THE VISION, September 2024, Vol 91, Issue 12:
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Beloved Readers,
Generally, devotees or spiritual aspirants feel satisfied with outer efforts in their Sadhana such as:
- group chanting of the Name of God,
- taking part in Bhajans,
- attending discourses on spiritual topics,
- having Darshan of spiritually evolved souls,
- visiting places of worship with others,
- group meditations and the like.
Experience has, however, revealed that even after pursuing the aforementioned method for a considerable period, aspirants often feel no closer to achieving the ultimate goal of becoming one with the indwelling and all-pervading Reality, even though their external and collective efforts do provide some sentimental and emotional satisfaction. This prompts us to closely examine the lives of Mahatmas, which reveals that while duly recognising the relevance of outer Sadhana in the initial stages, later on, they were completely relying on inner Sadhana only.
This month’s issue of THE VISION carries articles of Mahatmas on individual Sadhana—inner Sadhana.
— EDITOR
AS WE SCROLL DOWN...
- ‘Victory Divine’ — says Beloved Papa involves conquering one's lower nature and unveiling the glory of the Eternal. However, before an aspirant can fully experience this Divine illumination, it is essential to engage in Sadhana to strengthen and prepare the individual, as an instrument, for this great consummation.
- ‘Words Of Beloved Papa Swami Ramdas’ — state that God resides within each of us. To realise this Divine presence, we must turn our gaze inward and delve into the very Source of our being. Furthermore, our spiritual growth should align harmoniously with our inherent nature.
- ‘Words Of Pujya Mataji Krishnabai’ — highlight the importance of having a strong foundation in Ram Nam. Ram Nam naturally leads to Dhyana, and together, Dhyana and Nama culminate in Seva. All three practices must be integrated and performed together.
- ‘Words Of Pujya Swami Satchidananda’ — advise that as aspirants we must remain vigilant every moment — aware of what we think, talk and do — because we are Sadhakas for all the twenty-four hours.
- ‘Editor Answers’ — how to bridge the divide between spiritual and worldly life by treating every action — whether in the family, professional or social spheres — as Sadhana.
- ‘Pursue Sadhana Tenaciously’ — urges Ma Anandamayi. Meditation should be an integral part of our daily life. To cultivate a genuine affinity for meditation, we must engage in a deliberate and sustained effort. Even when we feel disinclined, it is essential to overcome this reluctance and persist in our practice.
- ‘Sadhana — The Inward Path’ — as described by Sathya Sai Baba, involves dissolving the mind in the fire of Jnana through the practices of Seva, Swadhyaya, Japa and Dhyana, ultimately reshaping it in the mould of the Divine.
- ‘Gleanings — into Sadhana through the words of some Mahatmas.
- ‘Self-effort In Sadhana’ — explains Swami Ranganathananda is essential because we have been blessed with a cerebral system, through which we can realise our spiritual nature.
- ‘Words To Inspire’ — by Swami Kripananda make us aware that a seeker is someone who strives to attain the experience of the Truth.
- ‘Dear Children’ — the story of 'The Forgotten Necklace' reminds us of the importance of overcoming the forgetfulness of our True Nature and realising that we are, in fact, God Himself.
- ‘Learning From The School Of Life’ — that we begin learning in the womb and go right on learning until the moment we pass on. Our brain has a capacity for learning that is virtually limitless.
- ‘Inspiring Luminaries’ — are different forms of the Guru, who is Nirguna — nameless, formless, attributeless. He assumes forms to come and save us.
- ‘Epistles Of Swami Ramdas’ — reminds us that life is a great gift and we need to use it for attaining real peace and contentment. This can be done by controlling the mind through concentration.
- ‘In Memoriam’
- ‘Anandashram News’:
- ‘Book In Focus’: ‘THE PATHLESS PATH.’
- ‘Thought For The Month’
- ‘Download THE VISION’ in PDF format and the Audio Book.
VICTORY DIVINE
By Swami Ramdas
To conquer the lower nature and reveal the glory of the Divine is the purpose of Sadhana. The Sadhaka, before he starts on this enterprise, is a mere tool in the hands of the ego which dominates and controls him in every way. To destroy the ego-sense is not an easy task.
The Sadhaka should, in the first place, be fired with an intense aspiration for his spiritual regeneration and the attainment of the highest goal — God. Then, contact of saints should follow. The ego, having its sway on him, refuses to yield and sets up all kinds of obstacles on his path. It often poses as the Supreme Himself and leads him astray. At the beginning the Sadhaka finds it hard to distinguish the Divine guidance from the promptings of the mere mind.
The question is asked why God at one stroke does not lift the Sadhaka to the realm of spiritual freedom and peace. He, as an ignorant human being, is a delicate and weak instrument. Before the fullness of the Divine illumination can be revealed into it, it has to be, by a steady process, strengthened and made fit in all respects for the great consummation.
WORDS OF BELOVED PAPA SWAMI RAMDAS
Many do Sadhana for thirty or forty years. They say they have not gained anything. The goal they have placed before them is not very clear to them. Who is God and what is God? Saints say Vaikunta is within you, Kailas is within you, heaven is within you, God is within you. They ask you to direct your vision inward, dive into the Source of your being. God is the all-pervading Atman. He is changeless, immanent, all-inclusive and transcendent. There is nothing outside Him, nothing beyond Him. In that infinite Consciousness you must lose yourself.
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You may receive inspiration from saints and sages, but your inner growth will have to be in conformity with your nature. You cannot have spiritual unfoldment by trying to act according to another’s instructions.
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The disciples can look within and get guidance only if they stop looking upon somebody outside for guidance. What is needed is that you should turn your mind within.
WORDS OF PUJYA MATAJI KRISHNABAI
You should, first of all, have a strong foundation in Ram Nam. Ram Nam leads you to Dhyana, and Dhyana and Nama together result in Seva. You need all the three for your progress on the spiritual path. Dhyana by itself cannot take you far, nor can Seva, by itself, do much for you, except to flatter your ego. Likewise, Name by itself is not sufficient. All the three have to be done together.
WORDS OF PUJYA SWAMI SATCHIDANANDA
If one is a real aspirant, he will be watchful every minute of his life, about what he thinks, what he says or what he does. It will help him go forward on the spiritual path. If he understands that any particular thought, talk or act will not help him, he will sincerely avoid it. Thus, every moment, we should remember that we are spiritual aspirants and think, talk and act as becoming of an aspirant. When we become Sadhakas, we are Sadhakas for all the twenty-four hours. Never forget that.
EDITOR ANSWERS
Question: However much we remind ourselves that there is no divide between spiritual and worldly life, our old habits refuse to accept the same. How to get over this?
Answer: Typically, when we speak of worldly life, we refer to aspects such as family, profession, and social interactions. On the other hand, spiritual life often brings to mind studying the Shastras, observing vows, practising self-denial, austerities, engaging in Bhajans, meditation and similar pursuits. Though these aspects are compartmentalised in the lives of most, we find that it is necessary to harmonise both of them.
The essence of a person is the Spirit, and this Spirit must be present in both, our worldly and spiritual lives. Bereft of the spiritual dimension, an individual tends to focus solely on the concepts of ‘me’ and ‘mine.’ However, recognising the truth that the Spirit underlies everything leads to the expansion from ‘me’ into ‘we’ and ‘we’ into ‘Him.’
The Spirit requires matter to express itself, just as matter needs the Spirit to enliven it. Upon deeper reflection, it becomes clear that they are two sides of the same coin. Ultimately, everything we do—whether in the family, professional, or social spheres—should become Sadhana. Only then can the perceived divide be bridged.
PURSUE SADHANA TENACIOUSLY
By Ma Anandamayi
Meditation should be practised every day in one’s life. Look, what is there in this world? Absolutely nothing that is lasting; therefore, direct your longing towards the Eternal. Pray that the work done through you, His instrument, may be pure. In every action remember Him. The purer your thinking, the finer will be your work. In this world you get a thing, and by tomorrow it may be gone. This is why your life should be spent in a spirit of service; feel that the Lord is accepting services from you in whatever you do. If you desire peace, you must cherish the thought of Him…
…By your Japa and meditation those who are close to you will also benefit through the influence of your presence. In order to develop a taste for meditation you have to make a deliberate and sustained effort, just as children have to be made to sit and study, be it by persuasion or coercion. Even if you do not feel inclined to meditate, conquer your reluctance and make an attempt. The habit of countless lives is pulling you in the opposite direction and making it difficult for you. Persevere in spite of it!
Source: spiritualscienceexplorer.com
SADHANA — THE INWARD PATH
By Sathya Sai Baba
If you have a silver image of Ganapathi and you desire instead an image of Krishna, it is foolish to cover the image with a piece of cloth and pray that it might get transformed into Krishna! You have to break it into pieces, melt the silver and pour it into a new mould, the mould of Krishna. So too, if you seek to transform yourself into Madhava, you have to pour the mind melted in the fire of Jnana: the mind can be melted only after it has been hewn into pieces by means of various acts like Seva, Swadhyay, Japa, Dhyana, all sharp with the edge of renunciation.
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Let me tell you what the first step in Sadhana is: practise of silence. Then, you can more easily recognise the galloping of the mind behind worldly happiness. Restrain its movements; turn it inside, into the calm lake of bliss that lies deep in the heart! Get over fear by establishing your mind in the One; for fear can arise only when there is another.
Source: saispeaks.sathyasai.org
GLEANINGS
“Sadhana is as simple as this: let all our thoughts, words and deeds be an offering to the Lord.” — Dada J. P. Vaswani
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“May the flame of seeking be steady in the lamp of our heart, fed by the oil of consistent Sadhana and Satsang. May it reveal our true nature as Self — Supreme Bliss.” — Swami Chinmayananda
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“In Sadhana, egolessness and detachment are the most important aspects. For both service and Dhyana, detachment and desirelessness should be the touchstone.” — Acharya Vinoba Bhave.
SELF-EFFORT IN SADHANA
By Swami Ranganathananda
What is bondage? How has it come upon us? How is it established in our life? How can we get rid of it? What is this non-Self? Which is the true Self? And how can one discriminate between the two? These are profound spiritual and philosophical questions that agitate every seeking mind in every part of the world. This marks the turning point in the questioner’s life from where begins his tremendous evolution towards the Supreme.
Each one of us has to free oneself by hard struggle. There is nothing greater than the attainment of freedom from bondage in our lifetime. This human body cannot be put to better use than for this purpose. Our cerebral system, which is the seat of our thoughts, is a special gift of nature to us and is meant for a unique purpose. Through it we can realise our spiritual nature. Therefore, we have to make the best of this rare organ and build a beautiful character based on our spiritual nature. We have to attain freedom in this very life.
Source: The Message Of Vivekachudamani
WORDS TO INSPIRE
“A seeker is one who makes an effort. Here ‘effort,’ means the diligent and persevering actions that lead to the knowledge of our Divine Self. When we make this kind of effort, it will bring about freedom from limitations and the experience of the Truth.”
— Swami Kripananda, Disciple of Baba Muktananda
DEAR CHILDREN
The Forgotten Necklace
There was a man who wore round his neck a most precious and long necklace. It slipped down the back of his body by some means, and he forgot it. Not finding it dangling on his breast, he began to search for it. The search was all in vain. He shed tears and bewailed the loss of his priceless necklace. He asked someone to find it for him, if possible.
“Well,” said that person to him, “I can find the necklace for you. What will you give me?”
The man answered, “I will give you anything you ask for.”
The man reaching his hand to the neck of his friend and touching the necklace said, “Here it is; here is the necklace. It was not lost, it was still around your neck, but you had forgotten it.” What a pleasant surprise!
Similarly, your Godhead is not outside yourself, you are already God, you are the same. It is strange oblivion that makes you forgetful of your real Self, your real Godhead. Remove this ignorance, dispel this darkness, away with it and you are God already. By your nature you are free; you have forgotten yourself in your state of slavery.
Source: Parables of Rama
LEARNING FROM THE SCHOOL OF LIFE
Unveiling The Inherent Human Values From Frequently Used Articles
“Research shows that you begin learning in the womb and go right on learning until the moment you pass on. Your brain has a capacity for learning that is virtually limitless, which makes every human a potential genius.” — Michael J. Gelb
Here are a couple of examples:
INSPIRING LUMINARIES
All saints are different forms of the Guru. Guru is Nirguna — nameless, formless, attributeless. He assumes forms to come and save us. This month we pay our reverential respects to Mata Amritanandamayi and Sri Shirdi Sai Baba.
t Mata Amritanandamayi:
EPISTLES OF SWAMI RAMDAS
Beloved Ram,
…Do your part and be sure that God will do His part. Repeat constantly the Divine Mantram and spend the early morning hours for silent meditation. Avoid attending cinemas and avoid such society as would lead you into temptation. Concentration comes through practice. If, at first, you find your mind restless during meditation, do not worry about it. Such a thing is perfectly natural in the earlier stages; as you continue the Sadhana with perfect Shraddha you will be able, in due time, to thoroughly concentrate and control the mind. Be fearless and develop your will-power, so that you may easily subdue the undesirable thoughts that disturb the equal tenor of your mind. Above all, know to a certainty that the Almighty Truth is dwelling within you. Put yourself into His hands — surrender yourself completely to Him and you will be freed from every danger and all chances of a fall. Be always straight, honest, and truthful. For the sake of a true and righteous life suffer willingly and cheerfully. Life is a great gift. Use it in attaining real peace and contentment…
IN MEMORIAM
- Smt NL Shantha (aged 81) from Bangalore — 20th of June 2024.
- Sri N Vasudev Rao (aged 70) from Bangalore — 28th of June 2024.
- Sri LAP Sharma (aged 92) from Bangalore — 13th of July 2024.
- Smt Sumanlata Sanghi (aged 92) from Hyderabad — 31st of July 2024.
- Smt Anandi Trikannad (aged 84) from Pune — 18th of August 2024.
We pray for Beloved Papa’s blessings on the departed souls for eternal rest and peace at His lotus feet.
ANANDASHRAM NEWS
15500-CRORE NAMA JAPA YAGNA FOR WORLD PEACE:
The total Japa received in the fourth round of the 15500-Crore Nama Japa Yagna for World Peace in the month of July 2024 is 210 crores, chanted by 193818 devotees. The grand total of the Japa done so far in this round now stands at 2850 crores.
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SESSIONS WITH CHILDREN AT ANAND KUTIR IN ANANDASHRAM:
In the month of July 2024, 9 interactive sessions were held with children at Anand Kutir, in which 345 students participated. The sessions help the children to bring out their own learnings:
- Muhammad Sinan: “I have come to understand the seriousness of life. I will study and practise football to the best of my ability.”
- Srilakshmi: “From today I will be punctual and will not cause problems; and if I do, I will try to resolve them before going to bed.”
MOUNA SADHANA:
It is proposed to have the 2nd day-long Mouna Sadhana on the 13th of October 2024, the very next day after Pujya Swami Satchidanandaji’s Mahasamadhi Day. Devotees interested in participating may kindly inform before the end of September through a WhatsApp message to 9037466744.
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‘HARE RAMA’ NAMA SAPTAH:
The devotees of Sri Avadhoothendra Saraswati Swamigal from Andhra Pradesh will be visiting the Ashram and conducting a ‘Hare Rama’ Nama Saptah from the 25th of September 2024 to the the 2nd of October 2024, the morning of Pujya Mataji’s Jayanti Day.
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BOOK IN FOCUS
'THE PATHLESS PATH'
A compilation of quotations and articles drawn from the talks and writings of Swami Ramdas. These excerpts guide us in our inward journey that unfolds within our consciousness.
Available in English, Hindi, Kannada.
THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
“In the first place, we ought to possess a clear conception of the goal we have to attain. Then, we must adopt the proper means to that end. Realisation is experience. Experience is gained through effort and struggle.”
— Swami Ramdas
DOWNLOAD THE VISION
Devotees can download the PDF version or the audio book this issue of THE VISION by clicking on the relevant links.
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