Akhand Jyoti Magazine (March-April, 2020)

VOLUME: 18 | ISSUE:2 | March-April 2020 The Challenge of Lamp to Darkness The darkness has its own power. When its favorable time, night, comes, then it appears that it has engulfed the entire world in its fold. Its influence is worth observing. The eyes remain intact, all other things are also in their places, but the irony is that one cannot see anything. The objects kept near one’s feet may become the cause of one’s stumbling down. The darkness is always frightening. One may consider a rope lying on the ground as a snake and a bush as a ghost. Thanks to sleep, which pushes us into the state of oblivion; otherwise, if we keep awake, the period of the night may appear like climbing a mountain. Considering the severity of darkness, we have to praise the lamp, which, when lighted, changes the situation drastically. Even its dim light makes us aware of the nearby things and circumstances. Half the problem is solved regarding the position of nearby objects. The lamp may be small, its value may be less, but being the progeny of Light, it challenges the darkness that has spread all around. It transforms the atmosphere of despair into hope and enthusiasm. This is the virtue of leadership. - Param Pujya Gurudev Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.- Martin Luther King, Jr. AKHAND JYOTI 3 MARCH-APRIL 2020

CONTENTS 1. Amrit The Challenge of Lamp to Darkness ..................................................................................... 3 2. From Chief Editor’s Desk A Novel University imparting Values along with Education................................................. 5 3. Online Shopping – There is Need to Understand its Pros and Cons .................................... 7 4. Ïikh³ Prevents the Out-Flow of Sublime Energy .................................................................. 9 5. Science and Spirituality Scientific Roots of the Divine Impact of Mantra S³dhan³ ................................................... 12 6. An Effective Solution to Water Crisis ................................................................................... 17 7. The Zest for Life Keeps a Person Young .............................................................................. 20 8. Insomnia: A Looming Global Crisis ..................................................................................... 22 9. Yug Gita - 23 How can One Attain Ultimate Goal without Doing Prescribed Work? ................................. 25 10. Peace Pilgrim’s Wisdom - 23 Transforming Our Society ..................................................................................................... 29 11. Odyssey of the Enlightened - 72 Gayatri on the Banks of Yamuna - 1...................................................................................... 33 12. Youth Column How to Develop Self-Leadership?......................................................................................... 40 13. Amrit Vani Let the Spirit of Spring Permeate and Uplift Your Life - 2 ........................................... 42 14: Holi: The Festival of Colors .............................................................................................. 47 15. Youths are Ever Ready to Work for the Betterment of Society................................. 49 16. Shantikunj News ...................................................... (Inner Cover Pages & Back Cover Page) Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness. - Anne Frank AKHAND JYOTI 4 MARCH-APRIL 2020

From Chief Editor’s Desk A Novel University imparting Values along with Education Nowadays educational institutions, self-reliance, a sense of responsibility towards society especially the centers of higher should also get awakened in them. The learning would be learning, have become a subject of fruitful only when the faith in the values of life, love for the concern. One can easily guess the nation and culture, and the spirit of harmonious living with objectives of such centers by looking others are awakened within the learners. at the advertisements for admission given by them. Whenever the USP of a If we look at our educational institutions, the scenario college, institute, or university is talked appears to be disappointing. Some institutions are limited to about, the matter ends at the package awarding only the degrees. Their marketing strategy is such of students getting after completing that they attract the students by showing big dreams and the specific programs. The main topic collect hefty fees. The guardians and their wards, searching of discussion remains how many lakhs for the shortcuts to achieve their ends, fall prey to such or crores of packages the pass-outs tactics. get and which multinational company employed them. One should get the Even in top-ranking institutions, the environment is not best employment after education; there favorable for the holistic growth of youths. Such institutions, should be no objection by anyone in limited only to the development of professional skills, this regard. This is the primary aim of cannot be considered ideal. But the youths don’t have other education. However, when a job alone options. Unfortunately, due to the lack of values, these very becomes the sole aim of education – it professional intellectuals create problems for society and the shows the wretched state of educational nation. Instead of finding solutions to national issues, they thinking. utilize their skills in creating more problems. Even they are found to indulge in anti-national activities. This shows a The real aim of education is the severe defect in the system of education they received. holistic growth of a learner. Education would be considered meaningful when The undue entrance of politics is also polluting the it helps in the intellectual development atmosphere of the educational institutions. There is frequent of the students and their spiritual and violence within the campuses. Very often, students gherao emotional upliftment, sows the seeds the vice-chancellor or other officers and prevent them from of virtuous impressions, and builds leaving their offices until their demands are met. Indeed, in their character. Along with economic such an atmosphere of violence and anarchy, study, teaching, and research get disturbed. It is true that the students should I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious. – Albert Einstein AKHAND JYOTI 5 MARCH-APRIL 2020

develop an understanding of healthy politics, but the programs are a synthesis of ancient educational institutions cannot be made addas of political knowledge and modern currents violence and anarchy. of science. A unique program of Gyandeeksha is conducted right at Under the present circumstances, there is a need for the beginning of each semester when educational institutions, where along with the development the newly admitted students are of intellectual and technical skills, the art of living is also oriented to follow the discipline of the taught, where the excellent moral conduct of Acharyas university. At the end of each program, (teachers/professors) molds the minds of students so that a student is required to undertake a they can grow as responsible professionals as well as good social internship so that he/she can citizens. As far as possible, the syllabi should be linked with share some of his/her knowledge to the the professional world so that there are ample opportunities society. for jobs to the graduating students. Needless to say, there should be world-class facilities for research and innovation. With prayer-filled wishes for the holistic growth of our students, Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, a center for higher learning, is trying to develop in the above-mentioned direction. Based (Pranav Pandya) on the vision and philosophy of Yugrishi (Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya), this institution is offering courses that are linked to the professional world. The syllabi of different I've noticed a fascinating phenomenon in my thirty years of teaching: schools and schooling are increasingly irrelevant to the great enterprises of the planet. No one believes anymore that scientists are trained in science classes or politicians in civics classes or poets in English classes. The truth is that schools don't really teach anything except how to obey orders. This is a great mystery to me because thousands of humane, caring people work in schools as teachers and aides and administrators, but the abstract logic of the institution overwhelms their individual contributions. Although teachers do care and do work very, very hard, the institution is psychopathic - it has no conscience. It rings a bell and the young man in the middle of writing a poem must close his notebook and move to a different cell where he must memorize that humans and monkeys derive from a common ancestor. - John Taylor Gatto The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. – Aristotle AKHAND JYOTI 6 MARCH-APRIL 2020

Online Shopping: There is Need to Understand its Pros and Cons Online shopping is gradually The mobile phone revolution has had a significant influence gaining popularity in our country. on online shopping gaining momentum. The moment It is not that there were no attractive smartphone is in hands, tons of applications or apps of deals during festivals before online online stores make their way into your life. Using these shopping came into fore. There have apps is made so simple and easy that even a less educated been discounts during festive seasons person can use them to buy things. While companies like since time immemorial, be it Diwali or Amazon are telling people about the advantages of online end of the year. We fondly remember shopping and also educating them about the basics of how the huge discounts offered. The to do online shopping; there are others like Flipkart that fundamental difference today is that are explaining small-town business people on the benefits the market is just a click away. All we of taking their products to global consumers. Because have to do is pick our smartphones and of these e-commerce companies, aptitude for online access the host of e-commerce websites shopping has increased quite a lot among people. At first like Amazon, Snapdeal, Flipkart, etc. look, this appears to be optimal in terms of both money The market was never this close! and time, but once we begin to scrutinize these habits, we will realize that it has gradually turned into a form of Thanks to the internet, there is no need weakness or even illness. to step out and go to a market. We just have to pick up our mobile and click The advertisements (in brief, ads) for sale that are shown away. We might not even realize which daily give the impression that products are being sold at of these markets can blow our minds massive discounts. The ads are so compelling that we are away. These e-commerce sites are made to think that if we let go of this opportunity, we will always geared to exploit any occasion not be able to get them at such low prices. But the truth that comes their way. Be it social media behind this is totally different. We can get almost all the or emails, you can expect advertisements products at those reduced prices much later too. Also, the of some kind or the other in all of them. discount being shown on the products is not real. In most They could be products that are not of the cases, whatever amount is shown after discount really relevant to your present needs, is indeed its actual price. So, if we are rejoicing that we but you nevertheless are exposed to bought something at a substantial discount, the truth those advertisements. might be that we bought it at exactly its regular price. The best way to find out what we really need is to get rid of what we don’t. Quests to faraway places or shopping sprees are no longer necessary. - Marie Kondo AKHAND JYOTI 7 MARCH-APRIL 2020

The research and studies done on this topic show that the don’t have to worry about how much habit of online shopping is increasing because people today money we have in our bank account, are experiencing loneliness and depression. Such people tend then why will we sincerely care about to do online shopping to fight their loneliness. Whether it is how essential is the product we are the discounts that lure people to online shopping or an effort buying? However, the realization will to cheer themselves while fighting against loneliness, most soon dawn on us when the EMIs start of them end up buying things that they really don’t need. One getting deducted and when the stuff other important reason for the growing popularity of online that we purchased is lying unused at shopping is the comfort of online payment methods. Paying home. Further, in online shopping, we online can be done quite quickly by merely providing a few cannot physically inspect or try on the details. There is neither the need to withdraw cash nor carry items being considered for purchase. it. The money gets deducted from your bank account and We might temporarily resolve not directly gets deposited into the account of the e-commerce to buy anything until something is company. The ease of this process is one of the primary required, but rarely do people manage reasons for online shopping. to stick to their resolve. E-commerce companies have made shopping too Whatever money you pay online towards buying goods and easy for everyone. What is to be services through online stores, it just seems like a number. developed is the necessary restraint But if the same amount was taken out from your pocket, to buy only things that are required. counted and paid, you realize the real value of that money The pace at which online shopping and the amount being spent gets registered in the brain. It is crossing the boundaries of big is a psychological fact that if we count money with our hands cities and reaching smaller towns and and pay it, we are better at comprehending the worth of that getting accessible to middle class and payment. For example, if you have to pay Rupees 50000/- and lower middle class, it is imperative buy a mobile, and if it comes from your pocket, you can see it, that in addition to the advantages, you can feel it and experience the entire transaction better than people should also be educated about when you do it by a couple of clicks during online payment. what they should be cautious about so that spending their hard-earned Another important reason that is making online shopping savings will result in happiness and lucrative is the ability to pay in installments. When we not regret. Nothing haunts us like the things we didn’t buy. - Anonymous Consumers have not been told effectively enough that they have huge power and that purchasing and shopping involve a moral choice. - Anita Roddick AKHAND JYOTI 8 MARCH-APRIL 2020

Ïikh³ Prevents the Outflow of Sublime Energy Ïikh³ (hair knot, tied at the center of re-establish these facts in several respects. In particular, as the upper head; also called topknot) cited below, the scientific importance of ïikh³ reaffirmed by is given prime importance in the Indian them is indeed remarkable. Culture. It symbolizes the presence of discerning intellect, farsightedness and In the views of renowned German scholar of Indology the deity of knowledge upon our head. and translator of the Vedas, Prof. Friedrich Max Müller[1], It is like a ‘flag’ of dignified values and ïikh³ enables efficient reception and flow of (vital) powers virtues of humanity that constitute the in the human brain. In his noted book[2] “Dharma Vigyan” core of the Indian Culture hoisted at Swami Dayanand Saraswati has mentioned about Dr. Victor the suture (the central junction of all E. Cromer’s comments, as — ïikh³ sharpens the power of major nerves) on the top of our head. It knowledge-acquisition and energetic functioning of several reminds us of the religious principles of vital components of the body. Swamiji has also quoted Dr. morality, righteousness, responsibility, Cromer as — “[…] ever since I have discovered this science, and dutiful awareness. It is so precious I have myself started keeping a ïikh³ [….]”. for the true followers of Vedic teachings that in the medieval times of slavery Dr. Wilhelm Heymann, a German indologist and linguist under foreign invaders, in response to (English), had stayed in India to study Indian Culture. the tyrant attempts of conversion (of Based on his study, he acknowledged his respect for the their religion), they preferred letting Hindu Philosophy; with regard to the tradition of keeping their heads cut instead of their ïikh³. the topknot, he remarked – ‘ïikh³ is helpful in positive intellectual development.’ He also expressed his desire to tie Like several other symbols, such a hair knot on his head as well. disciplines, and values of the Indian Culture, the significance of ïikh³ was Some eminent Indian scholars and experts of the deep also discovered and propounded by science of yoga describe the SuÌumn³ N³Ãº as the core, the the rishis (Indian sages of Vedic Age) central channel for the flow of sublime vital spiritual energy who were accomplished yogis, and that begins from the m¿l³dh³ra chakra2 and ends in the preeminent scientists of manifested brain; its inlets (for receiving extrasensory energy-currents) as well as transcendent realms of called the “brahmrandhra,” subliminally exist right beneath Nature and life. The findings of some the location of ïikh³. This point is the core of discerning western researchers in modern times intelligence, wisdom. It is believed that as the heat of the body is thrown out (via perspiration) from the skin-pores, If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed some of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered on the greatest problems of life, and has found solutions, I should point to India. - Max Mueller AKHAND JYOTI 9 MARCH-APRIL 2020

similarly, the extrasensory energy (which also accounts intellect in righteous direction. Our for the radiance of inner strength and mental trenchancy) rishis had propounded the discipline of flowing in the SuÌumn³ N³Ãº, also moves outward through maintaining ïikh³ for all the aspirants the skin-pores and the hair above the brahmrandhra. This of holistic well-being and intellectual out-flow of extrasensory energy is prevented by making a and spiritual evolution, as it is indeed knot of hair at the top of the head. This is unique importance a powerful means to support the of ïikh³. awakening, attainment, elevation, and growth of pr³ña3 and wisdom by the These views of the Indian scholars and yoga-experts are spiritual endeavor of Gayatri S³dhan³. also supported by many western philosophers and scientists. For example, Dr. W. E. Clark, American Indologist, and When a devout s³dhaka meditates Professor at Harvard had found that similar to the Indians, the deeply, or sincerely practices japa4, Chinese also keep uncut hair (and tie them at the bottom) in tapa5, sw³dhy³ya6, etc. (as part of the central part of the head; often, this portion covers almost Gayatri S³dhana, or other spiritual half of the area of the skull-surface. His research concluded endeavors) following the disciplines that maintaining Sikh³ is not a religious or cultural practice guided by the Vedic Scriptures of yoga- of the Hindus, but rather, it is an amazing scientific way, s³dhan³, a sublime element of divinity discovered by the rishis to protect the SuÌumn³ N³Ãº. is activated in the crown chakra; as per its natural tendency, it rapidly rises/ Modern science has found that the Sun is the vital source of radiates with the force of the devotee’s sustenance of life on the earth; the heat and light received pr³ña to unite with its origin in the from it is essential for vitality and (bio)energy in all living sublime roots in the transcendental beings. It is also a scientifically proven fact that black core of the Sun God. If not naturally colored substances attract and retain heat most effectively prevented, it would exit outward than other colors. So the energy and light received from the through the brahmrandhra. Unless Sun are most likely to be preserved by a bunch of hair in the the devotee is an adept s³dhaka of the ïikh³. Thus ïikh³ is indeed a powerful source of retaining advanced spiritual level, this subtle vital energy and alacrity. element will not rise with adequate force, and instead of reaching its Ancient Indian texts regard that ïikh³ helps in the generation destination, it will get spread arbitrarily and protection of the sublime pr³ña3 and mental radiance in outer space. Ïikh³ (a bunch of (trenchancy) essential to keeping the power of acquisition hair tied above the brahmrandhra) and generation of knowledge alive and active; it also helps naturally prevents the exit and loss of to nurture of the wisdom-attribute by s³dhan³ (spiritual this nectar-element. This is why the endeavor). S³dhan³ of the divine radiance of Sun God with Vedic Scriptures guide tying of the meditative chants of the Gayatri Mantra is recommended ïikh³ as an essential discipline of all in Vedic Culture to activate, illuminate, and orient the An examination of Indian Vedic doctrines shows that it is in tune with the most advanced scientific and philosophical thought of the West. - Sir John Woodroffe AKHAND JYOTI 10 MARCH-APRIL 2020

s³dhan³s and devotional and spiritual by scientific explanations during the Vedic Sacraments— practices (e.g., see the following): especially the thread-ceremony (yagyopavita samsak³ra, when the ïikh³ is tied for the first time with initiation Sn³ne D³ne Jape Home, Sandhy³y³® of Gayatri S³dhan³), and through its unique mission of Devat³rcane | dissemination of the knowledge and practical applications of scientific spirituality in a rational way, and feasible in the Ïikh³granthi Sad³ Kury³dityenmanu present times. Rabrivºt || Notes: Indeed, as also affirmed by many researchers of the modern times, 1. Gokhur: The cloven hoof (toe) of a cow. ïikh³ works as a powerful antenna to attract the positive energy from the 2. M¿l³dh³ra Chakra: One of the six extrasensory energy sublime cores of divinity; this sublime nuclei (referred as ÏaÚ Chakras in Yoga-Science) energy enters in the s³dhaka through subliminally located in the channel of pr³ña along the the brahmrandhra. It also works as a endocrine column. This chakra (as experienced by powerful shield to hinder the reverse accomplished yogis) subtly exists around the adrenal flow. It thus marvelously serves gland. the dual purpose of strengthening, elevation, and augmentation of pr³ña, 3. Pr³ña: Vital spiritual energy, source of life-force. and at the same time, preventing the drainage of this precious source of 4. Japa: Repeated, rhythmic chanting (of a mantra) with holistic wellbeing, mental brilliance, mental and emotional engrossment. and spiritual evolution. 5. Tapa (Tapa-S³dhan³): Introspection, penance and It is unfortunate to see that many ascetic practices of self-restraint and self-discipline. people, especially the youths in India itself, are not aware of the importance 6. Sw³dhy³ya: Self-study and self-training in the light of of maintaining ïikh³. Because of sagacious thoughts/teachings and inspiring deeds of their ignorance and extrovert outlook great personalities, and saints. focused on physical appearance and westernized lifestyle, they even laugh References: and criticize it as a mindless tradition. “All World Gayatri Pariwar,” a socio- 1. Max Müller F. India: What Can it Teach Us? [A spiritual organization with global collection of lectures by Prof. Max Muller delivered outreach, has significantly attempted in the Cambridge University; originally published (by removing the smog of ignorance Longmans, Green) in 1883]. Reprint Edition by Rupa and spreading cultural awareness Publishers. (2002) ISBN: 978-8171679201 2. Swami Dayanand Saraswati. Dharma Vigyan. Publ. Yogashram, Sanatan Dharma College, Kanpur. (1931) The master sensitive spot on the head is Adhipati Marma, where there is a nexus of all the nerves. Shikha protects this spot. – Rishi Susruta AKHAND JYOTI 11 MARCH-APRIL 2020

Science and Spirituality Scientific Roots of the Divine Impact That sound can be recorded (e.g., by tape-recorders), of Mantra S³dhan³ amplified (e.g., by microphones, loudspeakers), propagated (e.g., by radio-waves and satellite signals), recognized (e.g., about the position, size and some by the radar), measured and analyzed (e.g., by voice-printers) other properties of the object. (This is – in physical terms, proves its existence in matter. Several how ‘radio waves’ often helps in the examples of the destructive and creative effects of sound on recognition – through the radar, of an the matter can also be found in day-to-day life. But these all enemy’s aircraft.) pertain only to the physical (physically manifested) properties of Ïabda1. The science of mantra is more comprehensive, as The human body could also be regarded it deals with making adept use (by suitable s³dhan³s) of the as a ‘radar-device’ with respect to the physical as well as sublime powers of Ïabda. ‘sonic’ effects of the mantras. The extrasensory inner components (like Impact of the ‘physical’ sound — i.e., sonic vibrations/ the ÌaÚ chakras or the granthis, etc., waves in the physically perceivable domains of Nature, has referred to in the science of yoga) of been extensively studied in the modern laboratories. With this biological radar send supernormal advanced scientific research and technological developments, radio signals in the ‘etheric whole’ a wider range of vibrations/energy-waves with frequencies via the vibrations of mantra-japa2 in beyond infra- and ultrasound are being explored. In view specific rhythms. This wonderful radar of this, it seems that in the future, it would be possible to receives back the quintessential signals study higher-level impact of mantras vis-à-vis that of the yet of Ïabda as an ‘echo’ from the cosmic unperceived frequencies of ‘physical’ sound. nucleus (devat³3) of the mantra. The radar-devices send radio waves (electromagnetic The sublime power of Ïabda – linked waves), far away in the space, and receive the echoed with spiritual enlightenment and hence signal back in few microseconds. As many of us know, the with the awakened power of the mind, radio waves travel in vacuum at a speed of approx. 299,775 inner-self, and the soul of the s³dhaka, km/s. Whenever their collision takes place with any object enables the impact of mantras on the on their way, these waves are reflected (to the radar-sensor ‘radar’ of the s³dhaka’s physical, subtle which is ‘tuned’ to receive them) at equally fast speed. The and astral bodies. Thus, it empowers vibrations of these reflected signals contain the ‘information’ the s³dhaka with psychic potentials, supramental talents, and divine inspirations upon successful completion The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart. - Helen Keller AKHAND JYOTI 12 MARCH-APRIL 2020

of a higher-level mantra-s³dhan³. physicist Floyd Firestone devised the first ultrasonic echo imaging device, the Supersonic Reflectoscope, to detect Scope of Interdisciplinary Research: internal flaws in metal castings. Ultrasonic energy was first The realization, to some extent, of applied to the human body for medical purposes by Dr. the subtle power of sound, has been George Ludwig at the Naval Medical Research Institute, revived in the modern era by the Bethesda, Maryland[2-3]. Drs. Edler, Hertz and Hughes, etc. scientific works on ultrasound and had successfully used this form of sound for applications infra-sound. Sound-based imaging in the field of medicine during 1942–1950. Today, medical got a boost during 1912-14 with technology is making tremendous use of advanced ultrasonic underwater acoustics, echo-recording devices for noninvasive diagnostic purposes, relieving pain of objects lying in the deep sea. in soft-tissues, and for delicate surgical operations. Pioneering work was carried out during this time in France by Paul The effects of the mantra are based on sublime levels of Langevin, and in Britain by A. B. sound far beyond the ultra- or infra- frequency-ranges of Wood and associates[1]. There has been sounds. The body components like the tongue and the palate significant progress in the applications are supporting tools for augmenting the frequency of sound of ultrasound in the twentieth century. of the syllables of mantra. The extrasensory energy-centers In 1940, the American acoustical of the body (the yogic chakras, including those in the brain) Even assuming that a mantra's shabdic [\"sacred sound\"] quality is an important component of its effectiveness, that quality can come into play only when the mantra is uttered by one properly instructed in the art of yogic visualization; for mantras have not only sound, but also form and color. The form or the archetypal image or symbol with which it is associated must be evoked at the moment of utterance, since that image is the repository of all the psychic, emotional and spiritual energy drawn from all the adepts who have ever concentrated upon that particular image or symbol since it first came into being. ….The lamas teach that the mantra appropriate to each of the divine forms contemplated embodies the psychic energy of that 'being'. In other words, the yogically visualized image of the deity or the mantric syllable that symbolizes it is a center for the powerful through-associations built around it by countless yogins during past centuries and by the adept himself in his meditations; however, it also constitutes a particular embodiment of the energies streaming from the Source and it is to this aspect that the shabdic quality of the appropriate mantra probably pertains. - John Blofeld (From: Mantras: Sacred Words of Power) We know what we are, but know not what we may be. - William Shakespeare AKHAND JYOTI 13 MARCH-APRIL 2020

are activated by deep meditation during mantra-japa. Their wouldn’t they induce suprasonic energy, coupled with the bio-electricity and the strength of impulses in the etheric whole and consciousness (of the s³dhaka), amplifies the frequency create cosmic effects? of the sound waves of the mantra far beyond the limits of ultrasonic and supersonic vibrations. For a systematic and detailed analysis of the above aspects of mantra- Scientific investigations on mantra vidy³ (mystic knowledge vidy³, a comprehensive study of the and deep-science of mantras) would be necessary because only scriptures on yoga s³dhan³s would a handful of genuine ‘experts’ of this latent field of knowledge be inevitable. The ‘visualization’ could be available today. Many ‘so-called’ religious and (realization) of the seventy-two spiritual ‘masters’ have been making a mockery of this great thousands n³Ãºs, mysterious bundles science by false propaganda and superstitious proclamations of nerves and muscles (upatyik³s) and since the medieval era of moral, cultural, and social decline. the extrasensory knots (granthis) and This has created a negative image of the Vedic sciences extrasensory energy pools (chakras) among intellectuals in general. Now is the time to rediscover/ along the spinal column and the reinvestigate the ancient knowledge in a scientific light. brah®randhra in the brain – by specific s³dhan³s of Ïabda Yoga and Aspirants of research on mantras should note that –– the real N³da Yoga, would be a promising effect of mantra-japa occurs through the subliminal powers method for thorough experimental of sound that cannot be measured using the instruments investigations in this regard. developed so far. Experiments on mantra-japa demand sincere pursuit of certain disciplines and perfection in the Power of Spiritually Refined Voice: patterns of enunciation with stability and depth of meditation. The subtle power of Ïabda, induced in The effect of a mantra is mostly spiritual. Research in the the v³k4, is referred to in the ancient science of mantras, therefore, cannot be independent of the Indian texts as the supreme creative science of deeper psychology and spirituality. power of God. For example, see the following quote: Laboratory experiments on ultrasonic effects have shown that the vibrations at a high frequency (of the order of fifty Praj³patirv³ Idameka Âdhºtasya million per second) can produce so much energy that would V³geva Stam³sºt V³ga, convert the surrounding material into vapors and ashes Dvitºy³ Sa Ekïate M³meva V³ca almost instantaneously; then what about the power of the Vis•aj³ | vibrations that are generated at a faster frequencies using bio- Iya® V³ Ida Sarva® electricity, vital energy, and sublime force of the otherwise VibhavavtyeÌyatºti|| unused (dormant) energy of human-consciousness? Why – T³ñdya Br³. (20 |14 | 2) Believe you can and you’re halfway there. - Theodore Roosevelt AKHAND JYOTI 14 MARCH-APRIL 2020

Meaning: Praj³pati – the Creator voice), that had made his Bh¿d³na (donation of farming land of the Universe, was alone; only the for the poor and needy) project a real success. eternal force of v³k (evolutionary vibration of the Omnipresent, Eternal A quote in Shatpath Brahmana mentions that the words or Consciousness Force) was pervaded speech which can eliminate the evils from the minds of all everywhere. He wished to make the people and which can inspire the human society towards manifestation of v³k. Everything was the righteous path – are true mantras of Saraswatº (– the then created by the v³k. deity of pure knowledge and intelligence). Thus, as far as the psychological impacts are concerned, any kind of speech or Research on v³k is beyond the reach of conversation, which is originated by altruist sentiments and the (material based) modern science. intrinsic urge towards the real welfare of all, can be effective Nevertheless, the extraordinary like a mantra. impact of the words of people of great character, whose physical appearance, The “Kalpa” methods of Ayurvedic treatments of any disease voice, vocal and writing skills might begin after performing N³Ãº Ïodhana, which consists of five be very ordinary (like any average basic steps– vamana, virechana, snehana, swedana, and or unnoticeable person), is authentic nasya – pertaining to the complete cleansing and purification evidence of the power of refined (by of the body system. The R³ja Yoga, HaÚha Yoga and the truthfulness and other virtues of great Tantra Yoga also have five basic disciplines (Yamas and characters) voice. The immense power Niyamas) and training steps each. The practices of learning of the words of Mahatma Gandhi is a the associated yoga cannot begin without the completion of globally renowned exemplar of this these training steps. Similarly, the experiments on a mantra fact; it needs no proof in any laboratory. s³dhana demand deeper refinement and understanding, and Acharya Vinoba Bhave, an ardent endeavors for mental and emotional conjunction with the five disciple of Mahatma Gandhi and the components – namely, the Rishi, Chhanda, Devat³, Bºja and founder of the Sarvodaya Mission, Tatva – of the mantra as described in its viniyoga (structural used to regard the process of speaking as classification)[5]. a mode of worshiping the v³ñº(voice). He had accordingly restrained and Ultrasonic devices are often used for identifying electrical refined this faculty so well, that every leakage or short-circuit in complex networks. The sonic patterns word uttered by him was like a ‘japa.’ of the mantras, when realized inside the body, can similarly This is why his short but inspiring help the s³dhaka know his internal defects and infirmities and speech used to have magical effects on also invent the incredible web of the extrasensory nuclei of the audiences. It was this power of his consciousness inside the body. With consistent progress in refined v³ñº (spoken, mental, and inner mantra-s³dhan³, divinity indwelling in the individual self can Nothing is impossible; the word itself says ‘I’m possible’! - Audrey Hepburn AKHAND JYOTI 15 MARCH-APRIL 2020

be expressed and experienced by absolute self-realization. This References: eventually results in divine transmutation of the s³dhaka’s 1. Wood A.B. Report from the Board inner self. of Invention and Research to the Notes: Royal Naval Scientific Service. J. 1. Ïabda: Eternal, the cosmic element of Royal Naval Sci. Service Vol. 20 (4), pp. 185-284. (1914) sound(generated by the evolutionary impulse 2. Ludwig, G.D. and Struthers, F.W. of Brah®); absolute self-existent source of all Considerations underlying the use expressed — including audible and inaudible of Ultrasound to detect Gallstones sounds; and the spoken, written or mentally and Foreign Bodies in Tissue. Naval generated words, and unexpressed, sublime Medical Research Institute Reports, sounds/sonic vibrations in the etheric expanse. Project #004 001, Report No. 4, June (1949) 2. Japa (of a Mantra): Silent or mental chanting in a rhythmic 3. Ludwig, G.D. The Velocity of (consistent) manner with emotional engrossment. Sound through Tissues and the Acoustic Impedance of Tissues. J. 3. Devat³ of a Mantra: Specific spiritual and sonic energy- Acoust. Soc. Am. Vol. 22, pp. 862- field of Ïabda (in the cosmic expanse) associated with 866. (1950) the vibrations generated by adept japa of the mantra. 4. Edler I., Hertz C. H. The Use This is called a devata (devat³) in the case of Vedic of Ultrasonic Reflectoscope for Mantras. This cosmic spiritual energy domain is also the Continuous Recording of the a dense source of divine thoughts and inspirations. The Movements of Heart Walls. Clinical devat³ of a Vedic Mantra also refers to the divine force Physiol. & Functional Imaging. of a god-form that inspired (a rishi for) the creation of Vol.24 (3), pp. 118–36. (2004) that mantra. 5. Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya: Ïabda Brah® - N³da Brah®. “Pt. 4. V³k: Pure, truthful and spiritually sublimated voice Shriram Sharma Acharya Samagra (speech and mental voice) of an accomplished s³dhaka Vangmaya” Vol. 19.Akhand Jyoti (yogi) of mantra-s³dhan³. Sansthan, Mathura. (1995) When you let go of control and commit yourself to happiness, it is so easy to offer compassion and forgiveness. This propels you from the past, into the present. - Shannon L. Alder Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you. - Walt Whitman AKHAND JYOTI 16 MARCH-APRIL 2020

An Effective Solution to Water Crisis Many villages and cities in our Karahal block were selected for this project because most country are struggling with the of the hand pumps there had dried out. In these villages, problem of water scarcity. As soon as numerous borewells were drilled blindly without proper the rainy season ends, the groundwater planning. In less than two acres of land, there were more than level falls rapidly in most areas of the half a dozen borewells. The result was that the groundwater country, and then the people face the level of these villages had fallen significantly. problems of water shortage. Today in these four villages, the rainwater is filtered and sent Most of the hand pumps in our country into the ground. As a result, the groundwater level in these have dried up, but the surprising areas has increased, and clean water can now be obtained fact is that these same hand pumps from 11 hand pumps and two wells. with a new innovative technique can give millions of liters of water. This process of enriching groundwater is called the injection This project was successfully carried method. In this method, a 10-feet deep hole is dug all around out in the four villages of Karahal, a the hand pump. Then 1200-1500 holes with a diameter tribal development block in Madhya of one to one-half inches are made in the casing pipes of Pradesh. the hand pump. Through such pipes, water goes into the ground. A filter plant is also built in the hole to clean the In 2016, this experiment was done in water before it reaches the pipes. In this filter plant, materials the villages of Dablee, Ajanoi, Jharer, like boulders, gravel, sand, and coal are deposited layer by and Banar in Karahal block. Gandhi layer. After being filtered through these layers, the rainwater Seva Ashram of Sheopur, which works reaches the pipes with holes in the hand pump. An additional towards development in tribal areas, wire screen filter is placed on the holes of the pipes. In this started this experiment in collaboration way, a beneficial rainwater harvesting system is prepared. with GIZ of Germany and AFPRO, a research institute in Hyderabad. Converting a dried hand pump into a recharged unit of water Earlier, the German organization takes around rupees 45,000/-, but the biggest advantage is had successfully used the injection that a non-functional hand pump can now supply three and method in the dry areas of Gujarat a half to four lakh liters of water in a year to the village. and Rajasthan. These villages from According to figures from Government records, one ordinary Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago. - Warren Buffett AKHAND JYOTI 17 MARCH-APRIL 2020

hand pump can draw three lakh and sixty thousand liters of In this century water every year. Through this method, a non-functional old hand pump is giving as much water. Thus, the groundwater wars will not be fought level of the land is rising and the hand pumps, which draw water from the ground, are useful in giving the gift of water- over oil, as in the past, abundance to the people. but over water. The A unique initiative to increase groundwater prosperity and quench the thirst of the earth is taking place in the Jamoli situation is becoming block of Uttarakhand. The water conservation work being done in Luthiyag, Dhan Kurali, Ejara, Maharkoti, Koti, desperate. The world's Dhyano, Tyokhar, Makhet, Nausari, Palakurani, Mehergaon, Thala, and Fatyund Gramsabha of this block is an excellent water is strained by example for any areas that are struggling with a water crisis. population growth. Through the collective efforts of the women in Luthiyag, a pond was constructed with a capacity to hold 11 lakh liters There is no more fresh of rainwater. They achieved this by donating their labor to dig the lake. Three years ago, this village was dying for a water on earth than two few drops of water, but today not only is there enough water in every house, but the villagers have been able to produce thousand years ago when vegetables and thereby strengthen the economic condition of their families. the population was three In 2014, 205 families were living in the Gram Sabha of percent of its current Luthiyag. Their problem was that there was only one natural water reservoir left in the village, and except for four months size. Even without the of the rainy season, it remained dry. In such a situation, the villagers had to collect the necessary water from 2.5- inevitable droughts, it 3 kilometers away, so 101 families migrated away. Seeing this in 2014, the villagers formed the Raj Rajeshwari Gram will get worse as demand Krishak Samiti and pledged to raise water for every family in the village. On the occasion of World Environment Day and pollution increase. on June 5, 2014, 108 women, along with other villagers, started the work of constructing a lake in the forest, 1.5 Some countries will simply run out of water, sparking a global refugee crisis. Tens of millions of people will flood across international borders. It means the collapse of fisheries, environmental destruction, conflict, lower living standards. - Clive Cussler All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination. - Earl Nightingale AKHAND JYOTI 18 MARCH-APRIL 2020

kilometers above the drinking water liters of water respectively, from which all the houses are source. After a month of hard work, a getting enough water. 40 meter long and 18-meter wide lake was complete. Gradually the rainwater Similar to the village of Luthiyag, to remove the water started accumulating in this lake, and scarcity in the other 12 villages of Jakholi block, the women in 2015, with the collection of about 5 did ‘shramdaan’ (voluntary contribution involving physical lakh liters of water in it, the drinking effort) and started constructing the lake at a distance of 1-1.5 water source started recharging the kilometers from the village. As a result, all of these villages village. Not only this, water sources no longer face the problem of water shortage. People are began erupting at the nearby places also now organically producing plenty of vegetables, which adjacent to the lake. is benefiting all of the families. In 2016, the amount of water in the Along with quenching the thirst of the villages, this lake increased to 7 lakh liters, and highlights a unique initiative of women’s empowerment, currently, it holds 11 lakh liters of giving a perfect example for all areas that are facing the water. After this, the villagers, with problem of water scarcity. Groundwater conservation the help of Reliance Foundation, built through the injection method is also a modern technique, two water storage tanks near the lake by which people can increase the level of groundwater in that hold 22 thousand and 50 thousand their areas. Joseph Pandel was a great Philosopher of his era from England. He was a very respected person in England and very famous for his knowledge and saintly qualities. However, he was the son of a cobbler. Joseph Pandel felt proud of continuing his father’s profession and felt happy and satisfied. However, he worked only to earn enough for his daily expenses, and after work, he loved to spend time in reading knowledgeable books. His thirst for knowledge was fulfilled by books most of the time. He believed in not wasting public money, and therefore he preferred to repair old shoes to be used for some more time, rather than making new shoes and throwing old pairs. He never kept a permanent shop at one location. Whenever he was informed about a good library and great scholars in any location, he preferred to take his little shop to that location, to get a chance to meet great scholars and to read good books during his leisure time. He has written many books to enlighten other’s lives, and his writings and philosophy are compared with India’s great Saint Raidas. When the well is dry, they know the worth of water. - Benjamin Franklin AKHAND JYOTI 19 MARCH-APRIL 2020

The Zest for Life Keeps a Person Young It is not possible to reverse the age, but the zest for life can age of the body, then nobody will call keep a person young all the time. For this purpose, the us old. mind should be engaged in positive thinking. Since the mind and body are interrelated, activities of mind influence the We can see many older people who body and vice versa. As the body grows older, if the mind look so fit that it is almost impossible also thinks that it is getting older, then the person would to guess their actual age. However, this undoubtedly age faster. However, the mind can remain ‘Fitness Revolution’ applies only to a young. With the passage of time, the mind possesses a wealth limited populace living in metros and of experience; it is more active and is full of good ideas. The cities. There is a significant population energy of the mind thus has the ability to rejuvenate the body in our country who consider old age that is getting older. as the fag end of life where everything meaningful comes to a standstill and When we consider an implement or a weapon to be useless that they merely have to carry the and stop using it, that weapon gradually loses its ability; and burden of the body while living a life rusts with time and eventually stops working completely. dependent on others. They also think On the contrary, when we use a particular instrument that they should focus their mind continuously over the years, it can prove to be more useful only on worship, rituals, or anything and valuable than a newer tool. It will have the ability to religious. accomplish all our tasks. This is exactly how our life works. If we always keep our body active, think positively, engage A psychology professor, Elissa Epel, in creative jobs, then this very activity makes us valuable to from the University of California, is society and keeps us young at heart. doing research on correlating lifestyle and age. According to her, if a person In society today, there is an increasing percentage of people wants a better life, then one should who are keen on looking ‘Fit and Fine.’ There is an inherent incorporate certain changes in one’s desire in each one of us to win the battle against time and lifestyle that help in fitness. Life is all look young. So, it is no wonder that the fitness industry is about adapting to changes that keep growing at a rate of 19% per annum. Not just health, people coming in our way, and staying fit of all ages are very watchful of their body image because it helps us in handling those changes. is an indicator of their age. If we can successfully mask the According to psychologists – ‘If you Zest is the secret of all beauty. There is no beauty that is attractive without zest. - Christian Dior AKHAND JYOTI 20 MARCH-APRIL 2020

love yourself and apply the principle slowly being seen in few places in India too, but its pace is of ‘Live and let live’ in your life, then not very encouraging because retirement is perceived to be you will neither be worried about your linked with a person’s ability here. It is worth mentioning responsibilities nor the increasing age that a Japanese cosmetics company Pola Inc. actively hired because your entire focus will be on senior citizens into their workforce. Women aged 70 - 100 your lifestyle.’ years work in this company. The company believes that the employees perform better and provide better services to the The harsh reality of today is that the clients owing to their experience. families are shrinking, and the sad feature of such families is that each The happiness beaming across the face, the sparkle in the member lives in his own world. And eyes are what make a person young, and when a positive even in this, the world of the elderly attitude reigns in mind, there is no shortage of enthusiasm. is very different. We often see a large That is why, let us not worry about age, we just have to number of older people at home or ensure that we do not lose the smile on our face and passion seated in parks all alone. The primary of the mind. If someone reminisces and thinks that his life reason why they are lonely is that they was better when he was younger and old age is not good, are old, weak, and probably sick and then such thoughts are bound to create disappointment about hence are not capable of doing any present life. Each and every phase of life has its pros and work. Psychologists say that if the cons, which is why no stage is neither good nor bad. In fact, mind believes that it is old and cannot we can make it good or bad based on our perspective and do anything, then the person definitely mindset. becomes accordingly. If the face radiates happiness, the inner being exudes We can often read the sadness on the enthusiasm towards life, and a smile adorns the lips, then face of the elderly. It speaks volumes even an old face can look beautiful and young. On the other about how retiring from work has cast hand, if there are passiveness, despair, and disappointment, them out of the race of life. What do even the face of a young person will begin to look ugly. we do after retirement? Planning for Beauty should grow with age because zest for life is what this commences right from the age really keeps us young. of 30 years itself nowadays. Indeed, retirement does not change the If you have zest and enthusiasm you abilities and capabilities of a person. attract zest and enthusiasm. Life does give This is why in other countries, retired back in kind. personnel are hired again based on their experience and expertise. This trend is - Norman Vincent Peale What hunger is in relation to food, zest is in relation to life. – Bertrand Russell AKHAND JYOTI 21 MARCH-APRIL 2020

Insomnia A Looming Global Crisis It is quite surprising that the understanding of the common capability to learn, memorize, and public and scientific community on the subject of sleep, make the right decisions. Without which is such a prime and fundamental requirement of life, sleep, the efficiency of these can reduce has been quite limited till very recent years. Only in the past by as much as 90%. During sleep, just 2 to 3 decades, intense studies have been done on the subject, as our brain revitalizes all its workings, the results of which are truly amazing and remarkable. all other systems of the body, like its immune system, metabolic system, etc. There are four natural needs of the human body. They also totally refresh themselves. If sleep are – quench thirst, satisfy hunger, reproduce, and sleep. is sufficient, all organs of the body from Scientists and spiritualists both concur that these, indeed, are the heart to the skin continue to perform the basic needs of the human body. What happens to people their functions well. Otherwise, overall when these needs are not fulfilled? This has been a subject health deteriorates significantly. matter of interest for both common people as well as great scholars, and much has been thought, read, written, and Everyone would have personally spoken about this. experienced how important sleep is for our daily activities. If we are low It is strange that while humans spend about one-fourth of on rest even for a night, workings their lives sleeping, understanding to date about sleep is of both our body and our mind get quite less. All the species of the animal world that have been significantly disturbed. So, can a discovered to date on the earth spend a vital part of their person die without sleep? Some of daily routine in sleeping. Scientists are convinced that in the recent researches answer this living beings, the phenomenon of sleeping started as soon as question in the affirmative. There is life appeared on the earth. In other words, sleep can be called no doubt now that lesser the sleep, as one of the first steps in the sequence of evolution of life. the lower will be the life span. Research studies in recent times have found that for good As the human life has become busier physical health, it is essential to have a full sleep. There is no with time, as the timings and habits of organ in the body and no process in the brain that does not get eating have got disturbed, as a physical a good rest during sleep and which does not get rejuvenated exercise has reduced and lifestyles with sleep. While we are sleeping, our brain refreshes its have got distorted, and as the causes of Insomnia is a vertiginous lucidity that can convert paradise itself into a place of torture. - Emil Cioran AKHAND JYOTI 22 MARCH-APRIL 2020

depression and stress have increased, If sleep remains regularly disturbed even for a day every the disease of insomnia has turned week, the sugar level in the blood begins to increase. And if into an epidemic right before our eyes. this goes on for a few months, then it would become difficult World Health Organization has been to prevent diabetes. Continuous lack of sleep reduces blood forced to acknowledge that insomnia flow through arteries, which may lead to health issues from is a present-day epidemic. heart attack to paralytic stroke. Blood tests of people who do not get regular sleep have revealed that lack of sleep Medical tests have revealed that people, increases in our body the hormones that make us feel hungry who in their 30s and 40s begin to suffer and inhibit hormones that signal to the brain that the stomach from insomnia for various reasons, is full. As a result, such people crave to eat more even after gradually stop responding completely their stomach is full. So, less sleep is a prime cause of obesity. to all types of sleeping pills. If a person cannot get sleep despite medication Lack of sleep is also a major cause of road accidents. for about a year, then functioning of Compared to accidents caused by drunk driving, the number all the organs of his body begin to get of accidents that occur due to lack of proper sleep is much severely affected and he can die in a higher. In America alone, at least a person dies every hour year or two. in accidents that are caused due to a lack of adequate sleep. Despite knowing so many problems that are caused by a lack In the present times, unfortunately, of proper sleep, human beings do several things that reduce almost two-thirds of the population of sleeping hours. From drinking coffee to listening to loud the world seem to be suffering from music, from spending excessive hours on mobile to using insomnia. WHO has recommended bright lights, we have created many inventions which have a that 8 hours of sleep is necessary to direct and proven negative impact on our sleep. ensure the proper functioning of the body, but many people are unable From the time artificial lights have been invented, the to catch these many hours of sleep. causes of loss of sleep have blown up. When there were no If a person sleeps for 6 to 7 hours artificial lights, human sleeping hours were regulated by the only, then the immunity of his body biological clock of the body. As the sun would go down and begins to reduce significantly, and dusk set in, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which is part of the susceptibility to diseases, from the brain that controls the hormone which induces sleep, minor infections to cancer, increases namely, melatonin released by the pineal gland, would get 2 to 4 times. Insufficient sleep is a signal that night is approaching, and it is time to prepare also one of the prime factors for for sleep. Our eyes can only sense electromagnetic waves Alzheimer’s disease which causes with the wavelength in the range of 380 nanometers to loss of memory. 700 nanometers. Smaller wavelength waves fall in the Insomnia is a gross feeder. It will nourish itself on any kind of thinking, including thinking about not thinking. - Clifton Fadiman AKHAND JYOTI 23 MARCH-APRIL 2020

ultraviolet spectrum and longer wavelength waves fall lining the importance of sufficient in the infrared spectrum. Beyond dusk, the waves in the sleep. If we are doing this, we must visible spectrum gently fade out giving a signal to the brain remember that this is a direct invitation to prepare for sleep. to all kinds of diseases, depression, and even untimely death. Rest is a From the time usage of artificial light came into practice, this fundamental need. Watching TV and biological clock has got disrupted. When light from lanterns reading messages on the phone till late and lamps was used, the problem was not so significant in the night cannot be more important because these light sources are not so bright that their light than our lives. So, in addition to using could adversely affect the secretion of melatonin. But the technological gadgets wisely, adopting luminescence of LED lights of today can stop this secretion a healthy lifestyle, eating good food, by 4 to 5 hours, and the brain cannot clearly decide whether and carrying out physical activities, it it is day or night. Due to the brightness of artificial light, is equally necessary to take sufficient brain believes it is still day and keeps working just as it rest and sleep well. Nature makes a would during the day. People these days, watch TV or are on fetus sleep for nine months before birth phones, laptops, IPads etc., all of which have LED screens, and gives a clear message that we must till late at night. The ill effect of this practice is that gradually get enough sleep in the night. If there their bodies begin to refuse to fall asleep at the hours of is sound sleep, there is life. sleep. Almost all the human population does not sleep till 11 or 12 in the night these days which has led to a significant If you have insomnia, reduction in sleeping hours. it's important to know you're not alone; there are Whatever may be the reasons, the results are apparent millions of people also and threatening. The entire human population seems to be struggling with their sleep. suffering from insomnia today. Youth in the age of 18-20 Talk about what you're are also found to be affected by it. This sleeplessness not going through with others, only affects the physical and mental health of individuals including your doctor, and but also affects the progress of the whole society. continue trying new things Scientific studies indicate that if our sleep gets disturbed to help manage your for even two nights a week, our productivity can come insomnia. down by 25%. If the productivity of the entire population gets lowered by 25%, would that not be a major global - Christina Applegate crisis? The prevalent conditions of today seem to tell this unfortunate story. In the pressure of our day to day activities, we are side- If you can’t sleep, then get up and do something instead of lying there worrying. It’s the worry that gets you, not the lack of sleep. - Dale Carnegie AKHAND JYOTI 24 MARCH-APRIL 2020

Yug Gita – 23 How can One Attain Ultimate Goal without Doing Prescribed Work? Yogiraj Sri Aurobindo says – He gets the answer from Lord Krishna in ïloka (21/3) that ‘There are very few ïlokas in he comes in the category of distinguished persons, and his the Gita which are more significant conduct may become the cause of rise or fall of society. than the seven ïlokas from 20th to 26th None of his actions is personal; instead, all his actions are for of the 3rd chapter.’ He also says that educating the people. Most people look at others for deciding the word ‘lokasangrah’ should not their lifestyles, and hence, a prominent person should behave be misinterpreted as social service or with caution. It is easy to become a hero or icon, but when social welfare. This is a process of some ugly aspects of life are exposed, then the entire society, educating the people by an exemplar which used to respect him earnestly, starts reproaching him. of devotion. The Gita has been written keeping in mind the highest level of The severe crisis of the present era is the shortage of saintly/ emotions and spiritual experiences, prudent persons who can serve as lighthouses of ethical- and hence, the meaning of words moral conduct. There are plenty of leaders, but creative chosen to describe certain aspects of people are rare. The widespread moral decline that is seen life is not ordinary. But it should be today is the result of this crisis. The public is unable to considered extraordinary. The essence see any guiding system. The entire process of Yug Nirman of lokasangrah has been explained Mission and the whole endeavor of the Gayatri Pariwar is very clearly in the following ïloka – meant for awakening the same guiding souls, who used to serve as Purohits, lead the society and educate people by their Yadyad³carati ïreÌÚhastattadevetaro conduct. It can be easily understood in today’s circumstances. jana¡ Ð With the aim that the human race should not get destroyed Sa yatpram³ña® kurute due to its moral decline, the Gita has been advising from lokastadanuvartate H (21/3) the time immemorial that the process of production of great men must not stop. The method of organization of the Meaning: Whatsoever a great man nation should be based on an ethical basis, and the virtues of does, other men also do that; whatever discipline, excellent moral character, and lifestyle befitting ideal he sets up, the world follows it. a Brahman should be visible in the leaders. Then only the revolution can happen. The virtues seen in the upper cadre of Arjuna is in a dilemma – ‘How society leadership will automatically descend to lower-level leaders is affected by my personal actions?’ and then to the masses. This ideal alone can serve the basis The Bhagavad-Gita has a profound influence on the spirit of mankind by its devotion to God which is manifested by actions. - Albert Schweizer AKHAND JYOTI 25 MARCH-APRIL 2020

of development in today’s circumstances. Ball, C for Cat, etc. and makes them pronounce again and again. He has to Lord is very clearly saying that the public follows what the teach them repeatedly. In the same way, leaders do (lokastadanuvartate), not what they say. Lord Avatar descends to the level of human is saying in the following ïlokas that He does not exempt being and demonstrates how life himself from this rule. Though nothing remains to be should be lived. This is lokasangrah achieved by Him, everything is easily accessible, even then – educating the people. He has to live He works continuously. If He neglects His work or stops life like an artist and show it to the working, then people will follow Him and, in the process, public. Param Pujya Gurudev showed would get destroyed. how to live an ideal life as a Gruhastha (householder). There is no problem if Na me P³rthasti kartavya® triÌu lokeÌu kiócana Ð you cannot take Vairagya or Sannyasa, N³nav³ptamav³ptavya® varta eva ca karmañi H (22/3) cannot go to the Himalayas, etc. ‘How to engage in social service while living Meaning: O Arjuna! There is no prescribed duty for me in a family life, and how the home can the three worlds, nor is there anything unattained that should be made a Tapovan (hermitage)? – I be attained by me; yet I engage Myself in action. will demonstrate through my life an example of this.’ – so said Gurudev Yadi hyaha® na varteya® j³tu karmanyatandrita¡ Ð and accomplished it. He showed how Mama vartm³nuvatante manuÌy³¡ P³rtha sarvaïa¡ H (23/3) to live in less money. He established a gigantic ‘Yug Nirman Yojana’ (Plan Meaning: Because, O Arjuna! If I would not ever engage for ushering in the New Era of peace Myself in action, unwearied, men would follow My path, in and harmony) in limited resources. all respects. Transforming the minds of millions of people and molding their fortunes in a How clear is the guidance for the prince Arjuna? Lord is better direction and living an ideal life saying clearly – ‘I am an Avatar (incarnation of God). I can for this purpose was a tough task that attain whatever I wish; even then, I engage myself in action.’ only Gurudev could accomplish. He When God cannot remain without performing his duties, knew who he was and why he came how can a human being escape from them? He says further on this earth, but he descended to our – ‘If I do not engage in work thoughtfully, then it will be level and showed how to live the life harmful to society.’ Here we have to realize that the Avatar of a Loksevi (a person truly working has to behave like a human being and not like an Avatar. The for public welfare). Today millions of teacher in the infant class makes the students learn alphabets wise householders are progressing on by giving demonstrations of objects, like A for Apple, B for the path of spirituality. Not only they The Bhagavad-Gita is a true scripture of the human race a living creation rather than a book, with a new message for every age and a new meaning for every civilization. – Sri Aurobindo AKHAND JYOTI 26 MARCH-APRIL 2020

or their families got benefitted by it, but the good effects enthusiastically, then we should not could be seen in their workplaces, their resident towns, and stop him. Once he becomes lethargic, the whole society. Is this not a significant achievement? he would stop doing anything, and the darkness of inactivity would engulf In fact, Avatar, Guru, great men come for demonstration, for him. Knowledgeable persons, with teaching the art of living, and for educating people through their example, should work selflessly their lives. That is why it is advised that we should study, with them and gradually try to mold contemplate, and imbibe their teaching in our lives. A human them towards social service. being should learn humanity; for this purpose, Avatar does everything that is needed for humans. The next two ïlokas In both the above ïlokas, the essence are very important. Lord says in the following ïlokas: of one significant word ‘Jó³nº’ (meaning knowledgeable) person Sakt³¡ karmañyavidva®so yath³ kurvanti bh³rata Ð has been appropriately defined. Who KuryavidvanstathasaktaïcikºrÌurlokasógraham H (25/3) is ‘Jó³nº’? One, who knows God, Ibheda® janayedajó³n³® karmasaógin³m Ð remains engrossed in the Divine, and JoÌayetsarvakarm³ñi vidv³nyukta¡ sam³caran H (26/3) keeps himself stable there, is ‘Jó³nº.’ He educates the masses through his Meaning: O Bharata (Arjuna)! As the ignorant men act conduct. He does not see what others from attachment to action, so should the wise act without are doing; he also does not confuse attachment, wishing the welfare of the world! Let no wise people regarding their actions. Instead, man confuse the minds of ignorant people who are attached he always inspires them for noble to fruitive actions; being unattached, he should perfectly tasks and helps them elevate to higher perform all his prescribed activities, keeping them fully dimensions of spiritual life. engaged. All of us become a victim of one vice, Lord is advising that the tasks related to public welfare and that is, when we see others, we should be done with the same spirit as that done for getting start overthinking about them. Instead the material benefits. Lord is expecting the knowledgeable of focusing on what we are doing, we persons to take up voluntarily the work of social welfare think what the other person is doing with the same interest as that shown by an ignorant person and why he is doing that? A person in satiating his passions. He also says that one should not involved in lokasangrah, educating confuse such people. The knowledgeable should perform his others through his actions, does not get tasks wisely and inspire others to do so. In the opinion of Lord perturbed by the actions of others. Shri Krishna, activity/industriousness is a sacred power. In order to fulfill one’s desire, if a person takes up some activity All the tasks are superior, whether it is The Bhagavad-Gita is the most systematic statement of spiritual evolution of endowing value to mankind. - Aldous Huxley AKHAND JYOTI 27 MARCH-APRIL 2020

writing for uplifting the masses or delivering a discourse or There was a parijan in Shantikunj. sweeping the floor or cleaning the utensils or spreading noble Every day, since 1978, I could listen thoughts. There was a servant of Ramakrishna Paramhansa, to the sound of sweeping him the front named Rasik Bhangi. He used to clean the premises of the portion of Shantikunj Ashram around Ashram, including his room. Gradually Thakura immersed 2-2:30 AM, and he would accomplish in Samadhi. Brahmanandaji was the first president of this task before anyone could get up. I Ramakrishna Mission and used to live in Bellure Matha. asked him why he did that. He replied – Rasik Bhangi would clean the premises of the Dakshineshwar ‘Gurudev asked me to sweep this area temple as usual. He became old. At the time of death, he felt first thing in the morning daily. Since that Thakura had come to pick him up in a Ratha (chariot). then, I am doing it.’ This man would Saying so, he stood up and walked from the deathbed as if have certainly achieved Supreme he had really gone in the Ratha. At the same time, Swami Truth because he completed daily Brahmananda, sitting in Bellure Matha on the other side of the task given by Gurudev faithfully. Ganga, also had a similar experience. He immediately said Those, who give long discourses, to the people sitting in front of him – ‘See! Thakura has talk thousand things of Shastras, may come, and he is taking Rasik Bhangi in a Ratha.’ How Rasik have to take several births to attain the Bhangi attained the Supreme element? Swamiji explained ultimate goal of life. this mystery – ‘His sadhana had depth. He did his work considering it to be worship, and it took him to perfection.’ [To be continued] When Rasik Bhangi could achieve the Supreme Goal of life by mere sweeping, Raidasa by repairing the shoes, and Sikh Guru Arjun Dev by cleaning the utensils, then we can also achieve it, provided we consider the tasks given by Gurudev to be our duty and accomplish them faithfully. [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)] I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. It is the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death. - Thomas Paine In the morning I bathe my intellect in the stupendous and cosmogonal philosophy of the Bhagavad-Gita, in comparison with which our modern world and its literature seems puny and trivial. - Henry David Thoreau AKHAND JYOTI 28 MARCH-APRIL 2020

Peace Pilgrim’s Wisdom - 23 Transforming Our Society Ihave been asked if I have any ideas single step we could take toward world understanding and a for peaceful solutions to some of our long stride toward world peace. When we can talk together, world and national problems. For one, we will realize that our likenesses are so much greater than I think a very long stride toward world our differences, however great our differences may seem. peace would be the establishment of a world language. I first ran into the On Democracy and Society language barrier in Spanish-speaking, I define democracy as control by the people. Slaves are those Mexico, where I could speak to people who allow others to control their lives. Insofar as people only through my translated message succeed in solving their problems fairly and efficiently at a and my smile. Then in the Province grassroots level, they retain control over their lives. Insofar of Quebec in Canada, I ran into it as they delegate their problem solving to a higher authority, again. Canada is a bilingual country. they lose control over their lives. The schools in Quebec are conducted in French, and many of the people in We have a good amount of individual democracy — for Quebec cannot speak English. I had a example, the right of a minority of one to continue to speak. translated message, and I was offered And we have a lot of political freedom. We are making food and shelter through sign language. progress on social democracy. If we had social democracy But there the communication just every human being would be evaluated according to merit, about ended. It made me realize the not according to groups. We’ve legislated in that direction; great need for a world language anew. we need to go a long way still, but we’re getting there. I think a committee of experts Where we fall the shortest is in economic democracy. Here appointed by the United Nations we have not too much control and I’m concerned about this. should decide as quickly as possible Remember, if we want to set a good example for the world what language would be best. Once a we must improve ourselves. I’ll tell you a sad story: world language is agreed upon, it can be taught in all the schools along with I was walking through someone’s living room. Two the national language, so that very soon comedians on television were making jokes before a live every literate person in the world can audience, and one of them said, “I got a medal from my talk to every other literate person in the company.” “Why?” “I found a way to make their product wear world. I think this would be the biggest out quicker!” And everybody in that live audience laughed. Love is an expression of power. We can use it to transform our world. - Ericka Huggins AKHAND JYOTI 29 MARCH-APRIL 2020

This is no laughing matter. Raw materials are in short supply; We can only change through example. energy is running out. Future generations will look upon us Therefore, if I had the power to do so in as idiots for manufacturing for obsolescence. Yes, everybody this country, I would set a very gentle, knows what we are doing, and they even laugh about it. This good example. I would establish a needs to be remedied, obviously. Peace Department in our government. It would have very useful work to do. The other thing that needs to be remedied is unemployment. It would research peaceful ways of I am terribly concerned about it. Some seven or eight resolving conflicts, war prevention million of our fellow human beings in this country are measures and economic adjustments unemployed. And what does that do to people? They to peace. It would be established deteriorate psychologically because they are being told by with some fanfare and we would ask society that they are not needed, that there is no place for every other nation to establish similar them. Unemployment is a terrible thing. We need to remedy departments and come and work with us this, and we need to remedy it immediately. for peace. I think many nations would be willing to do so. Communication I would suggest that after a certain length of time, all among the Peace Departments would employable unemployed could apply for community work, be a step toward peace in our world. funded as welfare is funded. The work wouldn’t even need to be full time, but they would be earning what they received. During the war in Vietnam, I asked my There is no psychologically well person who does not wish to correspondents from all over the world be meaningfully occupied with something. I understand there the same question: “What country do are a few psychologically sick people — especially those your fellow countrymen consider to be who have been unemployed for a long time and have terribly the biggest menace to the peace of the deteriorated. But this is not true of most people. Most people world?” The answer was unanimous. It would actually jump at the chance to be able to do something. wasn’t Russia and it wasn’t China. It was us! I asked, “Why?” The answers From a spiritual point of view, the best way to cope with anything varied a bit. The Orientals answered, that is out of harmony, such as communism as it is practiced today, “Because you are the only nation that is never to fear it — that gives it power. Bring good influences used the nuclear bomb to kill people, to bear upon it; make yourself a good example. Never try to and there is no evidence that you might overcome it by adopting its false philosophy. For instance, part not do so again.” In South America of the philosophy of communist governments is said to be ‘The and Latin America, they tended to end justifies the means’— which is actually the philosophy of say, “It’s Vietnam today—it will be us all countries that use war as a means. Instead, adopt the spiritual tomorrow.” In Europe and some other philosophy of ‘The means determine the end,’ and remember places, the answer tended to be, “Your only a good means can really attain a good end. economy works most smoothly in a The ultimate end of all revolutionary social change is to establish the sanctity of human life, the dignity of man, the right of every human being to liberty and well-being. - Emma Goldman AKHAND JYOTI 30 MARCH-APRIL 2020

war or war preparation period,” or, “In mission of peace to Russia? This choir, for example? You your country, there is big money to be have a unique opportunity to talk to them in their own made on war or war preparation.” language, more so than the usual delegation that often cannot communicate with them. This sort of exchange is necessary I don’t like to report this, it’s a negative in the present historical crisis.” thing, but I do think we need to see that the countries of the world do not The United Nations needs to be improved. We people of the always see our kind heart when they world need to learn to put the welfare of the whole human look across the sea. Instead, they are family above the welfare of any group. Starvation and apprehensive about our actions. suffering need to be alleviated. An extensive exchange of people among the nations of the world would be very helpful. I would like to see us not only take There are some national problems in connection with peace all the steps we can in the direction of — work needs to be done on peace among groups. Our disarmament and peace in the world, number one national problem, however, is the adjustment of I would also like to see us set a better our economy to a peacetime situation. and better example in the world. Within the last couple of years a number of my Community Peace Action foreign friends have said to me, “Russia In this crisis period, there should be a community peace signed Salt II, why didn’t you sign it? Are committee in every town. Such a group can begin with a you less interested in disarmament than handful of concerned people. I have been suggesting that the Russians?” I couldn’t answer them. I Community Peace Fellowships start with a Peace Prayer wish we had signed it. It was a gentle step, Group for seeking the way of peace. At the first meeting, not nearly enough, but we should have consider inner peace. Pray about it and discuss it. If you signed it, then worked hard for Salt III and become aware of some inner block which is hampering every agreement that we could get. your spiritual progress, concentrate between meetings on removing that block. At the second meeting, consider On my pilgrimage across Canada, I harmony among individuals. If you realize that you are was invited to speak during the Youth out of harmony with some person, do something between Choir Concert of the Union of Spiritual meetings to remedy this. At the third meeting, consider Communities of Christ, commonly harmony among groups. Between meetings try to do known as Doukhobors, a pacifist something as a group to show friendliness toward or to group which migrated from Russia in help some other group. At the fourth meeting, consider the last century. I said to them, “You peace among nations. Take action between meetings by have a special message to this world, commending someone who has done something good for specifically in Russia. Since many of peace. At the next meeting, start all over again. you speak Russian, why not send a The first resistance to social change is to say it’s not necessary. - Gloria Steinem AKHAND JYOTI 31 MARCH-APRIL 2020

In some places, my literature has been used for their prayer a special peace fellowship — whether groups, since it deals with peace from a spiritual viewpoint. we work together or apart. Read a paragraph, dwell on it in receptive silence, then talk about it. Have as many prayer meetings as you need to get Some of the steps toward peace that I through the literature. Anyone who can understand and feel talked about when I started out have the spiritual truths contained therein is spiritually ready to now been taken or at least begun. An work for peace. extensive people-to-people approach is well underway, with student exchanges The Peace Study Group needs to get a clear picture of what and cultural exchanges. Research on the present world situation is like and what will be needful peaceful ways of resolving conflicts to convert it into a peaceful world situation. Certainly all is now being done at a number of our present wars must cease. Obviously we need to find a way to colleges, and courses are being also lay down our arms together. We need to set up mechanisms taught by our neighbor, Canada. to avoid physical violence in the world where psychological violence still exists. I believe it is quite possible for us to obtain an outer peace at present. After world problems and steps toward their solution Historically speaking, when human become pretty clear to you, you and your friends are ready beings are faced with the choice to become a Peace Action Group. You can become a Peace between destruction and change, they Action Group gradually, acting upon any problem that you are apt to choose change, and it’s have learned to understand. Peace action should always take about the only thing that will make the form of living the way of peace. It can also take the form them choose change. So we have the of letter-writing: to legislators about peace legislation you possibility at the present time to take are interested in, to editors on peace subjects, to friends on a different direction in the world—the what you have learned about peace. It can take the form of possibility exists! public meetings with speakers on peace subjects, distributing peace literature, talking to people about peace, a peace week, Little people of the world, let us never a peace fair, a peace walk, a peace parade, or a peace float. It feel helpless again. Let us remember can take the form of voting for those who are committed to that if enough of us ask together even the way of peace. very big things like world disarmament and world peace will be granted. Let’s You have much more power when you are working for the ask together! right thing than when you are working against the wrong thing. And, of course, if the right thing is established, wrong [Reproduced with glad consent of things will fade away of their own accord. Grassroots peace the publishers – Friends of Peace work is vitally important. All who work for peace belong to Pilgrim] There is no fundamental social change by being simply of individual and interpersonal actions. You have to have organizations and institutions that make a fundamental difference. - Cornel West AKHAND JYOTI 32 MARCH-APRIL 2020

Odyssey of the Enlightened – 72 Gayatri on the Banks of Yamuna -1 If one walks from Ghiya Mandi, Mathura towards railway “This area would be too small for our station, one finds Gayatri Teela on the way to the right-hand center; we need a minimum of two side. When Niranjan mentioned about this place, Shriram’s hundred to two hundred fifty square childhood journey flashed back in his memory. Once, he meters. We need to have a temple with had come to Mathura in childhood and from there, he had space for meditation, a yagya-shala, walked on foot to Vrindavan all alone. At that time, he had rooms for the sadhakas, etc.”, Shriram met one saint-yogi referred by the locals as ‘Booti Siddha said. With this, his mind also created Baba.’ The Baba had raised his both the hands to bless child a pleasant image of the center: “The Shriram. That was a wonderful experience. Today he was place would be green. It will have a going to ‘inspect’ the same place as a possible site for the gurukul like ambience. It will be so sadhana-center. soothing to see it”, he added. He returned home with Niranjan after seeing the building “Then, we may break this teela and use in Mandi Ramdas. After completing some work in the the space where it stands,” Niranjan press-office, they both went to see the Gayatri Teela. suggested. This would require While climbing this 30-35 meter tall ‘hill,’ Shriram took demolishing the teela completely and the sample of its soil from three-four spots. The soil then flattening the land. “This won’t was dry and crisp. It appeared as though there was a work, as the soil here is sandy. No forest long back and the trees were burnt at large-scale; construction would be firm on any or, maybe, the trees were charred due to the forest-fire foundation dug up here”, Shriram nearby and later on a large amount of their ash mixed made him realize the real problem. with soil was piled here which eventually turned into They had no choice but to turn down this tiny hill (teela). At some spots, the soil also appeared the possibility of selecting this site. to have sand. The hilltop was quite narrow – only about They started climbing down. twelve square meters. The temple was standing only on half of this area. Now it was only like the remains of a After climbing down, Shriram temple. Even the idol of the deity Gayatri was not there. stood on the junction road for a few Nobody took care of it after Booti Siddha Baba. Now minutes staring at the partly green it was only like ruins or broken structure and sort of ground opposite the teela. “What time-being shelter for some beggars or teenager goons are you thinking? Where do we go of nearby villages. now? Return to Ghiya Mandi or walk toward Jaisinhpura (to see some other Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. - Lao Tzu AKHAND JYOTI 33 MARCH-APRIL 2020

site!)?” Niranjan seemed to be getting minutes Shriram told him that we would go to Jaisinhpura somewhat impatient. tomorrow. Right now let us return to Ghiya Mandi. As soon as they touched the road He was thinking of the bagichi and the Chamunda temple Shriram felt a flickering pulsation in there. Ever since he had moved to Mathura, several times, he his left arm; then a Kapila cow went had felt like visiting this place but could not make it because running towards the left. She was of his busy schedule in writing and social service activities. running so fast as though she was His memory recollected that there was Bhuteshwar temple searching for her calf. But no, they ahead of the Chanmunda Devi temple. The Bhuteshwar did not notice any calf while getting temple enshrines the supreme deity of the ten dikapals of down. Then why did the cow rush to Mathura. The next day Shriram informed Mataji (Bhagvati the ground in front? With this thought Devi Sharma) and Taiji about his plans of visiting the bagichi he looked in the front. He saw two at Vrindavan road. He also told them that his inner mind peacocks dancing at a distance there. was suggesting him that this place would be most suitable They came forward closer to his sight. for establishing the kind of sadhana-center for which he had He felt as if with all this, Nature is been motivated by his divine Guru. trying to attract his thoughts in some direction. “Oh, yeah!” His memory Niranjan Chaubey came to his house as planned last evening. of past twenty-five years refreshed They both were now headed towards Jaisinhpura to visit the again. He had once stayed in a bagichi. It was morning time, and they were going to cross bagichi (small garden type area with the Dwarkadhish temple near his house. So Shriram first some makeshift shelter) somewhere went to this temple to pay obeisance to Lord Krishna. towards the left, ahead of this large ground. He also recalled that there Little ahead of the temple premises they heard some noise. was a temple of goddess Chamunda Only two-three persons were there, but one of them was in that bagichi. speaking very loudly. This was the owner of a sweetshop who was eagerly urging a Sadhu to come to his shop and For a moment, Shriram thought of accept some sweets. The Sadhu simply told him – “So now going there. But again he paused for you have faith that the sweets were taken by Thakurji (Lord a while. Niranjan wanted to ask him Krishna) only!” Phoolchand, the shopkeeper bowed to the “What’s the matter?”, but could not Sadhu’s feet and said “I have billion times faith in what you dare looking at the brighter glow on his say, your Holiness. Kindly keep your pious feet in my shop face, which indicated he was engrossed again”, he kept repeating his urge. in some deep thoughts. Watching that Shriram’s face was now turned towards As he was not ready to let the Sadhu go, so the latter told the left. Niranjan thought they were him – “Let me go, don’t waste my time; otherwise, Thakurji going to Jaisinhpura. But within few will get angry with you”. Hearing this, the shopkeeper was so panicked that he literally fell on the Sadhu’s feet The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. - Walt Disney Company AKHAND JYOTI 34 MARCH-APRIL 2020

started praying before him. But the Sadhu did not stop and asking him to eat these. Phoolchand moved ahead to the entrance of Dwarkadhish temple. When thought he is mad. He made faces. Shriram and Niranjan reached near the shop, Phoolchand was almost in tears. They asked him what was he worrying “Don’t discard it or hesitate eating it. about? Phoolchand then told his story before them and also It is a prasad. Accept it with respect narrated his extraordinary experience of last morning. and faith. By His grace your shop will run in profit” — Expressions on Phoolchand used to work hard to run his small sweet-shop. Sadhu’s face appeared so assuring He used to prepare fresh sweets of milk every day. But when he said this! unfortunately, he was not able to make enough profit. Many times the sales were so meager that he was not even able to Mention of ‘profit’ somehow calmed pay the rent. As he was not educated and knew no other skill; down Phoolchand. He took the pedas this shop was his only source of income. and ate. The Sadhu left uttering some words of blessing. Sweets Taken by Thakurji It was a miracle for Phoolchand that Yesterday some Vaishnav Sadhu had come to Phoolchand’s the sales rose to almost five times more shop and asked for some sweets to offer as bhog to Thakurji. than the daily average. His net profit of Phoolchand had just opened the shop at that time. Thinking that single day was a hundred and forty that the Sadhu is a beggar he shouted – “As such my shop is rupees whereas it was hardly thirty running in loss and these beggars come to ride on my head. rupees on other ‘profit-making’ days. Just go ahead”. Sadhu said “My child, I am not begging. You give some sweet I will offer it to Thakurji”. He stood there Today morning while going to the for 5-6 minutes and kept repeating the same. At last irritated temple the Sadhu asked Phoolchand Phoolchand gave him 3-4 pieces of pedas (something like how did his sales run yesterday? small pieces of milk-cake) in a donaa and asked him to leave Phoolchand was so excited with joy that immediately. he almost jumped out of the shop and touched the Sadhu’s feet and wanted His anger rose up to its peak, seeing that the Sadhu to offer his services to the Sadhu. The shamelessly ate two pedas himself right in front of his Sadhu told him to serve river Yamuna shop! He further shouted – “This is what you call bhog for and do good work honestly to please Thakurji? Don’t you feel ashamed in begging in the name of Thakurji. God? The fake Sadhus like you have blotted the prestige of our religion”. “What happened after that you have seen sirs!” Phoolchand had finished But the Sadhu was not perturbed. He again told – “Yes, I narrating the entire incidence to have offered this to Thakurji only!” Then he took out the Shriram and Niranjan. remaining pedas from the doona and gave to Phoolchand By the time they could move ahead, Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.- Robert F. Kennedy AKHAND JYOTI 35 MARCH-APRIL 2020

they saw the same Sadhu was returning for this Gayatri sadhana-center, all these sadhakas will be from the temple. As he came closer, invited. Shriram recognized him; he was Sadhu Madhavdas who had visited Shriram a When the plan is ready, and all these preparations are on, why few weeks ago and offered to help him there is delay in starting this center, the Sadhu wondered. in developing the Gayatri Sadhana center! He greeted the Sadhu with “We are not getting a suitable place. Some possible sites respect. were short-listed but either the surrounding ambience was not proper, or space was short, etc, so the search is still Sadhu Madhavdas also greeted him going on” – Shriram informed. He added that – “One site and asked about the progress on is now under consideration. I had been there in my teenage. identifying the location of the center. Some invisible force seems to be pulling my mind towards Shriram told him that the search is on that place since yesterday. I want to visit it today. Niranjan for the right kind of site. At present the Chaubeyji is also coming.” With this, he introduced the scheme of implementation is ready, Sadhu and Niranjan to each other. He asked the Sadhu and attempts of japa-tapa have also whether the latter would like to accompany them too. begun by potential sadhakas. Their collective japa-tapa focused at the The Sadhu agreed happily. The three started walking towards aim of energizing the site of the center the bagichi soon after Shriram and Niranjan offered prayers right now should, I believe, help things in the Dwarkadhish temple. After discussing the structure move fast in the righteous direction. and meaning of the Gayatri Mantra, Shriram said in a lighter mood Gayatri is tripada as the Gayatri Mantra has Responding to the Sadhu’s further three padas (segments); we three are like followers of these query on the duration of this japa etc, three padas. Sadhu Maharaj, you are on the path of Bhakti Shriram informed that each sadhaka is (devotional worship); Pandit Niranjan is pursuing the path of asked to observe self-restraint as part Gyan (unalloyed knowledge), and I am fit only for the path of of tapa; minimal discipline of taking Karma (duty-bound actions without attachment of results). only pure, vegetarian and austere This way they traversed the road on foot enjoying thoughtful food is compulsory for each sadhaka discussions with some lighter moments in between. Now participating in this experiment. Each they had already reached the bagichi. of them is also asked to do the japa of Gayatri Mantra for at least one hour Behind the bagichi nearly 250 meters ahead, there was river every day. Though early morning Yamuna. Sometimes during the monsoon season when the time is advised, they are given liberty water level was high after heavy rainfall, it used to flow in to adjust a regular schedule for this the broader area. Then the bagichi appeared almost on the according to their other duties. When shore of the river. Almost on the opposite side, a narrow by- we lay the foundation of Tapobhumi lane used to connect the bagichi to the Chamunda Temple. The temple was small; maximum five to six people could Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. - Francis of Assisi AKHAND JYOTI 36 MARCH-APRIL 2020

stand inside the temple at a time. The bagichi too was not He closed his eyes and meditated for large. Its total area was hardly two to three hundred square a minute while holding some water in yards. There was a nominal fence of barbed metal wires. the palm folded like a bowl. He then There was no entrance gate at such. However, the fence was sipped it like offering an oblation to not closed so there was some opening through which one the Omnipotent. His intuitive sense, could enter without any problem. his awakened acumen could feel that this water was pure both in terms of On the left of this ‘entrance’ lay a kuinya (small well) and on drinkable quality and intrinsic nature. the right was a broken hall without any door. In the front was It was coming directly from a stream a small temple that was about 4-5 ft tall. There was an idol emerged from the origin of Yamuna. inside this temple about which Kathiya Baba had mentioned That means it was directly the sacred- (to Shriram when he visited this place earlier) that it was water of the holy tirtha Yamunotri. the idol of goddess Gayatri. The historical documents also This stream was flowing underground mention of some yogi-yati’s devout tapa-sadhana at this and was therefore not ‘alloyed’ by the place about four hundred years ago. However, those days the confluence of river Yamuna with other bagichi was used only rarely, that too by tourists, for some rivers and streams. Shriram reasoned rest before/after bathing in river Yamuna. that this stream of water would last at least for fifty to sixty years more. Shriram and his associates took a round of the bagichi and Beyond this, one does not know how exchanged the information they had about its history. the atmospheric environment and the geography were going to change. Closer Inspection of the Bagichi In his mind, he decided to develop this While walking around, Shriram was inspecting everything very place as Gayatri Tapobhumi. He carefully. He looked at the soil, touched it. He also fetched then mentioned to the accompanying some water from the kuinya. After finding it drinkable he persons regarding his future plans. He again fetched some water for Sadhu Madhavdas and Pandit said that the outline of the sadhana- Niranjan Chaubey. They liked its taste. Shriram wanted to test something else too! Yath³ caturbhi¡ kanaka® parºkÌyate nikarÌañachedanat³pat³danai¡ | Tath³ caturbhi¡ puruÌa¡ parºkÌyate ïrutena ïºlena kulena karmañ³ | | Meaning: Just as the purity of gold is tested by four means, namely, rubbing, cutting, burning and beating; so also man is tested by four means, namely, learning, conduct, pedigree and action. Iron rusts from disuse; water loses its purity from stagnation... even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind. - Leonardo da Vinci AKHAND JYOTI 37 MARCH-APRIL 2020

center was already drawn in August Mr. Govind Chandra Mishra from among the new visitors, 1951. There will be a yagyashala, who hailed from Allahabad, asked — “Are you going to a Gayatri-temple, a library and also arrange for this amount on your own or will accept people’s suitable accommodation facilities for donations too?” the sadhakas here. Later on this work will expand and give rise to a global “I have not finalized anything in this regard. In any case, family like grand organization of those small donations from a large number of people may be devoted to the upasana-sadhana of invited to make them part of this future mass-movement” Gayatri. The main objective of this — Shriram said. “In an earlier issue of ‘Akhand Jyoti’ I had socio-spiritual organization would be published the idea and aims of this center which I want to to spread the light of Indian Culture develop like a Tapobhumi. With this announcement I had encoded in the Gayatri Mantra — the also mentioned the significance of more and more people mantra of the Adya Shakti. contributing towards this noble cause”. When he was telling this, about “Similar to the birth (incarnation) of Devi Sita through the eight-ten other persons who were collection of punyas of the rishis!” — Sadhu Madhavdas passing from there got attracted by the remarked underlining the importance of what Shriram had impressive personalities of these three. mentioned. They came nearby to listen to what Shriram was telling. Then Shriram The same evening Shriram brought Taiji and Mataji to suggested that we all may sit under show the bagichi. They both also liked the place. Taiji some tree and discuss. Whether it was recalled that she had also come to this place in her a mere coincidence or God’s plan, the childhood with her father. That way she used to visit strangers also knew the Gayatri Mantra Mathura at least once a year on the occasion of religious and had heard about its importance in festivals like Dolotsava, Ghata, Chhata-utsava, some fair, Vedic religion and Indian Culture. Most etc., or for eighty-four Kosa parikrama (pilgrimage trip of them even used to do daily japa- on foot, covering nearly four hundred kilometers) that upasana of the Gayatri Mantra. They used to take place once in three-to-four years. On one were very interested in the sadhana- such occasion, on the way to Vrindavan from Mathura center Shriram was talking about. she had stayed with her family in this very bagichi. She recalled having prayed at the Chamunda Temple also. “Is If things were to go in the center that temple on the other side of Yamuna still there? That as planned for the first phase, the small temple is not ordinary. Experts of tantra used to estimated cost was going to be nearly worship the Goddess Kali there” – She informed. twenty-five thousand rupees. (This amount is equivalent to approximately Shriram agreed with her, saying he had also heard that twenty-five lacs rupees today!). One the Chamunda Devi temple was an important center of tantra-sadhana in the past. Three to four centuries ago Great People talk about ideas, average people talk about events; small people talk about other people. – Anonymous AKHAND JYOTI 38 MARCH-APRIL 2020

major tantra experiments were conducted there for the Health through right thinking protection of the city of Mathura. Professor William James of Harvard University, says – Taiji, Mataji, and Shriram then went to that temple for ‘We are just now witnessing darshan of the deity Chamunda. It was pathetic to see very copious unlocking of new the condition of the temple now. Its structure was broken ideas through the converts of from several places. Hardly any devotee used to come metaphysical or other forms there. It was only at the time of Navratra festivals falling of spiritual philosophy. The in Chaitra and Ashwin (the first and seventh months of ideas are healthy-minded and Hindu calendar) that some people would come for the optimistic. The power, small or darshan of the deity. At that time some panda-pujaris great, comes in various shapes (sort of ‘professional’ priests) used to sit in the temple to the individual; power not to and conduct ritualistic worship. Feeling sad upon looking ‘mind’ things that used to vex at the state of the temple, Taiji said with a sigh — “Let one; power to concentrate one’s us hope when our Tapobhumi is built and people start mind; good cheer; good temper; coming to our center they would also pay attention to this a firmer and more elastic tone. temple.” The most saintly person I have ever known is a friend now They again visited the bagichi and finalized that this suffering from cancer of the is where the Tapobhumi would be established. They breast. I do not assume to be returned home talking about the immediate actions that the judge of the wisdom or were to be taken for the purchase of the land. On the way, unwisdom of her disobedience they also told some acquaintances to find the whereabouts to the doctors, but cite her case of the landlord of the bagichi so that the process could solely as an example of what begin early. an idea can do. Her ideas have kept her practically a well- Shriram was awake till 11 pm that night; that is almost woman for months after she two hours later than his usual time to go to bed. He would otherwise have given drew the map of the planned construction himself. He up and gone to bed. They have also charted out a draft proposal for establishment of annulled pain and weakness and the trust for the temple. He wanted that the trust should given her a cheerful, active life, start operating since the forthcoming Vasant Panchami a life unusually beneficent to Parva in February and also lay the foundation for the those around her.’ building of the Tapobhumi (Gayatri-Center). [To be continued] Thoughts have power, thoughts are energy. You can make your own world or break it by your own thinking – Susan Taylor AKHAND JYOTI 39 MARCH-APRIL 2020

Youth Column How to Develop Self-Leadership? Leadership is a virtue that everyone augment self-confidence. The clarity of life’s purpose needs some time or the other in ascertains the holistic progress of the concerned person. one’s life. An opportunity may come This forms a powerful base for effective leadership. in one’s life when one needs to lead a specific group to achieve the desired 3. Positivity– goal. However, certain traits are Negative thoughts flood the mind with similar feelings required for effective leadership, the and challenge the quality of leadership; whereas, most significant among them being positive thoughts fill the mind with confidence even ‘self-leadership.’ It awakens positivity with small successes. Incessant efforts in this direction and faith in the self and enables the make a person powerhouse of positive energy. person to lead the team towards its goal. The following are some golden 4. Empathy and Faith in the Divine– rules for developing self-leadership. These are the central elements of self-leadership. With these qualities, a person walks on the path of truth, and 1. Self-Awareness – boldly faces the challenges that come on his way. The One should be aware of one’s light of faith shows the right path to self-development strengths and weaknesses. as well as social welfare. This kind of awareness makes a person realize his present 5. Keen Learner and Liberal Thinker– position and develop a program A person who is always enthusiastic about learning for self-refinement. This program from every circumstance augments his knowledge may include identifying the continuously. At the same time, liberal thinking endows shortcomings and rectifying them one a personality that is acceptable to all. With these and augmenting one’s strengths. qualities, the challenges of life become opportunities for self-growth. 2. Clarity of Life’s Goal– Based on one’s strengths, one 7. Honesty and Responsibility– should choose an appropriate goal. These virtues make a person self-disciplined and This will ensure success in one’s confident. He is perceived as faithful and authentic. endeavors, which, in turn, will Pujya Gurudev has rightly said –‘An honest person is The price of greatness is responsibility. - Winston Churchill AKHAND JYOTI 40 MARCH-APRIL 2020

like a sparkling diamond among the thousand beads.’ In the middle of Where honesty gives inner peace and soul power, the night, general of responsibility provides the satisfaction of performing the Corsica army called one’s duty righteously. for a young lieutenant and asked, “If you are 8. Courage and Humility– sent at this hour to It requires tremendous courage and patience to proceed enemy’s camp, what towards the desired goal despite failure, opposition, and will you call that?” “A social/familial pressures. These virtues form a strong great fortune, because base for self-leadership. Humility, on the other hand, there will never be a makes a person realize the ground realities and act better time than this accordingly. An impatient person gets puzzled even by to prove my valor.” small obstacles, and hence he cannot stay confident in This young lieutenant odd circumstances. was none other than Napoleon Bonaparte 9. Grasp on the Subject– who, at the age of 23, In today’s professional world, in order to lead the team, was made Brigadier the team leader must be well-versant in his subject General. During youth and technical skills. In-depth knowledge of the subject courage, strength, makes a person independent and gives a boost to his bravery, and fitness confidence. are at their peak; those who rightfully deploy 10. Best Utilization of the Present – these reap rich awards One must understand that whatever he is today is due at a young age. to his thoughts and actions of the past. That is, the key to one’s future is in his own hands. All our thoughts, resolutions, and activities are the stepping stones of our future opportunities and successes. Therefore, the best utilization of the present is a significant cause in the development of self-leadership. In conclusion, imbibing the abovementioned virtues and refining the self will help us in developing the quality of self-leadership, which, in turn, will help us in leading the group(s) in achieving specific social as well as global objectives. If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. - John Quincy Adams AKHAND JYOTI 41 MARCH-APRIL 2020

Amrit Vani Let the Spirit of Spring Permeate and Uplift Your Life - II (Translation of discourse continued from the previous issue) Sisters and Brothers, without a tongue (voice), a combination of both serves the purpose. The voice (message) of the Guru is spread through On the Vasant Panchami day the mike (efforts) of the disciples. My Guru is the voice and every year, I keep thinking that I am his mike. I want you also to be able to do the same in all of you present here should also turn. I would like you to be worthy of spreading the divine share in my precious fortune and lead message. If you could cultivate this ability, there would be your lives to glorious heights; may no delay in the working of His grace in your lives. God your noble deeds and names become keeps the boons of ïaktip³ta and kuñÃalinºi ready in His immortal on the golden pages of the hands to bestow them upon deserving souls. You could also annals of humanity. Your life should receive them provided you have the desired level of ïraddh³ rise above its present states of suffering (inner faith and dedication) and p³trat³ (worthiness). and perversion. You should be able to resolve all your problems yourself and We have taken up the mission of revival of the Vedic also have the potential to help others knowledge and the rishi traditions of Yagya along with get rid of their problems. Then you Gayatri Vidya. We have now introduced the medium of will not have to come to me and beg “Gyan Rathas” to spread this knowledge through the –– “Guruji! Kindly save me; remove mission’s publications. You may devote two precious my sufferings, etc.” Your life should hours per day (or equivalent time per week) for this noble be such that I, the Guru himself, will task. This would indeed be more virtuous than singing come to you and ask for assistance, devotional songs or worshiping divine idols for the your active collaboration in altruistic same time. My Guru had asked for my time and effort. world-uplifting efforts. I dedicated every moment of my life to His work. Well, in return, he bestowed on me so many boons, endowed Swami Ramakrishna Paramhamsa me with gifts that could not have been attainable by himself used to go to Narendra tapa and up³san³ for several lives. This is what I am (Vivekananda), seeking his help in entreating you to do. Please give me a fraction of your the dissemination of devotion and time and effort to disseminate the knowledge and ideals knowledge, in transforming the of spirituality. If you expect to gain something, you will society. A tongue cannot work like also have to give something. Higher attainments demand mike, and a mike alone is of no use greater sacrifices. Life is time; those who love life should not squander it in laziness.- Acharya Shriram Sharma AKHAND JYOTI 42 MARCH-APRIL 2020

The Shastric Scriptures describe “Ekad³ Naimi̳rañye” fire that rises and expands unhindered. –– referring to the conversation of rishis Shaunak and Suta It transforms one’s life in a stormy that focuses on the sagacious discussions of the saints, way. The Appearance of my eternal the thinkers, the Brahmins of that time in the lush forest- Guru, on the Vasant Parva in February fields of Naimisharanya. I had also wanted to develop a 1926, was also like a sublime cyclone Naimisharanya for the present Age, where people would live of this immensity. He flashed before for pure selfless love, enlightenment and high ideals; where my consciousness my previous lives, they would amicably share each others’ joy and sorrows; and before leaving, he blessed me where they would happily sacrifice their selfish desires and with what is known as “Ïaktip³ta” and comforts for the welfare of the world. This is what I expect “KuñÃalinº J³garaña.” Supramental to happen at Shantikunj in its newer expansion Gayatri spiritual attainments that require Nagar. I inaugurate the Gayatri Nagar with this expectation grand ascetic endeavors and s³dhan³ and with full confidence in my Guru’s assurance that all my for several lifetimes were bestowed aims devoted to the attainment of divine goals would be upon me in a matter of few moments. accomplished gloriously. Everything within me seemed to have been transformed. I could now The Spirit of Spring and Awakening of Kundalini visualize the world far beyond and I was referring to the umang – vibrant enthusiasm and quite differently from what I used to ecstatic emotional thrust – generated in the spring. It emerges see before. Let me tell you about my from within. It can’t be stopped by any attempt. This is what KuñÃalinº J³garaña (awakening of spring brings in Nature. A day of spring had also bestowed KuñÃalinº). a divine umang upon Prince Siddhartha. On one side were his family, the enchanting joys, luxuries, and powers of What is kuñÃalinº? It is the sublime royal life, and on the other was the Call of Time Spirit, the source of unlimited vital, spiritual cries of suffering humanity, agonized by ignorance and energy that remains dormant in most of eradication of true religious values in the world. The umang us. Yoga Shastras talk a great deal about of Vasant (spring) awakened in his mind and guided him –– the s³dhan³s of KuñÃalinº J³garaña. ‘If you want to spend your life blindly chasing happiness in Without going into complications of worldly joys and attachments, you will live a meaningless its hidden science, you must know life; anybody can do it; in fact, everybody is doing only that; that the most natural expression of the you should choose the path of awakened awareness.’ This ultimate state of KuñÃalinº J³garaña is message of spring drove him towards the search for the path –– awakening of divine attributes in the of Deliverance from Suffering, and eventually, he succeeded s³dhaka. I, therefore, regard kuñÃalinº in his quest and became The Buddha – The Awakened One. as sensitivity and compassion, sagacity, When umang emerges from within, it erupts like a spark of and foresight. Effective and meaningful sermon is that which is given not by speech but by example. - Acharya Shriram Sharma AKHAND JYOTI 43 MARCH-APRIL 2020

Compassion is that which makes structure or material creation. It is Brah® – the omnipresent, one cry with others’ sorrow, which eternal consciousness force. Consciousness cannot have a drives one to live for others’ welfare. material structure or shape. It is most naturally expressed Sagacity is that which guides one and experienced in pure sensitivity. What is pure sensitivity? to live a dignified life of a noble Well, in essence, it is that intrinsic spiritual power which human being, who engages his talents gives rise to viveka (enlightened discernment) and karuñ³. constructively in worthy pursuits. Look, for example, at Mr. Kagaba If you are sensitive to your duties and have adopted noble – who is honored as the “Gandhi of moral ideals in your conduct and deeds, your consciousness Japan.” He dedicated all his life in (being) would work like a sublime magnetic force that would the service of the downtrodden, the naturally attract spontaneous support from all directions helpless, and the patients of leprosy and everyone and will also invite divine grace. This indeed and other dreaded diseases, who happens in the lives of saints; this is what manifests in the are practically abandoned by their lives of great personalities like Gandhi and Kagaba. The families. His karuñ³ (compassion and history of Indian rishis is an immortal testimony to this fact generosity with saintly love) for them that –– the emergence of karuñ³ in the heart eventually leads inspired his wife also to join in his to sainthood and divinization of the ego-bound human self. altruistic mission. Both of them used to be engaged in this noble mission The day of Vasant Panchami is full of grand opportunities for round the clock without expectation noble resolutions and initiatives. This is the day of landmark of even gratitude. What enabled this initiatives for our mission. Each year, this day sparks a new superhuman endeavor? It was the enthusiasm and new courage in me that drive me to elevate power of karuñ³, which had sprung and expand my efforts with greater zeal to beautify this up in their hearts. This is what I call world, to work for the welfare of all beings. The milestones the expression of kuñÃalinº, which of our mission’s achievements towards social awakening produces a zeal, a pain, a thrust, and and revival of the spiritual-cultural values have all been pulls the individual consciousness initiated through resolutions made on this day; new projects out of the smog of all infirmities and have been undertaken on this very day. Now, today, we have selfish attachments. to take another leap along our onward journey. We should strive single-pointedly to spread the light of true Theism –– Whenever the Indwelling Divinity faith in divinity, universal ethics. Disciplines of morality and is awakened in an individual, it ethical conduct are integral facets of Theism. expresses itself as pain, as sensitivity to share others’ agonies, as unbounded Believing in God means - having faith in His eternal love, as karuñ³. God is not a physical omnipresence, believing in His absolute Law of Karma. His Sin always comes with four accomplices – decline, disgrace, distress and disease. - Acharya Shriram Sharma AKHAND JYOTI 44 MARCH-APRIL 2020

Law allows us to be the architects of our destinies; His Law of high ideals and altruistic endeavors. is simple –– you reap as you sow. Each one of us could be Brahmvarchas Shodh Sansthan of our beatified by His infinite grace, but first, we have to abide mission is a symbol, a place where I by His laws that are essential for the ideal maintenance of want to demonstrate and teach the His creation. This is what theism teaches us. The religious super-science of brahmvarchas. shrines, the methods of worship and devotion are there to help condition our minds, our inner selves ponder over and I have only two dreams- inculcation experience His cosmic consciousness, to know and link of divinity in humans and the creation ourselves with the spiritual values. The temples of Gayatri of divine life on the earth. My Mata built by us are symbols of the eternal teachings of supramental attainments of ïaktip³ta Gayatri Vidya. Gayatri means ïraddh³, viveka, karuñ³, and kuñÃalinº are dedicated solely to and pavitrat³ (pavitrat³ means piety of body, mind, and the materialization of these objectives heart). You should keep the holy pictures of Goddess and nothing else. Blossoming of Gayatri, worship it, pray and meditate before Her with brahmvarchas in every dimension, heartfelt devotion and faith. This would gradually induce every impulse of life – this is the Her grace and virtues in you. We all should adopt theism incarnation of divinity in the human in practice and also spread it around us. You all may begin self. And what is the descent of heaven with sincere devotional practices before Gayatri Mata’s on the earth? Well, heaven or paradise picture in your own house and also inspire your neighbors is not some God’s capital (VaikuñÚha) to do so. in the subtle world. It can very well be created on this earth, in the very Theism evolves in brahmvarchas. Brahmvarchas includes - world we are living in. The ambiance awakening of the infinite powers hidden or dormant in the and circumstances of a paradise are inner self by pure ascetic practices (tapa) of self-discipline, created wherever good people live in self-refinement, and self-transformation. The principles of moral discipline, with mutual love and brahmvarchas incorporate –– self-restraint over the sense cooperation. I wanted to build a model organs (by observing austerity, fasting, purity, etc.) at the gross colony, village, or town where elevated level and control and purification of the thoughts, aspirations, personalities could live simple, happy, and sentiments of the inner self, on the subtler levels. This dignified lives devoted to high ideals; is how tapa generates spiritual energy and activates the where people could set a living latent divinity existing in the individual. I had initiated my example of what a selfless, purposeful, brahmvarchas on the day of Vasant Panchami. In a word, glorious life engaged in the welfare of it is a confluence of theism and tapa. Theism means the all is like? Gayatrinagar, Shantikunj adoption of a moral, righteous life, and tapa means voluntary amply demonstrates the realization of adoption of hardship, penance, austerity for the achievement this dream. The identity of a civilized man is his modesty; hard on the self and soft on others. - Acharya Shriram Sharma AKHAND JYOTI 45 MARCH-APRIL 2020

If you can’t develop sansk³ras of theism by nurturing a community of divine-centered (virtuous tendencies) in your human beings as a model of heavenly ambiance on children, send them here, send this earth, manifesting the virtues of selflessness, them to me. Why? What will I simplicity, duty, service, endurance, benevolence and do? Like Rishi Valmiki, I can co-operation in their day to day lives. Thousands of transform your children into Lava- people come here to receive our love, guidance, and Kush, can make their mother a help; they come here to seek the light of knowledge blessed tapswini like Devi Sita, and and wisdom and to get inspirations to progress along endow you with the ideals of Ram- the righteous path. Lakshman. This is why Shantikunj and Brahmvarchas Ashrams were I want to open my heart before you all on this Parva of Vasant founded on the auspicious parva Panchami: to share my loving compassion for humanity; to of Vasant Panchami, as nuclei of show you the spring of karuñ³ that has erupted in my inner our mission of Yug Nirman for self; to tell you how much compassion is there in its deep worldwide dissemination of the folds to make every life noble; to let you see the indwelling light of knowledge, theism, and divinity. I want to distribute all these divine attributes among divine Vedic cultural values. you as well. You look at these, experience and test them and if you have courage and quality, come forward and take these Brahmvarchas Shodh Sansthan beatitudes from me – your Guru. Take home: some peace, has been established to revive the some greatness and everything noble, sublime, and glorious scientific basis and training practices from here. I want to endow you also with the immense of elevation of vital energy, hidden powers of ïaktip³ta and kuñÃalinºi that my Guru had blessed talents, and spiritual awakening of me with. May you become worthy of these boons. This is consciousness force by tapaïcary³ what I wish for you all on this holy day. (tapa). Gayatri Nagar, Shantikunj has been built for the renaissance ||OM SHANTI|| Words are singularly the most powerful force available to humanity. We can choose to use this force constructively with words of encouragement, or destructively using words of despair. Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble. - Yehuda Berg Man is not the slave of circumstances; he is the creator, controller and master of them. - Acharya Shriram Sharma AKHAND JYOTI 46 MARCH-APRIL 2020

Holi: The Festival of Colors Holi is a major festival of India and celebrated by playing arrogance and drench others in colors, with colors during the transition from winter to spring. with love and happiness. Rainbow It is celebrated with full enthusiasm by all age groups, all over colors not only make our clothes India. However, the purpose of celebrating Holi is not just to colorful but touch our hearts and minds play with colors, but also to nurture our ancient traditions as well. of respecting elders and taking their blessings. Touching the feet of elders and taking blessings is a common practice We not only share happiness and and tradition of our culture. This is also a way to teach our sweeten relationships during Holi by youngsters to keep our roots and respect elders always. playing colors but also prepare various At the same time, elders show their love and affection for kinds of edible sweets and drinks, youngsters as well and maintain harmony in relationships. which make life joyful and full of thrills. Holi is an enchanting and fun-filled festival of small towns People start preparing desserts and of India, which is celebrated with lots of enthusiasm by all making special drinks in advance for the Hindus not just in India but all around the world, with the Holi celebration. Everyone gets so much same energy and emotions, like in India. involved in all the preparations that they forget about all the worries, sadness, One version of Holi, which is very popular, is known as and revenge, if any, with family, friends Lathmar Holi (Holi with sticks), which is mainly played in or neighbors. They feel so happy that the historic town of Barsana (in Mathura district of UP state they forget all the enmity and embrace in India). People play with sticks and throw colors on each each other on Holi and start a new other. Visitors from all over the world come to Barsana to relationship. They even distribute sweets have a glimpse of Lathmar Holi. Holi is a festival of mind, in friends and family with love and care; and when the mind is happy, then every second becomes specially Gujhia and Thandai are very Falgun (the month of Holi festival), and every day is like famous for Holi. They participate in celebrating Holi. All the feelings of anger, loneliness, and every activity with so much enthusiasm sadness dissolve like bubbles in water during this festival. that creates a different kind of joyful The weather becomes very pleasing during the Holi season. world for everyone. The warmth of sunlight, remembrance of Bhakta Prahalad while burning Holika, melodious folk songs, altogether The purpose of playing with colors is to make everyone’s heart sing. People forget their status and understand the hidden meaning behind Holi is the day to express love with colors. It is a time to show affection. All the colors that are on you are of love! – Anonymous AKHAND JYOTI 47 MARCH-APRIL 2020

this tradition. When people color each bread) to play dry Holi or can be dissolved in water to other, they all look similar and lose their make green color for wet Holi. Turmeric and chickpea flour own identity. This teaches us that we all can be used together to make yellow colors. Two parts of might be from different religions, castes, flour with 1 part of turmeric will give good yellow color. or creeds, which create discrimination in Turmeric is used to make face pack and it will not harm society, but we all are humans, and there the skin but make a face glowing after playing Holi. Even is no difference among any of us in the Multani soil can be mixed with turmeric and flour to make it eyes of God. We all are one. Differences slightly brown. Multani soil is considered very good for the are only in our thoughts, attitudes, views face pack. To make the wet yellow color, boil one spoon of and deeds. If we can refine our thoughts, turmeric in 1-liter water. Flowers of marigold, Tesu (Butea beliefs and deeds, then we all can be frondosa), and Amaltas (Indian Laburnum) can also be used Godly. to make yellow and red colors. Boiling their petals in water and leaving overnight will give lovely yellow and red colors. Colors are always attractive and Red sandalwood powder and Gudhal (hibiscus) flowers can beautiful, in whatever form they are. also be used for making red colors. For the wet red color, They leave a high impact on both the boil two spoons of red sandalwood powder in 1-liter water. human mind and body. However, if we use chemicals in colors for playing Similarly, for dark orange color, mix two spoon turmeric Holi, it’s not good for our health. They and one spoon Kattha (catechu) with few drops of water. are very harmful to our health because Beetroot can also be used to make a pink color. Cut one when these colors stick on our nails, beetroot into pieces and boil in 1 liter of water. Even skin, mouth, nose, etc. they also enter kachnar flowers can be used for making natural orange inside our skin through small pores or pink color. To make the blue color, grind beans of and leave a harmful effect on the blue water lily and boil in water. Similarly, blue gudhal sensitive part of our physical body. On (Chinese hibiscus) can be used for making blue color. the contrary, if we use natural colors, In this way, organic colors can be prepared for playing they will be beneficial for our skin and safe and joyful Holi, without the fear of any chemicals enhance the joy of Holi. harming your skin and health. We can prepare our home-made natural A true and caring relation doesn't have to colors to play Holi. Mehndi (Henna) speak loud, a soft message is just enough to express powder is used for coloring hair, and the heartiest feelings. Enjoy the festival of Holi with it makes hair, healthy and shiny. This lot of fun. can be used for making green color by mixing with flour (used for making –- Anonymous Holi is a special time of the year to remember those who are close to our hearts with splashing colors! - Anonymous AKHAND JYOTI 48 MARCH-APRIL 2020

Youths are Ever Ready to Work for the Betterment of Society Youths are a condensed pool of hundred such social enterprises (startups) active in our nation, courage, enthusiasm, and energy. which are offering solutions to social problems with the help of If they want, they can create a new technology and are also making profits in this process. Whether wave and rejuvenate their society and it is a metro city or a village, now youths are joining social nation. Earlier, social service and trade enterprises everywhere. Our young generation is taking a keen were considered as two different tasks, interest in various social initiatives. but later on, they have merged into one. Consequently, today our younger There was a time when the sole purpose of business ventures generation is kick-starting such unique was profit. Companies used to spend a part of their gains in enterprises, which are beneficial not social service under 'Corporate Social Responsibility.' But only to them but also to society and there was hardly any company which was earning through the environment. There is no doubt social service. Gradually, the entrepreneurs realized that they that social entrepreneurs are better than could make a profit even by working for the good of society. ordinary manufacturers. Their purpose This is how social entrepreneurship, i.e., social startups, is not limited to pursue business for their originated. Social entrepreneurship also spread rapidly, own profit but extend it to create a wave just like ordinary entrepreneurship. Social enterprises like of revolution in the entire industry. Cemex began in Bangladesh, while ventures like ITCE Chaupal and Arvind Eye Care emerged in India. Gradually The renowned American entrepreneur, they grew in number. In the last few years, their number has Bill Drayton, believes that social increased rapidly. entrepreneurs are the need of the hour. Clause Swab, founder of the World Excessive work pressure has deprived many employees a Economic Forum, finds that startups traditional household food. After regularly eating from outside, affiliated with social concerns in India are they indeed forget the taste of home. In such a situation, playing a pivotal role in taking essential ‘Authenticook startup’ has taken the responsibility of bringing services to the needy. The findings traditional cuisines to people and is seeking the help of domestic of a recent survey by NASSCOM women in this cause. The women associated with this startup also reaffirm this fact. According to are skilled in making special recipes of their states. This venture Sangeeta Gupta, Senior Vice President not only provides food of a particular state on demand but also of NASSCOM, there are over four follows the serving style of the respective state. AKHAND JYOTI Youth ends when egotism does; maturity begins when one lives for others.- Hermann Hesse 49 MARCH-APRIL 2020

Today, the Internet is an everyday necessity, while garbage is used in the flooring of playgrounds in a big problem. Prateek Aggarwal and Raj Desai of Mumbai many residential areas in Delhi-NCR. have beautifully conjoined these two aspects to begin a unique startup, in which some dustbins have been placed in cities like Flowers used in worship in temples Bengaluru, Kolkata and Delhi. Referred to as ‘Wifi Trash Bins,' are often thrown away and cause these dustbins are designed in such a way that as soon as garbage pollution. But, Ankit Agarwal and is inserted into them, a unique signal is received, with the help Karan Rastogi of Kanpur have used of which we can connect our mobile phone with WiFi. Prateek these waste flowers as raw material and Raj got the inspiration of these unique bins from nations like to begin their startup, ‘Help Us Finland, Denmark, and Singapore. They even raised money for Green.’ They use these used flowers the initiative by themselves. Now Mobile Telesystems (MTS) in making manure and incense operators have also come forward to help them. sticks. These products have also been appreciated. Enthused by this, Feasting is an integral part of our culture, but with every they created Florafoam, the world's feast, big garbage of disposable (single- use) utensils is also first 'non-toxic' thermocol. Now they generated, which is a big problem to deal with. Keeping this are involved in making a special kind in mind, Lakshmi Shankaran and Rishita Sharma have begun of leather from flowers. They were in 'Rent a Cutlery' startup, which allows people to rent the cutlery corporate jobs when they initiated this and have an eco-friendly party. startup in 2015. But they quit their jobs when they began saving seventy-two Similarly, plastic is a big problem for the environment. Its thousand bucks every month. Today, the disposal remains a matter of concern for all governments and duo is producing various products from companies. Even in our own homes, we are not able to decide five tonnes of flowers from about forty as to what should be done with it. But, Paras Saluja from temples in Kanpur. Now their work field Noida has found a great answer to this challenging question. is not restricted merely to Kanpur. After He collects waste plastic from various houses and builds tiles being selected for an award by UNICEF, from it. He is accomplishing this task through his social startup, they began to expand their network even ‘Shanaya Ecounified.’ In this task, he has also collaborated with in Varanasi, Mathura and Vrindavan. the scientists of the National Physical Laboratory. The results of this unique initiative are also quite encouraging. If there is enthusiasm in heart and dedication towards work, our youth can Since the year 2018, he has made around six hundred thousand accomplish even the impossible. This eco-friendly tiles by collecting two hundred and seventy-five zeal to work for the society, environment tonnes of plastic. People have well realized the significance of and the nation would definitely inspire his job and even started using these tiles. His tiles have been others to do something. There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love.- Sophia Loren AKHAND JYOTI 50 MARCH-APRIL 2020