STEPS OF SADHANA (3)

 Japa- yagna may not be appropriate for everyone. People are different with different Prakruti. Their nature is also different. In general this is all right. Whoever likes and wants to do Prabhu-Smaran it is alright. They afterwards felt that not everyone can do Prabhu-Smaran. So they suggested for others to do prayers - "ask whatever you want". When a child asks the mother whatever he wants, if mother is in good mood, only then she will fulfill the need of the child. Bhagwan does not have such issues between Him and us. So they suggested to do Prayers. First they suggested to do prayers and ask for physical things and ask for whatever you need or want. It is possible that our demands may not be fulfilled. Even in Sansar the demands are not always fulfilled by mother but that does not prevent the child from asking repeatedly. Prey to Bhagwan and ask from Bhagwan in similar manner. This is one way. They also showed other tools like Bhajan- Kirtan (singing the praise of Bhagwan), association with good and holy people, performing good deeds, letting go of things etc., and suggested to practice one or two tools that suites the nature. They also suggested to practice with tool that is higher than Prakruti, to go higher than Prakruti, but at the very moment, you must have the awareness of the purpose of using such tool and what is going to be accomplished by using such tool. While using the tool, this awareness must be living and propelling us towards Chetna (consciousness).

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition1,

Part 2, Page 101.

STEPS OF SADHANA (2)

 EXPLORING METHODS

When we progress to higher level or there is inquisitiveness to achieve higher level, if we develop deep reflection and contemplation to go higher with the help of Prakruti, we can factually go higher. If we continue to do deep reflection and contemplation with Prakruti, we will continue to be in Prakruti. So, if we want to experience Chetan, increase interest in Chetan and develop tendency towards Chetan; we must do deep reflection and contemplation of the subject that is higher than Prakruti.

This defies logic. Prakruti is in our control. We have knowledge and understanding about it and it is possible to control it. At the same time, this Chetan cannot be grasped by our intellect. So, how can we do deep reflection and contemplation about it? What kind of concept needs to be developed? People had such questions. At this time, our people who have studied holy books and are experienced, studied the problem and determined that every Jiva has this problem and needs something concrete to practice. Just as characteristics of Prakruti are concrete and it is possible to have concrete grip on Prakruti. At the same time, it is not possible for Prakruti to have intellectual grip on Chatan. So it is true that we want to develop interest and liking for Chetan. So we need a tool that is higher than Prakruti. What kind of tool we have? What kind of tools can be understood by the intellect? People thought about it. Tool should be such that can be understood and practiced by common people. So they thought about Smaran of Bhagwan- Japa. In all the Yagnas, Japa-yagna is the best. But this may not be applicable to all.

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 2, Pages 100 - 101.

STEPS OF SADHANA (1)

 HOW CAN WE PROGRESS FROM LEVEL OF PRAKRUTI TO CONSCIOUSNESS?

When there is development of increased interest in reflection and contemplation of only one subject related to life, we develop increased and deep interest (Rasa, રસ) in life itself; This interest is lively and propels you towards consciousness. In the beginning concentration is due to constant study. Now there is addition of deep interest. Deep concentration that develops from addition of deep interest is very different. This concentration also expands. Nothing stays stationary. Everything is going to expand or spread e.g if there is anger, it will expand, if there is sexual desire it will also spread. Every vruttie, every tendency of Jiva nature spreads. Since it is mobile it expands. Similarly concentration that has developed from struggle and efforts also expands. When this is done daily, we develop liking and attraction towards it. It becomes lively and creative resulting in deep attachment. When there is deep attachment, there is development of deep interest. Concentration that develops from deep interest is of different kind. When that happens original nature or manifestation of Atma can be known with this concentration. It is like knowing the person with his characteristics like amount of money etc., Human being can be known by his nature, prakruti, financial status etc'. Similarly, Deep interest is the main characteristic (that can be shown by pointing the finger) to know Atma. It is like, if we know what kind, how much and for what, deep interest human being has, we instantly know what kind of person he is. 

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 2, Page 99 - 100.

KEEP BHAGWAN AS YOUR CLOSE FRIEND AT ALL TIMES

 With the grace of Shree Prabhu, it is very necessary to have firm determination and patience, in the life of the Sadhak. There is also need to enliven and increase the strength of determination with the help of will power, but this should not be the result of insistence or firm opinion. There should be living and constant Smaran-Bhavna of Shree Prabhu in everything. Such heartfelt, constant and living effort must be made with His grace. We have to express complete trust, faith and confidence in Him. Know for sure, only then our mind, Prana and ego will rest and settle down firmly within Him. Call Shree Prabhu for everything. We have to make Him our constant, close, living and talking heartfelt friend. All this is not done by imagination, it is just not possible to do all these with imagination. To achieve this, one needs solid, genuine and inspiring force of heart. 

Shree Prabhu cannot be forgotten even for a second. Sadhak must keep this factual knowledge and awareness. This is very important. We live for Shree Prabhu and whatever we do is all for Him. Whenever we experience Jiva-Nature, we need to be alert and aware in heart, remember Him and ask for His help and grace. 

Continue to remember Shree Prabhu. Before beginning the work, establish Him in heart with sincerity, trust and reverence. We need to imagine that we do the work for the love of the God within. We should establish this with true Bhavna of the heart and with honesty of the aim for our God within. We work for Shree Prabhu for His love. We offer this work to Shree Prabhu with love, devotion and knowledge and thank Shree Prabhu after accomplishing the work. We need to address Shree Prabhu with the Bhava as if He is factually present in our heart. When  there is establishment of the Bhava that the relationship with Shree Prabhu is not imaginary but is based on matter of fact Bhava, at this time devotee Sadhak does not feel that Shree Prabhu is imaginary. He actually feels the presence of ऍ (God within). When the Jiva feels support and help of such God within meaning consciousness, there is nothing difficult for this sadhak. Afterwards, his heartfelt Love- Bhava for Him becomes automatic. Devotee at this time, gets attracted towards God within with his heart automatically. At this time his speed to flow towards Shree Prabhu becomes automatic. This is true, but this does not mean that he does not face difficulties or fight wars. These are present even at this time. There is need for constant awareness with consciousness, to be ready to face difficulties. 

Pujya Shree Mota 

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 2, Pages 96 - 97.