The Purpose and Significance of Pilgrimage (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 03)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2005/Mar_Apr/v1.SignificancePilgrimage)

You think that just worshiping the God, and chanting some mantras, or reading devotional epics like the Ramayana would do everything towards your self-realization.

No!

This itself is not sufficient to inculcate the susanskaras.

Sentiments, thoughts and corresponding actions – only the integration of all of these can complete the process of cultivation and sprouting of the noble sanskaras.

In fact, spirituality also means awakening and expression of susanskaras.

And, these are generated only by the righteous integration of knowledge (Gyana) and deeds (Karma).

- Divine prayers,
- worships,
- devotional practices,
- japa (rhythmic enunciation or chanting of mantras),
- meditation,
- swadhyaya (self-training through study of sagacious thoughts / teachings, and works of elevated souls), and
- satsang (being in good company; attending enlightening discourses, discussions on different aspects of life) pertain to what is essential for the knowledge aspect of sadhana.

The Purpose and Significance of Pilgrimage (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 02)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2005/Mar_Apr/v1.SignificancePilgrimage)

I do not know whether bathing the physical body in the water of holy rivers like Ganga washes away your sins or not.

But, I can assure you that if you take a deep plunge in the spiritual Ganga of divine knowledge at a vibrantly alive tirtha, it would not only cleanse you from within, but also enable you to keep the 'cloth' of your life always 'clean' in the future as well.

Why?

How?

Because, you have practiced penance and devotion at such places, and performed sadhanas in the spiritually empowering ambience there.

You seek guidance of the elevated devotees and sages there to solve the problems of your worldly life, to get rid of your shortcomings.

You derive inspirations and mental strength from their ennobling and enlightening company, teachings and blessings.

All these help in cultivating virtuous tendencies (susanskaras) in you, which become an intrinsic and integral part of your nature, if you also assimilate these teachings and inspirations in your conduct and deeds, if you follow an altruistic, duty-bound life imbued with high moral values.

The Purpose and Significance of Pilgrimage (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 01)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2005/Mar_Apr/v1.SignificancePilgrimage)

(Translation of a discourse on "Tirthasevan Ke Mahatva Aur Prayojan")

Let us begin with the collective chanting of the Gayatri Mantra:

“Om Bhoor Buvah Swah, Tatsaviturvareñyam Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi,
Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayaat ||”

Sisters and Brothers,

"Tirtha" – a holy place of pilgrimage – hearing this word itself is so soothing! It fills our hearts with sacred feelings and joy.

Just, imagine! How divinifying the tirthas must have been in their original forms, when the transforming spiritual vibrations of the Tapa-Sadhanas of great Rishis and siddha saints were intensely present in these places.

Pilgrimage to such places used to cleanse the pilgrims' inner selves, wash out their evil tendencies and open up before them the path of righteous living.

It must have been truly purifying and enlightening to live there for some time!

The Spirit of Spring and Awakening of Kundalini (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 14)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2005/Jan_Feb/v1.AwakeningKundalini)

I want to open my heart before you all on this Parva of Vasant Panchami:
- to share my loving compassion for humanity;
- to show you the spring of karuna that has erupted in my inner self;
- to tell you how much compassion is there in its deep folds to make every life noble;
- to let you see the indwelling divinity.

I want to distribute all these divine attributes among you as well.

You look at these, experience and test them, and if you have courage and quality, come forward and take these divine attributes from me – your Guru.

Take home:
some peace,
some greatness, and
everything that is noble, sublime, and glorious, from here.

I want to endow you also with the immense powers of shaktipata and kundalini that my Guru had blessed me with.

May you become worthy of these boons. This is what I wish for you all on this holy day.

||OM SHANTI||

The Spirit of Spring and Awakening of Kundalini (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 13)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2005/Jan_Feb/v1.AwakeningKundalini)

Brahmvarchas Shodh Sansthan has been established to
- revive the scientific basis and training practices of
     - elevation of vital energy,
     - hidden talents, and
     - spiritual awakening of consciousness force by tapashcharya (tapa).

Gayatri Nagar, Shantikunj has been built for
- the renaissance of theism by nurturing a community of divine-centered human beings, as a model of heavenly ambience on this earth;
- manifesting the virtues of selflessness, simplicity, duty, service, endurance, benevolence and co-operation in their day to day lives.

Thousands of people come here to receive our love, guidance and help; they come here to seek the light of knowledge and wisdom, and to get inspirations to progress along the righteous path.

The Spirit of Spring and Awakening of Kundalini (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 12)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2005/Jan_Feb/v1.AwakeningKundalini)

If you cannot develop sanskaras (virtuous tendencies) in your children, send them here, send them to me.

Why?

What will I do?

Like Rishi Valmiki,
- I can transform your children into Lava-Kush;
- can make their mother a blessed tapswini (performing spiritual austerities) like Devi Sita,
- and endow you with the ideals of Ram-Lakshaman.

This is why Shantikunj and Brahmavarchas Ashrams were founded on the auspicious parva (festival) of Vasant Panchami, as nuclei of our mission of Yug Nirman, for worldwide dissemination of the light of knowledge, theism, and divine Vedic cultural values.

The Spirit of Spring and Awakening of Kundalini (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 11)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2005/Jan_Feb/v1.AwakeningKundalini)

I have only two dreams:
1. inculcation of divinity in humans, and
2. creation of divine life on the earth.

My supramental attainments of Shaktipata and Kundalini are dedicated only for materialization of these objectives and for nothing else.

Blossoming of Brahmvarchas in every dimension, every impulse of life – this is incarnation of divinity in the human self.

And what is the descent of heaven on the earth?

Well, heaven or paradise is not some God's capital (Vaikuntha) in the subtle world.

It can very well be created on this earth, in the very world we are living in.

The ambience and circumstances of a paradise are created wherever good people live in moral discipline, with mutual love and cooperation.

I wanted to build a model colony, village or town:
- where elevated personalities could live simple, happy, dignified lives, devoted to high ideals;
- where people could set a living example of what an altruistic, purposeful, glorious life, engaged in welfare of all, is like.

Gayatrinagar, Shantikunj amply demonstrates the realization of this dream.

The Spirit of Spring and Awakening of Kundalini (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 10)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2005/Jan_Feb/v1.AwakeningKundalini)  

Theism evolves in Brahmavarchas.

Brahmavarchas includes - awakening of the infinite powers hidden or dormant in the inner self by pure ascetic practices (tapa) of:
- self-discipline
- self-refinement and
- self-transformation.

The principles of Brahmavarchas incorporate:
- self-restraint over the sense organs (by observing austerity, fasting, chastity, etc.) at the gross level, and
- control and purification of the thoughts, aspirations and sentiments of the inner self, on the subtler levels.

This is how tapa generates spiritual energy and activates the latent divinity existing in the individual.

I had initiated my Brahmavarchas on the day of Vasant Panchami.

In one word, it is a confluence of theism and tapa.

Theism means adoption of a moral, righteous life; and

tapa means voluntary adoption of hardship, penance, austerity, for achievement of high ideals and altruistic endeavors.

Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan of our Mission is a symbol, a place where I want to demonstrate and teach the super-science of Brahmavarchas.

The Spirit of Spring and Awakening of Kundalini (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 09)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2005/Jan_Feb/v1.AwakeningKundalini)  

The religious shrines, the methods of worship and devotion are there to:
- to help condition our minds, our inner selves
- ponder over and experience His cosmic consciousness
- to know and link ourselves with the divine values.

The temples of Gayatri Mata, built by us, are symbols of the eternal teachings of Gayatri Vidya.

Gayatri means shraddha, viveka, karuna and pavitrata (pavitrata means piety of body, mind and heart).

You should keep the holy pictures of Goddess Gayatri, worship it, pray and meditate before Her with heartfelt devotion and faith.

This would gradually induce Her grace and virtues in you.

We all should adopt theism in practice and also spread it around us.

You all may begin with sincere devotional practices before Gayatri Mata's picture in your own house and also inspire your neighbors to do so.

The Spirit of Spring and Awakening of Kundalini (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 08)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2005/Jan_Feb/v1.AwakeningKundalini) 

Believing in God means:
- having faith in His eternal omnipresence
- believing in His absolute Law of Karma

His Law allows us be the architect of our own destiny; His Law is simple - as you sow, so you reap.

Each one of us can be blessed by His infinite grace; but first we have to abide by His laws that are essential for the ideal maintenance of His creation.

This is what theism teaches us.

The Spirit of Spring and Awakening of Kundalini (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 07)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2005/Jan_Feb/v1.AwakeningKundalini)

The day of Vasant Panchami is full of grand opportunities for noble resolutions and initiatives.

This is the day of landmark initiatives for our mission.

Each year, this day sparks a new enthusiasm and a new courage in me, that drive me to elevate and expand my efforts with greater zeal to beautify this world, to work for the welfare of all beings.

The milestones of our mission's achievements towards social awakening and revival of the divine cultural values have all been initiated through resolutions made on this day; new projects have been undertaken on this very day.

Now, today, we have to take another leap along our forward journey.

We should strive single-pointedly to spread the light of true Theism - faith in divinity, the universal ethics.

Disciplines of morality and ethical conduct are integral facets of Theism.

The Spirit of Spring and Awakening of Kundalini (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 06)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2005/Jan_Feb/v1.AwakeningKundalini) 

If you are sensitive to your duties, and have adopted noble moral ideals in your conduct and deeds, your consciousness (being) would work like a sublime magnetic force that would naturally attract spontaneous support from all directions and from everyone, and will also invite divine grace.

This certainly happens in the lives of saints; this is what manifests in the lives of great personalities like Gandhi and Kagaba.

The history of Indian Rishis is an immortal testimony to this fact that - emergence of karuna in the heart eventually leads to sainthood, and divinisation of the ego-bound human self.

The Spirit of Spring and Awakening of Kundalini (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 05)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2005/Jan_Feb/v1.AwakeningKundalini)

Whenever the indwelling divinity is awakened in an individual, it expresses itself:
- as pain
- as sensitivity to share others' agonies
- as unbounded love
- as karuna.

God is not a physical structure or a material creation - It is Brahma – the omnipresent, eternal consciousness force.

Consciousness cannot have a material structure or shape.

It is most naturally expressed and experienced in pure sensitivity.

What is pure sensitivity?

Well, in essence, it is that intrinsic spiritual power which gives rise to viveka (enlightened discernment) and karuna.

The Spirit of Spring and Awakening of Kundalini (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 04)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2005/Jan_Feb/v1.AwakeningKundalini)

Compassion is that which makes one cry with others’ sorrow, which drives one to live for others’ welfare.

Sagacity is that which guides one to live a dignified life of a noble human being, who engages his talents constructively in righteous pursuits.

Look for example, at Kagaba – who is honored as the "Gandhi of Japan".

He dedicated all his life in the service of the downtrodden, the helpless, and the patients of leprosy and other dreaded diseases, who are practically abandoned by their families.

His karuna (compassion and generosity with saintly love) for them inspired his wife also to join in his altruistic mission. Both of them used to be engaged in this noble mission, round the clock, without expectation of even gratitude.

What enabled this superhuman endeavor?

It was the power of karuna, which had sprung up in their hearts.

This is what I call the expression of Kundalini, which produces a zeal, a pain, a thrust, and pulls the individual consciousness out of the smog of all infirmities and selfish attachments.

The Spirit of Spring and Awakening of Kundalini (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 03)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2005/Jan_Feb/v1.AwakeningKundalini) 

What is Kundalini?

It is the sublime source of unlimited vital, spiritual energy that remains dormant in most of us.

Yoga Shastras talk a great deal about the sadhanas of Kundalini Jagaran.

Without going into complications of its hidden science, you must know that most natural expression of ultimate state of Kundalini Jagaran is - awakening of divine attributes in the sadhaka.

I therefore regard Kundalini as sensitivity and compassion; as sagacity and foresight.

The Spirit of Spring and Awakening of Kundalini (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 02)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2005/Jan_Feb/v1.AwakeningKundalini)

When umang emerges from within, it erupts like a spark of fire that rises and expands unhindered. It transforms one's life in a stormy way.

The Appearance of my eternal Guru, on the Vasant Parva in February 1926, was also like a sublime cyclone of this immensity.

He flashed before my consciousness my previous lives, and before leaving, he blessed me with what is known as "Shaktipata" and "Kundalini Jagaran".

Supramental spiritual attainments that require grand ascetic endeavors and sadhana for several lifetimes, were bestowed upon me in a matter of few moments.

Everything within me seemed to have been transformed.

I could now visualize the world far beyond and quite differently from what I used to see before.

Let me tell you about my Kundalini Jagaran (awakening of Kundalini).

The Spirit of Spring and Awakening of Kundalini (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 01)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2005/Jan_Feb/v1.AwakeningKundalini)

(Translation of excerpts from the discourse on Vasanti Panchami day February 1981:
"Vasanti Hooka, Umang Aur Ullas Yadi Aa Jaye Jeevan Me")

Let us begin with the collective chanting of the Gayatri Mantra:

“Om Bhur Buvah Swah, Tatsaviturvareñyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi,
Dhiyo Yonah Pracodayat ||”

Sisters and Brothers,

I was referring to the umang – vibrant enthusiasm and ecstatic emotional thrust – generated in the spring. It emerges from within. It can't be stopped by any attempt. This is what spring brings in Nature.

A day of spring had also bestowed a divine umang upon Prince Siddharth. On the one side were his family, the enchanting joys, luxuries and powers of royal life, and on the other was the Call of Time Spirit, the cries of suffering humanity, agonized by ignorance and eradication of true religious values in the world.

The umang of Vasant (spring) awakened in his mind and guided him - if you want to spend your life blindly chasing happiness in worldly joys and attachments, you would have lived a meaningless life; anybody can do it - in fact everybody is doing only that; you should chose the path of awakened awareness.

This message of spring drove him towards the search for the path of deliverance from suffering, and eventually he succeeded in his search, and became The Buddha – The Awakened One.

The Foundational Emblems of Indian Culture: Shikha and Sutra (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 27)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2004/Nov_Dec/v1.ShikhaSutra_II)

I advise the parijans in Gayatri Pariwar to talk about these positive effects and teachings associated with shikha and sutra whenever they perform a yagya.

You should yourself adopt them in life.

These are the prime emblems of the great Vedic culture.

Having them with us is a sign of our being the inheritors of the great Rishis, the followers of the divine culture.

These remind us of the values and disciplines of human dignity.

Let people come and ask us about the necessity of these symbols of Hindu Religion. I am not against people's discerning quest. In fact, I have always encouraged it.

Unless religious philosophy justifies its relevance in logical ways in the light of prudence, it cannot serve the real purpose.
- It has to shed off the superstitions and unwise customs that have clouded and veiled its true light.
- It has to spread the sagacious light of its eternal power, the divine values hidden in its core.

We all, the believers, the theists need to resolutely work for this reformation and reconstruction on the religious and social fronts.

Let us begin this march with a revolutionary propagation of the culture of shikha and sutra.

|| Om Shanti ||

The Foundational Emblems of Indian Culture: Shikha and Sutra (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 26)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2004/Nov_Dec/v1.ShikhaSutra_II)

1. industriousness
2. humility
3. austerity
4. orderliness
5. cooperation
6. wisdom
7. integrity of character
8. sense of responsibility
9. courage

The remaining four qualities pertain to the mental and emotional spheres of life.


Wisdom incorporates thoroughness and maturity of attitude, and thinking.

Refinement of thoughts and aspirations are essential steps towards sagacious development of mind.



As you all know, integrity of character is a must if you are to gain the respect and cooperation of others, and achieve something worthwhile in life.

Sincerity, honesty and moral purity of the character, authenticity and trustworthiness in every aspect of personal, professional and social life are the yardsticks of the integrity of a person.


Gratitude for all the (direct or indirect) help received from Nature and society, at every step of your life, is what motivates you towards bearing your share of responsibilities.


Happily transact your duties towards the physical, mental and moral progress of your dependents and associates.

Do take care of contributing to and participating in the earnest activities of social welfare as well.


Many a times people think of courage and valor as some qualities required only in the battlefield.

Listen my children! We all need to have these qualities to struggle with and overcome our own vices first.

We should also have courage to oppose immoral practices around us; raise our voice against corruption, injustice and exploitation of the weaker sections of society in our areas of interactions.

If we can't do that individually, at least we must have the courage to join collective and organized efforts against the wrongs in the system.

The Foundational Emblems of Indian Culture: Shikha and Sutra (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 25)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2004/Nov_Dec/v1.ShikhaSutra_II)

1. industriousness
2. humility
3. austerity
4. orderliness
5. cooperation
6. wisdom
7. integrity of character
8. sense of responsibility
9. courage

Orderliness corresponds to ideal management and disciplined organization of time, talents and other mental, physical and materialistic resources; punctuality, and, neatness and tidiness of the body, house and workplace, are primary necessities of orderliness.


Cooperation means wholehearted sharing of joys and pains with family, friends and colleagues.

As some of you might have experienced in family-life or on social fronts, it requires a good amount of patience and tolerance to work harmoniously in any collective setting.

Benevolence and zeal to work for collective welfare of the society are its obvious reflections.

The Foundational Emblems of Indian Culture: Shikha and Sutra (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 24)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2004/Nov_Dec/v1.ShikhaSutra_II)

1. industriousness
2. humility
3. austerity
4. orderliness
5. cooperation
6. wisdom
7. integrity of character
8. sense of responsibility
9. courage

These nine qualities open the door to a bright, happy and successful life.

Inculcation of these qualities induces eminent transformation of personality.

These are also the most desired virtues for social and global welfare and progress.

The first five of these deal with behavior and deeds.

Industriousness means constructive utilization of time and potentials, with diligence and enthusiasm for the work in hand.

Humility implies modesty, etiquette, and balanced and humble behavior, with due respect for the self, as well as for others.

Austerity includes piety of mind and body. It also means adopting the principle of "simple living and high thinking" in daily life.

You must note that foresighted, constructive and altruistic use of the resources becomes possible by observing austerity in personal life.