birthday, a new business venture or any other milestone in life. While technology has certainly helped families stay in close contact with each other, can it replace the feeling that one receives after hugging his/ her child or can it serve as an ideal barter for a pat on the back? Whatever the case may be, the significance of family is incalculable.
ALPHABETS OF GOOD LIFE J.P. Vaswani This is a comprehensive collection of innate wisdom and practical guidance of Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani. It represents one hundred years of Rev. Dada’s unparalleled insight and foresight on the gift of life and the art of worthwhile living, in a selection of one hundred timeless topics that are relevant to us all. Alphabets of Good Life is sure to enrich your everyday life! SPECIFICATIONS: Paperback 524 pages 7.8” x 10” First Edition
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Price: Rs. 600/978-93-86004-09-3
Released at the Parliament of World Religions, held in Toronto, Canada, from Nov. 1 to Nov. 7, 2018.
www.dadavaswanisbooks.org
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RECIPES
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FREEZER VEGGIE BURGER
FOR THE MONTH ROASTED GARLIC & POTATO SOUP
Ingredients: Garlic cloves.......................................................10-12 Potatoes boiled, peeled and grated........ 3-4 medium Oil ....................................................................... 1 tsp Butter................................................................ ¼ cup Onions chopped..................................................1 cup Fresh thyme sprigs................ a few + for garnishing Refined flour (maida)....................................... ¼ cup Vegetable stock................................................. 4 cups Milk.....................................................................1 cup Heavy Cream.................................................... ¼ cup Salt................................................................. to taste Crushed black peppercorns............................. to taste Fresh cream......................................... for garnishing Method: • Preheat oven to 180°C. • Spread the garlic cloves on a baking tray and drizzle oil on top. Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast well. • Heat butter in a non-stick pan. Add onions, thyme and cook for 3-4 minutes or till the onions turn translucent. • Add flour, mix well and cook for 1 minute. Add vegetable stock, milk, cream, salt and crushed peppercorns, stir and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, mixing at intervals. • Add potatoes and roasted garlic cloves and mix. Blend with a hand blender till smooth. • Serve warm garnished with some cream and thyme sprig.
Ingredients: Kidney beans, rinsed and drained......................1 can Old-fashioned oats........................................... ½ cup Ketchup............................................................. 2 tbsp Finely chopped fresh mushrooms..................... ½ cup Onion, finely chopped.................................1 medium Carrot, shredded.........................................1 medium Sweet red pepper, finely chopped................... 1 small Garlic cloves, minced................................................2 Salt....................................................................½ tsp White pepper...................................................1/8 tsp Burger buns, split.....................................................6 Lettuce leaves...........................................................6 Tomato.............................................................6 slices Method: • Place the beans, oats and ketchup in a food processor; cover and pulse until blended. Transfer to a small bowl; stir in the vegetables, garlic and seasonings. Shape into six 3-inch patties; wrap each in plastic wrap and freeze. • To use frozen burgers: Unwrap burgers and place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until heated through, turning once. Serve on buns with lettuce and tomato.
CHOCOLATE CHIP BITES
Ingredients: Chocolate chips................................................. ¼ cup Oats.................................................................. 3 tbsp Cashewnuts.........................................................1 cup Raisins.............................................................. 2 tbsp
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Maple syrup...................................................... 3 tbsp Cocoa powder................................................... ½ cup Method: • Put oats and cashew nuts in a grinder jar and grind into a coarse powder. • Add raisins and grind again. Transfer the mixture into a bowl. • Add maple syrup and chocolate chips and mix well. Keep in the refrigerator for some time. • Spread cocoa powder on a plate. • Divide the oats-cashew nuts mixture into equal portions and shape them into small balls. Coat some of the balls in cocoa powder and let some of the balls remain as they are. • Serve immediately.
BANDAGE CUTLET
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green chili, ginger, red chili powder, garam masala powder, dry mango powder and salt. Mix all the ingredients well and let it cook for 2-3 minute. • Allow the mixture to cool. • Take the mixture and make cutlets by rolling and flattening the mixture in your palms. • Take all purpose flour (maida), salt, pepper, cornflour and grated cheese and mix them well. • Add water little by little to make a tight dough • Roll into a roti and cut stripes with a knife • Now take the cutlet and apply the Maida strips in the form of the cross and place one Cashew nut (kaju) on it. • Keep it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. • After 30 minutes, deep fry the cutlets on medium flame. • Fry the cutlets till they turn golden brown. • Finally, serve cutlet immediately with tomato ketchup.
GRILLED CEASER SALAD
Ingredients: Potatoes.................................................................3-4 Cornflour.......................................................... 1 tbsp Red chilli powder................................................ 1 tsp Cumin powder.................................................... 1 tsp Mustard seeds..................................................... 1 tsp Garam masala.................................................... 1 tsp Green chilli, finely chopped...................................1-2 Dry mango powder (amchur powder)................ 1 tsp Salt...........................................................as required Oil ................................................................for frying For bandage strips: Cheese grated................................................... 2 tbsp Maida................................................................ ½ cup Cornflour.......................................................... 1 tbsp Salt and pepper.............................................. to taste Method: • Boil the potatoes in the pressure cooker, peel and shred the potatoes and keep it aside. • Heat 1 tsp of oil in a pan, add mustard seed, cumin seeds and curry leaves. When mustard seeds start to splatter add mashed potatoes along with
Ingredients: Little gem lettuce, quartered lengthways.................2 Olive oil Gluten-free bread, slice, cubed and toasted.............1 Hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped......... 1 tbsp Dressing: Mayonnaise...................................................... 2 tbsp Dijon mustard..................................................... 1 tsp Lemon, juiced..........................................................½ Parmesan or vegetarian alternative....................20 g grated, plus 1 tbsp extra to serve. Method: • Heat a griddle pan to a medium-high heat. Lightly brush the Little Gem quarters with olive oil and grill for 3-4 minutes on each cut side until charred. • Whisk the dressing ingredients in a bowl, adding 1 tbsp of water if it’s too thick. • Drizzle over the lettuce and top with croutons, hazelnuts and grated cheese.
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SIMPLE RULES OF HEALTH CARE FOR HAIR MAKE YOUR FAVOURITE ESSENTIAL HAIR OILS AT HOME Do you like essential oils, but cringe in horror when you see the neat bomb they cost? You can say goodbye to commercially made products and make your favourite essential oil at home, with practically zero effort. Those aromatic oils they use at spas or salons, is there any way you can get them? Yes, you can purchase them in stores or online, but why would you want an expensive bottle of essential oil when you can easily make one at home, that too at less than half the price? And since you know exactly what you’re putting into it, homemade hair growth oil is a healthier option than anything else available in the market. Homemade hair oil isn’t rocket science. It just requires a little knowledge and some basic kitchen skills. And we’ll offer you both. To learn how to make hair oil at home, you just need a few ingredients. Most of these you’ll already have at home otherwise it might require a quick trip to the closest market. Check this simple procedure:
#1 Mint oil An aromatic oil that will refresh you while nourishing your hair is within reach with this recipe. Ingredients: • A glass bottle • A container with lid • A bottle of almond oil • A sprig of fresh mint leaves • A fine muslin cloth Steps: i. Wash and dry the glass bottle. ii. Full wash the mint leaves, crush them a bit and place in the container. iii. Pour almond oil over the leaves, drowning them fully. iv. Shut the container and place it near a window making sure it gets sunlight. Shake it every now and then. v. After 2-3 days pour the now mint-infused oil into the glass bottle by straining it through the muslin cloth. vi. Keep the oil in a cool and dry place, and use it for as long as you want. #2 Herbal hair oil You can make homemade ayurvedic oil for hair growth with some of the most common
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ingredients from your kitchen. Kadi patta (Curry leaves), for starters. Read on to know how you can create aromatic herbal oil in your kitchen. Ingredients: • Curry leaves (Kadi patta) • Neem leaves • Tulsi leaves • Methi seeds (fenugreek) • A bottle of almond oil • A vessel for boiling • A jar/bottle with lid • A fine muslin cloth Steps: i. Wash and dry the glass jar thoroughly. ii. Wash all the leaves thoroughly. iii. Take an equal quantity of all leaves and crush them together. iv. Mix the almond oil, the crushed leaves and a few methi seeds in the vessel and heat the mixture until it boils. v. Turn off the heat, cover with a lid and let it cool down. vi. Filter the cooled oil using the muslin cloth and store it in the glass bottle. You can store the oil at room temperature.
HAIRFALL, NO MORE… HOME REMEDIES TO STOP HAIRFALL.. ALOE VERA Ingredients: A leaf (or even a stalk) of the aloe vera plant Steps: i. Extract the pulp content from the leaf or stalk and rub into your hair. ii. Ensure your hair is already washed before you do this.
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iii. Massage the pulp into your scalp in circular motions. iv. Leave it on for about 15 minutes, and then rinse with cold water. ONION JUICE Ingredients: • 1 onion • A cotton ball Steps: i. Grate the onion and extract its juice. ii. Dip the cotton ball into the juice, and apply it directly to your scalp, ensuring the hair strands are covered from the root to the tip. iii. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, after which you can rinse with cold water. iv. Shampoo as usual. NEEM (INDIAN LILAC) Ingredients: • 10 – 12 dry neem leaves • A vessel containing water Steps: i. Boil the neem leaves in water till the water level comes down to half its quantity. ii. Wait for the mixture to cool. iii. Rinse your hair with this mixture. BEETROOT What You Need • A few beetroot leaves • 1 tablespoon henna What You Need To Do i. Firstly, boil the beetroot leaves in water till the water level comes down to half its quantity. ii. Grind the leaves and add henna. iii. Make a paste and apply it to your scalp. iv. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and rinse with water.
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Children’s Corner WORD SEARCH FESTIVALS: Given below is a crossword puzzle which has the names of festivals hidden. Find the names of the festivals given below the puzzle.
J
A
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M
A
S
H
T
M
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T
H
B
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A
B
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P
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L
S
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P
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A
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O
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Y
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C
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K
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D
B
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G
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A
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F
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H
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B
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D
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Baisakhi
Raksha Bandhan
Janmashtami
Dussehra
Deepawali
Holi
Lohri
Christmas
Eid
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DI Y DO IT YOURSELF
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RECYCLED KEY WIND CHIME As the wind blows, it is soothing to hear the chiming, tinkling and clinking sound of the wind chime. Prepare an easy, home-made recycled wind chime to place it in your room, at the window following the easy steps below.
YOU WILL NEED: • • • •
At least 5 old keys A piece of drift wood or stick String or fishing line Acrylic paint to paint the keys (optional)
HOW TO MAKE IT: • • • • • •
Begin with painting your keys and stick. You could choose a few coordinating colours. The keys usually require two coats of paint. Let the first side dry before flipping and repeat the process. Tie a piece of string to either end of the stick so that you have a way to hang it onto your window or wall. Once the painted keys have dried up, tie a piece of string to each key. Tie the keys to the stick making sure that they are close enough to each other that they will chime when the wind blows them. Gift, hang, enjoy!
DECLARATION Statement about ownership and other particulars about the journal “East and West Series” (English) under (Rule, & form IV) Newspaper (Central) Rules, 1956. 1. Place of Publication: Gita Publishing House, 10, Sadhu Vaswani Path, Pune 411 001. 2. Periodicity of Publication: Monthly. 3. Printer’s Name, Nationality, Address: (Ms.) Gulshan G. Dudani, Indian, at Print Impressions, 101, Raunaq Industrial Estate, 131/7B, Hadapsar Industrial Estate, Pune - 411 013. 4. Publisher’s Name, Nationality, Address: (Ms.) Gulshan Dudani, Indian, Gita Publishing House, 10, Sadhu Vaswani Path, Pune - 411 001. 5. Editor’s Name, Nationality, Address: Piya G. Uttam, Indian, 10, Sadhu Vaswani Path, Pune - 411001. 6. Name and Address of individuals who own the paper: Sadhu Vaswani Mission, 10, Sadhu Vaswani Path, Pune - 411 001.
I, (Ms.) Gulshan Dudani, Member, Sadhu Vaswani Mission, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. (Ms.) Gulshan Dudani (Signature of the Publisher)
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Dada’s Ever-protecting Grace KRISHNA KUMARI was a beautiful wintry morning. The golden rays of the sun spread warmth and light all around us. Many of us from the Sadhu Vaswani Mission were at the picturesque little village of Manjri, at the first ever sports day of the Sadhu Vaswani Gurukul— a service initiative by the Mission and a dream project for the centenary year to offer free education to economically deprived children. There was tremendous excitement in the air, for the children had never participated in such an event and the parents had never witnessed such an event. Joy radiated from all faces. The sunlight sparkled on the leaves of the surrounding trees, but the spark in the eyes of the children shone brighter. The cool breeze made the grass rustle and the chirping of the birds filled the air. The joyous music of the children’s voices added to the natural symphony. Races
began
amidst
loud
cheers. Medals were awarded to ecstatic winners. The children drew us in to join their race. Who could resist their sweet pleas? As I began to run, a thrill passed through me. I felt I was reliving my school days. So absorbed was I in their infectious joy that I did not watch my step. Suddenly my run took off into a flight mode and I fell face forward with a thud… Everyone went, “Oh, no!” And, as for me… Ah... it felt as if I had broken a couple of bones. In a flash, the entire episode of Beloved Dada’s fall at Panama replayed itself before my mind’s eye… I recalled how playing table tennis with the children at the Sadhana Camp venue, his foot was entangled in his shawl, making him fall backward with great force, breaking his elbow, shoulder hip bones. Shocked beyond belief, with my heart missing several beats and tears flowing from my eyes, I had approached him. In total contrast to my aghast
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expression, a seraphic smile played on his lips and he said to me: “Do not worry! I am fine!” But the pain and discomfort that the body was experiencing was so palpable that it made us quiver in anguish and fear. As for Dada, it was as if he was unconscious of his body. That fall changed his life completely… as it did ours! But here I was in Manjri, lying on the muddy sports arena. I immediately gathered myself and gently stood up. Everyone was deeply concerned; they were certain that I had suffered multiple fractures! To our complete surprise, not one bone, not one ligament had been damaged. Dada’s protective shield had worked its miracle! I thought to myself: His watchful presence is always with us— at the right place— at the right time— insulating us from all harm! He is more intensely concerned about us than a mother who is ever thoughtful of her child. He is with us at every step, holding our hands, carefully extricating us from mishaps and misfortunes. The hurdles that come our way have to be crossed, of course; but he facilitates the crossing by instilling faith and courage within us. He floats on our consciousness, guiding us at all times. His presence transcends life and death. His grace operates in countless ways. It touches, illumines so many lives. It is omnipotent and omnipresent. One day he said to us, “You feel
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I am going. Where can I go? I shall be here, more easily accessible to every one of you.” True! His magical presence is always with us. His grace upon us is like the ever present sunshine filling our lives with light and joy. It is like the soothing spring of living waters, reviving and rejuvenating us. Dada always said to us, when you think His Grace is at work in your life, all will be well, but when you think you are doing it— that you have some part, some role to play, the dissatisfaction will flow in. He also spoke of the value of patience— unlimited patience. Whenever I started any work he would often tell me: Patience and more patience! In today’s world of instant gratification, great effort has to be put into honing this wonderful virtue. He emphasised too, on not seeking reward— nor expecting anything. The work has to be done— with no thought of reward— not even to please the Guru. The fourth was surrender— surrender is either total or not at all, Dada said. Surrender the work, surrender the problems, surrender the result as an offering to the Guru. Surrender your will to Him and the ‘little’ you will cease to exist. Dada! He cannot be described because of his vastness, he cannot be fathomed because of his depths, he cannot be measured because of his limitlessness!
East And West Series
Since 1954 A Monthly Journal for Self-improvement, Self-knowledge, Self-realisation
Annual Subscription In India: Rs.100/Outside India: Snail Mail: $ 10 or ÂŁ 7.50 Air Mail: $ 20.00 or ÂŁ 15 Contact: East And West Series 10, Sadhu Vaswani Path, Pune - 411 001, (India). Tel: 020-40064450 Email: eastandwestseries@sadhuvaswani.org
You may subscribe by sending a demand draft (DD), money order, cheque at par or through our online website www.dadavaswanisbooks.org