Spiritual exercises like worship (puja), adoration (bhajan),
meditation (dhyana) are activities prompted by devotion (bhakthi)
to higher powers. Controversy about their efficacy should not be
indulged in by those who are unaware of the depths and heights to
which they can lead. These can be gained and judged only through
actual practice. The proof lies in one's personal experience only.
The longing for the supersensory spiritual life (Paramaarthika
Jivan) is aroused in the seeker, either by a quest for fundamental
principles or by the felt need for lasting joy. Mere longing will
not grant success. Spiritual exercise (sadhana) has to be
undertaken. It is important also to examine oneself and assess in
detail one's aspirations and attitudes before embarking on the
process. For, contemporary religions which profess to guide
seekers in this task do not infuse confidence in the youth. They
feel that some of these have been shaped by the conditions of the
era in which they emerged. Many have become outdated. Some are
specifically linked with regions or states. Some have been imposed
and moulded by foreign peoples. And some strike them as indecent
and injurious. Young aspirants for higher life feel they will be
ridiculed if they practise them. So, they indulge in incessant
talk and turning over the pages of thousands of books! They stay
away even from the first step of Sadhana as prescribed in any of
the many religions. Such are the critics and controversialists who
relish the confusion they create.
Far more valuable than the scholarship gathered from a million
books is the grain of wisdom gained through a session of
meditation. That flash (Jnana), however slight, is a precious
acquisition. It is the product of personal Sadhana and
indisputable authentic experience. As one cultivates and develops
this grain of wisdom, controversy and criticism will cease. All
arguments will be with one's lower self only until the Truth
stands revealed. Self-confidence is essential for a person to
enter on this path of spiritual practice.
A word to those who are overwhelmed by the burden of worldly
responsibilities and anxieties and to those who find themselves
unable to pray to the Highest, either because they have condemned
themselves undeserving or because they have no faith in the
Highest: Enormous is the number of those who live their days in
joy. You too were joyful and are so now. But, everyone is destined
to disappear one day, as generations have already done. Therefore,
every one must desire and adopt every means to attain, not only
joy, but what is far more valuable, peace of mind and an ideal
exemplary life.
Born an human beings, one should not disown the unique nature
of humans. One should not forget even for a moment the genuine
characteristics of humans. One should never degrade oneself to the
level of beasts; or a level which is far worse and despicable,
that of demonic beings (Asuras). Man must firmly resolve that he
would not allow himself to fall into these depths. The spiritual
path alone can arouse and sustain that resolution, that alone can
awaken and strengthen such yearning.
It is necessary to emphasise that, in order to successfully
confront the problems that arise in one's daily living, one has
also to possess intelligence and skill, in addition to the
qualities of justice, virtue and spiritual excellence. Both these
attainments are essential for progress, as essential as two wings
for a bird or two wheels for a cart. The importance of the higher
path that leads to the Highest can be realised only by
experiencing and understanding the world.
The world is enchanting, because it is a tantalising
appearance, though it is fundamentally untrue. It is a phenomenon
that is fading out. When this Truth is realised, one becomes aware
of the Cosmic Sport of God and the Eternal Universal Being.
This state of Consciousness cannot be won through the piling of
wealth or of worldly power or the acquisition of knowledge and
skill. It can be won through the purification of one's
consciousness in all its facets and the earnestness with which the
search is pursued.
During that search, there naturally arise various obstacles
like doubts and dogmas, purposeless arguments and flimsy fancies.
From the coming Yugadi (New Year) Festival Day, this series
under the name Leela Kaivalya Vahini, will dissolve all such
obstacles and fill you with Ananda. It will lead you to the path
of spiritual progress. Meanwhile, await the message.