Amrit Vani: Foundational Principles of Spiritual Transmutation — 2
(Translation of a discourse by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya on the topic "Ādhyātmika kāyā-kalpa ke Mulabhūta Siddhānta" — continued from the previous issue)
Friends,
You have come here for kalpa sādhanā course. Spiritual endeavors (sādhanās) eventually lead to elevation of the vital spiritual energy and transmutation of inner self. The kalpa sādhanā in particular refers to kāyā kalpa, which implies a complete transformation of personality and way of life. For this you have to radically change your outlook towards life, alter your objectives and activities.
Here, as part of your kalpa sādhanā, you are doing the sādhanā of Gayatri Mantra. In the idol of Goddess Gayatri you find her sitting on a hansa (white swan). Rajhansa is supposed to remove insects and eat only pure beads found in a sea/ocean. It is also said that if given milk mixed in water, it would drink only the milk content. It symbolizes discerning intellect that distinguishes between the right and the wrong. This is why the enlightened saints and sages are often honored with the title "paramhansa" (super hansa). If you want the grace of Goddess Gayatri to be bestowed upon you, then like a rajhansa, you will have to choose and follow the path of enlightened souls.
Preparing for the Sādhanā
Find some calm moments and ponder over the path, the principles, the means you have followed so far. Like a fair judge, analyze whether what you have been doing, accepting, possessing, adopting so far was justified, whether it was wise, far-sighted and well-thought of, whether it was worth the dignity of human-life? For example, think about what you have been eating, whether that was always healthy? More importantly, whether that was earned fairly?
Based upon my experience with millions of people, I can assert that if you thoroughly review and analyze your conduct, aims and ambitions, you will find that so far nothing has been quite righteous or good; alas, most of your aims and actions have been wrong, unjustified, or unmindful. By and large the nature and means of what you have eaten, earned, and accumulated so far have been less than righteous.
You were given (by the Creator) the freedom of choice; there were many things, many paths, and many objectives for selection. But you misused this freedom. You have chosen the unworthy. You have opted to be in the category of pleasure-seeking consumers, possessors, power-hungry and greedy people. It's high time you awaken and walk out to join the class of thoughtful, farsighted, truly wise people.
Ravan or Vibhishan? — Choose Your Role Model
You have to decide whether you want to become a boastful big someone or a graceful great person? Don't become like Ravan. Try to follow Vibhishan's example. Ravan was an all-conquering mighty king of his time and possessed immense wealth. But his arrogance and unsatiating thirst for unlimited power and possession snatched peace and happiness from his life. His sinful actions eventually destroyed his very existence. On the contrary, his younger brother Vibhishan remained devoted to justice and morality despite being insulted and threatened by Ravan. He remained on the side of God, the ultimate good. He also got the throne and entire empire of Ravan.
Sugriva had lost everything — his throne, his state, his treasure, his army, even his wife and son. But he got back everything after he dedicated himself to the service of God Ram. Why don't you also dedicate yourself to God? Devotion to God means devotion to divine ideals. Sugriva would not have received God's grace simply by crying for His help. He earned it because he fulfilled his promise and joined His army in fighting against the demonic Ravan.
God first examines your conduct, your devotion to morality, your virtuous aims, and showers His grace accordingly. This kalpa sādhanā course is an opportunity for you to transform your aims, your outlook; and to refine your conduct and qualities.
Simple Living and High Thinking
Tell me what scarcity did Gandhiji have? He used to sleep on the floor, wear only half-dhoti of khadi by choice. But did any of his plans get stuck due to dearth of manpower or resources? People from all walks of society were ready to donate everything they had for him. If Gandhi ji wanted, he could have easily used some of the riches and resources for himself or for his family. But he was a Mahatma, a saint. Saints don't keep anything for themselves; they always distribute to others.
Now think of yourself! How much do you really need? Nature itself will restrain you from having more than the limited share you deserve in its system. If you generously distribute the food to the needy, then there will be no such constraint; divine grace will shower upon your consistent compassionate efforts.
If you really want to possess more than others, then why not aim for that which even Nature won't be able to limit? Why not aspire for benevolent progress, virtuous growth, spiritual enlightenment, or soul-satisfaction? These will bestow on you unalloyed joy, limitless peace and immortal glory.
The demon of your ambition to become 'big' has influenced and blinded you so far. You must know that you are not an evolved animal; in fact, you are a strayed divine being. Your real self — your soul — is divine in its origin. You belong to the class of devatās (divine beings); your role model should be a devatā. As you might know, the meaning of the word devatā is — one who gives (for the ascent and welfare of others).
Don't beg for anything in your prayers. Irrespective of your worldly status, you all should return from here as capable persons who have a lot to give to others. Adopt the principle of simple living and high thinking; then, all your worldly scarcities will also disappear. Walking toward heaven, rising towards God, means moving along the path of righteous principles, high ideals, goodwill and wisdom.
Rest assured you can do this simply by transforming your thinking, your outlook. This sādhanā should be the beginning of your awakening.
|| OM SHANTI ||
"Nirdosham hi Samam Brahma — The Supreme is the flawless state, the same everywhere." — Gita 5-19
"Atmano Mokshartam, Jagathitayacha — For the salvation of one's soul and the welfare of the world." — Vivekananda
"Ekam Sat, Vipra Bahudha Vadanti — The Truth is one; the wise call it by many names." — Upanishads
"Sarvebhavantu Sukhina, Sarve Santu Niramaya — May all beings be happy, may all beings be free from fear."