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

(Post 10)

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

You have come here to the Gayatri-Tirtha (Shantikunj) for a sadhana camp.

You must understand that this kalpa - sadhana experiment is not going to transform you from a physically old or weak person into a young and stout one; rather, it is actually meant to transform your inner personality.

You should therefore make the best possible use of your free time here in -
- introspection
- swadhyaya
- contemplation
- japa-upasana, and
- discussions with enlightened sadhaks around.

Go over to the banks of Ganga nearby, take a stroll there in the evening, sit and meditate, or relax and energize yourself in the purifying vicinity of the holy river.

Don't let any part of your routine be wasted in wayward activities and thoughts.

This is what would justify your being here in a real tirtha.

I have attempted to make this tirtha as a living replica of the tirthas of the ancient times.

It has been established in the sacred Saptasarovara region on the banks of Ganga, right at the place where Maharshi Vishwamitra's Tapasthali was located in the Vedic Age.

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

(Post 09)

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

Tirthas are not the sites where people congregate out of religious faith and do nothing except crowding the place with cars, buses and modern–day gadgets of tourism; bathing in the ponds or rivers there, offering some customary worship in the shrines, and distributing some alms to beggars.

Such a pilgrimage is no different from a picnic trip.

After spending all the money and time, you may have the satisfaction of completing a pilgrimage to a 'popular tirtha', but reality is that doing a pilgrimage in this manner is not genuine and worthwhile.

You must understand the correct meaning of pilgrimage.

While going to a tirtha, you must remember that your journey and stay there are meant for getting deep inspiration for self-refinement and self-upliftment.

Pilgrimage is for:
- introspection,
- practice of penance and selfless service, and for
- resolving to single-pointedly strive for an enlightened future.

The devout endeavors of self-discipline and self-transformation of today, lay the foundation of a brighter tomorrow.

Pilgrimage should be a milestone in this ascending uphill climb of the individual self.

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

(Post 08)

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

The monasteries established by Lord Buddha were also like Aranyaks.

Those who used to renounce their worldly attachments, and were dedicated to selfless service and dissemination of the divine teachings of Lord Buddha for the welfare of all, used to be the permanent inmates of these monasteries.

Well, you may call them as "Bauddha-vihars" instead of Aranyaks; it hardly makes any intrinsic difference.

Such sacred centers of learning and training, where every moment of life is dedicated to tapa-sadhana and service, are tirthas indeed.

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

(Post 07)

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

This place is like a sanatorium for spiritual healing.

Doctors and medical experts may be there in any conventional hospital, but sanatoriums are equipped with a distinct additional facility – viz., health restoring atmosphere in a natural setting.

What patients now a days gain in good sanatoriums in terms of health benefits, used to be provided in the Gurukuls and Aranyaks to the aspirants in ancient times, in terms of virtuous and spiritual growth.

In ancient India, Gurukuls were educational tirthas for young children, where they used to gain in-depth knowledge of life and existence, from their mentor Rishis, on all aspects of life.

They also used to get thorough training for activation, refinement and growth of their talents, and for overall development of their personalities.

Aranyaks also used to serve as centers for training of the elders (vanaprasthis) in the sadhana of altruistic service and social welfare.

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

(Post 06)

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

If you regard Shantikunj as Gayatri-Tirth (a Tirtha for Gayatri Sadhana), you must follow the disciplines here and make the best use of every moment of your stay for your spiritual enlightenment.

Here we have strict timetable from the moment you get up (early in the morning at 3:30 am) till you go to bed (at 9pm).

The arrangements, activities and time-schedule are so designed that if you follow them sincerely, within a few days, you would imbibe a regimen of self-restraint and moral discipline.

Interaction with people here will also inculcate in you, the art of living a truly civilized and cultured social life.

You will get an opportunity to know the fundamentals of spiritual Sadhana and Indian Culture, and also gain an experience and practical guidance for imbibing an austere, ascetic life, with dignified simplicity.

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

(Post 05)

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

If you go for pilgrimage, you must keep this purpose and importance of tirthas in mind.

If you are lucky to reach and stay at a tirtha, where the spiritual vibrations of the Rishi Age are still active in some form, you must devote yourself to cultivating an attitude of quietude to the uplifting vibrations pervading there.

You must know that tirthas are not meant for merely going through some mechanical rituals and beseeching worldly favors from the deity.

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

(Post 04)

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

But what about the actions?

What is required to be done on this front of spiritual development?

Refinement of personality by dedicated sadhanas, and selfless service for the welfare of others, adoption of generous, altruistic attitude in daily life are essential components of the yoga of action.

It is these kinds of karmas that correspond to what is referred in the religious terminology as punyas.

Progress on both fronts is necessary for washing out the sins, and attainment of auspicious qualities and divine grace.

Connection between the two poles of electricity is essential for the flow of current in a circuit. Similarly, the harmonious conjunction of both Gyana and Karma leads to fulfillment of devotion and righteousness, which then effectuates the supernormal attainments or siddhis of spiritual elevation.

Tirthas were created in the ancient times to provide the motivating energy and atmosphere for transcending and transmuting both Gyana and Karma into the supreme state of self-realization.

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.