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.

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.