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.

Lord Shiva and the Philosophy Associated with Him (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 26)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2004/Jul_Aug/v1.LordShivaPhilosophy) 

The word "Shiva" in Sanskrit means highest good.

Lord Shiva (Shiva) is the presiding Deity of eternal, auspicious well-being of all creation.

But we, the so-called worshipers of Shiva, never even think of global good.
(Forget about global, we don't even attempt to expand the narrow domain of our selfish interests, and engage ourselves in altruistic service and upliftment of the needy around us).

We keep chanting "Om Namah Shivaya", but don't bother to know its meaning; in reality, 'Shiva' is far away from our lives.

We don't even know what is the true well-being of our soul or our own life, and how to attain it?

The japa (rhythmic chanting) of Shiva's name will bestow blessings if "Shiva" (Highest Good) is embodied in our attitude, aspirations, thoughts and deeds.

It is time we realize that worshiping only the external, gross form is no better than not doing anything at all.

The Practical Aspect of Dhyan Yoga (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 22)

(http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2003/Nov_Dec/v1.PracticalAspectDhyan_Yoga_II)

This is the secret of success in all walks of life.

We do not accomplish anything significant, as our attention and interests are scattered in many directions. I ask you to control the agitation of your mind and focus it, as per the instructions, in the practice of dhyan yoga. Because of its wayward diversions, you are neither able to concentrate upon your studies nor to work for proper health; you are not able to do anything significant; there is always an instability, as well as scattering of your efforts.

This haphazard state of your mind should be controlled with the help of meditation along with the devotional practices of japa.

Your mind should be well organized and trained to imbibe the habit of "work while you work and play while you play".

Be that a worldly task or spiritual practices, whatever you do, should be done with full attentiveness. Deep mental concentration is a spiritual quality.