Dedicated to Swamiji Ajay Jain ji

Swami ji said …

Through the ages, man has worshipped God in innumerable forms. Sometimes in the form of powerful beings, sometimes in human form, and sometimes as other mysterious creatures. Various holy books are believed to be the ‘Word of God’ and are often treated as the ultimate law to be followed.
Then there are holy places believed to be the abode of God, to which pilgrimages are made— sometimes even at one’s own peril — in the hope of experiencing or sighting the divine.

Many a time, one seeks God to alleviate one’s troubles. One hopes to seek His blessings so that one’s problems may be taken care of. But, then, there are those who use these various means of divine worship and knowledge, rituals and practices- in the hope of enriching themselves spiritually.

They fast, they pray, they observe rituals, they read scriptures— strictly following everything that has been proclaimed to be the path to God. And that is, in fact, a great feat in itself. For it takes great effort and strength to do this. It is only those with enduring discipline- who are able to take out the time and sacrifice other aspects of their lives to devote themselves to God and self-realization.

But, there is one danger that always lurks in the shadows, and, everyone on this path must be aware of it. It is that, in the midst of all this hard work, daily meditation and prayer, one may forget to keep an eye on how one actually ‘feels’ and ‘thinks’.

Every spiritual seeker must ask these questions: “How good… How pure are my thoughts?” “How truthful am I?” “What is the true purpose behind my spiritual practice?” “Am I being honest with myself when I say that I am doing all this only to attain ‘self-realization’ or do I want to attain some powers that can make me more powerful than others?”

The mind has a curious way of contorting one’s perspective. After years of ‘जप, तप, ध्यान’- one might end up feeling superior to others and feel that he has a right to judge their actions. A departure from humility after so many years of focussed effort on controlling his impulses- would be catastrophic for one’s spiritual progress.

This can happen to the best of us. We might begin to feel that we have the ‘right’ to be judgemental. We might convince ourselves – that reprimands and harsh words from us are justified because, after all, we are seekers of God- which somehow gives us the birth-right to ‘tick off’ people, hurting them deeply while doing so.

Some of us begin to feel that our spiritual practice makes us deserving- even of material wealth. The mind convinces us that since we ‘serve’ God, we truly deserve the best even in this world. In fact, without realising it, we begin equating our spiritual efforts with material results.

Sometimes, we might even lie in the belief that we possess the moral superiority to do so, convincing ourselves that the person being lied to is only being done a favour.

We begin to think of others as being below us— convinced that those who live ‘non-spiritual’ lives are, in some way, lower than us in stature.

If we closely follow the message of Lord Krishna, it simply boils down to keeping a watch on the ‘nature’ of our ‘actions’. Our actions can only be pure, if, we are truly pure from within— when our thoughts and intentions are untainted by greed, anger, jealousy, pride and other such impulses.

Thus, inner purity becomes an essential and uncompromising characteristic for those who seek God and spiritual upliftment. This can only be achieved through constant reflection and honest questioning of oneself.

The inner voice within us— God’s voice— is always there to be heard. It might grow faint amidst the tumultuous windings of the mind, but, it is always there. Whenever we begin to stray, it whispers to us, reminding us to be watchful of our thoughts, words, deeds and actions. “Are they pure, noble and well-intended? Are we being honest when we praise someone and laud his achievements or is it a farce that we put on for others to see? Are we genuinely happy on seeing others progress or are we consumed with jealousy- but pretend to be ecstatic on seeing them prosper? Can a double-faced person ever succeed on the spiritual path?”

It is completely up to us to clear the mind and listen to this ‘Voice’- that is loud and clear- in the din and confusion around us. For it speaks only the Truth— the Truth that can set us free- from the never ending cycle of birth and death…” जितना ध्यान हम तन की सफाई में लगाते हैं , उतना ही ध्यान अगर हम मन की सफाई में लगाएं, तो जीवन स्वर्ग बन जाए…”

Swami ji said…

Don’t we often hear people around us – asking in a worried voice, “हमें उस जगह जाना है… हमें वहाँ का रास्ता ठीक से पता नहीं है… आप रास्ता बता सकते हैं क्या?”
And once the directions are made clear to us, we usually do not face much difficulty in finding the destination we had intended to reach. On finally locating the place, we are filled with relief and silently thank the good samaritan who had helped us in our time of need.

On a serious note- “Would it really be possible for any one of us to grow, evolve, and develop into a mature, sensible, and balanced person- without the wisdom, experience, and knowledge of a guide, a mentor, or someone who shows us the right direction and the correct way – with the selfless intent of drawing out the best in us, making us aware of our potential and capabilities; the options that lie before us, and the need for us to make the right choice?”

The choice is ours to make. The best mentor in the world- with all his precious, valuable advice- could find himself being stone-walled by us, and, see us shrivel like a rotten apple- due to our lack of will, our disinterest- at the thought of venturing into the field- which ‘he’ knew was apt for us. But, our attitude- speaks volumes about our unwillingness to act on his suggestions and guidance.

The question then is: ” How many of us are actually willing to walk the path that we, too, deep within our hearts, know to be the right ‘way’ for us? ” But again, the challenges and obstacles- that we are certain await us on our path- often appear to be humongous- because of our habit of overthinking. They, mostly, make us take a U-turn or veer away from the path meant for us, without even pausing to reconsider whether our decision to do so is right or wrong; childish or mature.

Why are adolescents drawn towards all the vices in the world at such an impressionable age, in spite of all the motivational talks and counselling sessions they attend? Do they, even for the shortest span of time, replay in their minds the values and principles that their parents tried to inculcate in them? Can they even recall the number of times their parents had told them- ” बेटा, सही मार्ग पर चलना…”
“अच्छे संस्कारों के रास्ते पर आगे बढ़ना…”

And, if, once in a while, we were to quietly reflect upon our own past, we might be left astounded at the number of individuals who, knowingly or unknowingly, tried to guide us in the right direction as- “कोशिश तो बहुतों ने की थी हमारा मार्गदर्शन करने की, परन्तु उस मार्ग पर चलना हमें ठीक लगा या नहीं, उसकी ज़िम्मेदारी हम पर थी – और आज भी, हम पर ही है…” But, how does one really hope to know what the right course of action is ? ‘Paralysis by analysis’- often leads to indecision and missed opportunities.

The spiritual seeker can only hope to do this by training his heart and mind. Regular meditation and prayer create an instinct – a subtle understanding of the world around him – that guides him ‘correctly’. What might initially seem to be an ‘irregular’, ‘illogical’, or , ‘hard’ choice may, at times, appear to be the correct path to take.
This may be for moral reasons, or, even for more practical ones – such as knowing that, whilst there may be difficulties in the beginning, he will be far better off in the long run.
What this means is that he is no longer driven by impulse, instant gratification, or greed. He must choose his actions wisely, weigh them morally and principally, and commit to them with the understanding that they are for the best and for his good.

An earnest devotee understands at a point in time – that the pauses, the many things that are left ‘unsaid’ by His ‘guru’ – while He imparts ‘gyaan’ to Him – hold a wealth of meaning in them.The devotee then has a choice- to either use his mind- and fill in the words that were not said aloud by his ‘guru’ – which would benefit him greatly in everyday life- or, maintain a careless attitude and not read too much between the unsaid lines- and go about his spiritual life in a casual manner- depriving himself of further spiritual growth.

We will always be shown the correct path – by the Guru, by parents, by teachers. But, taking that path and continuing to walk upon it can only be done by us. This commitment can only take root within us when we truly imbibe God in our hearts, minds and way of life. Those who develop faith in Him find it increasingly difficult to follow an immoral path. Their awareness that they are doing something wrong, and, the guilt that follows, compels them to self-correct.

In other words, their spirituality becomes their guiding light. And, the more one surrenders to God, and, the more one keeps Him in one’s thoughts and prayers, the brighter that light shines- within and without, further reconfirming that- ” आध्यात्मिक मार्ग सबसे सुंदर मार्ग है…”

Swami ji said…

Perhaps a person’s character, contributions, and nature are remembered, cherished, and recalled most vividly only after they have passed away. Sad as it might seem, this is quite true. We, too, vividly remember the quirks, the smiles, and the habits of those around us when they are no longer with us.

Yes, we might leave behind worldly possessions– a house, a car, money for our kith and kin. But, who really remembers one’s forefathers as time passes by, or,
genuinely thanks them from their hearts- for the roof over their head- as all of it had to come to them finally- they maintain. Yet, we do remember the smiles, the jokes, the laughter, the wisdom, and their kindness. That is truly what we leave behind. That is our legacy- in the true sense of the word.

‘Karma’ is all that matters– our actions, our thoughts, and our intentions. These are what truly matter, and it is the remnants of how they make the people around us feel that live on beyond us.

Thus, to be truly successful in life, do not focus merely on material gains, but, also on how we have made people feel. Have we left people feeling comforted? Feeling cherished? One must definitely not try to be a ‘people pleaser’, but, one must make an effort to be nice to everyone. After all, if , there is one thing that we all want– whether we are children or elders– it is to be loved and cared for. Thus, making someone feel cherished can be no less than a gift.

A smile, a light-hearted joke, a comforting comment, or, a word of encouragement is often more valuable than gold and silver. Such things enrich people’s lives in a way that wealth cannot achieve.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be remembered and cherished as a soul who left behind imprints of love, kindness, helpfulness, and, understanding in the hearts and minds of all those he met during his lifetime? Could anything be worthier than to be treasured as one who left behind footprints of joy, laughter, and happiness wherever he went– footprints that remain embedded in the memories of others?

Unknown to us, after we have passed on to the other realm, wouldn’t it still be an honour to continue to hold a special place in the hearts of others– as a memory that refuses to fade with time– simply because we stood by them when they needed us the most? Perhaps, even years later, they would continue to remember and speak of- “हमारे नेक कर्म, जो हमने तब किए थे, जब हमने बिना अपने बारे में सोचे उनकी मदद की थी…”

And could there be a greater honour than this– “जब लोग हमारे ‘जाने’ के बाद भी हमारे गुण गिनते-गिनते थकते नहीं हैं…” When, even after we are gone, people do not tire of remembering and recounting our good qualities, the kindness we showed, the help we offered, and the moments when we stood by them. Perhaps that is one of the truest measure of a life well lived. For what greater legacy can there be than to continue living, not merely in photographs or possessions, but in the gratitude, affection, and memories of those whose lives we touched?

The spiritual seeker must try to imbibe this philosophy in his mind. Kindness and love are what we can give to this world. Both can be given abundantly, and doing so is what will make us great in God’s eyes.Showing genuine patience and gentleness is nothing less than prayer. It is such acts that make us dear to God and bring us closer to Him.

“Live life as though you are praying– as though God sees you and hears you every moment…” The same reverence, respect, love, and joy that we feel in the presence of God should also be reflected in the way we treat His children. If we truly see God in all – then our gentleness towards others, our patience with them, our willingness to understand them, and our desire to bring them happiness- becomes an extention of our prayer itself.

One cannot claim to be spiritual and, yet, be ill-tempered towards others. Little is achieved in God’s eyes, if, we close our eyes in prayer every day but are unable to see and alleviate the pain of others- with our eyes open.

Swami ji said…

“हमें बातें करने में, बोलने में, बहुत मज़ा आता है..!” Isn’t that so? We love to talk. Chatter. Have long conversations. Gossip. State our opinion on everything possible. Get into lengthy debates— to prove a point to others— as to who is right— and naturally, it always has to be us. We dislike losing in any round of a conversation- as we feel we can never be at a loss of words.

Strangely, we make it a point to know about what is going on in other people’s lives and pass our judgement on what is right or wrong in their lives— even when no one has sought our verdict. Also, some of us could be so gifted with the art of speech that we could speak endlessly and needlessly- even at the cost of irritating others.

Perhaps the need within some of us to express ourselves clearly- and to let others know what we think of them- is so powerful that, like a steamroller, we let out all that is within us— without thinking of the consequences that our hurtful words could have on the other person… “कयोंकि हम सोचते हैं कि हमारा दूसरों को उनके बारे में सब कुछ साफ़ तरह से बोलना अत्यंत आवश्यक है, हम मुँहफट हो जाते हैं…हम यह भूल जाते हैं कि वही शब्द जो हम सबको जोड़ सकते हैं, वे एक पल में रिश्तों को तोड़ भी सकते हैं…”

Why is it so difficult for us to understand the essence of the proverb- “Silence is golden”? Wouldn’t it be better for us to remain silent during moments when we are needled the most by others, picked on deliberately by someone, in order to get an angry reaction from us— when we might just erupt like a volcano and let angry and disrespectful words flow out, unabated, which would later fill us with regret for having said them? Or should we choose to maintain a stoic silence in the face of repeated attempts by others to provoke us and draw an angry response from us?

In the end, it is completely up to us to tide over the most delicate moments in our lives by either wearing a cloak of silence—that earns us respect— instead of resorting to words and speech that could later fill us with regret.

“जब हम समझ जाते हैं कि चुप रहने में ही हमारी भलाई है…”— it is then that we start thinking before we speak. “Do I really need to say what I’m about to say?”— we think twice before saying anything untoward to anyone.
“Would it be better if I refuse to take the bait, remain nonchalant, and treat the matter as one that did not warrant an agitated response from my end ?” “Won’t I gain more— “अगर मैं ऐसे क्षणों में चुप रहूँ और मौन धारण कर लूँ ?”- we remind ourselves and thus are able to control our words from spilling out unnecessarily.
Conquering that ‘difficult’ moment by exercising restraint is better than entering a phase of self- reproach and accuse ourselves later- “मैंने ऐसे क्यों बोल दिया उस समय?” “He must be feeling so bad about the rude manner in which I spoke to him…”

The very thought of it fills us with contrition. But, words, once said, cannot be taken back— and to what effect? Our harsh words will obviously pierce the mind and heart of the other person.

A spiritual seeker understands the importance of weighing his words carefully – before giving them a sound. He knows that- “जिस तरह से धनुष से निकला बाण कभी वापस नहीं आ सकता है – उसी तरह हम अपने बोले हुए शब्द वापस नहीं ले सकते हैं…” – so why should we speak just for the sake of speaking. He knows that the energy that would be wasted by him while indulging in nonsensical chatter, could be conserved and utilised for his spiritual furtherance. In what way would he benefit by being malicious and deliberately hurt people with mean, vengeful words? He would only be accumulating bad ‘ karma’ by nurturing ill-will against others- he reminds himself. He knows that God would be happier to see him ‘heal’ others with his warm and comforting silence- instead of ‘hurting’ them in any way- through any word or action of his- which could fill him with remorse later.

Swami ji said …

“मुझे पूरा विश्वास है कि भगवान हमारे साथ अच्छा करेंगे…” “ईश्वर जो भी करेंगे, अच्छे के लिए ही करेंगे…” Words such as these, spoken by many, ring out around us, expressing a deep conviction and abiding faith in God’s divine yet fascinatingly mysterious way of reflecting upon and planning out the minutest details of our lives- for us.

And, yet, we begin every new day of our lives feeling secure, as we do, in the warm comfort of having ‘planned’ out everything for the day — ‘ourselves’- “I will do this first… then that…” – we mutter— all the while feeling rather pleased with our meticulous planning and, most of all, with the heady sense of power it gives us: that we, too, are able to exercise ‘some’ control over ‘our’ lives.

But, if , we were genuinely wise— or even merely smart— it should not take us too long to understand that- “ऊपर बैठा वह नीली छतरीवाला मंद-मंद मुस्कुरा रहा होगा हमारा बचपना देखकर …” And, yet, with an indulgent smile, He allows us those little moments of conceit for a short while- before, almost mischievously, turning the day upside down in the most unexpected manner- making it abundantly clear to us as to ‘Who’ is truly in control.

The bleakest of days, filled with uncertainties and insecurities, can be sailed across by us when we are certain that, since He is our constant companion our’ कर्ता-धर्ता’ He alone will enable us to survive the stormy tide and make us witness, once again, the sunrise—filled with hope, promise and new beginnings.

Once we understand that God seeks nothing from us- except unswerving faith in His pure intent for us— as it is He who directs us, supports us and empowers us to attain the goal that ‘He Himself ‘ has set for us— we gradually develop a sense of complete surrender to His love.

The most difficult days, which we once thought would never see closure, soon appear to be nothing more than a distant memory when, all of a sudden, He seems to settle the dust and brings forth days that once again echo with smiles and the sounds of laughter.

On seeing His child stand firm— filled with faith and devotion towards Him— even through the most traumatic days of his life, He rewards him by opening a new path before him, one about which he had been completely clueless earlier. And, then, as he walks upon this unexpected path, he is left wondering at the marvels that His Grace can create for him.

The spiritual seeker must imbibe within himself this spirit of surrender to God. Every action must be performed with a sense of purpose, but, with the belief that however the day unfolds— and however life unfolds— is ultimately what is most suited to him. Even the bad, the supposed ‘worst’ that happens in life, may prove to be just as consequential and important as the ‘best’ of things that happen to us.

This is, of course, always easier said than done. But, as with most good habits, this way of life— this approach towards life— also needs to be developed through practice and patience. Life will keep challenging our faith and our belief in God. But it is important to hold on.

One must learn to face negative thoughts and feelings by simply acknowledging them for what they are— passing emotional states of the mind and heart that can be overcome. Thoughts and feelings are impermanent. One must not allow the soul to become embroiled in them, but, must instead observe them quietly and allow them to melt away.

Regular self-reflection and meditation are needed to develop the mental strength and inner steadiness required to withstand the great multitude of emotions that constantly seek to sway us away from a balanced and centred state of mind.

Practising gratitude for whatever we have today- drives away the feelings of ‘loss’ that so often haunt us and makes us realise that merely having been given this day is, in itself, a miracle.

By looking beyond ourselves and sympathising with, and relating to, the troubles of others, we are also able to develop a more balanced perspective of our own lives. We begin to realise that problems and troubles are a ‘feature’ of life— that they will always present themselves in one form or another, and that no one is left completely untouched by them.

Such an understanding gradually drives away the thought that we are somehow ‘unlucky’ or ‘unfavoured by God’.

It is only when we sincerely inculcate such practices in our lives- that we begin to realise the futility of worry and the immense power that comes from being able to live free from the fear of uncertainty.

And, perhaps that is the way He wishes us to live— placing all our worries at His feet, while continuing to perform our duties with sincerity; trusting His plan without demanding that we understand it; and going through life with a heart that remains lively, grateful and joyous. We need to always remember that- “दुनिया के सारे लोग चाहें हमारा साथ छोड़ दें, पर भगवान हमेशा हमारे पास रहते हैं, हमारे साथ रहते हैं…”