Magazine - Year 2018 - Version 2
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How to Attain True Success?
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How to Attain True Success?
What is the path to success in life? What does success mean? What we consider success, and the measurement criteria for success… are they the only basis of success, or can failure be even more meaningful than success in life? There could be a deeper meaning of success and failure beyond worldly norms; in the true sense, sometimes a success is inferior to a failure, and sometimes the worst failures can be grander than any success. The basis for success and failure are rooted in high ideals and noble goals.
The one, who lives with high ideals all his life and fails numerous times, will still be considered successful, but the one who compromised his ideals to become successful, will still be deemed unsuccessful. The biggest success in life lies in identifying your strengths, and accordingly performing superior actions. The true measure of success depends on whether you were able to carry out your tasks attentively and perfectly, with full zeal or not.
If we succeeded in performing a certain task by hook or by crook, then that success will always continue to haunt and sting us, because we were not worthy of achieving that success. Contrary to this, if we do not achieve successful results, even though we tried our very best, we will have a feeling of deep satisfaction in performing that task. Success rests in performing our actions with full enthusiasm.
There have been many great freedom fighters that were not able to achieve success, but this does not appraise their life. The freedom fighter Man Singh was not able to succeed; he was given the death penalty. Even Chandra Shekhar Azad, an Indian revolutionary, was unsuccessful and had to sacrifice his life for India’s struggle for freedom. Maharani Lakshmi Bai and Tatya Tope were not able to succeed. Subhash Chandra Bose was not able to succeed in witnessing India get freedom during his lifetime.
The significance of life is not in escaping. If we avoid or run away, then we will never be able to succeed in life; if we face these challenges with full force then new capabilities germinate in us. A new insight emerges within us, a new excitement and enthusiasm arises, which assists us in dealing with the difficult challenges we face. When a student starts reading, he is taught the alphabets. Then he learns grammar, eventually becomes a linguist, and then becomes a laureate. As he moves from one grade to another his questions become more complicated, but along with this his ability to answer also increases. In addition, his personality and his intellectual aptitude keep growing.
Life is an ocean of energy. Countless, endless waves of energy go on crashing on the shores of time. The human being is also a tiny wave in this vast ocean full of countless waves, yet it has infinite, boundless potential hidden/embedded in it. The natural aspiration of a wave is to become an ocean and the natural desire of the seed is to become a tree.
The wave is not successful until it dissolves and spreads itself in the vastness of the ocean. Until the seed turns into a tree laden with blossomed flowers, it does not attain contentment. The genuine accomplishment in life hinges on achieving perfection by living a purposeful and righteous life. That is a true measure of success in life. “He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed oen, and loved much; Sisters and Brothers, The practices of religion, the behavior of the socalled theists, and the character and preaching of the self-styled spiritual masters in the present times are often found so controversial and even sub-standard that one would hardly have any respect or even quest for these topics. Ostentation, blind faith and insane customs in the name of religion appear predominant in the Indian society and prevalent cultural system today. At many places, narrow interpretations of religion, coupled with egotism and vested interests have adulterated religion with communalism.
For many self-advocating ‘theists’, the deities (idols of gods) in temples seem to have become a wish-fulfilling source that showers everything they pray for in return of the flowers, sweets, incense sticks, etc, that they offer as part of worship-rituals. They have made mockery of devotion. Their ‘trade’ of devotion belittles their deities as well. The devotion, the faith, the religion of such people maligns the grace of divinity. Look at the gorgeous show of egotism and madness of ignorance by many of the ‘powerful’ religious leaders in the crowded congregations of the grand religious fetes like “Kumbh Mela” these days? What kind of theism, what kind of spirituality, what kind of religion is this? Which thoughtful mind, which sensible heart would have any reverence for all this? Indeed, it is much better to be an atheist, better to altogether reject the idea of spirituality than to follow the path of ignorance, fraud, pretentions, delusions, superstitions, and hypocrisy in the name of theism, spirituality, and religion. Avoid Misconceptions. Search for Truth: A misconception that most people have about spirituality is that it is mainly a source of mystic attainments. They believe that spiritually evolved people have supernatural potentials, their blessings work wonders, and what not. Many people search for spiritual masters only out of curiosity to see some magical activities or to get blessed by them. Many of you also might also have such wrong notions. Even about me many of you have such impressions. Often people Theism, Spirituality and Religion Amrit Vani (Translation of excerpts of some discourses given by Pandit Shriram Sharma, Acharya as part of constructive programs of his mission of mass-awakening and social upliftment) Gravity explains the motions of the planets, but it cannot explain who sets the planets in motion. - Isaac Newton AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 39 come to me to see whether I could demonstrate some extrasensory or supernatural feats. Some even ask whether I experienced something extraterrestrial or met some angels, etc, during my visits to several mystic places in the arduous core of Himalayas.
Do you think spirituality is some kind of magical tricks? In their popular shows, magicians do so many astonishing things! Are they spiritual masters? Then why do you get carried away by such tricks of some self-styled fake ‘yogis’, ‘babajis’ or ‘spiritual gurus’? Simply, because of their costumes! Or, may be, you get attracted by their popular shows via media, or by their ‘catchy’ talks on some religious texts. Do you think cramming up some hymns and uttering them with superficial ‘preaching’, wearing some saffron attire, growing a beard, etc, makes one spiritually enlightened? Please get rid of such delusions. The most non-disputable sign of spiritual progress is that true spiritual elevation awakens saintliness. Saints and sages never boast of, or demonstrate their extraordinary powers; they would not bless a non-deserving person. Remember that a genuine spiritual master would never want to create an astonishing image of self. Many of you who have read the “Gayatri Mahavigyan” and similar books on deeper science and philosophy of spiritual s³dhan³s, get fascinated by your own imaginations about awakening of the extrasensory energy-nuclei and supramental faculties by the AnuÌÚh³na (s³dhan³) of the great Gayatri Mantra. You expect me, as the writer of “Gayatri Mahavigyan” and a dedicated s³dhak of Gayatri, to possess some miraculous powers. Many people try to do Gayatri AnuÌÚh³na and expect divine blessings and boons in return. Such imaginations and expectations only show ignorance and immaturity of the socalled disciples, devotees or s³dhakas (spiritual seekers). If you expect any boons or illustration of amazing powers from me, it would mean that you don’t know anything about me. Please remember, I have dedicated all my spiritual endeavors, every moment of my life mainly for one objective – I want to awaken true humanity in the humans of today. I want to remind humankind of the divine purpose of human life. I would like to see the descent of divinity in human-self. I want that the seekers of spirituality, the so-called theists and devotees, first become good, duty-bound human beings. Before expecting great attainments from ascetic spiritual endeavors, before considering oneself a devotee or a theist, one must know the basics of spirituality and religion
It really hurts me see this pathetic state of the Indian society today. Is our country now full of only those who ignore the “Law of Karma”, who do not give importance to the quality of character, merits of deeds, and sincerity of endeavors? Is this the great ideology and culture that Hinduism boasts of? Are these the absolute spiritual knowledge, the great divine values, high ideals and principles of morality, because of which this country was once glorified as superior to the Heavens? Certainly not! Then what is that knowledge? What is the beacon light of spirituality? Where is it? Is spirituality different from spiritualism? Or, is it yet another name of parapsychology? Is it philosophy or science? How is it different from Religion? What is the relevance and importance of religion? And, why do we see religious anarchy, communalism and extremisms, and darkness everywhere? Who is a theist? Is The ideas of the moral order and of God belong to the ineradicable substrate of the human soul. - C.G. Jung 40 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 theism different from blind faith and mindless sacraments and ritualistic customs? These are some of the questions and doubts that encounter every thoughtful mind. Indeed, every scientific mind should have such suspicions in view of the prevailing confusion, exploitation, ostentation and devolution in the field of religion and spirituality. Every wise person should raise these queries and sincerely investigate to find authentic answers
Many of you might also have had similar quest in mind. So let me explain the meaning and highlight certain vital aspects of Âstikat³ (Theism), Âdhy³tmikat³ (Spirituality) and Dh³rmikat³ (Religiousness) in human life. Essence of Theism, Spirituality & Religion: I have thoroughly studied all ancient texts of religion and spirituality, experimented with different kinds of s³dhan³s, and found that the essence of all is conveyed in the three component parts (charañas) of the Gayatri Mantra. If you look at the recipes for preparing sweets (desserts), you will find that by and large basic ingredients of all are only three — some kind of grain floor, some sweetening agent, and some kind of milk product. Similarly the basics of all religious teachings, the principles of spirituality are contained in the three charañas of the Gayatri Mantra. Understanding and adopting their teachings is what the Vedic texts have described as the triveni (confluence of three holy rivers — Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati), bathing in which purifies and beatifies everyone. These three basic traits of spirituality and religion are — (i) belief in God, i.e., belief in divinity, virtuous qualities, goodness; (ii) trust in the absolute principle of Karma viz., untoward, painful, and adverse consequence of vicious thoughts and actions, and positive, supporting, blissful, consequences of good, noble thoughts and deeds; and (iii) faith in the power of conscience, and adoption of fearlessness, integrity, and emotional sensitivity (unalloyed love, compassion, generosity) and selfless service.
Numerous religious philosophies, scriptural texts, spiritual teachings, disciplines and practices originate and revolve around these three principles. Theism, Spirituality, and Religion should be considered in the totality of all three. What is Faith in God, What is Devotion? Most often we see that those who have ‘faith’ in God, follow, in one way or the other, some kind of devotional line and tradition of devotional practices.
Many of the so called devotees remain engaged in varieties of ritualistic practices (“P¿j³- P³Úha”) and what not! Many are not even sincere in doing the rituals. Their p¿j³-p³Úha too is only ostentation, an act of deception. Such people not only try to create false impression before others, but more than that they cheat their own selves. Those who sincerely follow specific line of devotional practices, sincerely do p¿j³-p³Úha should also note that all these acts, even chanting of God’s name and prayers, singing devotional songs, etc is only like an outer sheath. As we all know, it is the life-force that is most precious inside a living body; without the life-force, the body is dead (it deteriorates and decays into rotten rubbish sans the life-force). Similarly, what matters in devotion is the depth of inner feeling, the firm faith and the dedication that the devotee has for the deity’s divine virtues and disciplines. Only the sixth sense can expose what the other five have hidden. - Matthew A. Petti AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 41 For example, suppose someone regularly and thoroughly does worship of the deities (idols or images of gods) and chants prayers, devotional hymns, etc for several hours — may be 4 or even 7 hours a day, but in his heart, mind and conduct he is just the contrary to what a true believer in the law of divinity should be, he is a cheater, an arrogant and cruel person? Will you regard him as a devotee? Certainly not! A person can’t be regarded as a devotee simply because he does p¿j³-p³Úha. For example a puj³rº (priest in a temple) does p¿j³-p³Úha every day. But it may simply be his ‘profession’ or assigned duty. This alone won’t make him a devotee
What is the use of the rituals of worship and devotional practice if they do not awaken kindness, honesty, modesty, courage, purity of thoughts, and other obvious consequences of faith in the divine? Please note it is not the duration or methods of worship that count in devotion. Rather, it is the depth and purity of your feelings, your mental and emotional engrossment in devotion, your inner faith and firm belief in divine values and disciplines, your sincerity in adopting the qualities and teachings implied in the rituals and devotional hymns, that matters. There may be someone who hardly practices any ritual of worship or any ‘prescribed’ devotional act, but he has deep faith in divine disciplines and qualities and he sincerely attempts to adopt ethics of humanity in his conduct and deeds, then he will be regarded as a devotee in God’s eyes.
As I have explained on several occasions, as the word meaning of up³san³ implies, it is an act of sitting near the deity. That means — being in the proximity (through heart and mind) of divine thoughts and ideals. So your devotion, your faith is true only if it induces corresponding divine qualities in you. This effect should be reflected clearly in your thoughts, deeds and character. The rituals of worship (p¿j³-p³Úha) and devotional practice of chants and prayers are only like
supporting tools to help conditioning your mind. If you do some p¿j³-p³Úha sincerely, then fine. But these alone won’t make you a theist and a devotee. If you do not follow any customary practice of worship, then also it is fine. What is more important is your inner faith, your intrinsic urge, and your sincere endeavors of inculcating the virtuous qualities associated with your deity (divine ideal).
What is the path to success in life? What does success mean? What we consider success, and the measurement criteria for success… are they the only basis of success, or can failure be even more meaningful than success in life? There could be a deeper meaning of success and failure beyond worldly norms; in the true sense, sometimes a success is inferior to a failure, and sometimes the worst failures can be grander than any success. The basis for success and failure are rooted in high ideals and noble goals.
The one, who lives with high ideals all his life and fails numerous times, will still be considered successful, but the one who compromised his ideals to become successful, will still be deemed unsuccessful. The biggest success in life lies in identifying your strengths, and accordingly performing superior actions. The true measure of success depends on whether you were able to carry out your tasks attentively and perfectly, with full zeal or not.
If we succeeded in performing a certain task by hook or by crook, then that success will always continue to haunt and sting us, because we were not worthy of achieving that success. Contrary to this, if we do not achieve successful results, even though we tried our very best, we will have a feeling of deep satisfaction in performing that task. Success rests in performing our actions with full enthusiasm.
There have been many great freedom fighters that were not able to achieve success, but this does not appraise their life. The freedom fighter Man Singh was not able to succeed; he was given the death penalty. Even Chandra Shekhar Azad, an Indian revolutionary, was unsuccessful and had to sacrifice his life for India’s struggle for freedom. Maharani Lakshmi Bai and Tatya Tope were not able to succeed. Subhash Chandra Bose was not able to succeed in witnessing India get freedom during his lifetime.
The significance of life is not in escaping. If we avoid or run away, then we will never be able to succeed in life; if we face these challenges with full force then new capabilities germinate in us. A new insight emerges within us, a new excitement and enthusiasm arises, which assists us in dealing with the difficult challenges we face. When a student starts reading, he is taught the alphabets. Then he learns grammar, eventually becomes a linguist, and then becomes a laureate. As he moves from one grade to another his questions become more complicated, but along with this his ability to answer also increases. In addition, his personality and his intellectual aptitude keep growing.
Life is an ocean of energy. Countless, endless waves of energy go on crashing on the shores of time. The human being is also a tiny wave in this vast ocean full of countless waves, yet it has infinite, boundless potential hidden/embedded in it. The natural aspiration of a wave is to become an ocean and the natural desire of the seed is to become a tree.
The wave is not successful until it dissolves and spreads itself in the vastness of the ocean. Until the seed turns into a tree laden with blossomed flowers, it does not attain contentment. The genuine accomplishment in life hinges on achieving perfection by living a purposeful and righteous life. That is a true measure of success in life. “He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed oen, and loved much; Sisters and Brothers, The practices of religion, the behavior of the socalled theists, and the character and preaching of the self-styled spiritual masters in the present times are often found so controversial and even sub-standard that one would hardly have any respect or even quest for these topics. Ostentation, blind faith and insane customs in the name of religion appear predominant in the Indian society and prevalent cultural system today. At many places, narrow interpretations of religion, coupled with egotism and vested interests have adulterated religion with communalism.
For many self-advocating ‘theists’, the deities (idols of gods) in temples seem to have become a wish-fulfilling source that showers everything they pray for in return of the flowers, sweets, incense sticks, etc, that they offer as part of worship-rituals. They have made mockery of devotion. Their ‘trade’ of devotion belittles their deities as well. The devotion, the faith, the religion of such people maligns the grace of divinity. Look at the gorgeous show of egotism and madness of ignorance by many of the ‘powerful’ religious leaders in the crowded congregations of the grand religious fetes like “Kumbh Mela” these days? What kind of theism, what kind of spirituality, what kind of religion is this? Which thoughtful mind, which sensible heart would have any reverence for all this? Indeed, it is much better to be an atheist, better to altogether reject the idea of spirituality than to follow the path of ignorance, fraud, pretentions, delusions, superstitions, and hypocrisy in the name of theism, spirituality, and religion. Avoid Misconceptions. Search for Truth: A misconception that most people have about spirituality is that it is mainly a source of mystic attainments. They believe that spiritually evolved people have supernatural potentials, their blessings work wonders, and what not. Many people search for spiritual masters only out of curiosity to see some magical activities or to get blessed by them. Many of you also might also have such wrong notions. Even about me many of you have such impressions. Often people Theism, Spirituality and Religion Amrit Vani (Translation of excerpts of some discourses given by Pandit Shriram Sharma, Acharya as part of constructive programs of his mission of mass-awakening and social upliftment) Gravity explains the motions of the planets, but it cannot explain who sets the planets in motion. - Isaac Newton AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 39 come to me to see whether I could demonstrate some extrasensory or supernatural feats. Some even ask whether I experienced something extraterrestrial or met some angels, etc, during my visits to several mystic places in the arduous core of Himalayas.
Do you think spirituality is some kind of magical tricks? In their popular shows, magicians do so many astonishing things! Are they spiritual masters? Then why do you get carried away by such tricks of some self-styled fake ‘yogis’, ‘babajis’ or ‘spiritual gurus’? Simply, because of their costumes! Or, may be, you get attracted by their popular shows via media, or by their ‘catchy’ talks on some religious texts. Do you think cramming up some hymns and uttering them with superficial ‘preaching’, wearing some saffron attire, growing a beard, etc, makes one spiritually enlightened? Please get rid of such delusions. The most non-disputable sign of spiritual progress is that true spiritual elevation awakens saintliness. Saints and sages never boast of, or demonstrate their extraordinary powers; they would not bless a non-deserving person. Remember that a genuine spiritual master would never want to create an astonishing image of self. Many of you who have read the “Gayatri Mahavigyan” and similar books on deeper science and philosophy of spiritual s³dhan³s, get fascinated by your own imaginations about awakening of the extrasensory energy-nuclei and supramental faculties by the AnuÌÚh³na (s³dhan³) of the great Gayatri Mantra. You expect me, as the writer of “Gayatri Mahavigyan” and a dedicated s³dhak of Gayatri, to possess some miraculous powers. Many people try to do Gayatri AnuÌÚh³na and expect divine blessings and boons in return. Such imaginations and expectations only show ignorance and immaturity of the socalled disciples, devotees or s³dhakas (spiritual seekers). If you expect any boons or illustration of amazing powers from me, it would mean that you don’t know anything about me. Please remember, I have dedicated all my spiritual endeavors, every moment of my life mainly for one objective – I want to awaken true humanity in the humans of today. I want to remind humankind of the divine purpose of human life. I would like to see the descent of divinity in human-self. I want that the seekers of spirituality, the so-called theists and devotees, first become good, duty-bound human beings. Before expecting great attainments from ascetic spiritual endeavors, before considering oneself a devotee or a theist, one must know the basics of spirituality and religion
It really hurts me see this pathetic state of the Indian society today. Is our country now full of only those who ignore the “Law of Karma”, who do not give importance to the quality of character, merits of deeds, and sincerity of endeavors? Is this the great ideology and culture that Hinduism boasts of? Are these the absolute spiritual knowledge, the great divine values, high ideals and principles of morality, because of which this country was once glorified as superior to the Heavens? Certainly not! Then what is that knowledge? What is the beacon light of spirituality? Where is it? Is spirituality different from spiritualism? Or, is it yet another name of parapsychology? Is it philosophy or science? How is it different from Religion? What is the relevance and importance of religion? And, why do we see religious anarchy, communalism and extremisms, and darkness everywhere? Who is a theist? Is The ideas of the moral order and of God belong to the ineradicable substrate of the human soul. - C.G. Jung 40 AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 theism different from blind faith and mindless sacraments and ritualistic customs? These are some of the questions and doubts that encounter every thoughtful mind. Indeed, every scientific mind should have such suspicions in view of the prevailing confusion, exploitation, ostentation and devolution in the field of religion and spirituality. Every wise person should raise these queries and sincerely investigate to find authentic answers
Many of you might also have had similar quest in mind. So let me explain the meaning and highlight certain vital aspects of Âstikat³ (Theism), Âdhy³tmikat³ (Spirituality) and Dh³rmikat³ (Religiousness) in human life. Essence of Theism, Spirituality & Religion: I have thoroughly studied all ancient texts of religion and spirituality, experimented with different kinds of s³dhan³s, and found that the essence of all is conveyed in the three component parts (charañas) of the Gayatri Mantra. If you look at the recipes for preparing sweets (desserts), you will find that by and large basic ingredients of all are only three — some kind of grain floor, some sweetening agent, and some kind of milk product. Similarly the basics of all religious teachings, the principles of spirituality are contained in the three charañas of the Gayatri Mantra. Understanding and adopting their teachings is what the Vedic texts have described as the triveni (confluence of three holy rivers — Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati), bathing in which purifies and beatifies everyone. These three basic traits of spirituality and religion are — (i) belief in God, i.e., belief in divinity, virtuous qualities, goodness; (ii) trust in the absolute principle of Karma viz., untoward, painful, and adverse consequence of vicious thoughts and actions, and positive, supporting, blissful, consequences of good, noble thoughts and deeds; and (iii) faith in the power of conscience, and adoption of fearlessness, integrity, and emotional sensitivity (unalloyed love, compassion, generosity) and selfless service.
Numerous religious philosophies, scriptural texts, spiritual teachings, disciplines and practices originate and revolve around these three principles. Theism, Spirituality, and Religion should be considered in the totality of all three. What is Faith in God, What is Devotion? Most often we see that those who have ‘faith’ in God, follow, in one way or the other, some kind of devotional line and tradition of devotional practices.
Many of the so called devotees remain engaged in varieties of ritualistic practices (“P¿j³- P³Úha”) and what not! Many are not even sincere in doing the rituals. Their p¿j³-p³Úha too is only ostentation, an act of deception. Such people not only try to create false impression before others, but more than that they cheat their own selves. Those who sincerely follow specific line of devotional practices, sincerely do p¿j³-p³Úha should also note that all these acts, even chanting of God’s name and prayers, singing devotional songs, etc is only like an outer sheath. As we all know, it is the life-force that is most precious inside a living body; without the life-force, the body is dead (it deteriorates and decays into rotten rubbish sans the life-force). Similarly, what matters in devotion is the depth of inner feeling, the firm faith and the dedication that the devotee has for the deity’s divine virtues and disciplines. Only the sixth sense can expose what the other five have hidden. - Matthew A. Petti AKHAND JYOTI Jan.-Feb. 2018 41 For example, suppose someone regularly and thoroughly does worship of the deities (idols or images of gods) and chants prayers, devotional hymns, etc for several hours — may be 4 or even 7 hours a day, but in his heart, mind and conduct he is just the contrary to what a true believer in the law of divinity should be, he is a cheater, an arrogant and cruel person? Will you regard him as a devotee? Certainly not! A person can’t be regarded as a devotee simply because he does p¿j³-p³Úha. For example a puj³rº (priest in a temple) does p¿j³-p³Úha every day. But it may simply be his ‘profession’ or assigned duty. This alone won’t make him a devotee
What is the use of the rituals of worship and devotional practice if they do not awaken kindness, honesty, modesty, courage, purity of thoughts, and other obvious consequences of faith in the divine? Please note it is not the duration or methods of worship that count in devotion. Rather, it is the depth and purity of your feelings, your mental and emotional engrossment in devotion, your inner faith and firm belief in divine values and disciplines, your sincerity in adopting the qualities and teachings implied in the rituals and devotional hymns, that matters. There may be someone who hardly practices any ritual of worship or any ‘prescribed’ devotional act, but he has deep faith in divine disciplines and qualities and he sincerely attempts to adopt ethics of humanity in his conduct and deeds, then he will be regarded as a devotee in God’s eyes.
As I have explained on several occasions, as the word meaning of up³san³ implies, it is an act of sitting near the deity. That means — being in the proximity (through heart and mind) of divine thoughts and ideals. So your devotion, your faith is true only if it induces corresponding divine qualities in you. This effect should be reflected clearly in your thoughts, deeds and character. The rituals of worship (p¿j³-p³Úha) and devotional practice of chants and prayers are only like
supporting tools to help conditioning your mind. If you do some p¿j³-p³Úha sincerely, then fine. But these alone won’t make you a theist and a devotee. If you do not follow any customary practice of worship, then also it is fine. What is more important is your inner faith, your intrinsic urge, and your sincere endeavors of inculcating the virtuous qualities associated with your deity (divine ideal).
