ORDER OF THE TOOL FOR SADHANA (2)

 Shreyarthi (spiritual aspirant) who wants to progress in the spiritual life must develop certain good virtues that are mentioned in the Chapter of 16 of holy Gita. It is surety that, without developing these virtues, it is not possible to take further steps in the path of progress of life. It is not possible to judge individually how much time it will take to develop  certain virtue. It is also difficult. If one virtue is being developed to its best level, other related virtues also develop. The reason being, nothing is separate and everything is connected with each other. It is better to develop Bhakti-Bhavna than develop individual virtue. The reason being, with Bhakti (devotion) there is abundance of Bhavna of Bhakti. When this Bhakti-Bhav is established in the heart with heartfelt-sincerity, it becomes active and effective thus leading to development of virtues. When deep interest and its effects are established in Bhakti, it encourages higher development and progress of the body and its parts (including organs of action and knowledge).

Beginning of the Bhakti is done by using the tools like Naam-Smaran, Japa, Mantra (incantation), Prayers, Bhajan- Kirtan, Atm-nivedan (self-narration). It can also be done by, Practice of visualization of Shree Bhagwan in heart with heartfelt sincerity and keeping Him in  front of you with the littlest cause and keeping resulting Bhavna centered in heart. Bhakti also cannot be done without affection. Bhagwan does not tell us to do Smaran, prayers, Bhajan-Kirtan etc., He does not care for such things. These tools are practiced so that our inner senses turn towards Shri Bhagwan. Even here, without developing continuity in the practice of tools, Sadhak is never able to affect all senses, inner implements and such other centers in the body.

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 2, Page 104.

CHOOSING THE TOOL FOR SADHANA (1)

 NEED FOR THE CONTINUITY OF ANY ONE  TOOL

The Jiva who wants to progress in life always stays alert, not only for the self but also for others. Jiva who has expressed the Bhavna that he wants to progress in life, such a Jiva can remain completely alert and aware in all his work, tendencies, behavior, feelings, bhavna etc. Only when the Jiva is aware, he can be alert and think appropriately. We need some kind of special tool so that the we can keep such knowledge - awareness increasingly in our base factually and clearly. This tool is useful only if there is continuity, concentration and focus with knowledge and Bhava in its use. It may happen occasional that Jiva gains awareness at some blessed instance but we cannot say that his eye of understanding has opened. This can happen when the Bhava of Jiva may have expressed in something but such awareness (that is limited and without continuity), cannot do the work of progress in life. Know that, it is possible to keep strict watch in the heart by the heart only if there is constant awareness and the tool that produces awareness, is kept alive with love, devotion and knowledge. 

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog. Edition 1,

Part 2, Page 102.

STEPS OF SADHANA (5)

     What is the deeper meaning of awareness of the purpose? When the intellect takes part in the process only then it is possible to keep this awareness of the purpose. It is not possible to keep awareness if there is no association of the intellect. This means, intellect is associated with Prana, and since Prana is associated with intellect; ego also gets attached to it and this provides the force for the action. When mind gets concentrated, it also joins them leading to lessening of the thought and opposing thought (sankalp-vikalp). Then what happens is, there is lessening of the forces of Prakruti (nature). This is minimal like 5 to 8 points out of a million at every time there is focused attention (Akagrata). Our liking for this practice increases since our mind and other inner implements ( intellect, prana, ego etc) experience peace during that time. This can be accepted by the intellect. Grip of Prakruti becomes minimally reduced on us (like a grain of rice, compared to Himalaya mountains). By this practice the hold of prakruti on us gets to be less, and then we develop deep interest (Rasa) in this process. This happens because deep interest is the main characteristic of Atma. After experiencing deep interest, it becomes automatic and we do not have to make any efforts. In this way, while practicing the tool, we develop many Gunas (Good characteristics) like surety, relaxed mood, fearlessness, strength and determination.

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1

Part 2, Pages 102 - 103.

STEPS OF SADHANA (4)

 We need to understand, what is the higher purpose than Prakruti in our Sadhana when we use a particular tool. It may not be in our immediate consideration but the work is inert if we cannot keep awareness of it. It is essential to keep awareness of the purpose to prevent the work from being inert. Then certain tools were suggested including japa, naam-smaran, prayers, Bhajan - Kirtan, reading holy books, performing good work, doing good of others etc. Continue doing all these. All these are ordinary things.

All these tools are not such that we can experience Chetan quickly by using them. At the same time, they are higher than Prakruti. If we can increase time of using these tools and there is presence of concentration, we develop instant comprehension automatically regarding the use of other needed tools. There is no need to ask anyone. As we develop liking for the subjects higher than Prakruti, our concentration in these subjects also increases. There is also increase in the time used for such activities. We develop increased interest in the subjects higher than Prakruti and at the same time our interest in the activities of Sansar (like helping family to run the household that we did earlier) will be diminished. Our liking for the interest in the subjects higher than Prakruti will increase since we have determined the aim of our life commiserate with these subjects. We are using certain tools so that there is liveliness and increased progress in our Sadhana. We must have this awareness of the purpose of using the tools.

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 2, Page 101-102.