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AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2017 3

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Amrit Chintan

(May Almighty illuminate our intellect and inspire us towards the righteous path)- Rigveda 3/62/10; Samveda 1462, Yajurveda 3/35, 22/9, 30/2, 36/3

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VOLIME: 15 | ISSUE: 1 | Jan.-Feb. 2017

Quest for Joy

Man wanders throughout his life in search of joy and blissful peace. For this purpose, he acquires hordes

of wealth, worldly comforts, good health, delicious food, palatial house, vehicles, servants, gorgeous

clothes, beauty, loving family, faithful friends, supporters all around, power, prestige, name and fame,

security, and what not. People who lack in any of these strive for their possession; those, who already

have, try to amass more with new passion.

This scenario is like that of the tale of the swan, which has been hunting for the pearl since ages, but finds

nothing but a drop of dew. Why? Because, it did not really search for the pearl; did not even turn his face

in the direction of the grand “Mansarovar” where the pearls are hidden in the depths. It did not gather

the courage and strength to fly so long. Short-sighted and pleasure-hungry mind advised it – “What is

the guarantee that you will find that in unseen “Mansarovar”; and who knows whether there will really

be any pearl and you would trace it”. So it satisfied itself with the shining drops of dew; licked it and

thought it has quenched the thirst; it flew for some time and the thirst recurred with greater intensity.

The cycle continues. This is what happens with most of us who keep searching for ‘immortal’ joy in the

mirage of perishable world, keep accumulating more of what gives only a momentary pleasure but keeps

us away from the sight of real bliss.

-Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya

Akhand Jyoti – The Light Divine Team Wishes its Readers

A Happy, Healthy and Harmonious New Year 2017

“Everybody wants to be somebody; nobody wants to grow.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 20174

1. Amrit Chintan ...................................................................................................................... 3

Quest for Joy

2. From Chief Editor’s Desk

Welcome the Beginning of a Great Revolution .................................................................... 5

3. Is this a Phase of Epochal Change? ....................................................................................... 9

4. Science and Spirituality ....................................................................................................... 14

Multiple Facets of Scientific Spirituality

5. May the Walls of Discrimination Break ............................................................................... 18

6. Appreciating the words of seers and sages is not enough: Only imbibing them will help .... 21

7. Yug Gita – 4

Emergence of Discipleship from the Depths of Melancholy -2 ............................................ 25

8. Restoration of Ecological Balance is a Must ......................................................................... 28

9. Peace Pilgrim’s Wisdom – 4

Relinquishments for Inner Peace ........................................................................................... 30

10. Youth Column ...................................................................................................................... 32

Let’s Make Wedding Ceremony a Simple Affair

11. Solitude: A Boon or a Bane? .................................................................................................. 35

12. Odyssey of the Enlightened – 53

Another Pilgrimage to the South -1 ....................................................................................... 37

13. Your Child Needs a Loving Home ......................................................................................... 40

14. Adopt Indian System of Healthcare: Drive away the Diseases ............................................. 43

15. Amrit Vani

Two Steps to Spiritual Ascent - Yoga and Tap ....................................................................... 45

16. The Scientific Aspect of Gayatri Mantra ............................................................................... 50

17. Shantikunj News ............................................... (Inner Cover Pages & Back Cover Page)

CONTENTS

“Action is the foundational key to all success.” -Tony Robins


Welcome the

Beginning of a Great Revolution

This is how the revolution happens

With the dawn of New Year 2017, everything appears to be changing. In fact, whenever great changes

occur, some developments take place in the background; but the common masses do not comprehend

them. Then, abruptly, a significant change occurs and people realize why those earlier developments

took place. Param Pujya Gurudev once said that revolutions arrive like the coaches of a train. Assume

you are waiting on the railway platform to board a train. Suddenly the announcement of the arrival of

your train is made and there is hustle and bustle. The engine comes first and one-by-one all rail coaches

start arriving. If you are standing at the right spot on the platform, your coach (Sleeper, AC-3 or AC-2

or other) arrives in front of you and you board the train. The train leaves the platform as quickly as

it arrived. Social revolutions are similar to trains with respect to arrivals and departures. They arrive

one after another and the era changes. The whole atmosphere changes, the wind changes its direction.

In 1857, no one could imagine an independent India, but the whole atmosphere was charged by the

sacrifices of Rani Laxmibai, Jhalkari, Tatya Tope, Mangal Pande and many others, and this prepared the

background for the country’s freedom. Almost immediately (within 15 years), great souls like Swami

Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Sri Aurobindo, were born and later they made their special contributions

in the freedom movement in their own ways.

Thakur Sri Ramakrishna Dev and his disciples and followers, Bankimchandra Chatterji (poet of ‘Vande

Mataram’), Rasbihari Bose and many unnamed revolutionaries from Bengal started working towards

achieving the divine objective. Bhagat Singh along with his compatriots appeared on the scene in the

second decade of twentieth century. Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa and started playing

his role along with Gokhale, Tilak, Patel, etc. All this happened prior to a great change. Sri Aurobindo,

Ramana Maharshi and Acharya Sriram Sharma played their special roles in the spiritual realm. With the

transition of Sri Auribindo to the astral plane in 1950, an era ended. But, Param Pujya Gurudev Pandit

Sriram Sharma Acharya took up the momentous task of ‘Vichar Kranti’ (Thought Revolution) in his

hands and, as a result, a gigantic fraternity called Gayatri Pariwar was established with a revolutionary

spirit.

Param Pujya Gurudev had prophesied (Akhand Jyoti March 1967 issue, page 34) – “In the coming years

no individual will be able to own the so-called precious commodity - ‘wealth’. Its ownership is certainly

From Chief Editor’s Desk

“Always bear in mind that our own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.” - Abraham Lincoln


going to be transferred to the Government and the society. If one wishes, he can note it as a prophecy.

The coming years will prove this fact verbatim. I, therefore, humbly request the sensible persons that

they should not indulge in amassing wealth and accumulating property for their offspring. All of us

have witnessed the fall of kings and zamindars with our own eyes. Now we should be ready to witness

individual property getting declared as public.”

The Prophecy of a Visionary

“The Will of God is making an arrangement for the transformation of an era. Assisting in this process

will be the greatest farsightedness of the enlightened souls of the present age.” This is a revolutionary

prophecy. I got a copy of one of his sermons of those days in which he says – “I will not let you to be

miserable or get entangled in worldly problems. I will uplift your status……from the viewpoint of

money! My children! In the coming days, money will become such a thing that no one will hoard gold

bars or currency notes. Even today, raids are being conducted. In the ensuing years, raids will be such

that even the wealth hidden under the ground will be extracted and exposed. Therefore, I will not make

you wealthy. Why should I give you a thing which will have no value? I will make you an empathetic, a

thoughtful and a great man; I will make you a messenger of God.”

Param Pujya Gurudev made a spectacular announcement (in 1970-71) during 108-kundiya yagya

organized in Gorakhi Maidan, Gwalior in front of the then Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Vijaya Raje

Scindia (mother of late Madhavrao Scindia). The announcement was – “I, Shriram Sharma Acharya,

declare in front of you all that there will be no value of money after fifty years from now. Money will get

equitably distributed. A spiritual socialism will dawn.” The person writing these lines, the Chief Editor

of this magazine, was present in this congress. His father was serving as a civil judge in Gwalior at that

time.

Understand the Message of the Seer

In those days, following message was propagated by Pujya Gurudev – “In the coming years, not a single

man will remain rich. The money will be distributed. Society (democratically elected government) will

control wealth; and we will be able to use only what is needed for sustaining life.” This is being said

in the context of a recent step of the Indian Government towards a great economic revolution. Our

Prime Minister suddenly announced at 8 PM on November 8, 2016, the demonetization of Rs. 500 and

Rs. 1000 currency notes. These notes were being illegally used by terrorists, property dealers, drug

smugglers, and mafia kings. In his address to the nation, the Prime Minister explained the reasons behind

such a drastic move and also outlined the methodology for exchanging and depositing the old currency

notes in banks. With this step, thousands of crores of black money that was being used for a variety of

illegal works and crime has either become white or paper waste. Now the money possessed by people is

under the scrutiny of government and the income tax department. Don’t you think the prophecy of Pujya

Gurudev has come true? In fact, this revolutionary step is only the beginning of a major change that is

going to occur very soon.

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson


Irregularities are everywhere. Black money, corruption, vote-for-note, profiteering, hoarding, bribery,

and other evil practices are hindering social progress. Unless such crimes are halted, the objective of a

progressive India will only remain a dream. With this economic step, every citizen felt that the change

for the better is in the offing. However, unless this change comes from within, nothing will happen.

Pujya Gurudev always emphasized the utmost need for the purity of mind first (Gayatri Mantra!).

The Dilemma is Temporary

There is an atmosphere of hurry-scurry everywhere. People, especially those who possessed black

money, were stunned by this sudden surgical strike of the government. Some people are abusing the

government for not giving enough time. Some sceptics are saying that the benefits will be short-lived;

the game of black money will again be played openly – instead of one-thousand notes, people will now

hoard two-thousand notes, and so on. Such people are perhaps unaware that the present government has

many arrows in its quiver. Banks, lockers, ATMs, cashless transactions will keep the money floating.

There is very little chance of money being hoarded by select people.

Ravana too made a golden Lanka. His dream was to build the stairs to Heaven. But did his dream come

true? In our country too, there is a network of elegant farm-houses and skyscrapers that are owned by

individuals. All these are standing on the foundation of corruption and black money. Now the strategy is

afoot so that most of the transactions are cashless. This will prevent hoarding and theft, and the common

man will live peacefully. All earnings will be under the scanner of the government. This is the beginning

of spiritual socialism.

Our Own Gayatri Pariwar

Param Pujya Gurudev established this Mission by collecting ten paisa or twenty paisa or one rupee and

in some cases one day salary of honest and hardworking parijans. Even now the same policy is being

followed by the Mission. Our Prime Minister started Jana Dhana Yojana for the poor and, considering

the importance of micro-economy, got the bank accounts opened for everyone. The result is that the

surgical strike has affected only the hoarders. Do you think all black money will come out by this

operation? Probably not; but the foundation of this demon of black money has been shaken from the

core. Now new revolutions will follow and will give birth to a greater positive change. It might take 9-10

years, but the nation will remain secure, the economy will improve and very soon our nation will again

attain its past glory of a golden bird.

New Revolutions in the Offing

What are the revolutions that are waiting in the wings to make this part of earth, India, a truly great

nation? First one is that expensive marriages will be stopped. There were 1.25 lakhs of marriages in Delhi

alone in three days following the announcement of demonetization. One can imagine what would have

“Don’t be afraid your life will end; be afraid that it will never begin.” - Grace Hansen


happened to the affected parents and relatives. But what can be done? It is the will of Mahakal (Time

Spirit) that there should be ideal marriages. Unnecessary expenditure must be stopped. The economy

of the rich built on the money of the poor should be demolished. The middle class may complain about

what have they done to deserve this? The sin of the middle class is that they have tried to emulate the

rich by copying expensive habits to falsely show that they too are rich and spending beyond their means.

The next revolution will result in the upliftment of rural economy. Cottage industries will flourish

again. In this youth revolution year (being observed by our Mission), we mulled over the formation

of ‘Swavlambi Loksevi Mandals’ nicknamed ‘Swalokam’ so that all the youth get jobs. People will

understand the importance of labor. Hooliganism will reduce. Mistreatment of women will also stop.

The gates of huge private colleges, erected by capitation fee, will open for the poor and there will be

coordination of spirituality and education in true sense. There will also be change in the electoral system.

Within a decade, the foundation of transformation of the era will be laid. All this will be visible by

2025-26. The present crisis has blown a whistle for the arrival of a great revolution. Let us welcome it

wholeheartedly!

(Pranav Pandya)

“Follow your dream as long as you live, do not lessen the time of following desire, for wasting time is an abomination of the spirit.” – Plato

As a man was passing the elephants, he suddenly stopped, confused by the

fact that these huge creatures were being held by only a small rope �ed to

their front leg. No chains, no cages. It was obvious that the elephants could,

at any �me, break away from their bonds but for some reason, they did not.

He saw a trainer nearby and asked why these animals just stood there and

made no a�empt to get away. “Well,” trainer said, “when they are very

young and much smaller we use the same size rope to �e them and, at that

age, it’s enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are condi�oned to

believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can s�ll hold them,

so they never try to break free.”

The man was amazed. These animals could at any �me break free from their

bonds but because they believed they couldn’t, they were stuck right where

they were.

Like the elephants, many of us go through life hanging onto a belief that we

cannot do something, simply because we failed at it once before.


In common language of conversations we often

use the term “Era”, “Age” (called “yuga” in

Sanskrit and Hindi) to indicate a characteristic

period or span of time associated with a

predominant phase of history or social/political/

economic change, etc. For example, the “Stone

Age”, “Vedic Era”, “Medieval Era”, “Electronics

Age”, “Computer Age”, or “Bhakti Yuga”,

“Vaigyanik Yuga”, etc. However, the term era

(yuga or equivalent) in the ancient texts refers to

period of epochal characteristics of Nature.

In astrological calculations, for practical purposes,

in terms of periodic movements of the positions

of the r³ïis (signs of the Zodiac), the period of 12

years is also referred as ‘yuga’. Interestingly, this

period is important in terms of biological clock

and change in the patterns of circadian rhythms of

person. During a period of 12 years, almost all the

cells of our body are renewed; in normal course,

age-related natural changes in human body also

manifest most significantly in successive periods

of 12 years (e.g. onset of puberty/teenage at the

age of 12 years; bloom of youth at the age of

24 years; start of middle age at 36 years and so

on...). Astronomical studies and related scientific

research also show importance of the cycle of

12 years, as it is found that periodic changes in

the internal condition of the Sun occur every 12

years.

In terms of cosmological sciences, the calculations

of cosmic cycles as presented in Vedic texts are

supposed to be most comprehensive. However,

Is This a

Phase of Epochal Change?

In the present times the world is facing challenges and adversities from multiple directions. Disturbed

ecosystem, depleting natural resources, alarming rise in environmental pollution, pesticide-treated

natural products, adulterated food, toxic waste, risk of nuclear radiations, global warming, ever-new

harmful viruses/microbes and consequent health hazards, dreaded diseases, growing cases of tension,

anxiety, depression, stress, and related psychosomatic ailments, mental complexities, psychological

weaknesses and disorders, expanding terrorism, fanaticism, social disharmony, rising trends of broken

families, population-explosion, economic uncertainties, increasing percentage of unemployment, etc.,

have put a Big Question Mark on sustainability of life and future of the earth. Everyone, who can think,

is keen to find an answer.

In the views of many experts, great visionaries and authentic foretellers, the world is passing through

a decisive phase of transition since past few decades. Is this a phase of epochal change? Some ancient

texts of different schools of thoughts and deeper knowledge across the world provide clear indications.

Here we highlight some scholarly research findings with some pre-historical scriptural calculations on

epochal phases of Nature.

“For every mountain there is a miracle.” - Robert H. Schuller


it is extremely complex to decipher them on the

common scale of time we use at present. We shall

discuss here only what is generally accepted and

referred/documented by most of the scholars in

the modern times as authentic.

The ancient scriptures of Vedic cosmology

describe different kinds of cosmic cycles as

yugas, and mah³-yugas (deva-yugas, great

aeons) in relation to epochal changes in the

sublime and manifested domains of Nature

[1]. Noted French-Egyptian philosopher René

Guénon, who also had deep scholarly knowledge

of the ancient oriental scriptures, explains the

concept of cosmic cycles more explicitly [2] as

follows: “In the most general sense of the term, a

cosmic cycle must be considered as - representing

the process of development of some state of

(cosmic) manifestation, or, in the case of minor

cycles, of one of the more or less restricted and

specialized modalities of that state”. Moreover,

in virtue of the law of correspondence which

links all things in Universal Existence, there is

necessarily and always a certain analogy, either

among the different cycles of the same order

or among the principal cycles (aeons) and their

secondary divisions”. This allows using one and

the same mode of expression when speaking

about the (cosmic) cycles, although this must

often be understood only symbolically, and this

alludes here especially to the ‘chronological’

form under which the doctrines of cosmic cycles

are interpreted.

In the terminology of Indian scriptures, a Kalpa

represents the total duration of a state or degree of

Universal Existence (S•aÌÚi - manifested Nature,

the entire cosmic creation); a Kalpa is divided

into 14 Manvantaras. This is further divided

into mah³-yugas. The duration of a deva-yuga

(mah³-Yuga) is interpreted as about 432000

years. (The term ‘year’ is used in this article in

usual sense of the modern scientific calendar).

Within a Manvantar, there are several cycles of

chatur-yugas (four principal eras) each signifying

distinct characteristic tendencies of Nature and

its manifestation. Notably, as described in the

next Section, the total duration (24000 years)

of these yugas is a multiple of 12, indicating the

consonance with the periodicity of the solar and

Zodiac systems as well.

The Four Principal Eras of Nature:

In the context of deeper science of Nature,

especially in the scriptural parlance, ‘change

of an era’ (yuga parivartan) mostly implies

change in the subtle environment of Nature. This

transformation is also reflected in epochal changes

on multiple fronts of life including culture, social

trends, goals and types of development, etc.

Change in the subtle environment of Nature is

characterized in the Vedic texts by change in the

levels of the triguñas1.

In K•at-Yuga, which is referred as Sat-Yuga (Age

of Truth and Light), there is predominance of

sat-guña. The levels of raj-guña begin to rise

with the onset of Treta (Tret³) -Yuga and this

guña begins to dominate by the completion of

this era. The presence of tam-guña begins to

manifest with gradually higher intensity with

passage of Dwapar (Dw³para)-Yuga. Tam

becomes predominant tendency in Kali-Yuga

which also nurtures negative influence of raj.

[An equivalence of these four yugas in terms of

the Greco-Latin antiquity is the four ages of gold,

silver, bronze and iron.]

It is obvious that epochal changes cannot occur

“I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.” - William Ernest Henley


instantaneously or overnight. There is substantial

transitional period at the juncture (sandhi) of two

successive yugas. This transition period is also

counted in the total duration of a yuga. This

period is significant for prior conditioning and

preparations for adaptation to the drastic changes.

Its importance would be clear if we recall our

routine experiences of change of seasons. As

we know, the period between change of two

successive seasons of weather is quite important

to get accustomed to the change in atmospheric

conditions; change in the weather affects the

metabolism, sleep pattern, body temperature, etc,

and hence overall health.

Spans of the Four Principal Yugas:

At a glance there appears discrepancy between

scholarly interpretations of scriptural excerpts,

and the implications of astronomical calculations

(e.g. [1-6]) of the durations of the four principal eras.

However, a comprehensive interpretation and

analysis in the light of ancient astronomical texts

clarifies the matter and leads to a convincing

conclusion.

According to some translations of Indian

scriptures, the Bhavishya Parv of Harivanha

Puran, Manusmiriti (67-68), Ling Puran (9-12),

and Vanparva (22-26) of the Epic “Mahabharata”

cite the total duration of the four principal yugas as

12000 years. Some scriptures [e.g. Devi Bh³gvat

Puran (3|1|39)] describe that the successive spans

of four principal yugas (from K•ata-yuga to Kali-

yuga) and their transition periods are in the ratio

4:3:2:1. That is, the span of Kali-yuga is shortest,

that of Dwapar is double of it, and so on.

However, it should be noted that the Puranas

are written in a narrative style, couplets in other

scriptures too should be viewed in continuity

with context-dependent meanings of text. Thus

the meaning of a single or set of few couplets

(hymns) should be interpreted as interlinked

with other hymns/texts of the same or related

(w.r.t. the context) ancient treatises. Such details

indicate that the durations stated in the above-

referred couplets correspond only to one phase of

a complete cycle of the four eras. As in one full

day there are two phases - day and night, similarly

in a complete cycle of the chatur-yugas, there are

two phases - descending and ascending - of equal

duration of 12000 years. Thus the total span

(including sandhi periods) of the four principal

yugas is 2X12000 = 24000 years.

“I don’t count the days, I make the days count!” - Muhammad Ali

Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers,

the round pegs in the square holes and the ones who see things

differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the

status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify

them. About the only thing you can’t do is to ignore them, because

they change things. They push the human race forward. And while

some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the

people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are

the ones who do.

-Rob Siltanen


The ratio 4:3:2:1 of the durations of the successive

(in descending phase) yugas also appears to

correspond mainly to the smaller periods within a

yuga in which predominant quality of the yuga is

fully developed and manifested. Chronologically,

the duration of each of the four principal yugas is

equal. Thus the span of each is about 3000 years

(2700 years + sandhi period of 300 years) in each

phase. The total duration of Kaliyuga is thus

about 5400 years with sandhi period of about

300 years of dawn and 300 years of twilight. This

measure is supported by authentic documents

like - the Indian calendar used in the times

Chandra Gupta Maurya, the first ever documented

astronomical treatise Surya Siddhant[3], and the

thesis “Aryabhattia” written in 499 CE by globally

renowned Indian mathematician and astronomer

Aryabhatta[4] , and calculation of several other

famous astronomers of early centuries including

Paulisa, Srishena, and Vishnucandra. Great leader

of Indian freedom movement Lokmanya Tilak, and

revered yogi Paramhans Yoganand[5], and scholar

Yutkeshwar[6] have also cited similar views.

As cited by a thorough researcher [7], the original

Yuga Cycle doctrine appears to have been very

simple: A Yuga Cycle duration of 12,000 years,

with each Yuga lasting for 3,000 years. This cycle

is encoded in the “SaptarÌi Calendar” which

has been used in India for thousands of years -

authentic documents for this are available in the

recorded chronological history of Indian Kings

since 6676 BC[8]. It was used extensively during

the Maurya period in the 4th century BC, and

is still in use in some parts of India. The term

“SaptarÌi” refers to the “Seven Rishis” or the

“Seven Vedic Sages” by whose names the seven

stars of the Great Bear constellation (Ursa Major)

are identified. They are regarded as the angelic

sages who appear at the beginning of every cycle

of the four yugas to cultivate human cultural

values and disseminate the laws of civilization.

The Saptarsi Calendar used in India had a cycle

“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”- Henry David Thoreau

On Excellence

Excellence in work is the result of high aim, sincere effort, prudent direc�on,

skillful execu�on and emo�onal involvement. The desire to excel is exclusive of

the fact whether someone else appreciates it or not. Excellence is a drive from

inside, not outside. Excellence is not for someone else to no�ce but for your own

sa�sfac�on and efficiency.

Mar�n Luther King Jr. has rightly advised - “If a man is called to be a street

sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven

composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well

that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street

sweeper who did his job well’.”


of 2,700 years; it is said that the Great Bear

constellation stays for 100 years in each of the

27 Nakïatra (lunar asterisms; 27 sectors along

the ecliptic) which add up to a cycle of 2,700

years. 2,700 year cycle was also referred to as a

“SaptarÌi Era” or a “SaptarÌi Yuga”.

This estimate also has a correspondence with the

measurements of cosmic units in other ancient

systems. For instance, the Zoroastrians believe

that the world lasts for 12,000 years, which is

divided into four equal ages of 3,000 years each.

A Mexican source known as the Codex Rios (also

referred to as Codex 3738 and Codex Vaticanus

A) states that each age lasts for 4008, 4010, 4801

and 5042 years respectively, which amounts to a

total of 17,861 years. We can see that in this case

also the duration of each age is nearly the same.

Knowledge of the span of Kaliyuga - the age

of vices and sufferings, in which we are living

at present, does not matter to us unless it also

conveys when is it going to get over? Several

scholarly analyses of the ancient texts and

predictions of the seer-sages of the modern times

[1] indicate that the end of Kaliyuga and dawn of a

golden age would occur in this very century - the

21st Century AD. We shall discuss the details in

successive articles.

Reference:

1. Sharma Shriram Acharya (1995): Yug-

Parivartana Kaise aur Kaba?” Pandit

Shriram Sharma Acharya Samagra Vangmaya

Vol. 27, Akhand Jyoti Sansthan, Mathura.

2. Guénon, R., Guinon R. (2003): Traditional

Forms and Cosmic Cycles [Collected works

of Guénon, Rene, edited by Fohr, S.D.]

(ISBN: 978-0900588167). Publ. Sophia

Perennis.

3. Burgess E. (1860): Translation of the S¿rya Siddh³nta – A Text Book of Hindu Astronomy.

New Haven: For the American Oriental Soc.

[Original article publ. In J. Amer. Oriental

Soc. Vol VI; the book also contains detailed

commentary by the author.]

4a. Bhau Daji (1865): Brief Notes on the Age

and Authenticity of the Works of Aryabhata,

Varahamihira, Brahmagupta, Bhattotpala,

and Bhaskaracharya. J. Royal Asiatic Soc.

Great Britain and Ireland, p. 392.

4b. Thurston Hugh (1996): Early Astronomy,

Springer. (ISBN 0-387-948228).

5. Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri (1949): The Holy

Science. Yogoda Sat-Sanga Soc. of India.

6. Yogananda, Paramhansa: Autobiography of a

Yogi. Sterling Publ. Pvt. Ltd. (ISBN-13: 978-

8120725249).

7. Bibhu Dev Misra (2003): Unravelling the

Yuga Cycle Timeline. Part-I of a Web Article.

(h�ps://grahamhancock.com/dmisrab6/)

8. Mitchiner John E. (2000): Tradition of the

Seven Rsis. Motilal Banarsidass Publ. Pvt.

Ltd. (ISBN-13: 978-8120817623).

Notes:

1. Triguñas: The intrinsic tendencies of sat, raj

and tama indwelling in the Nature are called

triguña. Sat implies the embodiment of truth,

the source of knowledge & cognitive faculties,

and pure intelligence. Raj is the source of all

activities; the basis of animate manifestation

of Nature and expressions of consciousness

(e.g. in generation of thoughts). Tamoguna

implies ignorance, inertia; it is predominant

in inanimate Nature.

“If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.” - Bruce Lee


Science means knowledge. It originates with

the natural quest of human mind to know the

unknown, to decipher the truth. In the early ages

of civilization, science as a type of knowledge was

more closely linked to philosophy than it is now.

Its methods and practices, and hence its domain

have expanded and transformed with human

intellectual civilization. As modern civilization

progressed with understanding, interaction and

use of manifested realms of Nature (i.e. matter

or perceivable facets of Nature), and social or

collective efforts, the disciplines of Science

also emerged accordingly. Today “science” is

predominantly defined or identified as one or

more of the Natural Sciences (e.g. Biological,

Chemical, Geological, Physical Sciences, etc.)

or Social and Applied Sciences (Economics,

Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, etc.,

and Statistics, Engineering Sciences, etc., ). The

“Philosophical” base of science has now got

confined to Abstract Mathematical Sciences,

Logic, etc. Notably, what makes a subject, piece

of knowledge, thought, or method of learning,

as part of “Science”, is the scientific approach to

its discovery, acquisition, and study. ‘Scientific-

ness’ (scientific spirit) is the core of Science.

Indeed, all the worth and predominance of

science is there because it is “Scientific”.

The adjective “Scientific” in truest sense of the

word implies - thorough, and free of prejudices,

irrationalities and biases. It thus ascertains

authenticity, rationality, consistency, and

universality. However, due to narrow interpretation

of “Science” as material based modern science,

the term ‘scientific’ too is widely interpreted as -

systematic, methodical, and in consonance with

prevailing theories/concepts of modern science.

The real complete meaning of ‘Scientific’ is, in

fact, naturally rooted in “Spirituality”. But the

way spirituality is understood and practiced

since the post-medieval times, reflects quite

the contrary. “Scientific Spirituality” deals with

the scientific nature, perennial relevance, and

universal truth of spirituality which is the vital

need of the present times.

Today, many people interpret “Spirituality” as

a field of occult philosophy dealing with spirits

and even confuse it with “Spiritualism”. Many

link it with religious customs, blind faith and

superstitions. For many others, spirituality is

meant only for ascetics; they think that adoption

of spiritual life requires complete renouncement

of worldly activities, etc. However such

interpretations only reflect incomplete and

incorrect information and knowledge. The

real meaning and field of “Spirituality” is as

vast and deep as the existence and experiences

of the Omnipresent Eternal Consciousness-

Force. It pertains to realization of conscience,

enlightenment of inner-self, and evolution of

consciousness-faculties. In simple terms, as

explained by seer-sage and spiritual scientist

of our times, Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya,

spirituality deals with emancipation, progress,

expansion, and illumination of intellect and

emotions that lead to expansion of selfishness

into selflessness, transformation of egotism

into limitless compassion and generosity, and

Multiple Facets of Scientific Spirituality

Science and Spirituality

“If you can imagine it, you can create it. If you can dream it, you can become it.” - William Arthur Ward


awakening of divinity indwelling in the inner

self.

Spirituality can’t be adopted through abstract

philosophical thoughts, through lip-service, or by

ostentatious rituals and orthodox customs. One

does not have to renounce the world and go to the

forests or remote mountains to practice it. There is

no place for delusions, blind faith or superstitions

in it. However, in the present times, it will need

the support of science (scientific-spirit) to cast out

the prevailing misconceptions and delusions. It

will have to prove its authenticity and relevance.

Spirituality and science should support, guide and

supplement each other. Realizing this, Acharya

Sharma pioneered renaissance of Scientific

Spirituality in the modern age in a comprehensive

and practical way.

What is Scientific Spirituality?

Acharya Sharma envisaged “Scientific

Spirituality” as the beacon light of golden

future for the world. He, like several visionary

scientists, thinkers and social reformers, realized

that - the convictions and practices of spirituality

weaken their authenticity without scientific spirit

and openness. The philosophy and teachings of

spirituality without having scientific approach

lose their relevance and originality in the smog

of blind-faith and superstitions. Also, every

discipline of science (be that any branch of

natural, physical, mathematical, or, social or

applied science), remains narrow and incomplete

without incorporating spirituality. Material based

science without spirituality has no bonds of

human values and so there is an obvious danger

of its becoming aristocratic and apathetic. (In

practical sense), Scientific Spirituality lies at the

core of mutually complementary, constructive,

and supportive roles of science and spirituality.

We all know that scientific and technological

development may produce wealth, comforts and

prosperity but not the elixir of benevolence, love

and compassion. The so-called social sciences

too remain confined to intellectual domains and

are influenced by predominant thoughts, theories,

models and practices advocated by influential

and celebrity scholars in a given period of time

without any real effect on individual or social

character-building. (For example, research and

studies of the moral sciences, humanities, ideal

theories of socio political systems, etc, continue

to flourish in the present times, but we hardly

see any impact of these in altering the trends of

moral-cultural devolution, declining integrity of

character, human values, and the rising social

disharmony and anarchy).

The light of sagacity and benevolence and the

perpetual power of inner strength essential

for social responsibility, dutifulness, integrity,

and moral ascent originate and expand only

through spiritual enlightenment. But most of us

have somehow ignored even the necessity of

our own spiritual fitness and progress. Or, we

have confused and neglected ‘spirituality’ as an

offshoot of hallucination and emotional whims or

as subject matter only for ascetics. This ‘folly’ of

the wise and ‘progressive’ intellect of today has

put the world on a precipitous edge where even

healthy sustenance of life on the earth has become

doubtful. Scientific spirituality has promising

potential as a crucial remedial and comprehensive

measure/mode towards sustainability, holistic

development and bright and blissful future.

Scientific Spirituality is an evolved science

“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.” - Nora Roberts


of mind that illuminates the intellect towards

righteous path and awakens divine sensitivity

in the heart (emotional core). The paradigms of

scientific spirituality may be broadly classified as

follows.

Absolute Knowledge:

The theories and principles of Scientific

Spirituality originate from a universal view that

incorporates both spiritual and physical entities

within the scope of its explanatory framework. In

this way, spiritual entities can be understood to be

“real” or “existing” in the same way as physical

entities. This kind of theoretical continuity

between the physical and spiritual worlds allows

for the understanding of spiritual phenomena as

law governed.

One paradigm of this sort that has been highly

developed within India is the philosophy of

Vedanta. Vedanta is a consciousness-centric

paradigm which views reality as emerging

through each of us from a unified (Omnipresent),

eternal consciousness-force (Brah®) in each

form of existence and each moment of (physical,

mental or transcendental) perception. Like

Vedantic philosophers, the Quantum Physicists

also view the physical world as emerging

from (consciousness) energy. Max Planck, the

founder of Quantum Physics underlines this

similarity explicitly - “I regard consciousness

as fundamental. I regard matter as derivative

from consciousness. We cannot get behind

consciousness. Everything that we talk about,

everything that we regard as existing, postulates

consciousness…” [c.f. Planck’s interview

reported in “The Observer”, January 25, 1931].

By maintaining continuity between material and

spiritual dimensions, the vast domain of Scientific

Spirituality incorporates both (the material

and the consciousness) dimensions within its

explanatory purview. Considering the eternal

existence and fundamental role of consciousness-

force, Scientific Spirituality is an absolute science

that can unfold all secrets of life, can decipher

mind as a material element, can explain the

science of destiny (law of karma), fully elucidate

the manifested as well as transcendent Nature,

everything. All streams of knowledge emanate

from this absolute science.

Key to Holistic Development:

Scientific Spirituality holds that consciousness of

a being is raised up (evolved) not by magic or a

capricious boon granted from super forces, but

rather by forces that can be rationally understood

and perhaps repeated. This idea does not deny

the importance of faith or devotion; these two

are essential factors. Nor does it deny the role of

divine forces in human ascent. Perhaps it does,

however, prioritize human effort and suggest

the importance of diligent spiritual endeavors

(s³dhan³).

A particularly advanced theoretical system for

understanding the mechanisms of this process

is the theory of a sublime element of primordial

life-force energy that exists at the threshold

between consciousness and matter. Within Vedic

(Hindu) philosophy, this sublime energy is called

pr³ña. Within Chinese traditions, it is known

as Chi. The methods and (s³dhan³) practices

of Scientific Spirituality deal with gathering,

conserving, raising, constructively using, and

expanding this vital spiritual energy.

Raising of pr³ña results in enhancement of

“In life, as in a football game, the principle to follow is: Hit the line hard.” - Theodore Roosevelt


vigor and vitality (and hence good health of

the physical body); it gives rise to brilliance

and focus of intellectual and other mental

faculties; it generates soothing balance of

emotions with inner contentment, and inspires

benevolent sentiments. In short it is the key to

holistic development of personality. Progress

in this process gradually leads to spiritual

enlightenment and awakening of divine

sensitivity and unalloyed bliss.

Practical Aspects – Implementation in

Scientific Light:

An important facet of Scientific Spirituality

is the use of the scientific method for studying

and validating the effects of different spiritual

practices of raising pr³ña and dissemination and

practical implementation of spiritual knowledge

in scientific light. For example, through

measuring indicators, such as brain waves,

memory retention, stress-level, hormone levels,

etc., the full rigor of the scientific method can

be applied to studying the effects of spiritual

practices such as yoga-kriy³s, meditative

rhythmic chanting of Vedic Mantras, etc.

Advanced research studies can also be used to

assess, verify, and demonstrate extrasensory

potentials of spiritually enlightened mind.

This kind of research is necessary for spiritual

practice to be accepted by communities holding

materialistic philosophical commitments.

Scientific Spirituality also pertains to integration

of spirituality and social sciences. The methods

and practices of up³sana, s³dhan³s and

³r³dhan³ aim at holistic development of the

individuals as well as the society. Acharya

Sharma regarded scientific spirituality as the key

to holistic management and progress of human

life on personal, professional, familial and

social fronts. He signified positive attitude and

focused, thoughtful and thorough endeavors of

self-refinement and self-development as essential

features of scientific spirituality and guided

feasible, effective methods and training programs

to achieve this. The characteristics of social

service, social transformation, self-restraint,

non-sectarianism, and science integrated in the

comprehensive, grass-rooted approach guided by

him make it authentic and relevant for personal

and social transformation in the current era.

The three paradigms of Scientific Spirituality,

namely viewing consciousness to be law-

governed, thinking within a paradigm that

includes spiritual dimensions, and applying

scientific method to the study and use of

consciousness-science, provide the ground for a

universal spirituality that includes all traditions

by transcending the boundaries of any particular

stream of faith or culture.

“It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.” – Confucius

Sa® va¡ p—chyant³® tanva¡ sa® man³®si samuvrrat³ |

Sa® voya® brahmanaspatirbharga¡ sa® vo ajigamat ||

- Atharvaveda: 6/74/1

Meaning: May your body, mind (thought), dharma (character) and ac�on (conduct) be

in synergy. May God, the Lord of knowledge, harmonize you, and the Lord of splendour

integrate you.


The timeless tradition of noble thoughts

“Discrimination on the grounds of caste and

nationality is totally baseless and a clear

misconception because we are all born as the

same kind of species. In the very beginning of

creation, different geographical regions were

not separated by boundaries. No single tribe or

community was the owner of any specific piece

of land or region. In the eyes of God, there is

no discrimination between people of different

nationalities or religions or communities. In

that case, why do men face discrimination in the

society?......In ancient times, it was advocated

that there was no religion higher than loving one’s

own country. But today, we move even beyond

that and say that a person who loves the entire

universe is worthy of adoration and praise.”

These words offering the solution to the ominous

dangers threatening the world today were

expressed by the saint pained by the suffering

of humanity. How can such a race / nation be

supportive of communal hatred that expounded

the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’

thousands of years ago, that even after attaining

the status of Chakravarti [1] never tried to wipe

away any community or kingdom that embraced

even those foreigners who invaded them soon

after peace was established? Even when Indians

had to suffer under the foreign invasions for the

past thousand years, they never neglected their

ancient ideals. Even today, ever since attaining

independence they have been trying to establish

global peace and to unify nations of the world

and develop collaboration among them.

Merging the love for your own country with

universal love

There are some rigid and narrow-minded people

who do not support the concept of universal

brotherhood and associate it with utopia and call

it unrealistic. Even if such people revel in the

world of communalism, political partisanship,

separatism and divisive attitude, I do not blame

them for that. It is very natural to have different

opinions and not everyone can agree to a high

ideal and live for that cause. In spite of that, there

is not too much difference between them and us.

If we believe in universal welfare, it does not

however imply that we do not serve and work for

the progress of our country. Our country is also

an indivisible part of the world, then how can we

be proponents of universal service while we do

not serve our own motherland? A majority of us

are not in a position to travel to other countries

and participate in resolving global issues. In such

circumstances, our field of action remains to be

our own country. It is by serving people around

us that we can participate in the ideal of serving

the universe.

This is something very unique about the spiritual

path. Even if the actions are similar, the result

of those actions is in proportion to our mental

makeup and may either be good or bad. When

May the Walls of Discrimination Break

Let the entire world become a single family

[Excerpts of Param Pujya Gurudev’s thoughts on ‘World as a Global Village’ in an article published in Akhand Jyoti (Hindi) in November, 1967]

“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.” – Seneca


we defend our country against an aggressive and

tyrannical force, the soldiers of both sides seem

to be doing the very same thing. Both are using

their weapons and trying to kill each other. But

there is a difference in their mindset, that makes

one of them an oppressor and other a martyr for

defending his nation. Hence, my sincere request

to all of you is to understand the importance of

‘global citizen’ while serving your nation at the

very best. We Indians follow the tenets present in

Bhagawad Gita. In that Lord Sri Krishna shows

his cosmic form and says that the entire universe

comes from one single source and to identify

differences and discrimination is ignorance.

The Lord asks us not to differentiate between

the animate and inanimate and love everything

equally. If we love our fellow human beings and

participate in building a better world, then where

is the question of obsession in this?

The boundaries drawn in the world are all

artificial

All the boundaries that we see between various

countries of the world today are all artificial.

With progress of civilization and increase in

wealth, thirst for power and divisive attitude

have become deeply entrenched. Because of this,

they began to build walls around the region and

established their power in that area. Each of these

power mongers has the ambition to expand their

region of power in comparison to others. Thus

develops the attitude of attacking and looting their

neighboring regions. This is the primary reason

for wars today. And these wars have also assumed

a far more expansive and complex form causing

an atmosphere of perennial tension and terrorism

all over the world. Describing the perilous and

amoral nature of these wars, a great proponent of

global peace has spoken these words –

“This land does not belong to one person, it is

for all. The Earth is not man’s house; it is in fact

his Samadhi (a burial ground). A man may evolve

himself into a great conqueror and take many

countries under his control, but eventually he

cannot keep any part of those lands in his control

except for that little piece of land where his grave

will be made. To fulfil the ambition of a handful

people, wars are waged jeopardizing the lives of

millions of people and breaking the hearts of men

and women.”

The auspicious plan of global village

Ever since nuclear energy is being used for

creating nuclear weapons, the situation in the

world has become quite serious and scary. If

wars were killing thousands and lakhs of people

before, in the wake of nuclear wars an entire

country can get wiped out in a matter of hours

and the loss of life is many orders higher. Ever

since these escalated risks have begun to surface,

there has been increased demand for a global

society. A sane person belonging to any country

or religion has begun to realize that science has

placed such immense power and threat in the

hands of people that it is imperative to forget the

differences of divisive nations and hand over the

governance of entire world to a single collective

body. Otherwise if even a single war fanatic, on

a pretext real or imaginary, triggers a nuclear

weapon, most part of this Green Earth will turn

into a graveyard in less than 24 hours.

Supporters of world fraternity have been

appealing to form a global organization looking

at craze for weapons and the aggression of the

national leaders. A Persian saint Bahaullah

strived on this issue and warned all the leaders

of the world 150 years ago that if they do not

“It takes a strong fish to swim against the current. Even a dead one can float with it.” - John Crowe


overcome the confines of their own nations for

greater good, destruction is imminent.

About 50 years ago, Thakur Dayanand of Bengal,

an exponent of universal brotherhood established

‘Arunachal Mission’. He had sent a letter to the

Peace Conference that was held after the end of

World War-I with a proposal for United Nations

and his ideas were thus –

“Citizens of each country should choose a person

to be their president for a period of few years.

The president with his team of people will take

care of the nation. Such presidents of various

countries will come together and choose a ‘Head

President’. He along with a team of ministers will

oversee the affairs of all the countries. This team

of ministers will be the representatives chosen by

the various countries. This global governing body

will co-ordinate with the different countries on

international issues so that all the countries can

progress without others taking undue advantage

of them. All these presidents and head-president

will truly be representatives of the people and

servants of God who look upon citizens of all

the countries as their own brothers. They will

swear in front of people and God that they will be

responsible for the welfare, peace and prosperity

of the world.”

Thakur Dayanand sent this scheme to all

the leaders of the states and published in the

newspapers. This proposal came up for discussion

in some forums but was mostly ignored by the

power-mongering politicians who continued with

their existing ways.

The thoughts of intellectuals are getting

transformed

The founder of Satya Samaj is of the opinion –

“In this world itself I want to see a new society

that does not have imperialism, capitalism, riots

based on religion or community; where money

is not the sole power; where entire humanity is

looked upon as one; where man and woman are

given equal respect and value; where truth reigns

supreme; where there is no discrimination of

rich and poor. Through Satya Samaj, I want to

establish a world just like this.”

The objective of presenting the thoughts of a

few wise and enlightened people here is to bring

forth the flaws in the society and the ill-effects

of those on innocent people. Looking at the sad

state of affairs, the attention of the intelligentsia

is focused on a new transformation. Presently,

the world, controlled by science and technology,

has increased the productivity so much so that

if it is shared through wisdom and justice, then

everyone can lead a life of happiness and plenty.

Notes:

1. Chakravarti king is one who rules over his

subjects ethically and benevolently, and is a

conqueror of the entire world.

“Kites rise highest against the wind – not with it.” - Winston Churchill

Om saha nāvavatu, saha nau bhunaktu, saha vīryaṃ karavāvahai,

tejasvināvadhītamastu mā vidviṣāvahaiA oṃ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ |

Om! May He protect us together; May He nourish us together; May we work conjointly with great

energy; May our study be vigorous and effective; May we not mutually dispute (or may we not

hate any). Om! Let there be Peace in us! Our environment! And the forces that act on us!


Understand these truths

This universe is continuously evolving. The cycle

of change is ever active. Those who understand

this truth and prepare themselves stand to benefit,

while others have to face difficulties. Let’s consider

the example of seasonal cycles. Monsoon follows

summer. Winter sets in right after monsoon. This

is a definite cycle and that does not change as

per our convenience. We have to mold ourselves

in accordance with the seasons. The transitional

phases are always troublesome. Those who

manage to prepare themselves for these changes

stands to gain and stays comfortable. Those who

don’t prepare themselves for monsoon will see

their roofs leaking, taps drying up and slush all

around. But those who gear themselves up for

monsoon will see their fields and ponds filled

with adequate water. They enjoy the profit from

a good harvest.

If you are not prepared for cold weather, you end

up shivering and suffering from the ill-effects

and diseases owing to cold weather. Those

who brace themselves up for winter are spared

these hardships. As part of preparation, they do

requisite exercises to digest the partaken food and

lay the foundation for good health and longevity.

Our ancestors have formulated certain rules and

life style guidelines based on which we can make

best use of seasonal changes. Those who are

ignorant of this knowledge and those who merely

sing praises and do not practice cannot derive

any benefit from the experience of our ancestors.

Those who imbibe these principles in their daily

life are truly wise.

In the process of Era Transformation

Just like seasonal cycles, era transformation also

follows a cyclic structure. Just like a meteorologist

predicts weather and informs everyone about

the forecast, similarly exponents of scientific

spirituality and rishis create awareness in the

public about the coming changes in the era.

Those who are wise and react to these messages

not only align their life style but also convey it to

their near and dear ones. Such people transition

smoothly when the change occurs and can use the

changed circumstances optimally. Others tackle

change with grievances and remain unhappy on

being forced to face different conditions.

Ancient rishis and saints have written a lot about

era transformation and the thinkers and modern-

day saints have also made people aware of this

from time to time. [A separate article titled ‘Is

this a phase of epochal change?’ in this issue

itself deals with this aspect.] Saint Bahaullah,

Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo and others

have given sufficient indications about the era

transformation in their messages. Yugrishi Pandit

Shriram Sharma Acharya has thrown light on

each and every aspect of era transformation. He

has written at length about the changes that will

come in emotions, thoughts, talents and finances.

While writing about each of these aspects he has

given clear guidelines on how to adopt the right

approach and what’s to be done to stay away

from undesirable outcomes of these changes.

Appreciating the words of seers and sages is not enough:

Only imbibing them will help

“Knowledge without follow-through is worse than no knowledge.” - Henry Charles Bukowski


Those people who believed in his thoughts and

followed them in their life will surely reap the

benefits in the form of personal happiness,

attaining respect in the society and gaining divine

grace, while others who ignored will have to face

the consequences. Following are Acharyasri’s

own words –

“The entire scheme of Yug Nirman Yojana works

on this basis. I have given stern warning as well

as inspiration to each one of the parijans to mould

their lives in accordance with the upcoming

changes. Each and every soul has a specific duty

and responsibility towards achieving this goal.

Taking active part in this Divine plan is the first

and foremost objective of all those people living

today. This should be understood very well and

acted upon.”

Those with clairvoyance have done their duty

and now it is left to the society to either make use

of it or not.

Current economic storm

Presently, all of us are facing extremely

challenging situation in the financial realm. Since

times immemorial, people have been giving

undue importance to money. They had forgotten

that money was just a medium through which

the necessities of life could be acquired so that

a happy personal, familial and social life could

be attained. Out of ignorance, people began to

perceive means as an end. The ultimate aim is

to have a happy and progressive life. Money,

property, wealth and other resources are just a

means to achieve this aim. The moment money

became the aim of life, people entered this blind

race of accumulating it meaninglessly. Even

worse, people began to be evaluated based on

the wealth they possessed. This had its own ill

consequences. In the words of Yugrishi –

“It is most unfortunate that humanity is giving

utmost importance to money today. It is as a

consequence of this that everyone wants to

accumulate wealth so as to gain respect in the

society. The real use of money is to keep it

continuously flowing by putting it to use for some

good cause or another. Stagnated water in a ditch

or food in the stomach gets rotten and leads to a

host of ailments. Money stashed in lockers makes

the person intoxicated and spreads bad influence

in the society.”

- Hamari Yug Nirman Yojana Part-I (1972)

Now, a majority of the people have come to

believe that this tendency of wealth accumulation

has led to increase of black money which can at

any point in time create an artificial crisis in the

society and terrorize people much to the pleasure

of hoarders and money launderers. This money

becomes the medium for flourishing of drug

markets, terrorists, separatists and smugglers. To

get rid of these ulcers in the society, government

has taken a very bold step. Whoever has hoarded

wealth, their life is in jeopardy and they are

losing sleep over it. In this context, yugrishi had

long back given a message in very clear words.

Here are some of his words of wisdom from a

book titled ‘Yug Nirman Yojana Part-I” (1972) –

“Some bitter truths must be understood by the

rich people. In the coming years, the wealthy

people are not the one who will be respected.

In fact, they will be looked down upon as those

stone-hearted ones who have turned their heads

away from social welfare and will be rejected as

cowards. A social system, in which wealth will

not be owned by individuals but by the society, is

approaching us fast like an incoming typhoon.”

“Live out your imagination, not your history.” - Stephen Covey


If such clearly-spoken words are not understood

by anyone, they certainly have to suffer the

consequences of that. In the process of individual

development, entire society has to face difficult

situations. All people, good or bad end up

suffering some inconvenience. This is what is

being seen today. It is best to take demonetization

as an essential step towards creating a glorious

future and accept the resultant inconvenience

gracefully.

Difficult process but a fortunate opportunity

In the process of creating a glorious future,

man has to undergo some difficult situations. A

student has to study day and night. A sportsman

has to put in enormous hard work. In this process

of creating a better society, something similar is

happening. Yugrishi has written in clear words –

“The coming 30 years will be most difficult

and worrisome for humanity. It is just like

for the mother who is about to undergo the

pangs of delivery. Each and every moment is

filled with restlessness and apprehension. All

transformations are difficult. Inflation, famine,

drought, revolution, chaos and other situations

are seen every now and then. In the coming days

we have to gear up for some natural disasters and

small-time cold and hot wars. When useless clay

needs to be moulded into useful pots and utensils,

it has to undergo pounding, moulding, drying and

heating. No transformation comes without its set

of difficult processes.

For humanity to be evolved into a refined race in

the next 30 years, it has to undergo a variety of

difficult situations. Man is also not wise enough

to leave the wrong path and come onto the right

path by merely asking him to do so. Stubborn

people have to be corrected by force and the

Nature is going to take strict actions in making

this possible.”

Whenever mother or father or teacher or God takes

some severe actions, these are always directed

towards the real well-being of their wards. There

definitely is a wonderful consequence behind all

the difficulties being faced today. Yugrishi has

given some clear indications as follows:

“Nobody should be worried or afraid about the

truths mentioned above. What is required is to

accept this to be ordained by God and align your

life style and activities accordingly. Evolve into a

forward-looking person and reap the benefits of

that vision. Lanka was about to be demolished,

rakshasas were to be killed and Lord Sriram

was to win the battle. Those monkeys and bears

who realized this upfront came and helped Lord

Sriram. Though they had limited resources, they

have become immortal for the help they rendered.

Bhagirath was fortunate that he realized the

possibility of bringing down the Ganges and did

intense penance to achieve the same. Because

of this Mother Ganga came to be known as

Bhagirathi. India was to get independence. All

those people like Tilak, Gandhi, Patel, Nehru,

Subhash, etc who saw this possibility and worked

for it became immortal. It is most prudent if one

can realize the Divine Plan and gather courage to

participate and be the front runners in that. These

opportunities come very rarely and those who

miss out on them will only end up repenting later

on.”

People often read history and say that if they

were able to forecast the significance of coming

times, they would certainly make use of the

opportunity and spearhead the activities. Param

Pujya Gurudev has given this opportunity to all

“May you live all the days of your life.” - Jonathan Swift


the people associated with this gigantic mission.

It is left to each individual as to how much benefit

they derive out of it. Gurudev has given clear

guidelines as below –

“The family members of Akhand Jyoti are being

inspired to look and evaluate the rapidly changing

situations and decide for themselves if they have

a special responsibility to discharge during these

transitory times. The mark of a fool is to be

bound by some single notion and remain so like

a bull that moves round and round to extract oil

in a ghani. A fool neither corrects his mistakes

nor identifies new opportunities. So there is no

point in preaching such people because they are

not ready to heed your advice. Such people can

be brought to their senses by the blows of Nature.

Only the wise can be made to understand by

words.”

There will be many challenges which will do a

litmus test of the prudence of the intelligentsia.

According to our divine culture ‘Parigrah’

(excessive possessions) is said to be a great sin.

That very trait today is being extolled as a symbol

of greatness, success and prosperity. Whatever

are the consequences of a sin are bound to surface

and saving yourselves and others from it depends

on your ability.

Today, misuse of currency notes has been curtailed

by the process of demonetization. It is necessary

to free the society from the shackles of misuse

of other forms of wealth too. Such measures will

also be taken as per the Divine plan. Only a smart

move is to restrain oneself from uncontrollable

greed. Align yourselves to the changes so that

you are spared from the difficulties and stay

happy and contented.

“Never be afraid to tread the path alone. Know which your path is and follow it wherever it

may lead you.” - Eileen Caddy

There was a boy, whose

family was very wealthy. One day

his father took him on a trip to the

country, where he aimed to show

his son, how poor people live. So

they arrived to a farm of a very poor

family, as he considered. They spent

there several days. On their return,

the father asked his son, did he like

the trip.

“Oh, it was great, dad” – the

boy replied. “Did you no�ce how

poor people live?” “Yeah, I did”-

said the boy. The father asked his

son to tell in more details about his

impressions from their trip.

“Well, we have only one dog,

and they have four of them. In our

garden there is a pool, while they

have a river that has no end. We‘ve

got expensive lanterns, but they

have stars above their heads at night.

We have the pa�o, and they have

the whole horizon. We have only a

small piece of land, while they have

the endless fields. We buy food, but

they grow it. We have high fence for

protec�on of our property, and they

don‘t need it, as their friends protect

them.”

The father was stunned. He

could not say a word.

The true wealth as well

as happiness is not measured by

materials things. Love, friendship

and freedom are far more valuable.


The bond between Bhagwan (God) and Bhakta

(devotee) is of the highest quality. A Bhakta may

reprimand Bhagwan; but Bhagwan is always

ready to fulfill every demand of true Bhaktas, be

it Namdev, Kabir, Gajraj (mythological elephant

trapped in the mouth of a crocodile) or Draupadi.

The story of saint Namdev is well-known.

Namdev reprimanded Bhagwan for not stopping

the temple priests from evicting him from the

temple’s courtyard where he was singing bhajans

(devotional songs) facing Bhagwan’s idol and

staying silent through his ordeal. Namdev got

angry and went on the back of the temple and

started singing again. Bhagwan couldn’t tolerate

this insult and uneasiness of this true Bhakta and

He turned the door of the temple towards the

other side where Namdev was standing, so that

Namdev could sing facing his Bhagwan as before.

All the temples in Pandharpur face east; only this

temple faces west and amply demonstrates the

glory of Bhakta. This is the relationship between

Bhagwan and Bhakta. However, the relationship

of Guru (teacher) and shishya (disciple) is

different. A Guru makes his disciple work very

hard to achieve worthiness, and the Guru’s

method is similar to the strenuous processing of

a cotton carder, which works on a tangled mass

of cotton to create fine, organized threads that are

useful for various purposes. This relationship is

different from blood relations. The best examples

of how Guru awakens discipleship may be

found in first, second, eleventh, seventeenth and

eighteenth chapters of Srimad Bhagavad Gita. In

fact, the entire Gita is a textbook for awakening

true discipleship.

Lord Krishna was Arjuna’s closest companion

and also a close relative. The Lord was present

when Arjuna married Draupadi. Lord Krishna’s

sister, Subhadra, was also married to Arjuna.

Arjuna’s mother, Kunti, was Sri Krishna’s aunt

(Bua), which also made them cousins, apart

from being brothers-in-law (sale-bahnoi). Lord

Krishna was with Arjuna when the Pandavas

were in exile. They also fought several wars

together; but the emotional bond between them

was only that of companions – friends – brothers.

The bond of Guru – disciple was not developed so

far. The author of the Gita, Sage Veda Vyasa, has

tried to develop this emotion by generating the

state of melancholy in the Arjuna’s mind. Arjuna

was certainly aware of the Yogeshwar form of

Lord Krishna; but he was so disconsolate and

melancholic, as he had to fight his own near-and-

dear relatives, that he was unable to recognize

Lord Krishna as the Supreme Teacher, or Yogiraj

(the greatest of Yogis).

We, the Pragya Parijans, have also been in

a similar state of mind. We too know revered

Gurudev very well, but do not consider him to be

the messenger of God. We cherish fond memories

of his association with us as a mesmeric person

who fulfilled our hearts’ desires, as a spiritual

parent, a guide and an adviser. But we are not

ready to accept that he is the same Yogeshwar,

Pragyavatar (divine incarnation of righteous

intellect), a representative of God, and a Sadguru

- who has been revered more than Govinda by

the scriptures. Our state of minds is not very

different from that of Arjuna. However, if we too

Emergence of Discipleship from the

Depths of Melancholy -2

Yug Gita – 4

“People are always blaming circumstances for what they are. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want and if they can’t find them, make them.” - George Bernard Shaw


can reach that ultimate state of melancholy (as

vividly described by Sage Veda Vyasa in Srimad

Bhagavad Gita), then our Sadguru, Pandit

Shriram Sharma, Acharya, too would appear

in front of us. We will have to understand our

Guru from the Sharanagati Bhav (the emotion

of total surrender), because it is this emotion

that is capable of transforming all the chemistry,

the physical structure, and each and every pore

of the disciple. If we, the disciples, wish to be

like Arjuna, then we will have to reach that state

of melancholy and surrender everything to our

Gurudev. We will have to abandon all our desires.

This is the specialty of this first chapter of the

Gita that Arjuna asks the questions and then

answers them himself. Lord Krishna does not get

an opportunity to speak in this chapter. Arjuna

presents arguments that appear reasonable to

him to defend his unwillingness to fight the war.

This happens when someone finds it difficult to

perform a good deed or behave conscientiously,

and then he or she attempts to contradict accepted

ethical principles. Arjuna is scholarly, prudent,

and famous for being a talented and formidable

archer of his time. Among Pandavas, there is

no one better than Arjuna. The person, who can

qualify for leadership role in the present times,

has to be like Arjuna, and not like Yudhishthira,

Bheema, Nakula, or Sahadeva. In fact, Arjuna is

a representative of the entire humanity. He is also

a representative of all the disciples. The message

that Yogeshwar Lord Krishna imparted to Arjuna,

after considering his melancholic state (described

in this first chapter), is eternal, and relevant to all

the true disciples even today.

The beginning of the Gita highlights a very

extraordinary situation. There is a generation gap

between Arjuna and King Dhritarashtra. Both

are confused due to attachment to near and dear

ones. One cannot take any decision in the state of

grief or excessive attachment. Arjuna is watching

his close relatives standing in front of him in

the battlefield. Dhritarashtra too is watching his

relatives through the divine eyes of Sanjaya.

Even then there is difference between the

attachments of the two observers. If Dhritarashtra

is excessively blinded by attachment, Arjuna

is perplexed. Dhritarashtra represents malice

whereas Arjuna embodies dedication. Due to

Dhritarashtra, many families are on the verge

of disaster in Mahabharata war. However,

Arjuna has come as the key to transform Bharat

into Maha-Bharat by destroying the evil forces

currently in power. That is why Lord Krishna

has chosen only Arjuna for the sermon of the

Gita in order to teach him Karma Yoga (the

discipline of selfless action). Arjuna alone is the

deserving candidate to receive this knowledge.

This is why the Lord created the extreme state

of melancholy in His friend and devotee Arjuna.

Today there are thousands of Dhritarashtras in

our society; it is the time for them to take up

the task of social service, but they are not ready

to quit that quagmire of blind attachment to the

near and dear ones.

Right from the beginning, the Gita presents very

strange scenes. It is a battleground of Kurukshetra.

Sanjaya starts narrating from the second shloka:

Drushtwa tu pandavanikam vyudam

uryodhanstada |

Aachryamupsangamya raja vachanabravit ||

(1/2)

Pashyaitam panduputranamacharya mahati

chamum |

Vyudam drupadputrena tav shishyena dheemata ||

(1/3)

“The history of the world is the history of a few people who had faith in themselves.” - Swami Vivekananda


Meaning: Sanjaya said – “Then King Duryodhana,

after watching the military phalanx of Pandavas

went to Dronacharya and said – ‘O respected

teacher, behold the great army of the sons of

Pandu, so expertly arranged by your intelligent

disciple, the son of Drupada (Dhrishtadyumna)’.

There is mystery hidden in both these shlokas that

acquaints us of the psychology of Duryodhana.

Why did Duryodhana approach Dronacharya

and not someone else? Why did he take the

name of Dhrishtadyumna – why not some other

warrior? It is because, King Drupada was not on

good terms with Dronacharya. So he performed

a yagya to get a son (Dhrishtadyumna) who

could kill Dronacharya. So Duryodhana incited

Dronacharya by saying ‘see how nicely the army

phalanx has been arranged by your disciple, who

has taken birth to kill you. So you should become

more vigilant and strong that he and his army may

not kill you.’ By saying this, Duryodhana fanned

the flames of enmity in the mind of Dronacharya,

so that the latter would fight the war with more

valor. After this he mentions the names of all

the important warriors in the Pandavas’ army,

referring to Abhimanyu and Draupadi’s five sons,

so that Dronacharya’s anger does not subside.

Then Duryodhana talks about the warriors on his

side and in the tenth shloka foretells the verdict of

the war. He says –

Aparyaptam tadasmakam balam

bhishmabhirakshitam |

Paryaptam twidmetesham balam

bhimabhirakshitam ||

(1/10)

Meaning: “Protected by Bhishma Pitamah, our

army is invincible; and protected by Bheema,

the army of other side is easy to conquer.” In

the eyes of Duryodhana, Bheema is the lone

protector. He is so proud of his eleven akshauhini

[1] army that it appears to him invincible and the

opponent Bheema appears as a loser. It is this

overconfidence and foolishness that becomes the

cause of his downfall. Perhaps, Duryodhana’s

disregard of the main characters, Lord Krishna

and Arjuna, led him towards his own destruction.

Duryodhana’s mind is filled with malice towards

Bheema and hence what he sees everywhere is

Bheema with his deadly weapon Gada (or mace).

He regards Lord Krishna as an ordinary person,

a gwala (milkman) – a mere charioteer of Arjuna

– although he had paid a price for insulting this

‘ordinary’ person before. Had Duryodhana not

underestimated his opponents, he would have

probably fought the war honestly. But he did

not, and that is why he lost and died in the end.

This Gita chapter of Mahabharata is a must-

read because it gives us a vision to develop our

conscience – it inspires us to tread the holistic

path in this battle called life.

[To be continued]

Notes:

1. An akshauhini is described in the Mahabharata

as a battle formation consisting of 21,870

chariots (Sanskrit ratha); 21,870 elephants;

65,610 cavalry and 109,350 infantry as per

the Mahabharata (Adi Parva 2.15-23). The

ratio is 1 chariot: 1, elephant: 3, cavalry: 5

infantry soldiers.

“The man who moved a mountain was the one who began carrying away small stones.” - Chinese Proverb

“Success is not measured by what a man

accomplished, but by the opposition he

has encountered and the courage with

which he has maintained the struggle

against overwhelming odds.”

– Charles Lindberg


Mother Earth is the basis of life – it gives us birth,

it sustains us, fosters us and in the end, engulfs

all of us within itself. All living beings, plants

as well as animals, born from mother earth’s

womb lead their life-cycles in their own unique

ways and play their own roles in establishing

the ecological balance. Every living being is

different from the other but is intricately linked

with the other through the ecosystem and deeply

affects the other.

All activities on the earth happen at their right

times. Rains arrive at the fixed time, and so do

summers and winters. Each season has its own

significance. Rainy season is pleasant. It not only

satiates earth, it satiates minds and bodies of living

beings too. Water evaporated by heat rises into

the air and creates the large dark clouds. When the

clouds shower rains, the dry earth and thirsty living

beings feel replenished and satiated. Rains bestow

life and enhance the green cover of the earth.

If rains are delayed, everyone gets worried.

In some specific years rains get delayed due to

what is known as the ‘El Nino’ effect. Normally,

waters of Pacific Ocean to the west of South

American country Peru is cold. In this season

this cold water from ocean depths rises to the

surface. Along with cold water several nourishing

substances also rise up which significantly

increase amount of vegetation in water. Due to

this increased availability of food the number

of fishes increases in the water significantly.

These fishes then become a good source of food

for sea birds and human beings. Peruvians use

these fishes as fertilizers because they contain

a lot of phosphorus. This is how the ecological

cycle works normally. However, this cycle

gets completely upset in El Nino years, which

spells disaster for Peruvians. We Indians also

get severely affected because the relationship

between the oceans and the atmosphere are very

intricate and many a time rains are deficient in

India in El Nino years.

Cycles of nature provide food and nourishment

to plants and animals. It is believed that

cyanobacteria that absorb energy from sunlight

came into existence upon the earth 3.5 billion

years ago. Whereas the black coloured fishing

water birds – cormorants, appeared on the earth

only 200 million years back. In this long period

the variety of living beings have been growing

at a steady pace, enriching the complexity of

mineral and energy cycles like that of oxygen and

phosphorus in the ecological system.

The steady progress of ecological systems is

possible only due to the process of natural

selection and the key to success in natural

selection is the ability to adapt. This process was

executed many times in the oceans of the world

giving rise to a large number of new species of

plants and animals.

It is believed that about 3.75 billion years ago,

some micro-organisms appeared who could

absorb energy from the ions of hydrogen,

iron and phosphorus. But there is no definite

evidence which proves this hypothesis. However,

Restoration of

Ecological Balance is a Must

“The secret of success is to be ready when your opportunity comes.” - Benjamin Disraeli


cyanobacteria did appear about 3.5 billion

years ago who could extract energy from light

and formed the basis for the development of

ecological system that we see today.

When plant kingdom was taking roots upon the

earth, ultraviolet radiation received from the sun

was a very big challenge for survival. Oxygen

content was very low in the atmosphere and there

was no ozone layer to absorb the UV radiations.

Water is a good absorbent of UV rays. So in the

depths of the ocean, pure light was available bereft

of the UV radiations. It is indeed a big miracle

of nature that it brought forth cyanobacteria in

ocean’s depths which had chlorophyll to absorb

the energy from sunlight. This process has lived

on for more than 3 billion years.

These bacteria with chlorophyll generated

oxygen; it increased the levels of oxygen in water

as well as atmosphere, due to which development

of different species of plants and animals became

possible. Sugar is the main source of energy for

all living beings. Compared to the amount of

energy that can be extracted from glucose without

oxygen, the energy extracted with oxygen is about

15 times higher. But new chemical processes are

required for this. As oxygen became available,

the way was paved for creation of organisms

that were bigger in size than bacteria and more

complex in constitution. These one-celled

organisms developed tentacles that could grab

nutritious substances from surroundings. Some of

the organisms developed the capability to swim

and the skill to hunt bacteria and other organisms.

This occurred about 600 million years ago,

scientists believe. Then slowly and steadily

multicellular organisms came into being. The

organisms developed thorns to cover their bodies

for protection, created skeletal structure and

external protective armour. Sponges came into

being whose bodies are full of pores and who

are empty within. Remaining at just one place

they could soak in nutritious substances from

the water that flowed through them. There was

enough organic matter and nutrition available in

water which helped developed living beings with

head, body, tail, muscles and brain. The process

of creation of mollusks, crustaceans, fishes etc.

in water, followed by amphibians, insects, birds

and other complex animals has been steadily

progressing over millions of years.

At the end of this long creation process, human

beings appeared. Environment got enriched

with all the creatures and the ecological

systems developed where all the living beings

got intimately linked with each other. In his

onslaught of selfishness man has forgotten that

he is nothing more than a tiny link in this long

chain of development of life on the earth and

who could not have come into being without

the preexistence of so many other living beings.

Man must regard himself as a vital component of

nature and put in conscious and consistent efforts

to further enrich the ecological system. Only then

will he do justice to the important role that he has

been granted.

“There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.” - Denis Waitley

The insufferable arrogance of human beings to think that Nature was made solely for their benefit, as if it was conceivable that the sun had been set afire merely to ripen men’s apples and head their cabbages.

- Savinien de Cyrano de Bergerac


Now, the last part deals with relinquishments.

Once you’ve made the first relinquishment

you have found inner peace, because it’s the

relinquishment of self-will. You can work on

subordinating the lower self by refraining from

doing the not-good things you may be motivated

toward-not suppressing them, but transforming

them so that the higher self can take over your

life. If you are motivated to do or say a mean

thing, you can always think of a good thing. You

deliberately turn around and use that same energy

to do or say a good thing instead. It works!

The second relinquishment is the relinquishment of

the feeling of separateness. We begin feeling very

separate and judging everything as it relates to us, as

though we were the center of the universe. Even after

we know better intellectually, we still judge things

that way. In reality, of course, we are all cells in the

body of humanity. We are not separate from our

fellow humans. The whole thing is a totality. It’s only

from that higher viewpoint that you can know what it

is to love your neighbor as yourself. From that higher

viewpoint there becomes just one realistic way to

work, and that is for the good of the whole. As long

as you work for your selfish little self, you’re just one

cell against all those other cells, and you’re way out

of harmony. But as soon as you begin working for

the good of the whole, you find yourself in harmony

with all of your fellow human beings. You see, it’s

the easy, harmonious way to live.

Then there is the third relinquishment, and that is

the relinquishment of all attachments. No one is

truly free who is still attached to material things,

or to places, or to people. Material things must be

put into their proper place. They are there for use.

It’s all right to use them, that’s what they’re there

for. But when they’ve outlived their usefulness,

be ready to relinquish them and perhaps pass

them on to someone who does need them.

Anything that you cannot relinquish when it has

outlived its usefulness possesses you, and in this

materialistic age a great many of us are possessed

by our possessions. We are not free.

I considered myself liberated long before it became

the fashion. First I liberated myself from debilitating

habits, and went on to free myself of combative,

aggressive thoughts. I have also cast aside any

unnecessary possessions. This, I feel, is true liberation.

There is another kind of possessiveness. You do

not possess any other human being, no matter

how closely related that other may be. No husband

owns his wife; no wife owns her husband; no

parents own their children. When we think we

possess people there is a tendency to run their

lives for them, and out of this develop extremely

inharmonious situations. Only when we realize

that we do not possess them, that they must live

in accordance with their own inner motivations,

do we stop trying to run their lives for them,

and then we discover that we are able to live in

harmony with them. Anything that you strive to

hold captive will hold you captive-and if you

desire freedom you must give freedom.

Associations formed in this earth life are not

necessarily for the duration of the life span.

Relinquishments for Inner Peace[Peace Pilgrim’s ‘Steps Toward Inner Peace’ – Continued]

Peace Pilgrim’s Wisdom – 4

“To hell with circumstances; I create opportunities.” - Bruce Lee


Separation takes place constantly, and as long as

it takes place lovingly not only is there no spiritual

injury, but spiritual progress may actually be helped.

We must be able to appreciate and enjoy the places

where we stay and yet pass on without anguish

when we are called elsewhere. In our spiritual

development we are often required to pull up

roots many times and to close many chapters in

our lives until we are no longer attached to any

material thing and can love all people without

any attachment to them.

Now the last: the relinquishment of all negative

feelings. I want to mention just one negative

feeling which the nicest people still experience,

and that negative feeling is worry. Worry is

not concern, which would motivate you to do

everything possible in a situation. Worry is a

useless mulling over of things we cannot change.

One final comment about negative feelings, which

helped me very much at one time and has helped

others. No outward thing - nothing, nobody from

without - can hurt me inside, psychologically. I

recognized that I could only be hurt psychologically

by my own wrong actions, which I have control over;

by my own wrong reactions (they are tricky, but I

have control over them too); or by my own inaction

in some situations, like the present world situation,

that need action from me. When I recognized all

this how free I felt! And I just stopped hurting

myself. Now someone could do the meanest thing

to me and I would feel deep compassion for this

out-of-harmony person, this sick person, who is

capable of doing mean things. I certainly would

not hurt myself by a wrong reaction of bitterness or

anger. You have complete control over whether you

will be psychologically hurt or not, and anytime

you want to, you can stop hurting yourself.

These are my steps toward inner peace that I

wanted to share with you. There is nothing new

about this. This is universal truth. I merely talked

about these things in everyday words in terms

of my own personal experience with them. The

laws which govern this universe work for good

as soon as we obey them, and anything contrary

to these laws doesn’t last long. It contains within

itself the seeds of its own destruction. The good

in every human life always makes it possible for

us to obey these laws. We do have free will about

all this, and therefore how soon we obey and

thereby find harmony, both within ourselves and

within our world, is up to us.

During this spiritual growing up period I desired

to know and do God’s will for me. Spiritual

growth is not easily attained, but it is well worth

the effort. It takes time, just as any growth takes

time. One should rejoice at small gains and not be

impatient, as impatience hampers growth.

The path of gradual relinquishment of things

hindering spiritual progress is a difficult path,

for only when relinquishment is complete do

the rewards really come. The path of quick

relinquishment is an easy path, for it brings

immediate blessings. And when God fills your

life, God’s gifts overflow to bless all you touch.

To me, it was an escape from the artificiality of

illusion into the richness of reality. To the world

it may seem that I had given up much. I had

given up burdensome possessions, spending time

meaninglessly, doing things I knew I should not

do and not doing things I knew I should do. But

to me it seemed that I had gained much - even the

priceless treasures of health and happiness.

[Reproduced with glad consent of the

publishers – Friends of Peace Pilgrim]

“To move the world we must first move ourselves.” - Socrates


Marriage is the supreme yagya of human life.

Two souls merge together abandoning their

separate identities; and this merger generates a

new united power of a couple. Marriage-yagya

is performed in the sacred ambience of invoked

divinity, the presence of relatives and friends

and in the proximity of yagya – fire (as a divine

witness) so that the couple remains loyal to

each other for the whole life. The occasion for

this pledge of a life-long bond by the bride and

bridegroom should be filled with sacred and

spiritual emotions. Auspicious events should be

performed in an auspicious atmosphere.

Unfortunately, today in India, the shape of

wedding ceremony has been distorted. What

remains is the dance-music, hoo-ha, fireworks,

eat, drink and merry in the name of marriage.

Lakhs of rupees are unnecessarily wasted in

band baaja, DJ, tents, marriage hall, catering,

and so on. Above this, the bride’s side has to

sacrifice their entire hard earned money in dowry,

arranging costly welcome of barat, gifts, etc. The

bridegroom’s side too has to spend a lot in buying

jewelry for the bride, costly costumes (normally

useless after the event), and a variety of items

to show off. Thus this ceremony brings loss to

both the sides; and the prime objective of the

ceremony is not achieved.

There are several countries across the globe.

Wedding ceremonies are performed in all of them

according to the local customs, but nowhere such

a hulla-gulla and pomp and show of the event is

made as if the sky has to be raised over the head.

Like a family festival, few relatives and friends

gather on the occasion. With the exchange of

greetings and gifts after the event and a small tea-

party, the ceremony is over in one to two hours.

Only that much money is spent as required in any

other family festival. This is prudence.

The revelry in wedding events seems to be

neither useful nor necessary on the touchstone

of thoughtfulness. The boy and the girl have to

settle down as married couple. The relatives and

friends have to be present as witness to the event.

What may be the purpose of creating Dhamaal

on this occasion?

Unfortunately, these days Indian weddings have

become veritable showpieces; the auspicious

ceremony has become an ostentatious event to

show off wealth. That may be fine if the parties

concerned are from the affluent class. But what

about others (say middle class or the poor) who

want to emulate such things? They too want to be

the entertainers in their daughters’ weddings even

if they have to take huge loans.

What is the solution? Well, present-day youth

(boys and girls) can always insist on simple

weddings, even when there is pressure from the

parents and the community which, at times, may

be hard to bear.

Numerous castes, sections and areas of the

society are inundated by the predicament of

backwardness, mainly due to social evils. Their

wrong beliefs prevent them from breathing in

Let’s Make

Wedding Ceremony a Simple Affair

Youth Column

“We will either find a way or make one.” - Hannibal


the open air, visualizing the sun with open eyes.

They are away from the radiance of the new

knowledge. Their lives can be illuminated only

by the efforts of the youth. This is because when

wisdom is used to make changes in the prevalent

belief system, then it also requires sincere efforts

and diligence. Once they begin to take bold steps,

possibilities would begin to become the realities.

The only need is to begin. Subsequently, there

would be many to follow and eventually, there

would be substantial social changes.

Such a brave step was taken by a young girl of

Haryana. She came forward to break the traditions

of dowry and wasteful expenditure in wedding.

In her village Chandeni, a well-educated married

woman was elected the village chairperson.

She got the support of the rural people and

won uncontested. Soon after taking charge, she

decided to make efforts for removing various

social evils. Her marriage was also done without

dowry and continuing the trend. Her constructive

steps showed the impact in the marriage of the

Grewal couple of her village. The groom Mukesh

decided that his wedding would be a simple

affair. There was no pomp, yet the presence of

the villagers was in sufficient numbers. The

village head Mamta personally tried to make the

event a success. She appealed to the villagers to

be present at the occasion and bless the couple.

Instead of expensive gifts, the couple was given

cardamom, basil and the sacred Ganga water. The

way in which the village head Mamta and young

Mukesh prevented the wastage of thousands of

rupees was commendable.

Similarly, the courage of a 21-year old girl of

Pondicherry astonished everyone present at

her wedding, when she refused to marry the

boy greedy for dowry and left the ceremony in

“Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon must inevitably come to pass.” - Paul J. Meyer

24 Sutras to Always Remember...

And One Sutra to Never Forget

Your presence is a present to the world.

You’re unique and one of a kind.

Your life can be what you want it to be.

Take the days just one at a �me.

Count your blessings not your troubles.

You’ll make it through whatever comes

along.

Within you are so many answers.

Understand, have courage, be strong.

Don’t put limits on yourself.

So many dreams are wai�ng to be realized.

Decisions are too important to leave to

chance.

Reach for your peak, your goal, your prize.

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.

The longer one carries a problem, the

heavier it gets.

Don’t take things too seriously.

Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

Remember that a li�le love goes a long

way.

Remember that a lot... goes forever.

Remember that a friendship is a wise

investment.

Life’s treasures are people... together.

Realize that it’s never too late.

Do ordinary things in an extraordinary

way.

Have health and hope and happiness.

Take the �me to wish upon a star.

And don’t ever forget...

for even a day... how very special you

are.

-Anonymous


The youth of Nilambar village of Malappuram

district of Kerala have come up with a new

idea to oppose this social evil. They have

launched a website through which marriages are

solemnized without dowry. This initiative earned

wide appreciation and has become a source of

inspiration for the boys and girls, who support

the idea of marriage without dowry. Till

now, many such young boys and girls have

been registered on the website. This is not

only limited to the youth of Kerala, but even

those of other states as well. All of them are

trying to turn it into a nationwide movement.

For success this movement are required such

valiant, prudent and determined youth, who

can raise their voice against this distorted

tradition of dowry.

Revered Gurudev, Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

has cautioned that expensive marriages make us

poor and dishonest. However, until and unless the

youth understand this and resolve to eliminate

it, this social evil would persist in the society and

a huge amount of money would be wasted in

weddings for useless show-off. In order to bring

about a social transformation, the tradition of dowry

should be completely uprooted. For doing this, we

call upon the sensitive and courageous youth to

come forward and present themselves as examples.

between. This bold step shocked the groom and

his relatives. His father began demanding dowry

after the wedding ceremony began. The bride’s

family showed incapacity to fulfil the demand

immediately and began begging that they will

fulfil it later on, after the marriage. Somehow,

this news reached the bride.

The young girl had firm determination. As

soon as she came to know about the maligned

intentions of the groom’s side, she clarified that

she cannot accept such a relation. She explained

that the relations made on the basis of money

only become the medium of sorrow and pain.

Consequently, the groom and his relatives

returned, but one of the youths present there,

was impressed by the firmness of the girl.

Sharing his sentiments with the family of

the bride, he said that if the girl was ready,

he could marry her then and there without

any dowry. Both, the girl and the boy, with

the permission of their families, got married

without the exchange of dowry and showed

that this distorted tradition could not spoil their

precious life. The parents of the girl are proud

of their determined daughter, while the boy’s

family is proud of their courageous son, who

held the hand of the girl in such an adverse

time.

“It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed.” - Napoleon Hill

An authen�c and genuine life grows like a sturdy tree. And like

a tree, it grows slowly. Every �me you make a different and be�er

decision, it grows a li�le. Every �me you choose to do the right thing,

even when nobody would find out otherwise, it grows a li�le. Every

�me you act with compassion, relinquish your right to strike back, take

a courageous stand, admit fault or accept responsibility, it grows a li�le.

- Steve Goodier


Loneliness may be a boon for someone while

others may regard it as a curse. Some people

are afraid of loneliness while some may take it

to be their best companion. Solitude has given

meaning to lives of some people, has made them

understand the worthiness of life, while on the

other hand it has also engulfed some people in

psychological disorders. What is this solitude

that becomes for some a great gift and for some

a big curse?

Solitude means being alone or absence of anyone

in the vicinity. There are several hours during the

day when we are alone, for example, when we

meditate or sleep. When we take birth we come

alone and when we leave our mortal body behind

and move on, we take up this new journey also

all alone.

Since we are social beings, we like to be with

others, to make friends and acquaintances, and to

associate and work with others. Man feels afraid

to be alone; he fears that something wrong may

happen to him, that he may lose his way in an

unknown territory, and that he may get into some

difficulty. So he likes to be with others. There

are many great advantages in having company

– with the support of others we can accomplish

many tasks and also very quickly. But there are

some tasks that we have to take up all alone; like,

students have to take all examinations alone.

They may prepare for exams with many but the

result of the exam is determined solely by the

quality of one’s own preparation.

True development of our inner capability, talent

and creativity is possible by our own personal

effort and for this solitude is essential. It is not

possible to focus and concentrate in noisy and

crowded places. Our mind attains peace and turns

still only in solitude, and in this stillness alone it

is able to perform well in difficult tasks. For this

reason, spiritual practices are performed in quiet

places and solitude so that there are no external

disturbances and it is possible to proceed on

spiritual path with ease.

Our accomplished rishis in earlier times chose

forests for spiritual practices, so that they could

get solitude, could stay away from worldly affairs

and focus single-mindedly on their sadhana.

Penance is always performed in solitude. When a

person can train his mind with positivity to accept

solitude for long periods, he can attain high

spiritual goals. But when a person gets engulfed

in negativity in loneliness, he begins to suffer

from a number of psychological disorders. With

a positive attitude, solitude results in encouraging

experiences, whereas due to negativity delusions

and worries abound.

To progress in life and develop one’s personality

it is necessary to adopt solitude with a positive

outlook. A person can attain the peak potential of

his personality only through practice of solitude.

In this process his mental makeup undergoes a

number of changes. Many changes also happen

in his life and to bear as well as comprehend

these he needs to focus, and discipline himself in

solitude. This helps in balancing his energy and

Solitude:

A Boon or a Bane?

“Dependent people need others to get what they want. Independent people can get what they want through their own efforts. Interdependent people

combine their own efforts with the efforts of others to achieve their greatest success.” - Stephen Covey


bound in discipline; his life quickly enters into a new

dimension and begins to make a steady progress.

Practice of quietude helps to stop the wastage of

energy and the process of meditation guides this

accumulated energy in the progressive direction.

In the journey of life we need to walk alone. If

someone accompanies us, it is well and good. If

not, even then we must continue to walk our way

to progress. Loneliness sometimes makes us restive

and uncomfortable, but we should not fear. We must

try to coax, cajole and prepare our mind to make

continuous efforts even in complete loneliness.

There is no shortcut to success. Every person has

to put in sustained efforts personally. Even then,

only a tiny bit of the enormous potential that each

individual has gets exhibited on the canvas of life.

There is a famous writer in China – Mo Yan. He is the

first Chinese to be awarded Nobel Prize in literature.

Yan says, “Loneliness is intimately associated with

my writing because it is like an inseparable friend

to me.” Mo Yan had to quit his school because of

poverty and he became a cowherd to earn a living.

He had to be alone for long periods of time, while

the cattle grazed and he let this loneliness engulf

him. He got so enamored with solitude that he

changed his name from Guan Moye to ‘Mo Yan’

which in Chinese means – ‘Don’t Speak’.

Loneliness plays a positive role in guiding us to

a state where we gradually begin to understand

our own emotions and also begin to learn how

to use them well in our own lives. Another

similar example is that of Jean Paul Sartre, a

great thinker. Sartre has said – ‘Loneliness is an

inseparable state from human life. None can save

himself from loneliness, and so it is necessary to

understand it thoroughly. To immerse ourselves in

loneliness, to dive into it and reemerge from it, is

an art that must be learnt by everyone. The whole

world should benefit from what we have learnt

from our loneliness, and for this it is necessary to

learn to reemerge out of loneliness.’

Every great human being, whether he is a

litterateur or a painter, a sculptor or an artist, a

scientist or a spiritualist, needs solitude to make

progress in his chosen field. Each of these needs

quietude, and a composed and focused mind.

Such an environment alone provides all the

ingredients necessary for development and plays

a big role in enhancing creativity.

Even if achievements and accomplishments get

noticed by all and may even be openly consumed

by public, it is a fact that their birth always happens

in complete solitude. They come into being only

in loneliness. Whether it is a poem that touches

hearts, or a story that is highly inspiring, whether

it is a special invention that eases everyone’s life,

or a painting that opens up multiple realms of

existence – all these priceless gifts to humanity are

brought into being by deep solitude only.

“Keep away from small people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you too can become great.” - Mark Twain

We must become so alone, so u�erly alone, that we withdraw into our innermost self. It is a way of bi�er suffering. But then our solitude is overcome,

we are no longer alone, for we find that our innermost self is the spirit, that it is

God, the indivisible. And suddenly we find ourselves in the midst of the world, yet

undisturbed by its mul�plicity, for our innermost soul we know ourselves to be

one with all being.

- Hermann Hesse


It was some date of June 1937. As usual Shriram

got up at 3 AM. After daily chores, he sat down for

his regular worship. As soon as Japa and Dhyan

were complete, the same dilemma overpowered

him. He concentrated on the flame of Akhand

Deepak and even before he could realize, he

entered into a trance. This condition prevailed

for a long time. Shriram could recollect that his

wife awakened him by shaking him vigorously. It

appeared as if his sleep had been disturbed. When

he was awakened, he found himself sitting on the

asan (mat) in Puja –room. He could recall the

scenes in the trance before he became normal.

Now there was no dilemma, uncertainty or doubt

in the mind. It became clear what was to be done

next.

He folded his asan. Wife asked -“Should I bring

buttermilk?” As compared to other days, it was

too late. Normally Shriram used to take buttermilk

two hours after Japa-Dhyan. That day he sat for a

long time. Shriram told her to wait for sometime.

Then he started looking at his collection of books.

He took out a copy of Swetashwar Upnishad and

began turning the pages. His eyes got stuck on a

particular topic. After quite some time, he wrote

in his diary that he read that Upnishad in just one

sitting. The peace that followed Japa-Dhyan was

intact; but it got its manifestation in the Upnishad.

After reading the Upnishad, he asked his wife

to bring his breakfast (buttermilk). After that he

called – ‘Daya’. (His daughter’s name was Daya.

In those days, in elite families of North India,

wife was not called by her name.) Saraswati Devi

started looking at him. Seeing her enthusiastic to

hear, Shriram said – ‘We will go to the village

today. You can stay there. I am going on a tour

of South India for a few days’. Wife started

packing to go home. Same day he left his family

in Aanwalkheda and started preparing for his

journey to South India. The urge came from

within that he should begin his tour from Puri;

and then go to Pondicherry via Tirupati and

Kanchipuram. There would be no stoppages at

the towns or other teerths (holy places) coming

in-between. This journey was to be completed

in three weeks. With adequate preparations, the

journey commenced.

Unique Jagannath Puri

In Puri, he visited almost all important holy places.

He paid special attention on Jagannath temple

and Shankar Matha (temple). It is well known

that Puri’s temple is more than eight hundred

years old. The king Anang Bhimsen, in order to

repent for the sin of Brahmahatya (killing of a

Brahman), built this temple. Later on other kings,

samantas, Jagirdars, etc contributed something

or the other to augment its beauty and grandeur.

When Shriram visited Puri, preparations of ‘Nab

Kalebar’ festival were in full swing. The idols

placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple

were not made of metal or clay, but were carved

out of wood. This wood was collected from

sea. There is belief that well before ‘Kalebar

Utsav’, the stem of Brahma Daru (neem tree)

starts floating on sea waters. (Daru means log

of sacred wood. According to Sayana, there are

Another Pilgrimage to the South -1

Odyssey of the Enlightened – 53

“Many hands and hearts and minds generally contribute to anyone’s notable achievements.” - Walt Disney


three Suktas in Rigveda which indicate that Daru

was regarded as the symbol of Brahma.) On a set

auspicious date and time, idols (head and torso)

of Balram, Subhadra and Jagannath (Krishna) are

carved out of that wood.

Shriram was fascinated by the tradition and

grandeur of Jagannath. He liked very much the

arrangement of serving Prasad (food). Everyone

gets Puja – Prasad of Jagannath without any

distinction of caste, creed, etc. In those days

(1936-37) when the people of lower castes were

not even allowed to enter the temples in other

places, the tradition of allowing the Harijans for

Darshan (view of the idols) and take Prasad along

with the people of upper castes, made one really

ecstatic. This tradition was an ideal example for

the volunteers or scholars who were votaries of

healthy traditions / customs in the society.

The Plight of Matha

After visiting Gundicha temple and Kapalmochan,

Shriram went to Shankaracharya Matha. One can

reach this Matha from Puri temple by moving

some distance towards the sea shore and then

turning right. In ancient times, the Matha had

attained great name and fame. Even the people,

who have general interest in ancient culture,

know that out of the four Mathas that Adi Shankar

established, the place of Govardhan Peeth (at

Puri) was unique. Shriram too had heard about

this Matha; but when he saw the plight of the

Matha, he was dejected. No one could say that

the Matha (which was confined to a simple two-

storey building) was the main center of Sanatan

Dharma in eastern India.

Shriram made a request to meet the Acharya

(Head Priest) of the Matha, Swami Bharti

Krishna Teerth. Shriram was under the

impression that it would be difficult to meet the

Shankaracharya, as they were highly regarded.

In fact, in other Mathas and Ashrams, he had

experienced that kind of behavior. He had made

an opinion that the people of high name and fame

behaved arrogantly. He thought it was likely that

Shankaracharya of Govardhan Matha might not

be of that type; even then as a precautionary

measure, he sent a message to Maharajji through

one volunteer. Only a few volunteers were seen

in the Matha. Some Batukas too were seen

working here and there. Shriram guessed that

they might be Brahmacharis of the Ashram. He

started watching that building carefully, where

the main temple was situated and Acharya too

lived there. It appeared that the building had not

been repaired or whitewashed for many years.

The layer of paint was cracked at several places

and it fell down by mere touch.

As Shriram was thinking about the condition of

the Matha, suddenly a young Sanyasi appeared

on the door and said – ‘Come in, come in’. His

voice appeared to be very polite. Shriram thought

that he might be some sanyasi close to Maharajji.

He said – “I am Shriram Sharma. I have come

from Brij region. I have come here with a desire

to meet Maharajji.”

The Sanyasi expressed his pleasure to know his

introduction. He said – “I know, the person whom

you want to meet; he is standing in front of you!

Please come in! Come in!” Immediately, Shriram

bowed down and touched the feet of Maharajshri.

Shriram was impressed by his touching simplicity

and elegance. He followed Maharajishri. Then

they sat down in a room. During the talks with

Maharajshri, he came to know that the financial

status of the Matha was miserable. The scholars

“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” - Oprah Winfrey


of history and culture describe Shankar Mathas

with pride. They also praise their contribution,

but no one cares to improve their condition.

Shriram said -“I feel there is shortage of dedicated

volunteers in the Ashram.”

“Shortage!” – Maharajji said – “There are

no volunteers at all. There are seven-eight

Brahmacharis. They are all adolescents. They

hardly get any time from their studies. What

could be expected from these teenagers?”

Shriram suggested – “The guardians of these

students may be asked to help.” Maharajshri

replied that it was not possible as these children

had come from poor families. Their parents could

not bear the expenses of their formal education,

then how could they help the Ashram financially.

Knowing that the burden of education, board,

lodging etc of Brahamcharis is also borne by the

Ashram, Shriram said – “Then the condition is

more complex. Is it not possible to approach the

society and get the cooperation of the people?”

Volunteers first, Temple later

“But for that also volunteers will be required”

– said Maharajshri –“I myself cannot go for

collecting alms. The discipline made by Adi

Shankaracharya prevents me to do so. Whatever

can be collected through the cooperation of

people visiting the temple is being done. That just

meets the minimum needs of the Ashram.”

No solution could be found from the talks. Shriram

came out of the Ashram with the impression –

“The traditional religious organizations lack

sensitivity. As there are no activities that are

directly useful to the society, they are unable to

draw the attention of the people. They also don’t

have power. In spite of being extraordinary in

Tapasya and genius, the head priests, Acharyas or

saints do not have direct influence on the society.”

The cause of pitiable condition of the Shankar

Matha, in spite of its historical prestige and dignity,

appeared to be the lack of sadhana of society. He

also felt the need of preparing the volunteers before

making any temple or Matha. Contemplating on

these lines, Shriram departed from Puri.

“Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.” - Confucius

One day a party of Yadava lords, prominent among whom were Krishna, Balram, Satyaki,

Akrur etc, were returning from a hun�ng trip. By the roadside, they smelt the foul smell of decay,

emana�ng from a half ro�en carcass of a dog.

“What a foul smell” - said Akrur.

“These lousy city cleaners are no good. This carcass must have been removed already.

Those irresponsible lazy idiots should be punished for this for the lack of sense of duty”- proclaimed

a fuming Balarama.

“Can you see how faggots are oozing out of those decaying body parts”- remarked

Kritvarma.

Krishna gazed at the carcass and smiled that famous bea�fic smile of his.

“What is so amusing about this ro�ng decaying thing Kanha?” asked Balrama a bit annoyingly.

“Look brother. What shiny teeth this dog had!” Krishna replied.

Yadava elites looked at each other bemusingly.

“He is not reckoned a great man for naught. He’ll always find something beau�ful about everything.

Krishna you are indeed God incarnate” mused Satyaki.


What is home? “My favorite definition is “a safe

place,” a place where one is free from attack, a

place where one experiences secure relationships

and warmth. It’s a place where people share

and understand each other. Its relationships are

nurturing. The people in it do not need to be

perfect; instead, they need to be honest, loving,

supportive, recognizing a common humanity that

makes all of us vulnerable.” – Says Gladys M.

Hunt

In fact, a healthy, happy and harmonious home

environment begins with the marital love

between husband and wife and their commitment

to each other. This relationship of caring and

sharing communicates perfect love to their

children. However, such a relationship does not

naturally emerge. People are not born as good

spouses (husband or wife). So they have to mold

themselves that way only through hard work,

self-sacrifice, patience, and service of each other

and other family members.

When a husband and wife have disharmony

at any level – physical, mental or emotional

plane - it creates a gap in their relationship. This

difference or the weakness tends to produce ill-

consequences extending to the children in the

home. Children are very sensitive and delicate.

They get easily affected by any situation - whether

good or bad. The behavior of their parents also

affects them deeply. Their improper behavior

and quarrelsome nature may even threaten the

childhood of their little ones, which gets lost in

this detrimental environment. The antipathy and

discord of the parents give rise to feelings of

insecurity and fear in children. This leads to lack

of confidence and even weakens their educational

proficiency. A childhood devoid of love of their

parents moves towards bad company and then it

becomes difficult to bring it back from there.

The more the parents have harmony in the marriage

and natural love for each other, the more they

satiate their child’s senses with the confidence of

a nurturing world. The desire for love is more in

childhood. The child is attracted more towards

one who gives him love and affection. Kids of

those families are more natural, balanced and

courteous, where the atmosphere is happy and

full of love and affection. The physical, mental

and emotional development of children brought

up in such an environment occurs rapidly. They

are good in studies, interested in sports and

behave well with others. The child’s personality

begins to develop in such a healthy environment.

Learning the affectionate, sophisticated and

courteous behavior from their parents, even they

begin to behave in the same way as they grow up.

The little ones are most adversely affected

by the rude behaviour of parents, their daily

fights, arguments, indisposition and antipathy.

They have their own problems. They want to

know about their study and various other things

related to their daily life. They have immense

inquisitiveness and it should not be suppressed.

However, the mutual differences of the parents

are so much that they do not even talk to each

other properly. In this tensed state of mind who

would attempt to resolve the curiosity of the

Your Child Needs a Loving Home

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” - George Bernard Shaw


child? Who will answer their questions and solve

their problems? In this situation, children cannot

express their feelings. They do not say anything

as they fear of being beaten up or scolded. Thus,

they remain silent and eventually, become prone

to frustrations.

The derogatory behavior of the parents embroils

the children into perplexity. Sometimes, the ill

consequences of their fights are borne by their

innocent children. They get beating without

any reason and this makes them scared and

insecure. In such an atmosphere, they begin to

feel suffocated and want to get away from this

tense atmosphere. Various surveys show that

many of the children run away from their homes

only because of the discord between the parents

and they either fall into bad company or become

victims of criminal elements.

Such a touching incident occurred in a school of

Salt Lake region of Calcutta. One of the students

of the school expressed her pain in an essay titled,

‘My family’. In this essay, she wrote- ‘My father

is really wicked. He always teases my mother.

When he gets very angry, he throws whatever

comes in his hand to beat my mother. Whenever

he beats her, I get scared and crouch into the

corner of the room. At night, my mother holds

me and cries, even I cry with her. When my father

sees us crying, he curses us even more. No one

understands our pain, we weep and share our pain

with each other’. She even wrote that when she

will grow up she will take her mother far away

from her father and will never let him know about

their location.

The pain of small children could move even the

heartless people, yet the psychologically sick

parents remain unconcerned and apathetic. There

is a similar incident in which a 9th class student

of a metropolitan city left her home because of

the fights of her parents. This 14 year old kid

went to live in an orphanage. She took this step

because at her house, her parents fought every day

for some reason or the other. When the quarrel

intensified, they started hitting each other and

even her. She said that since childhood she had

only seen her parents quarrelling and had never

seen them talking lovingly. She told that she was

very depressed and will never return back.

Numerous such incidents are revealing the

mentality of the parents of today. Familial

disharmony is distorting the personality of the

children, their thoughts are becoming destructive,

their hopes are shattering and their minds are

getting overshadowed by insecurity and fear.

“The only journey is the journey within.” - Rainer Maria Rilke

Sahasaa vidadheeta na kriyaamavivekah paramaapadaam padam |

Vrinute hi vimrishyakaarinam gunalubdhaah swayameva sampadah ||

-Mahakavi Bharavi

Do not embark on an endeavour on the spur of the moment without

analyzing its pros and cons. The absence of discrimina�on is the cause of great

misfortune. Fortune, ever greedy for good quali�es in men, embraces those who

engage themselves in an endeavour a�er consulta�ons and discussions with men

of knowledge.


This sort of behaviour of the parents is giving

rise to violent nature even in children. Children

learn from the adults and begin to behave in the

same way as the elders do. So, they themselves

get involved in fights, causing great commotion.

They either begin considering themselves

responsible for every wrong thing or develop the

habit of putting the blame on others.

A research was conducted at the Wisconsin

Medical University to study the behaviour of

children and their parents. It revealed that tension,

depression and inferiority complex could be

clearly seen in the nature of the children who have

grown up in unstable families. According to one

study, the rudeness in the conversation of parents

may be understood even by a ten-month old

baby. It further showed that healthy development

of children may be impeded by many reasons

including the dejection of their parents, their

mutual discord and humiliating behaviour. Due

to this, the children lag behind in studies, their

memory weakens and they cannot concentrate on

anything for long, while their ability to learn also

decreases. This adversely affects their talents and

ultimately, they become frustrated.

Parents should certainly be careful to nurture the

innocence of the little guest, whom they have

brought into this world. They should ensure

that his flower-like childhood is nurtured and

protected. Children are innocent and pure and

therefore, they are considered as the gift of God.

They should nurture and not hurt their delicate

sentiments so that on growing up they could

become sensitive human beings and feel the joy

and pain of others. They should infuse noble

thoughts and ideals in their children, so that they

may lead a worthwhile and fulfilling life.

“They must often change who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.” – Confucius

Some �ps for a happy home

Don’t expect perfec�on in your

spouse: We are all human beings and

hence by nature, we are all imperfect.

Marriage is a sacred union of two

souls (husband and wife) coming

from two different backgrounds. One

should not expect one’s partner to

be perfect; accept them as they are.

Develop a posi�ve a!tude: Finding

faults with each other and keeping a

nega!ve a"tude always strains the

rela!ons. In order to foster loving

bonds develop the habit of looking at

things posi!vely. Be grateful to your

family members.

Develop the spirit of humility:

Clash of egos is the foremost reason

for separa!on. Ego also brings

arrogance. So, avoid this nega!ve

trait and prac!ce to be humble.

Be an expert in touch therapy: The

power of touch and affec!on is well

known. Use this power to show love

to your spouse and affec!on to your

children.

Develop a sense of humor: It is said

that ‘Laughter is the best medicine’.

Offer this tonic in plenty to your near

and dear ones.

Fix a prayer �me for family: Hear#ul

prayers bring peace and serenity in

the home. Have some common !me

(say, evening) for prayers together.


Indian system of healthcare is very ancient. Today

its underlying principles are being accepted

globally. People now understand that the meaning

of health is not only confined to a disease-free

state, but extends to provide a comprehensive

meaning to life. Disease is merely a symptom,

which occurs when there is an abnormality.

Therefore, our traditional healthcare system aims

to cure the cause, instead of the symptom.

The shortage in the number of healthcare

personnel in our country could be estimated by

comparing their numbers to that of the world

average. The global average of the number of

doctors available for every 10,000 people is 14.1;

while, in India, this number is restricted to 7.

This figure clearly shows how much emphasis

we lay on the doctors, who are an important basis

of a healthy life. Even more worrying is the fact

that the doctors available do not want to go to

rural areas because there they could not flourish

professionally. This is what happens when

professionalism enters the service oriented field

of healthcare. In such a scenario, health does

not remain the primary concern of the doctors,

but wealth becomes more important. This is the

reason why there is no substantial improvement

in the basic health of the people of our country in

spite of such costly hospitals.

Total dependence on the Western system of

medicine could not solve this problem in a

comprehensive manner. This is because the

principle of allopathy is to instantly suppress

the symptoms somehow. When the effect of the

medicines reduces, the ailment appears again.

Moreover, the side effects of the medicines on

the body further give rise to numerous health

challenges. Contrary to this, in the Indian system

of medicine, the cause of the ailment is identified

and attempt is made to remove it.

The western countries, where allopathy occupies

the supreme place, are now increasingly looking

towards the alternative therapies. This is because

they aim at giving better lives to common people;

lay the foundation of better relations between

the medical practitioners and patients and to

provide better and affordable treatment. Another

significant difference is that the alternative

therapies provide a new way of healthy living

to the patient. This makes him aware; and he

resolves to stay healthy.

The masses in America are increasingly looking

forward towards the natural way of treatment and

this new form is called the ‘Integrated System of

Medicine’. Today, a large proportion of the global

population is not only moving towards alternative

therapies but is also trying to develop new basis

for its expansion. About 70% population in

Canada, 75% in France, 45% in Australia and

10% in America are being attracted towards this

ancient system.

Dean Michael Ornish, an American physician,

researcher, speaker, president and founder of

the nonprofit Preventive Medicine Research

Institute in Sausalito, California, as well as

Clinical Professor has found out a way to cope

Adopt Indian System of Healthcare:

Drive away the Diseases

“We must become the change we want to see.” - Mahatma Gandhi


up with lifestyle disorders and is taking this to

the people. He is the first person who has tried

to provide research-based evidence to prove that

by inculcating pure and constructive emotions,

one could cure initial stages of heart diseases,

diabetes and cancer. In this work, he got the

support of Dr. George Lovith of Britain. Today,

he is one of the chief supporters of alternative

therapies in Britain. In our country India, Dr.

Ranjeet Rai Chaudhari, former director of PGI,

Chandigarh is helping the central government in

studying, identifying and testing the traditional

medicines. According to him, if we could learn

to make use of our ancient system of medicine

and the vast collection of traditional knowledge,

then this could have a substantial impact on our

healthcare sector.

The acceptance of alternative therapies on

the global level shows that the Indian system

of medicine is the best. Now, doctors in the

whole world are accepting the fact and truth

that a healthy body could be obtained only in a

disease free state and the basis of a healthy life

could be built only by removing the cause of the

disease. As long as the people of our country

followed this principle of healthcare, they

were healthy and happy. But, with the advent

of allopathy, they began neglecting our ancient

system. Unfortunately any plan formed for

the improvement of the healthcare sector, still

focuses mainly on the modern medical science,

but no concrete effort is made for improving our

own ancient system of medicine.

However, an initiative in this regard was taken

in 1995, when the department of Indian medical

system and homeopathy was established. In

November, 2003, its name was changed to

AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy,

Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy). But, it still

needs to be promoted even more. These efforts

could play a crucial role in the formation of a

healthy India, when emphasis would be laid

on comprehensive health education. Such an

education system would not only provide the

knowledge about the cause and cure of diseases,

but would also envisage the guidelines for a

healthy life.

In our country, infrastructural improvements in the

main stream medical system could not be brought

about that easily. Therefore, alternative medical

system could play a crucial role in realizing the

conception of a healthy India. The need is to be

aware about our own health and make this ancient

and glorious system of medicine a part of our life.

This is the basis of a healthy life, by adopting

which, we could become healthy and happy and

could realize the conception of a healthy India.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” - Will Durant

Behavioral Rasayanas

There are certain behavioral traits that promote health and happiness:

• Promote posi�ve thoughts and emo�ons, and discourage nega�ve thoughts and emo�ons;

• Choose to be with wise people who upli� and inspire;

• Always speak the truth with kindness and compassion;

• Maintain personal integrity which helps to inspire confidence and self-esteem;

• Keep a clean harmonious environment;

• Cook for your family with love and respect;

• Follow your own spiritual beliefs, devo�ng �me for spiritual prac�ces;

• Do what you love to do and experience joy, for example singing, pain�ng, and being in nature.


Let us begin with collective chant of the Gayatri

Mantra:

“Om Bh¿r Bhuva¡ Swa¡, Tatsaviturvareñya® Bhargo Devasya Dhºmahi, Dhiyo Yona¡ Prachoday³t ||”

Sisters and Brothers,

P¿j³-Up³san³ (worship of a deity and devotional

practices) in one form or the other is an integral

part of the endeavors of spiritual development.

This is a common observation among the ordinary

people who are religious, theist, or aspirants of

spiritual progress. Many of the spiritual masters,

yogis, siddhas and seer-sages have also taken its

support and risen high on the illumined (eminent)

path of spirituality. But there is a great difference

between their approach and what is followed

and practiced by the masses. Look at what most

of you do in your so-called p¿j³-up³san³? You

have made a mockery of everything. Your faith,

your s³dhan³ (endeavors of self-refinement and

spiritual enlightenment), everything is superficial,

haphazard.

I have been regularly doing p¿j³-up³san³ and

have also inspired many seekers of spirituality

for this. For twenty-four years (as part of

MahapuraïcharaÌ S³dhan³) I have thoroughly

practiced it for six hours early in the morning

every day. This has continued till date. Now also,

I get up before 2 am – even during the peak of

winter when most of the world is fast asleep.

In those hours of absolute calm, I do my p¿j³-up³san³ for about four hours every day with

absolute engrossment in the japa of Gayatri

Mantra. Had it been only a superficial act, a

child’s play, or blind-faith, why would I do it

so sincerely? And why would I initiate so many

people in it?

Friends, I have motivated and initiated millions

of people to do Gayatri Up³san³. In many of my

articles, I have also written about its importance.

I would like to motivate and guide many more

seekers like you, and I am determined to continue

that even in this last phase of my life. I wish that all

the devotees earnestly follow the illumined path

of p¿j³-up³san³. If you don’t do it through heart,

if you are not sincere in doing it, your ‘ritual’ of

worship, your ‘devotional practice’ would only

make a mockery of p¿j³-up³san³. ‘Devotees’ of

this kind are worse than the so-called ‘atheists’

who simply don’t believe in God.

The atheists, for example the communists, reject

p¿j³-up³san³ outright, as they don’t find any

rationale behind it. Their approach is correct. They

are honest to their rationality. I am sure if they

ever experience the reality of God, or if they are

given the light of wisdom behind p¿j³-up³san³,

they will grasp and adopt it thoroughly and prove

to be true devotees. They are not shaky and

superficial like many of the so-called ‘theists’ and

‘devotees’, whose faith, whose conceptualization

of God, and whose devotion are shallow, hazy,

illusory, strayed, and self-centered, and arbitrary

like their own mentality and character. What

kind of devotee or theist you are if you ‘worship’

and ‘pray’ the Almighty to bless you and fulfill all

Two Steps to Spiritual Ascent-Yoga and Tap(Translation of a discourse given by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya on the topic

“Adhy³tmika UtkarÌa ke Sop³na – Yog aur Tap”)

Amrit Vani

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson


your wishes, but you don’t accept and follow His

disciplines and you ignore the duties assigned by

Him? Aren’t you dishonest and ungrateful? You

pray simply to convey your demands and beg for

their fulfilment! In return of your act of ‘worship

and devotion’ you want to buy and ‘rule over’ the

entire creation? You want that God should mold

His system of Nature and alter His rules, as per

your convenience, desires and needs!

Understand the Meaning of P¿j³-Up³san³:

Please note, your singing of devotional song or

chanting prayers, without the purity and depth of

heart and sincerity of mind, is like attempting to

bargain for precious jewels without any price. It’s

like trying to grab fruits sans any hard work or

payment. It’s like a theft, a foul play.

You sit on a cozy seat and chant some mantra or

some hymn from religious texts with movements

of the beads of a rosary in your hand and consider

it a spiritual endeavor! And, you beseech so many

favors in return! You ‘pray’ for riches, promotion

in your job, good health, for your spouse, children,

their happiness, success and what not…! Your

list extends with the number of chants! Don’t

you know that nothing worthwhile can be gained

freely in this world? Then why do you aspire

to get so much as blessings of gods as a result

of your act of chanting their names, or singing

paeans of their divine powers? Such practices and

beliefs show that in reality you are an atheist.

The people whom you might call “atheists” are in

fact true theists if they have faith in shaping their

destiny through their own abilities and diligence.

Those who believe in merit of good character and

good deeds are true believers, irrespective of whether

they follow any religious philosophy, any tradition,

or not. Those who attempt for success through their

own sincere efforts, self-refinement, and unflinching

hard labor towards the worthy goals, cannot be called

atheists, as they, unlike many of you (the so-called

‘devotees’ and ‘spiritual disciples’), do not crave or

bag for anything ‘free of price’.

How can a farmer harvest the crop without

working in the field? He has to plough the land,

fill it with suitable soil, sow the seeds properly

in the right season in the right manner, water the

soil, guard the saplings, look after the growing

plants, etc. For this he has to work so hard! He

has to stand under the sun, drench his body in

rains, dirty his clothes in the soil, and so on… He

has to even sacrifice his sound sleep for months!

This rule applies everywhere in the field of life as

well; more so in the field of spirituality.

Soil and Water of the Field of Spirituality

-Yoga and Tapa:

You know, spirituality is a source of divine

transmutation. But you need to cultivate this

source hidden in your inner self. Faith in God,

His discipline, and divine values, sincerely doing

meditative devotional practices (p¿j³-up³san³),

are like planting the seed; But the seed will not

sprout unless the field (of mind and its emotional

core) is ploughed and nurtured with fertile soil

and irrigated carefully. Cleansing of mind,

focusing and constructive orientation of thoughts,

etc are essential like ploughing and guarding. The

endeavors of yoga and tapa serve the purpose

of necessary nurturing and strengthening (the

‘sapling’ of spirituality). In this shivir (spiritual

training session) you will get an exposure to yoga

and tapa. Let us first discuss some basic aspects

that are quite important in these endeavors.

You must note that your way of thinking, the

“What we think, we become.” – Buddha


nature of your thoughts make a lot of difference

in your perception of knowledge, and also in your

experiences of the world. If you think positive,

the world, the circumstances around you, will

appear beautiful, peaceful, happy, progressive

and cooperating to you. On the contrary, negative,

untoward thoughts would reflect accordingly

in your experience of the world; you will find

everything (every event and situation) here as

wrong, vicious, deformed, hazardous, fearsome,

and depressing. Calm down and ponder over;

you will find that, in fact, the world is not so bad,

unjust, cruel or haphazard, life is not so hard,

and your circumstances are not so adverse or

daunting, as they might appear to you. In reality

you are not so weak or deprived, as your thoughts

have made you feel. Flaws and faults are not so

much in others, as they are in your own mentality.

In this context, I recall an interesting incident that

was reported sometime in the British colonial

period. This happened during the inaugural ride

of Queen Victoria in the first ever train-service in

England. The first trip of the first train in England

was planned after successful trials and thorough

security checks. As per plan, the Queen sat inside

the special cabin. There were many bodyguards

in her coach and also substantial military and

emergency medical services were arranged.

While the train was moving at scheduled speed

late in the evening, the driver noticed a shadow

indicating that an elephant was walking besides

the track. He whistled and called the security

personnel, as there was a risk that the elephant

would hit the train or disturb the tracks. With

binocular the guards saw that the elephant was

walking at the same speed as train, it appeared

very big with a huge trunk and tail.

The security guards took out their guns and

fired a few rounds outside in the direction where

the elephant appeared to walk along the track.

But that did not budge the animal. The shadow

continued to appear running with the train. Then

they stopped the train in an attempt to surprise

and thwart the elephant. But the beast also

stopped with the train! It was so dark outside

that the soldiers did not take the risk of getting

down at that moment. The driver now increased

the speed. Amazing! The elephant also started

running at the same speed! It was quite scaring.

In view of the high risk of its attack, the train was

stopped; the military unit on duty was asked to

get down and attack it from multiple directions.

Several soldiers got down with emergency light;

but the puzzle intensified as they saw no one on

or besides the tracks! Was it a ghost, some of

them wondered?

Thorough search finally showed that it was a

shadow of a wild grasshopper sitting on the

light outside the train-engine that appeared like

the shadow of an elephant! This ‘elephant-cum-

ghost’ was caught immediately. It is said the

grasshopper is still preserved in a museum of

England. The caption below this specimen reads

that this is the ‘elephant’ that delayed the Queen’s

train by four hours and that did not die even after

many rounds of bullet firing.

Most of Your Problems are Self-created:

Most of the problems, fears, and tensions in

your lives are also like the grasshopper in this

anecdote. It keeps scaring and worrying you in

one form or the other.

Many of you are worried due to poverty or

scarcities in your life. But this is mostly due to

your own outlook. Don’t you get food to have

meals twice a day? Don’t you have clothes to

“Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” - Napoleon Hill


cover and protect your body? Don’t you have

a roof to live under? Why are you worried

and stressed, and running around to grab more

comforts, more riches, more powers, and what

not, when your basic necessities are met? You

should be progressive but don’t let your cravings

and worldly ambitions drive your life. Remind

yourself of the bitter reality of the lives of grand

ambitious emperors like Alexander the Great.

Alexander had conquered most part of the world,

accumulated enormous treasure. But he, like

anyone else, died empty handed. It was only at the

last moment that he realized that he can’t carry a

single paisa along with him in the last journey

to the disembodied world. How pathetic it must

have been for him to have realized it in the last

moments before death! He cried and said, had I

realized this fact before, I would have lived like

Socrates, like Buddha; would have made some

worthwhile use of my life…. It is a pity that even

most of those who know this fact in principle,

also blindly chase the rat-race of materialistic

possessions to quench their unbounded ambitions

and longings.

Why can’t you change your outlook? Why

don’t you realize that Nature has allocated only

limited share for every one. Can you eat and

digest beyond the capacity of your stomach?

Certainly not! The same is true of every other

resource available to you or earned by you. If

you had realized it, you would have adopted

a different philosophy, different path of life.

Instead of accumulating wealth and hoards of

other resources only for you and your dear and

near ones, you would have prudently deployed

your talents, your possessions, your time, for

the welfare and progress of many others who

need it.

A Universal Solution:

Friends, I have tried to convey this message since

past four days of this session that you should

augment your inner-strength and courageously

choose the righteous path. You should make

prudent use of your thought-power, talents and

other potentials. For many of you, the measure

of intellectual and other talents is confined to

the monetary gains and worldly status. You have

graduated in first class, got post-graduate degree

with good grades, and then you got a good job;

you are a class-I officer, successful professional,

this and that, ….etc. Is this what your education,

your intellect, your training and talents are meant

for? I would call it a crude and preposterous

‘intellect’ that can’t even solve the problems of

one’s own life, that can’t even have the wisdom

of what is good and what is bad for the ultimate

course of life, that can’t teach one how to behave

with fellow beings, and how to control your ego,

selfish longings, and passions. Is your intelligence

guiding you in this regard? Is it able to control the

agility and moods of your mind?

Before you complain about others, just recall, how

have you behaved with people around you? How

many of them have you hurt, and have cultivated

animosity with how many? Remember, if your

conduct is good, if you have cared and cooperated

with others, you will also not be deprived of

support and friendly cooperation in the moments

of need. If you do not ignore whatever is already

available to you and make proper use of it, there

would never be any scarcity in your life.

It’s so unfortunate that we the intelligent beings

simply don’t care and don’t learn to make the

best use of whatever we already have. We are

born with such a wonderful body. Instead of

“A good criterion for measuring success in life is the number of people you have made happy.” - Robert J. Lumsden


making proper use of its enormous potentials,

we keep spoiling its natural health and strength

in the indulgence of sensory pleasures. Then, at

a later age we run after medical help to get rid of

the weaknesses and health disorders in this very

body!

Many of you want to have a long life full of

pleasures. What will you do with it? You should

know that it’s not the span but the quality and

purpose of life that matters. If you had valued the

precious opportunity of being born as a human,

if you had the vision of the path of light and

happiness, you would have really succeeded in

life. You should begin with a new outlook towards

life from this moment itself. Not only that, you

should also motivate your younger generation

to follow this glorious path, as Rukmani Devi,

the mother of saintly scholar and revered social

reformer Acharya Vinoba Bhave did. While

most parents want their sons and daughters to be

happily settled and be blessed by children and

wealthy comforts, etc. she guided her children to

the path of truth, benevolence, and beatitude.

Friends, we can acquire enormous happiness and

worthy success in this very life, if we realize the

precious purpose of life, learn to make adept use

of whatever we have, and sincerely endeavor

to refine and raise our potentials. If we resolve

and sincerely endeavor tapa and yoga, we can

also attain greatness and accomplish glorious

milestones if our intellect follows the illumined

path of righteousness.

(To be continued in the next issue)

“A good heart is better than all the heads in the world.”- Edward Bulwer-Lytton

A young sannyasi goes to a forest,

where he meditates and prac�ces spiritual

austeri�es for a long �me. A�er years of

prac�ce, one day while si�ng under a

tree, dry leaves fall on his head because of

a fight between a crow and a crane. The

angry sannyasi had developed yogic powers

and burnt the birds with his mere look.

This incident fills the sannyasi with

arrogance. Shortly therea�er, he goes to a

house, begging for food. Here the housewife

who was nursing her sick husband requests

the sannyasi to wait. To this, the sannyasi

thinks in his mind, “You wretched woman,

how dare you make me wait! You do

not know my power yet” to which the

housewife says that she is neither a crow

nor a crane, to be burnt. The sannyasi is

amazed and asks her how she came to

know about the bird. The housewife says

that she did not prac�ce any austeri�es and

by doing her duty with cheerfulness and

wholeheartedness, she became illumined

and could read his thoughts.

She directs him to a dharma-vyadha

(meaning, the righteous butcher) in the

town of Mithila and says that the dharma-

vyadha would answer all his ques�ons

on dharma. The sannyasi goes to see the

vyadha. However ini�ally he hesitates to

talk to him as he was busy in his work (that

is cu�ng animal flesh). Vyadha understands

his hesita�on and advises him, “No duty is

impure”; by dedica�ng all the work to God

and by sincere and una�ached performance

of the allo�ed duty one can become

illumined.


“A man who finds no satisfaction in himself will seek for it in vain elsewhere.”- La Rochefoucauld

The vibrations of Vedic Mantras carry

immense energy that is amplified by the pr³ña

(vital spiritual energy) and bio-electricity

of the body and the sublime currents of

spiritually refined thoughts and sentiments

of the s³dhaka(s). The practice of japa-s³dhan³ of G³yatrº Mantra is given supreme

importance in this context, as the majestic

power of this eternal mantra is expanding

perpetually, as the s³dhan³ of this mantra

has been constantly practiced by millions of

spiritual experts since the Vedic Age. This

mantra is also special in terms of its unique

sonic pattern, the sublime flow of Ïabda

and astonishing physical, psychological and

spiritual impacts.

From a scientific point of view, one may

explain it as follows. As the continuous

movement of the motor in a dynamo generates

electricity, the cyclic repetition of the japa of

a mantra at a constant pace also gives rise to

the circular motion of the sonic manifestation

of Ïabda (eternal element of cosmic sound –

evolutionary vibration) hence to a centrifugal

sonic force and an otherwise latent power of

sound. One who knows the Mantra Vidy³

indeed knows the secrets of the optimal

generation and use of this cycle of energy,

which is a unique source of physical, mental

and spiritual potentials.

The coexistence of the forces of attraction

and the circular motions of the planets

must be well-known to the students of

Physics. Because of the fast movements

in the charged fields of attraction, each

planet also produces a roaring sound of

intensity proportional to its huge size.

The superimposition of these planetary

roars gives rise to the cosmic sound – a

manifestation of Ïabda, which the scientists

consider as the major source of power for

every kind of ‘natural motion’ existing in

the entire universe.

The power of Ïabda manifests itself in

multiple ways in the s³dhan³ of the great

G³yatrº Mantra. This mantra is a compilation

of twenty-four special syllables (in Sanskrit),

which are so configured that the enunciation

of each gives rise to unique types of vibrations

at one or more of the twenty-four important

bio-electrical and extrasensory energy

nuclei in the s³dhaka’s body. The collective

compounded sonic effects of all of these are

so unique and immense that these activate the

subtle body too.

The linguistic meaning of this mantra is a

universal prayer for the divine illumination

of the intellect of all to lead the world

towards the righteous path. The s³dhaka’s mental concentration and pure sentiments

are naturally focused around this meaning

(and the associated feelings and inspirations)

when he performs japa of this mantra through

emotional depths. This has two prominent

effects – viz., the s³dhak’s mind achieves

higher state of meditation and he also attains

spiritual refinement of the inner domains of

mind.

The Scientific Aspect of

Gayatri Mantra

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