Bhagavad Geeta - 6.29

sarva-bhuta-stham atmanam
sarva-bhutani catmani
iksate yoga-yuktatma
sarvatra sama-darsanah

As expounded in Yatharth Geeta - 6.29

"The worshipper, whose Self has achieved the state of yog and who
sees all with an equal eye, beholds his own Self in all beings and
all beings in his Self."

Yog brings about the state in which the even-minded worshipper sees
the extension of his Soul in all beings and the existence of all
beings in his own Soul. The advantage of the perception of this
unity of all beings is the burden of the next verse.


Source:Yatharth Geeta at www.yatharthgeeta.com

Audio Links :

1. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_eng.htm

2. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_hindi.htm

3. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_gurati.htm

4. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_marathi.htm

The Universe is the field where God sports. Be aware of this fact in
every moment of consciousness and there is nothing more you need for a
happy existence. For, you will then contact God in everything, through
every thought, at every place and at very moment. His glory is evident
in the smallest flower and the most distant star. The joy that you can
derive from the contemplation of these proofs of providence is
indescribable. Lord Krishna has said in the Bhagavad Geetha that He is
ever by the side of the joyous being. Be joyful yourself and share it
with others. Limited happiness arising out of self-centeredness should
be given up.

The Sai Ganga that flows deep within each of us

      Our beloved Swami has given us many deeper lessons, insights, and examples
to help us fully realize the Truth within this story. I am just a small servant
at His Divine Feet. I am sure I do not have the real answers to the role of
man-made devastation in the overall goal of spiritual journey and human
development towards mergence with the source – the Divine Love, our beloved
Bhagawan. I am sure the multi-dimensions and complex issues the Farakka Barrage
has caused, can be intellectually discussed from all perspectives without a
common end or agreement by all parties involved for as long as we have time.

   The opportunity I would like to propose to you, dear reader, is to explore the
deeper lessons using Swami’s teachings from this story.

   There is Ganga flowing within all of us. What is it? It is the Divine Sai
Love. We have been chosen by Lord Shiva to be on the bank taking a bath in His
Physical Presence. How beautiful an opportunity! Only few can live near Mother
Ganga – we, the Sai Devotees, are those chosen ones.

   Most of us are too busy and have taken this Mother Sai Ganga for granted, even
though She is always there to purify our sins and bless us everyday. We have
become too busy to recognize the true mission of Sai Ganga – to lead us back to
our heavenly origins. We have taken Sai Ganga for granted, as did many when
building the barrage. Even though we live on the banks of Sai Ganga, we have
lost the vision of the inner beauty and sublime power it has – to cleanse and
heal all who come.

   Instead, we have chosen to dump our worldly desires and attachments, in the
form of pollution, at the feet of Sai Ganga. We continue to hurt Her, without
much regard to what it might be doing to Her ‘health’– physically. Regardless of
how much we make Her suffer and make Her unhappy, she continues to sing the
glorious sound of heavenly Love to all those who take daily dip in Her thoughts.
The Sai Ganga absorbs all of our pollution, bad thoughts words and deeds,
everyday. Just as the Ganga River, Sai Ganga does not waiver her healing power
to anybody who comes to Her.

   How beautiful is Ganga and Sai Ganga? It never stops its flow to think about
Herself, and it only wants to take all who swim in Her glory to help them reach
their original source – the ocean of Love. We, as Sai Devotees, are the few
chosen who have been blessed to reside at the ‘Sai Shore’ – where we can bath in
the glory of Mother Sai. The Mother has been taking care of our livelihood
everyday as Ganga does for the local villagers on shore. Ganga ’s pollution is a
result of Man’s complete recklessness to fulfill unending depth of desires
without a limit – as our beloved Bhagawan has said – lack of Ceiling on Desires.

                   Experiencing the beauty of Sai Ganga means limiting all
outside influences that prevent us from seeing it -
that is, placing a ceiling on our material, social, and ego-based desires

   In the same way, do we really appreciate the grandeur and the beauty of Sai
Ganga in our life? Do we truly appreciate the invisible flow of the Sai Ganga
being poured upon us? Do we truly welcome the opportunity we have been given, on
the shores of Sai Ganga, to finally get out of the life-and-birth cycle which
our Atma has been longing for?

   We continue to exploit our relationship with Sai Ganga by allowing the deep
self-deception within us to exist - for the unreal. We might have convinced
ourselves that we are Sai Devotees, so we don’t have to be perfect, because
Swami is in our lives; He will take care of things. If we have problems, we will
just ‘surrender’ them to Swami. We even go far as, singing the glory of Sai
Ganga’s name, without the beauty and the heritage of each word. Does such
self-deception please our beloved Sai Ganga?

   Just as the Hindu tradition honors the healing powers of Mother Ganga, for us,
we have an opportunity to take a dip in the Love of Mother Sai Ganga. What a
blessing!

   The Farakka Barrage Within All of Us   The Farakka Barrage’s original intent
was to divert some of the Ganga’s flow from its original direction instead
towards Calcutta. Mother Ganga did not decide that; Man decided that. All those
who were involved, somehow, were able to ‘see’ what was at that time. The
experience and expertise available was utilized to build the barrage. Decades of
intellectual assessment, between governing bodies that lead to the final
decision to construct the barrage, was strictly designed through the ‘physical
eye’ – the mind, the intellect, and the knowledge of humans involved.

   As human beings, we build bridges and barrages within us all the time – using
the ‘physical eye’. We have been trained to ‘see’ the world at physical and
emotional levels, then evaluate what we ‘see’ against the experiences and
lessons from our past, then, using our intellect to rationalize and synthesize,
we finally make decisions – generally to serve our self and our ego (or our
collective ego). By the way, we make these decisions quickly – especially in
today’s global business and social cultures, without trying to quiet the mind.
Why? Because we don’t have time! Again we see the self-deception at its best,
running our life, on auto pilot.

   We have not been trained to lead our life using our ‘spiritual eye’. For many
of us, Swami has been guiding us to develop this ‘spiritual eye’ for last eight
decades. Even then, we are struggling, suffering, and spinning.

   Bridge or Barrage, Looking Past the Mirage

   As was the case with the Farakka Barrage, it can be assumed that, there was
lack of authentic decision criteria available at that time. There was lack of
‘spiritual eye’ available by the parties involved.

   I would like to propose the notion that there is a Farakka Barrage
being built, or it is already constructed, within all of us at this time.
Remarkably on surface, these ‘inner constructions’ actually look magnificent
(our careers, or businesses, or luxurious homes, or beautiful cars, etc.) as
bridges and not as barrages. Without deeper inquiry, we have convinced our self
that these bridges, to our future happy life, will give us endless peace and
joy. In reality, they are all barrages within. They undoubtedly only give
temporary joy. They fix a short-term problem, without our inability to recognize
the future negative impact it might have upon us in this journey of life –
towards the ultimate goal. Most inner barrages were rooted in the worldly
attachments and ambitions. They were built using only the mind and the
unregulated ego energy.

     As Sai devotees, we have known this as well. But, we continue to keep
building these inner barrages every day, not realizing the long term impact it
might have upon us and our families.

   Swami has told us that the world and our body is our universal classroom
towards enlightenment. If that is true, we need to dive deeper into such stories
to find real answers for our Dharmic growth. We must demand answers from our
selves, using our spiritual eye, for our inner growth.

   So, let’s accept the fact that the story of Farakka barrage is not at all an
accident. It is here and now. It has been designed to teach us something. This
is true of all that happens to us, everyday. There is no point in devoting
negative thoughts towards things that have happened already. Our Dharma should
be to learn from it – in a deeper way, once we have accepted that all that
happens in the world, near and far, is not by accident but a Divine Will for our
own good.

   If nothing is by accident, then there is absolutely no doubt, it has a come to
us with a deeper meaning and it is ultimately best for all of us. This is very
hard to do for most of us. It is hard, because here lies one of our barrages
within. We don’t like to change. We don’t like to get outside of our comfort
zone. We don’t like to be One (the reminder of Unity, Purity, and Divinity from
our Sai) we prefer to stay in the illusion of body consciousness – that we are
an individual and others are not part of us. This is one of the most complex and
strongest inner barriers.

Ram Chugani
Kobe, Japan
rgcjp@...

Questions to contemplate upon:

   Q: If God is everywhere why is it that we cannot see Him everywhere? Or in the
story of Panchanandapur village and the devastation, where is God?

     A: Swami says:

   The ocean water reflects the sun above. When the water is disturbed, the
reflection of the sun is also disturbed. Similarly, God is in every man. But he
is not able to see Him because of his disturbed mind. A disturbed and
vacillating mind can never reflect God....There is no use of meditation,
chanting His name, etc. if the mind is not steady. Once you have the five senses
under control, you can experience God. He is not far away from you. He is in
you, below you, above you and all around you. God, in fact, is the indweller of
man.
   - Divine Discourse, May 26, 2002.

   R: Reflection to consider:

   As human beings we pride ourselves in being ‘doers’, and our lives are often
wasted everyday in a continuous pyramid of senseless projects. When do we get a
chance to control our mind, the source of all the noise that prevents us to see
God everywhere? Swami has been telling us to first let go, to free our minds
from continuous concentration on things at the outer edge of our life; where
there is little hope for true realization and liberation.

   Q: The Farakka Barrage is not directly impacting us, it is too far away. What
can we do from such distance? What is the inner meaning of this man-made
disaster? What is our role?

     A: Swami says:

   Just as the hands, ears, eyes and legs are all angas (limbs or organs) of
individual human body, the bodies of all human beings are the limbs of society.
Again, society itself is a limb of mankind. And humanity is a limb of Prakrithi
(Nature) and Nature is a limb of Divinity. One should understand this
Anga-Angee-Bhaava (intimate limb) relationship between Divinity and human
beings, in the proper perspective.

     - Divine Discourse, May 20, 1993

   R: Reflection to consider:

   Ganga is part of our nature, and for many of us, it is Divinity, the Godhead.
If we are a ‘limb’ of our society’ and society is the limb of mankind, and
mankind, nature, and divinity are One, we may be able to come up with the
answers easily to such questions and inquiry.

   Swami has also said, "All the limbs [of the body]... are carrying out their
respective duties without any concern for their reward. Look at the way the
heart functions; the impure blood comes through one channel, it is purified and
pumped to all parts of the body through another channel. This is the process by
which the body is kept hale and healthy. This is how the Divine works." (p. 69,
Sathya Sai Speaks Vol. 27).

   Armed with this teaching from our beloved Bhagawan, along with the recognition
that we have constructed internal barrages/conflicts, we can conclude that, we
must vigilantly take care of our character. When we do, we are directly
strengthening our spiritual muscle. No wonder, Swami spends so much time with
the young students, and our individual spiritual growth.

   Only when we have developed this muscle, can we take care of our family and
society. This will help us serve mankind selflessly, which ultimately is
advancing the human consciousness and the harmony between Man, Nature, and God.

   Q: Why is it that we cannot feel compassion for those impacted by the
disaster? Why is it that we cannot feel Love for the homeless in this situation?

     A: Swami says:

   As long as one is governed by the mind, one continues to be human. Once one
goes beyond the mind, one can enjoy the vastness of the limitless expanse of
Cosmic Consciousness. Here is an example: Suppose you construct a spacious house
with a number of bed rooms, living rooms, dining room and bath room. The house
appears divided into a number of small rooms. This is because of the walls put
up for partitioning into rooms. If the walls are pulled down, the house will be
one vast mansion. Similarly, the body is the Upaadhi (wall) which limits one's
perception to the narrow confines of the body. Once you get rid of this body
consciousness, you will experience the vast expanse of the Universal Cosmic
Consciousness which is all-pervasive.
   - Divine Discourse, May 20, 1993.

   Love and Compassion are inherent in every person. Each one has to share their
love with others. Failure to share one's love is gross ingratitude to society,
to which one owes everything. One should give one's love freely to others and
receive love in return. This is the deep significance of human life.
     - Divine Discourse, June 5, 1994.

       R: Reflection to consider:

   Is it possible that we don’t feel the unity consciousness because we have
created these narrow ‘body walls’? It might be easier, first to simply break
down these walls in our own home with our own family members first. When we have
achieved mastery in home, we might have the courage and confidence to view the
world with Love and Compassion outside into society.

   Q: Why were some towns impacted while others were saved? How did Mother Ganga
decide to specifically swallow certain villages and not others? Was it an
accident or was it part of a Divine Plan?

     A: Swami says:

   Suffering entitles you more to the Grace of the Lord. When suffering comes in
waves, one behind the other, be glad that the shore is near: bear them bravely;
do not like cowards throw the blame on some outside Power or develop dislike for
the Lord... Welcome the test because thereafter you are awarded the certificate.
It is to measure your progress that tests are imposed. So do not flinch in the
face of grief.

   The Lord bestows a favor when He decides to test you, for He is impressed by
your achievement and wants to put upon it the seal of His approval. Rise up to
the demands of the test, that is the way to please the Lord.

       - Divine Discourse, March 6, 1962.

   R: Reflection to consider:

   Is it possible that the suffering dawned upon these villagers was actually
Grace from Swami? Was it their time to be cradled in the Divine Arms? Was it a
favor from the Lord?

   Conclusion   In conclusion, I offer that there are beautiful wisdom teachings
all around us everyday – from every corner of our life – near and far. It is
only seen when we have developed (through commitment) a ‘spiritual eye’, that
such wisdom is visible. Swami has given us an entire ‘playbook’, on how to live
every moment of our life. He has given us all that we need to live our life with
perfect joy and happiness. It is strictly up to us to utilize them fully,
partially, or simply ignore them. We must shift our thinking and become very
aware that we have the choice - the final choice to see the ‘real’ or stay in
the ‘unreal’.

   As Swami beautifully says:

     A key performs both the functions of locking and unlocking the lock. When it
is turned left, the lock gets locked; when it is turned right, the lock is
opened. In man, the heart is the lock; mind is the key. When the mind is turned
Godward, the heart develops detachment. When the mind is turned towards the
world, the heart develops attachment. Thus both detachment and attachment result
from the way the mind functions. When the mind is directed towards Prakruthi
(Nature or the phenomenal world), bondage ensues. When you turn your mind
towards Divinity, you experience Ananda (bliss).
   - Divine Discourse, May 6, 1988.

   So, that is the key. All the problems in this world are created by the Mind,
but the solution lies, not in the mind and its intellectual capabilities and
skills, but in the heart. A heart filled with compassion and love alone can
bring heaven on Earth, just like Sage Bhagiratha did aeons ago.

Ram Chugani
Kobe, Japan
rgcjp@...

Gitakriyaavyayanigrahaat saivaatmaa na bhinnassa iva

(In the Gita, the control on unnecessary expenditure
of inert energy is stressed to attain happiness from
the self and this proves that the self is basically
inert energy. In the case of Nivrutti, such control is
not needed since God, the source of happiness, is
different from inert energy.)

Since the self is limited inert energy only due to the
limited human body, its expenditure is to be balanced
to enjoy the freshness that can be obtained from the
control of self or Atma Yoga. Since awareness is work
and since inert energy is a form of work, the
expenditure of awareness is the expenditure of inert
energy itself. If this expenditure is not controlled,
the freshness of the stored inert energy, which is the
basic form of awareness or self cannot be obtained.
Hence, the Gita says that the expenditure of inert
energy through activities during the states of waking
and dream must be controlled to enjoy the stored inert
energy (Yuktacheshtasya karmasu,
Yuktassvapnaavabodhasya, Yogobhavati…). The Gita
also says here that the food, which is the source of
inert energy, should also be controlled because of the
limitations of the efficiency of the digestive system.
Otherwise, food being the source of inert energy,
could have been recommended for eating without control
(Yuktaahaara…). The word Yoga in Pravritti
without referring to God means only the control of the
extra expenditure of inert energy to enjoy its
freshness due to its storage. The word yoga in
Nivrutti means the attainment of God in human form
like Vasudeva and the happiness attained from Yoga in
Nivrutti has no relevance to such expenditure. In
fact, in Nivrutti, a lot of expenditure of inert
energy is to be done in divine service. Such
expenditure has no relevance for happiness since the
happiness is derived from God here. But in Pravrutti,
the happiness is due to the freshness of stored inert
energy only by controlling its unnecessary
expenditure. If the self (inert energy which is the
basic form of awareness) is a special entity like God,
the unnecessary expenditure need not be mentioned in
the Yoga of Pravrutti.
 

Written by


His Holiness Shri
Datta Swami


website address:
http://www.universal-spirituality.org

e-mail address:
swami@...

Jai Guru Datta

Gayathry

Bhakti (devotion) is defined as a means of discovering the Divine
reality within each being. Four steps are laid down in the scriptures
to help man succeed in this effort - discrimination between the
permanent and the ephemeral; withdrawal from the process of catering to
the senses; positive control of the feelings, thoughts and pursuits,
and incessant yearning for liberation from all bonds. Bhakti is the
urge which manifests as all these four endeavours. It directs man to
have God ever in mind and to cultivate love for God within him.

Guno rudhah chiti chidabhaavo nirguna upaadherbhedah

(The word guna is fixed in the
property of awareness. Therefore, the word nirguna means the absence of total
awareness. Due to the media the inert energy is differentiated).

Shankara
stated that the self in the deep sleep is nirguna i.e. not associated with any
gunas or qualities. Though the word guna means property of any entity in general
through yoga (root meaning), but the word guna is fixed in usage in the
properties of awareness only like seeing, enjoying, hearing, fear, courage,
generosity etc. The word guna is used in the three qualities i.e. sattvam,
rajas and tamas. These three qualities are confined to the properties of
awareness only as we see in the chapter of Triguna Vibhaga of the Gita. The
property of burning of fire is indicated by the word dharma and not guna.
Therefore, the absence of any guna in deep sleep means the absence of all the
characteristics of awareness. In conclusion, it means the absence of awareness
itself! When the awareness disappeared, the remaining item is only the basic
form of awareness which is inert energy lacking all the gunas. Hence, Shankara
referred
the inert energy only through the word Nirgunam in the deep sleep. Such inert
energy is qualitatively one and the same cosmic energy. The inert energy
remaining in the deep sleep quantitatively multiplied by infinity becomes the
cosmic energy. The cosmic energy being the creator, ruler and destroyer of the
world is the greatest or Brahman (Here Brahman is not in the sense of God).
Therefore, the self is qualitatively the same Brahman. The difference between
the self (Atman) and Brahman (cosmic energy) is only quantitative due to the
difference in the media of human body and the cosmos. Thus the difference
between Atman and Brahman is only due to their media (Upadhi bheda) as per the
explanation of Shankara.

Written by

His Holiness Shri
Datta Swami

website address:
http://www.universal-spirituality.org

e-mail address:
swami@...

Jai Guru Datta
Gayathry

REPENTENCE AND REWARD

             Once upon a time there lived a King by name Satvika who ruled Puri
Kshetra (the pilgrim town of Puri in East India ). He was deeply devoted to Lord
Jagannath (a form of Lord Krishna worshipped in Puri). This King, who was highly
learned, was unequalled in debates and ruled the Kingdom in a righteous way. He
had but one bad habit - he was obsessed with the game of dice. However much he
tried he could not give up this bad habit.
   Once, King Satvika, along with his courtiers, went to the Temple to have
Darshan of Lord Jagannath. At the time he went to the Temple the screen had been
drawn across the Sanctum Sanctorum. King Satvika sat on the 'prakara' (corridor
running outside and around the Sanctum Sanctorum) and began to play the game of
dice with his Minister.
   The screen was opened and the Temple priests came up to King Satvika and
informed him that the 'abhisheka' (ritual) was about to be performed. But, he
turned a deaf ear to it as he was excitedly playing the game of dice.


     As the wait for the presence of the King went in vain, the priests commenced
the 'abhishekha'. Though the King was again informed about the puja being
performed, he did not pay heed to it, passionately playing the game of dice.



        The priests performed 'Alankara' (decoration), 'nivedanam' (offering of
food), and ‘karpoora harati' (showing lighted camphor). But, the King was still
playing the game of dice. Going to where the King sat, the temple priests
requested him to accept the 'prasad'. Turning the dice with his right hand the
King extended his left hand to receive the 'prasad'. It has been said in the
scriptures that the Lord's 'prasad' should be received in all humility and
devotion. Since the King failed to receive the 'prasad' in this manner and had
indifferently extended his left hand (which is considered disrespectful), the
priests went back without giving him the 'prasad'. After a long time the game of
dice came to an exciting close and returning to his normal state the King learnt
that the puja to the Lord was over and 'prasad' had been distributed.
   The King questioned the priests, "Why did you not inform me when the screen
was opened?" The priests explained to him, "At every stage of the puja we
invited you. But, you did not come, as you were playing the game of dice.
Moreover, when we came up to you to offer the 'prasad' you extended your left
hand.
   As receiving the 'prasad' in the left hand and giving the 'prasad' to one who
receives it in this manner is verily a sin we did not give you the 'prasad'.”
Realizing his fault the King said to the priests, "You have indeed acted in the
right way!"
   The King deeply regretted playing dice at the temple instead of worshipping
the Lord and also for holding out his left hand for receiving the 'prasad'. He
was unable to eat or sleep. He was eaten with remorse that one who had to set an
example for the people of his Kingdom had acted so sinfully. He decided to cut
off his hand by way of punishing himself. Since he had played the game of dice
with the Minister he decided to ask the Minister to cut off his hand and
informed him. The Minister was totally shaken by this and refused to carry it
out. The Minister advised him, "It is enough if you seek the Lord's forgiveness
from the bottom of your heart!" But, the King was unable to accept this advice.
   One day, when the Minister had forgotten about this matter the King said to
the Minister, "Oh! Minister! For some time now I have been unable to sleep at
nights. Through the window a hand seems to appear into my room and wave out. I
think that this might be the work of some ghost!" The Minister thought for a
while and said that he would stay that night in the King's room and find out.
The King said to the minister, "If you see that hand tonight cut it off. Only
then can it be known if it is the work of a ghost or that of a thief." Agreeing
to this suggestion the Minister, holding a sword in his hand, stayed awake in
the King's room that night. Just as the King had said a hand appeared through
the window. Without any delay the Minister cut that hand down.
   The Minister was shocked to find the King's ring on the finger of the hand and
rushing out of the room he found the King standing there bleeding.
           .Only then did he understand the King's motive in asking him to cut of
the ‘ghost hand’. Though writhed in pain the King was happy that he had been
punished for the wrong he had committed.
   Everyone wondered at the devotion and righteousness of the King on learning
about this incident. Some time passed and one day the King went to have Darshan
of Lord Jagannath. That day, after the puja when the priests came to him to
offer the 'prasad', King Satvika tried to receive it with both his hands. A
miracle occurred when by the Grace of Lord Jagannath the King's right hand was
restored!
   Deeply touched by the compassion of the Lord, the King said, "I came here
today with a decision to give up my life, as losing the right hand is not enough
for the wrong done by me. But, oh! Lord! What compassion you have even towards a
wicked person like me?" and fell in prostration to Lord Jagannath.

   From that day King Satvika undertook the service of the Lord and His devotees
as his duty and finally merged with Lord Jagannath.
   Courtesy: Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas, January 2007
   Illustrations: Sai Aditya, SSSU.
   - Heart2Heart Team

---------------------------------
   LOVINGLY IN SAI
   RAM.CHUGANI


Ram Chugani
Kobe, Japan
rgcjp@...


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Bhagavad Geeta - 6.28

yunjann evam sadatmanam
yogi vigata-kalmasah
sukhena brahma-samsparsam
atyantam sukham asnute

As expounded in Yatharth Geeta - 6.28

"Thus constantly dedicating his Self to God, the immaculate yogi
experiences the eternal bliss of realization."

The emphasis here is on sinlessness and continuous devotion. The
yogi needs to possess these qualities before he can experience the
blessedness of touching God and merging into him. So worship is a
necessity.


Source:Yatharth Geeta at www.yatharthgeeta.com

Audio Links :

1. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_eng.htm

2. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_hindi.htm

3. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_gurati.htm

4. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_marathi.htm

The Sai Ganga
         The Sai Ganga that flows deep within each of us
      Our beloved Swami has given us many deeper lessons, insights, and examples
to help us fully realize the Truth within this story. I am just a small servant
at His Divine Feet. I am sure I do not have the real answers to the role of
man-made devastation in the overall goal of spiritual journey and human
development towards mergence with the source – the Divine Love, our beloved
Bhagawan. I am sure the multi-dimensions and complex issues the Farakka Barrage
has caused, can be intellectually discussed from all perspectives without a
common end or agreement by all parties involved for as long as we have time.
   The opportunity I would like to propose to you, dear reader, is to explore the
deeper lessons using Swami’s teachings from this story.
   There is Ganga flowing within all of us. What is it? It is the Divine Sai
Love. We have been chosen by Lord Shiva to be on the bank taking a bath in His
Physical Presence. How beautiful an opportunity! Only few can live near Mother
Ganga – we, the Sai Devotees, are those chosen ones.
   Most of us are too busy and have taken this Mother Sai Ganga for granted, even
though She is always there to purify our sins and bless us everyday. We have
become too busy to recognize the true mission of Sai Ganga – to lead us back to
our heavenly origins. We have taken Sai Ganga for granted, as did many when
building the barrage. Even though we live on the banks of Sai Ganga, we have
lost the vision of the inner beauty and sublime power it has – to cleanse and
heal all who come.
   Instead, we have chosen to dump our worldly desires and attachments, in the
form of pollution, at the feet of Sai Ganga. We continue to hurt Her, without
much regard to what it might be doing to Her ‘health’– physically. Regardless of
how much we make Her suffer and make Her unhappy, she continues to sing the
glorious sound of heavenly Love to all those who take daily dip in Her thoughts.
The Sai Ganga absorbs all of our pollution, bad thoughts words and deeds,
everyday. Just as the Ganga River, Sai Ganga does not waiver her healing power
to anybody who comes to Her.
   How beautiful is Ganga and Sai Ganga? It never stops its flow to think about
Herself, and it only wants to take all who swim in Her glory to help them reach
their original source – the ocean of Love. We, as Sai Devotees, are the few
chosen who have been blessed to reside at the ‘Sai Shore’ – where we can bath in
the glory of Mother Sai. The Mother has been taking care of our livelihood
everyday as Ganga does for the local villagers on shore. Ganga ’s pollution is a
result of Man’s complete recklessness to fulfill unending depth of desires
without a limit – as our beloved Bhagawan has said – lack of Ceiling on Desires.
                   Experiencing the beauty of Sai Ganga means limiting all
outside influences that prevent us from seeing it -
that is, placing a ceiling on our material, social, and ego-based desires
   In the same way, do we really appreciate the grandeur and the beauty of Sai
Ganga in our life? Do we truly appreciate the invisible flow of the Sai Ganga
being poured upon us? Do we truly welcome the opportunity we have been given, on
the shores of Sai Ganga, to finally get out of the life-and-birth cycle which
our Atma has been longing for?
   We continue to exploit our relationship with Sai Ganga by allowing the deep
self-deception within us to exist - for the unreal. We might have convinced
ourselves that we are Sai Devotees, so we don’t have to be perfect, because
Swami is in our lives; He will take care of things. If we have problems, we will
just ‘surrender’ them to Swami. We even go far as, singing the glory of Sai
Ganga’s name, without the beauty and the heritage of each word. Does such
self-deception please our beloved Sai Ganga?
   Just as the Hindu tradition honors the healing powers of Mother Ganga, for us,
we have an opportunity to take a dip in the Love of Mother Sai Ganga. What a
blessing!
   The Farakka Barrage Within All of Us   The Farakka Barrage’s original intent
was to divert some of the Ganga’s flow from its original direction instead
towards Calcutta. Mother Ganga did not decide that; Man decided that. All those
who were involved, somehow, were able to ‘see’ what was at that time. The
experience and expertise available was utilized to build the barrage. Decades of
intellectual assessment, between governing bodies that lead to the final
decision to construct the barrage, was strictly designed through the ‘physical
eye’ – the mind, the intellect, and the knowledge of humans involved.
   As human beings, we build bridges and barrages within us all the time – using
the ‘physical eye’. We have been trained to ‘see’ the world at physical and
emotional levels, then evaluate what we ‘see’ against the experiences and
lessons from our past, then, using our intellect to rationalize and synthesize,
we finally make decisions – generally to serve our self and our ego (or our
collective ego). By the way, we make these decisions quickly – especially in
today’s global business and social cultures, without trying to quiet the mind.
Why? Because we don’t have time! Again we see the self-deception at its best,
running our life, on auto pilot.
   We have not been trained to lead our life using our ‘spiritual eye’. For many
of us, Swami has been guiding us to develop this ‘spiritual eye’ for last eight
decades. Even then, we are struggling, suffering, and spinning.
   Bridge or Barrage, Looking Past the Mirage
   As was the case with the Farakka Barrage, it can be assumed that, there was
lack of authentic decision criteria available at that time. There was lack of
‘spiritual eye’ available by the parties involved.
   I would like to propose the notion that there is a Farakka Barrage being
built, or it is already constructed, within all of us at this time. Remarkably
on surface, these ‘inner constructions’ actually look magnificent (our careers,
or businesses, or luxurious homes, or beautiful cars, etc.) as bridges and not
as barrages. Without deeper inquiry, we have convinced our self that these
bridges, to our future happy life, will give us endless peace and joy. In
reality, they are all barrages within. They undoubtedly only give temporary joy.
They fix a short-term problem, without our inability to recognize the future
negative impact it might have upon us in this journey of life – towards the
ultimate goal. Most inner barrages were rooted in the worldly attachments and
ambitions. They were built using only the mind and the unregulated ego energy.

     As Sai devotees, we have known this as well. But, we continue to keep
building these inner barrages every day, not realizing the long term impact it
might have upon us and our families.
   Swami has told us that the world and our body is our universal classroom
towards enlightenment. If that is true, we need to dive deeper into such stories
to find real answers for our Dharmic growth. We must demand answers from our
selves, using our spiritual eye, for our inner growth.
   So, let’s accept the fact that the story of Farakka barrage is not at all an
accident. It is here and now. It has been designed to teach us something. This
is true of all that happens to us, everyday. There is no point in devoting
negative thoughts towards things that have happened already. Our Dharma should
be to learn from it – in a deeper way, once we have accepted that all that
happens in the world, near and far, is not by accident but a Divine Will for our
own good.
   If nothing is by accident, then there is absolutely no doubt, it has a come to
us with a deeper meaning and it is ultimately best for all of us. This is very
hard to do for most of us. It is hard, because here lies one of our barrages
within. We don’t like to change. We don’t like to get outside of our comfort
zone. We don’t like to be One (the reminder of Unity, Purity, and Divinity from
our Sai) we prefer to stay in the illusion of body consciousness – that we are
an individual and others are not part of us. This is one of the most complex and
strongest inner barriers.
   As Sai devotees and as serious spiritual seekers, we must recognize other such
inner barrages, and then we can start asking more pronounced questions such as:

    What must we do for the villagers being impacted today in this part of the
world?
    What is our role for other such similar societal projects that might be
underway in our own neighborhoods, counties, provinces, states, countries?
    How can we find the five values of Sathya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema, and Ahimsa
in such situations?
    Where is God in such stories?
    What is our own lesson and a message for our inner growth from this story?

   We can accelerate our inner growth by recognizing that there are numerous
types of inner barrages we must fight:

               Mr. Sushil Patel



    Person vs. Self is where a person’s character is at odds against their own
will, confusion, or fears. Person vs. Self can also be where a character tries
to find out who they are or comes to a realization or a change in character.
Although the struggle is internal, the character can be influenced by external
forces. The struggle of the human being to come to an integrity based decision
is the basis of Person vs. Self barrage.
    Person vs. Person is when there is a conflict of two forms of like beings. An
example is the hero's conflicts with the central villain of a work, which may
play a large role in the plot and contribute to the development of both
characters. There are usually several confrontations between them before some
kind of duel. The conflict is external.
    Person vs. Society is the conflict in social traditions or concepts. In this
sense, the two parties are: a) the protagonist(s); b) the society in which the
protagonist(s) are part of. Society itself is often looked at as a single
character, just as an opposing party would be looked at in a Person vs. Person
conflict.
    Person vs. Nature/Environment is the theme in where an individual is against
nature and forces of nature. Many films focus on this theme, which is
predominant within many survival stories. It is also strong in stories about
struggling for survival in remote locales and man-made disasters.
    Person vs. Higher-self is where a person is struggling to find answers about
the Divinity, the Atma, the Universal Source, the Super Conscious, or we can say
God.

   On the surface, the story of Farakka barrage may seem only to be of Person vs.
Nature conflict. Is it? It can be argued that it is much more. It actually
encompasses all of the above types of inner conflicts. ARTICLE FROM h-h
   ( OM SAI RAM  RAM.CHUGANI )

Ram Chugani
Kobe, Japan
rgcjp@...


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Know that the real 'You' is deathless; make death a sublime act of
liberation. Such knowledge can come only through a life devoted to
Dharmanishta (steady pursuit of the moral code) and Karmanishta (steady
devotion to the duties of one's stage of life). These two must end in
the evolution of Brahmanishta - the steady contemplation of the One
Basis of all this seeming multiplicity, namely, Brahman. The Nishta
(discipline) becomes steady by practice and your separate individual
existence is merged in the great deluge of wisdom, which merges you in
Him.

Bhogojnaanam jaagradaadaaveva na praaktadaatmanah.

(The enjoyment of freshness itself
is a mode of awareness, which starts only in the first moment of the waking
state and not in deep sleep at all. The object of this state is the blankness
or space or inert energy or self.)

In the waking and dream states the
inert energy is in the state of functioning through the nervous system and
hence is always associated with its special work called as awareness. Hence in
these two states, the awareness cannot be realized as a dependent on the inert
energy only. Only from deep sleep, when the awareness disappears and the inert
energy alone is realized, all the show of awareness disappears. Only from deep
sleep you can realize that the awareness is a dependent of the inert energy and
you can realize that the basic and eternal form of awareness is inert energy,
which is an entity as the worker or working element. In the very first moment
of waking state, there is awareness or perception of    blankness
or vacuum (space), in which no
modification of space (any worldly item) exists. From this state of that first
moment, you are inferring the existence of the same state during the deep sleep
also. It is a matter of straight self-experience of any human being that it is
not aware of even the blankness during the deep sleep. In deep sleep, blankness
or space or finite inert energy exists but it is not identified, since
awareness or the special mode of work of the same inert energy is absent. 
Inert energy was not functioning in such
special style called as awareness during deep sleep. The enjoyment of freshness
due to the perception of blankness (absence of any worldly items or affairs) is
also done in the very first moment of the waking state only (yassaakshaat
kurute prabodhasamaye—Shankara). Enjoyment is a mode of awareness. When the
awareness itself was absent in the deep sleep, how can there be the enjoyment
of freshness during the deep sleep? This blankness or vacuum or space or
primordial energy or inert energy is nothing but the self of the awareness. The
worker or the working element is the self of the work. The conclusion is: In
the deep sleep only the inert energy remains which is the subject and it has no
object because the inert energy does not function to have the awareness by
which it can know some thing different from itself.  As soon as the deep
sleep ends, the inert
energy starts functioning and is associated with the awareness by which itself
becomes the object of its own process of awareness. Therefore, after the deep
sleep the awareness of self or inert energy exists, in which awareness is the
subject (grasper) and the self is object (grasped).  But, during the deep
sleep, only the self
exists, which is not grasped by the awareness since the awareness is
absent.  Hence, the self only remains in
the deep sleep as the subject.  In the
deep sleep, since awareness is totally absent, enjoyment cannot also exist
during the deep sleep because enjoyment is a mode of awareness.   It
means enjoyment cannot exist without
awareness.  The enjoyment of freshness or
blankness of affairs happens only in the first moment of the waking state. 
From such enjoyment, you are inferring  a possibility of such enjoyment
during the
deep sleep also.  In fact, there is no enjoyment
of freshness during deep sleep and your assumption based on the inference is
not true at all. During the deep sleep, the blankness of affairs existed but
such blankness was not grasped or enjoyed due to absence of awareness.

Written by

His Holiness Shri
Datta Swami

website address:
http://www.universal-spirituality.org

e-mail address:
swami@...

Jai Guru Datta
Gayathry

Bhagavad Geeta - 6.27

prasanta-manasam hy enam
yoginam sukham uttamam
upaiti santa-rajasam
brahma-bhutam akalmasam

As expounded in Yatharth Geeta - 6.27

"The most sublime happiness is the lot of the yogi whose mind is at
peace, who is free from evil, whose passion and moral blindness have
been dispelled, and who has become one with God."

Nothing is superior to the happiness that comes to this yogi, for
this is the happiness that results from identity with God; and this
ultimate bliss comes only to that man who is perfectly at peace in
his heart and mind, free from sin, and whose property of passion and
moral blindness has been subdued. The same idea is stressed again.



Source:Yatharth Geeta at www.yatharthgeeta.com

Audio Links :

1. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_eng.htm

2. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_hindi.htm

3. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_gurati.htm

4. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_marathi.htm

There was once a world-famous artist. He had an extraordinary talent for
figure and portrait painting. He came to Krishna, in his capital city of
Dvaraka, and wanted to paint Krishna's portrait. With a beaming smile Krishna
said, "Well, if you want to paint my image you can certainly do so. Tell me what
I should do." The artist requested, "Swami, if you would kindly just sit still
for an hour in the same place, I will draw an outline, and then later on I will
fill in the details." Krishna sat down on for the artist and remained without
moving. The artist made some preliminary sketches. After a while, he prostrated
at Krishna's feet and said, "Swami, I am done now." Smiling, Krishna asked,
"When are you going to show the picture?" The artist answered, "Swami, by
tomorrow at this time I should have completed it."

   Throughout the night, he worked untiringly on this difficult task of
accurately painting a likeness of the Lord on canvas. When the picture was done
the next morning, the artist was extremely pleased with his work. He covered the
painting with a beautiful cloth and brought it to Krishna. But when the cloth
was removed, it was seen that in the intervening 24 hours the form of Krishna
had undergone a remarkable change. The artist put the portrait directly
alongside Krishna. He looked at the picture and then looked at Krishna. He
realized that there was very little resemblance between the two. Krishna also
looked at the painting and pointed out, "My dear fellow, there seem to be a
number of defects." The artist said, "Please forgive me, Swami. Please give me
another chance. Let me try again and I will do better." It went on like this for
ten days.

   Each day the artist did his work over again, but it was impossible to get a
proper picture. Now the artist began to feel ashamed. He decided it would be
best if he just disappeared from there, and so he hurriedly left the city. On
the way, sage Narada happened to meet the artist departing from the city. Narada
asked the artist, "You seem quite disturbed. Tell me what is making you so
unhappy." The artist explained to him all that had happened. Narada told the
artist, "Well, Krishna is a master actor and a master director. He is enacting
this whole drama. Using your methods you will never be able to get a true
likeness of him. But if you really want to succeed then listen to my words and
follow them implicitly.

   The artist agreed to do exactly as Narada instructed. He returned to Dvaraka,
and the very next day went to Krishna, carrying with him a picture covered with
a fine cloth. He told Krishna, "Swami, I have finally been able to bring you
your exact picture. Please have a look. This will always give the correct
likeness of you. Whatever changes come into your expression and form, the image
that is seen here will show all these changes faithfully." Then he got ready to
remove the covering cloth and said, "Please accept this as my best picture of
you." When the cloth came away, it revealed a clean mirror.

   If you want to paint a portrait of the Lord who is permanent with temporary
materials like brushes, paint, etc., you will not be able to succeed. In the
physical universe everything is temporary. All forms are constantly undergoing
change. Such transient forms cannot give a proper vision of the permanent Lord.
If you want to have a clean and unchanging vision of the Lord, you will be able
to obtain it only in the clean mirror, which is your own purified heart.

   ( LOVINGLY  IS  SAI )
   RAM

Ram Chugani
Kobe, Japan
rgcjp@...

Two things are essential for happy life. Dhaanya and Dhyaana. Dhaanya
(food grains) for the sustenance of the body and Dhyaana (meditation)
for entering the temple of the Lord within you and merging in His
Glory. The sages of yore retired into the silence of the forest and by
means of hard mental toil won for mankind the great treasure of
spiritual experience and inspiration. The reason for their taking
refuge in lonely places was to keep the senses away from things that
delight and distract, to escape the infection that will damage the
springs of joy. Their sole purpose was to learn the secret of
liberation for the benefit of humanity.

Their are at this time two types of magicians now coming into incarnation.One
group is devoted to the true evolution of all humanity and the other group are
devoted to the black arts and are ever ready to destroy the work of the brothers
of the right hand path.This is one of the reasons why those of the side of love
must bind together and prevent the evil ones from destroying the work of the
great ones.Most of these two groups are of the first and second degree
initiations which gives them tremendous power on both the physical and astral
planes. One such group of evil beings were the group around Adolf Hitler who
were profoundly wicked and very deeply evil beings who sought to rule the world
for a thousand years.Their was a group of black magicians who were working along
with the evil plans of Hitler who was obsessed with two of the Lords of
Materiality and was their puppet so to speak to throw the world into the
darkness of the Kai Yuga age.The allies of the second world war were the
represented as the forces of light during that period of time and the black
lodge must fade out and disappear where ever the light manifests itself.The
Black Lodge was founded during the Atlantean root race when the astral body was
being developed at that time and the Lords of the dark face sought to retard the
development of mans spiritual development for untold ages to come and one which
weighs very heavy on us all today. This evil today manifests itself through the
means of glamour and illusion thus preventing the human race from realizing its
true origins as spiritual beings.The power of the black lodge is now begining to
diminish as more and more of the sons of men awaken as to their true mission on
earth is realized.We are now entering an age where the true divinity of man will
be realized and the power of the black lodge's power is begining to weakening as
more and more people find their way through the gates of initiation and
enlightenment.Some time in the distant future this planet will be considered as
a sacred planet in which every unit of humanity has taken at least the third
initiation and has therefore become truly divine in the technical sense .To the
hierarchy the third initiation is really the first initiation and the reason for
this is that all three aspects or bodies of man begin to function as a unit and
one begins to develop a continuity of consciousness which means that the
initiate begins to become aware and awake during sleep and in between
incarnations and develops an awareness at all time without a break in awareness
of time and space and it is very rare to see a black magician reach this stage
of development for he ,in most cases can not evolve beyond the second initiation
except in some very rare cases where we have a high initiates who back slides
back into his old ways of materiality .At this time we have 12 black magicians
now working in the world ,there are 6 Oriental and 6 occidental and who are very
highly advanced in the intelegence aspect but total devoid of the love
aspect.These are beings who see no unity with their own species and take their
own selfishness to a highly morbid state and will destroy anything that gets in
their way .Hitler was as I have said was a puppet for these beings and was
totally obsessed with their activity.Their are some egos who are coming into
incarnation who are unconscious magicians for both evil and as well as for good
and have acquired their powers during the atlantean root race when magic was
public property.These groups will in time learn to use their powers for the good
of all men and will further develop these God-like qualities through out the new
age as they come into incarnation again and again until total mastery is
achieved and thus become co-creators with the universal mind.We all have it
within ourselves to become whatever we want ,for we all have the seeds of high
greatness right within us all needing only the radiant light of the soul to
bring them forth in all of its wondrous beauty.The human beings that are now
coming into incarnation at this time are at various levels of development ,some
are very advanced and others not so highly evolved at all.The bulk of advanced
humanity are going to be the first ones to one day tread the path of initiation
while the others will be held over until a new world comes into being that will
be more suited to their level of develpment. All in all we are all heading for
the same goal which is to become a divine being and to one day become a Master
of Wisdom. My love enfolds you all.

http://mikehughes52.livejournal.com/12835.html

Enjoy!
- mikehughes52

Drugantaah shochaniyaah druguhayorbhedaat

(The Advaitins who keep the sight as the ultimate truth are really pitiable
since there is a lot of difference between sight and imagination.)

The state of Advaitins, who have misunderstood Shankara, is really pitiable.
They are keeping the sight (Druk) or awareness as the absolute truth and trying
to discuss the entire philosophy around it. They have taken the granddaughter
who is just a kid and are treating this kid as the grandmother! They are so
confused that they treat the mother and grandmother as the issues of the
granddaughter! They feel that the awareness has generated the God taken as the
human incarnation and also the primordial energy. They say that the awareness
created the cosmic energy and the cosmos in which the human incarnation is also
a product. The sight involves practical implementation, whereas the imagination
involves theoretical assumptions. You can say that the wall is relatively real
with respect to God existing in the form of Shankara. This is your imagination.
Shankara crossed the bolted doors of the house of Mandana Mishra proving this
concept. You can mention this point and imagine the relative reality of creation
including primordial energy with respect to God (Shankara). By such imagination,
your sight has not reached the state of that imagination so that you can also
pass through the bolted doors. Hence, you are not God (Shankara). Shankara
proved this by swallowing molten lead and asking His disciples to do the same.
The disciples failed to do that because their imagination and practical sight
are quite different. In the case of Shankara, being God in the absolute plane,
the imagination and sight become one and the same, since the entire world
including primordial energy is just imagination of God. When you see something
in your imaginary world that also remains as imagination only and hence, your
sight and imagination are one and the same in your imaginary world. But when you
see something in the world, your sight is not your imagination since this world
is not your imagination.

Written by

His Holiness Shri
Datta Swami

website address:
http://www.universal-spirituality.org

e-mail address:
swami@...

Jai Guru Datta
Gayathry

Bhagavad Geeta - 6.26

yato yato niscalati
manas cancalam asthiram
tatas tato niyamyaitad
atmany eva vasam nayet

As expounded in Yatharth Geeta - 6.26

"Doing away with the causes that make the inconstant and fickle
wander among worldly objects, he should devote his mind to God
alone."

Strictly keeping out all allurements that tempt the changeable and
restless mind to associate with worldly objects, the worshipper
should try repeatedly to confine it to the Self. It is often
contended that the mind should be let free to go wherever it tends
to go. After all, where else can it go except to nature, which is
also a creation of God? So if it roams amidst nature, it is not
transgressing the bounds of God. But according to Sri Krishn this is
a misconception. There is no room for such beliefs in the Geeta. It
is Sri Krishn's injunction that the very organs through which the
mind strays here and there should be curbed in order to devote it
solely to God. Restraint of mind is possible But what is the
consequence of this restraint?


Source:Yatharth Geeta at www.yatharthgeeta.com

Audio Links :

1. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_eng.htm

2. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_hindi.htm

3. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_gurati.htm

4. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_marathi.htm

Anger and hatred are useful sometimes like the hiss of the cobra to
keep the intruders away. They can be used to ward off the evil that
stalks the Sadhaka (spiritual aspirant). Be angry at things that hinder
your spiritual growth; hate the bad habits that torment you. Cultivate
Jnana (Supreme Knowledge) and visualise the Lord in all the things and
activities. That makes the human birth worthwhile. Do not seek faults
in others; for 'others' are but manifestations of the Lord you are
seeking to realise. It is your own fault that you see reflected in
others.

For a long time to come the first initiation will be seen as a major initiation
,in that it marks the beginning of a new way of life and a time of some great
discoveries about the nature of the human soul.At this time their are almost one
million people in the world who are now ready for the first initiation and they
are counted as the more advanced members of the human kingdom.The first
initiation is about new beginnings as regarding the spiritual life of the
aspirant.Those who have taken this initiation will have a strong desire to serve
the human race at some level and to live a life of altruistic activity of some
kind and to really make their mark in life as a true server of the human race.
There are five planetary initiations that one must pass through in order to
become a Master of Wisdom, but we shall at this time confine ourselves to the
first initiation as this is the one that concerns the bulk of humanity at this
time.The human soul begins to make an impact on the man near the first
initiation along with a strong desire to become much more than what we are now
as we are encased in these bodies of flesh and blood.It is at this time that the
Masters of Wisdom begin to take notice of the advancing soul and becomes apart
of their group and is put through a stage of rigorous training and discipline
and becomes a helper for the spiritual hierarchy on this planet.There are as
well higher initiates who are Shambhala initiates such as Washington who is an
initiate of Shambhalla and who uses the Washington monument as a focus for his
power.Mast of the founders of America were initiates of high degree and are now
returning to the everyday world to help the people of America achieve its
destiny as the light of the world.The United States has more than enough to feed
this starving world of plenty, its all a matter of sharing and the demonstration
of a loving heart for all of our brothers and sisters.The walls that separate
mankind must be brought down and unity restored, for this is the only sane way
that we can do,for humanity is one in spirit and must learn to co-operate
together for the creation of a much better world.When we can see these
principles are at work in our world then we can be sure that humanity ,in its
most advanced brackets have taken the first initiation and are thus treading the
path to liberation. At this time in our world there are about 800 thousand
initiates of the first degree now working in our world at this time which is
another reason why Maitreya must return to the everyday world of mankind ,for he
is the initiator at the first two initiations..Masses of human beings will come
to the temples of the time to take the first initiation and set out on the
path.There are about 3-4 million people who are now ready to take the first
initiation as a result of an ever deepening soul contact and of an ever
expanding sense of awareness as to its place in the cosmos. For the first time
in countless thousands of years man will come face to face with the living
reality of the divine self which dwells within us all. By the year 2025 these
initiates will be in their millions and will be working in their appointments
all around the world .They will be counted as the more advanced group of the
human race.They have come into our world to revolutionize the entire world
through the principle of love and sharing of the worlds resources so that none
may starve in a world of plenty which is a very shameful thing to do in this day
and age.Service galvanize all into spiritual action of some kind, for this is
the nature of the soul as it comes into incarnation again and again until one is
liberated from the trammels of the material world and to rise upwards into the
freedom of the spirit and to become Masters of Wisdom over all of the forces of
nature.Many of the New Group of World Servers are now preparing for the first
initiation or have already taken it in this life or the one before this one and
some will take it in their next life time for they are counted as the more
advanced members of the human race.these groups are loosely connected together
all over the world and are working to bring the plan to precipitate onto the
physical plane that all may return to much saner conditions.Some of these
initiates are now working within the United Nations and are just beginning to
exert their power for the good of the human race and to bring about a one world
spirituality where the principal of brotherhood are the key foundation.After the
first initiation one is confronted with the glamour of the astral plane which
must be well disciplined before the second initiation can be taken and is one of
the most difficult of initiations to pass through as it concerns that level of
being that the bulk of humanity are now polarized in at this time.The astral
planes are like the raging sea and are always in a state of great change .The
job of the initiate is to bring calm and peace to these raging emotional life of
the people who are ready.There are about 6-7 incarnations between the first and
second initiation in which the astral body comes under the influence of an ever
growing soul control.A Master of Wisdom has once said that the greatest form of
service you can give to your fellow man is to get total control over this astral
body ,for it is the most powerful aspect that we have to deal with at this time
and must be made very calm to reflect the light of the inner divine soul.At this
point in a mans evolution there is a very strong pull towards service of some
kind,for the initiate is beginning to become more decentralised as regards his
own needs.The world for him becomes a field of service with much work at
hand.For surely a new kind of civilization is now in the making where all can
express themselves through the arts ,music, science,education ,philosophy and so
on.The plan is to have 2 thirds of the human race set out on the path of
initiation by the end of the Aquarius age.The New Group of World Servers who
have come out of every walk of life have much to contribute to the coming
civilization which will be based on brotherhood and good will to all of
mankind.The bulk of advanced man today are ready to pass through the gates of
the first initiation and to demonstrate their power over the physical plane
elemental and to learn the laws of equilibrium on the lower planes and can
produce physical plane phenomena if it is deemed necessary but it is rarely used
at all.Initiation is all about the mastery over the physical plane of elementals
in the three worlds and that being the physical,astral ,and the mental
planes.This type of mastery is something that involves long and hard work over
the period of several incarnations until one becomes ready to be a living
vehicle for the indwelling life of the soul.We are in reality the ’sons of
mind’and are the returning nirvanis from a much early solar system and who have
taken up their abode within a group of early animal man who was at that time
;mindless’and had no sense of I ness such as we do in our day and age.In order
for the human soul to evolve then it must eat of the tree of the knowledge of
good and evil and to descend into the world to serve the plan of evolution just
as every cell in our bodies has a role to play ,so likewise every human being is
a cell in the body of the planetary body who is known as Sanat Kumara.There for
we all have a role to play in the vastness of the cosmos and will one day become
Masters of Wisdom and to thus choose one of the 7 paths of the higher evolution
that will take the Master beyond the co finds of this solar system. One of the
paths of the higher evolution is the Path to Sirius and the bulk of liberated
humanity will at some time tread it’s path to oneness and as well as one pointed
aspiration.There are other paths that must remain secret for the time being as
they are beyond the finite mind of man until a certain time in his evolution
where these mysteries can be comprehended and put into practical use their
knowledge for the good news for the rest of humanity. Soon we all shall see the
shining face of Maitreya who comes not alone, but with a group of very wise
teachers known as the the Masters of Wisdom.These are the very holy teachers who
will have a closer walk with all humanity, and share with them the mysteries of
life and initiation that they have learned very well the knowledge and secrets
of heaven.Millions of people are just fed up with all of the injustice that we
find in our world at this time.The more advanced members of the human kingdom
are working very hard at the bringing light to this dark world that we now find
ourselves.Materialism is begin to loosen its hold over the sons of men at this
time as he yearns for a more abundant life with some kind of meaning,thus many
are now seeking to tread the path of initiation and to get into contact with
ones soul.The soul makes a great sacrifice by coming into incarnation and is
serving the greater plan as it is in the mind of the creative Logo’s of this man
bearing globe..As more of the sons of men are initiated then more will be given
about the greater mysteries of love and light.By the year 2025 they will be in
their millions,and these are as well ‘The New Group of World Servers who have
come out of every walk of life and have much to contribute to the new coming
civilization which will be based on love and sharing and right human
relationships.In this coming new age we are as well to see the restoration of
the ancient mysteries and many will set their feet and tread the path to mastery
over all limitations of matter.Many will begin to unfold their hidden powers
that lie dormant for so long and are in need of the sunshine of the human soul
to bring them forth into manifestation.The soul then begins to grasp more firmly
its earthly reflection. As evolution moves on the goal is to master the
emotional -astral body which can take as much as 6-7 or more incarnations to
achieve for this is the seat of mans present polarization. The second initiation
is perhaps one of the most difficult to achieve for the human emotional body can
be as violent as the raging sea. Once the first initiation is taken then the
work shifts up onto the astral plane where one must come face to face with the
dweller on the threshold who for long ages has been feeding on the lower
vibrations to sustain itself. This massive thought form must be dissipated by
the one who created it.Every human being has to at some time come face to face
and destroy this giant thought form before it devours us all with its evil power
.Very soon now we shall see millions coming forth to take their first step into
the super human kingdom by the taking of the first initiation.As the result of
this our world will be a much better place to live for all. The Love of God will
blaze forth into the hearts of all humanity,and the light of God will stream
forth into the minds of all men everywhere.We shall always be the’ sons of
mind’and as well as the sons of God. Divinity is everywhere to be found if only
we had the eyes to see it. Mankind is on a very long journey to become Masters
in their own right and over all of the lunar forces that once had captured him
so long ago.Man now is an emerging God and will soon learn to unfold our inner
divinity as souls.

http://mikehughes52.wordpress.com/2007/12/29/the-first-initiation/

peace and a whole lot of love to all

Chit paramaarthasaditi tridhaa haasyam drugapyevam

(To say that awareness is the
absolute truth is a point to be laughed at thrice. Even the view or sight of
the seer is similar to awareness).

This theory of relativity is mainly
based on the view of the seer. The view or sight of the seer is also mithya
even in the relative plane like awareness. The reason is that the view is a
specific style of awareness only. Seeing, hearing etc. are the various modes of
awareness only. In such a case, how can the seer discuss about the absolute
plane? With respect to the primordial energy itself, the view (drishti) is a
relative truth even in the present relative plane of existence of the world
(vyavahaara dasha). How can this view become an authority to talk about the
relative existence of the primordial energy in the absolute plane, when the
entire world is converted into inert primordial energy in which the seer and
the sight have also become a trace of inert primordial energy? Hence any seer
should limit himself or herself to the present existing relative plane only.
Therefore, twice impossible for the seer to become the absolute truth before
which even the primordial energy stands as a relative truth only in the
absolute plane. The primordial energy is the daughter of the absolute truth and
the view (awareness) is the daughter of the primordial energy. It is twice
impossible for the awareness to become the absolute truth. The granddaughter
cannot even become her mother and is aspiring to become her grandmother! This
is a point to be laughed twice. Advaitins say that the granddaughter is already
the grandmother, when there is no possibility of the granddaughter becoming the
grandmother at anytime in the future. Hence, the statement of the Advaitins is
a point to be laughed at thrice!

Written by

His Holiness Shri
Datta Swami

website address:
http://www.universal-spirituality.org

e-mail address:
swami@...

Jai Guru Datta

Gayathry

Dear Jean,

Please also do some practice to realize the Soul or God,  in addition
to reading or discussing on the subject . As they say one pound of
practice is worth a thousand ton of theory. It may be any technique -
Vipassana, Mantra Japa/ meditation , Art of Living (Sudarshan Kriya,
Br etc), Brahmakumaris' Raja yoga or any other technique . A good
strologer may also help you in choosing the best starting technique in
this regard. Once you start with one you will be autimatically guided
for further progress.  But do not simply waste time in reading only.
With divine regards, >
>
> Jean M <jeannnie51@...> wrote:
>
>           Hello my name is Jean, I just joined this group today. I
am interested in expanding my spiritual side and learning more about
relaxation and turning inward toward divine nature!  Hope to meet many
new friends here!  Blessings to all!
>
> Jean
>

The flames of anger, pride, hatred, envy are more devastating than
other fires; they arise in the mind stealthily and in spurts; they are
ever demanding more and more to feed upon. Fire is called 'Anala' in
the Bhagavad Geetha, for 'Anala' means, 'not enough'. You dread fire
when it leaps at a distance; what then is to be said when it is inside
your very self? How to put out these awful flames? Well, Sanathana
Dharma (the ancient spiritual code) has certain extinguishers tested by
experience and guaranteed by sages. They are Sathya (Truth), Dharma
(Righteousness), Shanti (Peace) and Prema (Love). Saturate your heart
with these and you are rendered 'fireproof'.

Bhagavad Geeta - 6.25

sanaih sanair uparamed
buddhya dhrti-grhitaya
atma-samstham manah krtva
na kincid api cintayet

As expounded in Yatharth Geeta - 6.25

"His intellect should also rein in the mind firmly and make it
contemplate nothing except God and, thus step by step, he should
proceed towards the attainment of final liberation."

The final dissolution in God comes only gradually with the practice
of yog. When the mind is fully under control, the Self is united
with the Supreme Spirit. However, at the beginning, when the
worshipper has just set out on the path, he has to concentrate his
mind patiently on, and think of nothing else except, God. The way of
this spiritual enterprise is that attainment comes only with
constant application. But at the outset, the mind is restless and
refuses to stay at one point. This is what Yogeshwar Krishn speaks
of now.



Source:Yatharth Geeta at www.yatharthgeeta.com

Audio Links :

1. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_eng.htm

2. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_hindi.htm

3. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_gurati.htm

4. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_marathi.htm

some good news for men and woman of good will all over the world

Many now expect the return of their awaited Teacher, whether they call him the
Christ, Messiah, the fifth Buddha, Krishna, or the Imam Mahdi. Millions now know
that the Teacher who fulfills all these expectations is already living among us.

Maitreya, the World Teacher, has not come alone, but with a group of wise
Teachers who have long guided humanity from behind the scenes.

They are returning to the everyday world to help us solve our most critical
global problems. Maitreya is not a religious leader, but an educator in the
broadest sense.

He is here to inspire us to create a new era based on sharing and justice, so
that all may have the basic necessities of life: food, shelter, health care, and
education.

His open mission in the world is about to begin. As Maitreya himself has said:
'Soon, now very soon, you will see my face and hear my words.'

Read further at http://www.share-international.org/index.htm

Chit mithyaa vyavahaarepi jadashaktistu paramaarthe

(The awareness is relatively true
even in the present relative plane of the existence of the world. The inert
energy becomes relatively true only in the absolute plane, when the entire
world is dissolved into inert energy called as primordial energy.)

Of course, if you analyze the inert
energy, it is also a work in the absolute plane. The nervous system being
matter is also a form of inert energy and thus it is also inert energy. When
the entire creation is converted into inert energy in the final dissolution,
such
final state of inert energy in the absence of any modification of it is called
as primordial energy. This primordial energy is also work only and the working
element or worker of this primordial energy in the absolute plane is God. But
we are discussing the awareness in the present existing stage of creation i.e.,
the relative plane. The awareness is realized as work even in the present
relative plane. In the present relative plane, the primordial energy maintains
its status as an entity or an absolute item. You should not bring the concept
of the absolute plane to the present relative plane and conclude that since
inert energy is also a relative item in the absolute plane, it is equal to the
awareness, which is a relative item in the present relative plane. The
difference between the inert energy and awareness is that the former is
relative in the absolute plane and the awareness is relative even in the
present relative plane. This is the basic confusion of Advaitins, who say that
the entire creation including primordial energy, is relative (mithya) in the
present relative plane itself.

Written by

His Holiness Shri
Datta Swami

website address:
http://www.universal-spirituality.org

e-mail address:
swami@...

Jai Guru Datta
Gayathry

Now, Prof. Kumar, more about the root and fruit, how sweet it is.

   Prof. Anil Kumar: When I say the word root, I mean it is the foundation. The
fruit cannot exist without the root underneath. It is the root that finds its
fulfillment in the fruit. This root will supply all that spirit of humility,
respect, reverence needed for fruition in the form of service. Prayer is the
foundation that inculcates or supplies the spirit, the required background,
reverence and respect which is needed for the service.

   This is thriveni sangamam [confluence of the sacred three]. In other words,
root is karma yoga, fruit is gnana yoga. In between, bhakti yoga. As I work with
all humility, I will have the experience that gives the joy, what we call gnana
(wisdom).

   The first six chapters of the Bhagavad Gita is this: what we call karma shaka,
bhakti shaka, gnana shaka. A kind of evolution, transition from the stage of
action to devotion and on to wisdom. Finally, sir, one note I would like to
share from the learned scholar this morning. What a wonderful statement: “The
individual soul is connected to the universal soul only by means of service.”
Sai Ram.

   Humility – the Basis of Service

   Prof. GV: Thank you, Prof. Kumar. I would like to make a brief comment on what
you said for the benefit of all of us, particularly the students.

           Prof. Anil Kumar said when you go out for service, you should not do
so with a feeling of condescension, arrogance or pride or ego or anything like
that. There must be reverence, humility, a sense of responsibility.

   To underscore this, I would like to recall what happened at the time of the
Gujarat earthquake. Bhagavan sent relief supplies to the people in Gujarat along
with many people to distribute them and do the needful. Many NGOs from all over
the world also sent relief supplies. Mr. Chiranjeevi Rao, though he was past 80,
was personally sent by Swami to go all the way to Gujarat. That is the
confidence Swami had in Mr. Chiranjeevi Rao. Mr. Rao told me when they arrived
there, they saw the non-NGOs throwing the blankets and food from the trucks.

   The people were saying, “Why do you do this? Don’t treat us like beggars. We
are well-to-do people, we lost our house, don’t treat us like beggars!”

   In contrast, our people served those in distress with great humility. I have a
beautiful photograph of a sevadal combing the hair of a boy sitting in a chair.
Where would you see this? I thought he was giving him a haircut. He was actually
combing his hair.

   Respect, humility, reverence, they are core to service. That is a wonderful
point you brought.

   Prof. Ramamurthy: In Buddhism, one said that if you want to lead others to
salvation, you have to experience it first. Otherwise it will be the blind
leading the blind. Another group of Bodhisattvas said, “Service will take you
along that path, so the higher priority is to provide service at all costs.”

   Again we must remember that while service will take us along the direction we
deserve, the attitude becomes most important. Sanjay Sahani is deeply devoted to
Bhagavan Baba and when he renders service, love and affection flow through him.

   When an opportunity for service was given to him, he said, “This is the
ultimate.” He can have a counterpart elsewhere, of comparable age, and position.
Given the opportunity to provide a service of similar type, he might give it
with an air of condescension, a sense of arrogance. It is essential that before
we do service, ego is removed from your heart.

   There are many institutions where individuals are found of various types. One
is interested in his name being embossed as having been charitable, having made
such and such contribution. Attitude is very important.

   Prayer should not come from the lips; it should come from the heart. Service
also has to flow from feelings arising from the heart. Therefore a sense of
devotion becomes essential. Prayer is for the unmanifested. Service is for the
manifested God.

   Service gives you a direct response. When you render service, you find out
whether the person is happy or not. A smile is the reward you get for service.
Service provided with the right attitude is service to God. That is what I would
like to say.

   Chitta Shuddhi – Purifying Your Heart

   Prof. GV: What the Professor is saying now is closely related to what our
learned speaker said as Kshara and Akshara. Now we enter into round 3. I have a
general question to all members of the panel:

   We say we are interested in doing service. We are interested in motivating our
students into doing service, not only here but in the future as well. Let us
remember we didn’t invent service. Today there are hundreds of organizations
performing service, we cannot discount it, they have good intentions, they are
doing it with noble motives. Under the circumstances, is there any
distinguishing feature between the services rendered by others and the service
that we want our students and ourselves to do? If there is a difference, please
tell us what it is.

        Sri Sanjay Sahani: The fundamental difference between the service
rendered by Sai students or Sai Organizations and the service rendered by others
is the spiritual attitude. You may be familiar with the story of the
stonecutters. A question was posed to one stonecutter, “Why are you cutting
stones?” He said “I am earning my livelihood.” The same question was posed to
another. He said, “I am cutting stones; I want to be the best stonecutter
around.” He wanted professional excellence. When the third person was asked, he
said, “I am building a church for my God.” See, that is a spiritual attitude.

   Why is spiritual attitude important in service? When you do service, let us
not labor under the illusion that there will not be difficulties, there will not
be hardships, and there will not be obstacles. There will be difficulties. If
you do not have a spiritual attitude it is very easy to lose one’s moorings, to
lose interest, or to meander into pride and power. In this context, I am
reminded of a dialogue from Dr. Fanibunda, a dentist from Bombay and ardent
devotee of Bhagavan. He posed this question to Bhagavan:

   “Swami, what is the role of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization in Your
mission?”
   To his utter amazement, Bhagavan said, “Nothing.”
   It was so startling!
   Dr. Fanibunda continued, “Swami…nothing?”
   Swami confirmed, “Yes…nothing.”

   Dr Fanibunda couldn’t help but ask this question: “Swami, then why is there
such a huge organization setup?”

   Swami explained, “It is only for your chitta shuddhi – purifying your heart.”

   If we keep this in mind, we will never lose our moorings when we take up
service activities, we will always remain on track on reaching the goal. This is
the important and distinguishing feature.

   Prof. GV: This is a very important factor. Someone asked Baba: “Swami, no
matter how much we do, the problems of the world still remain.” Swami replied,
“You are not serving in order to solve the problems, you are serving in order to
make an offering to God and to improve yourself.” That is the sum and substance
of what Sanjay said. We are not the NGOs, doing service with an attempt to
provide relief and support and trying to solve a problem. We are not involved in
problem solving. We do try to offer relief, and we have a higher spiritual
objective.

   I now request Prof. Anil Kumar, who has a distinguished track record in Andhra
Pradesh in doing tremendous service. Drawing from your own experience, why don’t
you tell us something unique about Sai seva?

   Prof. Kumar: Kindly remember these points.

   Point 1: You should have strong desire, intense desire to do service. That is
called karma jignasa. You should know that this karma [service] is your dharma
[duty]. Service is a duty. It is not an obligation; it is not anything
remunerative, not for any selfish interest.

   The next one is dharma jignasa. You should have the feeling that service is
your duty. Karma jignasa, interested in the field of service. Dharma jignasa,
accept it as a part of your duty and then it takes you to Brahman the divine,
Brahma jignasa. Karma jignasa takes you to dharma jignasa. From dharma jignasa,
the finale happens to be Brahma jignasa.

           Point 2: We should know the modus operandi. How do we go about
service, how do we do it? It is the marma [secret]. So karma, dharma, marma,
Brahma, are the four steps. Marma means the technical aspects of the service.
Like one cannot serve fruits to a diabetic patient. “I am serving you; I cannot
give you mango fruits.” You are doing disservice. I cannot carry a packet of
Pulla Reddy Sweets to a diabetic patient. I am not supposed to do it.

   Doing Narayan seva, a sevadal volunteer was carrying a basket of sweets. He
went on shouting “Laddu, laddu” [sweet]. He did not give a single laddu to a
single person. There is no marma, there is no secret. He doesn’t know the
procedural aspect of it, that is the next point. This karma, the service, what
is its aim, what is its purpose? For chitta shuddhi – the purity of the heart.

   Service elsewhere is for statistics, for data, for publicity, propaganda,
advertisement, for enrolling more and more people, or for recognition. But here,
karma is absolutely spiritual, for your own purification. Chitta shuddhi, the
purity. Because this chitta shuddi gives you gnana shuddhi at the final stage.
That is the third point.

   Service is an Opportunity

   The next point is this: we begin our service with a prayer as Sanjay said in
the beginning. Grama seva started with a prayer at every center of its activity.
To quote Bhagavan here, “Thasmai namaha karmane.” – “I bow down to my own
actions.”

   Service is not a duty, service is an opportunity. Service is a blessing,
service is a benediction. Service to fellowmen is service unto myself. Thank
you, sir.

   Prof. GV: Prof. Ramamurthy, do you have anything to add?

   Prof. Ramamurthy: When you talk of serving with a sense of duty, there is a
limitation about it, there is an obligation to do the service. Service is beyond
that. Service is done absolutely freely, voluntarily, unconditionally. Swami has
also explained that desire for the result of action or expecting a return when
you provide service amounts to rajoguna. Because there is no faida [result], let
us desist from taking the action that is tamoguna. Engaging in seva without
looking at the outcome, totally in a detached sense, is satvaguna. This
distinction will also have to be combined.

             Prof. GV: Thank you, Prof. Ramamurthy. I recall one thing that
emerged from Prof. Anil Kumar, that service must be rendered as a duty, service
must be seen as a dharma. Before I go to a related point about dharma, which is
important, I would like to briefly narrate a story you may have heard.

   Mother Theresa in Calcutta was saving a dying man from a gutter. A tourist was
passing by and said, “Jeez, I wouldn’t do that for a million dollars. How come
you’re doing it?”

   Mother Theresa smiled and said, “I wouldn’t do it for a million dollars
either.”

   The tourist said, “What? You won’t do it for a million dollars?”
   Mother Theresa smiled and said, “No, I won’t do it for two million dollars.”

   “But you are doing it!”

   “It is different. I am doing it for God,” she said.

   This conveys the point that Prof. Anil Kumar made. We see service as a duty.
And when we do the duty, we are not doing it for someone else; we are doing it
for God.

   (Loving  in Sai)

Ram Chugani
Kobe, Japan
rgcjp@...

Hello Jean

You have taken a wonderful decision to expand your spiritual side and by joining
this group. Here you will get good articles and messages to read, especially the
"thought for the day" section which really provide us food for the day to
contemplate upon.

Guruom
Maneesh


--- On Sat, 24/5/08, Ritu Chadha <dr_ritu14@...> wrote:

From: Ritu Chadha <dr_ritu14@...>
Subject: Re: [divine-nature] Introduction
To: divine-nature@...
Date: Saturday, 24 May, 2008, 10:14 PM

hello jean,

nice to have u in this group...spiritualit y is/should be the essence of human
life...i wish u all the best in your spiritual journey

hare krishna
ritu

Jean M <jeannnie51@yahoo. com> wrote:

Hello my name is Jean, I just joined this group today. I am interested in
expanding my spiritual side and learning more about relaxation and turning
inward toward divine nature! Hope to meet many new friends here! Blessings to
all!

Jean

Bhagavad Geeta - 6.24

sankalpa-prabhavan kamams
tyaktva sarvan asesatah
manasaivendriya-gramam
viniyamya samantatah

As expounded in Yatharth Geeta - 6.24

"Abandoning all desire, lust, and attachment, and pulling in by an
exercise of the mind the numerous senses from all sides,"

It is man's duty to sacrifice all the desires that arise from will
along with attachment and worldly pleasure and restrain well with
his mind, the senses from straying here and there. And after having
done this,-


Source:Yatharth Geeta at www.yatharthgeeta.com

Audio Links :

1. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_eng.htm

2. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_hindi.htm

3. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_gurati.htm

4. http://www.yatharthgeeta.com/download_marathi.htm

Man has in him the capacity to grow into a pure Divine personality.
But, due to ignorance and waywardness, he has become stunted. He has
chained himself to low ideals and so, he has fallen into fear and
grief. The Upanishads exhort man to awaken and become master of
himself - "Utthishtta, jaagratha, praapya vaaraan nibodhatha!" (Arise,
Awake and stop not until the goal is reached!). Man is overcome by the
sleep of ignorance and has forgotten the true values of life. He is
obsessed only with material progress. Unless he is awakened to the
spiritual values of life, there cannot be any peace and prosperity in
the world.