PRAYER FOR THE DEPARTED SOUL

I pray for the complete peace in the heart and mind of the departed soul. Oh! God, enlighten the soul in all the possible ways. Please grant the soul complete freedom from all the attachments and relationships incurred in the past life.

Pujya Shree Mota.

My two cents -- Pujya Shree Mota has written this prayer to be recited at the time of the death of the person and for 13 days afterwards.

RECOGNITION OF A SAINT

If there is a slowing of the thought process, peacefulness in the heart, a feeling of happiness and a thrill in the mind, with your heart rate getting to be different and you just feel good by sitting near a person then that person can be recognized as a saint. You may get the resolution of a problem if that is put forward in your mind with a prayerful heart. This needs to be done with humility and with the spirit of curiosity, not with the intent to test the person. He may console you himself or through somebody and there will be satisfactory resolution of the problem in your mind. Sometimes there is quietening of the disturbed emotions or there may be the feeling of love in your heart and a feeling of being light and developing a keen interest in the surroundings.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan pagathi
Edition 6; page 47.

GURU-MANTRA (ગુરુમંત્ર્) AND ITS USE

Swajan :  can we improve our lives by accepting guru-mantra?

Pujya Shree Mota :   You cannot achieve anything by just accepting guru-mantra. One may accept it if one wishes to have one. But this in itself is a kind of ignorant fallacy. At times, the world follows blindly. In spit of this, if you want one you can have it. Thousands of mantras are useless until there is a fundamental turn in the direction of your life. Even God cannot help until there is great desire, eagerness  and willingness to reduce or remove desires, greed, sexual impulses, ego, attachments and jealousy.

There is always conflict, grief, anguish, sorrow, difficulties, troubles and worries in this world and its workings. No soul has the capacity to separate from it. We have to experience it. Know for sure that any one who faces this with unwillingness, fear and weariness will be troubled by it with a lot more intensity. Any soul that faces this with prayers to God with love, devotion and deep knowledge, at the same time believing that the root cause of these problems lies within himself will help himself. Guru-manta is useful when the soul experiences and burns the roots of infatuation and jealousy within himself and then turns these natural tendencies towards God and offers them.

We have seen lots of souls that have received guru-mantra who choose to make no effort in improving their dealings and works. This kind of guru-mantra is useless. It is all for show and comfort.What can guru-mantra do when there is no desire in the heart to change one's life in a fundamental way?

Pujya Shree Mota
Lagne hajo mangalam
Edition 1: page 232 and 238.

NAAM-SMARAN AND AWARENESS

Swajan :  Mota, you tell us to do naam-smaran and at the same time also tell us to be aware and ready. What should we be aware of and what kind of readiness are you asking from us?

Pujya Shree Mota :  Only the one who always wants to protect his aim in life and is aware and alert at the slightest hinderance in his aim, can get past this hindrance. We get the results of any work according to the level of effort that it is done with. So we should offer our works with intense joy, happiness, love, devotion, perfect concentration in our heart and with conscious awareness of "Hari om" in our heart and mind.

Only this kind of naam-smaran can be our real strength and make us aware of our nature. Any natural tendencies, our dealings, relationships and circumstances should be offered to Him with deep knowledge, devotion and awareness during naam-smaran. The soul that does this is always ready and aware. We should continue to offer all these with all our might in this Japa-yagna. We will definitely get the result of this Japa-yagna. Whenever old impressions arise in our mind from our past, do not get dragged in its currents. So be aware that these thoughts are from your past impressions and being entangled in it or it will lead you back to where you started. With this awareness, try to separate from the entanglements and offer them to God with a prayerful heart. Only this kind of practice will be helpful.

Pujya Shree Mota
Lagne hajo mangalam
Edition 1, page 230 - 231.

NAAM-SMARAN AND AIM OF LIFE

Swajan :   Is it possible to develop life by reciting only God's name?

Pujya Shree Mota  :   We may use the tools like naam-smaran and prayers. These tools are not very helpful unless and until there is definite and decisive understanding of the aim of life that propels us further towards our ultimate goal. Yes, it leaves its impressions but that is also superfluous. The tendency of the efforts that are made without this decisive turn in life are half hearted and ineffective.
The real strength and vitality develops in the efforts that are made after definite and decisive aim is fixed in life. Souls that have this "do until death" determination and firmness are suited for this road. Others will not succeed. So there is a real need for this awareness and contemplation on this matter.

Pujya Shree Mota
Dhan no yog
Edition 1; page 69.

DISCUSSIONS AND ARGUMENTS

The root cause of the discussions lies in the ego. There is a kind of subtle lack of generosity towards others ideas. Even though we lack the power to understand the other person, there is a tendency to consider ourselves better in intelligence and understanding. In a way this encourages our hypocrisy. We tend to get into the heated discussion with so much interest that at times it is impossible to accept the truth in other persons arguments. Occasionally we tend to press our point in spite of knowing and ignoring the truth in other person's arguments. Often we misuse our intelligence to win the arguments.

Pujya Shree Mota
Life and works
Edition 1; page 550.

DEVELOP HEART TO HEART CONNECTION

Just like you he has the same natural tendencies. It is best if we do not see bad points in other people that we have met in this life. Often that is not possible. We can still touch their heart if we enthusiastically forgive them with our heart and soul. If we want to roam in the field of bhavna it is absolute hypocrisy to believe that two souls that are connected in this life cannot become close to each other with their hearts. This applies to me, you and everybody else.

Pujya Shree Mota
Dhan no yog
Edition 1; page 79.

This letter was addressed to a swajan who was offended by the behavior of other person.

ATTITUDE TOWARDS MONEY (WEALTH, લક્ષ્મી)

Swajan :  Mota, What kind of attitude and inclination should I keep towards money?

Pujya Shree Mota :  As sadhak experiences increasing trust and faith in God he would definitely realize that having wealth is a sign of grace of God. He realizes that he can help lots of people with this wealth. If he puts his heartfelt sincerity into his actions and uses his wealth to help others he would definitely receive the help (from people that he has helped) in an unseen way in his life. This is the result of good feelings and sympathetic attitude that they carry toward the sadhak. Their blessings to sadhak is the reflection of happiness from help and support that they received in their difficult circumstances.

When you have to walk to your destination it is difficult. If you have the help of bullock cart or railway train it becomes easier. Grace of God has given us this powerful tool (wealth) and if you use it in a right and appropriate way, you can reach your destination with the speed of an airplane. I am telling you all this as you have this false ideas about having money. Having this tool of wealth is a great advantage, not a disadvantage. I am not the only one who believes this. Pujya Shree Arvindbabu (well known saint  in India who established ashram in Pondicherry) also believes so. He puts the wealth in much higher category as a tool. If your intentions are pure it will never fail you. So be absolutely worry free in this regard.

I am explaining this matter further so you can have a better understanding of the situation. You can help  an innocent person from the attack by the bad guys if you have a sword or some other weapon. We can also protect us from the attacks by thieves or enemies. Not only that but we can kill them too if needed. To have this kind weapon helps us to be deal with our fear. At the same time the same weapon can be the source of our destruction. It is our use that determines whether it helps or hurts us. Tool itself is never bad. We the users are either good or bad. So we should never be afraid of the tool.

Pujya Shree Mota
Dhan no yog
Edition 1; excerpts from pages 19 - 21.

TO BE RICH IS NOT A SIN

Swajan ;  What is the use of making money and then hoarding it? Is it not that being rich is an obstacle in the path of spirituality and experiencing God?

Pujya Shree Mota ;  It is not a sin to be rich. There is nothing wrong if we make more money than we need. Not every body develops in same fashion. We are in this circumstances and it may be that we will develop best in this situation. If we cannot utilize this opportunity properly then we may miss to take advantage of the situation. If we are going to develop our life in the service of God then nothing will hold us back, no matter what circumstances we are placed in. It is possible to realize God even in the poorest of the conditions. No matter what circumstances, one is always fit to go near God. Considering this our circumstances can never be an obstacle.

Wealth is one of the most effective tool in the development of the sadhak. One can benefit a lot depending on its use. It can take you in heaven or throw you in hell. If we have opened our eyes towards God we will definitely know the proper use of wealth and in the process get maximum advantage from it. Never think that wealth is not good and leads to our destruction. It is a manifestation of divine energy. When it is pleased with us it takes care of our welfare in every way.

Pujya Shree Mota
Dhan no yog
Edition 1; pages 16 - 17.

DEVELOP SELF CONFIDENCE

Transformation of our lives take place while performing our tasks properly according to and in any circumstances that we are placed in. We must try our best to accomplish the tasks in a proper way under given circumstances without any fear. Fear makes us afraid. Responsibilities do not cause fear by itself but the big hoopla about it does. You should not be afraid of the responsibilities. Just start performing your tasks and everything will be all right.

Don't be afraid of the mistakes. We will learn from our mistakes. There is no doubt that we will be well suited for the tasks after gaining experience in this fashion. We must have complete trust in ourselves and at the same time it is imperative to see that mistakes do not occur. One who has complete self confidence and has determination never gives up. God always gives us energy and understanding of the tasks that is given to us by Him. So have complete trust. He will gives energy and understanding to accomplish the task no matter what kind of circumstances we are placed in. When you actually experience this in your life you will understand it. This will give you a boost in your confidence.

Continue to think deep and analyze yourself. Always try to understand natural tendencies, thoughts, feelings and emotions in your mind. Whenever you get burdened with work, do not feel well or get bored do naam-smaran (hari om) loudly. Do not be ashamed. All these burden and ill feeling will dissipate.

Pujya Shree Mota
Dhan no yog
Edition 1; pages 9 - 10.

This is addressed to a novice business man.

ROOT CAUSE OF GRIEF AND SORROW

Swajan :  What should I do when powerful attacks of thoughts and natural tendencies (vrutties) cause me to be overwhelmed with grief and sorrow?

Pujya Shree Mota :  The very reason we become the slave of our own thoughts and vrutties is that we allow it to control us. If we have the awareness to thoroughly analyze the situation, the cause should be evident to us. We are worthless in this world if we cannot know the root cause of our own grief and sorrow. So think deep and find the root cause of your problem. We should never surrender to these natural tendencies. Otherwise it will kill us in the end. We will definitely find the root cause if we try to make an honest effort to understand our mind with our heart in it. Do naam-smaran loudly with all your might without feeling abashed. It will definitely help in this matter. Try this experiment and do not be perplexed and confused. Try to be happy as much as you can and never surrender to your vrutties.
We should not hold on to the thoughts of the past or the present.

Pujya Shree Mota
Dhan no yog
Edition 1; page 1.

THE ART OF TRANSFORMATION OF VRUTTIES ( NATURAL TENDENCIES ).

Swajan :  Mota, How can we remove preconceived idea and bias about somebody? What should we do when our inner happiness seems to be getting less?

Pujya Shree Mota :  When we have this bias due to our old impressions in the mind there is only one way to remove it. It is to love the person. We should not let any thought of the bias enter our mind. At the same time we should not forget our duty. We should exercise our discretion and continue to get necessary work that is asked of him. We should always be open and straight forward. There is always a reason when our inner happiness is disturbed. It happens when our mind gets entangled in something. We need  to free our mind from this situation. We will know and understand the antics of the mind only when we continue this kind of experiments. We want to continue working with harmony. Even in the business activity we should make sure that nobody is offended by our words. Try to transform the energy and enthusiasm of running the business into goodwill and understanding of the business clients. Do this with your heart into it. This will not hurt your business. Believe this for sure.

Pujya Shree Mota
Dhan no yog
Edition 1; pages 43 - 44.

This is addressed to a young start up businessman. It discusses the ways to deal with the employees that worked for him and at the same time it shows the ways to transform his own preconceived ideas. The sense of discretion plays a major role in this situation.

Ashwin.

NO USE BEING FIXATED ON PAIN

Nadiad
Feb 6, 1961.

Dear Ben,

Your decision to bear the pain with love as much as possible and not get fixated on this daily occurrence of pain is the right one. It is one thing to have pain but worrying and getting fixated on it makes it even worse. I like your decision a whole lot.

Spend more time doing the naam-smaran. Only then you will feel its support and protection in your heart. Any soul that has felt the support and trust of God in his heart will never have a break down from any kind of pain or suffering. The trust that develops from heart, in the heart and with the heart makes us strong. This gives us such a tremendous support in our lives that we never feel lonely or alone.

Pujya Shree Mota
Lagne hajo mangalam
Edition 1; pages 196 - 197.

My two cents --  This letter was addressed to a swajan who was having lots of physical pain every day.

NAAM-SMARAN AND PRESENCE OF GURU IN YOUR HEART

Swajan :  Mota ! Now I have a feeling as if I am in the car and on my way (towards spiritual progress). I feel relaxed because of this feeling. In spite of this I am still bothered by the attacks from natural tendencies and thoughts. Now I have taken a vow to do naam-smaran for certain number of times. Is it ok? I have also decided to have your photo painted.

Pujya Shree Mota :  This feeling you have is very good. Once this feeling is settled in it will not be replaced even if attacked by hostile forces. It may get shaken up temporarily but in the end these attacks will fail.

Whenever you are bothered by these negative forces invite them without fear. Tell them " come on in my friends, you have reminded me of my dear God ". Thank them and offer them at the holy feet of Bhagawan.

Everything that comes to us is a form of energy. When one learns the art of using this energy and is aware of this at all times, enjoys the life at its fullest. This kind of person can never be lazy or idle.

I am pleased that you have decided to do naam-smaran for 35000 to 44000 times. Since you do not have the worry of the job, there is nothing wrong in doing naam-smaran even for longer time.

Naam-smaran plays a big part in making the mind concentrate. It also helps to prevent the undue impressions of karma being ingrained and lessens the force of these impressions when they express themselves. It also has a major role in cajoling the mind to get interested in the love for the God.

There is no need to paint the picture of Mota. It is mere foolishness. I have never kept the photo of my guru. We should make the guru alive in our hearts.

Pujya Shree Mota
Lagne hajo mangalam
Edition 1; pages 240 - 242.

SURRENDER -- EASY TO SAY

Swajan :   Mota ! How do we know that mind, intelligence, chitta, prana and ego have changed its natural characteristics and are ready for true surrender?

Pujya Shree Mota :   True surrender takes place when the natural qualities of mind, intelligence, chitta, prana and ego change its characteristics.
Mind stops being hesitant and indecisive.
Intelligence changes its ways to operate and gets rid of suspicion, doubts, arguments and reasoning.
This happens when it is ready to get enlightened (પ્રજ્ઞા સ્વરૂપ).
Prana's natural tendencies gets to be less, meaning desires, wishes, covetousness, sexual desires, anger, arrogance and jealousy looses its force and all its energy is directed towards God.
Ego looses its arrogance and experiences the divine consciousness and accepts its workings and superiority.
In Chitta there is no expression of impressions of ordinary life. There is sprouting of impressions that lead towards the divine consciousness.


Pujya Shree Mota
Lagne hajo mangalam
Edition 1; page 240.

REASONS FOR LACK OF INTEREST IN NAAM-SMARAN.

Swajan :  I do naam-smaran but there is no real interest and delight in doing it. What are the reasons behind it?

Pujya Shree Mota :  It is not possible to have this interest right away. When it is practiced continuously this interest and delight in doing naam-smaran definitely arises. We can never fall in love without coming in close contact with a person. It is similar to naam-smaran.

We should never surrender to any negative thoughts of life or natural tendencies that spring up while doing naam-smaran. Just let it pass by. We should maintain equanimity. It is of utmost importance to develop this practice in a most practical and effective way.

Always do naam-smaran with happiness and with a free spirit. Make sure that there is no sadness or unhappiness during naam-smaran.

Pujya Shree Mota
Lagne hajo mangalam
Edition 1; page 70 - 71.

My two cents --  I wish readers will pay utmost importance to each sentence. Each sentence means a lot if one wants to start doing naam-smaran.

DEALING WITH YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN

Question :  When we reprimand our adolescent  children they get very upset. They become argumentative, confrontational and do not listen to us. How should the parents handle the situation?

Pujya Shree Mota :  Adolescence is an important time of growing up. If it if not handled in the right way they may become estranged for good. It is very difficult to bring them back afterwards. We all are responsible for creating this situation with the adolescence. 

We should give direction to this force of youth with deep and sincere love from our hearts. It happens that all adults in the family keep finding faults with children. They continue to reprimand them. This creates a situation where these children feel oppressed and bored. It is not my intention to say that they should never be reprimanded. They need our guidance. But the method and the way we tell them should be suitable to them. This is the time for us to change our methods and ways to deal with them.

This is the age that requires careful handling by everybody involved in their care. Majority of parents today lack the skill of dealing with children. In our society there is no understanding of this change that children undergo to reach adulthood. Their minds and bodies undergo this tremendous change by forces unknown and incomprehensible to them. Entering adolescence is like taking a new birth. There are several changes that cannot be seen unlike the changes seen in the body. Careful parents must know this and be alert for these changes.

First of all be aware of yourself. Our truthfulness and devotion in our lives will naturally affect the minds and the hearts of these children. Do not worry if this does not happen. In case we need to tell something to them, tell it without getting upset and stern with them. Pray to God in your heart that the best qualities in life be granted to them. 

Pujya Shree Mota

Dampatya bhavna

Edition 5;  pages 153 - 154.

BE YOUR OWN JUDGE.

We should look for the answers in our heart when confronted with the variety of circumstances in our daily lives. The purpose behind these circumstances and how to navigate needs to be explored. With practice we will definitely find the answers. One who looks for the answers always finds it. So continue to look inwards for the answers. We do not need to be the judge of this world. It is ideal if we become our own judge in an appropriate way. In this world everybody tries to give instructions, advice and opinion too quickly. When confronted with these circumstances we need to be peaceful. Try to understand the true purpose of the situation and accept the right meaning. We should never give advice, instructions or opinion in this situation. Refrain from giving advice even when asked for.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan pravesh
Edition 2; pages 124 - 125.

This letter was addressed to a devotee widow who was living in a joint family. It is concerned with inter relationship amongst family members. It shows the way to do sadhana in a practical way while living under the most difficult circumstances as a widow in a joint family.

TO THE MIND -- 15

સગાં  સ્નેહીઓ  સર્વ  સંબંધીઓને
જણાવ્યે  થતું  દુઃખ  ઓછું  જણાયે,
બધાં  સુખદુઃખાદિ  વ્યાધિ  ઉપાધિ
પ્રભુને  જણાવો-થશે  દુર  આંધી.   ---------- (99)

પૂજ્ય શ્રી મોટા
મનને.

---------------------------------------------------

Bearable becomes misery
When shared with loved ones,
Demolished will be, the storm of sorrow
Oh! My mind, when shared with God Almighty.

Pujya Shree Mota
To the mind
Stanza -- 99.

TO THE MIND -- 14

વિચાર્યે  ઊંડુ  કૈં  જણાયે  તને  જે
વિવેકે-સરાણે-ચઢાવી   જ  લેજે
પછી  યોગ્ય  લાગ્યે  કરી  તે,  પ્રભુને
સમર્પી,  નિરાસક્ત  તું  એમ  રે  ' જે.   -------------- ( ૯૩ ).

પૂજ્ય શ્રી મોટા
મનને.

------------------------------------------------

Think deep and know what must you do
Action finished properly with finest discretion
Offer at thy feet when done
Oh! My mind, thus stay detached always.

Pujya Shree Mota
To the mind
Stanza -- 93.

TO THE MIND -- 13

તને  વૃત્તિનું  મૂળ  મેં  શોધવાને,
બતાવ્યા  કર્યુ  છે  ઊડું વારેવારે;
અને  વેગ  અેનો  પ્રભુ-પાદપદયે,
શમાવા  કરું  છુ  તને ગોદ  નિત્યે.  -----------  ૯૨

પૂજ્ય શ્રી મોટા
મનને.

------------------------------------------

Repeatedly have I shown you the way
To search for the deep roots of vrutti;
Oh! My mind I goad you daily
Quieten the force of vrutti at the feet of Thee.

Pujya Shree Mota
To the mind
Stanza -- 92.

Vrutti ( natural tendency ).

TO THE MIND -- 12

રહેતાં   પૂ્્રૂં  આવડે  શાંતિમાં  જો,

નવું  સર્જશે,  કામ  તારાં  સધાશે,

તને  તારું   જોવાની  તો  ટેવ  પાડી,

રહે  સાક્ષીભાવે  સદા  એમ રીઝી.  ------------  ૯૧.

પૂજ્ય શ્રી મોટા

મનને.

-------------------------------------


In peace if you learn to live,
Creative you will be, accomplishing your tasks;
Habit you form to observe yourself,
Oh! My mind, be happy in the spirit of a witness.

Pujya Shree Mota
To the mind
Stanza -- 91.

TO THE MIND -- 11

રખે  દોરવાઇ  જતું  લાગણીથી,
સદા  ચિત્ત  પ્રોવું  વિવેકે નિહાળી,
વળી  સર્વ  બાજુથી  તોળી  વિચારી,
તુલા  રાખજો  સ્થિર તું  બાપ  !  તારી.   ---------  ૮૮.

પૂજ્ય  શ્રી  મોટા
મનને.

------------------------------

Lest be led by emotions
observe always with discretion and attention
comprehend from all sides with thoughtfulness
Oh!  My fatherly mind, keep your balance always.

Pujya Shree Mota
To the mind
Stanza -- 88.

SENSE OF DISCRETION ------ (3)

It is up to us to develop this sense of discretion, a very beneficial and pleasurable good quality in our lives. Like any other skill it increases with its usage. We should use it not only to solve big problems but create a habit of using it to solve minor and insignificant problems in our daily lives. When this happens we undergo divine transformation. Our life is not confined individually but spreads in its entirety. Eventually this energy turns into divine inspiration. At this time truth can be discerned in the blink of an eye. Essence of every thing stands in front of our inner eye. In the end it becomes our unfailing guiding energy.

We will have to fight any thought, emotion or tendency no matter how powerful, insisting or controlling it is, by using our discretion and intelligence (વિવેક-બુધ્ધિ).

Pujya Shree Mota
Life and works
Edition 1; page 295 - 296.

SENSE OF DISCRETION ------ (2)

Lots of difficult and delicate questions arise in our life's journey. Some times we get confused regarding the solutions of these problems. We get pulled in all directions due to the forces of opinions, emotions and elements of prana. Sense of discretion is the energy that keeps our balance in these circumstances. This energy is powerful and determination is its characteristic. It is not some natural tendency that keeps us bound in the whirls of doubt. Only logic creates doubt or day dreaming, only intelligence dazzles us and only emotions sweeps us far and away. At this time sense of discretion comes to our aid and creates the appropriate harmony amongst these three energies. This results in finding the solution of difficult problems and helps us to behave appropriately.

Discretion is our vision that always sees properly, our heart that always carries appropriate bhava and our intelligence that directs us towards appropriate work.

Pujya Shree Mota
Life and works
Edition 1; pages 293 - 294.

SENSE OF DISCRETION ( વિવેકશક્તિ ) ----- ( 1 )

Man may be intelligent and skillful but may not be wise. Discretion is a principle characteristic of true knowledge. True knowledge is not possible without the sense of discretion. Some people are very emotional and have very little sense of discretion. The result can be very damaging. When life is managed by unbalanced or exclusive use of emotions or intelligence, it (life) is incomplete due to lack of discretion. When certain thought, natural tendency, emotion, bhava or propriety of certain behavior springs up in the mind and creates the disturbances, sense of discretion comes to the rescue. It (sense of discretion) thinks of all sides of the problem and evaluates elements for and against in solving the problem. In the end it declares its decision with equanimity as if it is somebody else and is not connected or concerned with the puzzling problem. When a person makes the decision with equanimity he stops or returns from the way forbidden by God. Without the sense of discretion there is no purpose, aim or reason for the life. It is because of this energy of discretion that we have bhavna, good qualities and happiness. There is a lot more possibility to fall and stumble in life if there is a lack of this energy of discretion.

Pujya Shree Mota
Life and works
Edition 1; pages 290 - 291.

PRAYER AND EXPRESSION OF BHAVA

We get the opportunity to appreciate the bhava of God in many incidents and surroundings in our lives. Prayer to become aware, appreciate and express this bhava in our hearts and use it to achieve ultimate goal in our lives is also a powerful tool.

Expression of innocence in our lives when we see an innocent child, expression of love for God in our hearts when we see a person with a loving heart, expression of discipline in us when we see a person with sincerity of the work, expression of keen bhavna, energy and strength in us when we see a holy person with these good qualities, expression of purity in us when we see a motherly woman with purity in her heart, expression of God's manifestation in us when we see a beautiful natural settings, expression of intensity and enthusiasm in us when we see a river rushing towards its goal incessantly are some of the examples of incidents and surroundings in our lives that express the bhava of God.

Pujya Shree Mota
Life and works
Edition 1; page 254.

MIND AND ATMOSPHERE

Amongst the many strengths of the sadhak mind is the subtlest of them. Surrounding atmosphere can easily upset the mind. It clashes in physical atmosphere created by contact with senses. More over the mind clashes and is affected a whole lot more by subtle atmosphere. Influences from good or bad company can help or hurt and creates reactions and counter reactions in the mind. This is lot stronger influence.

Close association with holy people can have positive influence on the mind if there is faith, trust, respect, love and devotion in the heart of sadhak. Other way to escape the effects of the surrounding atmosphere is to be constantly and deeply engaged in philanthropic thought or work. To keep mind engaged in holy activities ( sattvik ) avoids many effects of atmosphere on the mind. It is much easier and powerful to develop favorable atmosphere than to keep fighting unhealthy atmosphere. If sadhak learns the art of holding on to good vibrations around him, he can create new life for him in spite of
being surrounded by bad atmosphere.

Pujya Shree Mota
Excerpts from "Life and works"
Edition 1; pages 277 - 279.

DEVELOP LOVE WITHOUT EXPECTATIONS

We have to make certain that the bad points of any soul is not seen by us. At the same time we should not feel offended if somebody finds bad points in us. We must continue to appreciate good things in others and ignore if nobody appreciates our good qualities. We have to develop heartfelt love for all concerned and care about them with all our hearts. We have to completely ignore if others do not show the same kind of love or show anger and malice towards us. When time comes we should be extra nice to them. We should consider everything as an expression of God.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan sopan
Edition 3; page 151.

MEANING OF GURU

' GURU ' is not a physical entity. Yet guru can impart proper understanding and useful information for the development of life at the physical level. More over he is visibly helpful in guiding and energizing us when we are confronted with the elements and tendencies of ordinary life that hinder our progress towards spiritual life ( if we pray for his help with our heart, devotion and knowledge ). If we can establish this kind of heart to heart connection with love and affection then we will never ever feel lonely, alone or lost. We will always experience the presence of our guide and friend with us at all times.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan sopan
Edition 3; page 120 - 121.

TO THE MIND --- 10

વિચારો  ગમે  તે,  સ્ફૂરે  તે  થવા  દૈ,
ઊંડુ  સ્પર્શવા  ના  દઇ,  તેમને  હું,
અને  તેમની  છાપ  સ્હેજે  લગારે,
રહેવા  ન  દેવા  મથું ને  મથાવું.    --------- (૬૫)

પુજ્ય શ્રી મોટા
મનને.

Any thoughts that spring up, I let it,
Yet escaping their effects and deep impressions,
Oh! My mind, I try hard
And ask from you the same.

Pujya Shree Mota
To the mind
Stanza 65.

TO THE MIND --- 8.

કદી  રાગદ્વેષે  ન  તું  લક્ષ  દેજે,
ન  ચિંતા  બીજી  કોઇ  તું  વ્હોરી  લેજેઃ
અને  ભાગ  આવેલ  જે  કર્મ  તેને-
-કરીને  પૂ્્રું  નિત્ય  નિશ્ર્ચિંત  રે 'જે. ----------- (૩૬)

પૂજ્ય શ્રી મોટા
મનને.

Neither pay attention to attachment and hate
Nor accept any other worries
Oh! My mind, always be relaxed
When the work that came your way is finished.

Pujya Shree Mota
To the mind  --  stanza (36).

TO THE MIND -- 7

તને  સે ' જ્યે  પાપ  બુધ્ધિ  ન  જાગો,

તને  વાસના  કોઇ  રીતે  ન  લાગો,

સદા  સર્વ  સંકલ્પ  ને  કલ્પનાઓ,

ધરી  કાળજી,  જાગૃતિ  રાખી,  ત્યાગો.   ---------  (૨૮).

પૂજ્ય શ્રી મોટા

મનને .


May evil thoughts not arise in you,
And may you never be touched by old desires.
Oh! My mind, with care and awareness forever
Give up all desires and imaginations.

Pujya Shree Mota
To the mind -- stanza 28.

TO THE MIND - 6.

બધાં  સાધનોમાં  મને  તું  જ  શ્રેષ્ઠ,
ન  ચાલે  લગારે,  ન  જો  તારી  હૂંફ ઃ
કરું  કામ  મારાં  તહારી  સહાયે,
તને  યાચું  હું  સંગ  રે ' વા  સદાયે.    --------     (૨૩)                          

પૂજ્ય શ્રી મોટા
મનને.

By far you are the excellent tool amongst many,
Without your warmth and trust I can not function,
All my works are done with your support,
Oh!  My mind, I yearn to stay with you for ever.

Pujya Shree Mota
To the mind,  stanza - 23.

   

TO THE MIND -- 9.

બહુ  દોષ  તારા  અરે !  મેં  બતાવ્યા,
વળી  વાંક  તારા  હજારો  ગણાવ્યા,
છતાં  હું  પિછાનું  ગુણો  શક્તિ  તારી,
ઊંભો  રૈ '  શક્યો  છું  સહાયે  જ  તારી.  ---------- (૫૬)

પૂજ્ય શ્રી મોટા
મનને.

Showed your numerous defects,
Counted your crookedness thousands of times,
And yet I know your strength and goodness,
Oh! My mind with your help I sustain myself.

Pujya Shree Mota
To the mind
Stanza 56.

ASPIRATION ( પ્રેરણા)

Aspiration lies in higher intelligence. When higher intelligence is focused on any subject and starts thinking and mulling over it, mind and prana associates with it. In this circumstances ego cannot associate with it. When higher intelligence, mind and prana are focused then aspiration springs up. There is nothing false or untrue in aspiration.We will not be harmed if we act according to the aspiration. We return to the same level of intelligence after rise of this aspiration. We start thinking about pros and cons and lose the force of aspiration.

Occasionally when our  higher intelligence, mind and psyche are busy with activities of prana and ego we sometimes get aspiration also and at times repeatedly. We tend to ignore this aspiration as the inner implements ( mind, intelligence etc ) are busy with its workings. If we follow this aspiration it will be beneficial.

Aspiration is near to our Atma (spark of divine in us) although it is not Atma itself. Aspiration springs from the region of Atma. Our bodies are of physical nature and Atma that lies in our bodies can be experienced through the body. Aspiration is of physical nature but it helps us a lot.

Pujya Shree Mota
Joda - jod
Edition 1; page 92 - 93.

INTUITION (સ્ફુરણા)

Swajan :  "How do we get intuition?"

Pujya Shree Mota :  When there is an unsolved problem it lies in our subconscious mind. Since we are busy with our daily lives it may not have received enough attention. We may think about it from time to time. After a while this thinking also stops. Intuition then springs up from the subconscious mind with the solution of the unsolved  problem.

Aspiration springs up in a developed soul. Intuition does not develop from love and devotion but it results from the churning of the thoughts. Subconscious mind is deeper than the sea and is very powerful. Experienced people mention that the strength of subconscious mind is thousands of times more than we recognize and understand. Parapsychologists also say that it is a big storage place of knowledge and energy. According to them there is a science to enter in this vast subconscious mind.

Most of our thinking is in the superficial mind. It touches the subconscious mind when it is an emotional and complicated problem. Subconscious mind grabs hold of this complicated and emotional problem. After a while we tend to forget the issue and get busy with our daily lives. The problem seems to be forgotten or at least the intensity appears to be less. We may be aware of the problem if it affected us personally. In any case the intensity gets milder with time. Opposite happens in subconscious mind and the problem gets a lot more attention. As a result intuition develops.

Swajan : You told us that the depth of subconscious mind is immense. It needs all kinds of information to solve the problem. Is the subconscious mind spread all over the world?

Pujya Shree Mota :  Yes, it is. The world and the totality of the society has subconscious mind. Our mind gets all the information from this vast subconscious mind as it is attached to it. We do not understand its working but it can get all the needed information. It does not think about pros and cons of the solution but the result is expressed as intuition. When there is real intuition man does not think much about it  but follows the intuition. Some people do not even know that they had an intuition. People who have tried to understand this intuition may have some understanding about it.

Pujya Shree Mota
Joda - jod
Edition 1; pages 32 - 33.

STATE OF HAPPINESS (પ્રસન્નતા) AND EQUANIMITY

Suppose there is some difficulty in the path of a person whose aim is to keep happiness. He will not  think only of the difficulty. It is not possible to solve the problem just by thinking about it. For example if you want to see the whole city of Baroda it is possible only if you fly over it. Separate from the difficulties and problems. Develop some equanimity and only then you will truly solve the problems.

 One other result is the development of equanimity when the state of happiness is established. With equanimity one learns to separate from the problems. It is much easier to grasp the essence and meaning of the problems by separating from it. It is also easier to solve the difficulties in life and get the solutions to the problems in our lives.

To maintain happiness we must remove the enemies of happiness from its path. Infatuation and jealousy (રાગ-દ્વેષ)  are the biggest obstacles. It takes one or several lives to do that. Instead we should not get attached to these enemies when confronted in the path. According to legend Buddha Bhagawan needed several lives to remove these obstacles. So separate your self from these enemies when confronted in the path of happiness. When we have thought, intelligence, discretion and equanimity it is definitely possible to separate from these enemies. Same attitude can be taken when confronted with sexual desires, anger, attachments and greed.

Our mind and prana becomes peaceful with the development of equanimity and it is possible to think clearly. Person without equanimity will not be able to think peacefully. When problems are solved with peace and equanimity results are faster and easier to achieve.

Pujya Shree Mota
Joda - jod
Edition 1; excerpts from pages 25 to 28.

STATE OF HAPPINESS ( પ્રસન્નતા ) AND AWARENESS

If someone asked me about the basis of happiness this would be my answer.  Start to develop happiness right now in the present life. It does not help to think that future will bring happiness. ALWAYS MAKE AN EFFORT TO BE IN THE STATE OF HAPPINESS. "How can you be happy in the middle of all this worries and troubles" someone may ask? This question shows that the thought of developing happiness has not matured in that person. If your thought has matured there has to be awareness to maintain happiness in any situation. Absence of awareness shows that the thought has not matured and lacks firmness and solid determination. It signifies that there is no deep knowledge of the subject and that it is still not accepted as a central theme of the life. If you decide to do this then there has to be awareness regarding happiness.

  If we want to achieve happiness there must be awareness of happiness. When there is any loss,break or interruption in this happiness we will be awakened and warned about this interruption by this awareness. This awareness will prompt you to ask the question. Do you want to be happy or not? We want to be happy under any disturbing circumstances and it is not proper if we get disturbed.  We must solve the problem without disturbing the happiness.  Fundamental to all this is our firm decision to keep happiness.

Pujya Shree Mota
Joda - jod
Edition 1; pages 23 - 24.

STATE OF HAPPINESS ( પ્રસન્નતા ) AND DETERMINATION

Devotee:  Mota, can you elaborate on the state of happiness?

Pujya Shree Mota:  We cannot survive and work in this world without happiness. Happiness is necessary to live. Happiness is not a natural attribute but an acquired one. It can be developed. Everybody does not have that attribute although traces of it may be present naturally in some people. One must feel like " I want to develop happiness ". One must have that urge for happiness otherwise it does not work. Once developed it results in absence of ill feeling, jealousy and hurt. When it expresses in life it makes life worth living. It is of no use to talk about it. Only the person that lives in happiness knows about it. It is like being in heaven for the one who has this happiness for twenty four hours of the day.

How can this happiness be developed and expressed in life? We must think about the obstacles that come in the way. It becomes apparent that desire for sexual pleasure, anger, infatuation, jealously, pride and ego come in the way of happiness. One does get happiness from sexual pleasure, anger or other natural tendencies when it is satisfied. But soon it turns negative and leads to ignorance. It does not add any knowledge.

When flourishing state of happiness is established it always leads to higher development. We want the  happiness but not of the negative kind. We want the happiness that leads us into higher planes and bliss. Presence of blissful happiness (અાનંદ) is the distinguishing characteristic of this kind of happiness. One with established state of happiness stays peaceful when confronted with problems, obstacles, troubles and complications in his life. His mind, intelligence, psyche, prana and ego are not disturbed and stays peaceful and helps to find the solution of the problem. It does not take long for him to determine the course of action. When the problem is solved in this manner he experiences the bliss and wonders about the manner in which the problem was solved.

Pujya Shree Mota
Joda-Jod
Edition 1; excerpts from pages 18 to 20.

DEVELOPMENT OF BHAVNA ( ભાવના )

We can surmise that bhavna develops when there is freedom from our narrow vision and reduction of selfishness. Worries, afflictions, struggles get to be minimal when bhavna develops. There is a difference between struggles of ordinary life of duality and when bhavna develops. Struggles in the field of bhavna is not choosing right or wrong or between this or that. One wants to do right thing all the time but is held back by forces of ignorance ( forces of prakruti or nature ) that have been accumulating for several life spans. One wants to move forward and there ensues fierce battle and struggle with these forces. This struggle gets worse as one progresses in the field of bhavna.

There is no progress without fighting this battles. One gets to know one's worth from these struggles. It shows us where we stand as regards to bravery, patience and adventure. Progress is not possible without the struggles

Pujya Shree Mota
Joda-jod
Edition 1; page 104-105.

TO THE MIND -- 5

વિચારેલ  તારું  બને  છે  કશું  ના,
ચહ્યું  જે  વળી  તું  શકે  મેળવી  ના,
મદારો  ગઈ  વ્યર્થ  તેં  દીઠી  તારી,
છતાંયે  ન  છોડે  હજી  છાલ,  હારી.       ( ૧૩ )

પૂજ્ય શ્રી મોટા
મનને.
------------------------------------

Neither much happens accordingly to your thoughts nor the desires are fulfilled according to your likings. You have seen the futility of your confidence and yet do not accept the defeat. Even then you continue to beat your own drums.

Pujya Shree Mota
To the mind, stanza 13.


              

TO THE MIND -- 4

કરે   કેટલી  વાર  તું  કામ  ચીંધ્યું,
બતાવેલ  પંથે  ઊડ્યું  જાય  સીધું,
તું  વિશ્ર્વાસમાં  એમ  લૈને  મને  રે,
પછાડી  કરે  ખોખરાં  હાડકાં  સૌ.        ( ૧૨ )

પૂજ્ય  શ્રી  મોટા
મનને.
---------------------------------

At times you perform the work well according to my direction. You do this at flying speed and without any hesitation. You gain my confidence in this manner and then knock me down flat on the floor.

Pujya Shree Mota
To the mind, stanza 12.

My two cents --
Here Pujya Shree Mota points to one of the tricks that the mind can play with you.

TO THE MIND -- 3

વળી સાથીદારો તારા અનેક,
ભમાવી મને, રાખતા તુજ ટેક;
" ન મારા સમું ક્યાંય કો બીજું ડાહ્યું "
મનાવી મને અેમ તું ઠીક ફાવ્યું.            ( ૯ )

પૂજ્ય શ્રી મોટા
મનને.

------------------------------------
 He notices that his mind has many friends and all of them work to maintain the stand taken by the mind. This is done to misguide him. Mind convinces him that there is no body wiser than the mind and then takes the full advantage of him.

Pujya Shree Mota
To the mind, stanza 9.

My two cents --
Pujya Shree Mota continues his conversation with his mind. Mind finds convincing argument for its stand with the help of many friends like greed, desires, inertia, art of justifying, logic , etc and justifies its position. Pujya Shree Mota here questions the mind's assertion that it is the wisest of all.

TO THE MIND -- 2

ઘડીમાં હસાવે, ઘડીમાં નચાવે,
ઘડીમાં હુલાવે, ઘડીમાં ફુલાવે,
ઘડીમાં અહીંથી તહીં તું ફગાવે,
તણાયા કદી તો બૂરા હાલ અાવે.          (૬)

પૂજ્ય શ્રી મોટા
મનને.

-----------------------------------------------
Mind makes me laugh in a second and in next moment makes me dance to its tunes. In a moment makes me happy and boosts my ego and at the other times throws me around. If I get swept away in these emotions downfall is certain.

Pujya Shree Mota
To the mind --  stanza 6.

My two cents --

Pujya Shree Mota again cautions against being entangled in the flood of emotions. Yagna of Naam-smaran while watching and being a witness to these emotions helps to stay a float.

TO THE MIND -- 1

Next few blogs will be translation -- commentary on selected parts of the book ' To the mind ' written in Gujarati by Pujya Shree Mota. This book is already translated in English by Shree Hemantkumar Neelkanth and is an excellent book for reference.

ઘડીમાં મનાતું ઘડીમાં રિસાતું
ઘડીમાં સીધું ને ઘડીમાં ફસાતું
ઘડીમાં ઊડી વ્યેામ તું જાય ભાગ્યું
તને તે ખીલે કેવી રીતે હું બાંધુ?        ( ૪ )

પૂજ્ય શ્રી મેાટા
મનને.
-----------------------------

 He notices that his mind is cooperative at times but takes an offense at the most trivial of the matter. Some times it works as per his wishes and at times gets entangled  into unworthy items. He also notices that it can fly away into space in a second and it is hard to get hold of it.

Pujya Shree Mota
To the mind -- stanza  4.


My two cents ---
This was written in the early part of his sadhana and shows the relationship that Pujya Shree Mota has developed with his own mind. It is not of any frustration, anger, disappointment or control. On the contrary it is very apparent that he is watching his mind and has a conversation that is frank and sincere.
It seems that he is amused by his own mind's antics. He watches the characteristics of the mind and wonders about the ways to get its cooperation in his sadhana.

USE OF HEART TO BE OPEN TO BHAGAVAD -- BHAVA

The results are quicker if we open ourselves to the Bhagavad -- bhava with the use of heart and the unknowable bhavna behind it than the use of mind or intelligence. For this we need to cultivate constant and awakened tendency of intense will and longing for knowledge. This tendency should spring from the depth of the heart and not centered in mind or intelligence. This holy and unselfish longing arising out of heart is effective much faster. The result comes much easier from heart than intelligence. The center for intelligence is in or above the mind while the center for bhava is in heart.

Also one can be open to  Bhagavad - bhava much faster by accepting the guidance and subtle help of the people who already are open to this bhava. This is possible only when one does this with willingness, enthusiasm and without any question or conflict in the mind.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan pagathi
Edition 6; page 8.

MANAGING MONEY

Your purpose behind frugality is very good. At the same time you have no idea regarding the depth of the root cause of this tendency. This tendency of frugality sometimes has roots in the tendency of possession of wealth and hoarding the money. There are people who give away millions but squabble for small amount of money elsewhere. So our measure of frugality are mixed up and different. We need to go above these standards of frugality.

Yet it is best not to have any tendencies regarding this and handle the situation as it comes without getting upset about it. We should be pliable regarding these situations. We can be frugal if needs to be and spend the money if needed. Mind should not get disturbed in either situation. It is best for us to keep control of our mind and then act accordingly. Then it is alright.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan pagathi
Edition 6; page 5.

HAPPINESS AND SUFFERING (સુખ અને દુઃખ) PART -- 2

The way we accept suffering depends upon our mental attitude and understanding of life. Without the real understanding of life we will surrender to suffering and never come out of it. People who are wise and understand life, get a lift from this suffering and their life becomes richer in the process. For them suffering is more important than happiness. Some people blame others for their suffering and think negatively about it. They suffer even more. The blame lies within them. Suffering, sins, good deeds and  karma all spring from within us. Everything else is just an excuse. So why find fault with the excuse. For the one who gets deeper understanding and knowledge that fault lies with him gets true benefit from suffering. Suffering takes you much deeper in understanding of the self than happiness. Happiness keeps you at a superficial level while suffering takes you much deeper in the region of understanding. This is true for those who accept suffering with deep knowledge and decide to explore it. But for the most who do not think about it suffering continues.

Pujya Shree Mota
Joda-jod
Edition 1; page 54 - 55.

HAPPINESS AND SUFFERING (સુખ અને દુઃખ) PART --1

Devotee  :  Mota, Is suffering a kind of disharmony ?

Pujya Shree Mota  :  Yes. We do not analyze the cause of disharmony. If we do then it becomes apparent that the root cause lies within us. Most ordinary people believe that sorrow or suffering comes from other people and they are the reason for it. If we analyze and understand in our heart that the cause lies within us and sorrow has developed within us. Apparent reason may seem to be somebody else. If we sincerely think this way then we will develop this kind of understanding.

Happiness and suffering springs from within us. We need to dig deeper into this matter. We have impressions on our mind or psyche since our birth or from previous births if you believe in it. We have been slighted in past with painful impressions at the time. Suffering is experienced when these impressions are expressed. It is our false understanding that somebody else is the cause of our suffering. We do not have the strength to bear the result of this expression of our deeper impressions from our mind. Not only that we do not even have the desire or the will to wake up from this situation. If and when there is desire and will, it is possible to come out from this situation at a much faster pace. Life becomes very different after this understanding. So the suffering is from within us and it springs from our mind and psyche. Nobody else is responsible for it.

Pujya Shree Mota
Joda-jod
Edition 1; page 51 and 60.

FOCUSED ATTENTION ( એકાગ્રતા ) PART -- 3

Devotee  :  Mota, should we continue to do naam-smaran at all the time?  Where should we keep focused attention? ( in naam-smaran or in the work ).

Pujya Shree Mota  :  We can develop focused attention in naam-smaran only if it is practiced. This focussed attention is not static. It infiltrates everything and anything. It infiltrates into chosen work. It is possible to do naam-smaran and continue to do work at the same time. You may be able to do several works at the same time.

Pujya Shree Mota
Agrata - Ekagrata
Edition 1; page 31.

FOCUSED ATTENTION (એકાગ્રતા) PART -- 2

We have not understood the purpose of focused attention. We have a belief that our work is done if focused attention is developed or happened during our prayer session. It should be introduced in our daily works. If we maintain this focused attention in our works and progress further, there is increase in this focused attention over a period of time. Our fore fathers did not give importance to this aspect. It is alright to do prayers and Trical Sandhya (a kind of prayer). But it does not mean we are finished with our work. We should integrate this focused attention produced from prayers with our daily works and develop it further.

Usual custom is to sit in meditation in the morning and do whatever is necessary at that time. It should not be like " this far and no further " in this matter. We must engage our increased attention in daily works. As a result there is increased depth in our work, increased enthusiasm and development of good qualities. Focused attention develops further as a result.

Pujya Shree Mota
Agrata - Ekagrata
Edition 1; page 30.

FOCUSED ATTENTION (એકાગ્રતા) PART -- 1

The easiest, straight forward and best way to achieve success in any work is to increase focused attention to its maximum level in the work that is undertaken. Some people do the work but in a half hazard way. It is my observation that the work is being done without any order or definite purpose in the society. There is no understanding of the beginning or the end of the work. This kind of work will never have excellent results.

We need to explore, study and prepare ourselves for all the aspects of the work that needs to be done. This preparation involves not only mental aspect but also physical workings of that particular work. Work becomes easy when the it is done after this kind of preparation. We develop this kind of instant comprehension of the work as a result of focused attention. It is very essential and important to develop focused attention in the work if we want to succeed and carry the work through.

Pujya Shree Mota
Agrata - ekagrata
Edition 1; page 21.