Akhand Jyoti Magazine (Jan-Feb 2018)

|| O® bh¿rbhuva¡ sva¡ tatsaviturvareñya® bhargo devasya dhºmahi dhiyo yo na¡ prachoday³t || (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 Annual Subscription: India: ` 120.00 Abroad: ` 1100.00 VOLUME: 16 | ISSUE: 1 | Jan.-Feb. 2018 Amrit Chintan True Measure of Opulence This world has the tradition of measuring one’s dignity / prestige on the basis of one’s opulence. More a person possesses wealth, education and intelligence, more he / she is held in high esteem. Physical strength and talent also come under the same category which influence others and make a person prestigious. People who possess the power to terrorize and harm others are also held in awe and command respect. All these criteria of measuring one’s dignity are shallow and false. We cannot evaluate a person based on them. If the touchstone itself is defective, how can we distinguish between gold and brass? The magnanimity of a person should be judged by how much he / she is well-mannered, well-cultured, and knowledgeable. It should be judged by the extent a person has imbibed virtues and excellence in his/her character and behavior. A person becomes great by controlling his senses and disciplining himself / herself. No one becomes a saint / pious person by simply wearing religious symbols / dress. In fact, a person who has dedicated himself to noble ideals is truly opulent, successful and praiseworthy. - Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya ‘Akhand Jyoti – The Light Divine’ Team Wishes its Readers A Happy, Healthy and Harmonious New Year 2018 Opulence is the law of the universe, an abundant supply for every need if nothing is put in 3 the way of its coming. - Ralph Waldo Trine AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

CONTENTS 1. Amrit Chintan True Measure of Opulence..................................................................................................... 3 2. From Chief Editor’s Desk 11-Point Program for Inculcating Righteousness and Nobility in Our Youth ....................... 5 3. Fragrances can Rejuvenate Our Mind-Body System............................................................. 8 4. Science and Spirituality Manage Your Stress by Self-Entertainment........................................................................... 10 5. Key Role of Indian Culture in the Holistic Revolution Needed Today ................................. 14 6. Self-talk is Good for Health................................................................................................... 18 7. The Looming Danger of Land and Marine Debris ................................................................ 20 8. Blessed by Mah³k³la............................................................................................................. 22 9. Yug Gita – 10 Guru Guides the Disciple to Reflect on the Self - 2 .............................................................. 25 10. Peace Pilgrim’s Wisdom – 10 Reflections on the Pilgrimage - 1........................................................................................... 28 11. Make it a Habit to Smile........................................................................................................ 31 12. Odyssey of the Enlightened – 59 ‘Akhand Jyoti’ Begins Its Journey – 2................................................................................... 33 13. Youth Column How to Attain True Success?................................................................................................. 36 14. Amrit Vani Theism, Spirituality, and Religion ......................................................................................... 38 15. Attributes of a Spiritual Person.............................................................................................. 42 16. Amazing Events that Unfold in This World .......................................................................... 45 17. The Mystery in the Outer Space: The Black Holes ............................................................... 47 18. New Year Resolutions for Total Health of the Total Person .................................................. 50 19. Shantikunj News ............................................... (Inner Cover Pages & Back Cover Page) Not riches, but nobility of character and honesty are the true touchstones of greatness. - Acharya Shriram Sharma 4 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

From Chief Editor’s Desk 11-Point Program for Inculcating Righteousness and Nobility in Our Youth Our readers are aware that All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) is observing ‘Yuv³ Kr³nti VarÌa’ (Youth Revolution Year) from Vasant Parva 2016 to Vasant Parva 2018. Its aim is to search and awaken youth who can pledge to serve the nation. At its conclusion, ‘Yuga S•jet³’ convention is planned to be held at Nagpur (Maharashtra) from January 26 to 28, 2018. The objective is to guide the chosen youth towards making them righteous so that they can contribute their might towards nation-building. Its merit would be judged by the firm pledge taken by the youth participants rather than the number of them attending the convention. Due to the limited space available for the program, we are permitting only ten thousand registered youths to participate. On the final day (January 28, 2018), in the august presence of distinguished guests, a ‘Youth Vision Document’ is proposed to be released. Let us understand the framework on which this document is based. The central theme is to add, refine and organize the youth with virtuous traits so that they can dedicate themselves to achieve specific nation-building goals. 1. S³dhaka Yuv³ (A self-disciplined youth) – Our chosen youth will start with the refining of the self and then get engaged in nation-building. He / She will firmly believe in the motto – ‘When we transform ourselves, the world will be transformed’. By S³dhaka Yuv³, we mean a determined young volunteer who will continuously refine himself / herself. This will be his 24x7 s³dhan³ - which requires control over senses, thoughts, time and money. He will do regular up³san³ (modes/methods of uniting the self with the Supreme Self) so that he continues to refine himself. He will devote his time and resources for social service and in the upliftment of the nation. This will certainly make him able to influence other youths and add them to his team so that they contribute to noble objectives pursued by him. 2. Organizer - Our chosen youth will develop organizing ability so that he / she can form a group of like-minded youths. That group may work as Yuv³ Mandala, Sa®sk•ti Mandala or a unit of DIYA (Divine India Youth Association) in his / her college or university. There will be separate Mandalas (units) in rural and urban areas and they will work in unison with the Youth Cell of Shantikunj, Haridwar (Headquarters of AWGP). All the youth groups so formed will be trained at Shantikunj and be associated with different constructive programs of the Mission. 3. A Good Speaker - Our chosen youth should have good communication skills so that he / she can communicate Mission’s message effectively. He may use his verbal or written skills for this purpose. In order to augment their skills, they will be trained at Shantikunj from time to time. In every zonal center in different states, such skilled youths will be prepared who will act as catalysts for our youth revolution. Good habits formed at youth make all the difference. - Aristotle 5 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

4. Self-reliant – The youths so developed in the coming nine years (during the period of M³t•ïakti Ï•addh³njali Mah³puraïcarana) will become self-reliant. They will get involved in different projects launched by the Mission for making them self-reliant and capable; and will also make other fellow- beings self-reliant. In this process, they will help the nation directly or indirectly in becoming strong and prosperous. These units called sv³vala®bº lokasevº mandalas (svalokam), based on swadeshi, self-reliance and cow-based products, will soon be seen functioning in every village, town and city. They will give a tremendous boost to our economy. 5. Addiction-free – The youths who are addiction-free will play an important role in making the society healthy. Our organized youth volunteers will aim at eradicating all types of intoxications. The de-addiction programs will consist of mass awakening through rallies, workshops, films and social media. De-addiction camps will also be organized in several places so that the affected people can get rid of their addictions. We will also take the help of psychological / spiritual methods for making affected people addiction-free. 6. Nonresident Youth – Our youth groups working abroad will also help in this endeavor of the Mission. They will organize youth consciousness awareness camps in different countries. Gayatri Chetana Centers abroad will act as catalysts for establishing B³la Sa®sk³ra ϳl³s, forming new Yuv³ Mandalas and Yoga and Naturopathy Mandalas, so that nonresident Indians can get the benefits of our programs. 7. Rural Youth – Yuv³ Mandalas in rural areas will accelerate Yuga•Ìi’s Plan of Gr³ma Tºrtha. These youths, with the help of village administration and the villagers, will make their villages / small towns ‘Âdarïa Gr³ma’. Ideally, an ‘Âdarïa Gr³ma’ should focus on cow-based economy, cleanliness, organic farming, tree plantation, self-reliance, processing the village products in the village itself, establishing libraries, Sa®sk³ra ϳl³s, encouraging the children through games and competitions, etc. 8. Women Empowerment – Right from the beginning, Pujya Gurudev laid emphasis on women empowerment. He was of the view that only women can uplift women. Under the guidance of Vandaniya Mataji nationwide Mahil³ Mandalas were established and they had been working towards women’s welfare. Now, our young women force will work intensely towards eradicating dowry and purdah system, and in educating and training women about their security, health and hygiene, education and self-reliance. One confident young woman volunteer along with 5-6 progressive women (forming a Mahil³ Yuv³ Mandala) can easily take care of women upliftment in their village /small town. Several such Mahil³ Mandalas can be formed in the cities. 9. Divine Workshops – The Youth Cell of Shantikunj, Haridwar has prepared material for conducting twenty different types of workshops for providing new direction to the youth and making them learn the art of living a happy and harmonious life. Youth groups can use this material for mass awakening through slide projectors, PowerPoint presentations or through movies. There are several Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind. - Samuel Ullman 6 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

themes for conducting the workshops, like ‘achieving excellence in work and day-to-day life’, ‘stress management’, ‘health, wealth and spirituality’, etc. Such workshops are being conducted by the central team at different places. Now the time has come when our youth groups should avail of this opportunity to accelerate this program. 10. Eradication of Social Evils - It is the prime duty of our youth to awaken the masses about the evil customs / traditions and make efforts to eradicate them. Our immediate focus should be on female feticide, dowry, expensive marriages, begging and discrimination based on caste, color and creed. Our youth should learn to remove negativity and depression among the fellow citizens and augment their positivity. Addiction-free and the depression-free manpower is the backbone of any prosperous country. Our new youth revolution will start from this point. Further, we will have to teach the masses how to shun the abuse of social media and how it can help in spreading positivity. Otherwise, this habit of misusing social media will lead us to negative thinking. At present, even the village youths are under the grip of WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, pornographic clips, rumor-spreading clips, etc. This is also an evil trait and we will have to open a front to counter this. 11. Clean and Healthy India – We will have to prepare a dedicated youth brigade for making a clean and healthy India. Clean India campaign has already been picked up with the initiative of our Prime Minister. Our Mission has been helping in this initiative since its inception. Our aim is to clean rivers Ganga and Yamuna, along with their 51 tributaries by 2026. We will have to create awareness and seek the assistance of public for regular cleaning of water sources. Scientific techniques should also be used for this purpose. People in our country are religious-minded. Very often we see holy baths and fairs organized on the banks of rivers. We will have to create awareness about what is ‘true bath’ and ‘Puñya arjana’ in spiritual sense. Otherwise, all the efforts done in cleaning the rivers will go waste in just two days of a fair. In order to keep our youth healthy, we will have to inculcate in them the habits of doing exercises, yoga, pranayama, etc as well as taking nutritious food. Then the youth force may be utilized in developing herbal gardens, kitchen gardens and Sm•ti Upavanas along with Shriram Sarovaras in villages and towns. In the above lines, we have just given an overview of the ‘Youth Vision Document.’ Its elaborated version will be made available in ‘Yuga S•jet³’ Program. A solemn pledge would be taken by the youths gathered at the convention on the Republic Day (January 26, 2018). In this program, the peers will guide them in the methodology of implementing their pledge. We hope that this ‘Yuga S•jet³’ program will prove to be a milestone in the direction of ‘Yuv³ Kr³nti’. With prayer-filled wishes for a Happy, Healthy and Harmonious New Year, 2018, (Pranav Pandya) Age considers; youth ventures. - Rabindranath Tagore 7 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

Fragrances can Rejuvenate Our Mind-Body System Nose may not appear to be an extraordinary part away. After five or six hours (Gudadi) baba asked, of the human body, but it certainly has unique “Hey you! Can you tell me your name?” We constituent cells which, if stimulated, may help (Swami Rama and his fellow monk) were both in rejuvenating our mind-body system. In fact, so disoriented that we could not remember our nose is a part of the chemosensory system, which names. We had completely forgotten them. I was consists of the senses of smell and taste. Our only aware of my existence and had a hazy idea ability to smell comes from specialized sensory that I was with two other people. That’s all. The cells, called olfactory sensory neurons. They are fragrance of those flowers was so strong that we found in a small patch of tissue (of the size of a could not think rationally. Our ability to reason postal stamp) high inside the nose. Each olfactory wouldn’t function. --- We lived in this valley for a neuron has one odor receptor. Microscopic week. It was highly enjoyable. ---After we came molecules released by substances such as food, out of the Valley of Flowers, the baba said, ‘Your flowers, perfumes, etc stimulate these receptors. joy was because of the influence of the fragrance Once the neurons detect the molecules, they of the flowers’.” Due to an intense fragrance in send messages to the brain, which identifies the the air, our sense organs become senseless and a smell. Although smell is a basic sense, it is also person reaches an ecstatic state of joy. at the forefront of neurological research. It has been found that different fragrances produce Doctors and scientists have been researching different effects on the nervous system, which on the effect of fragrances of essential oils and may have a positive or negative impact on our perfumes for aroma therapy. It has been observed health. This is the reason why aroma therapy has that aroma therapy helps in reducing mental become a big business and such therapy centers stress, anxiety and other mental disorders, which, are growing all around the world. in turn, help our mind to be happy and joyful. Aromatherapy makes use of essential oils, Swami Rama has mentioned in his famous book extracted from flowers and plants by steam titled ‘Living with the Himalayan Masters’ that distillation or cold pressing. Essential oils of during spring season when one passes through lavender, frankincense, peppermint, tea tree, etc the valley of flowers, fragrance of flowers makes are known to stimulate the nervous system via him so joyful that he forgets everything. Let us their topical application. Extracts of agara (eagle see his experience there in his own words – “The wood), tagara (Valeriana wallichii), sandal flowers were in full bloom as far as the eye could wood, clove, camphor, and eucalyptus along with see. For the first few hours it was soothing to the other fragrant plants like rose, chamelº (jasmine), senses and stimulating to the mind. But slowly champ³ (Magnolia champaca), r³ta-r³nº (night I started noticing that my memory was slipping blooming jasmine, cestrum nocturnum), etc. have The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of wind, but the glory of virtuous deeds spreads in all the directions. - Acharya Shriram Sharma 8 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

also been suggested for aroma therapy. Aroma Essential oils can be used for protecting, of the extracts of different plants and flowers nourishing and restoring vital energy. They can help relieve stress, boost the immune can be used in three different ways, namely, system, provide various beauty benefits, and aromatically (by inhalation), topically and keep various ailments at bay. For aroma therapy, internally. Aromatic and topical use of these sometimes a patient is kept in a room with an oils is effective for good health and wellness. aroma of appropriate essential oil; or a sugar However, internal use, or direct ingestion of cube mixed with the oil is placed on the tongue essential oils, is risky and should be practiced of the patient and he is asked to feel the fragrance only by an experienced practitioner. Aromatic without swallowing the cube. This is repeated use often employs a diffuser, but it is also three times a day which helps in relaxing the possible to put a drop of essential oil on a cotton mind of the patient. ball, allowing the drop to diffuse and inhaling directly from the cotton ball. For topical use, the René-Maurice Ga•efossé is regarded as the essential oil is diluted in some kind of carrier, Father of Aromatherapy and the inventor of usually a sweet almond oil, fractionated coconut the word itself. His book titled ‘Ga•efossé oil, aloe vera gel, lotion, or cream. Aroma Therapy’ (which is the English translation of his renowned work in French In addition to aroma therapy, Yajóa therapy ‘Aromathérapie: Les Huiles essen•elles has also shown positive results in rejuvenating hormones végétales’) gives a fascinating human body. Various clinical trials, case account of human, animal and plant smells, studies, and laboratory tests have confirmed the classi!ication of essential oils and their the significance of Yajóa therapy for curing therapeutic use in treating different diseases. viral infections, psychosomatic disorders and Dr. Jean Valnet has also discussed, in detail, all dreaded diseases like cancer and AIDS. Now the aspects of this novel therapy in his book there is a need to investigate the combination of ‘Practice of Aromatherapy: Holistic Health these two therapies for the holistic health of all and the Essential Oils of Flowers and Herbs’. living beings. Recommended References: 1. Keville, Kathi, and Mindy Green: Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art. (2nd Ed.). New York: Crossings Press (2008) 2. Schnaubelt, Kurt: The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils. Vermont: Healing Arts Press (2011) 3. Tisserand, Robert and Rodney Young: Essential Oil Safety. (2nd Ed.). London: Elsevier (2014) 4. Acharya Sharma S.: Yajóa k³ jóana vijó³na. Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya Samagra Vangmaya Vol. 25. Akhand Jyoti Sansthan, Mathura; UP, India (1995). 5. Acharya Shrama S.: Yajóa – Eka Samagra Upac³ra Prakriy³. Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya Samagra Vangmaya Vol. 26 Akhand Jyoti Sansthan, Mathura; UP, India (1995). Love is like a beautiful flower which I may not touch, but whose fragrance makes the garden a place of delight just the same. - Helen Keller AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 9

Science and Spirituality Manage Your Stress by Self-Entertainment Nature has endowed each one of us with natural tendencies of entertainment to cope up with all professional life these days – of completing the task stresses of life. But we remain unaware of this beyond one’s potential causes mental fatigue and oasis because of our extrovert attitude, and our stress. But to a great extent the stressed person is superficial understanding of our own selves. himself or herself responsible for this state. He/she runs for lucrative jobs and fat salaries to become A little thought on the purpose, genesis, nature and rich and successful in a hurry. One invites or creates the ‘process’ of experiencing entertainment, will stressful circumstances by joining the rat-race of make it clear that there are no specific criteria to fast-track ‘progress’ or by expecting and desiring define or measure entertainment. Neither are there beyond one’s own worth and capabilities. any devices or means, which will certainly provide a particular kind of entertainment. The purpose Many a time one expects the circumstances to could be served by alternate means even if one turn favorable and the people around to act as per is in a specific mood to get a particular type of one’s will or to remain supportive as they were entertainment. (For example if one is in a mood to sometimes earlier. One should remember that watch a specific movie but no tickets are available everything in the world is changing. Everyone for any show on that day then he or she may opt has his/her own predilections that also vary with for some other movie, theater or show). One does time. We can’t expect anyone to say or do what not have to wait for a special opportunity to have we like. If one can’t discipline one’s own body the delight of entertainment only by some specific and mind, how can one expect to control others’ means. One does not have to arrange for any gadgets, minds? It is a sign of maturity and wisdom on our search for the right mode, or call a meeting, etc for part to assess the circumstances and manage our this. The real source of entertainment is available aspirations and expectations accordingly. all the time; one only has to feel it, recognize it and activate or revive it. To deserve more and yet want less” is what corresponds to an intelligent way of gaining We all have experienced sometime or the other satisfaction and self-restraint. Adopting the that a tired body or a strained mind feels relaxed principles like — “struggle for victory, but have and relieved for sometime by watching or doing malice for none” and “strive for the best and be something pleasant or enthusing. Exerting hard prepared for the worst”, in practice is the key to at work is not so much a cause of fatigue, as a fulfilling and progressive life without any stress considering work as a burden. We often forget the or tension. It is not easy, but you have to start fact that all works can’t be of our liking, every somewhere. Once you are determined to follow it circumstance can’t be favorable to us. Tension or develop a ‘taste’for practicing it, your mind will or pressure – which is usually experienced in start enjoying it. This will also trigger your hidden tendencies of ‘self-emerging’ entertainment. Stress is caused by being ‘here’ but wanting to be ‘there.’ - Eckhart Tolle 10 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

Stress Was There in The Earlier Times Too! also augments the addict’s hidden stresses and We often get an impression that our ancestors had hazardous infirmities in several ways. an easy life; there was no tough competition or tension. It appears as if the hazard of stress has Can’t one have more mindful ways of relieving surfaced only since past few decades. That is not stress? The answer lies in understanding the fact quite correct. Its form and causes might have that — no kind of entertainment would alleviate the changed and the number of people suffering from stresses generated by cruel mentality, arrogance, mental tension and stress might have gone up in the greed, etc, unless the root-cause itself is weeded recent times, but stress has been a part of human out. It is also a fact that if one were satisfied with life since the primitive age of civilization. In the modest resources and simple living, one would early days of civilization, struggle for survival was never have to face the inevitable stresses invited the cause of stress but this, similar to the stress by unbridled ambitions and selfish passions to given to start a mechanical engine, generated the acquire power and snobbish possessions. zeal to face the adversities and enabled the ascent of civilization. This kind and level of stress has Creative Entertainment & Stress-Relief: always been a part of evolution of life. Nature has Excursion trips with a purpose of gaining also endowed us with enormous potential to use it knowledge and practical experience in a chosen as an impetus to progress. field of knowledge are counted among creative entertainments. It is different from roaming Disastrous Modes of Entertainment: around, touring for picnicking, sightseeing and shopping. The latter may provide a temporary Similar to the cropping up of ‘clever’ evil diversion and joy but the net gain is nothing. That tendencies, the man-made complexities of stress way one may just stand in a corner and watch also increase with excessive ambitions and the traffic on a busy road or amuse oneself by passions of mankind. Stress grows manifold looking at varieties of people and their activities because of wrong attitude and unchecked on a crowded railway platform or bus stand. instinctive and egotistic desires. The irony is Visiting grand fun-fares, crowded galas, is also that one adopts artificial and unmindful means similar. One will spend more money and get of entertainment to get rid of this stress and in more fatigue and risk of infection than gaining turn, fuels negative effects and vulnerability to real entertainment in such activities. suffer more tensions and mental and physical weaknesses. For example, some people feel Trekking in the countryside full of natural beauty stimulating entertainment in intoxication and sex and soothing breeze of fresh air on the banks of without realizing that it further fuels their sensual a river is so different from walking on the busy passions and beastly instincts, and weakens them market streets of mega cities or hogging and physically as well as mentally. shopping in a mall. Both may provide diversions and expose one to new attractions, but the latter Gambling and bidding has also been a hobby, a only adds more to one’s strain and stress than source of entertainment, for many people in the providing any rejuvenation. Having Nature’s past times as well as in the present. But this mode serene proximity in the farms or gardens, or simply of entertainment often nurtures addiction and There is more to life than increasing its speed. - Mahatma Gandhi AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 11

having keen observation of the flora and fauna Sports, played as refreshing exercises, are near the house, watching the activities of animals wonderful means of enthusing the mind and and birds around provide joyous diversion to the energizing the body. Not only the games in a mind and also offer new knowledge. If that is not playground or tennis and badminton courts, some possible, then re-arranging the house, cleaning people also enjoy sitting for hours playing cards, and organizing the setup at home or office would sitting in front of the chess board, and spending also be good options for recreation. Watering the whole day watching a cricket match. It gives plants, gardening, planting and nurturing trees in them pleasure mainly because their minds feel no the surrounding area, etc are far more satisfying, pressure of losing or winning, of gaining praises useful and soothing activities and creative modes or suffering insult, etc. of stress alleviation than attending lavish parties or watching some vague movie. This indicates that any task that engages the mind in doing some creative work and that is not Quest for new information and knowledge is linked with any profit or loss, or with any kind of Nature’s reward to human mind. That is why success or failure, may also serve as a creative reading and discussions also offer creative entertainment for relief from stress. Any task entertainment. However, the topics taken up in that is carried out with sportive enthusiasm and these are again a matter of one’s interest. Reading positive conditioning or engrossment of mind substandard novels or books on erotic subjects, will become an entertainment, no matter how and discussions or pondering on related topics much hard a labor it may require. Then there will are contrary to these powerful modes of creative be no fatigue or stress in doing it, irrespective diversion. Gossiping also counters the positive of whether it is a new challenge or a routine impact, and amounts to sheer wastage of time job. If the mind is meandering elsewhere or is and energy. indifferent or unwilling to do something, then no matter how comfortable or beneficial the job is, You may read lightly but you should also it would appear vexing, tiresome and straining. introspect and analyze whether or not it is adding to your knowledge or useful information, It is all the mood of mind that makes something satisfying your quest to know the world better, boring and stressful or interesting, rejuvenating giving positive and constructive direction to your and fulfilling. We should therefore learn to change thoughts, or sharpening your intellect. What do our outlook as per the tasks at hand in a given you often talk or discuss about, and with whom, circumstance and cultivate a temperament to regard also needs to be scrutinized. You need not be an every work as useful and important. A little training intellectual or learned person. You only need to be of mind and practice will awaken our up-till-now aware of the natural quest of the mind and watch dormant tendencies of natural entertainment and your thoughts. Your mind will start enjoying make life a field of joyful sports. this self-inspection of the flow of thoughts and gradually develop a creative interest in good An Easy ‘Spiritual Exercise’: reading, listening to good lectures/discourses and Natural smile on one’s face is indicative of happy participating in meaningful discussions. and relaxed state of one’s mind. Gloom, fear, Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight. - Benjamin Franklin 12 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

despair, arrogance, stress and related negativities The art of smiling in all circumstances makes cast unpleasant or repulsive shades on the face you the winner, the master of entertaining your that cannot be hidden by any amount of makeup. mind and endows you with the key to peace and An expression of childlike joy and natural calm happiness. You may begin with a sort of ‘forced’ on the other hand makes even a wrinkled face training of bringing smile on your face, it may of an old person glow with charm. Everyone make you feel artificial in the initial stages, but gets attracted towards a happy child and wants because of its soothing impact on your body to play with him. The cheerful face and natural and ambience around, and upon your social grin of a child makes him so cute and attractive. interactions, you will not take much time in You should also attempt to keep smiling. Smile getting used to it. With some practice, your mind is like a mirror through which you may see the will begin to aspire for it. Smiling face will then pleasure of your face reflected on others. It is become your identity and will also help keeping like a message in a subtle language that echoes your mood tuned-up in general. in the surrounding ambience and reflects back upon you. We must learn this language of blissful Your self-training exercise of having permanent expression, this art of becoming joyful and natural smile is interlinked with and mutually spreading happiness, from blossoming flowers. supportive of your positive attitude. It will help keeping your mind light and calm and thus nurture When one feels upbeat in the moments of your positive attitude and sporting spirit. The latter success, or on receiving anticipated support will ensure natural generation and sustenance of and favor, smile occurs without any effort. One inner peace and enthusiasm, of which, smile is an does not need any entertainment at these times. automatic and innate offshoot. Nature has gifted More challenging and precious is self-creation of you with the boon of smile, use it and generate the entertainment in the unfavorable circumstances. perennial spring of serene joy within. One day, Sri Krishna visited his friend, Uddhava, who was not at home at that •me. Uddhava’s wife was surprised by his arrival and also got confused. Sri Krishna entered and asked for a seat. Uddhava’s wife has•ly provided him with one. Then Sri Krishna asked Uddhava’s wife for something to eat. In a flurry, she gave him some water and also some bananas. She sat at his feet and fed him bananas one-by-one. But, in her state of confusion, instead of feeding him the fleshy part of banana, she gave him the skins (peels) and threw away the flesh. At this juncture, Uddhava returned home and was displeased to see this strange thing happening. Upon his enquiry, she came to her senses and asked for Krishna’s forgiveness. Uddhava asked her to go inside and started feeding Sri Krishna himself. He did the right thing by feeding him the fleshy part while throwing away the peels. Sri Krishna told Uddhava that the bananas were incredibly sweet, but he also added that the peels tasted be•er. Feeding with love made all the difference. Man does not get tired by the enormity of work, but by considering it as a burden 13 and doing it irregularly. - Acharya Shriram Sharma AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

Key Role of Indian Culture in the Holistic Revolution Needed Today Indian Culture (Bh³ratºya Sa®sk•ti) is referred of its people. Greater the virtues and values of in the ancient texts as “S³ Pratham³ Sa®sk•ti (the members of) a society, the more evolved is Viïvav³r³” — the first and the supreme culture its sanskriti. Similarly, the nature or standard of (Sa®sk•ti) in the world. Is it just a rhetoric way of a sanskriti is judged according to the values and ancient descriptions, a kind of ‘self-praise’, or is trends of development it nurtures. The superiority there some substance in it? Else, if it is true, then of Indian Culture (Bhartiya Sanskriti) lies in the why we don’t see its greatness today? Whatever fact that it has originated from saintly wisdom, the case may be, a more important query, which science of spirituality, and inner quest for ultimate is our focus in this article, is — why should we evolution. By and large, the basis of other cultures discuss the Indian Culture? What is its relevance and civilizations prevalent in the (modern) world and importance in today’s world? A discussion is dogmatic faith and its literal revival and concerning this query would clarify the other imposition on the present-day humanity. doubts as well. Indian Culture is built on the idea of supreme Before proceeding with the discussions, we must development of humankind by awakening the keep in mind that the word “Culture” is used in divine qualities and powers indwelling in the English as a translation of the Sanskrit (and also, inner self. Therefore, it not only encourages the Hindi) word “Sa®sk•ti” (Sanskriti). In this article refined expression of creativity and hidden talents we shall use the words “Sa®sk•ti” and “culture” of individuals, but also aims at holistic progress synonymously. of all in complete harmony with Nature. As its word-meaning suggests, “sanskriti” is The philosophy, principles, and system of life, associated with Sa®sk³ras (intrinsic tendencies). and the methods and modes of living guided So the level and nature of one’s sanskriti is and practiced under this sanskriti inspire — a reflected in one’s values, character, overall culture of spirituality, a culture of devotional personality, and deeds. We often associate spirit, a culture of love, a culture of selfless culture only with creative expression of feelings service, a culture of sharing and caring, a culture and intrinsic artistic talents. However, more of positive thinking and seeing the good that importantly, sanskriti, and hence true cultural is pervading everywhere, a culture of simple development, of a person is inherently associated living and high-thinking, a culture of nurturing with nurturing and elegant grooming of his/her vigor and radiance in life by self-awareness values, inner beauty, and emotional character. and self-discipline. It nurtures a perfect art of living with joy in all circumstances. It can Sanskriti of society or nation defines the collective thus provide solutions to many of the complex spirit, ideals, conduct, and prominent way of life challenges that the world is facing today — No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive. - Mahatma Gandhi 14 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

including those concerning health, security, this earth, inspired people towards the righteous environment, and sustainability. path and saved humanity from the risk of disappearance. The impact of these phases of In the Vedic Age, the sanskriti of India used to reawakening is more prominent and lasting than be honored as a Dev Sanskriti — A Culture of the socio-political revolutions. Divinity. It was this sanskriti of ancient India that had shown the light of wisdom, divine humane Because of utter blind faith and wild-type outlook values, and spiritual emotional sensitivity to the of the masses at large, there was cultural darkness entire globe[1]. Today again it is this sanskriti in entire Europe until medieval times. Dreaded that will revive in its original form and show inhuman punishments by the so-called courts-of- the righteous path to usher in bright and blissful law of religious clergies to anyone not following future. Reasoned justification behind this belief their (fundamentalist) dogmatic principles; is the universally accepted fact that — this is the incidents of burning people as part of ‘faith’, culture (sanskriti) that endorses the Vedic wisdom etc, were common in that society until the 15th of “Vasudhaiva Kutu®baka®” (Entire world century. Rest of the western world was almost is like a family) and “Âtmavata Sarvabh¿teÌu” a tribal land at that time. A conference held in (Every being is like one’s own self). Florence, Italy in the year 1439 AD initiated religious awakening in Europe. Some European Reawakening after the Meandering Tides of texts of 16-17th Century refer this as renaissance Cultural Civilization: of the occidental world. While it was the first (re) People often wonder, as to why the divine culture awakening in the rest of the world in the medieval of India did not continue to guide the world in the times, in India, it marked the fifth reawakening. later years as it used to in the Vedic Age? How it This 5th phase of cycle of reawakening is known could disappear from the very land where it had in the history of India as “Bhakti K³la” (the originated? Here, we should first understand the period of devotional renaissance). fact that elements of culture (sanskriti) are like seeds; they germinate, grow and blossom in fertile Altruistic lives and devotional songs of saintly land (of people’s heart and mind) at appropriate poets like Ramanuj in the South, and Ramanand, season. So, the manifestation of culture varies Tulasidas, Kabir, Mira, and Dadu, etc in the with the trends of time and alters its influence in Central and Northern parts of India generated a different phases of civilizations. wave of inspirational devotion in the hearts of the masses in this Age. Ravidas and Kabir conveyed Natural tendencies of most people are driven by the mystic teachings of ancient sages like Rishi ego, avarice and selfish attachments. As a result, Kapil, Rishi Kanad, and Adi Shankaracharya via often the cultural values in every civilization tend lucid songs and poems in the local dialects to to decline in the absence of an equally powerful enlighten the masses. Saint Ravidas was like a force that can reawaken and guide the mass pole-star in the cluster of devotional lamps. mentality towards nobility. Ancient and modern history of the world has witnessed that from time These saintly poets destroyed all barriers of to time saints and reformers have appeared on saguna (worshiping a ‘deity form’ of God), The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts. - Charles Darwin AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 15

nirguna (considering formless God), and savarna knowledge dimmed in people’s life; the socio- (upper caste), avarna (lower caste) that were cultural principles based on karma (deeds) prevalent in the society at that time. Beyond got linked with janma (birth, creed) and there all the boundaries of ‘religious customs’, they grew the misconceptions like casteism, social- generated a nectar-flow of inner devotion and discrimination, excessive reliance on fate, etc, pure knowledge (Vedanta). in the Indian society. After which there was the third period of reawakening. This was the Indian Culture has always nurtured this trend of period of The Buddha. search for ultimate truth against blind faith. The first awakening period in India commenced Buddha’s teachings conveyed four ‘Aryasatyas’ in the Rig-Vedic Age. It began with the quest (Noble Truths). The light of Buddhism expanded of the rishis (Sages of Vedic Age) to find the across Asia. In fact, what he realized and origin and ‘structure’ of Nature, existence of its preached was the message of wisdom hidden Creator, origin of gods, origin of time, ultimate in the Vedas only. However, his approach was end of all that exists, and so on ….. They were different, as per the need to change the prevailing indeed the absolute scientists who deciphered the negativity and blind faith in the name of ‘Vedic’ deepest depth of consciousness and transcendent religion in Indian society at that time. This knowledge as easily as they understood the divergence widened significantly after him. cosmic expansion of Nature. Misconceptions and distortions of the Vedas were on the rise. The pure wisdom component Tens of thousands of years after the Vedic Age, of the Vedas had somewhat diminished even (as per the cycle of sublime Nature) the nature from scholarly studies. Then in the 8th Centuries of people and trends of time gradually got AD, there emerged preeminent sagacious saint changed. There emerged a period named as the Adi Shankaracharya, who rediscovered the “Brahman1 Age” in which, gradually the rituals philosophy of Advait Vedanta and established and customary practices (described in some centers in the North, South, East and West of parts of Vedas too) replaced mystic knowledge. India for dissemination of this pure knowledge. Then there was a second phase of cultural His epochal endeavors thus resurrected the light renaissance in India. This reawakening period of the Upanishads. (The treasure of knowledge was the “Age of Upanishads” when the essence rediscovered by him during this 4th cycle of of pure knowledge (extracted from the Vedas) cultural renaissance continues to attract mystics was rediscovered, explained, and advocated by and spiritual scholars from all around the world.) sagacious spiritual scientists. Following the great tradition of the divine sanskriti propounded by Before this knowledge could reach the entire the Vedic Rishis, in their quest for absolute truth, masses and guide them on different fronts of the Upanishads even classified the ritualistic part life, the predominant rivalries between different of the Vedas as non-knowledge. emperors and dynasties, the aftermaths of blind faith and superstitions in the society, religious The cycle of natural change in mass-mentality divide between the Buddhists and Hindus, etc, continued; gradually the light of spiritual had weakened the country. The invaders from A culture is like an immune system. It operates through the laws of systems, just like a body. If a body has an infection, the immune system deals with it. Similarly, a group enforces its norms, either actively or passively. - Henry Cloud 16 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

West Asia attacked, looted, destroyed precious cultural delusions, adulteration, and devolution. cultural heritage and treatises of ancient texts, Influence of materialism and commercialization conquered and ruled over this land. The phase has become so powerful that it seems to have of decline and distractions after Islamic invasion engulfed even the social norms and principles of further darkened in the medieval times. humanity. It has over-shadowed the way-of-life of even those who boast about the great cultural Then there was an emergence of several saintly heritage of India. The fundamentalists who shout poets and reformers during 15th and 16th Century, against the occidental culture do not seem to who motivated the much needed awakening of the have substantial and sound grounds to inspire masses. This was the 5th cycle of reawakening and justify anything in favor of Indian Culture in India. The wave of devotion triggered this except loud slogans. The extent and complexity time had re-vitalized the soul of the country. But of the problem is so vast that only few saints and complete re-emergence of true Indian Culture handful of their genuine followers may not be was further blocked by the deceptive attacks able to accomplish the revival of Indian Culture of the British. Their colonial rule of over three in feasible time sans the support of more and centuries suppressed and distracted several more people across the globe. successive generations of Indians from the real path of their sanskriti. Influence of rapid It, therefore, appears essential to review the industrialization and technological advancement, original form of the sanskriti of India and research though it helped materialistic development, the its foundational principles in scientific light. It is efforts required for enlightenment and rise on also important to analyze its social aspects and the cultural front got widely neglected except for relevance in the modern circumstances, and some superficial attempts on encouragement and identify the elements that could be adopted in propagation of indigenous art. practice and inspire righteous progress. We shall attempt to address these points and discuss related Today the world is undergoing haywire aspects of Indian Culture in some successive transformations on cultural front and facing issues of this magazine. Notes: 1. “Brahman” referred here is name of certain post Vedic texts. Reference: 1. Pandya P. (Ed.): ‘Contributions of India to Global Cultural Civilization’, Sri Vedmata Gayatri Trust, Shantikunj, Haridwar, (2016) “When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we o•en find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solu•ons, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.” - Henri J.M. Nouwen We are nothing but bricks from our cultural molds. - Bangambiki Habyarimana 17 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

Self - talk is Good for Health Many a time people are found bantering and Talking to ourselves is very useful in attaining talking to themselves, or conversing with plants better self-control, and it also helps in organizing or their pet animals. If a child is found talking to the activities of the brain and keeping it healthy. his toys, dolls or pet animals, it is considered as Immaturity in thinking gets cured with self-talk. a childlike act, but if an adult behaves like this, Thoughts also get better organized and flow people begin to suspect the state of his mental steadily. Self-talk enhances memory as well. health. Many research studies, however, regard the act of talking to oneself or to plants and When a person gets into intense conversation animals as a way to good health. This is because with his own self and intently tries to find through these means many inner sufferings and solutions to his problems, he gradually develops distresses can find a way to get expressed, which creativity and begins to solve his problems provides a lot of relief. Such acts also help in in multitudinous ways. When this self- getting rid of several mental ailments. conversation is done by means of diary-writing it becomes even more powerful, because when According to a research study published in these writings are read again and again, the ‘Journal of Experimental Psychology’, people problems faced earlier can be reanalyzed more who indulge in self-talk show a remarkable solemnly and it becomes easier to carry out improvement in their capability to think, self-analysis. One issue with diary, of course, understand, reply and converse with others. If a is that we constantly fear that if it ends up with person does not have anyone nearby to talk to, someone else, he would read and know about he should not feel worried and should begin to our thoughts and emotions. So, whenever we talk to himself. Talking to oneself is not a mental write anything in a diary that we would not like disease but a very normal phenomenon. This others to know, such pages of the diary should is an ailment only when what a person speaks be torn off later and destroyed. is irrelevant, meaningless, or not pertinent to any person or incident. If in self-talk there is People who like to converse with plants and relevance, motivation, and positivity, it is very trees, who share their thinking with them, who beneficial and it leads to a boost in self-confidence express their love to them and take care of them, and self-motivation. feel relieved of stress in their company and experience a new freshness and vigor. Ayurveda, If the self-talk is filled with ‘I can do it’ emotion, it in fact, prescribes a therapy in which it is improves a person’s efficiency at work and reduces suggested to spend some hours in the company negativity in behavior. Psychologists believe that of plants. When a person talks to plants, not only people who keep talking to themselves mentally is the growth of the plants faster, a very positive or orally are found to maintain sound health. effect is also cast upon the person’s health. Convince yourself every day that you are worthy of a good life. Let go of stress, breathe. Stay positive, all is well. - Germany Kent 18 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

The world is very competitive today, we cannot of the time. These animals begin to comprehend easily trust anyone. People fear sharing their this conversation slowly; and, they even begin to thoughts and sentiments with others. In this behave as desired. According to a research study situation it is good to share thoughts with plants conducted at Chicago University, when a person and trees. Some people hug trees as well. This is talks to his pets, he develops a bonding with known as ‘Ventilation Therapy’, through which them. Such a person despite living alone at home people express their inner feelings with ease. does not get affected by loneliness. Those who fear speaking in public or giving any form of live demonstration, can enhance their So, talking to self or conversing with pet skill of interacting with others by talking in front animals, birds, plants and trees has many of plants and trees. advantages. This increases sensitivity towards others, adeptness in dealing with others, work- Many people like to keep pets. They take care of efficiency and wisdom; and at the same time, them, feed them, take them for a walk, pet them this provides relief from stress and promotes and train them. They keep talking to them most happiness levels. The King of Balakh, despite being wealthy, was devoid of spiritual contentment. Slowly, he became weary of the world and asked his Prime Minister to take him to pay homage to an enlightened saint. The prime minister escorted the emperor to Lahore. Mian Mir (eminent Sufi saint, Shah Inayat Qadiri) used to live in a li•le hut in the jungle near Lahore. When he knew that the King was coming to see him, he instructed his disciples not to let any people with royal opulence come near him. When the King learnt this, he gave away all of his wealthy possessions to the poor. He wore ordinary clothes and came to the saint’s hut to pay his homage. Mian Mir informed the emperor, through his disciple that he needed to transform his life and serve another saint in that jungle, and then only he will be granted permission to see him. The emperor stayed in the jungle and served the saint, and ul•mately decided to dedicate his whole life to him. Mian Mir was so happy with the emperor’s decision, that he made him his disciple and showed him the path to salva•on. Due to the blessings of Mian Mir, the emperor in due course became a famous Saint, Bulleh Shah. Be mindful of your self-talk. It’s a conversation with the universe. - David James Lees 19 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

The Looming Danger of Land and Marine Debris Our changing life styles, which favor ‘use and waste has adversely affected the oceanic fauna throw’ mindset, have tremendously increased the and flora. use of plastic bags, plastic food packets, single- use water bottles, grocery bags, food wrappers, According to a report, 100,000 turtles etc. After use, they are not disposed of properly. and marine mammals, such as dolphins, whales In India, we can sight them on the roads, bus and seals, are killed by plastic marine litter every stops, railway stations, near public places, year around the world. Plastics are the most temples, hospitals, parks, picnic spots, etc. Due common manmade objects sighted at sea, with to the poor waste management practices, this 18,000 pieces of plastic litter floating on every debris is leading to pollution in all forms – earth square kilometer of the world’s oceans! pollution, air pollution and water pollution. Waste and garbage is no longer a challenge just for the According to another report published by an land; it is becoming a danger for the oceans too. Environmental program of United Nations, 80% In general, it is perceived that ocean is too large of the garbage generated by people reaches the and that anything can be put into it without any landfills and 20% finds its way into the oceans. adverse effect to the environment. But reality is The Tsunami that hit Japan in 2011 has created just the opposite of it. a long island of debris in an otherwise peaceful ocean. Similarly, there are many such islands of 97% of water on Earth is present in the oceans. debris in the entire world. If our careless actions 71% of Earth is occupied by the oceans. So, the continue like this, we will see these garbage existence of Earth is largely dependent on the islands everywhere. well-being of the oceans. For the past few years, man’s reckless actions have begun to pollute the The garbage in the ocean, unlike that in the land oceans, lakes and waterways. What is worrisome does not get collected in one place. It flows is that no one seems to be seriously interested in with water and spreads everywhere. That is the dealing with this issue. reason, why it poses a danger to environment, water transport, economy and health of mankind. The biggest threat to the oceans is plastic waste. Another alarming factor is that 70% of the sewage According to environmental organization waste is dumped in the rivers, which ultimately named ‘Green Peace’, 28 crore tons of plastic is reaches the ocean. The 8000 km long coastline of produced every year. Out of this 20% is disposed our country, which includes cities like Mumbai, of in the oceans. Nobody even has an estimate of Kolkata, Chennai, Goa and Surat, is densely how much plastic is deposited in the ocean bed populated. These economically progressive cities since this is different from the waste that is found are perennially under the pressure of increasing floating on the surface of water. This plastic population. These cities are also disposing of their Neatness and cleanliness is not a function of how rich or poor you are but that of mentality and principle. - Ikechukwu Izuakor 20 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

waste in the nearby seas. In the developing nations, REUSE items when you can. Choose reusable this method of disposing waste appears to be the items over disposable ones. easiest solution. The problem also appears to be RECYCLE as much as possible! Bottles, cans, solved in the short-term; however, continuing with cell phones, ink cartridges, and many other items this approach in the long-term poses an imminent can be recycled. threat to the entire mankind. The best way to prevent large accumulations of debris from getting larger is to stop debris from Even the most developed nations are filling up entering the ocean in the first place. their garbage in ships and tossing them into [Measures suggested by US-NOAA Marine the oceans. In the recent incident of Malaysian Debris Program (MDP)] airplane crash, while searching for the wreckage, shocking amounts of garbage was Do you know found in the portions of ocean that was assumed how long does it take to be pristine. This incident has also drawn the for litter to break down in the ocean? attention of the world to this serious issue of oceanic pollution. Paper bus and parking tickets: We are depleting the terrestrial resources owing 2 - 4 weeks to the population explosion; and it is not far when we will have to depend on the oceans for Orange and banana peel: meeting our essential needs. In such times, if our up to 2 years oceans are polluted with garbage, this will pose a very serious global problem. As we sow, so Cigarette butts: shall we reap; if we dump waste in the oceans, 1 - 5 years the oceans, in return, will give clouds that have polluted water; and this will be dangerous to us. Plastic bags: Because of the expansiveness of oceans, cleaning 10 - 20 years is not a feasible option. So, we should refrain ourselves from considering oceans as the means Foam cups and tin cans: for disposing waste. We should bring maximum 50 years awareness on this matter among different nations and also figure out efficient methods of waste Aluminum cans: management on land itself. at least 80 years How YOU can help! Plastic bottles: 450 years GET INVOLVED and participate in local cleanups in your area. Fine fishing net: REMEMBER that our land and sea are connected. at least 600 years DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY no matter where you are. Glass bottles: REDUCE the amount of waste you produce. 1 million years Environmental cleanliness begins with each individual desire to be clean. - Lailah Gifty Akita AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 21

Blessed by Mah³k³la “One after nine or two after nine?”- Inquired Gurudev’s turn to speak came, Dr. Roy watched Pujya Gurudev from Dr. Roy. The question was so him closely. He noticed that Gurudev’s words unexpected that it took Dr. Roy a few moments to were strikingly clear, precise and had a divine grasp its context. Dr. Roy was a famous surgeon flow in them. Unlike other speakers, he neither of Lucknow; his reputation had spread beyond made references to scriptures nor laid stress on Lucknow to every part of India including the far any particular worship rituals. On the contrary, he south. Patients from even Japan, Korea and Africa was speaking about transforming the age. came to consult him and returned benefitted. In his address, Pujya Gurudev elaborated Glory, post and prosperity - nothing was lacking upon the importance of time in these words in Dr. Roy’s life. Life had given him full -“Times keep changing. History of human satisfaction in its different aspects, except one, civilisation bears testimony to these epochal and that one throbbed from deep inside. One changes. If in this cyclic pattern, Satayuga after another, nine daughters were born to him (Age of Righteousness) were to wake up from in the hope of a son-next-time. Pilgrimages to its long slumber and re-establish its reign over many temples, mutts and s³dhus bore no fruit. human affairs, why should this be considered This void in his life had gradually generated in impossible? For a man, it is impossible to create him an atheistic tendency. He had begun to feel even an ant, but God keeps creating numerous cynical and even angry at the sight of s³dhus and kinds of lives every moment. At least the atheists saints. So it was not surprising that his response should keep this truth in mind.” was sceptical when one day a close friend suggested to him—“Satish, let us visit Gayatri Gurudev paused, and then continued - “Today I Tapobhumi in Mathura, and meet Pt. Shriram have come to alert you to this, that the coming Sharma Acharya there. He does not call himself century is the age of transformation. This a s³dhu or saint, but mother goddess Gayatri and transformation is not happening from any human Saraswati literally sit on his tongue. It is said that planning; working behind it is the Mah³k³la´s even God does not dispose what Shriram Sharma resolve. Nature has started creating the appropriate Acharya proposes.” Dr. Roy did hear his friend environment for this new order. Whoever will be out but disbelief was so firmly entrenched in him able to behold this divine sight with his own eyes that he decided to first put Gurudev to test before will be greatly lucky, and whoever will be able to visiting him. accept this new challenge of time and put his foot forward in this direction will have an opportunity One day he heard that Pujya Gurudev had come to like that of Angad, Hanuman and Nala-Neel to Lucknow to participate in a programme. Dr. Roy partake of this divine fortune. The believers went there and took a seat in the audience. When know that when God showers His blessings, Our prayers should be for blessings in general, for God knows best what is good for us. - Socrates 22 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

the term ‘impossible’ ceases to exist. With His keep this in mind that offsprings are given for blessings, even an aged Jatayu was able to take inculcation of sa®sk³ras in them. After getting on the mighty Ravan.” this blessing, try to see that you and your family work for the larger good of the society. Only then, Gurudev’s words started a churning in the my words would prove justified.” thoughts of Dr. Roy. He began to reflect on whether God’s blessing could be measured Dr. Roy bowed before Poojya Gurudev in humble only by the gift of a son? Or, its true meaning acceptance. Time showed later that this blessing is that which Acharyaji is saying? Is the of Gurudev was not a mere rhetoric of empty present age really changing? While Dr. Roy words, but a divinely ordained law which destiny was pondering over these questions, Pujya proved true. Gurudev’s speech ended. But at that time, there were some more questions Dr. Roy had come thinking that he would ask cropping up in the mind of Dr. Roy which he Gurudev some such probing questions as would wanted answered. So he asked - “Gurudev, you put the latter to discomfort. But here, just the were just now talking about transformation of reverse had happened. He felt so magnetically the age. You talked about the descent of Avat³rº attracted towards the personality of Gurudev that to return without meeting him would have been Once upon a •me, there lived a man, foolish. He silently stood behind the crowd that who had studied a vast range of scholarly had gathered behind Pujya Gurudev. Soon his eyes works. He used to feel proud of his scholas•c met with Gurudev’s. Immediately Gurudev called and intellectual a•ainments. Whether it was him out - “Satish! One after nine or two after day •me or night, he used to walk with a nine?” Before Dr. Roy could recover, Gurudev lighted lamp in his hand. If asked about this smiled and said - “My Son! Daughter and son are peculiar habit, he would arrogantly reply- equals. But if your faith in God only stands on “There is darkness everywhere in the world. getting a son, tell me, you want one son or two I walk with this lamp so that there could be sons?” Dr. Roy was dumbstruck. He had never some light”. One day this arrogant scholar dreamt that Gurudev would so easily read his came across a saint. The saint started inner wish without anyone’s briefing and tell him laughing when he saw the scholar with the then and there in so clear and so few words. lighted lamp and said - “My friend, if you cannot see the ever shining sun then don’t Gathering some strength Dr. Roy spoke - “After tell that there is darkness around the world. meeting you, my desire to ask for anything has What will this •ny lamp of yours add to the vanished now.” Pujya Gurudev said - “Son! God limitless glow of the sunlight? Where does gives to those who do not demand. As long as the light of your knowledge stand before you had desire, He was not present for you; but the infinite knowledge of the Omniscient? now when you are not asking for it, He wants If possible, try to know this simple fact that to bless you with a son. I am merely acting as true knowledge can’t be a•ained just by the communicator of His message to you. But reading tons of books and trea•ses. True knowledge comes through the realiza•on of the indwelling light of Divinity.” The proud man counts his newspaper clippings, the humble man his blessings. - Fulton J. Sheen AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 23

Cetan³ (reincarnation of divine consciousness). Even if you are unable to see it, rest assured Please tell me if this would be of the kind of Lord that this divine consciousness has spread to Rama or Lord Krishna? And what message he will every nook and corner of the universe. When give to the people?” Pujya Gurudev replied - “No time comes its trumpet-call will reverberate son, the reincarnation of this age would be more in all the ten directions; and every corner will like the descent of the Ganga. Be it heaven, earth glow in its golden light.” or p³t³la (the nether world) - nothing would be beyond its effect. It will give two messages to the The words of Pujya Gurudev brought a people - refinement of the self, and enrichment of revolution in the life of Dr. Roy. In due the righteous tendencies.” course of time, he was blessed with two sons. Simultaneously, his mind was filled with a Pujya Gurudev further said - “A deep lethargy deep urge to henceforth dedicate himself had gripped the thinking of people. They do not to public good. Over the years, he had the want to accept their assigned responsibility in privilege of serving the country in many changing the society. Hence the future Avat³ra important capacities. During those days, many of the new age will tell the people that unless we Gayatri parijans would often call on him and ourselves change, no real change of the society he would tell everyone - “I have not seen God, is possible. At the same time he will create the but I have seen Gurudev. In my eyes, both are circumstances for the flowering of creativity. one and the same.” In a small village in the kingdom of Mysore lived a poor Brahmin. He had four daughters. His wife told him that lot of money would be required to perform the marriages of their daughters and hence he should plan for arranging the resources for the same. The Brahmin said – ‘Gayatri is the true wealth for a brahmin. I will do the worship of Gayatri. She will uphold my respect’. So saying, he con•nuously performed 11 Gayatri Mahapurascharanas. Neither did Mother Gayatri appear before him nor his poverty removed. By this •me, three of his daughters reached the marriageable age. Disappointed with everything, he took sannyasa (renuncia•on) and le• on a pilgrimage. One day when he went for his morning ablu•on, he stumbled on something. On closer inspec•on, he saw that it was a brass vessel filled with gold coins. Tears rolled out of his eyes and he cried out in agony – ‘O Mother, what was lacking in my sadhana that you first let my family life get destroyed by not showing your grace. Now, you are disturbing my life of sannyasa by giving these riches.’ The Brahmin then sat in a nearby place and began to meditate. As soon as his mind calmed down, Mother Gayatri appeared and said – ‘Son, each and every one should accept the results of their karma. You had a load of sins that required 11 Mahapurascharanas for ge•ng cleansed’. The Brahmin asked – ‘How are my wife and daughters doing?’ She replied – ‘Three of your daughters got married and the youngest one is living a life of happiness with her mother. I never let my devotees be troubled.’ Brahmin then asked – ‘Mother, what I shall do with this wealth now?’ She said – ‘Use it for the welfare of society. This will help you in realizing the goal of sannyasa ashrama that you have taken’. Brahmin followed her advice and later came to be known as Vidyaranya Swami. Reflect upon your present blessings - of which every man has many - not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. - Charles Dickens 24 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

Yug Gita – 10 Guru Guides the Disciple to Reflect on the Self – 2 (Continued from the previous issue) Lord Krishna brings Arjuna back in the main The soul is neither born, nor does it die at any stream, by explaining such a sophisticated time. It does not come into being or cease to philosophical concept, in short, that the body is exist. It is unborn, eternal, permanent, and pri- mortal and the soul is immortal; what is visible to meval. The soul is not destroyed when the body the physical eyes is ephemeral and destructible is destroyed. and the one that is invisible is eternal. How many people have fallen into the jaws of death O Arjuna! How can a person who knows that in front of our own eyes? Realize that eternal the soul is indestructible, eternal, unborn, and element, the Spirit (Soul), which is beyond the immutable, kill anyone or cause anyone to be physical body. In the following ïlokas, Lord is killed? trying to convey to Arjuna the same thing so that he understands his duty and gets ready for the This kind of explanation of Soul, with its righteous war. different virtues, is found from nineteenth to thirtieth ïlokas. This portion is considered the Ya ena® vetti hant³ra® essence of the Gita. It is advisable to read and yaïcaina® manyate hatam | contemplate on this essence when someone’s Ubhau tau na vij³nºto near and dear one dies. n³ya® hanti na hanyate || (2.19) Lord is making Arjuna realize that he should Na j³yate mriyate v³ kad³cin not get worried about this body, that he should n³ya® bh¿tv³ bhavit³ v³ na bh¿ya¡ | abandon his affection towards his relatives who Ajo nitya¡ ï³ïvato ´ya® pur³ño are prone to die. Guru shows his disciple this na hanyate hanyam³ne ïarºre || (2.20) mirror so that he can reflect on the self. As soon as we start talking the language of the wise, Ved³vin³ïina® nitya® Guru shows the mirror – why this arrogance – ya enam ajam avyayam | for whom this attachment – is it for this mortal Katha® sa puruÌa¡ p³rtha body – is it for the transitory relations? Again and ka® gh³tayati hanti kam || (2.21) again, Lord is preaching Arjuna to recognize the eternal and forget the transitory relations. Eternal Meaning: One who thinks that the soul is a are the relations of Soul and Supreme Soul, jºva slayer and one who thinks that the soul is slain - and brahma, disciple and Guru; and transient both are ignorant, because the soul neither slays and mortal are the relations with our so-called nor is slain. brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, etc. The people whom we consider near and dear ones are, in Know it for certain that without steady devotion for the Guru and unflinching patience and perseverance, nothing is to be achieved. – Swami Vivekananda AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 25

fact, the companions in this life only, whereas you should not grieve.’ He now talks of following Guru-disciple bond is eternal and continues one’s svadharma (righteous duty) - forever. This bond emerges from the sanctity of emotions, from the depth of heart; and, that Svadharmamapi c³vekÌya is why, it remains unbroken. A true Guru always na vikampitumarhasi| finds his true disciple and the true disciple is also able to find his true Guru. Dharmy³ddhi yuddh³chreyo ´nyat kÌatriyasya na vidyate|| (2.31) Lord reiterates the same thing in the following Meaning: Having regard to your own duty, you ïlokas: should not waver, for there is nothing higher for a kÌatriya than a righteous war. V³s³®si jºrñ³ni yath³ vih³ya nav³ni g•hñ³ni naro ’par³ñi| With this ïloka ends the context of ‘realizing the Tath³ ïarºr³ñi vih³ya jºrñ³nyany³ni soul beyond the body’ and starts the metaphysical sa®y³ti nav³ni dehº|| (2.22) – oriented context of ‘practicing svadharma by the physical body’. Lord says to Arjuna - ‘You Naina® chindanti ïastr³ñi have got this body so that you can understand your naina® dahati p³vaka¡ | svadharma and follow it’. Pujya Gurudev used Na caina® kledayanty³po to say – ‘It is through this body that the light of Na ïoÌayati m³ruta¡|| (2.23) Soul and Supreme Soul spread. We have got this body so that the effulgence of God can express Meaning: Just as a man casts off worn-out clothes through it. Our mind and body, our thoughts and and puts on new ones, so also the embodied Soul deeds are the fountains of this effulgence. Our casts off worn-out bodies and enters others that body is a unique divine constitution. Embraced are new. in the divine consciousness, when we perform our actions with this body, it is called ‘following Weapons cannot cut it, fire cannot burn it, water svadharma’ or practicing our duties. There is no cannot wet it and the wind cannot dry it. Tapa (penance) higher than performing one’s righteous duties.’ Explaining the virtues of the Soul, Lord says – ‘It is eternal, all-pervading, stable, ancient In this context, an anecdote of Mahabharat is and immovable. Therefore, knowing this to be worth recalling. There was one Muni (seer) named such, you should not grieve. Neither should you Jajalya, who was famous for his ardent Tapa. He deviate from performing your Yugadharma.’ acquired several supernormal powers by his Tapa. Lord says further (27th ïloka) ‘Birth is inevitable He used to throw his dhotº (a traditional lower to what is dead and death is inevitable to what is garment worn by male Hindus) in air for drying born. This is the law of Nature. Therefore, one and it would remain in the air without the support should not grieve.’ He explains to Arjuna further of any string. One day he saw that a crow has – ‘Though, this soul is present in the bodies of excreted on his dhotº. He got annoyed and by his all the living beings, it cannot be killed. Only the mere angry sight the crow was burnt to death. He body (the outer cover) can be killed. Therefore, The Teacher provides Spiritual Energy! Just like roots provide nutrients to the flowers! - Choa Kok Sui 26 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

became very proud of his supernormal powers. my svadharma – this is my only Tapa.’ Later on After this incident, he had a divine revelation that Jajalya Muni had many experiences which made he should shun his ego if he wanted to acquire him realize - ‘following svadharma – performing knowledge and know about Tapa; and, for this one’s righteous duties, is the highest form of purpose, he should go to Sulabha who lived in the Tapa and that he should not get arrogant about nearby village. Arrogant Jajalya reached the home his siddhºs, because they are momentary and they of Sulabha. He sent the message to Sulabha that vanish when one gets angry.’ Knowledgeable a Muni (himself) had come to meet her. Sulabha persons like Janak, etc became Yogº – Videh by replied that she was busy in feeding the children, following svadharma. Jajalya Muni thus realized so he should wait for some time. Muni got angry this essence of knowledge. over this and shouted – ‘Are you aware who has come to your house? People have been paying Lord too is explaining the same fact to his disciple respect to me all the way. In spite of knowing me, Arjuna. He says – ‘Fortunate are the kÌatriyas, O you are avoiding me.’ Sulabha replied – ‘I am not Arjuna, who are called upon to fight in such a war dhotº that will get dried on your instruction or that comes of itself as an open door to heaven! the crow that will get burnt. People might have But, if you will not fight in this righteous war, been respecting you all the way, but I know who then, having abandoned your duty and fame, you are.’ Muni started thinking how she acquired you shall incur sin. People, too, will recount this transcendental knowledge. Sulabha said – your everlasting dishonor; and to the honorable ‘Muniji! Don’t get surprised; it is the Tapa of person, dishonor is worse than death.’ (Chapter following svadharma by this body that has given 2, ïlokas 32, 33 and 34) me this siddhº. If you want to know more, please go to Tuladhar Vaishya.’ Pujya Gurudev too advised us to engage in Tapa. In the present times, Jó³na Yajóa is the best When Muniji reached the shop of Tuladhar Tapa. Inspiring the masses to imbibe the virtue Vaishya, he was talking to the customers. He said of righteous wisdom is our foremost duty, even to Tuladhar – ‘I have been sent here by Sulabha. if we have to abandon our pleasures and undergo First talk to me.’Tuladhar said – ‘Please wait, first pains for this purpose – so advised Gurudev. I will deal with the customers.’ – Immediately ‘Not undertaking this Tapa s³dhan³ is similar to Muniji got angry. Tuladhar said – ‘I am neither running away from our Mahabharata’ – He said. dhotº nor crow. Please don’t get annoyed, have The discussion on following svadharma, utilizing patience.’ Astonished Muni started thinking one’s talents and resources for the upliftment of how this man got the siddhº. Tuladhar said –‘I the masses, yugadharma, etc will continue in the am not a profiteer, I weigh correctly. I follow next issue. [To be continued] The relationship between apprentice and mentor is one of the most beautiful and most sacred relationships. In sharing his wisdom with his apprentice, the mentor discovers even more wisdom to share. - Charbel Tadros AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 27

Peace Pilgrim’s Wisdom – 10 Reflections on the Pilgrimage - 1 When I first started out, my tunic read PEACE Going without sleep would be harder, although I PILGRIM on the front and Walking Coast can miss one night’s sleep and I don’t mind. Every to Coast for Peace on the back. Through once in a while I miss a night’s sleep, but not for the years the message on the back changed some time now. The last time was September of from Walking 10,000 Miles for World 1977 when I was in a truck stop. I had intended to Disarmament to Walking 25,000 Miles for sleep a little but it was such a busy truck stop that Peace and ending with the present message I spent all night talking to truck drivers. The first of 25,000 Miles on Foot for Peace. This thing after I went in, a truck driver who’d seen walking has taken me several times into the me on television wanted to buy me some food. I forty-eight states and into Mexico and into all sat in a corner booth. ten Canadian provinces. Then truck drivers started to arrive, and it was just I finished counting miles of walking in one wave of truck drivers after another that were Washington, D.C. in the fall of 1964. I said to standing there and asking me questions, and so myself, “25,000 miles is enough to count.” It kept forth. I actually talked to them all night and I never me tied to the main highways where mileages did get to do any sleeping. After a while somebody are recorded on road maps. They’re not good offered me breakfast and I ate that and left. places to meet people. They’re just good places to count miles. Now I’m free to walk where Another time, a truck driver pulled his truck to the people are. Also, mileages are not given for my side of the road and said, “I heard you say over favorite places to walk: beaches, forest paths and television something about that endless energy mountain trails. and I just wanted to tell you I had it one time. I was marooned in a town by a flood. I got so bored Some things don’t seem so difficult, like going that I finally offered to help and I got interested without food. I seldom miss more than three in getting people out. I worked without eating, to four meals in a row and I never even think I worked without sleeping, and I wasn’t tired... about food until it is offered. The most I have But I don’t have it anymore.” I said, “Well, what gone without food is three days, and then are you working for now?” “Money,” he said. I Mother Nature provided my food — apples said, “That should be quite incidental. You have that had fallen from a tree. I once fasted as a the endless energy only when you are working prayer discipline for 45 days, so I know how for the good of the whole — you have to stop long one can go without food! My problem working for your little selfish interests.” is not how to get enough to eat; it’s how to graciously avoid getting too much. Everyone That’s the secret of it. In this world you are given wants to over-feed me! as you give! There is of course a deep spiritual need which the pilgrimage seems to satisfy, particularly for those hardy enough to tackle the journey on foot. - Edwin Mullins 28 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

I usually average twenty-five miles a day walking, There was a time when I was walking out of depending upon how many people stop to talk to town at sunset and a well-to-do couple in a big me along the way. I have gone up to fifty miles in house called me over. They had read about my one day to keep an appointment or because there pilgrimage and felt it was their Christian duty to was no shelter available. warn me that ahead on the way lay a very wicked place called ‘South of the Border.’ On very cold nights I walk through the night to keep warm. When the days are very warm I They just wanted to warn me not to go near that do a lot of walking at night to avoid the heat. I place. They did not offer food or shelter, however, have walked when the nights were filled with the so I walked on for several hours. It was a very scent of honeysuckle, the sight of fireflies and the dark night with a heavy cloud cover and all of a sound of whippoorwills. sudden it started to rain. Big drops were coming down, and I was carrying a lot of unanswered Once a six foot fellow, confident he could outwalk mail. I looked for a place where there might be me, walked with me for 33 miles. When he gave a shelter and nearby I saw a combination - gas up, his feet were blistered and his muscles ached. station, restaurant and motel. I ducked under the He was walking on his own strength; I wasn’t! I roof over the gas pumps and started to put the was walking on that endless energy that comes unanswered mail into the front of my tunic so it from inner peace. Another time a woman asked me if she could A disease might be treated by a accompany me on the pilgrimage. She told me medicine prescribed by a doctor. But one she wanted to get away from “that husband” can’t survive on medicine or tonics all of hers. Maybe she did have a calling, but her the •me for vigorous health. If you want motive was not the highest. Another lady who to sustain good health, you will have to wished to accompany me for a day could barely use the knowledge of preven•ve care walk by afternoon. I sent her home by bus! and maintaining vigor. Only the spark of knowledge could uproot avarice, I have never experienced any danger on my despera•on, tension, apprehension, walks. One time a couple of drunks did follow me sorrow, and other mental weaknesses and in a car, but when I moved off the road they left. psychological complaints, which make Only once has anyone ever thrown something at our lives burdensome. All the prosperity me: a man in a speeding truck threw a fistful of and might of the world together cannot crumpled dollar bills. I simply gave them to the control these complexi•es; rather they next church where I spoke. tend to augment the vices and worries in the absence of proper knowledge. True A college student once asked me if I had ever knowledge alone is the key to peace and been mugged. “Mugged?” I answered. “You happiness in this life and the life beyond. would have to be a crazy person to mug me — I haven’t a penny to my name!” - Acharya Shriram Sharma Life is a pilgrimage. The wise man does not rest by the roadside inns. He marches direct to the illimitable domain of eternal bliss, his ultimate destination. - Swami Sivananda AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 29

wouldn’t get wet. The man from the gas station in the Florence, Arizona, city hall and the seat of came running out and said, “Don’t stand out there a fire engine in Tombstone, Arizona. Once I was in the rain, come into the restaurant.” inadvertently locked for thirteen hours in an icy gas station restroom. My accommodations were The man in the restaurant said, “Oh, we read all quiet and private, although somewhat chilly! about you, and we would like to offer you a dinner or anything you want.” By that time I realized I sleep equally well in a soft bed or on the grass where I was. I was in ‘South of the Border.’ The beside the road. If I am given food and shelter, man from the motel was sitting across the table fine. If not, I’m just as happy. Many times I am from me and he gave me a room for the night. given shelter by total strangers. When hospitality They also gave me breakfast the next morning. is not available there are always bus depots, railroad stations and all night truck stops. There may have been gambling in the back room; something was going on there. But they treated I remember being offered a queen size bed at me in a much more Christian fashion than those a fashionable motel one evening and the next who warned me against them. It just demonstrates evening space on the concrete floor of a twenty- my point that there is good in everybody. four hour gasoline station. I slept equally well on both. Several times a friendly sheriff would I have received hospitality in the most unusual unlock the door of an unoccupied jail cell. When places. These have included a conference table no shelter is available to me, I sleep in the fields or by the side of the road with God to guard me. [Reproduced with glad consent of the publishers – Friends of Peace Pilgrim] Most part of human life is largely spent in – ea•ng, sleeping and being engaged in sensual passions and pleasures, or worrying, fearing or figh•ng etc. Almost all the •me and efforts are centered round the body and the ac•vi•es and people associated with it. But is that all the purpose for which the human life is bestowed? If the domain of life is confined to ac•vi•es related with the body, its protec•on, fulfillment of its ins•nc•ve desires, then what is the difference between humans and animals? In fact, all the great talents, skills, abili•es and powers which Nature has endowed us with are for the be•erment of the world, for the welfare of all. So one must try his/ her level best to help others, elevate them. No doubt, you should take care of your health, excelling of your own poten•als, your near and dear ones, but your du•es should not end there. Whatever •me and resources you have must also be shared for altruis•c service of the needy around you; the society should also benefit by your talents and powers. – Acharya Shriram Sharma Days of slow walking are very long: they make you live longer, because you have allowed every hour, every minute, every second to breathe, to deepen, instead of filling them up by straining the joints… - Frédéric Gros 30 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

Make it a Habit to Smile ‘The body is a powerful tool for communication… Psychologists also say that a smile inspires Our appearances and actions often say more actions in a positive manner. Of course, this about our feelings than our words. Even the refers to only the genuine smile and not the fake smallest gesture — such as a head-tilt or a one. A fake smile does not elicit any positive smile — can reveal a lot.’ - Says Dr. Dacher outcome on the mind or actions. Psychologists Keltner, a professor and founding faculty also have observed that when a person speaks a director of the Greater Good Science Center at lie, he smiles less than normal. the University of California, Berkeley. Many research studies have been conducted on emotions What is the science behind smile? When one’s that are expressed through the face. Smile is brain feels happy, endorphins are produced a facial expression indicating pleasure, favor, or and neuronal signals are transmitted to his amusement. A smiling face has the power to facial muscles to trigger a smile. A positive attract others. It also fills oneself with a pleasant feedback loop of happiness starts with feeling that rejuvenates both body and mind. A smiling; that is, when one’s smiling muscles smile is like a facial exercise that gives a healthy contract, they fire a signal back to the brain, glow to your face. stimulating his reward system, and further increasing the level of happy hormones, or A person, who can smile his way through his endorphins. Researchers say that the feel- troubles and challenges in life, is unstoppable. good neurotransmitters dopamine, endorphins He will surmount all his problems and emerge and serotonin are all released when a smile successful in life. Smile enhances one’s flashes across your face. This not only relaxes personality. It can work as a simple and effective your body, but it can lower your heart rate and remedy to lead a healthy life. People, who smile blood pressure, as well. a lot, have a better immune system; it helps them fight diseases better than those who don’t smile. By smiling, we cast a positive influence on They are also able to take quick decisions; and those around us. Others derive enthusiasm are spared from the uncertainty and tension from our personality. A smiling person also associated with indecisiveness. emanates happiness around him. The entire atmosphere becomes cheerful and light. A When a person speaks to others with a smile, smiling face is always a center of attraction. it sends a message of good will and faith. It is also said that a smile on doctor’s face This is why a smiling person is considered cures 50% of the illness. On the other side, trustworthy, friendly and as someone with a if the doctor maintains a tense countenance, positive outlook towards life. He influences the patient is more likely to be stressed out others in the same way. and worried. We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do. - Mother Teresa 31 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

We never lose anything by giving or distributing, One then why should we save our smile only for rare occasions? By smiling, you not only make Smile someone happy but also take away their worry and pain for some time. You don’t have to spend has the power to... any money to smile; it is just a reflection of your state of mind. Don’t mistake that smiling is just Calm fears. a physical activity. You cannot get a genuine Soften stone walls. smile on the lips unless you are in a happy and Warm a cold heart. peaceful state of mind. Smiling has the ability Invite a new friend. to keep away negative emotions. Mimic a loving hug. Hence, improve the power of your smile. Beautify the bearer. This will enable you to face the challenges Lighten heavy loads. which are an inherent part of everyone’s life. Promote good deeds. If a person can manage to keep his smile Brighten a gloomy day. intact in the midst of the problems, he will Comfort a grieving spirit. notice that these problems will slowly begin Offer hope to the forlorn. to melt away and reach solutions in a very Send a message of caring. natural way. Smiling has a magical effect and Lift the downtrodden soul. anyone can do this magic by bringing a smile Patch up invisible wounds. on his/her face. So, make it a habit to smile Weaken the hold of misery. and keep smiling. Act as medicine for suffering. Attract the companionship of Recommended reading angels. 1. Acharya Sharma, Shriram: Zindagi Kaise Fulfill the human need for recognition. Jiyen? (in Hindi), Yug Nirman Yojana, Gayatri Who knew changing the world Tapobhumi, Mathura (2nd print, 1990); also would prove so simple? available on our website – link to the book is - http://literature.awgp.org/book/Jindagi_ - Richelle E. Goodrich Kaise_Jiye 2. Seaward B. L.: Managing Stress: Principles and Strategies for Health and Well-Being, Jones and Bartlett, Sudbury, Mass. (2009) 3. Karren K.J., et al: Mind/Body Health: The Effect of Attitudes, Emotions and Relationships, Benjamin Cummings, New York, N.Y. (2010) Smile, it is the key that fits the lock of everybody’s heart. - Anthony J. D’Angelo 32 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

Odyssey of the Enlightened – 59 ‘Akhand Jyoti’ Begins Its Journey – 2 Life in its entirety the letter regarding his plan, he also included his After returning to Agra, Shriram shared his new introduction in it that he was actively taking part plan with Babu Gulab Rai, Jagan Prasad Rawat in the freedom struggle and was also associated and Veni Prasad Sharma of Kashi. During that with journalism. After getting acquainted with period, Sri Veni Prasadji was in Agra. Shriram these facts, the scholars sent good wishes for also wrote about his plan to Sri Hanuman Prasad the project; at the same time, they also had some Poddar, editor of ‘Kalyan’ and Sri Durga Shankar expectations from him. Shriram appropriately Nagar, editor of ‘Kalpavriksha’. In those days, replied to all those letters and expressions of only two Hindi magazines titled ‘Kalyan’ and good wishes. ‘Kalpavriksha’ were published containing topics on religion – spirituality, sadhana, culture, yoga, Durga Shankar Nagar of Ujjain suggested: “There devotion, etc. should be sufficient coverage in ‘Akhand Jyoti’ of topics like ‘other worlds’ and ‘life beyond death’ The editor of ‘Kalyan’ wrote back– “We give as life was not limited to the time span between priority to the teachings of saints and seers. It birth and death but a journey in eternity in is possible that their thoughts / opinions might many dimensions of existence.” Durga Shankar contain some old traditions, rituals and customs Nagar was a spiritually evolved soul. Apart from that have become obsolete today. It is not Sadhana and Atmavidya he was also an adept at necessary that we agree with them on all counts. contacting the departed souls and could arrange But as they are the messages of saints, we are conversations between them and their living publishing them as such. It will be good, if you relatives. can do some modification befitting the present times. There are many traditions that have Shriram left the old house and hired a new one. become redundant today. Your opinion - that they There were three rooms in it. Wife Saraswati should not be considered significant / important Devi, along with daughters Shraddha and Daya, because they are traditions and that they should also joined him. Only Omprakash remained in be followed / judged through discernment – is Aanwalkheda with Taiji. The purpose of family good.” joining him was to share the day-to-day burden of Shriram and also to take care of the household. Suggestions and good wishes The new house was located in Freeganj ward of Shriram noted these lines of the letter in his Agra. Out of the three rooms, one was to be used diary. Other scholars also gave their suggestions. as an office of Akhand Jyoti. The second room All of them were overwhelmed that a monthly was for Puja –Path (worship) and also as a sitting- magazine for propagating practical spirituality room; and the third one for personal use as well for was going to be published. When Shriram sent the guests. Kitchen was separate. The expenditure It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer. - Albert Einstein 33 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

and responsibilities increased four-fold. There The first problem was procuring printing paper was no proper source of regular income. So long at a reasonable cost. It could be obtained for as he was working in ‘Sainik’, the wages were of the first issue; but the trader who promised to some help. Now the entire arrangement was to be supply paper started making excuses. He was made by self. Taiji assured that they could easily talking of supplying paper at eight to ten times pull on with the income from agriculture. Initially higher prices and that too there was no guarantee Shriram had some hitch in using that money but of continuous supply. Other traders also talked later on made up his mind to take it as a loan till in similar voice. Press too was in a miserable the alternative arrangements had been made. Taiji condition. The laborers were available but the objected to it –“Why are you considering it as a magazine could not be published with their help loan?” Shriam’s answer was – “You have already alone. The members, who promised to subscribe donated this wealth to the society.” Taiji had to Akhand Jyoti and also to cooperate in this no rebuttal for this. Shriram said – “I will take venture, withdrew. a small fraction of the income generated by the magazine as my salary. Rest of the income will The second issue of the magazine could not be be utilized in the expansion of Akhand Jyoti.” By published in time. The more he tried to manage the ‘the expansion of Akhand Jyoti’, he meant the affairs, the more they got entangled. After trying ever-increasing propagation of the inspirations for three months continuously, Shriram made up from the Primordial Power, Vedmata Gayatri his mind to start afresh. It was decided that instead of making arrangements for each and every issue First Issue Published separately, a lump sum arrangements should be The first issue of Akhand Jyoti was published in made for one full year; that the publication should January 1938. In those days, there was no tradition be resumed only when the resources were collected of inauguration or release ceremony of any for publishing at least twelve issues regularly; that publication. It was the day of Vasant Panchami. it should not matter even if it took one or two Shriram did pranam to Taiji and requested her to years for re-starting; but after re-starting, the heart place the first copy of the magazine at the feet of –breaking effort should not be required to publish Vedmata. The Akhand Deepak was also kept near the very next issue. In this preparation, it took it. The light of this lamp was falling on the front about one and half years. page of the magazine. It appeared as if Goddess Gayatri was showering her blessings. After this Sudarsan-bearing Lord Krishna on the front dedication in the Puja-room, the magazine was page distributed to friends and scholars. It was announced that ‘Akhand Jyoti’ was going to be published again from Vasant Parva of 1940. With the publication of the first issue, the The colored photograph of Lord Krishna holding preparation started for the second issue, but there Sudarsan Chakra was printed on the front cover were formidable obstacles in the path. There was page of January 1940 issue. slackness in the market. Second World War was about to start; and hence apart from fiscal deficit, The magazine was printed beforetime. Two-three there was also scarcity of essential commodities. days prior to Vasant Panchmi, Shriram called Let me tell you the secret that has led to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity. - Louis Pasteur 34 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

Taiji from Aanwalkheda; and on the day of Vasant third-fourth month, one volunteer came forward Panchmi (fifth day of lunar month of Magh), in the to help him. In fact that volunteer had earlier morning, requested Taiji to offer the first copy to worked with him during the days of freedom Goddess Gayatri. Taiji offered Roli-Akshat on it and struggle. He had great faith in Shriram’s noble placed it in front of Mother Gayatri. Wife, Saraswati aim. He participated in freedom struggle, with Devi, also participated in the offering process. the inspiration from Shriram. When he saw a new Shriram sung Aarti and thus completed the divine beginning in the form of Akhand Jyoti, he joined dedication of Akhand Jyoti (literally meaning ‘Light Shriram in this venture. He used to keep accounts, Divine’) in the light of ‘Akhand Deepak’. do correspondence and also distribute about two hundred copies by hand from home to home. By The first copy was sent to Mahatma Gandhi the time, second issue could be published, several by post at his center of activities, Sevagram. letters of readers arrived. Scholars and great men He gave one copy each to Babu Gulab Rai and to whom Shriram has specifically written earlier Sri Krishna Datta Paliwal by hand. Hanuman too replied. Message of Mahatma Gandhi came, Prasad Poddar, editor of ‘Kalyan’, Ramakrishna in which he advised him to avoid criticizing others Mission, Kolkata, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and and to keep harmony with all religions / faiths. Shankar Mathas of Puri and Kanchi were also in his mailing list. Every member was requested to Hanuman Prasad Poddar, the editor of ‘Kalyan’, send his impartial opinion / feedback about the said that Akhand Jyoti had inspired a ray of magazine. The readers were also requested to give hope. At that time, ‘Kalyan’ had twenty thousand their opinions about the contents, distribution subscribers. He had high hopes from Akhand arrangement, the quality of printing and even the Jyoti, because in the very first issue, the resolve selection of paper and photos. of spreading the message of Adyashakti Gayatri of Indian religious tradition amongst the masses Five hundred copies of the first issue were printed. was expressed vividly. Before it was sent for binding, the matter of the second issue was given to the press for composing. The feedback came from all sections of the About three hundred fifty copies were sent by post. society. The powerful reaction was that of Taiji. Shriram himself wrote their addresses by hand. She didn’t say anything when she offered the Using carbons, several copies of addresses were first issue of the magazine at the feet of Goddess made. Saraswati Devi cut these addresses and Gayatri. After about a month, one day she pasted them on the wrappers. Whatever time was suddenly said – “Shriram, you have published made available after the care of the two daughters the magazine of Gayatriji from Agra. There and the home, she would spend in the magazine is a photo of Sudarsan-bearing Lord Krishna work. For the second issue, she even helped in printed on its cover page. How good it would wrapping the covers on the magazine. have been had this magazine got published from His Dham (Mathura)?” Feedback In the beginning, Shriram used to locally [To be continued] distribute the magazine by his own hands. In the Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements and impossibilities: It is this that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak. - Thomas Carlyle AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 35

Youth Column How to Attain True Success? What is the path to success in life? What does death penalty. Even Chandra Shekhar Azad, an success mean? What we consider success, and the Indian revolutionary, was unsuccessful and had to measurement criteria for success… are they the sacrifice his life for India’s struggle for freedom. only basis of success, or can failure be even more Maharani Lakshmi Bai and Tatya Tope were not meaningful than success in life? There could be able to succeed. Subhash Chandra Bose was not a deeper meaning of success and failure beyond able to succeed in witnessing India get freedom worldly norms; in the true sense, sometimes a during his lifetime. success is inferior to a failure, and sometimes the worst failures can be grander than any success. These great souls were not able to achieve desired The basis for success and failure are rooted in success in their lifetime, but despite their failures high ideals and noble goals. The one, who lives they are considered successful people because with high ideals all his life and fails numerous they had the highest ideals and goals in life. They times, will still be considered successful, but are all worthy of our reverence and salutations, the one who compromised his ideals to become because they established and carried out the successful, will still be deemed unsuccessful. highest ideals in their lives; they became the role models for numerous revolutionaries who were The biggest success in life lies in identifying your willing to walk on their path, which was full of strengths, and accordingly performing superior struggle for India’s freedom. actions. The true measure of success depends on whether you were able to carry out your tasks In contrast, there are many examples where attentively and perfectly, with full zeal or not. success may have been achieved, but this If we succeeded in performing a certain task by success is not considered desirable. If someone hook or by crook, then that success will always obtains wealth by corruption, bribery, gambling continue to haunt and sting us, because we were or robbing then his success is not considered not worthy of achieving that success. Contrary desirable. These people stray away from the to this, if we do not achieve successful results, ultimate goals of life even after achieving even though we tried our very best, we will have material success. They are unable to understand a feeling of deep satisfaction in performing that life’s purpose, and mold their lives accordingly task. Success rests in performing our actions through the art of living. Therefore, the person with full enthusiasm. who succeeds in achieving his life’s purpose and lives honorably is considered successful. There have been many great freedom fighters that were not able to achieve success, but this does Life and nature throws many obstacles and not appraise their life. The freedom fighter Man challenges in our way. Every day we have to Singh was not able to succeed; he was given the face new challenges; and new problems arise out True success is overcoming the fear of being unsuccessful. - Paul Sweeney 36 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

of various situations. Should we get scared and of the day. The capacity of the mind is far greater run away from these challenges and problems, than that of the body. Even when the body gets or should we struggle with them, and face them fatigued, the mind still keeps on struggling. There like a skilled warrior? The decision we make will is even greater power than that of the mind – it is prove whether we are considered successful or the power of soul. This power comes from God. unsuccessful in life. We are successful when we This is the true source of success in life. A yogi is face these challenges of life, and unsuccessful aware of this fact and so he attaches his physical when we try to escape from these challenges out strength with that of his mind, and then combines of fear, or look for ways to avoid them. the mind’s capabilities with that of the soul, and thus connects with the capabilities of the God. In The significance of life is not in escaping. If we this manner one can accumulate spiritual powers avoid or run away, then we will never be able and prosperity in one’s life. to succeed in life; if we face these challenges with full force then new capabilities germinate Life is an ocean of energy. Countless, endless in us. A new insight emerges within us, a new waves of energy go on crashing on the shores excitement and enthusiasm arises, which assists of time. The human being is also a tiny wave in us in dealing with the difficult challenges we face. this vast ocean full of countless waves, yet it has When a student starts reading, he is taught the infinite, boundless potential hidden/embedded in alphabets. Then he learns grammar, eventually it. The natural aspiration of a wave is to become becomes a linguist, and then becomes a laureate. an ocean and the natural desire of the seed is to As he moves from one grade to another his become a tree. The wave is not successful until questions become more complicated, but along it dissolves and spreads itself in the vastness with this his ability to answer also increases. of the ocean. Until the seed turns into a tree In addition, his personality and his intellectual laden with blossomed flowers, it does not attain aptitude keep growing. contentment. The genuine accomplishment in life hinges on achieving perfection by living The capacity of the body is limited. The body a purposeful and righteous life. That is a true gets tired easily and gets exhausted by the end measure of success in life. “He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed o•en, and loved much; Who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of li•le children; Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; Who has never lacked apprecia•on of Earth’s beauty or failed to express it; Who has le• the world be•er than he found it; Who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; Whose life was an inspira•on, whose memory a benedic•on.” ― Bessie Anderson Stanley True success, true happiness lies in freedom and fulfillment. - Dada Vaswani 37 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

Amrit Vani Theism, Spirituality and Religion (Translation of excerpts of some discourses given by Pandit Shriram Sharma, Acharya as part of constructive programs of his mission of mass-awakening and social upliftment) Let us begin with collective chant of the a wish-fulfilling source that showers everything Gayatri Mantra: they pray for in return of the flowers, sweets, “Om Bh¿r Bhuva¡ Swa¡, Tatsaviturvareñya® incense sticks, etc, that they offer as part of Bhargo Devasya Dhºmahi, Dhiyo Yo Na¡ worship-rituals. They have made mockery of Pracoday³t ||” devotion. Their ‘trade’ of devotion belittles their deities as well. The devotion, the faith, the religion Sisters and Brothers, of such people maligns the grace of divinity. Look at the gorgeous show of egotism and madness of The practices of religion, the behavior of the so- ignorance by many of the ‘powerful’ religious called theists, and the character and preaching leaders in the crowded congregations of the grand of the self-styled spiritual masters in the religious fetes like “Kumbh Mela” these days? present times are often found so controversial What kind of theism, what kind of spirituality, and even sub-standard that one would hardly what kind of religion is this? Which thoughtful have any respect or even quest for these topics. mind, which sensible heart would have any Ostentation, blind faith and insane customs in the reverence for all this? Indeed, it is much better to name of religion appear predominant in the Indian be an atheist, better to altogether reject the idea of society and prevalent cultural system today. At spirituality than to follow the path of ignorance, many places, narrow interpretations of religion, fraud, pretentions, delusions, superstitions, and coupled with egotism and vested interests have hypocrisy in the name of theism, spirituality, and adulterated religion with communalism. The term religion. “Spirituality” is beyond the understanding of most people. Even those who might talk about it, as part Avoid Misconceptions. Search for Truth: of philosophical interest or scholarly ‘fashion’, A misconception that most people have about are not clear about its distinction from occultism spirituality is that it is mainly a source of mystic or spiritualism (occult knowledge of spirits or attainments. They believe that spiritually evolved ghosts); some are trapped in hallucination and/or people have supernatural potentials, their superstitions in the name of spirituality; faiths of blessings work wonders, and what not. Many the innocents are being emotionally exploited by people search for spiritual masters only out of the self-styled gurus or spiritual masters. curiosity to see some magical activities or to get blessed by them. Many of you also might also For many self-advocating ‘theists’, the deities have such wrong notions. Even about me many (idols of gods) in temples seem to have become of you have such impressions. Often people Gravity explains the motions of the planets, but it cannot explain who sets the planets in motion. - Isaac Newton 38 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

come to me to see whether I could demonstrate called disciples, devotees or s³dhakas (spiritual some extrasensory or supernatural feats. Some seekers). even ask whether I experienced something extraterrestrial or met some angels, etc, during If you expect any boons or illustration of amazing my visits to several mystic places in the arduous powers from me, it would mean that you don’t core of Himalayas. know anything about me. Please remember, I have dedicated all my spiritual endeavors, every Do you think spirituality is some kind of magical moment of my life mainly for one objective – I tricks? In their popular shows, magicians do want to awaken true humanity in the humans of so many astonishing things! Are they spiritual today. I want to remind humankind of the divine masters? Then why do you get carried away purpose of human life. I would like to see the by such tricks of some self-styled fake ‘yogis’, descent of divinity in human-self. I want that the ‘babajis’ or ‘spiritual gurus’? Simply, because seekers of spirituality, the so-called theists and of their costumes! Or, may be, you get attracted devotees, first become good, duty-bound human by their popular shows via media, or by their beings. Before expecting great attainments from ‘catchy’ talks on some religious texts. Do you ascetic spiritual endeavors, before considering think cramming up some hymns and uttering oneself a devotee or a theist, one must know the them with superficial ‘preaching’, wearing some basics of spirituality and religion. saffron attire, growing a beard, etc, makes one spiritually enlightened? Please get rid of such It really hurts me see this pathetic state of the delusions. The most non-disputable sign of Indian society today. Is our country now full of spiritual progress is that true spiritual elevation only those who ignore the “Law of Karma”, who awakens saintliness. Saints and sages never boast do not give importance to the quality of character, of, or demonstrate their extraordinary powers; merits of deeds, and sincerity of endeavors? Is they would not bless a non-deserving person. this the great ideology and culture that Hinduism Remember that a genuine spiritual master would boasts of? Are these the absolute spiritual never want to create an astonishing image of self. knowledge, the great divine values, high ideals Many of you who have read the “Gayatri and principles of morality, because of which Mahavigyan” and similar books on deeper this country was once glorified as superior to science and philosophy of spiritual s³dhan³s, the Heavens? Certainly not! Then what is that get fascinated by your own imaginations about knowledge? awakening of the extrasensory energy-nuclei and supramental faculties by the AnuÌÚh³na What is the beacon light of spirituality? Where (s³dhan³) of the great Gayatri Mantra. You expect is it? Is spirituality different from spiritualism? me, as the writer of “Gayatri Mahavigyan” and Or, is it yet another name of parapsychology? Is a dedicated s³dhak of Gayatri, to possess some it philosophy or science? How is it different from miraculous powers. Many people try to do Gayatri Religion? What is the relevance and importance AnuÌÚh³na and expect divine blessings and boons of religion? And, why do we see religious in return. Such imaginations and expectations anarchy, communalism and extremisms, and only show ignorance and immaturity of the so- darkness everywhere? Who is a theist? Is The ideas of the moral order and of God belong to the ineradicable substrate of the human soul. - C.G. Jung AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 39

theism different from blind faith and mindless trust in the absolute principle of Karma viz., sacraments and ritualistic customs? These are untoward, painful, and adverse consequence some of the questions and doubts that encounter of vicious thoughts and actions, and positive, every thoughtful mind. Indeed, every scientific supporting, blissful, consequences of good, noble mind should have such suspicions in view of the thoughts and deeds; and (iii) faith in the power prevailing confusion, exploitation, ostentation of conscience, and adoption of fearlessness, and devolution in the field of religion and integrity, and emotional sensitivity (unalloyed spirituality. Every wise person should raise these love, compassion, generosity) and selfless queries and sincerely investigate to find authentic service. answers. Numerous religious philosophies, scriptural Many of you might also have had similar quest in texts, spiritual teachings, disciplines and mind. So let me explain the meaning and highlight practices originate and revolve around these three certain vital aspects of Âstikat³ (Theism), principles. Theism, Spirituality, and Religion Âdhy³tmikat³ (Spirituality) and Dh³rmikat³ should be considered in the totality of all three. (Religiousness) in human life. What is Faith in God, What is Devotion? Essence of Theism, Spirituality & Religion: Most often we see that those who have ‘faith’ in I have thoroughly studied all ancient texts of God, follow, in one way or the other, some kind religion and spirituality, experimented with of devotional line and tradition of devotional different kinds of s³dhan³s, and found that the practices. Many of the so called devotees remain essence of all is conveyed in the three component engaged in varieties of ritualistic practices (“P¿j³- parts (charañas) of the Gayatri Mantra. P³Úha”) and what not! Many are not even sincere in doing the rituals. Their p¿j³-p³Úha too is only If you look at the recipes for preparing sweets ostentation, an act of deception. Such people not (desserts), you will find that by and large basic only try to create false impression before others, ingredients of all are only three — some kind of but more than that they cheat their own selves. grain floor, some sweetening agent, and some kind of milk product. Similarly the basics of all Those who sincerely follow specific line of religious teachings, the principles of spirituality devotional practices, sincerely do p¿j³-p³Úha are contained in the three charañas of the Gayatri should also note that all these acts, even chanting Mantra. Understanding and adopting their of God’s name and prayers, singing devotional teachings is what the Vedic texts have described songs, etc is only like an outer sheath. As we as the triveni (confluence of three holy rivers all know, it is the life-force that is most precious — Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati), bathing in inside a living body; without the life-force, the which purifies and beatifies everyone. body is dead (it deteriorates and decays into rotten rubbish sans the life-force). Similarly, what These three basic traits of spirituality and matters in devotion is the depth of inner feeling, religion are — (i) belief in God, i.e., belief the firm faith and the dedication that the devotee in divinity, virtuous qualities, goodness; (ii) has for the deity’s divine virtues and disciplines. Only the sixth sense can expose what the other five have hidden. - Matthew A. Petti 40 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

For example, suppose someone regularly and hymns, that matters. There may be someone thoroughly does worship of the deities (idols or who hardly practices any ritual of worship or images of gods) and chants prayers, devotional any ‘prescribed’ devotional act, but he has deep hymns, etc for several hours — may be 4 or even faith in divine disciplines and qualities and he 7 hours a day, but in his heart, mind and conduct sincerely attempts to adopt ethics of humanity in he is just the contrary to what a true believer in his conduct and deeds, then he will be regarded the law of divinity should be, he is a cheater, an as a devotee in God’s eyes. arrogant and cruel person? Will you regard him as a devotee? Certainly not! A person can’t be As I have explained on several occasions, as the regarded as a devotee simply because he does word meaning of up³san³ implies, it is an act p¿j³-p³Úha. For example a puj³rº (priest in a of sitting near the deity. That means — being in temple) does p¿j³-p³Úha every day. But it may the proximity (through heart and mind) of divine simply be his ‘profession’ or assigned duty. This thoughts and ideals. So your devotion, your faith alone won’t make him a devotee. is true only if it induces corresponding divine qualities in you. This effect should be reflected What is the use of the rituals of worship and clearly in your thoughts, deeds and character. The devotional practice if they do not awaken rituals of worship (p¿j³-p³Úha) and devotional kindness, honesty, modesty, courage, purity practice of chants and prayers are only like of thoughts, and other obvious consequences supporting tools to help conditioning your mind. of faith in the divine? Please note it is not the If you do some p¿j³-p³Úha sincerely, then fine. duration or methods of worship that count in But these alone won’t make you a theist and a devotion. Rather, it is the depth and purity devotee. If you do not follow any customary of your feelings, your mental and emotional practice of worship, then also it is fine. What is engrossment in devotion, your inner faith and more important is your inner faith, your intrinsic firm belief in divine values and disciplines, urge, and your sincere endeavors of inculcating your sincerity in adopting the qualities and the virtuous qualities associated with your deity teachings implied in the rituals and devotional (divine ideal). (To be continued in the next issue) “The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love. There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread but there are many more dying for a li•le love. The poverty in the West is a different kind of poverty - it is not only poverty of loneliness but also of spirituality. There’s a hunger for love, as there is a hunger for God.” ― Mother Teresa This most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being. - Isaac Newton AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 41

Attributes of a Spiritual Person The twenty-first century has witnessed an others. Similarly, the thoughts and actions of increasing inclination of the masses towards those who practice yoga or meditation regularly spirituality. People now like to be called spiritual may be lacking love and compassion. and want to incorporate spirituality into their lives. Not only in our land but even in foreign On the other hand, there may be people who countries, people are taking interest in spirituality may neither be following any particular religion rather than religion. However, there are many nor visiting any holy place, nor performing who cannot even differentiate between the two. any prayers-meditations, nor affiliated to any They do not understand how different it is to be spiritual organization. In spite of this, they are spiritual than religious. spiritual because they know about the element of the self. Their heart overflows with compassion, For instance, one who regularly pays a visit generosity and affection for others. They are to his place of worship and prays every day always ready to help. may be called religious, but it is not necessary that he would be spiritual as well. Similarly, Spiritual people are naturally modest. On can a person practicing yoga and meditation the contrary, most of the religious people are regularly be called spiritual? Probably not! overwhelmed with arrogance and pride. Conceit, Even if a person is affiliated to some spiritual harshness and malevolence are clearly visible in organization and follows its tenets sincerely their thoughts and actions. Such people may be cannot essentially be included in the sphere of religious, but still be despicable. spirituality. Can a person be religious and spiritual at the same In fact, a spiritual person is one who is as time? It is certainly possible but only if a person affectionate towards others as he loves himself. is executing his religious rituals by heart and This can only be the case when one is refined not doing them mechanically. There are certain from within and possesses self-knowledge. special attributes which can be seen in the life, Such a person loves and honors every visible conduct and actions of a spiritual person through component of the nature and has a generous which he can be identified to a great extent. Some outlook towards it. This is because he knows of these are: that basically all of them are the manifestations 1. A spiritually evolved person distances of the same entity. himself from publicity and popularity. He It is possible that a person who daily visits the never endeavors to attract the attention holy places like temples, mosques or churches of others towards himself because he is may not have even a bit of love or respect for completely free from arrogance and any such aspiration. This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness. - Dalai Lama 42 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

2. He is sensitive towards all forms of natural spiritually evolved personality who owns beauty and equally respects every member of such supernormal powers. the empire of the nature. 8. He never orders anyone but only advises. 3. Unconditional love is the basic mark of a He never creates fear in people, but only spiritual person. He does not evaluate others. infuses love and courage. He never gives Criticism and analysis is not in his nature. rise to abhorrence, rather proves helpful in developing their self-respect. 4. He has already risen above the malefic tendencies of sensuality, anger, arrogance, 9. A spiritual person is not only dedicated avarice, attachment and hatred. towards his own upliftment but also helps in taking other people towards the ultimate 5. A truly spiritual person is the source of aim of their lives and shows them the right Prajó³ (righteous wisdom) and prudence. path. Although he can teach certain rules and His knowledge about life, nature and the rules methods which are good for the material life, of universe is far better than that of ordinary but he does not forces anyone to follow them. people. This is so because he has attained this knowledge through self-realization, rather 10. One who has reached the peak of spirituality than reading the scriptures. seldom speaks about his life or background, unless they are of any relevance or a source of 6. The most extraordinary and praiseworthy motivation. On the other hand, those devoid virtue of a truly spiritual person or Guru of spiritual virtues show arrogance and (mentor) is that he never considers keep on boasting and discussing only about himself as a mentor. Highly humble, such themselves. Such people only like those who an individual believes that he still has appreciate or flatter them; and those who a lot to learn. He hesitates to be called a refrain from this, appear wicked to them. mentor. While performing spiritual and divine actions, he feels that ‘this is not 11. Evolved souls are inherently creative. Their me but the God residing within me who knowledge emanates from the subtle-causal is accomplishing everything; I am only a realm. As their knowledge comes from deep medium’. within, it is spontaneous. Therefore, they do not require reading or referring to any book. 7. Even if such a spiritual person or mentor possesses divine and supernormal powers, 12. One who has understood the core of he would not use them for his personal spirituality gets elevated from the narrow benefit. For instance, revered Gurudev, in boundaries of class, religion, caste, gender spite of possessing numerous supernormal and nationality. Thus, he has a global outlook powers, used to meet people in such a and this may be seen in his conduct and simple manner that they would never realize behavior. He considers the entire human that they are conversing with an eminent race and even other creatures as various There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed. - Woodrow Wilson AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 43

manifestations of God. For him, the entire divine and supernormal. In spite of living in this world is his own family. world, he lives like a boat sailing in the water. His life is oriented towards God and illuminated by 13. A spiritual person never falls into arguments. the radiance of the soul. He knows that a rigidly opinionated person cannot be satisfied through logic. There is no desire for name, fame or designation in his life, which is overwhelmed by the elixir of 14. As far as possible, a spiritual person endeavors devotion. A stream of divine emotions flows in to incorporate divine traits in his life. He does him; and this is the reason, why such people have not believe in delivering discourses; instead, natural love for the nature and every living being he tries to imbibe them in his own life. of the world. 15. The source of joy of this person is not the “Lord, make me an instrument of momentary pleasures obtained from the thy peace. sensual impulses, but it is internal bliss. Where there is hatred, let me sow love, 16. A spiritual person never ever hurts anyone in Where there is injury, pardon; anyway, nor makes one feel guilty. He never Where there is doubt, faith; gets anything done by force or by dominating Where there is despair, hope; others. Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy. 17. Such a person reaches a point in his spiritual growth where his personal ambitions vanish. O Divine Master, grant that I may His activities are not aimed at personal gains. not so much seek He has given up all his personal ambitions to be consoled as to console, under the divine will of God. to be understood as to understand, 18. A spiritual person never analyses the outer to be loved, as to love. personality of a person. He seeks only the virtues hidden deep within one’s soul. For it is in giving that we receive, It is in pardoning that we are 19. He never expects anything from anyone. Yet, pardoned, if someone does even a small favor to him, he and it is in dying that we are born appreciates it a lot. to eternal life.” 20. Although a spiritual person or Guru is ― Francis of Assisi unattached to the materialistic world, he is full of divine love for his companions and disciples. In this way, the personality of a spiritual person is Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life. – Buddha 44 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

In comparison to the gross world, the subtle Amazing Events domain is much more powerful and astonishing. that Unfold in This World When man would begin to better understand the secret layers of consciousness and the great is allowed to meet the demigod only in this potentials wrapped within them, he would month by the God! realize that this whole creation is enriched with a storehouse of immense power. Sometimes In the same book Frank Smyth has also described nature also unfolds some amazing events that are another event in Korea. He says that on the bank difficult to reason out. These events force us to of Geum river in South Korea there is a huge agree that what we know about this world is only rock where every year since 660 AD, 71 plants a miniscule of what it truly is! are born together. They flower together at the same time and in the spring season on exactly the In the book titled ‘Mysteries of the Afterlife’, same day all their flowers fall down into the river. authors Frank Smyth and Roy Stemman have Historians claim that King of China had attacked reported a number of such amazing events in Korea in 660AD and after arresting the local king great detail. According to them, a river named and his ministers, had sent them off to China on Sorgues is running through the region of exile. The queen and the other 70 wives of the southeastern France. On one bank of the river king jumped into the river from the same rock is a cold water pond and on the other side is and committed suicide. Since then, this event is a beautiful fig tree. Every year in the month being repeated year after year. of March, without any apparent reason, water level in the river rises to an extent that it tends In the book titled ‘Astral Body and Other Astral to flood the whole region. The most amazing Phenomena’, it is stated that demigods live in fact is that at this time the flow of the river astral forms. The author, Arthur Powell, says that reverses and rises towards the beautiful fig tree sometimes a person or a group of people develop which actually is at a greater height. And then, special affinity for a place. Also, if at a place some as it touches the roots of the fig tree, the flow extremely tragic event happens, it gets imprinted reverses and begins to flow back in the normal in the ether of that place and can be seen getting manner. This has been going on for a very long re-enacted for several years. Likewise, some time. Scientists have put in lots of efforts to incidents that deeply hurt the feelings of people analyze and understand this phenomenon but who have attained astral forms also get imprinted have not been able to solve the mystery. A big strongly in ether, and keep getting replayed many crowd gathers every March to watch this event times over for several years. unfold. According to local folklore, this fig tree is a demigod and the river is a cursed fairy, who One such example is that in 1642 a fierce battle had broken out between King of England and Oliver Cromwell at a place called Anthill. In the same month a year later, in 1643, some farmers The sixth sense is at the core of our experiences. It is what makes experiences out of events. - Henry Reed AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 45

saw the same battle being fought again and English poetess and novelist, had died the same Prince Rupert was also seen fighting there. The day there. Each year, on her death anniversary incident was reported to the king’s court. King Emily is always seen around the place. To Charles I sent his courtiers to examine the truth verify the authenticity of this statement, a group behind the report. Some of the courtiers sent were of reporters, specialists and scientists visited actually the soldiers who had fought the battle. the place in Yorkshire on 19th December. They At the battle ground these soldiers found Prince reported that The Toby Jug restaurant of today Rupert fighting the battle with Cromwell’s army is at the same place where Emily Bronte was along with several of their colleagues. King born. She breathed her last also at the same Charles I thought that this was a good omen and place. The investigative group of journalists believed that he will win against Cromwell in the and scientists themselves saw in the night a thin, next battle. However, six years later the result of petite woman climbing up the stairs towards the battle was exactly the opposite and Oliver a bedroom, softly singing to herself. She was Cromwell defeated King Charles and established wearing beautiful clothes and had a basket in his supremacy over England. her hand. Emily had died on December 19, 1966 and from a year later in 1967 this event has been Here is another mysterious incident of England. recurring year after year on the same date and at In a village in Haworth on 19th December, a the same definite time. big crowd gathers outside the restaurant named ‘The Toby Jug’ which was owned by Keith All these events throw some light on the Akeroyd. A journalist asked Keith to tell him astonishing aspects of nature and the mysterious why the crowd gathered at his place every year facets of this creation. They also convince human and he explained that Emily Bronte, the famous beings about the eternity of life. Once a Yadava kin asked Sri Krishna why he called Yudhisthir “Dharmaraj”. Bhagwan narrated an anecdote. During the Mahabharata war, Yudhisthir used to leave for some place incognito every evening a•er the day’s ba•le was over. The Pandavas were curious and followed him one day. They found that Yudhisthir nursed the wounded soldiers of both the warring sides lying on the ba•le field. The puzzled Pandava brothers enquired of Yudhisthir why did he, rather than giving rest to his ba•le weary- body, spend the •me in serving the enemy side instead, and that too in disguise. Dharmaraj explained: “Among the wounded are both, the Kauravas and the Pandavas. Both are human beings. If I had gone under my real iden•ty the Kauravas would neither had shared their pain with me nor allow me to tend them. The Pandava soldiers, too, would probably not accept any service from me. Lest I be deprived of this privilege of human service, I had to resort to this camouflage”. Having recounted this story, Sri Krishna concluded: “Cul•va•ng the spirit of human service is the mark of true religion (dharma). He who renders such service and steadfastly adheres to the noblest ideals of conduct is called “Dharmaraj” and is always accorded the highest place in spiritual delibera•ons.” It’s not the events of our lives that shape us, but our beliefs as to what those events mean. - Tony Robbins 46 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

The Mystery in the Outer Space: The Black Holes There are mysterious objects in the outer mass many million times that of Sun, and are space, called black holes. They have extremely called supermassive black holes. The galaxy high density and hence possess such a strong containing our earth is called ‘Milky way’. gravitational attraction, that even light cannot This galaxy has supermassive black holes of escape from their grip. Albert Einstein was the a mass a million times or more that of Sun. first to predict the existence of black holes in Every major galaxy has a supermassive black 1916 with his ‘General theory of relativity’. hole at its center. The supermassive black hole The term ‘black hole’ was coined later, in 1967, at the center of ‘Milky way’ galaxy is called by American astronomer John Wheeler. The first Sagittarius – A* ; and has a mass 4 million black hole was discovered in 1971. times that of Sun. A black hole is said to be formed on the burning of On the formation of black holes scientists feel a dying star which collapses and falls into itself. that small black holes got created with the It contracts so rapidly that it starts collecting all initial formation of the universe. Stellar black resulting matter into itself. Gases rushing towards holes got formed by the collapse of a very big a black hole get heated up and start emitting star within its center or by destruction of the x-rays. It has not been possible to establish a star, the phenomenon being called supernova. concrete theory of formation of a black hole as it Scientists also feel that supermassive black is not possible to record any observations on the holes got formed along with the formation of goings-on inside a black hole. However a black galaxies. hole can make its presence felt on the basis of its effects on matters around it. Its presence can Black holes cannot be seen as light gets attracted be surmised by recording observations on the at a great speed into it due to its tremendous movement of those stars which circle that part gravity, but scientists have observed the effects of the universe which is felt to be devoid of any generated by the black holes in the universe with matter. the help of astronomical telescopes and have tried to find out the types of stars which get into Black holes can be very small or they can be large. orbits around the black holes. When black holes Scientists feel that black holes can be as small as and stars are near one another intense light is an atom but their mass is as big as a mountain. generated which cannot be observed by human Other type of black holes has larger mass, many eyes, but observations can be recorded with the times that of Sun. These are classified into two help of specific astronomical equipment. types. One type of black holes has mass of a few dozen times that of Sun and are called stellar People, in general, have some misconceptions black holes. The other type of black holes has about black holes that they feed upon the stars, Black is modest and arrogant at the same time. Black is lazy and easy - but mysterious. But above all black says this: “I don’t bother you - don’t bother me”. - Yohji Yamamoto AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 47

moon and planets, and that some time our time. The companion stars would have had the earth will also be engulfed by some black hole. same spin orientation, so the black holes they These misconceptions are, however, baseless left behind would, as well. The second theory and incorrect as it is observed that no black suggests that black holes in a stellar cluster sink hole is near the solar congregation. Even if to the center of the cluster and pair up. These some black hole is of mass equal to that of companions would have random spin orientations Sun - and therefore its gravitational force is the compared to one another. LIGO’s observations same as that of Sun - earth cannot be engulfed of companion black holes with different spin by the black hole, as in such a situation earth orienta•ons provide stronger evidence for this and the other planets will get into orbit around formation theory. such a black hole, just as they are presently in orbit around the Sun. Though black holes are even now a great mystery for the scientists, some of our ancient scriptures A significant achievement came in 2015 when provide hints about the utility of so-called black astronomers using the Laser Interferometer holes. There is anecdote in Mahabharat that Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) made Duryodhan served kheer (a sweet preparation of the first detection of gravitational waves. These milk) infested with poison to Bheema to eat and waves were inferred to be coming from merging then pushed him into the river so that he would stellar black holes. LIGO’s observations also get drowned and killed. But (perhaps through provided insights about the direction a black some such black hole) Bheema reached another hole spins. As a pair of black holes spirals universe called Paatal Loka, where he was around one another, they can spin in the same welcomed and offered a liquid preparation to eat, direction or in counter directions. Indian origin which destroyed all the poison in his body and he LIGO researcher B. Sathyaprakash said - “This gained strength equal to thousands of elephants. is the first time that we have evidence that the Then, the king of Paatal Loka, Nagaraja sent him black holes may not be aligned, giving us just back to earth. a tiny hint that binary black holes may form in dense stellar clusters.” Similarly there is story of a learned person ‘Bandee’ in the kingdom of King Janak. He How the binary black holes form? The first invited all for a debate on spiritual matters with theory suggests that they formed at about the condition that whoever would be defeated the same time, from two stars that were born would be killed by him by drowning in the together and died explosively at about the same sea. In spite of this warning many learned Since most scientists are just a bit religious, and most religious persons are seldom wholly unscientific, we find humanity in a comical position. His scientific intellect believes in the possibility of miracles inside a black hole, while his religious intellect believes in them outside it. - William Golding In a world of diminishing mystery, the unknown persists. - Jhumpa Lahiri 48 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

persons came to him for the debate and had I have a friend who’s an ar•st to get drowned in the sea on getting defeated. and has some•mes taken a view which Eventually to protect the learned people Saint I don’t agree with very well. He’ll hold Ashtavakra had to come for the debate. up a flower and say “look how beau•ful it is,” and I’ll agree. Then he says “I as The narration further states that when Saint an ar•st can see how beau•ful this Ashtavakra defeated Bandee in debate, instead is but you, as a scien•st, take this all of drowning him Saint Ashtavakra asked him apart and it becomes a dull thing,” and I to bring back the other learned individuals. On think that he’s kind of nu•y. First of all, the beauty that he sees is available to this Bandee admitted that he had not drowned other people and to me too, I believe. Although I may not be quite as refined and killed the individuals in the sea, but had aesthe•cally as he is ... I can appreciate sent them with their physical bodies to Varuna the beauty of a flower. At the same Loka through a special route, as the learned •me, I see much more about the flower Brahmins were needed there for a yajna than he sees. I could imagine the cells organized there. This indicates the existence in there, the complicated ac•ons inside, of some black hole or specific route through which also have a beauty. I mean it’s which the learned persons were sent to Varuna not just beauty at this dimension, at Loka by drowning them in the sea. one cen•meter; there’s also beauty at smaller dimensions, the inner In the present times, we all know about the structure, also the processes. The fact mysterious Bermuda Triangle in Atlantic that the colors in the flower evolved Ocean. All the ships and airplanes passing in order to a•ract insects to pollinate through this route have been lost mysteriously it is interes•ng; it means that insects without any trace. All equipment like can see the color. It adds a ques•on: radars, radios, wireless and compass start does this aesthe•c sense also exist in malfunctioning on approaching this region the lower forms? Why is it aesthe•c? and ultimately stop functioning totally and All kinds of interes•ng ques•ons - the thus all such equipment lose contact with the science knowledge only adds to the rest of the world. Therefore this region has excitement, the mystery and the awe of been declared out of bounds for any journey a flower. It only adds. I don’t understand by ships and airplanes. This is indicative of how it subtracts. the existence of some black hole in the ocean. It is possible that black holes form the nodal - Richard Feynman, points (or junctions) on the faster routes in the universe which facilitate easy travel in the Physics Nobel Laureate universe and allow entry into other universes. Perhaps, future research will be able to unravel these secrets of black holes and thus pave the way to explore other worlds. The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental 49 emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science. - Albert Einstein AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018

New Year Resolutions for Total Health of the Total Person I - I will take care of my body because it is the temple of God I will do some form of exercise at my level of competency and do it regularly in order to discover my points of capability. I will Walk, Walk, Walk – Stretch, Stretch, Stretch – Breathe, Breathe, Breathe. I will eat the purest possible food bewaring of harmful chemicals and additives, dyes, sweeteners and artificial supplements. I will eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. I will eat slowly, thoughtfully, gratefully, remembering to chew my food so thoroughly that it will swallow itself. I will quiet myself with a word of prayer before meals. I will not willfully drive my body to a point of exhaustion; neither will I pamper it to a point at which it is weakened by fear or disuse. II – I will take better care of my mind because what I think is related to what I am and what I will become I will think in terms of health, and not sickness. I will think in terms of love, not hate. I will think creatively. I will believe that my mind is constantly being renewed, refreshed and strengthened. I will keep an open mind, a compassionate mind and a thoughtful mind. I will nourish my mind with good literature, good art, good thoughts and good consciousness. I will train my mind to be in control. III – I will take better care of my spirit because the spirit of God in me is the spirit of life I will remember that meditation is a supportive factor in my recognition of the power of Spirit and that prayer is a way of tuning in to Spirit’s power. I will seek a greater understanding of Spirit by periods of fasting and prayer throughout the year. I will rise above pettiness, jealousy, envy, pride and littleness by remembering that my life is a manifestation of the Spirit of God. I will maintain a closer relationship with Nature and Out-of-doors. I will try as best as I can to develop a kinship with all life. IV - I will pay more attention to developing a balanced life by recognizing that body, mind and spirit should represent an integrated triad. [Abridged version of ‘Resolutions for Total Health of the Total Person’ by Marcus Bach] Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. - Ralph Waldo Emerson 50 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018