Articles

From time to time, Adhyatmik Foundation will post inspired writings and other materials from friends of Adhyatmik Foundation who are inspired by Dr Svami Purna’s Teachings and life.

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SAVITRI - Light of inspiration

Savitri is a Sanskrit word meaning stimulator or rouser and is often associated with inspiration; it also has been used to refer to as the light of the Sun, the literal and spiritual Sun. This light has the power to inspire us on many levels of our being. Savitri, in fact, is not different from who we truly are… rather, it is a symbol of the great power that exists within all beings, providing inspiration to strive higher to find the Truth- in our lives and of our existence.

Concept of the Guru and the Phases of Time

From the beginning of human existence, the cycles of celestial bodies have always played a large role. Early man was necessarily attuned to the seasons as well as to the changes of day and night with its recurring phases of light and dark. Over time, the cycles of sun and moon were used to determine time, eventually creating calendars that calculated the cycles of sun or moon thereby providing a concept of time. In some cultures, the calendar was based on the moon phases; later, others focused on the cycles of the sun.

The Indian calendar, for instance, is calculated by the moon phases. Twenty-eight days of one cycle are divided into 2 parts – 14 days are called ‘paksh’ – one waxing and one waning phase of the moon. The full moon has a very prominent place in India; each full moon has some spiritual significance and is always considered a positive force, unlike the traditional meaning in the Western world where werewolves and Dracula legends have given the full moon a highly negative connotation of prevailing dark forces.

The full moon of July/August is Guru Purnima. This is the day dedicated to the Guru, the teacher, and preceptor. The term guru literally means “dispeller or remover of darkness” – the one who brings light into your life, removing confusion and ignorance and bringing clarity and knowledge. You need to learn to recognize the Sat Guru.

The concept of the Guru in India goes back to the beginning of time, to the time of creation.* It is a unique concept, given to the world by India. The relationship between Guru and disciple is strictly spiritual and divine, not worldly, not material, quite unlike the relationship to your family and friends. There are few matters in this world which are as distinctive in the human civilization: these are aspects that should be preserved, kept closely guarded and maintained. That is the model of guru. Humans can have a collective guru as well as an individual Guru, preceptor, guide, or teacher. It is a beautiful tradition and it is said that without a Guru, you are like a tree without fruit, a river without water, a field without crops and a garden without flowers – in other words, barren. That is the purpose and the importance of having a Guru in your life. You are in this body to learn and grow! Your mother is considered your first guru; when you have evolved enough to be ready for the final Guru, the Sat Guru, He guides you across the vast ocean of eternity. He is the One to take you to your ultimate destination. Yet before you are ready for this step, you must go through various “gurus’” training.

Anyone can have an ordinary guru, but to find the Sat Guru is very difficult indeed. The Sat Guru will only appear when you are qualified and ready for the final steps. Otherwise you will neither recognize, nor value or benefit from Him. Of course, you can also “graduate” from the school of an ordinary guru and join the “University” of the Sat Guru. There is an Indian proverb that says: “Drink water only after filtering out any impurities.”

In addition to the moon phases, the Indian calendar has some very definite distinctions differing from the western calendar. Vast time segments are divided into yugas as follows, for instance:
 
    •    Satya Yuga – the Golden Age;
    •    Treta Yuga – the Silver Age;
    •    Dvapara Yuga – the Twilight Age; and
    •    Kali Yuga- the Dark Age.
 
After the completion of one cycle, there is supposed to be dissolution; however, it can happen that there is simply a slide into the next age. Imagine that one day, you wake up and all is changed; people are kind to each other, there is no war, no conflict, no quarrel, no backbiting or criticism, no poverty and all are caring and sharing. No one suffers from pain or disease; in short, there is no manifestation of any form of negativity. All are happy and that would be the day of Satya Yuga. Maybe not today, but hope for it! However, when you awaken and you are being shouted at, maybe the pains of arthritis are nudging you – you will know that nothing has changed. Kali Yuga is the worst of all the ages, but importantly, even in Kali Yuga you can create your own golden age by following the spiritual path. That privilege is always given. If you follow the spiritual path, applying the teachings imparted by your spiritual Master, that exception is given. So essentially, it is in your hand to choose; you can create a golden age and the effect of Kali Yuga on you will be greatly minimized.

The Guru has his own domain, his own territory. Kali Yuga can come in disguise and pretend to be a disciple, but comes to disturb the golden equilibrium and atmosphere, looking for a victim to derail. Sometimes Kali Yuga succeeds, but if you are aware, you do not allow the machinations of Kali Yuga to enter. Those who are affected by Kali Yuga will try to subtly attack the Guru by spreading false tales and other derogatory remarks.

According to Indian tradition, the further back you go, the more positive the times, whereas according to the western concept, the Dark Age preceded and all is regarded as being better now. This is a limited outlook since Western tradition only takes into account a few thousand years. Indian concept considers many millennia, notwithstanding various cultures’ concepts of dates of civilization and time. Dating civilization is an inexact and confusing science – no one is sure.

Many spiritual Masters – such as Buddha – have chosen the full moon as the time for annual celebration, rather than celebrating their physical birthdays. Many prefer Guru Purnima – the day of the Guru (spiritual Teacher, Master or guide) falling on the full moon of July/August. This is the day that is also designated for those who are committed to the teachings (often called “disciples/students”) to demonstrate and renew their commitment and love toward their Guru and to follow the spiritual path. It is also a day for the Guru to assess the development of the disciples and the disciples to submit their commitment, as well as to evaluate how far they have come – and more importantly, how much further they have to go – as they integrate the spiritual path, awareness and practice into their lives as a whole. Key to this reflection and assessment is the concept of responsibility for self and a holistic approach to life, applying the spiritual teaching to everyday life and becoming self-sufficient while assisting fellow travelers on the path. One should make effort always to avoid negative influences that cause conflict.

When teaching is imparted and knowledge is given, one is supposed to apply these principles and lessons in life. You can liken it to a given key that you are supposed to use wisely, opening the right door, not a wrong one. It is also your responsibility to use the knowledge you have been given the right way. This too requires contemplation and periodic reflection: Guru Purnima provides such an opportunity to reflect and to make positive changes in one’s life.
Many people want to escape reality. This is not a solution. Rather, face the reality of your own truth. It is only by facing your truth that you can face your fear or phobia. When you actually confront your fear, your reality, you will discover that there was nothing to fear to begin with. You have built up conditioning about something you did not know and created your own phobias.

Every day of your life, you make a decision. Having been given spiritual knowledge, you are more able and equipped to make the right decision, a balanced decision in the sense of what brings true fulfillment to your life.
Then let us consider again the role of the Guru. This has been explained in many spiritual texts… the Guru is the remover of darkness and ignorance, leading you from untruth to Truth, from darkness into Light and from death to Immortality (Asadoma Satagamaya…) toward Enlightenment. The Guru gives you the key to open the right door and to make the right decisions. You should reflect upon how far your understanding has developed as a result of such experience and enjoy Guru Purnima in the spirit of positive growth and progress on the path.

There is a story which illustrates the need to observe progress along the path and the role of the True or Sat Guru:
A Master had been teaching a long-standing disciple the sacred lessons of the Bhagavad-Gita for several years. After all this time it was reasonable to expect that the disciple should implement the teachings in his daily life – to live according to the lessons learned. And so, one fine day the Master decided to leave for a long journey.
Many years had passed when the Master decided to return and visit his disciple. As he approached the home of his disciple he noticed a lot of activity, children running back and forth and a woman’s voice trying to restore some order. Eventually the Master saw his disciple, unhappy, worried and looking extremely miserable. Recognizing his Teacher, the man burst into tears.

“Please calm yourself and tell me, whatever happened to you?” said his Teacher.
“Well, Master, I did try to follow your teachings but what could I do when Maya (illusion) had me so firmly it her grasp? I now have a wife and twelve children and providing for them all is a real struggle. The responsibility for my family is becoming overwhelming.”

The Master asked: “Do you realize what you have done? Not only did you make yourself miserable but also the future of your children is in jeopardy – quite apart from the fact that you seem to have forgotten everything I taught you.”
At this, the disciple became rather defensive: “But Master, what could I do? This is not my fault. Maya caught me so firmly, it was impossible to get out of Maya’s net. Now I need money to look after my very large family and I simply do not know how to provide.”

This was a painful moment for the Master, after all this had been a promising disciple and now he was giving arguments to his Teacher. The Master decided to stay for a few days to try and help, but when it came time to leave, his disciple still did not understand. As a last lesson, the Master wanted to demonstrate a point and make his disciple realize that he alone was responsible for his predicament.

The Master went to an old tree and hugging the tree firmly he sobbed and cried. The disciple heard the lamenting and approached his Teacher: “Whatever is the matter Master?” and the Teacher replied: “My son, I am helpless; this tree has caught me so completely and will not let me go…”
“What? I don’t understand you Master. You are such a wise man; how can you blame the tree? You are the one who is holding on to the tree, just let go and you will be free.”
The Master looked at his disciple and said: “That is exactly what I want to tell you. You alone are responsible for your situation and only you can free yourself – after you have taken care of your family now.”
It should be understood that in life, the Sat Guru will give you the key to open the right door along the path. It is imperative that you take responsibility for your progress, whether He is physically with you or not, in times of decision making on life’s journey.
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The Guru relationship is a concept which can also become confused. In the western world, especially in the United States, courses are being advertised that after six weeks training you can obtain a “guru certificate.” A rather different course takes place in India, when after twelve years of learning, the Guru says “not yet ready,” you will face another twelve years of tapasya, of practice and penance. The kind of western qualification is out of the question. In some countries “anything goes” and the impact is felt throughout the world. The prestigious magazine TIME produced a positive article about yoga a few years ago. Surprisingly, only after this article appeared, many people in India started doing yoga, although yoga and meditation have existed for thousands of years and had always been an integral part of Vedic life. Only after the article it became something like fashion. Today you will find yogic instructions on every TV channel in India. Yet all this only took place after the approval by Time Magazine. People were not aware, but rather caught in a kind of slavery of mind. “Slave” mentality is an insidious aspect of a mind enslaved by stereotypes and limitations. It takes a long time to escape from mental slavery, where you have no creativity or innovation. You may serve while the Master is present, but as soon as the Master is gone, you fall back into the old habits. The saying “When the cat is away, the mice will play” sums it up nicely.
While caught in slave mentality, it takes a long time to reach emancipation and freedom. People have programmed themselves to have no mind of their own. If you do not have the mind to create and think for yourself, you are a slave. You can also be slave to your own desires, to the lowest level of your mind and body. Slavery comes in many different forms. Yet you want freedom and emancipation from your own bondage, to be a prisoner no longer.
This is where the Sat Guru can break down your cycle of conditioning and negative programming. This can lead to intense re-examination and change which is vital in the dark age that most of this world is caught up in. If you are on the path and seeking enlightenment, you must listen to the Sat Guru. The concept of the Guru is such that you grow, learn and experience your divine being, you experience a different pulse, the energy of spiritual vibration when you are tuned to that higher energy.
To illustrate the need for surrender to such higher energy, personified by the Sat Guru, it is helpful to recount the story of the great Tibetan Yogi Milarepa:
A long time ago in the 11th century, there lived a young man in Tibet by the name of Jetsun Thöpaga. His parents were prosperous and he and younger his sister Peta could look forward to a promising future. However, nothing can be taken for granted and by the time Thöpaga was 7 years old, his father fell ill and died. His aunt and uncle, previously the poor relations, became the guardians of the children and administrators of the estate.
Let it be said that this turn of events resulted in abject misery and ill treatment for the widow and her children. Not only were their lands usurped, but the fatherless family was reduced to going hungry and wearing rags for many years.
Thöpaga grew and by the time he had grown to be a youth, he had had enough of the manipulations and lies of his aunt and uncle. With his mother’s encouragement he decided that something had to be done to avenge his father’s legacy and the thought of becoming a black magician occurred to him as a most appealing solution. In due course, he found a suitable master of the dark arts and Thöpaga became his most adept student, wreaking havoc on his enemies by his ‘specialty’ of creating fierce hailstorms which brought total destruction to the fields of his relatives. This worked all very nicely for some time. However, Thöpaga could not tune out his conscience; he was keenly aware of the law of compensation, the law of karma. He knew that one day he would have to pay dearly for the misery he had caused.
After agonizing contemplation, he knew that in order to be relieved of this debt, he would have to find a master who could free him from guilt and deliver him from the karmic repercussions of his ill deeds.
He had heard of Marpa, the Translator, and of this teacher’s reputation of being an enlightened Lama. So he set off to find Lama Marpa and to ask for the teachings of how to make up for his life of causing death and destruction, offering willingness and resolve to devote himself to a life of Truth.
Marpa and his wife Demema took Jetsun Thöpaga in and Marpa promised to teach him – eventually. However, the lama proved to be a very hard task master and started the former sorcerer of by making him build a house. When almost finished, Marpa inspected the site and told his disciple: “No good, oh Master of the Black Arts, knock it down again and take the stones to where you found them.”
Jetsun was troubled… but he had to do as the master instructed. Barely finished with this task, Marpa proclaimed: “I still need this house, now go and build me a decent house.”
Again, shaking his head in resignation, our former sorcerer set to work and started building another house…
Yes, and again Marpa checked the progress of this house: “Can’t you do anything right? This is all wrong. Tear it down and take the stones to where you found them!”
“Master, my hands are bleeding and I have sores on my back from carrying the stones. I cannot go on…”
“Well, you have no choice, if you want my teachings you had better get on with it. You can see my wife and she will give you a salve to put on your back – and then when you are done, you must build me a house that is fit for me and my family, not the shacks you were creating so far.”
Thöpaga had had enough. “This is not a teacher,” he thought. “This is a cruel sadist, he takes delight in creating misery, he promises to teach me and never does. I will have none of this any longer.” He poured out his troubles to Demema, Marpa’s wife, who promised to help him. So he left, with a forged letter of introduction to another teacher, a former disciple of Marpa’s who instructed Jetsun in meditation. It was only when it became apparent that the new disciple was not making any progress that Thöpaga confessed the forgery of the letter. His new teacher made it clear to him that he had to go back to Marpa and impressed upon the renegade pupil that there was none more qualified as a teacher than Marpa the Translator.
Jetsun did return and finally he received initiation from Marpa. Thereafter, having completed many years of hardship and austerities, the former Black Arts Wizard, now called Milarepa, (the one who wears white cotton) attained the state of complete Enlightenment. The cave where Milarepa meditated, living on nothing but nettle tea, which gave his skin a green color (as seen is some paintings), have been preserved to this day.
The lesson that speaks from this example is that a human being has no idea – cannot begin to fathom – the mystery of God’s working. Only a True Master can evaluate the conditioning of a person’s mind and what it takes to overcome, to break it.
 
Footnote:
* Narayan – the God concept was the first Guru, Guru also refers to Supreme Being.
 
by Dr Linda S Spedding: Adhyatmik Foundation Inc ©

Environmental and Spiritual Integration: an ongoing endeavour ​

In India there has been an ongoing battle to remind the more modern liberal secular people who are neither aware of 
- or connected with - the traditional respect and reverence for the environment and natural elements that are key to the
health of the planet and her inhabitants- and those Champions and Ambassadors for the sustainability of the environment 
and spiritual tenets. This tension is a manifestation of deep Kali Yuga as Svamiji Teaches. 

For many India represents the Custodian of the perennial tradition and the Vedic Sanatam Hindu Dharma. With this in 
mind we are collaborating with one of India's true Champions of the Environment , the Source of Mother Ganga and the
 sacred Himalayan region. We are working with the lawyers who essentially founded the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India on behalf of the Environmental and spiritual tradition that must be protected. They have fought with dedication for 34 years 
In India to raise awareness, stop dirty industries and reckless conduct and take steps to clean up this sacred region.

Meanwhile Svamiji has been ceaselessly and tirelessly teaching the Vedic Tradition and disseminating the message 
of happy, healthy and harmonious living all over the world. He has raised awareness of the importance of protecting 
the Planet, coexistence with all living beings - the bears, the bees, the flowers and the trees as is often described in 
music - and the integration of environmental and spiritual values. The authentic Sanskrit tradition has remained at the heart 
of the Teachings. Svamiji refers to the Stanza to the effect that when the Ganga dries up symbolically the soul of the Ganga disappears and this will speed up the dissolution of the Planet. The drying up of the Ganga is due to the karma of the people who are so careless about saving and protecting her.  

Accordingly a recent PIL judgement achieved through the endeavours of leading lawyers has therefore been so welcome that"...all stakeholders will work in tandem and extend full cooperation ...and make a concerted effort to achieve the object of this national project of cleaning and rejuvenation of River Ganga and its tributaries. There is no scope for waiting any further.  Stakeholders have to take both effective and remedial measures to restore the pristine nature of the holy river Ganga and its tributaries, now at last".

With this in mind, and having regard to Svamiji's Vision for a Vedic University to inspire and preserve the teaching of the Vedas and Vedanta we are collaborating with Positive Activists to hold retreats and training programs for all, including professionals such  as lawyers, Judges, doctors, engineers, teachers etc in a Himalayan Eco Retreat that has been inaugurated in order to bring awareness of the huge significance and urgency in undertaking the environmental and spiritual integration required to bring Balance. As the Vedas say the Panchmahabhut - the 5 elements - are within you and outside you. If you pollute and  destroy the 5 elements outside you you are destroying yourself. Such understanding is paramount now.

We will be updating on this wonderful project as it unfolds.

TRaditional understanding

The centuries old or perennial tradition from India – that is of universal and practical relevance – is for people of all and every profession, training, skill, business sector and lifestyle to seek the blessings, approval, guidance and inspiration of a Guru, who held a wider and more objective vision or perspective. This allowed positive spiritual implications and understanding to be integrated in everyday human life, often through reference to the language known as the Language of God, Sanskrit (see Selected Sanskrit Terms below). For instance, in politics – among many other leaders – this interaction enabled wise leadership and stewardship under Prime Minister Morarji Desai.
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Beyond this, where possible, they sought the wisdom of the SatGuru (or SadGuru), that is One who may often be referred to as a Descending Master or Descending Soul who chooses to return to Earth so that He or She may inspire and uplift humanity compassionately and to encourage selfless conduct and generosity among people regardless of background or circumstances (seva). Such a Being may resemble other human beings physically – as Krishna explained to Arjuna in the Bhagavad-Gita – and seem to perform duties and responsibilities in a similar manner in order to be accessible and to disseminate Higher Knowledge to all, including the most closed, resistant or withdrawn persons. However, there is a crucial difference: Theirs is a choice to serve humanity. They do not have to incarnate and have no karma (repercussions of former acts) to dissolve: They are already whole and complete (Purna). They come with a specific mission to serve, set an example and uplift – and teach – as highly or fully evolved souls. This is the principle behind the form or personification.

Another perennial tradition in India has developed over centuries, known as taking Sannyas or Renunciation. Where such a choice is made (or seen to be made) the Teacher or Master (also often known as Svami or Swami) closes the door on the life being lived initially and takes a fresh identity in which nothing of the former life is relevant in any way – including personal background or details – since these are a distraction to the Teachings and Message demonstrating also Universal Oneness. One takes a vow not to identify with the former conditions or circumstances. This does not mean that this background is regarded as a secret shrouded in mystery to excite human imagination, but rather that the choice has been made to offer humanity the opportunity to grow through the Teachings in accordance with the spiritual tradition – and spirit – of complete surrender and openness so that they can learn and develop in an optimum manner. Examples are Buddha and other well documented Renunciates (to be further explained on another occasion).

The question of length of lifespan is also significant. Along this tradition it was regarded as very usual to live 100 years – and more – in accordance with the traditional understanding of the four stages of life.
The most important Treatises in this context are the Vedas, which command: “You shall live one hundred or more” – “shatamjivet”-and first developed Ayurveda, the science of life. Accordingly, life is divided into four stages:
Brahmacharya: 25 years to build the body and mind and study;
Grihast: 25 years as a householder with accompanying duties and responsibilities;
Vanaprasth: 25 years of semi-retirement and more dedication to service, more scholarly and social work; and
Sanyas: 25 years of total spiritual life and dedication to spirituality.
Of course one can define each stage in great detail scientifically according to the system. That can be done on another occasion. Yet it should also be understood here that in the first two stages, the carrying out of one’s worldly responsibilities (dharma) is maintained, while also understanding the concepts of Maya and Lila in life. Yoga – both physical (Hatha Yoga accompanied by asanas – as explained more fully in theBalanced Yoga publication) and emotional – is at the heart of this.
In conjunction with the four stages of life, four objectives are set:
Arth: Resources, wealth or achievement;
Dharma: Duty, responsibility and obligation;
Kama: Fulfilment of positive ambitions and desires; and
Moksha: Liberation or Enlightenment.
Therefore again the issue of age of the Teacher is not a matter for distracted discussion. While the SatGuru may give clues in view of the tradition of oral teaching as a living example by weaving points into the illustrations of concepts and stories, this should not be considered justification for wasting time in conjecture. Again, to obtain the greatest understanding the key is the Teachings. There are many unknown factors or mysteries and secrets of the Universe and human existence that are difficult to comprehend as a human being. Indeed, scientists generally agree that much of the information is only part of the whole mystery or story of human life. Much more is needed in the quest for Higher Knowledge, including regulation of the ego. Moreover, scientific theories have to adjust on a regular basis.
Having said this, what is important is the principle of the Soul or Atma(n) and immortality, as well as some awareness of the concepts ofkarma, reincarnation, and the possibility for growth and development through responsibility for Self. There does indeed appear to be a Divine Plan – as has been mentioned or referred to by many guiding lights over the years such as Kabir – in which everyone should integrate the spiritual principles for maximum fulfilment and the realization of one’s potential. Those who are blessed to be in the physical presence of a Living Master can be assisted hugely through attunement – with integrity – to the Teacher and the Teachings in an ongoing manner that enables improved awareness of the purpose of life.
 
Selected Sanskrit Terms
Atma(n): The Self, the Immortal Soul
Bhagavad Gita: “The Divine Song” – a celebrated mystical poem of 18 chapters, containing the sacred dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna.
A major spiritual and philosophical treatise; the source book of Hindu philosophy.
Gayatri gayatra: a hymn, a song composed in the gayatrimeter, consisting of 24 syllables, generally as a triplet of eight syllables each; the sacred verse of praise to the Creator.
Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
Guru: gu – darkness; ru – light; the preceptor or spiritual guide who takes you from the darkness of spiritual doubt into the Light of True Knowledge.
Hatha Yoga: ha – sun; tha – moon; physical exercises which promote the balancing of positive and negative energies within the body (see:yoga)
Kabir : 14th century mystic poet of India revered by Hindus, Sikhs and Moslems alike. Kabir, in his simple, straightforward approach gave a new direction to Indian philosophy. Example Like the seed contains the oil and the fire is in the flint stone, thus your temple seats the Divine. Realize this if you can.
Karma: action, work, deeds, performance, the result of one’s actions
Lila: the divine play
Mantra(m): concentrated energy of certain sacred sound syllables
Maya: the great illusion of the world as reality; Mother Nature
Paramatma(n): The Ultimate; Supreme Being; The Divine
Purna: whole; complete; fulfilled; total; integrated
Purushartha: any aspect of human pursuit; one of the four objects or aims of existence; gratification of desire; human effort or exertion for the sake of the soul
Sanskrit: Divine language or language of God: most ancient, totally logical language – still in active use; root of present Indo Aryan languages
SatGuru (or SadGuru): Highest Teacher; Descended Master
Vedas: lit: True Knowledge; ancient, sacred texts of civilization consisting of four collections:
Rigveda – dealing with True Knowledge
Samveda – devotional and ritual songs
Yayurveda – dealing with aspects of health and medicine
Atharvaveda – dealing with the aspects of Nature
Vedanta: system of knowledge based on the essence of the Vedas, concerning the nature and relationships of 3 principles:
the Ultimate Principle;
the world; and
the individual soul.
Viveka: discrimination on the basis of foregone investigation, resulting in true knowledge
Yoga: lit: union; derived from the root YUK, meaning “to join” also translates as “yoke”; impulses and inclinations of the ever wavering mind are brought under the discriminating yoke of the Higher Self. There are various types of yoga, each starting with a different aspect – all leading towards harmony and the integration of the whole being.
 
Summarized by Dr Linda S Spedding under the Guidance of Sri Sri Sri Svami Purna: © Adhyatmik Foundation Inc.

Reconciling Life

In this World there are really only two types of persons: those who understand the Highest Teachings and those who do not. When it is understood that the plan for the World is evolution, in many respects this reconciles the different faiths or religions and their perspectives of God, the various nations and peoples. In this Age – Kali Yuga – according to Vedic philosophy this understanding can also be a key reconciler in life and the Game of Lila – the Maya.
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Once this is understood we cannot help working for and toward such understanding because it is so perfect, beautiful and wonderful, thereby standing up for good and evolution rather than negativity, selfishness and ego. With such understanding we know why we are here and what our purpose is rather than becoming distracted by petty desires, superficial pleasures and short term goals. This discrimination is a first step on the path of evolution toward perfection. Even then, however, that discrimination must continue to be applied as regards: right and wrong; the important and the unimportant; the useful and the useless; the selfish and the unselfish; and the true and the untrue.

It should be clear how to discriminate between right and wrong, as those who follow the Teachings of the SatGuru have already made this choice. We should delve to find the inner voice within us –guided by the SatGuru – so that we are not hindered in doing good work and do not delay our evolution. We remember that we are not our mind but that the mind is ours to use: we must be vigilant that the mind does not focus on our own progress but on seva and helping others. At whatever cost we must do that which is right and avoid that which is wrong – whatever others may say – using always reason and common sense. We should give in to others only on things that are unimportant – that do not matter – regardless of the apparent size of the issue. We should reconcile and understand that doing something – that others in the World may call small – that is directly useful to the work of the SatGuru is much more worthwhile than doing something that the World would regard as “good.” Indeed, there may appear to be so many causes in the World – feeding the hungry, helping the environment and animals, saving the sick – but to live as an example of – and disseminate – the Teachings is noble and more useful than feeding bodies in terms of the greater good, as this involves feeding the Soul. Only those who understand know that it is their duty to assist the SatGuru to help others to understand.

Even with knowledge we should ensure that we discriminate and choose the useful part to attain wisdom. We learn to attune to wisdom rather than gathering information. Then we can help others as we are able to discriminate between Truth and non-truth and not rely upon the opinion of others, gossip or superstition, however widely held. This applies to thought, word and deed. When in doubt reconcile the thoughts by contemplating whether such thought would be that of the Teacher, the SatGuru. We can then strive to never assume or presume and never pretend to be other than who we are. We practice thinking well before speaking or acting, doing so unselfishly and without desiring any result. In helping we need to act with the spirit of seva – giving ourselves to the service – without thought of recognition. Often it is wise to say nothing, to remain silent unless speaking the Truth in the spirit of kindness and helpfulness. We can then avoid giving opinions unless they are sought, while also not becoming absorbed or involved in common chat and the business of others. With practice, this control of the mind can lead to control of action, further understanding, joy with focus and confidence, as well as a calm approach to life.

A calm mind enables courage and consistency along the Path, overcoming sadness or any depression. We are then able to use our thoughts each moment for good purpose to be a force for evolution toward the Highest. This thought control enables tolerance of others, as well as a positive and cheerful approach to life that reconciles the outer difficulties or challenges, opening the way for peace and the road to bliss.

We will then become ready to part with anything in the spirit of detachment – in accordance with the Teachings – and remain unattached in a serene and joyful manner, recognizing their finiteness. Always this understanding allows focus and confidence in the reality of the purpose of life – in the spirit of that higher love which fills the heart and shines all around. We can then reconcile with the will that directs wisdom and the love which inspires the will to achieve the Highest understanding – under the guidance of the SatGuru – to serve humanity.
 
by Dr Linda S Spedding, inspired by the Teachings of Sri Svamiji

Thoughts on Enlightenment

“Someone asked me, “What do you like the most?” And I said sincerity. What I like most is sincerity, because I know if you have sincerity, everything else will come. Sincerity means you are completely true. You have a true heart, an open heart, you are completely sincere. What else do you need? Everything else will come. Love will come. Joy will come, happiness… everything will come. Sincerity of heart, true sincerity… Truth. That is important…In Truth there is no untruth but in untruth there is Truth”
— HH Sri Svami Purna Maharaj

Many speak of becoming enlightened or seeking enlightenment – becoming a realised being – as though this is a practical possibility while continuing to live, think and act without:
    •    letting go of negative habits;
    •    following any discipline or tapasya;
    •    implementing any ongoing practices or sadhana that require sincere review and positive action or change; and
    •    understanding true detachment.

Often they have a restless urge to know – and gain much information, knowledge or evidence – mistaking this for the search for wisdom and balance. They search for the Creation factor and in science they look for proof in ongoing discovery. In fact science plus the real spiritual search – true spirituality – equals the ancient and wise principle of Sarvodaya – for the good of all. Moreover the use of resources – generally money in these times – is known as Vasudhama. All of these aspects can be integrated, as Svamiji teaches, in the understanding of the role of Maya as part of the ground reality in terms of the spiritual path and:
    •    The Ram Raj or Divine Rule;
    •    The Lila or Divine Play; and
    •    The True Divinity implicit in the one’s Higher Self.

One can find one’s own inner fire of wisdom and develop the understanding to serve and learn in the quest for enlightenment under the true teacher – the SatGuru – with humility and a pure heart.

Therefore if one is indeed seeking enlightenment with a pure heart in the search for Truth – often described as understanding one’s meaning or the purpose of life –and real merger in the Whole, a key factor is mindfulness. To become a realised being, to use the life towards the highest goal and to evolve towards being whole in truth, one must be constantly mindful of one’s thoughts, words and actions. This can involve what appear to be several simple steps that Svamiji teaches, including:
    •    Embracing humility, doing tasks for the tasks’ sake throughout one’s life;
    •    Being honest with oneself and others;
    •    Showing compassion to oneself and others;
    •    Diving deeply into one’s practices in one’s life in accordance with the four stages of life as set out in the teachings of Svamiji;
    •    Allowing humour and joy along the way; and
    •    Striving ceaselessly to live the life in a non-ordinary way and to be in the world and not of it.

The Gita reminds us to just learn the Truth, approach the SatGuru with humility, inquire from them submissively and render service, as the Self realised can impart transcendental Knowledge, for they have seen Reality (Chapter 4 Verse 34).
People often talk about enlightenment without appreciating the vast significance of this term. Rather like the Sanskrit terms such as Guru, Yoga or Moksha, the sacred significance is regularly demoted through common parlance. There can be real danger in this type of colloquial approach. How much more beneficial it is for the seeker to adopt an approach of grace and beauty that assists with the calm understanding that promotes balanced growth, or Samyak, as the Buddha has taught.
We all need to strive, to do better and to work together in the spirit of practical spirituality and toward Wholeness in my view as part of an ongoing process. Where and when we reach the Ultimate Reality are questions that should be appreciated with true humility, following the perennial path of seva, devotion and Truth. As Svamiji teaches, we are all like little insects in a lower way busy with our tasks – our Dharma – yet we are also part of the Essence, the Whole, the Truth. This Path has been well worn not only by more known dedicated leaders including Mahatma Gandhi – who advised “Be truthful, gentle and fearless” – but also by many unsung heroes who have raised the collective energy and consciousness, free of ego or recognition, which is a key feature of such understanding. Indeed one must beware of the fact that in Kali Yuga – this age we are in according to the Vedas that is considered to be the Dark Age of machines, negativity and destruction – there can be many unreal teachers. As is made clear in the Puranas, in Kali Yuga those who make sound, proclaim and shout and considered to be the ones with knowledge are in fact dwarfed in terms of wisdom by the Quiet Ones. Seek with sincerity and humility and the True Teaching and Teacher will manifest according to the Tradition.

It is most important on the spiritual journey not to seek credit for accomplishments, rewards or results – recognising that you are not the doer – and to live in the real present or now, reminding oneself constantly of the admonition “Know Thyself” and maintaining balance in the face of Maya’s challenges. You do not need to teach others but rather work on yourself moment to moment – always getting up from any feeling of being down – with pure love for yourself and others. As Svamiji teaches, your example will then shine to light the Path for others. Keep in mind that this life has been given in order to become an instrument for the Dharma with sincerity and joy – while always remembering that this involves not just feeling the energy of pure consciousness but rather working with the energy and the life force to reach the Source, being patient at all times. Responsibility for Self is paramount. Indeed the Gita also teaches that after innumerable births and deaths, those who are wise surrender, knowing (Krishna to be) the cause of all causes and all that exists. Krishna (the Divine Incarnation of Vishnu and the Teacher of Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita) confirms that such souls are very rare: of many thousands of men, one will attempt to reach perfection, and of the few who reach this goal, only one will perhaps know Him as He is. So it is advisable to learn this by:
    •    discipleship  (literally falling at the feet of the Teacher, the SatGuru);
    •    true and humble investigation; and
    •    service or seva.
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Such tools are complementary and the Wise, the Seekers of the essence of things, will instruct on wisdom. As Kabir says:
“Verily he has no fear who has such a SatGuru to lead him to the shelter of safety.”
Therefore I would suggest that in our ongoing search we prioritise the following:
    •    Let us transform our energy here and now to the service of the Highest;
    •    Let us continue always to invest in finding our true selves and selfless service;
    •    Let us take this unique opportunity to honour our connection with the Divine; and
    •    Let us bask in the Dharma – serving and learning – from our spiritual heart and with a positive mindset and intention to deal with the challenges of Maya, to understand the ground reality and the value of the True Teachings.
 
“The Truth alone is Ultimate. Truth shall prevail. Truth is prevailing.” — HH Sri Svami Purna Maharaj
 
Glossary of Terms:
Arjuna: Receiver of Knowledge in the Bhagavad Gita – friend and disciple of Krishna who reveals the sacred knowledge while on the battlefield of Kurukshetra (field of the Kurus)
Buddha: also known as Siddhartha Gautama, the Compassionate One, or Tathagat, the Peace Maker; Divine Incarnation; Teacher of Spiritual Truths and historical founder of Buddhism – 5th Century BC.
Dharma: law, duty, right conduct, righteousness. It is a concept of central importance in Indian philosophy and religion and it refers to one’s personal moral and religious obligations
Gita/ Bhagavad Gita: “The Divine Song” – a celebrated mystical poem of 18 chapters, containing the sacred dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna; A major spiritual and philosophical treatise; the source book of Hindu philosophy. 
Guru: gu – darkness; ru – light; the preceptor or spiritual guide who takes you from the darkness of spiritual doubt into the Light of True Knowledge.
Kabir: 14th century mystic poet of India revered by Hindus, Sikhs and Moslems alike. Kabir, in his simple, straightforward approach gave a new direction to Indian philosophy. Example: “Like the seed contains the oil and the fire is in the flint stone, thus your temple seats the Divine. Realize this if you can.”
Kali Yuga: The Dark Age; the last of the Four Ages according to the Vedas; the current age of negativity and destruction
Krishna: the Divine Statesman; Divine Incarnation of Vishnu; Stories and Teachings associated with Him represent an integral part of Hindu philosophy with applications for daily living
Lila: the Divine Play; Divine Love actively engaged in worldly affairs
Maya: the great illusion of the world as reality; Mother Nature
Moksha: Liberation; emancipation from matter; dissolution of individual existence and re-union with the Supreme Spirit. Ultimate Reality.
Puranas: Ancient scriptures teaching spiritual principles and values through the medium of stories and legends about deities and High Beings.
Ram Raj: the Divine Rule
Sadhana: spiritual practice for the purpose of upliftment and of overcoming one’s human limitations
Samyak: balanced growth
SatGuru: Highest Teacher; Descended Master
Sarvodaya: for the good of all
Sanskrit: Divine language or language of God: most ancient, totally logical language – still in active use; root of present Indo Aryan languages
Seva: from the root sev, meaning “to attend to” or “to go towards;” service performed in a selfless, compassionate way; selfless service without expectation of recognition or reward
Tapasya: Lit: to burn it; produced by heat, crucible of fire for purification; steadfast disciplines austerities and penances, the fire of which destroys impurities in the mind
Vasudhama: the use of resources/money
Vedas: lit: True Knowledge; ancient, sacred texts of civilization consisting of four collections: Rigveda – dealing with True Knowledge; Samveda – devotional and ritual songs; Yayurveda – dealing with aspects of health and medicine; Atharvaveda – dealing with the aspects of Nature
Vishnu: Personification of God as preserver and sustainer of goodness and virtue – the Omnipotent, the Omniscient, the Omnipresent – middle One of the Hindu Trinity (usually the aspect that incarnates into human form).
Yoga: lit: union; derived from the root YUK, meaning “to join” also translates as “yoke”; impulses and inclinations of the ever wavering mind are brought under the discriminating yoke of the Higher Self. There are various types of yoga, each starting with a different aspect – all leading towards harmony and the integration of the whole being.
 
by Dr L S Spedding under the Guidance of Sri Svami Purna Maharaj (Svamiji)

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Divali - "the festival of Lights"

The Festival of Light, Divali, is the most celebrated of all the festivals in India. The word stems from “Deepavali,” which literally means “Row of Lights,” a nocturnal illumination symbolizing eternal illumination.
While Divali is celebrated as the ever-triumphant victory of light over darkness the rationale for the celebration varies according to different areas of the country and historic era. The most widespread traditional celebration relates to the battle between Sri Rama and Ravana in which Sri Rama conquered the negative forces and returned to Ayodhya after some fourteen years in exile.

On this day, marking the return of their beloved King after so many years away, the overjoyed people of Ayodhya lit millions of lights to welcome, greet and honor their victorious Ruler and Monarch. The celebrations spread from the Capital city across the entire land of Mithila, beginning Rama Raj, the golden reign, rule and era.
Even today all along the Ganges Belt in North India, people celebrate Divali in commemoration of Sri Rama’s victory and safe return. On this auspicious day homes are cleaned and decorated by day and illuminated by night with earthen oil lamps in the traditional spirit. Many will choose the discipline of rising at a very early hour before dawn to take a purifying bath, followed by prayer and meditation.

The occasion of Divali also honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, with lights and sweets. Lakshmi Puja has also developed in business areas where people devote prayer and dedication to achieve ongoing prosperity for the coming year. Gold and golden items are in great demand at this time, representing and celebrating the positive influence of Lakshmi.
Divali celebrations in South India also highlight the victory of light over darkness, often honoring Krishna and the end of the demon Narakasura whose total surrender at the time of death led to his enlightenment. The meaning is one that the whole world should recognize as it provides a beautiful example of the Grace of the Divine towards anyone who finally surrenders, regardless of the individual’s past, when total sincerity exists. People begin the day with a purifying bath and often wear new clothes. They enjoy many delicious sweets and fireworks are used to mark the redemption of the demon.
Hindus worldwide celebrate Divali as a universal festival to mark the strength of goodness over evil and as a time of joy by gathering with loved ones, friends and family members to: rekindle the light and happiness in their lives; and gratefully acknowledge the gift of their health and wealth. In harmonious togetherness the instinct of seva and true philanthropy is also revived in the hearts and minds of people.

For everyone, Divali can offer an opportunity to celebrate the Light in the World, not only by symbolically lighting the home with lamps and warmth, but also by filling hearts and minds with light and selfless upliftment and generosity.
This Festival of Light is a fitting time to sit quietly also and meditate on the everlasting and ever present Supreme Light of the Soul in the spirit of humility and prayer that it may always illuminate our hearts, minds and understanding. The Lakshmi Mantra may be chanted on this occasion:
 
Ya Deva/Devi Sarva Bhutesu
Lakshmi Rupen Sansthita
Namastasya Namastasya Namastasya Namonama
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How does your garden grow

As you walk through life you may play different roles: as mother or father; as daughter or son; as friend or lover. Looking a little more broadly into how you live your life, you could also consider yourself a gardener of sorts, one who tends the internal garden of life. We all start off with a multitude of seeds under the soil in our garden of life. Some seeds have the potential to grow into beautiful, positive flowers. Other seeds have the potential to grow into negative, invasive weeds that take over our garden. How does your garden grow? And, which seeds do you want to nourish?
What is the overall condition of your garden of life? Is it a fertile place where positive seeds are watered and nourished or is it a dry wasteland filled with dust and weeds? First, it is important to identify the positive seeds that you want to nurture, such as Love or Patience or Humility. You will want to put attention on developing those positive seeds or qualities. One way you can do this is by setting intentions for those qualities to blossom and grow. Once you have the intention for growth, then you get on your hands and knees in the garden, actively working to ensure that you give the positive seeds the right space, environment and nutrients to blossom and flourish. Life will no doubt provide plenty of opportunities, through interactions with family, friends or even strangers, to practice expressing your positive qualities. As you deepen your own self-awareness, you can positively impact those around you, even your environment.
Second, it is as important to identify the weeds that will overpower and stunt the growth of your lovely flowers as it is to nourish the positive seeds. When your hands are in the soil of everyday life it is useful to notice when your behavior and thoughts are not supporting your intentions for growth and adjust those accordingly. If you have set an intention to develop Patience, yet you became angry with your spouse yesterday because he or she was a few minutes late to pick you up, then you have some more work to do to root out the seeds of anger that have sprouted in your garden. As Patience is given space to grow, it becomes stronger and more present in your day to day life.
You can begin the weeding process by searching for the obvious negative qualities that you express either through actions or in thoughts (thoughts have power to affect others even if you do not act on them). Next, you work to dig up the weeds, by the roots. At first you may pull a weed, such as anger, and think “Ah, finally, I am done with being angry.” A few months go by and you think your garden looks great. No weeds, no anger. Then, some situation occurs and you find that you reacted with anger; perhaps you did not become as angry as in the past but you were angry still. Do not be discouraged. This is common. We often think we have pulled a weed up by the roots; but, in fact, we have not pulled out the whole root system, the whole mechanism for anger. Tending the garden of life is a life long process.
As you start to see the beautiful flowers that have grown from seedling to mature plants, you will be encouraged to continue to till your field. At some point, you may even be able to fertilize another person’s garden with the wisdom you have gained through your own process. This does not have to be an active process where you tell someone how he or she should be working his or her garden. Rather, someone may simply admire your garden and asks, “How does your garden grow? It is so lovely!” And, with that invitation, the wisdom flows like a stream moistening the soil of another’s garden, providing potential for new life, smelling sweetly like a rose.
 
by Kelly Hollis

BEING MINDFUL: SIMPLE STEPS ALONG THE WAY IN THE SPIRIT OF PREPAREDNESS

1    Read, Pause and Think: Through study of beautiful books, uplifting music and sounds and silent self-examination.
    2    Prioritize: Clarify and simplify your intentions and be flexible, accepting change.
    3    Dive Deep: Develop and maintain practices that work well for you, including breathing, mantra chanting and attunement with the cosmic sound through rhythm and routine.
    4    Be Yourself: Do not allow room for comparison, competition, guilt, or judgment; enjoy positive detachment and understand duality.
    5    Trust and Obey: Follow the guidance within and the Teachings with which you resonate.
    6    Be Honest with Yourself: Honesty and openness with your Self enables true growth to flow moment to moment; develop daily positive affirmation practice.
    7    Value Yourself and your Life with Joy: Life is a gift to enjoy: live in gratitude and contentment.
    8    Allow Generosity to Flourish: Create opportunities to demonstrate your true generous spirit and be a force for good through seva.
    9    Love: Love your Self and spread this selflessly to others through compassion, simple acts of kindness, love of life, devotion and harmonious being, remembering the light, bliss, divine energy and peace of Grace at all times.
 
by Dr Linda S Spedding: Adhyatmik Foundation Inc ©​​

INTERVIEW WITH DR SVAMI PURNA

Thoughts for World Environment Day: Living with Balanced Energy

By Dr Linda Spedding

Svamiji Teaches that we are given the opportunity in life to use our time, energy and resources to the best of our potential. We are energy and we create positive and negative energy every moment. As babies we seem to be a bundle of energy who constantly moves and exercises, enabling wonderful circulation - smiling, crying, playing with our hands and feet as well as laughing - to flow throughout our being. Life - and the miracle of life - is all around. Our energy levels change as we go through life: I have witnessed that when energy levels are low there is also a marked change in external appearance. For all the massive marketing in the cosmetic industry worldwide it is one’s energy that sustains youth and beauty. Beautiful positive energy within enables the external glow much more than the creams and potions and concealers! If we can maintain the energy of adventure and positivity we can blossom and - in turn - we feel better and even look better to those observing us. Energy levels change at different stages of life. In order to live with balanced energy in this rather unbalanced world Svamiji guides us on appropriate practices that can be implemented according to individual priorities: applying positivity to displace negativity including positive activities and hobbies, contemplative music and reading, discovering constructive distractions from the mundane that assist energy transformation and self empowerment such as walking meditation or remembering beautiful times and reliving the positive beautiful experiences and moments.


Energy is everything and everywhere in our environment: as we approach this  World Environment Day on June 5, 2019 we can recall that this is a day that is intended to prioritise and focus on environmental awareness and responsibility. We can usefully remind ourselves of the value of respect for all of life and Earth’s resources - as well as the need for coexistence - and improve our approach and conduct so that we live with balanced energy in every way. This includes the use of energy, from individual local to collective  international energy. There are of course multiple forms of energetic sources and resources. The Earth contains natural energy and renewable energy resources, as do all beings.

Energy of Thoughts, Words and Actions

The energy of thoughts, words and actions is manifesting constantly. One can exert physical energy in activity, such as doing physical tasks. Another energy resource is our mental focus and thoughts. For World Environment Day a good use of this energy may be directing our thoughts towards some environmental concerns and planning or finding solutions, or sending prayers. Both positive and negative energy may manifest in different situations or outcomes and Svamiji’s Teachings empower one to prioritize and develop positive energy, both in terms of healing one’s body, life, soul - and the planet -and setting an example that can assist others and the planet as a whole, thereby reducing and overcoming the generally prevailing negative energy.

“One can heal one’s own body by empowering the great forces of healing energy. When the negative elements are burned down or reduced and positive energy takes over and is in control, the physical body can be very healthy and happy. When negative energy dominates the physical body, then there is disease and there is all sorts of suffering and pain.” (Purna, Dialogues with the Divine 19 Telecast, June 19th, 2016).

Love Energy

It seems that love is an inexhaustible energy that pours endlessly from the devoted heart, known as Bhakti according to the Sanatam Dharma Tradition. Cultivating and focusing on unconditional love energy can be very powerful and fulfilling. It is helpful as a practice to contemplate the energy of one’s different aspects and moods that certain words evoke, such as:
Smiles
Laughter
Anger
Hate
Joy
Compassion
Love

To receive compassion and to give compassion are very important for the development of the soul journey and to assist with the environmental issues that may appear overwhelming  Love motivates, heals, unites and overcomes. Svamiji has taught that unconditional love is the greatest form of energy. This can also be termed spiritual energy:

“It is important to have spiritual energy every day and this can only happen when you are connected to Love Divine, to the Knowledge, to the Satguru.” (Purna, Dialogues with the Divine 19 Telecast, June 19th, 2016).

Energy of the Gunas, Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic

As we consider spiritual energy we can bear in mind the vital Teachings that Svamiji has given, set out in the Purna Health Management System Overview (PHMS)  and in the Balanced Series that complements this. Svamiji has clarified  the relevance of the Gunas consistently. For example He has said the following:

“Life is based on three principles, Sattvic, Rajasic and Tamasic. When Sattvic is reduced, then Tamasic and Rajasic take over and then the question is who is predominantly controlling your body and your senses and your mind? If Sattvic is predominant then your body, senses and mind are functioning properly. When Tamasic and Rajasic forces are dominant, not only will physical disease exist, but also mental corruption.”
(Purna, Dialogs with the Divine 19 Telecast, June 19th, 2016).

The energy of the Gunas can be witnessed in the state of the World’s environment.

Energy of Debate

On World Environment Day sustainability is the main theme for international debate. Sustainability has a range of different meanings that reflect varying priorities and cultures. For the outcome of this debate - in turn - to be sustainable, it requires a flow and holding of sustainable energy in communications. Behavior and conduct that do not sustain positive energy may manifest, such as negativity or criticism toward others. It is always helpful to avoid such activity whether in international debate or individual communications. Negative criticism can leak valuable energy. The unseen and unsettling energy of others, meanwhile - and their communications including emails - can have an impact unless one is resilient.  Negative conversation can lower one’s vibration and affect others negatively as well. Words are powerful energy - and speaking creates energy on a subtle and even physical level. Talking itself uses a lot of energy. Thinking consciously about what - and why - you are talking or communicating can redirect the conversation helpfully and avoid needless talk. It is wise to practice speaking - and debating - only after careful thought and to participate in speech or debate in a positive way, using the voice or opinion for uplifting others, such as reminding or coaxing to achieve positive outcomes without any incessant pestering . At the individual level, using verbal energy wisely can eliminate the repercussions of unconscious conversation and communications.

Positive interaction, for example in Satsang - sharing of Truth - can powerfully inspire and encourage others for mutual benefit. Meanwhile other disciplines to balance energy such as  the breathing and pranayama practice set out and explained in the PHMS and other publications can assist in developing positive communication not only at individual level but also in international debate, with improved outcomes in understanding that can make positive change. By connecting to higher energy and the flow of peace, gratitude, joy and hope - looking forward rather than in the energy of fear, anxiety and hopelessness - one can achieve the spiritual energy individually and collectively - thereby uplifting ourselves and our creative flow and sustainability.

Planets and Eclipse - A Maha Sivratri Contemplation by Dr Linda S Spedding under Svamiji’s Guidance

The Panchmahabuht- the five elements-have been explained by Svamiji and are known historically since Vedic times as mystical and therefore influential on all beings.

They also have visible reality and their effect is felt everyday everywhere. Yet people are not aware of these five elements - gods or deities - that control the mind, senses, organs, the whole outside world and the environment. Owing to ignorance, arrogance and ego people do not grasp this: their mind is limited.

During an eclipse, for instance, the sun and moon come out - so that they ensure not to be caught by dark forces. Similarly there are times when individual energy seems blocked - this needs to be released and come out. Prayer and mantra are the perennial ways to remove such obstacles in realising a happy or fulfilling life. In India the tradition is to go to the Ganga - the  Mother holy river -  or other sacred rivers to do puja and prayer and perform mantra and meditation. They give Dakshina and donate, as well as doing good work and Seva, to help the Sun, Moon, Planets and Elements - and themselves.

Even the Sun and Moon, such powerful deities and elements, go through crisis - and come out of the crisis. This contemplation is very important: it is understood that when the Ganga disappears into Earth the Sun will dissolve - no longer shine or give energy  - and not reappear.

All have finally the same atma, same energy and same instincts. So we must make the most of each moment with humble gratitude, always honouring our life and time and realising that we are simply part of this whole process. This is a priority for real  understanding , especially at the time of Maha Sivratri.

Svamiji has guided the following mantra: Om Shivoham as this is simple yet powerful.