Raise the biggest question

The small boy, Narendra, loved to climb the trees. He often used to go to the park nearby with his friends and oscillate on the thick, fruit-laden branches of the mango trees. The Gardener liked Narendra immensely and had a close intimacy with him. He used to constantly worry about his welfare, whether he would fall from the tree and injure himself. Therefore, one day he summoned Narendra and all other children and said, "Listen, Children, don’t climb the trees. Do you know there lives a “Brahma-rakshasa” (hefty ghost) on its branches? What if he comes out in the open and eats up all of you?"

All the children got terribly afraid. But Narendra asked inquisitively a counter-question, lisping, “Baba, who is this sturdy ghost?”

The Gardener composed an answer immediately, “Those who die an untimely death, they become ghosts.”

Narendra: Untimely?
Gardener: Oh, yes. Suppose, someone dies in an accident, or someone is murdered- on such occasions, take it that death has arrived before time! Then the soul wanders as a 'ghost' from place to place. It begins to pester others.
Narendra: Baba, did someone die an unnatural death below this tree too …so that he became a ghost?
Gardener (Avoiding the question): … God knows….
Narendra: Have you ever seen that ghost?
Gardener: No, I haven't seen. …But I have heard about him from many.
Narendra: Well, you have just heard, not seen him. Then, how are you so convinced about its existence?

The Gardener accepted his defeat and sat head in hands. At last, he spoke, “I don't know anything. I only wish to make it clear that if you climb the trees, the ghost will eat you up! That's it! I have warned you in advance.”

Listening to this, the children shouted in unison and took to their heels.
It was sunset. Narendra did not return home. People at home thought that Narendra must be still engrossed in play. As the night advanced, they got worried. The intense search began. They scouted through all the playgrounds where Narendra used to play. Enquiries were made with his playmates. Most of his friends were deep asleep. They were woken up to get the information about the whereabouts of Narendra. But all such efforts were in vain.

None knew anything about Narendra. Finally, one of the relatives of Narendra asked his mother, “Did you prevent Narendra from doing anything of his choice today?” The mother replied, “No, I haven't”. Suddenly then, one of the friends of Narendra interjected, “During the day, the Gardener had prevented him from climbing the trees.” The search party understood the matter immediately. Without saying anything, without further loss of time, they rushed to the garden. On reaching there, they shouted loudly, “Narendra - O Narendra! Where are you?”

Sure enough, they got the answer.

“Father, I am here... on the top of the tree.”

Father: Son, what are you doing over there? Do you know how worried we all were?
Narendra: Father, I am waiting for ghost to arrive. Gardener Uncle told me that he resides on this tree.
Father: No demon lives there! Rush down at once…
Narendra: Then, why did Uncle say so?
Father: He must have lied, so that you stop climbing the trees.

Only after this clarification, Narendra climbed down from the tree! "Without actually seeing, how can I believe? Without the first-hand experience, how can I give credence to its existence?" This was the principle thought of child Narendra. And taking this notion as a corollary, he advanced for a sincere search for God too- to gain the practical perception, face-to-face experience of this universally talked Person. In this course, he knocked the doors of a number of preceptors and spiritual teachers. Shot the same question to one and all- "Does God exist?" Whosoever answered in affirmative, intuitively he used to ask him next- "What is the proof? Can you show Him? Can you make me meet Him?" The so-called Gurus or self-proclaimed preceptors gave thousands of round-about explanations, flowery theories, and logical arguments just to suppress the force of his questions. But Narendra stood firm. He continued to trumpet, "If God is there, show Him to me!"

Ultimately, he happened to enter the portals of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa's abode, the Genuine and Perfect Teacher of his time. To Narendra's fiery question-"What's the proof of God's existence?", Paramhansa graciously answered- "See Him for yourself- That's the ultimate proof!" Subsequent to this declaration, He made Narendra see God- instantly! Actually! Within the inner-premises!

Only this direct and practical experience, and nothing less than this, made Narendra accept the existence of God! And having accepted this Truth, he surrendered his whole life for His sake! It was the same Narendra who, with the grace of his Guru, later metamorphosed into Swami Vivekananda- a renowned spiritual monk. His principle message to the entire mankind was, "Those who haven't seen or experienced God, what right do they have to talk anything about the Soul or the existence of God? If God is there, one must have His direct experience. If there is anything like Soul, seek its realisation (through an enlightened Guru). Otherwise, it is better not to trust! Instead of being a hypocrite, it is better to be a plain-speaking atheist of firm convictions!”

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The Examination: The Battle Of Wits With Battalion Of Books!

Oh! This examination fever! Just two months to go! And, Syllabus - as big as Mount Everest! What about those subjects which I have not even touched? I have been neglecting them throughout the year. Oh, my God! What do I do now? What will happen to me! How do I manage things? ......?'

The minds of most of the students must be minding on the above lines. For the month of March is approaching fast! On one hand, the educational institutions and the Board are busy giving the finishing touches to the question papers for the examination and on the other, the students are engrossed in the last minute- desperate efforts to mug up & practice the possible questions that they expect in the examination! The students have limited time to swim through the oceanic syllabus! For some students, it is a no-win situation! They have lost their self-confidence! With intense worry, vanished initiative and depression- they have drowned into the cesspool of negative emotions! Their condition is indeed pitiable, and those concerned with their future, need to address this fearful state of theirs on top priority. To guide these students, the future leaders, the torch-bearers of the World, Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, the Founder and Head of Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan, often blesses them with the thought-provoking and soul-stirring ideas. Here is one such discourse.

Dear Children,
During this period, your Principal and teachers must have given you ample valuable suggestions and guidance, and inspiring messages to boost up your confidence. My first suggestion to you is, accept their advice with grace; for I know, they sincerely wish the best for all of you.

Time is precious and now that the examination is fast approaching, it has become very precious! All through the year, you may have been giving a step motherly treatment to the syllabus. But now the month of March is approaching - it is the 'testing time' for you. Even at this stage, if you realise the true worth of your inherent power, without doubt you can give a spectacular performance in your exams!

Draw your time-table, budget your time according to the importance of the subjects, and make the best use of the hours and minutes, which are now in short-supply. That apart, you need to take proper care about your food and nutrition, physical exercises etc. This too is very important. This along, pay proper attention to your fundamental strengths. Give them top priority. Be linked to your soul power and self-confidence. Take genuine interest in the subjects incorporated in your syllabus. They are very important to you! Let your concentration be so sharp, the brain cells are able to understand what is read easily, thoroughly and perfectly.

But then, how to find the expression of such qualities in your personality? We know, resolution, self-confidence, soul-force, concentration- it is easy to pronounce these weighty words. However, to put them into practice is so difficult! If we make the practical assessment, it is not very easy to emulate these qualities. Just by pronouncing the word, 'Concentration', you will not be empowered with concentration. The book is open right in front of you. Your eyes run through the lines and paragraphs. The tongue is wagging desperately to learn so many things by heart. Yet, you are unable to grasp the meaning of what you have read! You sincerely wish to concentrate, but cannot! It wanders in tens of directions. What do you do then? In fact, in the real sense, this lack of concentration is the basic problem with you students. This is the root cause of all your difficulties!

So, according to me, it is not enough to give you merely the suggestion, "Concentrate! Make proper resolutions! Be brilliant among the brilliants etc.” The proper suggestion would be- How to concentrate? How to unfold brilliance? How to be enthusiastic from within? How to read the syllabus with concentration and dedication? You need to know such a procedure through which such qualities can grow and bloom in your heart; you get the sparkle from within! You need to follow a unique technique with which such qualities find their expression and illuminate you from within!

Presently, several such procedures are in vogue, like Deep Breathing, Auto Suggestion, Yogic exercises, Pranayams etc. But these exercises strengthen, calm, and relax our mind only to some extent, and for some time. For, these disciplines and procedures have their own limitations.

However here, in this Organisation (Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan), we, working at the various fronts, have gained a remarkable experience in this field. In so doing, we have reached to a conclusion that the effectual technique to achieve the objective is meditation 'based upon the Pineal Gland- the Divine Eye!' This is not our self-invented technique. This procedure has been followed since ages by the Revered Holy Masters and their pupils! In the Vedic Gurukuls (schools), under the quiet and invigorating shade of the trees, the sages taught their disciples on the basis of the same procedure. The result was - able and brilliant students, viewed from any angle.

All the sacred texts describe the same procedure. In the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna rejuvenated and inspired the dejected and sorrowful Arjuna too with the same procedure! You must have read Shrimad Bhagavad Gita; if not, you must have definitely viewed the T.V. Serial- 'Mahabharata'. From all sides, Arjuna could hear only war cries and tumultuous sounds of war trumpets. In front of him, stood the awesome formations of the enemy columns, battle-ready and all in a get-set-go position! That was a moment of the toughest test for him. In fact, much more than that! Because there, 'pass' or 'fail' meant 'live' or 'die'! But what happened at that crucial juncture? Arjuna's powerful shoulders that were ready to strike for the fight, to show their might and valour, began to tremble. The great bow "Gandeeva" slipped from his hand. His face became pale and mouth dried up. Each and every part of his body began to shiver. He experienced burning sensations in the skin. His confidence withered away. He literally felt like collapsing, so sat at the back portion of the chariot.

Indecision at the critical time often leads to defeat and Arjuna was going in that direction only. According to Psychology, the state of mind of Arjuna was that of stress and depression. The similar physiological changes are observed in the tension-ridden children before the exams. To lift Arjuna out of this mental morass, Lord Krishna delivered a brilliant sermon packed with motivational and inspirational push-ups. He taught him the truth ingrained in principle of selfless service. He explained to him in depth about the eternal soul, the concept of the sin and the sacred, Dharma and Adharma (unrighteouness), action and inaction, with appropriate examples and valid arguments. This was indeed a sort of psychological counselling. That too from the All-Knowing, the Ultimate-psychiatrist!

Even then, what was the net result? Arjuna was caught in the net of words. He rattled questions after questions. But he failed to erect the arrow on the Gandeeva! So, through this divine play, the Preceptor of the Universe, Lord Krishna, gave the appropriate and relevant message that merely by the jugglery of the words and suggestions, you can not instill 'life' within a dejected being! For the purpose in view, you need the practical technique. In the eleventh chapter, Lord Krishna himself elucidated and bestowed this practical technique. He declared, "Divyam Dadami Te Chakshu" and opened the 'Divine Eye' of Arjuna. (The result was instant and direct experience of the God-Consciousness!) The transformed Arjuna recouped his original physical as well as mental health and became a dynamic individual again. With great enthusiasm, he blew his conch, "Devadatta". The terrific twang of his bow "Gandeeva" sent shivers in the enemy camp. Hearing its reverberations, the concerned trembled! Arjuna fought the battle with all his skill, and emerged as the final victor!

Not only the proclamation in Gita, all the Realised Souls equivocally declared that this is the only procedure. Swami Ramtirth was the Professor of Mathematics. While explaining the intricate theorems of Mathematics, he used to say, "Only the Third Eye is wanted, an eye on the head, Mahadeva's third eye to discover the complete success and glory." To achieve success and to attain total glory of life, the Third Eye i.e. the Divine Eye is needed. According to our sacred texts, this Divine Eye is placed on the forehead, in between the brows! This is not within our gross body; it is the 'part' of the subtle body. Therefore, it is not visible. Concentrating, through this Third Eye, one delves deep within his inner self, whereupon his scattered thought-currents get focussed. Henceforth, with this focussed mind, one may concentrate on anything with ease, be it a tedious subject book!

This apart, by doing meditation through the Third Eye, the seeker begins to experience freshness, enthusiasm, better orientation for action, heroism, better decision-making, encouragement etc… and the dynamic energy flows through him. This is not just the philosophical truth. This is the experimented truth and as such, it stands the scrutiny of Science. Science also has put the stamp of acceptance on this philosophical proclamation.

According to Science, there exists a gland in the human brain called the Pineal gland. In spiritual vocabulary, we call this gland, 'The Third Eye' or 'The Divine Eye'. In his book, 'Physiology' the scientist Guyton writes, "According to Embryology, at the initial stage of growth, there exists three eyes in the 'Embryo'. As the growth progresses, two eyes take shape and position right below the forehead and one eye takes its place behind the forehead, in the cave of the brain, and it becomes the pineal gland." Guyton further writes, this gland secretes a special type of hormone called Melatonin. Melatonin provides power and enthusiasm to us, from within. It sharpens our intellect and makes us lustrous. The qualities of decision-making and fearlessness sprout within us.

As per an experiment conducted in the laboratory, when the rats were given Melatonin injection- rats turned brave and 'lion-hearted' to an extent that they even attacked the cats! Such are the qualities and specialties that a success-craving student must attain!

Now, the question arises, when and how to get this Melatonin? According to the Scientists, Pineal gland secretes this hormone in only one ideal condition - When the mind is at complete rest! Absolute rest! When this non-minding state of the mind is achieved? When does the 'mind' rest in the state of thoughtlessness? Normally, we achieve this state when we are deep asleep, that too for 6-10 minutes only! For the rest of the night, the mind is in a dream state. The criss-cross currents of thoughts continue to engulf us from within. Thus, the Melatonin secretion happens for a very short duration. The powerful impact of even this short span secretion is visibly felt in the morning, when we rise with our body and mind rejuvenated!

If the secretion of this Melatonin is caused to be increased, mental weakness, negative emotions and intellect's dullness can be given a go! The Scientists also accept this fact. The quantity of secretion can only be increased with the process of meditation. In the sleeping state, we are not even conscious of the body. How then we can empty the thought-basket of the mind? But this state can be easily secured through meditation, only after the opening of the Third Eye. When the Perfect Master opens the Third Eye, meaning thereby, when He activates the Pineal Gland, you can dive deep into your Inner Self by meditation. Your mind becomes calm and you achieve the state of thoughtlessness.

The net result is, you get additional secretion of Melatonin. That too according to your need and will! Whenever and in whatever quantity you want!

So, dear students! Brahm Gyan based Meditation is one of the best means, which can lead you to the Royal Road of success! Not only in the academic field, you will achieve success in every department of life! Acquire the top slot!

Therefore, do not delay- be the sincere aspirant and begin your journey on this path! My sincere good wishes and hearty blessings are always with you! May you succeed!

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Realise the Golden Buddha in you!

Question: I am a college student. My problem is that jokes of my friends often pinch me. Their fun seeps into my heart and thereafter I brood over it for days together, fret and fume… Please tell me what do I do?

Answer: On the one hand, you say it's all fun and jokes among the friends; at the same time, you take the issues so seriously that your sentiments are hurt. After all, why to take what is said in lighter vein so seriously! Why are you touchy about such talks? At best, adopt the policy of tit for tat - let your quick repartee be such that it evokes laughter and contributes to the over all situation of mirth. If you can't 'hit' back at them with the arrow of humour, then simply give them a soft smile, thinking that why to waste the precious thinking power over frivolous issues by giving them undue importance? Benjamin Franklin also faced such a situation at the young age of 7, which drilled into his mind and he remembered it well till the age of seventy! A young boy then - he visited a toyshop. He broke open his 'Piggy Bank' and arrayed the coins on the counter of the shop. In exchange, he purchased a small whistle - without making any enquiries about its cost! Whistling with joy, he gambolled, jumped, skipped, and reached home. When his elder brothers/sisters came to know about the deal, they all rebuked Franklin, "Idiot, for this small whistle, you paid such a big sum!" Franklin was taken aback!

Youngsters, like you, handle situations in the similar manner. "You pay too much for a whistle" - For the sake of small whistles, you readily pay heavy sums like peace-of-mind, happiness and gaiety - these precious assets of yours are wasted by giving undue importance to silly issues! You worry over matters for which you should not worry at all! Even when you are confronted with sarcastic remarks, keep your cool and reciprocate in a lighter vein! Take it easy!

You may say, "It is easier said than done! Unwittingly, but at times, we happen to give strong reactions." Yes, you are right! Surely, mere efforts at behavioral level to change your attitude are not enough! There needs to be some practical way out. What is that practical solution then? Let's understand through an analogy.

This is the real-life incident of Thailand. A statue of Buddha was being transported from one temple to another. En route, a heavy downpour began. The devotees tried to cover the statue with umbrellas and the leaves of the coconut tree. In spite of their sincere efforts, the giant statue got drenched in rainwater. On account of this, the earth (mud)-covering of the statue began to get washed away- and soon it ran out completely. Do you know what happened due to this?

Surprisingly, one could see a sparkling, golden statue of Buddha beneath! In fact, years ago, this earth-covering was deliberately created to detract the thieves. Devotees, who were unaware of this fact, took it as a mud-statue and worshipped it.

Dear youngsters- in reality, this is your story. Your personality, as well, consists of several layers. Those related to your body, mind, brain etc. But you are not aware that beneath all these layers, there lies your golden Real Self. You go on leading your life solely on the basis of these outer layers! And, it is due to this that these insignificant trails of day-to-day living easily carry you away. You feel sorry and agitated. Suppose you have a bicycle, and you use it for your day-to-day travelling. Now, if somebody dashes his vehicle against your cycle and creates a dent, then? Naturally, you will become agitated and burst out in anger. Now, let's say you have a beautiful car. You use it for your routine trips. Along with the car, you have a cycle too, but you don't use it much. Mostly it remains parked in the corner of your courtyard. Now, if someone hits at that and creates a dent, what will be your reaction? Will you get angry and react in a similar fashion as you did earlier? No, perhaps! You will not take it much seriously. Why? Precisely because you travel on a vehicle which is much more superior to the cycle, viewed from any angle and on all accounts.

Try to understand the issue. Be it the sarcasms of your friends or the real-life situations - these are just like the 'dents' inflicted on your personality. Moreover, these dents affect only the outer layers of your personality - your body, mind, or brain! Now, since you always ride on these lower levels only, therefore, even the slightest of dents at these levels hurt you, and you are highly agitated. But once you learn to travel on your 'precious' Real Self (i.e., remain established at the soul level), small dents, the trifling happenings in life, will not cause any agitations at all! They will not influence you for better or worse! You will maintain your equipoise in all situations! … Will always remain cool!

However, to remain established in that eternal state, you need to realise "the golden Buddha" - the hidden treasure within you. When you know your Self, you value it as more precious than the outer layers. The brilliant golden light within you will engulf your personality. - That is the real you! Your own soul! For this to happen, allow yourself to be drenched by the blissful and gentle rain of Brahm Gyan (Divine Knowledge)!

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See God- Where? How? Why?

Most of us know it too well that abiding peace lies in the lotus feet of the Almighty; even then we are disturbed! Why? Very often, we beseech Him and somewhere deep within we have a constant quest to know Him. But even then we don't find Him and consequently true happiness and peace! Why? Simply because we do not search for God where He actually dwells.

To elucidate the same concept, Saint Rabiya once did a divine sport. She started searching for something outside her cottage. In the meantime, two people walked past her cottage and seeing Rabiya tensed, asked her for the reason. Rabiya promptly answered, 'Oh Sons, my needle is lost. Will you help me in finding that?' Out of respect for her elderly age, these two men also started helping Rabiya in her search. Within no time, dozens of other villagers also gathered to aid her in her mission to search the needle. However, the desired result was not forthcoming. Efforts proved futile. Finally, an irritated villager inquired Rabiya- 'Mother, just try to recall the spot your needle exactly fell?' Rabiya answered that needle fell inside her cottage. The villagers were shocked! As if knocked down with a feather! They revolted and questioned why then she was making them look for the needle outside? Rabiya innocently reasoned that it was dark inside. To this, the villagers laughed and explained that if it is dark, then why not light up a candle or a lamp? 'But O old Mother! The needle can be found only at that spot where it actually got lost.' Grabbing the right opportunity, Rabiya remarked that this was the fact she wanted everyone to understand regarding God too. She reasoned - 'You all are searching for God outside, in various temples, pilgrimages, or religious sites; whereas He, verily, dwells within the innermost chamber of your being. And, if it is dark there, then enlighten it with the lamp of divine knowledge. But you can find His glorious presence only where it actually is, i.e., in your own Heart or Self.'

However, in this context, theists or believers often reason that God is omnipresent. He does not only reside within but everywhere, in each and every atom of the Universe. Then, why could He be attained only from within? This logic really sounds reasonable. However, let's try to recognise the other side of this as well through an example. We know that water is everywhere- below the ground where we might be sitting or in the air we are breathing in (in vaporised form). However, when we feel thirsty, can we drink water just by waving our hands in air? No! One can only drink water from its known visible source like the tap, well, river, etc. Likewise, God, undoubtedly, is present everywhere, but His perception and realization becomes a viable proposition only by entering the beatific portal of our inner consciousness, its specific source, and, for sure, by no other outer means.

There are two types of hearts- the Physical and Spiritual hearts. The physical heart is the one that is located under our chest, beats and circulates blood constantly throughout the body. The spiritual heart is positioned at the center of the forehead, right between the eyebrows. According to authentic scriptures and renowned Masters, God resides in this spiritual heart. Whosoever has beheld His effulgent face has attained it in the immaculate mirror of this heart alone. However, to accomplish this, another inevitable requisite is- Divine Eye! Only this eye capacitates us to gaze and concentrate on the divine realms of the spiritual heart. The two physical eyes we possess have a range limited only to the material world. To experience and behold the Divine and supra-physical visions within, we certainly need this Divine Eye.

The Divine Eye has been referred to by various synonyms in different holy texts, viz, Shiva's Eye (shiva netra), Third Eye, Spiritual Door, Single Eye, etc. Although the Divine Eye exists very much with each individual, but it cannot reveal the face of God unless the Perfect Master imparts Divine Knowledge and thereby activates this Eye. This activation sets in motion the seeker's spiritual journey into the Inner World. All through this, he experiences celestial visions in the form of radiant light or entities
and other infinite extraterrestrial sights within his inner consciousness. The same has been advocated by the Bible (Luke 11; 34) - 'When thine eye is single, thy whole body shall be full of light.' Meaning thereby, when your Single Eye becomes active, Divine Light fills up your inner domains. Another holy text- Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (page 922) mentions that our bodily eyes are blind in regard to seeing God. God cannot even be glanced at with them. Only when we seek the tutelage of a Perfect Master and when the Divine Eye is activated, we can clearly see His Infinite and indescribable glory- 'Kahe Nanak ih netra andh se, Satguru miliye dib drishti hoye.'

However, some logicians today also reason that the Lord cannot be seen at all. He is not the subject of perception. He can only be felt like air. So, one can merely enjoy His presence. At the most, one can pray and worship to strengthen this consoling and reassuring sensation of Him being around. But, dear readers, if we contemplate sincerely, we will find that this notion has no valid ground. Only a blind person claims that the sun cannot be seen. For him, its golden rays are nothing but moonshine. He can only feel its warmth. So, he stubbornly sticks to his notion that sun is only to be felt, not seen. However, an eyed person knows that this assumption is blatantly wrong. It is merely a blasphemy resulting from blindness. Once the blindness is cured, the assumption will itself be proved wrong as the very sun would be seen to shine forth brightly. Likewise, seers and divine-eyed devotees invoke us to beseech the shelter of a spiritual Master, the God-ordained eye-surgeon, who can bless us with the Divine eye. With this restoration, Divine Light amounting to thousands of suns will irradiate forth, thereby dissolving the disbelief of the spiritually blind.

Another question, often voiced in this regard is- "What is the advantage of seeing God?" The answer is derivative of the aforesaid analogy itself. Remember- a blind person can undoubtedly sustain himself; however, he can never lead a sound life. On a similar note, a spiritually blind man may survive well in the world. However, being surrounded by the darkness of ignorance, he cannot lead his corporeal life fully, leave aside the spiritual life. He would remain distraught, dependent, stagger, and always sing the tunes of life at a lower note. To amplify these notes and lend the life its due colour and beauty, suspension of the dark period of ignorance is a must. For this to ensue, spiritual knowledge and hence the Divine Eye is more than a must. This Eye sees and foresees discriminately the path of life and the events occurring on it. Contentment, upliftment, and, hence, happiness follow duly. Is it not an advantageous, profitable deal? In fact, it's a priceless one!

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How Can I Develop My Personality?

Problem: You know well, how difficult is the 'job' of job-hunting these days. Interview first, group discussion next, etc. etc. You need to go through so many tough rounds one after the other. Despite knowing the answers to most of the questions, I don't know what happens to me and I become so nervous that the interviewer easily makes out the lack of confidence in me. I face the similar problem in the company of my friends as well, where I find it difficult to express myself properly and, as a result, most often, I become the laughing stock amongst them. Please tell me how can I overcome this weakness of mine?

Solution: Nervousness, lack of confidence, inability to express properly… the root cause of all these deficiencies has just one aspect - Your undeveloped and disintegrated personality! You need to polish your personality well if you wish to present yourself in an impressive manner and leave a positive impression on the people with whom you have opportunity to interact.

In today's scenario, as for the youth of present generation, the meaning of personality has reduced just to a set of few factors; like, to converse with an artificial alacrity and aplomb, having an impressive social disposition, and to appear stylish or well-groomed.

But, mind you, all these pertain solely to the outer covering, the physical layer of your personality. Below this, two more subtle layers exist - Psychological and Spiritual layers. To evolve as a robust and graceful personality, it is necessary that all these layers develop in perfect harmony with each other. This is exactly the secret behind a healthy fruit too. A fruit has three 'layers' - the peel, the pulp, and the seed! Any deficiency in any of these parts of the fruit – like, if there are spots on the peel or if the pulp is decomposed or has no juice or if the seed is not fit enough to sprout - then you don't like to touch the fruit. When all these three things are proper and developed in perfect harmony - then only the fruit is considered as good, tasty, and fit enough to be consumed.

If you wish to imprint a good and favourable impression on people you contact and interact with, you need to work on all the three layers of your personality. At present, you must be paying proper attention to the outer layer - making lots of efforts to look tidy and smart. And, if not, then first of all, do this! However, do not neglect the other two layers. A German saint of the year 1260, Eckhart, used to say, "To be properly expressed, a thing must proceed from within…." It is a fact that the inner layers of the mind and soul provide glow and glory to the outer layer of your personality. They give you the perfect and confident body language. It is said thus, "Outer personality is the reflection of essence within you." How? Let's now understand this.

A wonderful science is involved in this. The first layer transmits the entire information gathered by it to the second (Psychological) layer. In other words, the sense organs take the information to your brain. The Limbic System analyses, weighs the pros and cons of this information. It, then, conveys the information to the frontal lobe. The intellect, on the basis of both - the old information (stored in the memory part) and the one conveyed to it by the Limbic System, gives the output signals. These signals are then re-transmitted back to the sense organs or the outer physical layer. It is thus obvious that you will react according to the signals that you receive from your inside. If the signals are infused with negativity or they lack strength or are full of fright and confusion, how can you be impressive and confident, even if you desire so?

What needs to be done to make these signals positive, proper, and full of glow? You need to bring in contact the second layer with the third layer of your personality, i.e., the spiritual Self. For, our spiritual Self is like a powerhouse, from where positive vibrations, energy, and faultless inspirations emerge. You can also call it 'Voice of the Conscience.' When the intellect succeeds in establishing the connection with the soul, you observe a distinct change in its style of functioning. Now, it not only possesses the opinion of the Limbic system and the opinions on the basis of stored information but also has the permanent back-up power of the soul, which provides appropriate and correct advice and also serves as a rich energy bank. As a result, the output that flows from therein is bound to be positive and energising! When your sense organs receive these signals, they act and react with perfection. You achieve excellence and attraction in yourself as far as your personality is concerned.

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The Greatest Austerity lies in mind Control

Austerity! Penance! What is the real import of these terms? If you go for their established meanings, you will be able to gather the whole gamut of terminologies which all together can be put in a set form, as:
AUSTERITY = {Sternness of manner, Restriction in disposition, Severity in judgment, Rigorous living style, Severe self-discipline, Moral strictness, Severe simplicity, Lack of luxury or adornment, Abstinence, Ascetic practices, Dispassion with tasteful foods…}

Thus, there is no dearth of varying definitions related to 'austerity'.However, our great ones endeavoured to explain it in very simple and plain words. According to them,“To emaciate one's body with fasts and the like is not true penance. So long as evil passions persist in man, all external appliances are useless.” (Saint Eknath)

Real austerity does not lie in torturing the body, for which ascetics adopt various ways; like, starving in the name of fasting, offering oblation of one's body parts, etc. etc. Mind it! The control of mind is the greatest austerity one can ever undertake. Generally, people undergo rigorous austerities only with the motive of gaining occult powers. But, dear readers, remember that the supreme gain lies in appeasing God, and God can only be pleased and moved, in the real sense, if you succeed in overcoming the greatest and the toughest challenge of your life. That challenge is bridling one's mind, as only when the mind is subjugated, God can be known and realised. Only when the known is obscured from view, the unknown can be seen and known. It is only when the extrovert mind is turned inward that you suddenly come across something you have been seeking for since time immemorial. In other words, God appears when your ego and mind halt. Even to receive and experience the eternally showering grace of God and great ones, the mind should be fully reined and controlled. There is a thought-provoking saying:“An individual may have the grace of all the three – Guru, God, and holy men. However, without the grace of his own mind, it comes to an utter ruin and disaster.”Meaning, even if a disciple has the favour of his Guru, even if he is showered with the grace of God in abundance, and even if he receives the holy effect and vibes of the sacred company, all these otherwise invaluable blessings prove futile without mind-control. A controlled and conducive mind alone can help you in accomplishing your goal. A pure mind alone is capable of receiving and enjoying the otherwise eternally showering grace of the great ones. Therefore, it is well said: “Real austerity does not lie in torturing your body as in holding fasts and starving; to conquer the mind is actual austerity.”

It is very easy to reign over the body but very tedious to dominate its subtler limb, i.e., the mind, which is generally imbued with all sorts of vicious instincts and tendencies. Basically, mind can be defined as a flux of thoughts, which together can be graded as:
1. Negative thoughts arising with a whole range of shades, such as those of hate, lust, jealousy, anger, egocentricity, immorality, cynicism, etc…
2. Positive thoughts rendering the whole atmosphere with pleasant, hallowed vibes of love, empathy, sympathy, forgiveness, compassion, contentment, morality, humbleness, etc…

Consequently, your mind, consisting of negative as well as positive thoughts, is subtler than your gross body, and it is a well-known fact that the subtler an entity is, the more difficult becomes its maintenance; for, the subtle is always more powerful than its grosser part. For instance, water being subtler than ice is more powerful than ice. At the same time, steam being even subtler than water is the most potent among all the three states of water. How? Let's try to grasp this principle by focusing on the life-sketch of James Watt. The very same principle was used by him when he invented the steam engine. One day, in his childhood, he, while sitting near the hearth of his mother's cottage, watched how the steam was lifting the lid of a teakettle kept on fire. This was the first time when he got the opportunity to judge the might of the steam pressure. It was this childhood analysis which prompted Mr. Watt to ultimately invent a steam engine that could work and multiply man's energy a thousand fold.

However, here, there is something which is worth considering. No doubt, steam can be used to create a variable pressure as per requirement, but, at the same time, its maintenance, including preservation, is harder than that of water and ice. The essential condition is that to use it effectively for creating pressure, we need to store and enclose it in some tightly closed container. Otherwise, it may be released astray along with the evaporation of the whole of its potential. In a similar fashion, the human mind is very subtle and, hence, mighty. So, for its effective utilisation, we need to control and keep it within the boundaries of self-denial as directed by the eye-opening, soul-stirring teachings of the great ones, who possess supreme wisdom.

Hence, though it is difficult to control the mind, yet it is not an impossible task. Mind can be pacified and brought under restraint through the divine inebriation of meditation based upon True Knowledge, achieved by the grace of a Perfect Master. Without this Brahm Gyan's meditation, the mind cannot be tranquilized, and without tranquility, purity is not possible. In other words, with meditation comes real purification. However, for total mind-purgation, the practice of meditation should be pursued on a regular basis, as purification is a gradual process that needs the ladder of Divine Knowledge to climb up from the lower vicious levels to the highest level of spiritual virtues. For example, if you are standing in a courtyard and you wish to climb up the wall to the roof, then, what will you do? Of course, you will use a staircase or some ladder to climb up safely. If you are thrown directly, then you, getting hurt, may harm yourself! On the same ground, for perfection, step by step purification is needed. You can't reach the supreme goal of perfection in a single go! If any one tries to do so, he will end up in frustration and nothing else! Divine Knowledge is such a ladder which provides us with the opportunity of perfecting ourselves step by step, by overcoming all our vices one after another and, at the same time, by progressively imbuing us with divine, virtuous tendencies.

Our mind, being fickle, has a tendency of wandering hither and thither restlessly and unnecessarily. Nevertheless, there is no need of losing hope! There is nothing to despair of! Instead, keep on fighting hard with the might of meditation against those interrupting distractions until you succeed; for instance, when the clock is out of order, you get it repaired again. Similarly, whenever your mind is out of order, simply get it repaired through the tools of True Knowledge. Time and again, it needs to be dragged back and fixed on the thought of God by hauling it through the reins of True Knowledge. A regular and thorough dive into the blissful pool of meditation, built by the walls of Divine Knowledge, purifies and brings the mind under control, enabling one to experience the joy unspeakable – the one that is transcendently ecstatic. One should practise sadhna (meditation) with unswerving steadfastness and should not let even a single day pass without it. Whether your mind favours or opposes, do not leave it; for, your mission is to be the controller of your mind and not otherwise.

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Don't Blame HIM... He Never Betrays...

He always left me and stood six steps away every time I called out for him…

...When I was a little baby my father made me stand; he securely held my finger in his hand, and inspired me to walk – 'Move, move… Don't be afraid… I am holding you… Take a step my boy…' Excited and curious for the task that seemed so adventurous and alluring, I gathered all my courage. With my hand safely gripped in reliable and trustworthy hands, I geared up to advance a step. I had just raised my foot when I was hit with a stunning shock. My father had deceivingly withdrawn his support! He had left me all alone! I was awestruck... sensing the proximity of my disastrous end! Papaaaaaa…. I yelled bitterly for his help, still confident of assistance from my 'trustworthy' support. My eyes twinkled with the leftover but diminishing hope… Alas! He did not come. He did not come to hold me and stood six steps away from me, watching me- the poor and helpless fellow, who had no option to revert his move, who was left with no other choice but to fall into the mouth of the bare piece of land voraciously waiting with open arms to explode me into pieces!!! 'Father, I never expected this from you'- my heart cried out in agony. And, my foot was pulled down. But, most surprisingly, I did not fall; in fact, I had made an achievement! A stupendous achievement! I stood on my own feet!

Time rolled on… Old memories dimmed and were substituted by another fresh lot… Then, came a moment…
…When I sat on my newly gifted bicycle 'Papa, please keep holding my cycle tightly, else I shall fall down.'- I pleaded with my father to assure my safety. 'Of course, why do you worry when I am there…'- were his words of assurance in reply to my sincere request. I swivelled my neck to confirm the support. After confirming my 'saviour's' hand firmly gripping my cycle, I started pushing the paddles. One round, two rounds, three rounds… the paddles rotated and the wheels rolled with them in perfect harmony. 'Papa, keep holding… else I may fall down…', saying thus, I, once again, turned my head around to ensure the presence of my caring guardian. But, what's that! He was no longer holding my cycle! 'Papaaaaa… Please come! Hold my cycle… else I will collapse!' But, he did not come; rather, he stood six steps away from me, watching me riding all alone… to fall into a pit or dash into something. But, to my surprise, I rode and rode… the pedals rotated and wheels smoothly rolled, completing one round after the other!!! Once again, I had made an achievement! A stupendous achievement! I had learnt an art of balancing myself and simultaneously treading speedily to attain my goal!

Time rolled on further… Old memories dimmed and were substituted by yet another fresh lot… Then, came a moment…
…When I was held up in a project and my business was at stake it was a die or fly high situation. 'What has happened, my child? May I be of any help to you?'- My father approached and extended his helping hand to me. Though I didn't expect any positive outcome, but still discussed the problem with him. Feelings of hopelessness clearly reflected from my voice. But, father listened. He listened very patiently to every broken line I uttered with broken heart. In the end, he suggested a solution. Surprisingly, it hit the problem and the riddle was cracked! The next day, my company's success was declared. A thick swarm of media persons gathered outside my house where we all were celebrating the success. 'Sir, your photograph please!'- They requested me in chorus. 'I owe my success to my father. Without him, this success was impossible. So, click both of us together.'- was my immediate remark. The cameras were focussed… They were just ready to click when I threw a quick glance on to my right side where my Father was sitting. But, to my surprise, he was not! Papaaaaa… Where are you? I turned my head and, once again, found that he stood six steps away from me, watching me and smiling at me... To give all credit to me alone! Before I could pull him, several photographs were clicked. And, once again, I was credited with a stupendous achievement!

Friends, don't we, too, often complain to God for not supporting us when we call Him for help? However, to realise the truth, the need is to just turn your glance…this time not around but inside (by the grace of a Perfect Master, who can impart you with the technique to see within), from where He is delivering His support. Then, you will realise the truth. He seems to be unmindful to our help-seeking cries, standing six steps, no… sixty miles away… But His 'fictitious' indifference is not to betray us in the time of need; rather, it is only to evolve us from our unconfident, unripe, babyish status; it is to make us realise His invisible and profound grace in the form of our own worth and, with it, bag a stupendous achievement in our lives! Ah! What a classic and unparalleled example of generosity! He does everything… He is the thrust behind every move that we make… Still, He makes us alone take the credit of all success, without picturing Himself for the grace He so generously showers upon us!

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Jo Brahmaande Soyye Pinde -

Quantam Theory

Holy texts form an immortal and unfathomable store-house of wisdom. Depicted in them is not just raw information but tested knowledge. Conclusive proof is available that Vedas, the most ancient texts of India, possess knowledge of both the outer and the inner realms of existence. Needless to say that their authors, Vedic rishis, were scientists to the core. Vedic rishis had proved long ago, without even the slightest suspicion, that we are all a microcosm with the macrocosm within each one of us- “jo brahmaande soyee pinde”. Our Vedas vehemently proclaim that whatever is perceived in the cosmos can be similarly perceived at the individual level in our inner realms. The Quantum Theory propounded by a modern scientist Max Planck in 1900 also explicates this fact, making it easier for us to comprehend and assimilate.

The theory clearly elucidates how energy is absorbed and released by matter. According to it, energy is absorbed and released not continuously, rather discontinuously, in the form of small packets or quanta, where,
Quanta = h/2
(Energy) E= N h/2
This Quantum Theory of elementary processes unfolds the fact that space, time, and matter are intimately related. It also expounds all the usual processes of creation, propagation and annihilation. In addition, it was created to deal with microscopic particles, such as atoms and their electrons and photons. It has also proved successful in dealing with the subatomic particles such as quarks, gluons, and leptons.

However, in principle, quantum theory also applies to the macroscopic world, which we inhabit, as well as the large-scale astronomical entities such as galaxies and black holes. Logically, quantum theory applies to all things because everything is made from the same stuff. It is all woven from the same fabric. So, it is obvious that there is no natural division between the realm of a super-cluster of galaxies and the realm of quarks.
This way the microscopic entities can be described as contained within the macroscopic entities. Thus, the fields that contain individual quarks are themselves contained within broader fields, which contain individual atoms. Atomic fields, in turn, can be represented within molecular fields, which can further be represented within cellular fields. In this way, we can easily conceptualise human fields, collective species fields, planetary fields, star system fields, and galactic fields.

The particles within the entire universe are interacting with each other through their inward and outward energy waves. Thus, they become intertwined into one ensemble of energy waves, which determines the behaviour of the individual particles. There is an energy exchange between the particles of the universe. In addition, this energy can never be annihilated as per the Law of Conservation of Energy. According to this law - “Energy can neither be created, nor be destroyed, but can only be transformed from one form to another.” Hence, nothing comes from nothing, and nothing disappears without a trace.

Conclusively, the different variegated aspects in the merry-go-round of our cosmos are nothing but the energy expressions, where one energy expression can be expressed in terms of another energy expression. Also each energy expression is in terms of quanta only (E= N h/2 ).
For instance, if an object x1 can be put into an expression E1, where,
E1= N1 (h/2 )
And another object x2 can be expressed as E2, where,
E2= N2 (h/2 )
Then E1 can be expressed in terms of E2 as:
E1/E2= N1/N2
Or
E1= E2 (N1/N2)
On the same ground, our human energy expression is the one embracing all possible energy expressions throughout the cosmos. For example, if
Ehuman = Nhuman (h/2 )
and
Ecosmos = E1+E2+E3+E4+.............E
where,
E1= N1 (h/2 ), E2=N2 (h/2 ) and so on.
Therefore,
Ecosmos =
(N1+N2+N3+N4+..........N ) (h/2 )
Thus,
Ehuman = [Nhuman/(N1+N2+ N3+N4+...................N ) ] Ecosmos
The above mathematical equation vividly corroborates the scriptural saying: “jo brahmaande soyee pinde”. This implies that whatsoever is there in the universe can be viewed in our own bodies too. The universe is macrocosm. Man, the microcosm, is the entire world in miniature.

However, the question arises how to achieve such a transcendental experience. This is feasible with the dawn of True Knowledge of the Divine (Brahm Gyan) in our life. This Knowledge is the Supreme science embracing all the sciences. The attainment of this knowledge is possible only by the grace of a living Perfect Master. It is through Him that one can perceive the whole cosmos within through the eye of spirit. The moment one acquires such a transcendental cosmic experience, he gets the support of all the administering natural forces in the cosmos. Therefore, being in tune with True Knowledge implies being one with the whole cosmos. It is essentially the microcosm perceiving the macrocosm within through the revelation of the supreme secret of inherent divinity.

Moreover, realising one's unity with the universe, one gains a better understanding and assimilation of one's true Self and surroundings, and in the process all the societal problems melt away. This is the time-tested strategy, profusely eulogised in Vedanta, for attaining peace both at the micro level- the microcosm and the macro level- the macrocosm. Balance and harmony can also be brought about through the same.

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Whom Man Loves the Most?

It was Tuesday afternoon. Around 1:30 p.m., after his noon meal, Mr. Joseph was slumping into his office chair. Suddenly, the phone rang. Mr. Joseph extended his hand for the receiver, and in his very usual tone, he said, "Hello!" But the message from the other side made him jump from his chair: "Sir, your house is on fire. Come soon!"

Mr. Joseph rushed to the door, least bothered to arrange files and papers lying on his desk. He didn't even lock his room after exiting. Neither did he inform his boss. As he was hurrying through the corridors, he saw the Chairman of his company coming from ahead. However, Mr. Joseph had no time to stop and greet him. He walked right past the Chairman's side with a frown on his face and no sign of acknowledgement. In four jumps, he cleared the staircase, came out on the road, waived to a taxi, and got into it. In ten minutes, he was at the heartbreaking site.

Before his eyes, there was no longer a white, beautiful bungalow of his but only black soot। His heart sank and he fell on the ground crying like a two-year old child. After a few minutes, he summoned up courage and approached his wailing wife and mother. He looked around seeking something. But when he failed to find what he was searching for, Mr. Joseph enquired of his wife, "Where is Jack?" She could not verbalize the answer but just raised her hand towards the blazing house and burst into tears. Upon learning this tear-jerking fact that his only child was still upstairs in his cradle, Mr. Joseph was benumbed. His face turned ghostly white. Then he hollered, "I am ruined. I am finished. Oh! Someone please come forward. Save my little son. My little Jack! I shall give you whatever gift you would ask for; nay, I would give all what I possess- my savings, my possessions...but please, for God's sake, save my son!" None came forward, and the child perished.

Before proceeding further, let's pause here and get the spirit of the story. When Mr. Joseph received the message that his house was on fire, he dashed to the site like a mad man. Why? For, he loved his house and his materialistic possessions. But when he realized that his only son was trapped inside the flames, he was ready to forgo all his leftover belongings to save the life of his son. It’s apparent that his son was dearer to him than his wealth and possessions.

Let’s ruminate further. There was one thing that Mr. Joseph was not ready to relinquish in return for his son. What was that? That was Mr. Joseph himself! Yes, he himself never for a moment thought of walking into that burning house, darting through the flaming rooms and filching his dear son away from the cradle. Why? For, he loved his own person, his own self, more than his own son. He could give up his job, status, wealth, and everything to save his son except his own life. So, what is the most prized possession of man - money, house, children, or himself? The answer is quite overt: A man has the greatest love for himself. This same fact was penned down by our realised sages in the treasure books called Upanishad. One verse from the Brhadaranyaka Upanishad clearly explicates that the mother loves the child not for the sake of the child but for the sake of the joy that the child can give to her; the husband loves the wife not because she is the wife but because of the joy she can give to him; the wife does not love the husband for the sake of the husband but for the sake of joy that the husband can give to her, and so forth.

Thus, for a man, all relations are but poor hostages to his own life। Man loves himself the most. Here again, a query arises- "What is that in man which he loves the most?" This question may sound very outlandish to many of you. But spiritual masters have very clearly propounded that man is a complex being. There are several aspects of him by which and through which he seeks delight and happiness. He has four different layers through which his life pulsates, four different levels with which he can identify himself. The grossest is the physical layer or the body equipment. Most of us identify ourselves with this layer. That's why, we exhaust ourselves day and night to satiate the cravings of our physical self. Whatever our senses hanker after, we afford them that. But the pleasures derived out of sense-gratification are fleeting; they are here today and gone tomorrow. Therefore, man looks for some higher pleasure.

Higher than the body is the mind. At this level, we experience the world of feelings. We have emotional attachments. So, we derive joy by fulfilling the wishes of the relations. And for this joy, we even renounce sensual pleasures. Let's apprehend the fact through an analogy. A woman is very fond of cakes. Her next-door neighbour has purchased a new car. So, the neighbour offers the woman a piece of cake to celebrate her new purchase. The woman readily extends her hand to accept it. Her tongue waters. But before she puts it in her mouth, her five year old child comes running and says, "O Mamma! What are you eating? May I have it?" Immediately, the mother in her comes to the surface. Her emotional bond with the son subdues the craving of her taste buds. She smilingly gives the cake to her child. Hence, she makes a ready sacrifice of the grosser in preference to the subtler layer in her. This means man loves his emotional self more than the physical self, as delight attained from the former is more than the latter.

Proceeding further, higher and subtler than the mind is the intellect in man. For the satisfaction of the intellect, he cedes even his mind and body. That is, man does not bother about emotional satisfaction and physical comforts when it comes to intellectual pursuits. Of such stuff are the scientists! They are least concerned about their corporeal gratifications and mind's appeasement. For, they revel in the higher realm, i.e., the intellect.

Therefore, the point is very lucid that man sacrifices the grosser for the subtler, i.e., he loves his subtler self more than the grosser self; for, the subtler the level, the higher is the pleasure derived.

But, the plight is that man is unaware of the subtlest layer within him. He continues reveling in lower layers throughout his life. He is not able to identify himself with the Supreme layer. He thus remains deprived of Supreme joy and bliss. Saints proclaim that if man will realise that highest aspect of himself, his sorrows will end. He will attain permanent happiness, eternal joy. He will forgo lower pleasures so as to revel in that subtlest Self.

History provides evidence. Mahatma Buddha left his royal palaces, his wife, and his son for this higher Self. St. Augustine gave up his intellectual pursuits for the sake of this higher Self. Queen Mirabai of India forsook all her comforts for this prized possession.

Now, the question arises, what is this higher Self? Scriptures drive home the point by stating that the higher Self is our Soul, Pure Consciousness, Spiritual Self. It is the substratum of all our activities at the physical, emotional, and intellectual level.

Let’s comprehend this point through the example of a movie. What makes up a movie? We usually think of the actors who portray the roles and the reel of film on which cameraman captures the show. However, one more part is equally significant - the screen upon which movie plays. Without a screen as the background, the movie has no reality. Similarly, our multitude activities at the physical, emotional, and intellectual level have no subsistence without the essential backdrop: Consciousness.

Consciousness is the subtlest and the most important feature of our being. Once man realises it, he is always in bliss, as pains and sufferings at lower levels do not affect him. Let's extend the previous example to elucidate this point. On the movie screen, buildings burn, cities are destroyed, untold people spill their blood, but the screen does not undergo a slight scorch, nor does it get blemished with a single drop of blood. It remains clean, untainted, unscathed. Analogously, Consciousness remains ever the same, unaffected by the dramas staged out by our minds and bodies. Thus, if a man desires to attain maximum bliss, he has to identify himself with his Consciousness, which is the real He. Revelling at lower levels will not provide him that nectar which he is really thirsting for. So, realise your Soul, Pure Consciousness, and be in love with it, as it only can bless you with eternal bliss.

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My Divine Experience -

A New Lease Of Life

I, Ariza, the resident of U.K., am a Persian Muslim. I was blessed with the Divine Eye, the Eye of the soul, when I was initiated into Brahm Gyan (True Knowledge), by the grace of His Holiness Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji (Founder And Head, Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan), on 21st May, 2005. Perhaps, that was the most fortunate and auspicious moment of my life so far, which unveiled before me the glamorous, mystical secrets of the inner world. When Divine Knowledge was bestowed upon me, my whole world was illumined with the effulgence of Divine, spiritual experiences and visions that I could behold by the grace of Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji. Today, I consider myself profoundly blessed to receive the sewa (service) of sharing my same mystical visions with you, which may perhaps prove inspiring enough to infuse the same spiritual thrill in you.

The moment Guru Maharaj Ji's grace and blessings showered upon me in the form of Brahm Gyan (True Knowledge), my whole being was full of light and what I saw was a flower-shaped object that first got converted into the sun, with its shining rays enhancing its glory manifold, and then assumed the form of a flickering light, as if the flame of a candle. Thereafter, suddenly, a white bright light appeared before me; it seemed to me as if I had entered some brightly lit tunnel, right in front of my face. That light, then, became unbearably brighter and started dancing, assuming different forms, before me. I could even feel my eyes blinking. The movement of the light was getting vigorous, as if it was sparkling, thundering, and changing colours. Though it all seemed very overwhelming, but, by God's grace, I did not lose my concentration. All of a sudden, I found myself floating in that flood of light; it was cosmic and galactic, as if I was outside this world, perhaps, into the space with everything swirling around me; it appeared as if I was into a different time zone or time tunnel; not only this, this adventurous space flight was making me hum. It was at that point when I was asked whether I could see anything. I told that I was beholding the lustrous light with changing colours and that I was unintentionally advancing into that light-tunnel. I even revealed that it was that sudden flight into the light that was making me hum, which was getting more and more intense.

After that, I saw the flooding light coming from my left side; this was where a large-sized picture of Maharaj Ji was placed. It was like a huge light-ball, lustrous as a beam of golden bright sunny light, sliding towards me like a large meteoroid. That light-ball then exploded scattering all around me its tiny pieces that turned into dwarfish, little stars and crosses. A short while later, I beheld a cross and a man; as far as I could recognise, it was Jesus Christ with his hands, feet, and rest of the body nailed on the cross, as if crucified. All of a sudden, his face turned and he looked at me expressing his unbearable pain.

Then, I saw a triangle with a light-ball on its tip. I passed through it and heard a vibration, a music-beat; it was a beat of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. It was a non-stop beat, slow in the beginning and getting faster and faster later on. Along with it, I could sense my heartbeat getting faster and faster. To my surprise, the beat was that of banging sticks of a Garbah dance, which I could behold a little later. I saw men and women performing the Garbah dance around the mother Goddess. The beating sounds of the sticks that I could hear started getting harder, faster, louder, and even closer and closer to me, as if approaching me. Then, even the floor beneath me started thumping with the beat of the sticks and the dancing steps of the people in my vision. It, then, became unbearable for me and I was about to swoon when I opened my eyes.

A short while later, I experienced seeing a shape of an hour-glass which turned into a whirlpool like a hurricane swirling in the sky; it was, as if, dark grey. Then, that changed into an hour-glass again with sand running through it. Then, about 10-15 feet away from me, I saw a tiger, which suddenly changed into a lion. A little time later, I saw a man in a sitting position; he was a half man with a fish tail.

Aforementioned is the vivid description of my divine, spiritual experiences that I could behold on the day of my initiation. It opened a new, brilliant, and unimaginable inner, spiritual realm before me. Here I would even like to confess that after being initiated into this divine and practical knowledge, my life and my very thought-process drastically changed. I could realise and sense many remarkable changes within and without me.

Along with portraying all my inner, divine experiences, I would also like to share with you one of the miraculous incidents that occurred in my life after receiving Brahm Gyan from His Holiness Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji. However, before that, I must tell you that I suffered from a back problem called scoliosis. The painful struggle with my back started when I was just 11 and it lasted till I was 19 years old. I had to wear a plastic back brace as my back was twisted with a double curvature of the spine. The misaligned and disfigured form that I developed was unknown and unrecognizable, and if anyone happened to look at me or my back, he would never think of my back being disfigured. But it was and no one knew how it happened to me; even doctors could not figure out the cause. In fact, I looked perfectly healthy, like an ordinary person.

When I was about 19 years old, I had an operation of my spine to correct the curves; a metal rod was inserted in a part of my spine to keep the spine straight. This operation left me with 36 stitches, leading to a large scar along the left side of my body. I had also been told that it would be very difficult for me to bear a baby in the future and I might even be wheel-chaired due to its stress and weight on my spine.

Now, after acquainting all of you with the painful struggle that I had to undergo, I would like to tell you about a miraculous vision I had a couple of months after my receiving the Brahm Gyan. This was on 21st July 2005. In the early hours of the morning, at around 6.50 am, I had a vision. No doubt, when I opened my eyes, I could not see anything, but when my eyes were shut, I could see everything vividly. I believe I was seeing through the centre of my forehead, my third eye. Before the vision, I had been doing Sumiran/Sadhana in my bedroom since 5 am, as from 5 am to 7 am is my usual time for meditating. It was about 6.50 am when I saw 3 big, strong shadows; they were hovering over and around my bed. Two figures, I call them angels, were towards my feet and the third angel was towards my head. The two angels towards my feet held my legs, one each, and they began to pull my legs. In the meanwhile, the third angel towards my head began to pull both my arms. I lost control of my body. I felt like my whole body was controlled by those angels. I felt that they were miraculously fixing my back. I could feel the knots in my back being untied and clicked in the right places, as if my entire body was being healed. I felt anxious and scared and did not want them to carry on with this treatment, as it was overpowering. While I was thinking thus, the angels suddenly stopped. It all happened so quickly and efficiently that, at that time, I could not realise and make out what was going on. But for sure, I felt so relaxed that I instantly fell in a deep sleep.

It was only when I woke up and got out of my bed that I started registering in my mind consciously what had happened. I noticed my bedroom windows and door were closed firmly. I normally leave my bedroom door ajar and my whole family is aware of my habit of not closing my door completely. But, to my amazement, on that day, even my bedroom door was tightly shut. Wondering how those figures entered my room, when I started getting ready for the day, I felt my back was healed through and through. I felt a new lease of life within me, as if I was reborn. I felt my back stronger, different, and completely healed.

I can't believe that I had this experience; it was more than something amazing, just inexpressible. All that I can make out is that it can only be the miracle of my Maharaj Ji, my God. I want to share this experience with everyone I know and don't know. Today, I am able to bend forward and touch my feet with my hands. Before this miracle-operation, bending forward was next to impossible job, as I have a metal rod inserted along my spine. But today, I can walk much straighter, and I feel I can work much more efficiently. I feel super strong like a superwoman with a brand new back. I feel extremely blessed and happy.

I have a great faith and hope that God is always so close to me that nothing can hamper or harm me. The calamities showing their faces now and then in life are mere lessons teaching and instructing us that if we can be diligent in these hard times, God will not fail us. God is always there with us whether it is our happiest, successful, or saddest time. As far as I remember, I see that I have had many successes, failures, bad luck, and good luck, and God has always been there with me. It is me who could never see Him even if I did want to. My selfishness, pride, ego, and evil within pulled me away from the truth, making me more sinful and ignorant of the omnipresent God.

O my revered master, Maharaj Ji, my God, I am highly grateful and obliged to you for beckoning me to reach your holy abode. I have no words to express my gratitude for your mercy and benevolence for granting me the divine gifts of God's inner, effulgent Light, inner Music, holy Nectar, and God's True Name, which you revealed within me by bestowing upon me Brahm Gyan. Your blessings in the form of True Knowledge and divine love and support have filled my life with God's intimate presence; it has made me realise my true self, enabling me to acknowledge all my faults and to better myself all the time.

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