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.

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.