Magazine - Year 2004 - Version 1
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Language: ENGLISH
Language: ENGLISH
BRAHMAVARCHAS SHODH SANSTHAN - A Research Institute committed to the Scientific Exposition of Spirituality -
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Introduction
Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan is the embodiment of the will and vision of the ageless sages/seers engaged in tapasdhana in their non-material bodies of Light in the inaccessible Himalayan ranges. It is a unique endeavor initiated and nurtured by Yugrishi Poojya Gurudev Pandit Sriram Sharma Acharya, the founder of the Global Gayatri Mission, at the behest of the immortal sages of the Himalayas, including his own Divine Teacher. The tiny and tender sapling has grown into a sturdy, shady and esoteric fragrantly fructifying tree during the past 25 years. At the time of its establishment, the Yugrishi had explained the esoteric significance of this project thus "Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan has been established for the revival and rejuvenation of the traditions of ancient sages/seers like Kanad and Atharvan. The methodology of the modern science which has been confined only to the material realm will now be used to investigate the deeper layers of cosmic consciousness". He had given a hint about this project in Akhand Jyoti - December 1969 issue. Therein he writes: "The other objective of my future tapasadhana is to highlight and restore the scientific aspect of spirituality so that the common people could benefit from its practice. The masses got attracted towards science and technology because they got concrete psychosomatic benefits from their discoveries and inventions. Today only those things are considered true, which pass the test of scientific methodology; otherwise they are declared false. We have to prove the validity of divinity, prayer, morality and spirituality on the basis of their scientifically proven benefits. We have to give a scientific foundation to spirituality". Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan is the concretization of this vision of Gurudev, aimed at the integration of science and spirituality.
The structure of Shodh Sansthan
Situated on the bank of Ganga, about half a kilometer from Shantikunj, Hardwar, the structure of the Institute is four-fold:
(1) Temples of twenty four manifestations of Primordial Shakti of Bhagwati Gayatri,
(2) a laboratory complex of scientific spirituality,
(3) a reference library, and
(4) a group of dedicated seminal thinkers and scientists engaged in in-depth research of psychosomatic and parapsychological domains of human consciousness.
1. Temples of twenty-four manifestations of the Primordial Shakti of Bhagwati Gayatri Twenty-four types of modes and methods of sadhana are incorporated in the twenty-four letters of Gayatri Mahamantra. Out of these (1) Adya Shakti, (2) Brahmi, (3) Vaishnavi, (4) Shambhavi, (5) Vedmata, (6) Devmata, (7) Vishwamata, (8) Ritambhara, (9) Mandakini, (10) Ajapa, (11) Riddhi, (12) Siddhi these twelve divine powers govern Vedic Sadhanas. The remaining twelve, namely: (1) Savitri, (2) Saraswati, (3) Laskshmi, (4) Durga, (5) Kundalini, (6) Pranagni, (7) Bhavani, (8) Bhuvneshwari, (9) Annapoorna, (10) Mahamaya, (11) Payaswani, (12) Tripura govern Tantrik Sadhanas of Gayatri. Gurudev, through his intensive sadhana, attained the esoteric and occult knowledge of the divine mysteries of these twenty-four forms of Shakti. The ground floor of the Institute houses temples of these 24 forms of Shakti, which were consecrated by Gurudev himself 25 years back on the auspicious occasion of Gayatri Jayanti, on June 5, 1979. On both sides of each temple, Yantra, Beej Mantra and the mode of invoking that specific Mahashakti as well as the fruits of sadhana obtained therefrom have been symbolically indicated. Due to the synthesis of the scientific elements of sculpture, mantra and yantra, all these temples inspire and awaken the urge to learn more about spiritual mysteries.
2. Laboratory Complex of Scientific Spirituality It comprises of three main sections (1) Yagyopathy Lab, (2) Lab for measuring the psychosomatic effects of spiritual sadhanas, and (3) Herbal Research Lab and the accompanying herbal garden of nearly 200 very rare Himalayan medicinal herbs. All the sections of the laboratory are equipped with the state-of-art computerized instruments and machines. They include rare instruments for recording the aura and the bio-energy of the body. That is why this laboratory has made its own unique place in our country. It is like a Mahateerth (holy place) for conducting research on different aspects of scientific spirituality. Scientists from different parts of the world consider themselves to be fortunate to work here.
3. Reference Library Apart from the literature of major religions of the world e.g., Hinduism, Islam, Zaroasterism, Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, etc., the library houses more than 50,000 volumes on varied other subjects like astrology, philosophy, history, culture, Ayurveda, modern medicine and surgery, chemistry, physics, astronomy, etc. It contains about 100 encyclopedias on different subjects and several rare manuscripts. The library subscribes to nearly 300 journals of repute.
4. The Team of Researchers There are two types of researchers working in the Institute. The first one consists of seminal thinkers. They are engaged in research related to the social, political and philosophical aspects of life. The second category consists of scientists. They are investigating yagya-therapy, herbal medicines and the effect of spiritual sadhanas on human personality. The number of these highly qualified researchers is about forty. The unique feature of the team working here is that they are not salaried employees. Rather they are all life-long Sadhaks, who have dedicated their lives to the ideals of Poojya Gurudev.
Objectives of Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan
1. To discover the mystery of life in its totality in the light of scientific spirituality.
2. To awaken and develop the latent potentials of individual souls through spiritual experiments.
3. To discover and disseminate the science behind spiritual sadhanas.
4. To investigate the effects of herbal medicines on the human body and mind.
5. To research on the effects of yagyopathy on holistic health.
Achievements of 25 years
On Gayatri Jayanti 2004, this Institute has completed 25 years of its adventurous and fruitful existence. During this period, under the guidance of Dr. Pranav Pandya, Director of this Institute, its achievements have indeed been impressive and encouraging. Some of these are:
1. Publication of Akhand Jyoti magazine in ten languages. This magazine is devoted to the spread of scientific spirituality. It has more than one million subscribers.
2. Dissemination of literature written by Gurudev amongst the masses and the creation of new relevant literature.
3. Guidance of about 40 Ph.D. level research projects related to the life and mission of Gurudev and ancient Indian scriptures.
4. Participation of the researchers of the Institute in more than 200 national as well as international seminars / conferences.
5. Publication of the results of research work carried out in the Institute in international journals.
Dev Sanskriti Vishwa Vidyalaya (DSVV) An organic extension of Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan (BSS)
If Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan is a fragrant flower grown by the mahatapa of Poojya Gurudev then DSVV (established in April 2002) is the fruit grown out of that flower. The students and faculty of this university are totally committed to work towards the achievement of the objectives of BSS.
Future Plans
During the Silver Jubilee Year (2004-2005) of this Institute (BSS) several plans are afoot, the aim of which is to accelerate the process of achieving the set goals. Some of these are as follows:
1. Organize research symposia / seminars / conferences at national and international levels. 2. Undertake research projects related to finding spiritual solutions to individual, familial, social and other complex problems of human life and provide guidance in these areas.
3. Discover the scientific basis of ancient scriptures.
4. Manage projects on Hathayoga, Rajayoga, Layayoga and Mantrayoga.
5. Research on diseases caused by present-day lifestyles and dissemination of the knowledge of their prevention/cure.
6. Intensive research on the methods of awakening para-psychic energies lying dormant in human psyche.
7. Development of new aspects of Yagya Therapy.
8. Accelerating research in Ayurveda.
9. Formation of a Research Foundation.
10. Organize a grand research festival on "Scientific Spirituality" every year up till the Birth Centenary Year (2011-2012) of Param Poojya Gurudev.
Invitation to the Intelligentsia
These plans are only an outline of the future. There are many other tasks that are to be undertaken this year itself. But all this will be possible only if the intelligentsia of India is awakened and it comes forward to participate in this divinely inspired effort. The celebration of Silver Jubilee will be fruitful only when we get glad and willing cooperation of the intelligentsia. This is crucial for the success of our future plans. Talent / genius is a valuable gift of God. It is worthwhile only when it is utilized for the highest good of all. We firmly believe that those who emphatically feel the sufferings of human life will definitely come forward. Indeed, it is through the glad cooperation of intelligentsia that BSS will succeed in showing a new way and Art of Living in the new century. It is an open invitation and fervent call to all those who are awake, alert and sensitive to the gravity of the human situation overwhelmed by the forces of darkness to come forward and contribute their mite towards finding lasting solutions to the ills of humanity by treating them at their roots.
Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan is the embodiment of the will and vision of the ageless sages/seers engaged in tapasdhana in their non-material bodies of Light in the inaccessible Himalayan ranges. It is a unique endeavor initiated and nurtured by Yugrishi Poojya Gurudev Pandit Sriram Sharma Acharya, the founder of the Global Gayatri Mission, at the behest of the immortal sages of the Himalayas, including his own Divine Teacher. The tiny and tender sapling has grown into a sturdy, shady and esoteric fragrantly fructifying tree during the past 25 years. At the time of its establishment, the Yugrishi had explained the esoteric significance of this project thus "Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan has been established for the revival and rejuvenation of the traditions of ancient sages/seers like Kanad and Atharvan. The methodology of the modern science which has been confined only to the material realm will now be used to investigate the deeper layers of cosmic consciousness". He had given a hint about this project in Akhand Jyoti - December 1969 issue. Therein he writes: "The other objective of my future tapasadhana is to highlight and restore the scientific aspect of spirituality so that the common people could benefit from its practice. The masses got attracted towards science and technology because they got concrete psychosomatic benefits from their discoveries and inventions. Today only those things are considered true, which pass the test of scientific methodology; otherwise they are declared false. We have to prove the validity of divinity, prayer, morality and spirituality on the basis of their scientifically proven benefits. We have to give a scientific foundation to spirituality". Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan is the concretization of this vision of Gurudev, aimed at the integration of science and spirituality.
The structure of Shodh Sansthan
Situated on the bank of Ganga, about half a kilometer from Shantikunj, Hardwar, the structure of the Institute is four-fold:
(1) Temples of twenty four manifestations of Primordial Shakti of Bhagwati Gayatri,
(2) a laboratory complex of scientific spirituality,
(3) a reference library, and
(4) a group of dedicated seminal thinkers and scientists engaged in in-depth research of psychosomatic and parapsychological domains of human consciousness.
1. Temples of twenty-four manifestations of the Primordial Shakti of Bhagwati Gayatri Twenty-four types of modes and methods of sadhana are incorporated in the twenty-four letters of Gayatri Mahamantra. Out of these (1) Adya Shakti, (2) Brahmi, (3) Vaishnavi, (4) Shambhavi, (5) Vedmata, (6) Devmata, (7) Vishwamata, (8) Ritambhara, (9) Mandakini, (10) Ajapa, (11) Riddhi, (12) Siddhi these twelve divine powers govern Vedic Sadhanas. The remaining twelve, namely: (1) Savitri, (2) Saraswati, (3) Laskshmi, (4) Durga, (5) Kundalini, (6) Pranagni, (7) Bhavani, (8) Bhuvneshwari, (9) Annapoorna, (10) Mahamaya, (11) Payaswani, (12) Tripura govern Tantrik Sadhanas of Gayatri. Gurudev, through his intensive sadhana, attained the esoteric and occult knowledge of the divine mysteries of these twenty-four forms of Shakti. The ground floor of the Institute houses temples of these 24 forms of Shakti, which were consecrated by Gurudev himself 25 years back on the auspicious occasion of Gayatri Jayanti, on June 5, 1979. On both sides of each temple, Yantra, Beej Mantra and the mode of invoking that specific Mahashakti as well as the fruits of sadhana obtained therefrom have been symbolically indicated. Due to the synthesis of the scientific elements of sculpture, mantra and yantra, all these temples inspire and awaken the urge to learn more about spiritual mysteries.
2. Laboratory Complex of Scientific Spirituality It comprises of three main sections (1) Yagyopathy Lab, (2) Lab for measuring the psychosomatic effects of spiritual sadhanas, and (3) Herbal Research Lab and the accompanying herbal garden of nearly 200 very rare Himalayan medicinal herbs. All the sections of the laboratory are equipped with the state-of-art computerized instruments and machines. They include rare instruments for recording the aura and the bio-energy of the body. That is why this laboratory has made its own unique place in our country. It is like a Mahateerth (holy place) for conducting research on different aspects of scientific spirituality. Scientists from different parts of the world consider themselves to be fortunate to work here.
3. Reference Library Apart from the literature of major religions of the world e.g., Hinduism, Islam, Zaroasterism, Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, etc., the library houses more than 50,000 volumes on varied other subjects like astrology, philosophy, history, culture, Ayurveda, modern medicine and surgery, chemistry, physics, astronomy, etc. It contains about 100 encyclopedias on different subjects and several rare manuscripts. The library subscribes to nearly 300 journals of repute.
4. The Team of Researchers There are two types of researchers working in the Institute. The first one consists of seminal thinkers. They are engaged in research related to the social, political and philosophical aspects of life. The second category consists of scientists. They are investigating yagya-therapy, herbal medicines and the effect of spiritual sadhanas on human personality. The number of these highly qualified researchers is about forty. The unique feature of the team working here is that they are not salaried employees. Rather they are all life-long Sadhaks, who have dedicated their lives to the ideals of Poojya Gurudev.
Objectives of Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan
1. To discover the mystery of life in its totality in the light of scientific spirituality.
2. To awaken and develop the latent potentials of individual souls through spiritual experiments.
3. To discover and disseminate the science behind spiritual sadhanas.
4. To investigate the effects of herbal medicines on the human body and mind.
5. To research on the effects of yagyopathy on holistic health.
Achievements of 25 years
On Gayatri Jayanti 2004, this Institute has completed 25 years of its adventurous and fruitful existence. During this period, under the guidance of Dr. Pranav Pandya, Director of this Institute, its achievements have indeed been impressive and encouraging. Some of these are:
1. Publication of Akhand Jyoti magazine in ten languages. This magazine is devoted to the spread of scientific spirituality. It has more than one million subscribers.
2. Dissemination of literature written by Gurudev amongst the masses and the creation of new relevant literature.
3. Guidance of about 40 Ph.D. level research projects related to the life and mission of Gurudev and ancient Indian scriptures.
4. Participation of the researchers of the Institute in more than 200 national as well as international seminars / conferences.
5. Publication of the results of research work carried out in the Institute in international journals.
Dev Sanskriti Vishwa Vidyalaya (DSVV) An organic extension of Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan (BSS)
If Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan is a fragrant flower grown by the mahatapa of Poojya Gurudev then DSVV (established in April 2002) is the fruit grown out of that flower. The students and faculty of this university are totally committed to work towards the achievement of the objectives of BSS.
Future Plans
During the Silver Jubilee Year (2004-2005) of this Institute (BSS) several plans are afoot, the aim of which is to accelerate the process of achieving the set goals. Some of these are as follows:
1. Organize research symposia / seminars / conferences at national and international levels. 2. Undertake research projects related to finding spiritual solutions to individual, familial, social and other complex problems of human life and provide guidance in these areas.
3. Discover the scientific basis of ancient scriptures.
4. Manage projects on Hathayoga, Rajayoga, Layayoga and Mantrayoga.
5. Research on diseases caused by present-day lifestyles and dissemination of the knowledge of their prevention/cure.
6. Intensive research on the methods of awakening para-psychic energies lying dormant in human psyche.
7. Development of new aspects of Yagya Therapy.
8. Accelerating research in Ayurveda.
9. Formation of a Research Foundation.
10. Organize a grand research festival on "Scientific Spirituality" every year up till the Birth Centenary Year (2011-2012) of Param Poojya Gurudev.
Invitation to the Intelligentsia
These plans are only an outline of the future. There are many other tasks that are to be undertaken this year itself. But all this will be possible only if the intelligentsia of India is awakened and it comes forward to participate in this divinely inspired effort. The celebration of Silver Jubilee will be fruitful only when we get glad and willing cooperation of the intelligentsia. This is crucial for the success of our future plans. Talent / genius is a valuable gift of God. It is worthwhile only when it is utilized for the highest good of all. We firmly believe that those who emphatically feel the sufferings of human life will definitely come forward. Indeed, it is through the glad cooperation of intelligentsia that BSS will succeed in showing a new way and Art of Living in the new century. It is an open invitation and fervent call to all those who are awake, alert and sensitive to the gravity of the human situation overwhelmed by the forces of darkness to come forward and contribute their mite towards finding lasting solutions to the ills of humanity by treating them at their roots.
