Akhand Jyoti Magazine (May-June, 2019)

VOLUME: 17 | ISSUE:3 May-June 2019 Change is a Sign of Progress Cessation of activity is a sign of inertia while change is the sign of progress. Inactivity is monotonous and boring. Change guides us on the path of new thinking and new experiences. Life is progressive; hence change is essential. Progressive people do not fear the change; rather they welcome it. In the cosmos, all the planets are revolving. This keeps them in their orbits. Had they been inactive, they would have got lost in the vast universe. One, who does not move forward, cannot remain stable; inertia leads to destruction. Therefore, life has to move forward. Times change; and in this process, moments of hope and despair come and go. Night and day, dream and awakened state, life and death, winter and summer, loss and benefit, union and separation – all these appear to be opposite to each other but ultimately, they are related and give pleasure or pain. It is the combination of positive and negative charges that gives rise to current. Sufferings make the person strong, alert and brave. The challenges augment enthusiasm and provide the basis for progress. Fulfilment in life requires some such things which can keep the verve for going ahead and bravely accept the challenges. - Param Pujya Gurudev Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often. - Winston Churchill 3

CONTENTS 1. Amrit Chintan Change is a Sign of Progress ..................................................................................... 3 2. From Chief Editor’s Desk Challenges of Fast Growing Automation .................................................................. 5 3. Enjoy Your Holidays! ................................................................................................ 8 4. Interesting Habits of Renowned Writers ................................................................... 10 5. Science and Spirituality Thoughts – Unique Source of Immense Power ......................................................... 13 6. The Patanjali Yoga School of Indian Philosophy ...................................................... 17 7. Focus on Balance, not Speed!.................................................................................... 21 8. How to Triumph over Adversities?............................................................................ 24 9. Yug Gita – 18 How can One Live Without Performing Action? ...................................................... 26 10. Peace Pilgrim’s Wisdom – 18 Living the Spiritual Life – 2 ...................................................................................... 30 11. Importance of Salt in Our Daily Diet ........................................................................ 33 12. Odyssey of the Enlightened - 67 Future Calling– 3 ....................................................................................................... 35 13. Youth Column Recognize Your Native Originality ........................................................................... 39 14. Team Work is Essential for Success .......................................................................... 41 15. Amrit Vani What Makes Gayatri S³dhan³ Miraculous? - II........................................................ 43 16. Beware of Climate Change! ...................................................................................... 47 17. Why Should We be Careful About Our Food? .......................................................... 49 18. Shantikunj News ................................... (Inner Cover Pages & Back Cover Page) Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change. - Stephen Hawking 4

From Chief Editor’s Desk Challenges of Fast Growing Automation Past three to four hundred years in the history of human civilization have witnessed considerable scientific progress. The beginning can be traced to the publication of a set of three books jointly titled ‘Principia’ by Sir Isaac Newton (on July 5, 1687). Since then, the progress on the scientific front has been no less than a miracle. The dominance of scientific appliances can be easily seen in all the spheres - from the means of communication and transport, to medicine and space research. Among the many scientific areas, the field of ‘automation’ appears to be overpowering almost all the aspects of human development. Automation means a technology which requires least human interference for its operation. Perhaps one may not be aware that this technology is being used today partially or fully from making the machine parts to running the whole factory, from answering the telephone to navigating of ships. These operations are carried out through hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical or electronic means; in some cases, the whole process is controlled by computers. On one side, automation has decreased the human labor, optimized logistics, helped in detecting fraud, composing art, conducting research, conserving electrical power and other resources; on the other, it has created unemployment, inequality, the dangers of security and the loss of sense of cooperative work. In the present social scenario, it has become essential to analyze whether automation is leading to a healthy growth or a distorted progress. A few years ago, Marc Lowell Andreessen, co-author of Mosaic, the first widely used Web browser, raised a doubt that in future people in this world would be divided into two categories – first category of people would be instructing the computers what they have to do; and the second category of people would be those whom computers would be instructing what they have to do. This has started happening in front of our own eyes. How the watches on our wrists, our smart phones, laptops, etc. are gradually taking over our daily routines – is known to all. Even if we overlook the technology of daily use, one can guess by the following facts how much automation is influencing our daily lives. Today almost all major car-manufacturing companies are using robots for making the cars; in bigger hospitals the robots are looking after the work of pharmacists, in some cases, robots are being used for surgery; some developed countries are making driverless cars and almost 70% of the goods are being transported through robotic drones. In one restaurant of Japan, all its 60 branches are using robots in place of humans; they are taking orders, cooking and serving food, and also taking care of payments. We can make an estimate that if each branch needs 10 humans for its operation, then at least 600 workers have lost their jobs due to robots. There is no economic law that says that everyone, or even most people, automatically benefit from technological progress. - Nicholas Carr 5

It is not that automation is limited to replacing the labor-class. Today most of prominent newspapers of America and Europe are using computers for writing articles. Almost 60% of the work (related to collection of facts and figures and performing their analysis) of sports journalism is computerized. The remaining work of writing commentaries is done by selected journalists. The developed countries are using automation in picking vegetables, grazing and milking cows, farming, etc. The day is not far when such things may knock at our doors too. It is true that life has been made easier by such things, the quality and capacity of work has increased, and the cost has reduced, but at the same time, possibilities of several such problems too have cropped up that if solutions to these problems are not sought in time, then, in future, they may create havoc on humanity. One of the main problems due to automation is the increase in unemployment. According to one prominent survey, 47% people in America will lose jobs due to automation. This figure in England is about 35%. In this regard, the most danger lies ahead for developing countries where about two-thirds of people will lose jobs due to automation. This is so because most of the automation is being done to replace the labor class. It is true that in this new age, new kinds of jobs will be created but for that purpose new education system has to be evolved so that the new generation can mold itself in the new framework. Professor Erik Brynjolfsson, Director of Massachusetts Institute of Technology says – with the fast changing technology, if we do not strengthen education system, training system and political system, then a very large group of people would become useless and its effect would be seen in all the spheres of society. Unemployment is not the only problem arising due to automation. People going to the office or workplace not only do their jobs but also make relationships. For completing the task successfully, it is not only essential to be a good worker but also a good teammate, a good leader, a good caretaker, and a good friend. With continuous rise in automation, the human relationships will vanish almost completely. The machines may repeat the tasks in a better way; but where are the virtues of originality, creativity and sophistication of work performed by a human being? Then there is also a question of ethics. Who will take the responsibility, if the robot commits a mistake? In the recent past, a woman was run over by an automatic car. Who should be held responsible for this – the robot (autopilot) sitting in the car or the manufacturing company? There is one more problem – the robot or machine can perform action according to the programming done to operate it. It has been found in a recent survey that most of the artificial intelligence has been developed by the programmers who possess apartheidist bias. Therefore, there is a need to make the technology representative of the entire community. Apart from this there is challenge of security of such systems. What will happen if some terrorist group hacks the system of automatic car or that of automatic airplane and gives it a disastrous end? In the Automation will significantly change many people's lives in ways that may be painful and enduring. - Moshe Vardi 6

recent past, a mobile hacker, sitting in England, took the control of Google’s driverless car within few minutes and proved that it is possible to do it easily. Who can deny a mishappening, if the technology goes in the wrong hands? If the thought, character and behavior of the persons involved in developing, controlling and using these systems are refined, then this change taking place in the scientific world would prove to be a boon for the entire humanity, otherwise the opposite may happen. This is the right time to utilize our time and energy to uplift the spirits of masses for seriously working towards ushering of a bright future of love, light and truth. With prayer-filled wishes for Gayatri Jayanti /Ganga Dussehara, (Pranav Pandya) If the steam engine freed human beings from feudal bondage to pursue material self-interest in the capitalist marketplace, the Internet of Things frees human beings from the market economy to pursue nonmaterial shared interests on the Collaborative Commons. Many—but not all—of our basic material needs will be met for nearly free in a near zero marginal cost society. Intelligent technology will do most of the heavy lifting in an economy centered on abundance rather than scarcity. A half century from now, our grandchildren are likely to look back at the era of mass employment in the market with the same sense of utter disbelief as we look upon slavery and serfdom in former times. The very idea that a human being’s worth was measured almost exclusively by his or her productive output of goods and services and material wealth will seem primitive, even barbaric, and be regarded as a terrible loss of human value to our progeny living in a highly automated world where much of life is lived on the Collaborative Commons. - Jeremy Rifkin As we begin to internalize the technological kingdoms we have built, as we progressively become more superhuman, what will differentiate us from machinery? - Natasha Tsakos 7

Enjoy Your Holidays! Nowadays, almost everyone seems to routine on the remaining six days of the week. be busy in his work. Most people are Usually people go out to spend their holidays, following the same monotonous daily and return with a new zeal and experiences. routine. Some people have been lost so much in the This makes picnics, tours and travels important pursuit of earning money that they do not realise because during this period the person is able to when they have turned themselves into machine- live his life in a new way and become familiar like gadgets. When a machine is switched on, it with new experiences. begins to perform a single type of task and keeps on repeating it until it is not switched off. A According to Dr. Dennis Taylor, author and machine does not have its own brain, sentiments, psychologist - ‘It is extremely important to take thoughts and emotions in performing tasks, but leave from one’s job and go on holiday. Therefore, does only that for which it is programmed. Today, instead of giving medicines I recommend most of perhaps the lifestyle of people is increasingly my patients to go out travelling to such places being shaped into this model. where they have never been before. While going on holiday do not wander there like a tourist, but The life of those who lead a set pattern, is devoid try to discover yourself, try to live there with the of novelty and they become so engrossed into local residents. In this way, about half of your it that they do not want to come out; neither do stress would vanish automatically.’ they look forward to induce changes. If this set of people takes a break once in a week, they can feel There is no benefit in playing or roaming outside fresher in life and can switch back to their routine one’s house. Recently, Expedia conducted in a better way. research on 3.1 million residents of Britain, which revealed that 81% of these people felt more fit According to the calendar usually Sunday and energetic after returning from their holidays. is considered a holiday. This holiday is very According to this news article published in the important for everyone. Usually, children eagerly Daily Mail, 42% of the people admitted that after wait for their holiday, which makes them even being on the holidays they were eager to return happier. The reason for this is that on such days back to their work with zeal. 39% people believed they have the freedom of playing, doing whatever that the holidays had given them a new chance to they want and working on a pattern which is introspect and lead a happy life. different from their daily routine. This one day infuses them with such energy, enthusiasm, zeal Activities like meeting new people, doing and freshness that they easily carry on their something different from routine work, tasting Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave the trail. – Ralph Waldo Emerson 8

new dishes, exploring new places, etc have thus, perform such tasks which they could not do different types of impacts on their minds and earlier from their workplace. In spite of all this, bodies. According to Dr. Linda Papadopoulos, there are about 28% people throughout the globe psychiatrist associated with this research- who consider it worthless to take holidays and go ‘When we do some fun-related activity, which is out travelling. different from our daily routine, then our mind releases a hormone named ‘Serotonin’, which The biggest benefit of traveling to a new place has a positive impact on our body. It increases is getting freedom from daily stress. Those who flexibility, improves blood circulation and suffer from insomnia and experience constant induces optimistic changes in our mental state stress and headache get great relief when they and this is the reason why usually everyone feels travel to new places because this takes them into comfortable and positive during the holidays.’ a new environment which has a positive impact on them. When people go out to travel either When a person takes a break for some days from with their family members or their friends and his work and brings changes in his routine, he is acquaintances on holidays, they take care of able to live in a different way. Although, there are each other and intermingle; this brings warmth in numerous benefits of holidays and they are very their relationships which become even stronger crucial for us; there are people who get so carried and trustworthy. Therefore, if one wants to know away in enjoying their holidays that they do not himself and improve his work efficiency while at want to return back to work and who run away the same time bringing a new wave of enthusiasm from their responsibilities and neglect their work. then one should keep enjoying his holidays in On the other hand, the wise people bring changes between his work or travel to distant places by to their working style and think in new ways and taking leave for a few days. The world is full of travelers. Once in a year go to someplace you have never been before. You will meet confused seekers, hopeful wanderers, enthusiastic story-tellers, happy families. Look into their eyes and stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you’d drop dead any moment. Look at the world. It’s more beautiful than any dream you'd have ever seen. Make the most beautiful travel diary and open it up to your third generation because only your grandchildren will understand what your children will fail to. - Ranjani Ramachandran A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. - Lao Tzu 9

Interesting Habits of Renowned Writers Writers live in a different world of their why he travelled to many places in Europe own. It is interesting to know what they either by foot or on a bicycle. do to ensure that their compositions are original, interesting and inspiring. To get into Gabriel Garcia Marquez used to read the the right mood for writing, they have their own newspaper before commencing on writing. He unique methods, some of which are inspiring used to get up well before sunrise, then read the while some others are strange and quirky. In this daily newspaper and begin his writing. This could article, we have described interesting anecdotes be because he was a journalist before becoming and habits of some renowned writers. a novelist. The authenticity and realism depicted in his novels won him the Nobel Prize. Marquez Some writers are in the habit of writing while used to type using the fore fingers of both his lying down. They somehow find their rhythm hands on the typewriter and measured how much and flow only in that position. The moment he wrote in meters and not in terms of number of they lie down on a comfortable bed, the flood words. In those days, long reams of paper were of words comes forth. Mark Twain was one used for typing. such writer. American novelist, screen writer and playwright Truman Capote was also of a There have been other writers who measured similar disposition. He had himself said that how much they wrote in terms of number of his brain does not work until and unless he lies words and composed a stipulated amount of down on a bed or a sofa. He always wrote lying words each day. Jack London used to write on his back. 1000 words every day. Similarly, Thomas Wolfe wrote 1800 words a day while Stephen There are some other writers in complete King wrote 2000 words. Arthur Canon Doyle contrast to the above, who like to write while wrote about 3000 words every day. Raymond standing. Ernest Hemingway, Charles King, Chandler did not have a specific quota per Albert Camus, Virginia Woolf, Lewis Carol day, but in his most active years of writing, he and Philip Roth are all distinguished writers wrote as many as 5000 words per day. Anthony who wrote their best pieces of literature while Trollope used to begin writing at 5:30 am every standing. One of the reasons for this could have morning and would complete 250 words every been that they were health-conscious because 15 minutes. He even had a clock in front of there are quite a few benefits of standing. him to check the time. Hemingway wrote 500 Charles King considered traveling to be very words in a day and believed that a book of 100 helpful in maintaining good health, which is pages contained only one page of masterpiece. I write only when inspiration strikes. Fortunately, it strikes every morning at nine o’clock sharp. - Somerset Maugham 10

The remaining 99 pages are worthy of being birds and sounds of nature. In addition to this, he thrown in a dustbin. used to dip the top end of the pen in fragrance. Some writers invoke the divine inspiration before Vladimir Nabokov made use of index cards for beginning to write. Author of inspirational books writing. He used to organize them with paper like ‘The War of Art’ – Steven Pressfield used to clips and store them in a box. Thus, he had the recite a prayer (the Invocation of the Muse from flexibility to re-arrange these cards and change Homer’s Odyssey) before he began typing his their sequence at a later time. He used to keep words. Prior to Pressfield, great stalwarts like such a card under his pillow while sleeping so Shakespeare, Chaucer, Milton, etc also followed that he could note down immediately any thought this procedure. that arose in his mind. He was very flexible in his schedule and duration of writing but he Great literary icon Alexandre Dumas used nevertheless took great care of things that he used different coloured paper for each of his works. in writing. Ruled Bristol cards and dark pencil According to him, this habit made him feel as that wrote smoothly and had an eraser at the end though he was writing a different essay each time. were among his companions while writing. Edgar Allan Poe used to write on different papers and would eventually paste them on a bigger Honoré de Balzac used to keep a lamp lighted paper to prepare the final draft. German novelist near his writing table. He used to wear pyjamas Kurt Vonnegut had the strangest style of writing. and dressing gown while writing and mentioned He could not write without doing push ups. that this setup inspired him. Johanna Spyri of Switzerland found the rumbling sound of the French writer, philosopher Jean Paul Sartre had train to be stimulating to her brain. Whenever a very interesting method of writing. Whenever she wanted to write, she would travel in a train. he got tired of writing with hands, he would start Renowned poet, writer and painter Kahlil Gibran writing with his legs. Wallace Stevens used to used to note down his thoughts on bits of paper, write on bits of paper and his secretary would on cigarette boxes or on torn envelopes. He type the content and send it out for publishing. always had the knack of expressing the most Russian writer Chekov had the habit of keeping a intense and powerful thoughts in a very concise clock in front of him while writing. manner - in 1 or 2 sentences or in the form of verses. His secretary Barbara Young would later Indian writer Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza also had a collect, compile and publish his works. strange habit. He used to say that he could write only at home where he could hear the voices of The great English poet William Wordsworth his wife and children. When he wrote, the noise was an ardent lover of nature. He used to get of children or the chaos at home did not disturb inspiration for writing in the lap of Mother him since he was completely focused on his Nature. So, he used to go off into a jungle, enjoy writing. He also had the habit of drinking black the presence of trees and birds. He would get tea without sugar at least 50 times in a day. Even the mood to sit and write amidst the chirping of when he had several film scripts to work on, he You can’t be a good writer without being a devoted reader. - J.K. Rowling 11

would focus on only one at a time. Kaifi Azmi, pictures. He used to read books on profound topics another famous poet had the habit of writing only with such concentration that he could remember with the most expensive Mont Blanc pen. what was written on any given page. When he felt fatigued with an intense topic, he would switch The prominent Hindi novelist who has written to reading simple stories. The works of Devaki more than 150 books in his short life span of 39 Nandan Khatri were very dear to him. years – Rangeya Raghav also had an interesting way of writing. He would take a big register- Hindi Story King Munshi Premchand was also kind of book and allocate few pages for each wonderful in this regard. He did not need any chapter. Once he made the demarcation, based external stimuli for thoughts to emanate in his on his flow of thoughts, he used to write chapters brain. It is said that he could write on any topic at in random order. Novel named ‘Murdon ka any time in any place. Whenever he sat to write, Teela’ (meaning - The Mound of the Dead) - the he would focus his mind and start writing. story of Indus valley civilization - was written in this manner. In fact, writing calls for a yogic state of mind. How one achieves this depends on one’s own When he got saturated with writing essays, he temperaments and habits. This diversity of would begin writing stories and when he got behaviours and characters leads to creation of a tired of stories he would compose poems or paint strange and interesting world of writers. A mother gave two pieces of sweets to her son and instructed lovingly that “eat bigger piece yourself and give second piece to your friend”. Son nodded his head and left the house. However, he gave the bigger piece of sweet to his friend and ate himself, smaller piece. Mother was watching her son’s action from the window. She called him and asked, “Why did you eat smaller piece yourself ”. Child answered: “Mother I enjoy giving more to others.” That child was none other than “Bal Gangadhar Tilak”. Mother got very touched and kept thinking about her son’s compassionate nature. Her son is a noble soul and an ideal person to bring peace and unity in the society. If all of us practice to give more to others and keep less for ourselves, the entire chaos of the world will be over and there will be more affection, love, care for each other. In other words, we can create real heaven on earth. Good prose should be transparent, like a window pane. - George Orwell 12

Science and Spirituality Thoughts Unique Source of Immense Power Our brain and rest of the body-system will-power. At times this power is expressed as and the conscious and subconscious a supernatural potential of the physical body, domains of our mind possess many but its origin is always rooted in the sublime kinds of energies that are generated and cores of the mental body. regulated by our vital spiritual energy (pr³ña). At the root of all these lies the spark of eternal Most of us define and experience thoughts as Consciousness-Force (CF) indwelling within the language of the conscious mind and regard us. Most prominent, intense and radiant of the thought-power as the impact of thoughts on powers of CF expressed in a human being is the intellectual perceptions and activities. Its thought-power. inherent equivalence with will-power may therefore be difficult for us to visualize. The thought-power and will-power are We should note here that every vibration, generated in the mind. Enormous examples of every perception and expression of the mind expression of the immensity and trenchancy (the conscious mind, the intellect, as well of these mental powers are available in every as the inner mind) is a thought. This is how phase of the history of mankind. Paragons emotion is regarded as a higher order thought are shaped (born) by awakening of these and willpower as a sublime expression of hidden sources of inner force. While most of the thought-power. Willpower could also be us might have experienced willpower as the generated by intense control and focussing strength of determination, only few would of elevated thought-power. Once awakened, know that thought-power and willpower are the willpower or force of intrinsic inspiration manifestations of the same subliminal force of can help activating the otherwise dormant the (inner) mind and are implicitly the same. folds of mind and thus induce intellectual and Mental concentration is an effect as well as a emotional evolution. generator of this power. Every impulse of mind is also a reflection of this power; enlightened and Origin of Thought-Power: How and from where deep thoughts are more evolved expressions of does this power emerge? From our own inner self! this power. This is also regarded by the modern In fact, it is hidden in the subliminal cores of our researchers of metaphysics and parapsychology minds. Human mind is indeed a majestic bequest as a source for deciphering the extrasensory of the Supreme Creator. However advanced it psychic force. All the supramental talents may be, no super computer of the world could including clairvoyance, precognition, telepathy, ever match with the Nature’s masterpiece – the etc, are expressions of the thought-power or the human brain. Even the perceivable faculties of The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts. - Marcus Aurelius 13

mind reflected in wisdom, intellectual and creative and continue to traverse in the cosmic expansion talents, memory, eloquence, etc are uncountable with superimposition on compatible thought and seem to have no limit of refined ascent. Then, waves. Because of their circular trajectory, they what to say about its preeminent inner powers? eventually return to their origin with more intense It is a pity that we, the intelligent beings, use (resonance) effect (due to superimposition), only a negligible fraction of this infinite treasure while also influencing on their way the like- embedded in our own self. Moreover, whatever minded people, or those whose minds are fraction of this power we are able to awaken, receptive to those kinds of thought waves. we spend (or rather waste!) it only in earning and gathering comforts for the physical body A farmer harvests the crops he had cultivated. But and in worthless activities driven by our ego and he is not the only one to benefit from it. Many passions. others also gain their shares from the colossal multitudes in quantity, of what was sown. The What induces radiance and force in the grains of this crop satiate the hunger of many thoughts? If the answer is to be crypt, it would thousands of unknown people, residing far be –– the spiritual light and inner force of away, and not having any worldly connection or emotions pertaining to noble ideals. Only the contact with the farmer. Cultivation of thoughts elevated and enlightened emotions of this kind also multiplies and expands similarly, though can inspire the flow of virtuous and trenchant invisibly, at a far more wider and dense scale. thoughts. ‘Thoughts’ of animals are nothing but mental Domain of Influence of Thought-waves: instincts pertaining to the sustenance of their As the sun spreads the heat and light in all physical body; these instincts are usually weak directions, our mind also continuously emits and short-lived and are educed as per the energy radiations in the cosmos through the Nature’s arrangement for their food, growth, medium of (intellectual) thinking, emotions, reproduction, defense etc. But the force of desires, determinations, inner thoughts, emotions, desires, thinking, mental sensitivity inspirations, etc. Every human being thus and reactions, convictions, faith, determination, inadvertently influences – even without saying etc is immeasurably powerful and profound. The anything, or doing anything visibly – the nature and degree of this force varies among ambience and hence many others around him humans as per their intrinsic character and via these mental radiations. intensity of their thoughts. Most people today live an extrovert life generally revolving around Throwing a stone in a pond of water produces sensual pleasures and satisfaction of ego in one wavy currents of water there. Our thoughts form or the other. Therefore, their thought-waves also do something similar in the cosmic pool are also feeble and dispersed in general. It is the of ether. The waves generated by thoughts are strength of the inner self and the concentration more subliminal and of higher order than the of radiant thoughts that generates intense and light or sound waves. These waves do not cease powerful thought waves. Guard well your thoughts when alone and your words when accompanied. - Roy T. Bennett 14

The altruist sentiments, piety of character expansion that widens and affects more and more and eminence of endeavors of great souls people having even slightest reception to those generate corresponding thought waves and thoughts, with its larger and sharper reach. This is thus bestow enormously more benefits upon why the books we read, the ambience we live in the world than the noted contributions of their most of the time, or the people we interact with, visible deeds. Presence of such sentiments indirectly influence our thinking and tendencies. and mental purity in other (ordinary) people This is how the company of drunkards produces also contributes, though invisibly, in the more drunkards, that of thieves makes others refinement of the subtle world by combining thief and so on; this is how criminals form stout with compatible thought waves in proportion to gangs. This is how the inspiring proximity of their strength and intensity. The same is true of saints, great personalities, or sagacious thoughts the negative effects of the untoward or debased enlightens and elevates many others. thoughts. The firm determination and extreme negative psychology of the demonic minds, What kinds of thought waves influence one and dreaded criminals and terrorists etc makes the to what extent? This depends upon what his mind impressions of their cruel thoughts, scandalous is prepared for and what are its own intrinsic intellectual sharpness quite intense and dense. inclinations and aspirations. Radio stations or People with weaker mental makeup are often satellite sites broadcast/transmit varieties of easily influenced by their thought waves. At programs, but our radio or television sets receive times, the resonance of collective thought waves only those for what they are set / tuned for. of similar kinds makes them powerful even if Our minds are also like antennas or receiving they are individually infirm; for example, this stations for thought waves they are naturally is what is happening with erotic thinking these tuned or vigorously trained for. Good people days; spread of fanaticism by terrorists is also a with alert mind feel some kind of repulsion burning example of this sort. from cruel, cunning or debased people; whereas the magnetism of morally pure, elevated and Accumulation of similar or compatible elements kind hearted personalities often attracts them. appears to be the law of Nature. This is what Contrary is the case with people having mental accounts for formation of seas and oceans. vices, evil characters or declining tendencies. Individually the metal particles lie unnoticed in Each of the infinitely many kinds of thought the soil. However, wherever they are gathered, waves floating in the subliminal layers of the their force of affinity compounds exponentially cosmic expansion may touch every mental body and leads to formation of huge repository of at some point of time, but attract or influence that particular substance. The gigantic mines of only those that are sensitive or receptive to them metals and minerals evince this fact. Similar is or have compatible nature. Unstable (agile), the case with superposing of sound waves etc. dormant and weak minds do not have any firm The cycle of their circular motion and recurrence tuning and are therefore easily influenced by with further superimposition of similar thought any kind of thought waves that have strong waves creates a subtle energy field in the etheric force of attraction. Every thought you produce, anything you say, any action you do, it bears your signature. - Thich Nhat Hanh 15

We often consider the actions of the body and Constructive use of Thought-Power: If used its five senses as the cause of what makes good wisely and constructively, the thought-power like or bad karma (destiny). But the shastras (Vedic the thermal, electrical, or nuclear power, could scriptures) also describe a great deal of the effects prove to be a boon for the individuals as well of mentally committed p³pa (sins) and puñya as for the society and the world. The treasure of (noble, ethical deeds) in shaping our future this natural bequest grows with sagacious use. If destiny. As we discussed above, our virtuous instead of preserving, guarding and expanding it, and evil thoughts indirectly make corresponding we drain out this wealth haphazardly or let it be contributions in the subtle environment and hence misused by evil instincts, we would be the culprits, on many others; so these invisible actions of our the sinful destroyers of our present as well as the mind also account for our karma. The more and future lives. We use our materialistic possessions deeper the involvement of our mind and hence of and resources so intelligently, then why should not the inner self in the thoughts, the more intense and we do the same for the precious mental property? lasting would be the impression of the associated The currents of our thought waves subliminally karma in the script of our future destiny. create our worlds. Our thoughts inspire and direct our ascent or descent. What kind of thought waves The social norms and governmental laws may our minds are sensitized to also depends upon the constrain the conduct and visible deeds of a quality and depth of our own thoughts. person. But every one is totally free in the unlimited span of mental creations, imaginations, We should therefore always be aware and alert thoughts, feeling, etc. This is why most of us about what we are thinking, imagining, aspiring for, don’t care for the immense capabilities and or emotionally engrossed in. If untoward thoughts impact of the hidden powers of mind and the are allowed to occupy our mind and are let free to inner self. The Vedic concept of mental p³pa spread their roots, we are, unknowingly, inviting ill and puñya should be a timely warning for us. future for ourselves. It will therefore be better that The kinds of imaginations and thoughts one’s we let only constructive, sane thoughts enter our mind is inclined towards, or is often engrossed minds. Cultivation of positive thinking, engrossed in, inspire and influence his attitude, mental reading or listening and contemplation over tendencies and hence his actions because of the elevated thoughts, and training the mind to invoke compounding effect of the thought waves of the corresponding thought waves are the keys to coherent quality. Thought power is like fire or progressive and blissful present, a brighter future electricity, which should be used cautiously. and sublime transmutation of the human self. Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain A minute of thought is greater than an hour of talk. - John C. Maxwell 16

The Patanjali Yoga School of Indian Philosophy The aim of human life is to be free from all (including the unconscious mind - chitta) and merge pains, sorrows, scarcities, cravings, and self-consciousness into the omnipresent, eternal sufferings, and attain everlasting peace and consciousness force. According to great yogis, the happiness. All matured and awakened souls try goal of yoga is to attain absolute state of trance their level best to march towards this goal. Saints (sam³dhi); this goal is clearly implied in the very and sages have guided many kinds of devotional definition of yoga given by its founder Maharshi practices, and spiritual endeavors of japa, tapa, Patanjali as – “Yoga¡ Chitta V•atti Nirodha¡”. S³dhan³, etc, for this purpose. Depending on their (Y. D. 1|2) spiritual levels, mental makeup, and circumstances of life, aspirants of this path may practice the All darshanas aim at freedom from all suitable methods.As compared to all these methods, attachments, materialistic and sensory passions, yoga – s³dhan³ (derived from yoga-darshana) is and selfishness, etc, that are the main cause of all recognized as the best and universal because of its kinds of thralldoms, weaknesses, and vices, and practicality. While other darshanas (philosophies) consequent sufferings and worries. Yoga Darshana are mostly theoretical, based on certain core analyses these causes in detail. These causes are principles, and work at the level of thoughts and referred here as panchkleïa– namely avasth³, emotions, the unique feature of Yoga is that it asmit³, R³ga, DveÌa and abhiniveïa. This school guides through practicable methods of holistic of philosophy points out the causes, nature, and well-being. It incorporates universally applicable consequences of panchkleïa and teaches practical activities associated with all its principles. One can ways for their elimination. The scriptures of this experiment on the methods of yoga and experience darshana also describe in detail the preliminary the result himself/herself. training, disciplines, and preparation along with different kinds of practices of (yoga-s³dhan³). Wordmeaningof“Yoga”is“union”or“combination”. Measures of gradual progress in these practices Yoga Darshana delves upon its deeper meaning as are also prescribed here that one can experiment the union of a living-being (jºva) and the God — with and experience oneself. unification of the individual self with the supreme impersonal self (omnipresent consciousness force). The foundational principles and core philosophy of Yoga aims at achieving this ultimate goal via Yoga are similar to those of S³®khya. Bhagwat Gita s³dhan³ practices at physical, mental, emotional, highlights this fact as – Eka® S³®khya® Ca Yoga® and spiritual levels. The objective of yoga methods Ca Yaha Païyati Sa Païyati (Gita 5/5). Yoga Darshana is to concentrate and focus the thoughts, emotions, is regarded as a practical science of S³®khya. It is and intrinsic tendencies (v•attis) of the mind because of its practicality and possibility of evidence- Undisturbed calmness of mind is attained by cultivating friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and indifference toward the wicked. - Maharshi Patanjali 17

based testing that yoga darshana is regarded as most “Mahabharata”). This bhashya is comprehensive but rational and scientific and is widely accepted even is difficult to be understood even by many scholars. outside India. Indeed, it is a perennial, unique, precious, Noted Sanskrit scholar of the 10th Century, Shri and preeminent gift of Vedic India to the world. Vachaspati Misra wrote a lucid commentary of Vyas’ bhashya; his commentary is titled “Tatva Vaishardi”. Different branches of Yoga: Later on another scholar named Vigyanbhikshu also Different approaches discovered by the ancient sages wrote a commentary titled “Vartik” and relatively towards control of tendencies of mind and realization small treatise “Yoga Sar Sangraha”. Among other of absolute trance, have lead to different branches of scholarly contributions, Bhoj’s “Vratti”, Ramanand’s yoga. The most prominent ones are Hathayoga and “Maniprabha”, Sadashivendra Saraswati’s “Yoga Rajayoga. The first one is based on arduous training Sudhakar”, etc are notable. Since then, hundreds of of the physical and energy body. The second one research publications and books have been scripted focuses on the energy of mental body. in different languages on different aspects and branches of yoga (especially on its core teachings Irrespective of their methodologies and styles of and elementary practices.) practicing yoga at the level of mind and body, all these branches or schools of yoga emanate Yoga Sutra: Maharshi Patanjali’s sutras of Yoga from the original Yoga Darshana, which is, Darshana are broadly classified in four parts the “Patanjali Yoga Darshana”. As the name (p³das) – Sam³dhi P³da (51 sutras), S³dhana indicates, Maharshi Patanjali is the founder of P³da (55 sutras), Vibh¿ti P³da (56 sutras) and Yoga Darshana. His treatise “Yoga Sutra” is the Kaivalya P³da (34 sutras) – containing in all 196 root of yoga darshana. sutras (aphorisms). The Founder and Ancient Scholars of Yoga: Sam³dhi P³da: The sutras1 here describe the absolute “Yoga”, in its truest sense, as attainment of absolute meaning, form and types of yoga and its benefits trance and unification of the soul with the Brah®, towards “Chitta V•atti Niroda¡”. The nature and had been accomplished by the Vedic sages (rishis) diversity of v•attis (intrinsic tendencies, thoughts, thousands of years ago. In Bhagvad Gita, Lord Krishna emotions) are described here; and the methods of Himself had guided different approaches of yoga controlling these are guided as Pram³na, Abhy³sa, toward this ultimate goal. However, it was only several Vair³gya and Sam³dhi. Major focus of this p³da centuries B.C. that Maharshi Patanjali synthesized the is higher level yoga that can be practiced by yogis divine knowledge and comprehensively formulated towards the ultimate goal of Nirvikalpa Sam³dhi the super-science and philosophy of yoga. His sutras1 (absolute trance). It describes various stages to constitute the “Yoga Darshana”. reach this ultimate goal, with analysis of various difficulties in achieving them, and the s³dhan³s First detailed Sanskrit translation (bhashya) with (spiritual endeavors) of overcoming them. In short, philosophical discussion of the original “Yoga the sutras here guide those yogis or s³dhakas who Sutras” is said to be scripted by Muni Vyas are already born with the sansk³ras3 of yoga as a (different from Maharshi Vyas, who scripted the epic result of their yoga s³dhan³s in earlier lives. Sloth is the great enemy … the inspirer of cowardice, irresolution, self- pitying grief, and trivial, hairsplitting doubts. - Maharshi Patanjali 18

S³dhana P³da: The sutras here aim at guiding the eight stages of AÌÚ³nga Yoga will have nothing medium level s³dhakas who are keen to do yoga impossible to achieve. However after reaching up s³dhan³ but their sansk³ras of ego, attachments, to the state of sam³dhi such a yogi knows that negativity, cravings, fear, etc, and associated v•attis there is nothing in attainment of any astonishing pull them back from the path of s³dhan³. Initial potential or talent. In spite of attaining supernatural sutras guide the major approaches of Kriya-Yoga potential a true yogi remains humble and focused and sw³dhy³ya3 that help alleviate the influence at the ultimate objective of unification of the of such sansk³ras that are root of all kinds of soul with its eternal source. In other words, his kleïa (suffering; negativity that is a cause of ultimate goal is to attain the Kaivalya state. mental suffering/tension/worry, a hindrance in enlightenment). For such s³dhakas the AÌÚ³nga Kaivalya P³da: Here the mysteries of Nature, soul Yoga4 –is introduced in this p³da. Most sutras deal and God are resolved. The futility of astonishing with the disciplines of Yama, Niyama (essential for supernormal potentials and talents (siddhis) for a restraint over the sensory passions and mental agility, true yogi is emphasized; and it is argued that such and for self-purification), practices of Âasana, and faculties maybe attained via some other kinds of Pr³ñ³y³m for physical and mental strengthening, tapa s³dhan³s as well. However such s³dhan³s and Praty³hara for complete control over all need not lead to the Kaivalya, which is the ultimate senses. The higher-level components of AÌÚ³nga goal of Yoga. These sutras explain the supreme Yoga for self-awakening and enlightenment are significance of kaivalya with detailed guidance on described in the Vibh¿ti P³da. how the state of Nirvikalpa Sam³dhi eliminates all the sansk³ras from the chitta and liberates Vibh¿ti P³da: The sutras here are meant for the yoga the soul from all thralldoms. The kaivalya state s³dhakas who have already followed the sutras of is indeed the state of ultimate salvation (mokïa). S³dhana P³da. For them, first the methods of dh³rañ³ are described here in detail. The practice of dh³rañ³ Unique facet of Yoga Darshana as compared to is essential to achieve proper meditation (Dhy³na). the scriptures of other schools of philosophy is In simple terms, holding the mind in particular that in the treatises of this darshana, there is no domain of thoughts or feeling is called dh³rañ³. argument or attempt to prove any specific thought Dhy³na is defined as – stillness of mind and complete by countering other philosophical theories. It is (one-pointed) focusing of its v•attis at the target of indeed a universal darshana as the methods of meditation. Successive progress in deep meditation yoga propounded here do not presume specific leads to highest level of dhy³na which eventually faith or consideration of God. The methods helps reach the state of sam³dhi – a state of absolute propounded here can be practiced by anyone who thoughtlessness when the feeling of the mind, intellect, seeks inner-realization and soul-awakening. As and self-identity disappears and the self-consciousness part of emancipation from the sorrows, sufferings is ‘dissolved’ in the limitless, impersonal self (God). and weaknesses, it guides people to have faith in self efforts and also in the universal, impartial This p³da also enlightens the seeker regarding system of the supreme soul (God). the fact that the yogi who accomplishes all the If you can control the rising of the mind into ripples, you will experience yoga. - Maharshi Patanjali 19

The first four components of aÌÚ³nga yoga are the material manifestation and cosmic creation. It essential not only for the seekers of the yoga describes the chitta as a medium for expression of s³dhan³ and spiritual progress, but are also the triguña — sat, raj, tam. Interestingly the chitta beneficial for humankind towards holistic health is also described here only as a tool (like a material of the mind-body system. It is for these reasons substance for us) for the expression and use of the that its practices especially ³sana and pr³ñ³y³ma pur¿Ìa (eternal Consciousness-Force). have become so popular all over the world. The principles and disciplines of yama-niyama are Yoga Darshana conveyed by Patanjali’s sutras also taught in one form or the other as part of is so clear and focused that there is no scope self-discipline and morality in almost all religious of blind-faith, misconception, or illusion here. schools; these principles and values of yama- The necessity of theism and the concept of God niyama are integral part of the human religion. are also investigated and explained here in the universal context that does not have any place Mystic Knowledge of Nature and Life: for any abstractionism, imposition, or counter- Similar to “Samkhya Darshana”, the Yoga argument with any line of faith, or atheism. It is a Darshana also refers to the triguña of Nature. The guide to holistic wellbeing, and most importantly principal difference is that — here, only the Chitta a science of awakening of the spiritually refined, (unconscious mind) and its manifestation in the absolute pure wisdom — “•atambhar³ tatra mind and intellect is the focus of discussion and not pragy³” (Y. D. || Sam³. P³. | 48). Notes: 1. Sutra: Aphorism, a linguistic formula (teaching abstracted in a compact prose or couplet in ancient Sanskrit). 2. Sansk³ras: Deep impressions and assimilations ‘inscribed’ in the unconscious mind (since earlier lives and the past phase of the current life). 3. Sw³dhy³ya: Self-study and self-training in the light of sagacious thoughts and inspiring deeds of elevated souls/great personalities. 4. AÌÚ³nga Yoga: Yoga as propounded by Maharshi Patanjali consists of AÌÚ³nga (8 components or steps), viz., - Yama (non-violence, truthfulness, honesty, chastity, and non-possessiveness); Niyama (internal and external cleanliness, contention, tapa, sw³dhy³ya, and iïwara prañidh³na- complete surrender to God/spiritual focus of yoga);; Âasana (specific types of steady body- postures); Pr³ñ³y³ma (energizing through deep and meditative breathing); Praty³hara (detaching the mind from sensory impulses and focusing it introvert); Dh³rañ³ (mental concentration) , Dhy³na (mental stillness; deep meditation), Sam³dhi (transcendental oneness with God/supreme spiritual light). Yoga is the settling of the mind into silence. When the mind has settled, we are established in our essential nature, which is unbounded Consciousness. – Maharshi Patanjali 20

Focus on Balance, not Speed! Today, the world is crazy about speed. know that speed is dangerous as well; it could Speed is considered as a parameter also be life-threatening. But still, I could not of progress. The faster the person, keep myself away from it.’ It was unfortunate the more progressive he is considered. that the author, who was so obsessed with People are considered powerful, strong and speed, lost his life at a very young age only competent in proportion to their speed of because of it. doing work. In fact, nowadays people get irritated by slowness. They consider speed David Mastin, a former professor of Harvard as their pride and are found seeking various Business School reached the conclusion remedies to augment it. Whether it is their car on the basis of a research that - Every or the RAM of their mobile or computer, they generation is being faster than its preceding look for more and more speed everywhere; one. This means that its learning speed is and why not? Slow speed leads to wastage better than that of its predecessor; it is able of time, resources and wealth, while by to assimilate every information with double moving faster all of these are conserved. But the speed and has a sharp memory as well. the question to ponder over is that – Will this In the present time, speed is directly being high speed be able to lead us to joy; are we related to success. able to attain our desired results? Is this high speed our inner requirement or whether it is Accordingly, if an individual works with a prerequisite for the modern lifestyle? Are a slower pace, it would mean that he is we actually turning out to be the servants of a bit lethargic in his work and therefore, speed? All these questions are seeking their unsuccessful. Do we really need to run fast answers from us today. every time; in spite of the fact that we know that life is neither a race nor a competition. It is a convention and belief that the faster the Yet, everybody is busy in looking for pace of one’s life, the more progressive he competitors and trying to move beyond them. is considered. An American author, Anthony They keep competing with them everyday George once said - ‘I am a big advocate of and set a criterion for ensuring their progress. speed. My life is incomplete without it. I While the truth is that no matter how much believe that speed or intensity is directly progress a person makes in his materialistic associated with our hormones. There is life, he lags behind that much in his inner or something mysterious in our blood which spiritual life and becomes more and more causes us to like everything which is fast. I ignorant of himself. Balance, peace, and joy are the fruit of a successful life. It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them. – Thomas Kinkade 21

No matter how much a person could on the other hand, in the spiritual realm, the increase his speed and move forward in first step is to establish control on oneself material life, but this speed of his becomes a and later on the speed of life is increased as great obstacle for his spiritual journey. This one wants. is because in order to move forward in the spiritual domain, there is no need of speed or These days, parents, right from the beginning, hurry; instead, it requires patience, constant begin to admonish their children to write, walk, practice, balance in every aspect of life; speak, work and run fast. Moreover, even in stability of mind, peace and bliss instead the sports competitions organised in schools of unrest, chaos, restiveness, impatience for the students the first place is secured by and high speed. Speed may lead to success those students who are fast in performing those in the material world but it cannot lead us respective games and could deliver their best. anywhere in the spiritual life. In the latter, Thus, the desire to be the fastest and owing the objects of primary importance are - to increasing competition, children try to be stability and peace of mind; only then can the foremost in every thing and this propels the mind maintain the speed according to them to develop the habit of being fast in life. its discretion and accomplish whatever it Consequently, they begin to feel uncomfortable wants to. While in the physical world, high and anxious in performing the tasks which need speed causes the person to lose his control, to be done slowly and thoughtfully. Why are we reading, if not According to psychologist and author, Jeremy in hope of beauty laid bare, life Dean - ‘People always remain anxious heightened and its deepest mystery about speed. This increases the secretion of probed? Can the writer isolate and testosterone within them. Thus, their inner vivify all in experience that most impulsiveness provokes them to do everything deeply engages our intellects and very fast. They think that they would be able our heats? Can the writer renew our to stabilize their energy by driving vehicles, hope for literary forms? Why are planes, bike, etc with a high speed. However, we reading if not in hope that the there are numerous better ways to utilise our writer will magnify and dramatize energy in a constructive manner’. our days, will illuminate and inspire us with wisdom, courage, and the Speed had never got such importance as it possibility of meaningfulness, and has got in the present time. Never ever before will press upon our minds the was the speed of life so fast. Previously, deepest mysteries, so we may feel every work was done with a relaxed state of again their majesty and power? mind. The pace of life was also slow. People used to wake up with the morning sun and -Annie Dillard sleep by the time of sunset and they worked in between this period. Even the science of Faith gives you an inner strength and a sense of balance and perspective in life. - Gregory Peck 22

Yoga emphasises on balancing the rhythm removed by taking rest after performing it. of life, which should neither be too fast nor Speed is not even required while performing too slow. When the rhythm of our breath the Asanas, instead they are performed slowly. becomes too fast it needs to be balanced. If they are performed with high speed, they A higher rate of respiration for a long time may actually harm the body. adversely affects both our body and mind. Similarly, if it is slower than normal then it Speed appears to be beneficial, but if one is not is indicative of disease. It is possible to slow careful it may also cause harm. With fast speed down the rate of breathing by performing we can complete our tasks faster. In this way, various yogic practices like meditation, we can save our time and do more within less chanting, Pranayama, etc and when the time. But there are certain things which cannot breathing rhythm is voluntarily made to be accomplished with fast speed; instead they slow down in a definite time frame it proves require prudence, skills and a definite time beneficial for health. period; and such works definitely yield their auspicious results. Therefore, balance is much In Yoga, the body is brought back in the phase more important than speed. If the person is of relaxation after performing various physical balanced, he may increase as well as decrease postures (Asanas) so that it can get the benefits his speed and enjoy life in every circumstance. without any sort of problem. No matter what But if the person is solely focused on speed, may be the exercise, the person gets relaxed he will not enjoy any moment of his life. only in relaxing postures. Exercise creates Therefore, balance and alertness are equally stress in various parts of the body which is important just like speed. There is abundance of everything on earth; the need is to abandon greed. Watch the birds! Watch the animals! From morning till evening they consume only that much food that they can digest. There is no dearth of grains or grass on earth but they take only that much which their hunger demands and the stomach can handle. This is the only way to be happy. The birds caper, hop, chirp and enjoy all the day and go to their nest at night. This nest is made only of that size which can house not more than a pair of birds. No bird makes the nest so big as to accommodate their entire community. Animals too make their caves, cavities, or take shelter in the shadow of some tree according to their sizes. They are perhaps aware that there is no dearth of anything in the kingdom of God; whatever is needed, they can easily get. So why should they unnecessarily accumulate. The lesson birds and animals give to us is that we should take only that much that is needed at the moment. By doing so, we can live happily and will also make others happy which is their right. - Pujya Gurudev Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya Work, love and play are the great balance wheels of man’s being. - Orison Swett Marden 23

How to Triumph Over Adversities? The path to progress passes through the out of mere emotion or impulse should be rocky terrain of obstacles. The person considered as belonging to the category of who is scared of facing difficulties animal behaviour even though outwardly he is a should not expect to go higher in life. The very human being. To strive for excellence is a divine meaning of progress is attainment of height; feature of mankind. and for scaling height one has to labour hard, and strive more than that required for walking What exactly are crises? Crises are those on a flat road. Going downhill requires no adverse conditions in life which raise obstacles extra effort, nor does it take much time. If on in the path of a person who is walking towards a a downhill road, it requires one day to cover defined goal. These obstacles can be either man- certain distance, the same distance uphill made or circumstantial. Man-made obstacles might take four days. Hardships and obstacles are those which are created by other persons out are natural on the path to progress. Otherwise, of envy, jealously, ego etc., and appear in the everyone in the world would achieve greatness; forms of deceit, betrayal, opposition, argument, nobody would remain ordinary or low. ill-treatment, deprivation, etc. Circumstantial obstacles include diseases, accidents and the Man is a divine being as well as an animal. But like. the difference is that while man is progress- oriented, the animal remains in the same Crises in life could be of thousand types. Which primitive stage always. It does not know what crisis would arise when cannot always be development is. From birth to death it remains foreseen. Nor it is possible to remain prepared in the same condition. It has no capacity to beforehand to tackle every type of problem understand the nature of obstacles and devise which could come in future. Hence it is wise to ways to fight against them and surmount them. find out a means or tool which could be helpful Animals have a natural fear instinct. Sometime in general for all types of crises, and this tool this fear instinct goads them to escape, at others to could be nothing but one’s own attitude. It is the fight till death. But this behaviour is instinctive, attitude that makes a foe appear like friend or not reasoned or rational. It does not involve any vice-versa; good things begin to appear bad and reflection on the situation. An animal escapes bad things turn into good, all depending on the out of fear and it fights too out of fear. attitude. Sometimes a person becomes depressed when faced with ordinary problems of life, but The distinctive feature of man is his faculty at other times he remains balanced and smiling of reasoning and then deciding. Doing a work in the face of even big crises. Goodness, enmity, I hated every minute of training, but I said, “Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” - Muhammad Ali 24

friendship, crisis, difficulty, smoothness, When we view obstacles and hardships as our adversity, etc all these conflicting situations are adversaries, it disturbs our mental equanimity ultimately reflections of one’s own view-point; and we are unable to find the right solutions. these have no specific images of their own. If But if we keep our attitude towards these man develops an attitude of equanimity, all obstacles calm and objective, and consider adversities will vanish spontaneously. these as divinely sent signals to keep us alert and going, we can derive benefits from these Many occasions come in life when a person situations as well. gets very disheartened and woeful. He finds no interest in any work, and his heart is filled A balanced attitude is the greatest beneficiary with gloom and negativity; only adversities of man. This virtue is achieved when man are visible all around. This type of situation is considers every work as god’s will. One, who harmful for progress. It is wastage of both time expects to meet only favourable situation and energy. For a person who wants to progress always and never any adversity, is destined in any field, it is essential to remain energetic, to meander in the desert of failures. Such enthusiastic and happy. persons cannot progress in life. Hence one should always view every event as divinely Whatever adversities are seen in the world, ordained and keep doing one’s duty. This they largely depend on our own way of will ensure that there is no waning of energy viewing things. When we begin to view our or will power. Those who are able to keep enemy as friend, it simultaneously transforms themselves free from feelings of anxiety, our inner ill-feeling or anger towards him into fear, or gloomy thoughts rise and progress friendly feelings, and thereby protects us from in life. But this attitude can come only if we the harm accruing from such internal negative have unwavering faith in God and view every feelings. The same applies to obstacles in life. event in the world as His will. A critic looking at these tightly focused, targeted interventions might dismiss them as Band-Aid solutions. But that phrase should not be considered a term of disparagement. The Band-Aid is an inexpensive, convenient, and remarkably versatile solution to an astonishing array of problems. In their history, Band-Aids have probably allowed millions of people to keep working or playing tennis or cooking or walking when they would otherwise have had to stop. The Band-Aid solution is actually the best kind of solution because it involves solving a problem with the minimum amount of effort and time and cost. - Malcolm Gladwell Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are. - Arthur Golden 25

Yug Gita – 18 How Can One Live Without Performing Action? The third chapter of the Gita deals with in a horrendous action like war?’ In addition to ‘Karma Yoga’ (The Yoga of Action). In this he also says – terms of scientific spirituality, Karma Yoga is a way of life. In this chapter, the Lord is Vy³miïreñeva v³kyena buddhi® mohayasºva me | trying to explain his disciple that he is born with Tadeka® vada niïcitya yena ïreyo´ham³pnuyam ||(3/2) rajoguña – that is action oriented desires. These desires can be fulfilled only by displaying his Meaning: Your words of conflicting conclusions prowess and fighting bravely for the country and have confused my understanding. Therefore, tell its culture, and eradicating immorality. Therefore, me that one way, for certain, by which I may he must take strict action against the agents of attain ultimate bliss. impropriety. Howsoever difficult be the prevailing circumstances, he must face them; ultimately, they The questions of Arjuna are not that of any will prove to be helpful in his battle of life and emotional fool; they can only be of a curious serve like a rejuvenating tonic. He should perform s³dhaka. Sometimes we are unable to understand action conforming to the prevailing times. the talks of Param Pujya Gurudev. He talks different things at different times. Sometimes he This chapter begins with a very appropriate would say awaken your Panch-koshas or Shat- question by Arjuna – chakras and sometimes he would say spread the message of Gayatri and Yagya in each and Jy³yasº cet karmañaste mat³ buddhirjan³rdana | every home, while at other times he would talk Tat ki® karmañi ghore m³® niyojayasi keïava ||(3/1) of meditation and at the same time also engage us in other missionary activities like constructing Meaning: O Janardana! If you consider that Shaktipeeths or organizing some programs. knowledge is superior to action, then why O Sometimes he would take us to the deepest Keshava, are you engaging me in this terrible depths of S³dhan³ and reveal the supreme levels action? of spiritual knowledge; and at other times he would teach that nothing is better than service to So far, Arjuna was listening to the discourse of humanity. It appears that it is all prolixity – why the Lord where the latter was highlighting the perform action, when knowledge is supreme? superiority of knowledge. Therefore his natural query is - ‘When you consider knowledge to be If we try to analyze the present-day circumstances supreme, then why are you asking me to engage in right perspective, we will find that they are The Bhagavad-Gita is the most systematic statement of spiritual evolution of endowing value to mankind. - Aldous Huxley 26

similar to those prevailing during Mahabharata is highlighted. In his book ‘The Upanishads’ times; i.e. in the times of Shri Krishna and Arjuna. Shri Aurobindo writes – ‘Brahman embraces in We should try to question ourselves – ‘Are we His manifestation both Vidya and Avidya and if Arjunas of present times?’ Whenever we read the they are both present in the manifestation, it is discourse of Shri Krishna to Arjuna, we should because they are both necessary to its existence consider that this is our Gurudev talking to us. If and its accomplishment.’ This paradox can be this understanding sets in, the purpose of writing understood by this example. In one’s home, Yug Gita would be served. Then we would realize there is Puja room, which is the most sacred what we should demand from Pujya Gurudev - a place; and there is also a washroom (where there person of steadfast wisdom. are washing and toilet facilities). We cannot do without any one of them. Param Pujya Gurudev would assign different tasks to different volunteers of the Ashram; like, Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa advised writing articles / booklets, giving discourses, Vivekananda – ‘If we are unable to understand the sweeping the premises of theAshram and keeping contents of Vedas and Upanishads, then it should them clean, taking care of the construction of the not be considered that they are wrong. It is the buildings, etc. The regional volunteers would lack of our intelligence. These are the words of be assigned the tasks of performing Yagya and God. We should consult the learned people in this Sanskaras and increasing the number of readers/ regard to clarify our doubts about any paradoxes.’ subscribers of Akhand Jyoti Magazine. For That is why, in the 2nd shloka Arjuna says - each of these tasks, he would say that to be of Tadeka® vada niïcitya – (tell me that one way for best spiritual merit. In Akhand Jyoti Magazine certain). Arjuna is a true inquisitive person. That too while one article would be on ‘Karma’, the is why, he is eagerly putting his question. Arjuna other would be on ‘Samadhi’ (a state of deep says one more thing - yena ïreyo´ham³pnuyam meditation leading to higher consciousness); – (by which I may attain bliss). In answer to this while some article would be on the significance question, Lord says - of ‘Vairagya’ (detachment from materialistic world), the other would highlight that service Loke´smin dwividh³ niÌÚh³ pur³ prokt³ to humanity was Lord’s worship. In such a may³naghaÐ | situation, it is but natural to get confused. In this situation, we, the disciples, should go to Jó³nayogena s³òkhy³n³® karmayogena the shelter of Pujya Gurudev and request him to yogin³® ||(3/3) clarify our doubts. Meaning: O sinless one! In this world there is The doubt that used to arise in our minds, that a twofold path, as I said before — the path of once arose in the mind of Arjuna is but natural. In knowledge of the Sankhyas and the path of action fact, no talk/advice of Shri Krishna contradicts of the Yogis. the other. At one time, one aspect of ‘Truth’ is revealed and at another time the other aspect The aim of Vedanta is the welfare of humanity. This is the science of achieving perfectness in It is a very hard thing to understand, but you will come to learn in time that nothing in the universe has power over you until you allow it to exercise such a power. - Swami Vivekananda 27

life. For this purpose, Lord is discussing two Lord says clearly that the Yogis are dedicated types of paths. First is that of action – diligence to Karma Yoga and the Sannyasis – Gyana and the second is related to the thought process Yogis are dedicated to Gyana Yoga; however, – intelligence. The first one is called the path of one cannot attain ‘Naishkarmya Siddhi’ without Karma yoga and the second one is called the performing action, nor can one become a Gyani path of Gyana yoga. (knowledgeable person) by simply abandoning the action. Thus nothing can be achieved by sitting Here Lord has used the word ‘sinless’ for Arjuna. idle. The root cause of frustration, depression and There are several names of Arjuna, but Lord is psychosomatic disorders seen in many people addressing him here considering his purity of today is that people are either too busy in their heart and emotions. Explaining the two types work in order to earn more name/fame/money of Yoga, he emphasizes that Gyana Yoga should or they are sitting idle due to laziness. In fact, not be misinterpreted as inactivity, inertia or there should be action but without the desire for laziness. In true sense, it is the thoughtfulness its fruits. Sometimes a thought comes in the mind generated in the desireless state of mind. Lord - if ‘nishkarmata’ (actionlessness) is the ultimate explains this clearly in the next shloka – objective of life, then why should one perform any action. Lord answers this question as follows: Na karmañ³m an³rambh³n naiÌkarmya® puruïo´ïnute | Na hi kaïcit kÌañamapi j³tu tiÌÚhatyakarmak•t | K³ryate hyavaïa¡ karma sarva¡ prak•tijair Na ca sannyasan³d eva siddhi® guñai¡ ||(3/5) samadhigacchati||(3/4) Meaning: A man does not reach the state of Meaning: One cannot remain without engaging actionlessness by merely not performing any in activity at any time, even for a moment; for, action; nor does he achieve perfection by mere everyone is helplessly compelled to act by the renunciation. qualities endowed by one’s material nature. Even if a man abandons action, his mind may be Indeed, there is no existence of a man without active. One cannot reach perfection or freedom action. One, who abandons action, insults the from action or knowledge of the Self, merely by deity of life. It is a different matter that the renouncing action. Abandoning the ego of the actions of a person are according to his inherent doer from all the actions and thinking of the Lord desires. The materialistic desires have been all the time is called Gyana Yoga – Shankhya classified mainly in three categories – Sattvik, Yoga or Sannyasa Yoga. The action that is done rajsik and tamsik. All these three qualities with equanimity, abandoning the desire of its are generated within ourselves according to fruit is called Karma Yoga of the Gita. The same our inherent nature. The words ‘prak•tijair has been called by the Lord tadartha karma, guñai¡’, which have come in shloka (3/5), are madartha karma, matkarma, samatvayoga, etc the root source of our actions. Our inherent in different contexts. desires, according to their nature, would When you practice selfless giving, you're in balance and harmony with everything. - Frederick Lenz 28

compel us to do that which even we may not people take up agitations; this is nothing but like to do. We cannot remain inactive. While dishonoring the deity of life – going against alive, a man / woman cannot remain without one’s dignity. In the battle of life, one should action even for a moment (as has been said in develop the courage to face all the ups and the first line of above shloka); that is, when the downs, be diligent to go-ahead; remain active action ends, he / she dies. In other words, one in positive tasks and bravely live each and who is inactive is akin to a dead man. Running every moment of life enjoying it fully; rise by away from action is equivalent to running actions, progress by actions and also expand away from life and pushing oneself towards by actions. The message of the Gita - to live the jaws of death. This is a kind of suicide. action-filled, cheerful, happy and healthy life – is in itself a proof that the Gita is not a text book Sitting on dharnas, working slowly, going of Sannyasa. The Gita teaches the art of living. on strike, running away from duty, enjoying It talks of maintaining a strong desire to live a undue leave, etc poison the elixir of life slowly; holistic life of hundred years as has been said they snatch away the beauty of life. In the in Isha Upanishad – ‘Kurvannaiveh karm³ñi name of revolt against the social setup, some jijiveÌcchat³® sam³¡’. [To be continued in the next issue] [Note: This is the translation of Hindi version of ‘Yug Gita’ (Part 1) by Dr. Pranav Pandya, published by Sri Vedmata Gayatri Trust, Shantikunj, Haridwar (2003)] Not too long ago thousands spent their lives as recluses to find spiritual vision in the solitude of nature. Modern man need not become a hermit to achieve this goal, for it is neither ecstasy nor world-estranged mysticism his era demands, but a balance between quantitative and qualitative reality. Modern man, with his reduced capacity for intuitive perception, is unlikely to benefit from the contemplative life of a hermit in the wilderness. But what he can do is to give undivided attention, at times, to a natural phenomenon, observing it in detail, and recalling all the scientific facts about it he may remember. Gradually, however, he must silence his thoughts and, for moments at least, forget all his personal cares and desires, until nothing remains in his soul but awe for the miracle before him. Such efforts are like journeys beyond the boundaries of narrow self-love and, although the process of intuitive awakening is laborious and slow, its rewards are noticeable from the very first. If pursued through the course of years, something will begin to stir in the human soul, a sense of kinship with the forces of life consciousness which rule the world of plants and animals, and with the powers which determine the laws of matter. - Franz Winkler Jnana, bhakti, yoga and karma - these are the four paths which lead to spiritual freedom. One must follow the path for which one is best suited. But in this age, special stress should be laid on karma yoga. - Swami Vivekananda 29

Peace Pilgrim’s Wisdom – 18 Living the Spiritual Life – 2 On Fasting one grapefruit, every two hours the second day; I have been asked about my forty- a grapefruit and two oranges three times the five day period of prayer and fasting. third day, and after that adding a little bit until I undertook it as a prayer discipline, to keep in a week I was able to eat full rations. me concentrated on my prayer for peace. It was in the second year of my pilgrimage when It was no different from the usual pattern of I was coming slowly back across the country fasting. I did obey the laws of fasting: no extreme and I wasn’t walking extensively. Fasting can exertion. I did not walk long distances, though I have a great deal of spiritual significance, and did walk some. I did some typing for the doctor. though I had already found inner peace, it may I typed until he took the typewriter away about have been that the fast helped me to learn to a month ago in the fast. He didn’t think I ought pray without ceasing. to handle it anymore, so then I wrote by hand, which was really harder than typing. But I do the While I fasted I was at the home of a chiropractor best I can with these things. who used fasting for healing. He wanted to see how a well person would react to a fast because I didn’t go in and talk to his patients as much he had never fasted a well person. I talked to as I would have liked to because he didn’t want him as a friend; he just observed me, he didn’t me to move around that much. I did go to see examine me. (There are many doctors, including them occasionally to help keep up their spirits. medical doctors, who are my friends-but none Once during my fast - I remember I was in a of them have ever treated me or even examined state between wakefulness and sleep - I looked me. Although occasionally a dentist friend up and saw a dismal cross above me. It was just will repair an old cavity which came from my hanging there, and I knew someone must take up poor eating habits in younger days.) The last the burden. I reached up to accept it and I was meal before my fast was a grapefruit and two immediately lifted above the cross where all was oranges, so I wasn’t thirsty. The first three days light and beauty. All that was needed was the were undertaken without food or water. After willingness to accept the burden—and then I was that I took distilled water at room temperature. raised above it. Instead of hardships, I found a Nothing else. And when I broke my fast it was wonderful sense of peace and joy. not unusual-it was the regular way to break a fast. The juice of one freshly squeezed orange On Healing every hour the first day. The juice of two freshly One must be very careful when praying for squeezed oranges, alternating with the juice of others to pray for the removal of the cause You do not need to work to become spiritual. You are spiritual; you need only to remember that fact. Spirit is within you. God is within you. - Julia Cameron 30

and not the removal of the symptom. A simple I admit that a long time ago, before I really knew healing prayer is this: what I was doing, when working with people who had problems I comforted them by putting my “Bring this life into harmony with Divine hands on the back of their neck and the forehead. Purpose...may this life come into harmony I certainly wouldn’t do that now. I did not realize with God’s Will. May you so live that all who I was doing anything but to comfort. Now I place meet you will be uplifted, that all who bless any problem into my prayer consciousness. I you will be blessed, that all who serve you will place it into the best possible hands-God’s hands, receive the greatest satisfaction. If any should and turn my attention to other things. attempt to harm you, may they contact your thought of God and be healed.” The Power of Thought Are you a slave to your self-centered nature, Eager beaver psychic healers are those or does your divine nature guide your life? Do who work on the removal of symptoms and you know that every moment of your life you’re not the removal of cause. When you desire creating through thought? You create your phenomena, you possess phenomena; you do own inner condition; you’re helping create the not get God. Let’s say I am a psychic healer conditions around you. Christian teachings tell living next door to you, and you have chosen us - “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” - to come into this life to face some kind of which is saying very clearly that we are creating physical symptom until you have removed the conditions around us. If we could look a bit the cause. Well, when the symptom manifests, more deeply into life, we might see that physical I remove it. And so the symptom manifests difficulties are reflections of spiritual difficulties, again, and I then remove it again, and I manage and that negative thoughts and feelings are much to keep that symptom removed. more harmful than disease germs. When you step over to the disembodied side If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, of life, for another reason altogether, instead you would never think a defeatist or negative of blessing me for having removed the thought. Since we create through thought, we symptom you’ll say, “That meddler! I came need to concentrate very strongly on positive to solve this problem but she kept removing thoughts. If you think you can’t do something, the symptom and therefore I never solved it!” you can’t. But if you think you can, you may be That’s what I mean when I speak about some surprised to discover that you can. It is important who are content to deal with the removal of that our thoughts be constantly for the best that symptoms. When one meddles in the life could happen in a situation-for the good things we of another it will just cause the symptoms would like to see happen. not only to re-manifest, but carry over into another lifetime. Most healers do not I have met some New Age people who had know this and they go on merrily removing heard some prediction of disaster and were symptoms. actually concentrating on that. What a terrible The desire for connection with the Divine and our formless inner self is at the foundation of all desire for human connection. - Donna Goddard 31

thing to do! Why, we’re creating every moment until it is overcome by the good, but the good of our lives through thought. And we’re helping remains forever. to create the conditions around us. When you hear of any predictions of disaster there’s a Just concentrate on thinking and living and acting reason for it. The reason is that you are to throw in harmony with God’s laws and inspiring others to the entire weight of your positive thought in the do likewise. Every time you meet a person, think opposite direction. of some encouraging thing to say—a kind word, a helpful suggestion, an expression of admiration. For instance, when there were dozens of Never think of any right effort as being fruitless. All predictions that half of California was to slide into right effort bears fruit, whether we see the results or the sea from a terrible earthquake, I deliberately not. Be a sweet melody in the great orchestration, planned to be in that section of California. There instead of a discordant note. The medicine this sick wasn’t a tremor. But I missed some of my friends world needs is love. Hatred must be replaced by who were on the east coast, playing it safe. love, and fear by faith that love will prevail. Remember where it says there shall be prophecies A song has this phrase: and they shall fail? Why is it? Because all you Love is flowing like a river, flowing out from you can predict is the trend of things. You can never and me. say what the outcome will be, because we are Spreading out into the desert, setting all the constantly able to turn that prediction in another captives free. direction, in a positive direction if we get together on that. Yes, the captives are those who don’t know who they are, those who don’t know they are God’s Every good thing you do, every good thing you children. Remember this: Be still and know that say, every good thought you think, vibrates on I am God. Don’t ever forget who you are! You and on and never ceases. The evil remains only cannot be where God is not. [Reproduced with glad consent of the publishers – Friends of Peace Pilgrim] To make bread or love, to dig in the earth, to feed an animal or cook for a stranger - these activities require no extensive commentary, no lucid theology. All they require is someone willing to bend, reach, chop, or stir. Most of these tasks are so full of pleasure that there is no need to complicate things by calling them holy. And yet these are the same activities that change lives, sometimes all at once and sometimes more slowly, the way dripping water changes stone. In a world where faith is often construed as a way of thinking, bodily practices remind the willing that faith is a way of life. - Barbara Brown Taylor Convince yourself every day that you are worthy of a good life. Let go of stress, breathe. Stay positive, all is well. - Germany Kent 32

Importance of Salt in Our Daily Diet Salt not only improves the taste of our Black salt is quite rich in iron. It is cold food, but it is also vital for our body. by nature (according to Ayurveda) and is Minute quantity of salt helps in the flow of beneficial in curing several kinds of ailments electrical signals in our brain. Salt also plays a like constipation, acidity, digestive problems, very important role in maintaining water levels flatulence, burning sensation in chest, hysteria, in our body. reduced vision, anaemia etc. Several types of salts are available for Scientists believe that life originated on the consumption, like rock salt, sea salt, black salt, earth in the salty waters of oceans. So this ordinary salt etc. The ordinary salt normally is why in all the food products, greens, and used in cooking has sodium. Sodium increases vegetables, minute quantity of salt, which blood pressure whereas potassium reduces is an essential nutrient, is naturally found. it. Salts contain several other chemicals and People, who undertake asv³da fasting, i.e. compounds as well. There are two types of taking food with no added flavour, salt or salts normally available in market: first, the sugar, get their basic requirement of salt refined iodized white salt and second, rock salt fulfilled through the traces of salt naturally or black salt which comes in both crystallized found in food products. As a result, they can and powder forms. live a normal life without additional salt in food. Else, depravity of salt in body can lead According to experts in Ayurveda, refined salt to severe physical weakness. contains large amounts of sodium and other chemicals that are not very good for health. Rock In summer, if excessive salt flows out of the salt instead, contains 94 elements like calcium, body due to sweating it can pose danger to iron, potassium, magnesium, copper etc. and so is life. Similar condition arises during dysentery considered very good for health. It is also known and diarrhoea when excess water flows as Himalayan salt and it helps in prevention of out of the body. A simple solution in such diseases that arise due to all three dosh³s (v³ta, situations is rehydration using saline drip or pitta and kapha). It is considered good for heart oral rehydration by drinking water with added and digestive system and helps in preventing salt and sugar. Patients suffering from high diseases like blood pressure fluctuations, skin blood pressure or with non-functional kidneys diseases, arthritis, osteoporosis, depression, however, need to abstain from eating salt or stress etc. This salt also provides relief in need to take salt that is low on sodium and has conditions like muscle pull and cramps. higher levels of potassium. Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work. - Stephen King 33

Salt is not just a taste enhancer, it is also a great, There are several different idioms in local naturally available preservative like sugar. It has cultures that use the term salt, and these idioms been used for years as preservative in pickles, not just bring out the importance of salt in jams etc. Salt is produced in large quantities by food but relate salt with human relationships drying up sea water. Salt is also extracted by as well, like – to pay back the loan of salt. breaking rocks and it is believed that wherever In several idioms in Hindi, beauty is equated such rocks are found there must have been sea with saltiness like the idiom ‘roop l³vaöya’, or large collection of salty water in earlier times. where the root of the word l³vaöya is lavaöa For centuries salt trade has spurred international which means salt. If someone has an attractive commerce and relations. Banishing defeated personality then this personality is also equated opponents to live a torturous life in salt mines with saltiness, meaning that the person is very was a regular punishment given by cruel kings. pleasant and joyful. ‘Rubbing salt on wounds’ is a common saying Salt is not just an edible item, it is also a good that shows that salt can be misused as well. source of energy. It is an essential constituent During fasts, usage of common salt is prohibited. of our body, which helps in purification of However, people who cannot eat food without blood, kills harmful bacteria in the body its salty taste, can use rock salt. Rock salt is and protects us from several diseases. If salt considered acceptable during fasts. is not taken for a long time, body develops weakness. At the same time, excess salt Rock salt is slightly different from sea salt and intake is also quite harmful for the body. Only is considered appropriate for vegetarian diets. 6 grams of salt intake a day is adequate for a Black salt which has the smell of sulphur is also normal healthy body. used often to add taste in food. In Ayurveda, black salt along with other spices is used to make A balanced amount of salt can be added into different medicines, for example, Lavan Bhaskar food for the right taste. If salt is less in quantity Choorna. Several medicines that are good for the the food will be tasteless. Excess salt also digestive system contain all three salts, sea salt, spoils the taste. But, proper amount of salt black salt and rock salt. enhances taste significantly. A balanced intake of salt is beneficial for health and increases life There is an interesting story about salt – A king expectancy. At the same time, more intake or once asked his princess who she loved the most. less intake, are harmful for health and lead to He adored her daughter and wanted to hear her reduction in life expectancy. say his name, but she replied she loved salt the most. King got angry and ordered that her So we must take a balanced amount of salt daughter must stay away from his sight. Several with our food. And just like this balance years later, when his doctors ordered that only salt in salt intake, we must maintain a balance free food be prepared for the King, he realized in all aspects of life, and keep away from the true value of salt. extremes. No man is worth his salt who is not ready at all times to risk his well-being, to risk his body, to risk his life, in a great cause. - Theodore Roosevelt 34

Odyssey of the Enlightened – 67 Future Calling – 3 After convincing the proprietors, some A national tragedy of them re-employed the workers, but On 30th January, 1948 an insane person murdered what should be done to bridge the gulf Mahatma Gandhi. The news shook the entire of distrust? The volunteers of Shantidal decided nation and whole world. The words of Pandit to form a cooperative society, collect some Jawaharlal Nehru – ‘The flame has extinguished’ money and start a small-scale industry. The – appeared to be the scream of the soul of entire vocations like weaving, painting, preparation of nation. Fortunately, that mad man was from Hindu spices, soap making, machine repairs, etc were community. What would have happened had that chosen. Not much capital was required for this person belonged to the minority community? It venture. The requisite amount was arranged is nerve-shattering even to imagine that situation. through donations by the rich people and the volunteers. The society started functioning Shriram kept fast on 31st January. During from October 1947. In this manner, the society Mahapurashcharan Sadhana, he was already was able to give jobs to forty families. After taking meals only once daily. Shriram held entire manufacturing the goods, they supplied them to society responsible for the murder of Mahatma the market and also to some individual homes. Gandhi. The fast was for the atonement of that sin. Initially there were some problems but later on He didn’t take anything for two more days. Some it was felt that this kind of work was much better religious and political leaders also participated in than the previous jobs. It was their business and that fast. Apart from the members of the committee was giving more profit. Therefore the workers (formed in the previous year) for maintaining were also happy. The society remained active communal harmony and goodwill, the volunteers for many years. of the Congress and some citizens also undertook a one-day fast. Shriram broke the fast at the end Social activity earned Shriram affection and of the third day. That day more than one hundred gratitude. In the period from March to December people were present; and their gloomy faces were 1947, Shriram organized thirty five programs of amply demonstrating that the remorse of the Gayatri Yagya in Mathura. About five thousand poison of communal riots that was spread in the people attended these yagyas. In these programs, previous years was burning their hearts. Shriram’s message used to be that the true yagya should be performed within the inner-self. Had A new baby boy arrived he not given the right message of religiosity in A child was born in Shriram’s family. When the these programs, Mathura would have witnessed child was born in September 1949 (Ashwin Krishna veritable communal turmoil. Chaturthi), Shriram had gone to Jaisinghpura, on You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 35

receiving the news of communal tension there. feelings of people it is the religious base that After pacifying the people, he returned home in proved to be capable. It is difficult to control the evening. He was accompanied by his ascetic such situations with political or administrative friend Swami Premanand. He was a member of measures. These circumstances were the result of Arya Samaj and used to sing Bhajans (devotional the hatred in the minds of the people; and it is songs) in his discourses. Once in a while, he used the true teachings of religions that can refine the to sing Bhajans in Shriram’s Yagya – programs. minds of the people.’ The volunteers of Arya Samaj used to vilify him on account of his keeping the company of a With these words, Shriram expressed that he was sanatan dharma follower (Shriram), but he never not at all interested in joining politics. When some bothered. On entering the house, when he heard friends requested again, Shriram said – ‘People the news of the birth of a baby boy, he suggested swimming in the ocean or river do not enjoy that his name should be synonymous with Lord ponds’. After this declaration, everyone was Shiva. He said –‘At present the soul of our society satisfied. They said ‘Dhanya! Dhanya! (Meaning is consuming the poison of hatred. This child - Great! Great!) to Shriram and paid their respects should cause us to remember the mastery over to him and departed with relieved faces. that poison.’ Shriram said – ‘How about naming him as Mrityunjaya? It is a synonym of Shiva.’ The demand of new sadhaks Shriram himself used to read the mail. He also Thus the name was decided. When the Namkaran kept a watchful eye on the contents of the letters. Sanskar (naming ceremony) was done, the Muslims After assessing the expectations of the readers of of Katara Keshavdev, Chhatta Bazar and those Akhand Jyoti, one day he asked Bhoodev Sharma living outside the Holy gate were also invited. – “Panditji! What do the readers expect from These families had obtained protection in some or us?” Bhoodev Sharma said- “Saheb! We cannot other form from Shriram in the days of communal guess much from the letters. But in two years the turmoil. On behalf of the people of all religions number of readers has increased five-fold. Some gathered there, Dwarka Babu requested Shriram – of these readers inquire about the availability of “Please don’t confine yourself to the field of religion old issues. They want to read them too.” only. You are also needed in social and political fields. So provide leadership in that area too.” Shriram said – “We don’t have old issues”. After a pause, he said again –“There is only one way to The people present there also supported the fulfill their need and that is - the important articles of suggestion of Dwarka Babu. Imam Sahib Salim those magazines be published in the form of books.” said – ‘If you represent the people of Mathura, then the minority community will also get peace.’ Publication of books When the discussion came to an end, Shriram Any decision about ‘Akhand Jyoti’ used to be said –‘The field in which I am working is very taken only after consulting Mataji. Her opinion extensive and full of heavy responsibilities. Last was not different from Shriram’s and hence the year we all realized that in order to control the plan was made to publish books. The compilation Selflessness, humility, truthfulness - these are the three marks of an honorable man. - Suzy Kassem 36

of articles published in ‘Akhand Jyoti’ was read books. They should first worry for food, published as a series of books costing six clothes and shelter.” annas (An anna was a currency unit formerly used in India, equal to 1/16 of a rupee). This “The society should take care of those, who can’t series also included some new books. When afford to buy even food. For this purpose there are the price of books was being decided, Mataji many charitable endowments, public kitchens, said – “There may be many people who cannot granaries, etc.” – said Mataji. On this Bhoodev afford six annas. We should make some replied – “The storehouses of books are libraries arrangement for them also.” and public reading rooms. Those who cannot buy can get from there”. Shriram said – ‘What can we do? We don’t have so many resources that we distribute “Then it should be planned how to send our them free of cost.” In the same context, books to libraries.” – Mataji raised another Bhoodev Sharma added his opinion – issue. Shriram was listening to this dialogue. “Those who don’t have money should not He was contemplating silently. When he Shwetketu, the son of Maharshi Aaruni received education by living in the gurukul. Although all the disciples were dear to the guru, Shwetketu, on the basis of his devotion and service received his guru’s special affection. By the blessings of the guru Shwetketu soon acquired mastery of the four Vedas, but nearness to the guru also generated in him ego. In this ego of scholarly knowledge, he forgot to show deference to others except his guru. When Shwetketu returned home endowed with the guru’s blessings and knowledge of the Vedas, he did not pay obeisance even to his father. His father felt pained, not because he thirsted for a pranam, but because his son has returned after a long period of time carrying arrogance instead of jnan or vidya (true knowledge). The father knew that vidya without vinay(humility) does not fructify. He said to Swetketu - “Rishiwar, which book of knowledge have you read that you have forgotten to be respectful to even elders and gurujans. Agree that you are now a great scholar and possess knowledge of the Vedas, but do not you realize that the essence of vidya is vinay. When you have failed to acquire vinay how you can be a real scholar?” Swetketu now realized his mistake and fell at the feet of his father. The father now embraced him. If you are not noble in your thoughts and actions, no title awarded by any king or queen can make you so. - E.A. Bucchianeri 37

noticed that the discussion was not reaching ‘yes’ to the students desirous of coming to Mathura; any conclusion, he said – “Mataji wants that if there was no question of refusing otherwise their the persons interested in reading these books feelings would have been hurt. But there was no cannot afford to pay the price, then some space for accommodating them. arrangement should be made to make the series available to them. The middle path is that we Mataji said that ten to twelve sadhaks could be should reduce the price for such persons.” accommodated in their home itself. But this was not a permanent solution. In future, the It was decided that on needy readers’ request, number of sadhaks was bound to increase. For the series should be sold for sawa anna separate arrangements, necessary resources were instead of six annas. For students, it was made not available. Shriram’s mind became restless. compulsory to get the recommendation of the Several alternatives were coming in and going Headmaster / Principal of the school so that out of the mind. Mataji’s temporary solution, that people didn’t take undue advantage of the the enthusiastic students and sadhaks should be concessional scheme. On such books, the seal accommodated at home, was accepted. Bhoodev of ‘student edition’ should also be put. Sharma was also asked to write letters to them. But there remained a question mark on the future Enthusiastic Response strategy of dealing with such demands. When no After reading this information in the pages of solution came to mind, Shriram shook off this Akhand Jyoti, hundreds of readers wrote letters. internal conflict from his mind and concentrated Fulfilling their expectations, Shriram personally on the flame of Akhand Deepak lighted in the wrote to students. In those letters, he advised Puja-room. Suddenly he felt – “His inner being them to share those books with their colleagues is completely silent; a cool breeze is blowing.” / school mates. By October 1949 more than five Then the scenes of Himalayas started appearing in hundred people had read the series of books. In the his mental field; the memories of the last journey correspondence, they started requesting that they to the Himalayas were becoming fresh and the wished to visit Mathura and remain in the company scenes were coming and going one by one. In that of Shriramji. Some youth started calling Shriram as silent atmosphere, the voice of Gurudev echoed – ‘Gurudev’. Shriram was very much willing to say “Set up an Ashram, Set up an Ashram”. It's easy to run to others. It's so hard to stand on one's own record. You can fake virtue for an audience. You can't fake it in your own eyes. Your ego is your strictest judge. They run from it. They spend their lives running. It's easier to donate a few thousand to charity and think oneself noble than to base self-respect on personal standards of personal achievement. It's simple to seek substitutes for competence--such easy substitutes: love, charm, kindness, charity. But there is no substitute for competence. - Ayn Rand If you fail to control your thought, your thought will never fail to control you! Master the art of controlling your thought better and your thought will control you better. - Ernest Agyemang Yeboah 38

Youth Column Recognize Your Native Originality This world is a unique creation of God. to add to the beauty of this earth-garden. The It is full of diversity. It is natural, need is to recognize one’s inherent nature and therefore, for comparisons to occur the assigned goal in life, what is the hidden in this world. But if in personal lives we get thought-emotion which is yearning to get engulfed in the endless cycle of comparisons expressed, what is the latent talent which is and comments, the path of life will become set to add a new dimension to the beauty of thorny. Unnecessary comparisons with all and the creation, what is the original being which sundry, and in every matter, generates jealousy lies only within oneself and that has been and ill-will and this in turn leads to mental waiting for many births to come out into the tension and suffering. We must get out of this open? Only those who are able to find answers negative mindset. to these questions are able to recognize their native originality. We should realize that in this universe every work of the Creator is unique and without Indeed, our fundamental need is to recognize copy. Every creation has its own beauty and this originality rather than waste our time in identity, its own color and texture, its own fruitless comparison with others or imitating nature and distinct features. It has also its others. Every person is unique, only one of own limitations. A swimming fish in the pond its kind. Every person is an aggregate of the cannot be compared with a monkey frolicking thoughts, emotions and actions which have on trees. What comparison is there between a accumulated over endless cycle of birth and mud born lotus and a garden rose, or a summer death; and which endow him with specific fruit like mango with an apple of the cold powers and attributes. Of course, there are regions? We cannot compare the Brahmkamal some weaknesses too which one can refine and which is found in the deep interiors of the icy remove by dint of one’s endeavor. Himalaya with the Tulsi plant which daily spreads its fragrance in our courtyards. Thus, Originality is determined by our innate nature, every work in nature is unique in itself. We just not by the outer form. This principle is especially have to observe them and wonder at the artistry applicable to the field of spirituality. The and aesthetics of their creator-artist. loquacious saint Maharishi Ramana, the epitome of childlike simplicity Ramkrishna Paramhansa, The same is true for human beings. Every the brilliant orator Swami Vivekananda, the person has taken birth with a special purpose bohemian weaver Kabir, the shoe mender to perform a specific duty. He has been sent Ravidas, the dancer devotee Mirabai - all It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. - Herman Melville 39

these persons might appear different beings As for making progress in one’s own outwardly, but at the level of consciousness individual life, here too, inspiration can be all were liberated souls who had become one drawn from those who are also onto the path with the supreme element and were existing of progress. We can adopt their virtues and at the apogee of consciousness. In their make these as ladder for our own ascension in external expressions, however, they differed life. By comparing ourselves with others and from one another according to their different getting mired in the cycle of jealousy-envy, native individuality. tension and disquiet, we would only fall, not rise. There is no end to this vicious circle. Thus, it would be totally meaningless to compare The need is to refine our own personality them with one another, or to assign mutual and bring to the fore our own uniqueness and rankings to them. It would be a gross insult to originality. the Nature. Every one of them made a distinct contribution to the upliftment of human nature. This is the highway to development—both The need, therefore, is to recognize one’s own material as well as spiritual. We have to first individuality, and at the same time understand reform ourselves rather than the world at large, the individualities of others. On this basis alone to first set our own house in order rather than - by liberally accepting and appreciating the correct others. The sooner we realize this truth, specific attributes of one another - can we live the better for us. This would be possible only in harmony with others, and make a positive by knowing our native originality, by rightfully and meaningful contribution to the society. expressing it and by refining it to perfection. Everyone is equal in the eyes of the law Emperor Jahangir was known to be indolent due to his addiction to wine and opium. But he was famous for his justice too. Once his beloved queen, Nur Jahan, was shooting arrows at the bats. The arrow hit the gardener and he died immediately. Gardner’s widow came to the court the next day and requested for justice. Upon investigation, they came to know that it was Queen Nur Jahan’s arrow that hit the gardener. Jahangir felt awkward as he couldn’t summon the queen in the court. He gave a sword to the widow and told her to kill him. He said, “Nur Jahan made you widow, you take this sword and kill me and make her widow.” Emperor’s generosity and justice melted her heart and she bowed her head in front of the emperor. Always be a first rate version of yourself, instead of a second rate version of somebody else. - Judy Garland 40

Team Work is Essential for Success When two or more people work enthusiastic and motivated, then no ambitious cohesively to achieve a common project can be accomplished. If a leader thinks goal, it is called team work. If that he is capable of executing the project we have to define team work in Management whether his team members perform well or not, parlance – a great leader cannot attain it would be a grave mistake. In reality, a hard- success with weak and marginal team working and capable individual can achieve members, while a team of reasonably a certain level of success. But to be able to talented and enthusiastic individuals who succeed consistently and move forward, it is look beyond their personal accomplishments essential to collaborate in a team. will thrive and emerge successful even when led by an ordinary leader. For consistent and When a leader does not receive cooperation continuous success, it is very important to from his team, he could proceed as a one-man keep the team motivated. army, but with passage of time, enthusiasm fizzles out. However, when he works as part When we speak of organizations, it is seen that of a team, any project can be completed with in the initial years, the founders accomplish zeal and enthusiasm. No team becomes strong great successes and script history. But those very all by itself. In order for a team to be strong, organizations stop progressing after a certain each of its members should cooperate with level of growth because of the following reasons one another, have love and respect for each – ignoring team strengths, leaders becoming other. In addition to this, they should be kept self-obsessed with their successes and not giving motivated, which is what makes the role of an credit to others etc. These are the main reasons able leader important. why a team that performs exceedingly well disintegrates later and those who get recruited In the wars fought in ancient times and middle in their positions do not perform as well as their ages, the role of an army chief was of utmost predecessors. An overconfident leader either importance. It was he who inspired the soldiers fails to understand the situation or it is too late and kept his team motivated while fighting by the time realization dawns upon him. in accordance with the war strategy. It was the ability of the Army Commander to devise It’s unfortunate that many leaders even today appropriate war strategies and the ability of think that they are behind the successes soldiers to execute those that decided the fate achieved by their teams, whereas the truth of a war. Neither could the army commander is in total contrast to that. If the team is not alone win a war nor his army without his Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. – Helen Keller 41

leadership. Similarly, when a big task needs to kinds of teams are held responsible for their be accomplished, the leader of the project plays performance. On one side is a leader who is the role of the army commander and provides himself indifferent and hence makes the team guidance, while the team exhibits their expertise depressed and unresponsive, while on the other in executing the job like a soldier. side is a leader who himself is brimming with enthusiasm and as a result invigorates his team In present times, we can see the importance members too. and relevance of team work in any domain. It is seen that a leader who can keep his team It is not sufficient for a leader to delegate the together and motivated achieves greater success various tasks to his team members and consider than other teams or departments. For a team that his responsibility is over. He cannot elicit to work cohesively, it is very important that great performance from his team by keeping the leader keeps a channel of communication them under constant pressure. For a team to open with his team members. Very often it is be consistently successful, the team leader seen that those who work together in a team or should understand the problems being faced department are jealous of one another which by the team members. He should empathize weakens the team. with them. He should become a part of their happiness and sorrows and share an emotional It is the leader who regularly and periodically bond with them. He should help them to the meets and talks with the team members, resolves extent possible and establish a healthy rapport. conflicts and misunderstandings and establishes an environment of cooperation and understanding When a team realizes the fact that their leader in the team. He continuously keeps the team will walk with them through thick and thin and motivated and energetic. It is the unique ability of will act as their shield from all external pressures, the leader to identify the strengths and weaknesses then such a team gets ready to do anything at the of each and every member of his team and turn bidding of such a leader. They will be ready to those weaknesses into strengths. sacrifice their comforts and face the challenges that come their way because they do not want a It has been seen that a team that is devoid of bad reputation for their team or their leader. enthusiasm and confidence never wants to take up a challenge. They not only manage This is how the role of both the leader and to dodge the challenge under one pretext or his team are both very significant and when another but also create conditions such that they work together, they can accomplish no challenging task is even offered to them the most difficult tasks quite easily. But if henceforth. On the other hand, a team that is they disintegrate, even the smallest of tasks committed and excited not only jumps at the will appear unsurmountable. That is why chance of a challenging task but also completes team work is very important to accomplish it ahead of schedule. The leaders of both these any task. Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. – Henry Ford 42

Amrit Vani What Makes Gayatri S³dhan³ Miraculous? (Translation of a discourse continued from the previous issue) Friends, These are elements of spirituality. Spirituality Our ‘being’ has three-fold existence — pertains to consciousness. It is the science of our soul is expressed in life-form via evolution of consciousness. What most of us three bodies. Our three bodies are physical, know as science, namely, the modern science subtle (mental and energy body), and causal - physics, chemistry, etc, deals with material (astral). For spiritual development, the existence and manifestation of Nature. For three currents Shraddha (Ïraddh³), Nishtha example, it tells us about the body. What we (NiÌÚh³), Pragya (Prajó³) of the omnipotent consider as health science also deals with life-force should be awakened and activated the body — e.g. it teaches us the exercises at the level of these three bodies. Expression to strengthen our muscles, to keep our lungs of Nishtha at the level of physical body would active, etc. Most of our other activities also improve our conduct, behavior, deeds. At revolve around materialistic gains, and the level of subtle body this would result in materialistic well-being. We work hard to earn awakening of wisdom and virtuous emotions money or some kind of material gain. Our Pragya. Awakening of divinity in the inner self, planning, our imagination, our aspirations and corresponding sublime transformation are also mostly concerned with materialistic of our intrinsic tendencies, aspirations, inner aspirations. We do realize existence of urge, etc would imply activation of Ïraddh³ in consciousness in us via our thoughts and the causal body. emotions but we hardly pay due attention to their improvement or illumination. In simple terms, the syllabic form of Gayatri mantra is like a seed; but this seed would The methods of spirituality such as up³sana, not sprout and grow unless nurtured by s³dhan³ are meant for our evolution the essential ingredients (like soil, water, of consciousness — refinement and fertilizers) of Ïraddh³, NiÌÚh³ and Prajó³. improvement of our thoughts, emotions, intrinsic tendencies, etc. Unless our inner Before going into the true meaning and deeper awakening and refinement take place our so aspects of what Ïraddh³, NiÌÚh³, and Prajó³ called activities of up³sana would also be are, and how we can awaken, cultivate and adopt simply like our other mechanical activities. these in all realms of our life, let me first give For example, without inner enlightenment some examples to avoid the common confusion and awakening of Ïraddh³, NiÌÚh³, and or misconceptions people have about these. Prajó³ your japa of Gayatri Mantra will be Your own Self-Realization is the greatest service you can render the world. - Ramana Maharshi 43

nothing more than a mere physical exercise he got by having the ïankha in his house. “No of the tongue and vocal cord and maybe some guruji, I didn’t get any good omen. On the kind of emotional exercise. So you may ask contrary my debt has even increased”. Then what exactly should be done? I explained to him that there is no miracle in any such things like DakÌinavartº ïankha, etc. First of all you need to get rid of your prejudiced If there is any miracle, it is only in your inner impressions, or misconception about spirituality self, in your own efforts, determination, will in general and Ïraddh³, NiÌÚh³, Prajó³, in power and abilities. particular. For you all these are simply some kind of blind faith, emotional excitements, In yet another incident of such faiths, one customary show off, hallucinations, or illusory person came to me asking for real Rudr³kÌa. concepts. According to him- “Guruji I have heard that somebody gave a necklace of Rudr³kÌa in Once someone gifted me a DakÌinavartº Nepal to Mrs. Indira Gandhi after wearing ïankha (special kind of conch-shell regarded which she became the Prime minister”. I told as auspicious) and asked me to keep it on the him “I don’t know and I don’t believe in such Pooja Vedi (place of worship). “It is supposed things”. I tried to explain to him by the logical to create positive ambience for blessing of argument that this way by simply wearing goddess Laxmi (Goddess of wealth)” — was or having Rudr³kÌas people would become the comment of an acquaintance who was the prosperous, powerful, and maybe they would owner of the estate of Alwar. just enslave divine powers. Do you think such beliefs are rational? Will any thoughtful I told him that I live in a small rented house mind accept such things? It is only some kind with minimum facilities so I don’t think such of emotional blackmail that innocent people a place is really appropriate for the goddess of like you get trapped into. It is foolish on part prosperity. Maybe you take this conch-shell of such people that instead of improving their with you so that she would definitely come in own qualities and enhancing their efforts, your palatial house. He was surprised at the they keep running after such auspicious or generous offer: and kept repeating humbly beatifying objects to get rid of their adversities – “No guruji I didn’t mean this, I don’t want or to gain undue benefits. to bother you, don’t give me your personal ïankha ….” . Still I insisted and gave it to him, Similar kind of emotional trap, false impression as I knew that he was under some financial is associated with our faith in rituals. Many of pressure of repaying a debt of about 2 lakh us think that only doing certain kind of rituals, rupees at that time and perhaps because of that chanting certain kind of words (mantras, prayers) he was begging for all kinds of miraculous in certain styles would suffice as spiritual endeavor. objects as per his faith. Well, he took the Such beliefs are absurd. It’s better to do nothing ïankha along. After about a year he met me. than such activities in the name of spirituality or I asked him casually about the benefits, if any, devotion. True Ïraddh³ is certainly not this. You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul. – Swami Vivekananda 44

True Ïraddh³ means intrinsic faith, unflinching created simply for the ease of meditation and trust in divine virtues, unconditional and emotional engrossment in the divine virtues limitless love for noble ideals. Often the represented by those forms. disciples have Ïraddh³ for their gurus (spiritual masters or religious mentors). But mind you, You should know that god is an omnipresent Ïraddh³ is not like reverence for a specific consciousness force. As electricity or heat or human being. In such cases where people thermal energy are formless, but are expressed associate their devotional feelings and respects in different instruments in different functional for particular person- the so called ‘gurus’, forms, similarly the power of god is manifested they often get cheated. I know many such fake in many expressions and activities of gurus who exploit their disciples emotionally. consciousness force in the elements and beings So, what about people’s devotion or so called in nature. The idols or pictures of different forms Ïraddh³, on specific forms of gods (deities – of god are creations of human imagination. You devº/devat³)? Well in such cases there is no risk may see varieties of idols or forms of the same of being cheated. But one should be careful god. For example – Hanumanji, sometimes huge that one is not having Ïraddh³ simply as an and really like a monkey, sometimes in the form emotional attachment by regarding the specific of human being with mild similarity of face and god as a human being, or having attachment tail like a monkey, sometimes the features of with his or her specific appearance. One should idol would look like the locals residents etc. In also be careful that one’s Ïraddh³ is not merely some parts of India the complexion of deities for being blessed by the devº /devat³. is depicted as dark colored, in some parts it is fair, in some cases it is reddish, etc. Why such Unfortunately what we see around among the diversities? This is because god in reality is so called devotees is such misconceptions formless what we see in forms is only human of Ïraddh³. Sometimes the devotees regard imagination. You know the sun remains the specific deity as present in an idol or picture same, looks the same no matter which part of and spend most of the time in decorating the world you see, this is because it exists in (worshipping) offering varieties of food in that form and is seen from the earth like that. name of Prasad etc. Their Ïraddh³ remains But this is not so in the case of god. How can confined only to such activities so much so that there be a “form” of the Omnipresent, Eternal, they get exceptionally attached to the specific Consciousness Force? idol or picture. Beyond such activities there is no sign of devotion or religious piousness If you want to imagine god, remember that god in their mentality, character or behavior. Such is only a power. You think god to be someone devotion or Ïraddh³ is nothing more than like a human being or some form depending on attachment of people with specific friend or what deity you see in the form of an idol or a relative. Such devotees should know that god picture etc. This is why I often say that there are doesn’t exist in human or any personified form. 2 levels of gods – one the real who has created The idols or pictures in specific forms are nature and the entire universe, and the second It is through gratitude for the present moment that the spiritual dimension of life opens up. – Eckhart Tolle 45

is the one created by human beings according simple – the objects, idols or any kind of visible to their own imagination. It is this image upon form help easy concentration, imagination, which you focus your Ïraddh³ and devotion. emotional attachment of human mind. That is why That is why your Ïraddh³ and devotion also these objects are important to train or condition remain confined to some ritualistic activities our mind in devotional meditation. Also specific and emotional expressions associated with forms represent specific powers, and virtues of that object. For example if you have an idol the divine force of the specific devº /devat³. of Ganesh or Hanuman at home, you would decorate it with new clothes and ornaments etc, God, as I mentioned earlier, is Omnipresent worship it every day, prepare sweets for it, etc. Consciousness-Force, Eternal Omnipotent However, in doing such things your mind gets Power,Absolute Truth, Ultimate Knowledge, so pre-occupied with the extrovert rituals that and Complete Ensemble of Supreme Virtues you forget the real devotion. and Infinite Bliss — the Brah®; a spark or evolutionary impulse of which exists within Friends, if you find it difficult to relate yourself to us as the soul (jºv³tm³). Unification of the a formless existence, just think of where thoughts jºv³tm³ with the Brah® is the ultimate state exist in what form? In what visible or otherwise for which all spiritual, devotional, religious perceptible (through sense organs) form do the practices aim at. What happens after this emotions like anger or love etc are to be described. unification? Does one become God, and How does any kind of power or energy exist in hence formless? No. Physically the devotee its original “Form”. It is only its manifestation remains the same, but his ego, selfishness, that you experience. Like, as I told you, electrical self-identity, get transformed into the self- energy is there but not visible without any suitable less, limitless, omnipresent supreme self. medium; what you see as its power in the form The devotee’s consciousness experiences the of light is only the glow of a filament or some highest realm of divinity and experiences the other physical/chemical element, or outcome of ultimate beatifying blissfulness and absolute a process that takes place through the power of enlightenment. electricity. But all this is the highest level of spiritual Now you may argue why our sages, our religious attainment and self-evolution, for which the scholars, our ancestors gave us the deities in great s³dhakas, yogis spend several lives. For specific forms? Why have we been practicing you I would like to give, simple explanations to worship some idols/pictures, other objects as that are associated with successive stages of part of devotional practices? Well, the answer is spiritual progress. (To be continued in the next issue) Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. – Buddha 46

Beware of Climate Change! In present times global warming has become According to the researchers of Harvard a serious problem for the whole world. Many T. H. Chan School of Public Health, countries have made several attempts to continuous rising levels of carbon dioxide deal with this problem. Several international in the atmosphere means an increasing conferences have been held to address these threat of protein deficiency in the 15 million issues; but no meaningful results have been additional people in the world. There is accomplished; the Paris Climate Conference is no disagreement that almost 76% of the a perfect example of this. world’s population globally, fulfills their protein requirements through crops; then in According to scientists at the Massachusetts the situation where crops are compromised, Institute of Technology, the increasing how are we going to fulfill expected protein temperature of the earth’s surface will impact requirements for the population? India, Bangladesh and Pakistan because most of the population in these regions is Earth’s temperature varies from year to year dependent on subsistence farming, which naturally. India has seen such years where there is impacted by the climatic changes. New has been very good rainfall and years where research from MIT suggests that by the end there was no rainfall. Some of these changes of this century climate change could lead happen due to variation in the radiation from to summer heat waves with levels of heat the sun, and some due to volcanic eruptions. In and humidity that exceed what humans can some places, such changes have been noticed on survive without protection. a larger scale, which has impacted the lives of millions of people. However, as soon as humans Along with this, there is another danger began to use fossil fuels, oil, and natural gas lurking in the form of reduced nutritive values extensively on earth, the level of carbon dioxide in rice, wheat, and other main crops, due to increased in the air. This gas in the air worked increased carbon emissions from vehicles. as a blanket over the atmosphere, due to which In such a situation a very large population the heat from the earth was not able to escape of the world will suffer from deficiency of from the atmosphere, resulting in increasing protein. The scientists have cautioned that temperature on the earth. if the levels of emissions of carbon dioxide continued to grow in the coming years, The properties of gases such as carbon dioxide, by 2050 the level of protein in food in 18 methane, nitrous oxide and ozone are the countries could decrease by 5%. ones that make the air of our environment Climate change is sometimes misunderstood as being about changes in the weather. In reality it is about changes in our very way of life. - Paul Polman 47

dangerous. These are called greenhouse gases. Solar Impulse Foundation has suggested the Apart from this, due to the burning of fossil following solutions for minimizing the climate fuels and other activities, ‘aerosol’ (cloud change. Let us act individually as well as of solid and liquid particles in the air) is also collectively to implement them in our daily lives. formed. These particles are so dense that they can stop the sunlight from reaching the earth 1. The first way to prevent climate change is to and reduce the heat on earth. In one way they move away from fossil fuels. What are the create comfortable situation for us, but in the alternatives? Renewable energies like solar, other instance they can influence the health and wind, biomass and geothermal. fitness of people in an unfavorable way. 2. Producing clean energy is essential, but Another aspect due to human activity is reducing our consumption of energy and deforestation. For many years we have been water by using more efficient devices (e.g. cutting trees from forests in order to create land LED light bulbs, innovative shower system) for farming and establishing cities. This has is less costly and equally important. influenced the soil’s ability to soak up heat. We can call this ‘anthropogenic’ i.e. the result of 3. Promoting public transportation, carpooling, human activities. and also electric and hydrogen mobility, can definitely help reduce CO2 emissions and How the earth will deal with the increasing thus fight global warming. temperature in its environment will depend on steps taken by everyone in preventing the 4. In order to reduce the CO2 emissions accelerated rise in temperature. Upon studying the from buildings - caused by heating, air changes in temperature in the environment, it has conditioning, hot water or lighting - it is been found that there was no significant change in necessary both to build new low energy the temperature until the 1950s, but since then it buildings, and to renovate the existing has been continuously rising, and the main cause constructions. of this increase is greenhouse gases. In the last 50 years the average temperature in India has 5. Encouraging better use of natural resources, been up by 0.5 degrees Celsius. This is because stopping massive deforestation as well greenhouse gases increased the temperature to 1.7 as making agriculture greener and more degrees Celsius, and other anthropogenic factors efficient should also be a priority. reduced it by about 1.2 degrees Celsius. 6. Adopting responsible consumption habits is crucial, be it regarding food, clothing, cosmetics or cleaning products. Last but not the least, recycling is an absolute necessity for dealing with waste. Faith is no irresponsible shot in the dark. It is a responsible trust in God, who knows the desires of your hearts, the dreams you are given, and the goals you have set. He will guide your paths right. - Robert Schuller I have long understood that climate change is not only an environmental issue - it is a humanitarian, economic, health and justice issue as well. - Frances Beinecke 48

Why Should We be Careful About Our Food? We need a continuous supply of energy for out of temptation for eating something tasty. Pt carrying out our daily activities. Intake of food in Shriram Sharma ji has given the following sutra adequate quantity and with high nutritional value which is like a golden directive for the whole is primarily taken for this purpose. If what we eat humanity – ‘Those who wish live long should does not fulfill the needs of our body holistically, develop a habit of not eating anything until they it will become weak and we may catch infections feel hungry’. If food is consumed not to appease and diseases. If the fundamental cause behind the taste buds but to fulfill true needs of the body rampant spread of a large number of diseases and then a number of health related problems can get ailments in the world is researched, it will be found easily solved. that all these are primarily due to lack of control over what people eat. Learning self-control is in A child is never born with a liking for junk food. fact, the key to enhancement of energies, their We develop this wrong habit in the child slowly. conservation and their best utilization. If Mother Nature knew that such food was necessary for the child, She would have provided It is well known that animals living in proximity for it right from childhood, but that is not so. The with nature rarely fall ill. Wild animals like lions bad habit of lusting for taste develops slowly. and elephants do not need to visit hospitals. When excessive amounts of salt, spices, sugar, The prime reason for this is that most animals fats etc are taken with food, our taste buds slowly consume food in their natural state. This is a get used to them and begin to demand them. If scientifically proven fact. We however, forget this chilly or spices are taken directly no one can bear basic concept. We deploy a variety of methods their taste, but slowly the taste buds on tongue in cooking our food and use lots of spices to get so habituated to their taste that it becomes enhance the taste. As a result, we end up inviting very difficult to control the temptation. This is a a number of diseases which otherwise could similar to intoxicating substances like marijuana, have easily been avoided by adopting a balanced cocaine, cannabis, alcohol, etc. Initially eating habit. consuming even a bit of these is intolerable, but slowly a person develops tolerance and later gets The bad habit of eating only tasty, spicy and hot addicted to them. Similar injustice is committed food has got so deeply ingrained in our daily by adding strong spices in children’s food as this lifestyles that unless concerted efforts towards slowly gets them addicted to taste. self-control are employed there is no solution to It is partially true that lack of control on food this problem in sight. As a first step, we all must at intake is due to addiction to taste. In fact, lack of least try and eat only when really hungry and not control over mind is equally responsible for this Time and health are two precious assets that we don't recognize and appreciate until they have been depleted. - Denis Waitley 49

state. When an urge arises for eating junk food, is to generate spiritual strength in our personality and we allow this to persist in our thoughts for and for this, it is necessary to take certain positive long, it becomes impossible to suppress this urge. meaningful steps in this direction. If complete To control mind and thoughts, a strong will power fasting is not possible, at least ‘asvad vrat’ (i.e. is needed; and truly, genesis of strong will power eating food with no added spices and flavors) on in the personality can be counted as a potent every Thursday or Sunday should not be a difficult spiritual method towards conservation of inner endeavor to undertake. People, who have learnt to energy. control their sense of taste, do not find it difficult to fulfill much stronger resolutions. It is essential The first requirement for any spiritual endeavour that without delay we must take this resolve to to succeed is a healthy body. If the body is regulate the food we take to increase our inner suffering from diseases, then no spiritual practices energies and provide nutrition to the body as well are possible. The main aim of conserving energies as keep it immune from diseases. Speaking to an over-enthusiast seeker, Kabir said – ‘Child, remove the rock behind the tree. The disciple immediately removed it. That revealed a hidden path to a cave. As they moved on the path and reached the entrance of the cave, on the door was written – ‘only a person who cuts his ears can enter the cave’. Kabir cut off both his ears. The door opened and Kabir entered. The door got closed behind him. When the disciple tried to push the door opened, Kabir shouted back asking him to do the same in order to gain entrance. The disciple also cut his ears and came in. There was another door inside with a command to cut their nose. Both Kabir and the disciple followed the instruction and went past that door. At the end of the cave was another door which demanded that they chop their heads off in order to enter. Saint kabir promptly offered his head and went inside while the disciple stayed outside. He then experienced a sleep-like trance. After he woke up from that, he saw Kabir coming towards him. He asked him – ‘Revered Guru, I did not understand the import of what transpired just now.’ Kabir said – ‘Child, there is only one secret to understand. If you want to attain self-knowledge and realize God, you have to surrender your ego. Your head symbolizes your ego and the intellect that comes with it. Whatever you experienced in your trance is to make you realize that only a person who can dissolve his ego can become the master of true knowledge.’ The disciple found the basic principle for spiritual progress. A man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools. - Spanish Proverb 50