SPIRIT OF THE COUPLE

                                                                     HARI ॐ
February 28. 1952.

Both of you will have increased interest and happiness in living life if you train and develop to let go for each other with understanding, develop respect and tolerance with love and devotion and become generous and liberal towards the opinions and understanding of each other. I would be really happy and satisfied even at far distance if both of you happen to behave in that manner. 

Pujya Shree Mota
Pagle Pagle Prakash
Edition 4; Page 23.                         

ABOUT SERVCE TO OTHERS

The soul that wants to serve others needs to deny the tendency of expectations, precondition and return on his service. Only such soul can be considered to be fit in the field of the service to others. I also had difficult experiences personally while serving others. Injustice has been done also. I have experienced the change in the attitude of the people when trying to develop humility and nothingness during that time. Over a period of time in their eyes and understanding I was stupid and did not get it. By the grace of God, I understood that whatever we need to do is for our own spiritual progress. If we keep such bhavna within us with firmness and  determination  then only it is possible to let go opinions and attitudes of others regarding us. If we stick to the bhavna (intent) that whatever we do is for ourselves with honesty and faithfully then only it is possible for us to withstand blows and its reaction with selflessness.

Even in the field of service, the person who does the service to others can not prevent the expression of characteristics of duality and his own attachments and jealousy in the work and associated people. It is very necessary for us to reduce attachments and jealousy for the purity of the service and for that reason it is necessary to develop and express goodness, respect, harmony and love for all.

Pujya Shree Mota
Pagle Pagle Prakash
Edition 4; Pages 124 - 125.

FAITH (શ્રધ્ધા)

                                                                          HARI ॐ

May 22, 1958.

You have asked me the question "what does faith mean?". One way to explain faith is "the thing that makes you stick to your chosen path with diligence and consistency". Faith means we do not change the determined path no matter how much upheaval, troubles, hurricane or calamity fall our way. Faith produces certain kind of determination and firmness in life leading to tremendous amount of enthusiasm and that can never be produced by the understanding of the intellect. The natural wisdom that is produced from long term cultivation and steady pursuit of faith is very necessary condition for  building and developing the life. Faith does not have any hope or expectations as a precondition. It continues to inspire us to stick to our goal and move forward. It is also the strength and support that endures us to face difficult and arduous situations in our pursuit.

Efforts without faith lacks the vitality and zeal for the purpose. If there is no faith at the root of the effort, the result is disappointing and incomplete.

Pujya Shree Mota
Pagle Pagle Prakash
Edition 4; Excerpt From Pages 122 - 123.

My two cents : A devotee has asked this question in reference to the effects of Naam-smaran (chanting and remembering God) in curing bodily aliments.

SADHANA KARMA (WORKS)

                                                                     HARI ॐ
23, August 1952

We have to be in harmony with goodness towards all and this needs to be cultivated. We need to take extra care to prevent ignoring others even by mistake (with or without our knowledge) at anytime. If someone ignores or does injustice to us, we should not even keep it in our mind. Care needs to be taken that we do not do any injustice to others at any time. We are going to live in sansar (worldly life) but not as sansari (one who is deeply involved in worldly life). We definitely help others who have come in our contact due to destiny or circumstances but at the same time develop bhavna that the work is not for our relations but it is for God. Do not go and look for the work but the works that present on their own accept it for the sake and love of God. While performing the work, bhavna of God needs to be strengthened. Offer everything at thy lotus feet. If we experience least amount of successive (like unbroken chain) thoughts, believe that we have improved and progressing in the best way.

Pujya Shree Mota
Pagale Pagale Prakash
Edition 4; Page 32.

HOW TO MAINTAIN INNER HAPPINESS (પ્રસન્નચિત્ત)

We have to think whether our understanding of the situation is proper or not whenever there is some effect on our mind from the thoughts, behavior and speech of someone in social relationships. If we find that there is ignorance regarding the situation and feel the pain from the situation, it is sheer narrow-mindedness and miserable situation on our part. When we see and experience such reaction and attitude of the mind we must reject such attitude. We have no reason to get upset if we see such ignorance and lack of real understanding in others. Just as our ignorance is not removed immediately, their ignorance can not be removed immediately also. At such times we need to show compassion with love and humility to others. If we act in such manner there will be much less possibility of developing any irritation, weariness, harassment, jealousy, hatred and disgust in our mind regarding behavior of others.

Moreover it is not proper to understand that others are ignorant and so are inferior. Things do no stay the same for ever. There is a distinct possibility for the inferior person to be superior and vice a versa. So it is proper and best not to judge others in any regards.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Mandan
Edition 3; Pages 66 - 67.

LOVE -- STAGES

Swajan : It is hard to interact with others while keeping the spirit of love. Everybody behaves with their own nature. How can we maintain the spirit of love when they are not cooperative?

Pujya Shree Mota : By the grace of God one who is aware of the purpose of life does not need to go anywhere to learn about it. Whenever there is specific awareness, instant comprehension springs up on its own. We do not understand these things. We want to be affectionate to our swajans (close friends and aquaitances) for our own progress. In love there is a deep desire to be cooperative and at the same time there is also great energy for fierce protest. The real use of this opposing energy is manifested when the love is expressed in all its aspects. It is very important to be affectionate to others with the idea that we want to get rid of many kinds of understandings, beliefs and insistences within us with real understanding. It is only possible when we are aware of the purpose (what kind of spirit-bhava we want to develop in our hearts). This happens when we do it without hesitation, wariness and with cooperation and love. This kind of action and behavior leads to real progress in life.

We always express ourselves according to our nature. There is a need to change such expression. By the grace of God if we remain aware of such expression at the time, it is apparent that we have to let go a lot if we want to love and be agreeable to others. If we can not let go at the time, it is not possible to be agreeable. If we love and be agreeable truly, such actions result in strength and penance. When there is real joy and enthusiasm in the heart while carrying out such actions of letting go, believe that the actions were true to its purpose. This leads to flourishing of peace and happiness.


Pujya Shree Mota
Sant Hradaya
Edition 3; Excerpts from Pages 76 - 77

DO NOT LOOK FOR SUPPORT OF OTHERS IN THE FIELD OF SADHANA

Swajan : It is a popular belief that in the field of spiritual development it is not possible to move forward without the support of others. What does it mean?

Pujya Shree Mota : There is a verse in the holy book of Gitaji.
 "યો  યથા  મામ પ્રપદ્યંતે ,  તાન  તથૈવ  ભજામ્યહમ".
"I reciprocate to anyone in the same way as anyone remembers (worships) me".
This is the fundamental basis of the sadhana. God is always ready to help us and that is proven by this verse from Gita. We ourselves can achieve salvation and destroy ourselves too. As per another verse from Gita we are our own friends and enemies.

It is not as authoritative belief to rely on others in the field of sadhana. It s a mere elusive consolation founded by lame people. We have to struggle by ourselves. It is possible to achieve success in our work by developing true friendship with heartfelt sincerity. So we should continue to remember God and continue to develop true spirit of friendship with Him. There is nothing to be disappointed for. If we continue to do whatever we want to do, there will always be progress. We continue to practice tools like remembering God, prayers, singing holy songs, keep company of good people, read holy books and continue to act with goodness towards all, while always taking the support of true spirit behind such tools. To believe in such effort is a way for our good.

Pujya Shree Mota
Sant Hradaya
Edition 3; Pages 48 - 49. 

HOW TO BE FREE FROM A HABIT.

Swajan : Mota, I have developed a bad habit and I can not be free from this habit. What kind of remedies should I try to get rid of this habit?

Pujya Shree Mota : You are asking me to tell you about the ways to get rid of your bad habit. It is important for you to think about this yourself first. If you want to find the solution then you must try to investigate the ways to solve the problem. If you can not find the solution after great effort then you should ask for advice from the appropriate expert in the field.

We can never continue with the bad habit that is bothering us deeply just as we can never rest if there is a thorn in the foot or something stuck in between the teeth. The soul gets used to the habit and after a while gets habituated. To get rid of this kind of habit the soul needs and must have most intense desire and eagerness. Jesus Christ has said "One who looks for and struggles finds it".

We think with the intellect and try to understand it, but we never understand it in its true sense. That is the major defect. At the same time the grief is also not from the bottom of the heart. You tell me that this habit is not such that it can not be removed. You are asking me for the ways to increase the determination to get rid of the habit. You must have heartfelt desire to be aware and be ready to fight off the habit with all your might. Human being wakes up at once when there is heart in the effort and this heartfelt effort gets the results. If there is heart in the effort, it is possible to make the most difficult and arduous effort with enthusiasm.

Pujya Shree Mota
Sant Hradaya
Edition 3; Pages 40 - 41.

USING EQUANIMITY

When we try to go above the mind and senses, our intellect tries to act perversely with full force. All our perceived opinions, insistences and other misleading arguments come in forefront and sometimes it leads to unbelievable confusion. We need to approach this with equanimity (evenhandedness, Samataa, સમતા) at all the times. We need to use the equanimity to go within. Many things need to be evaluated at these times using our equanimity. We need to figure out the real purpose and meaning of the arguments of intellect and where it is leading us, whether it is useful to us for our works or not; are we leading it or it is leading us, without being influenced by anything. We can never go within without equanimity.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Pagaran
Edition 3; Page 237.

FREEDOM FROM ATTACHMENT TO THE WORLDY AFFAIRS (VAIRAGYA, વૈરાગ્ય)

Our inner implements like mind, intellect etc, are used to think and work according to the effects from the contact with the external circumstances. If we want to retire them from taking interest in these activities, we must find alternate ways that interest them. If we try to bend their ways by force, they may bend for a while but their interest and focus will always be there in external activities. There is no loss of interest in eating just by fasting for few days. At times it even increases. This tends to happen in these kind of activities too. The easier way is to engage them in constructive activities to prevent them from taking enjoyment in worldly affairs. As I understand the best way to get freedom from the attachments is to engage them (mind, intellect, senses etc,) in such activities like praying to God, sing devotional songs, contemplation and remembering Him with love. We must constantly try to work at these kind of activities. We need not give lot of importance to the negative aspect but should try to emphasize constructive and positive aspect with awareness. If we keep our attention to our failure to carry out such constructive aspects and how can we correct the situation, the rest is like salt and pepper. We shall receive whatever is needed automatically.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Pagaran
Edition 3; Pages 219 - 220.

SADHAK SHOULD ABANDON DISORDERLY AND TUMULTUOUS ACTIVITIES

We encounter disorderly and tumultuous activities in our lives. During these activities we lose the awareness of our place at every moment albeit where we are and where we are going in these situations. Our progress slows down or even completely stops. We need to watch strictly that we stay focused internally and observe these  tumultuous activities as it is, just the external activities and stay separate from it. At the same time we need to be careful to not leave any permanent impressions on our psyche from these encounters.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Pagaran
Edition 3; Pages 218 - 219.

PURPOSE OF DHYAN (MEDITATION)

Karachi,
February 26, 1940.

Dear Brother,

Do not insist in your mind that dhyan (meditation) has to be done in a certain way. Keep watching whatever happens in meditation and use the resulting bhava and bhavna in the sadhana (spiritual development). Do not keep any kind of insistence that meditation is best only if there is certain kind of feelings or anything else in particular happens. Meaning of dhyan is to go above thoughts, feelings, reactions to outside world, impressions from senses, mind, chitta and even the pranas.  All these need to stop naturally and almost vanish. Then only we begin to hear and understand our inner voice. It leads to understanding of the true nature of bhava of the heart, its effect, its sphere of influence and its all pervasiveness.

There are many reasons and ways for the dhyan. One reason is for inner search, second is to develop the intensity in surrender, third is to develop blankness and thoughtlessness of the mind, fourth is to merge with divine consciousness and fifth being to stay in the bhava of prayers. There is no rigidity in the results; since it happened one time may not mean it has to happen next time. Just watch whatever happens. Whatever is gained or inspired, use it for increasing the speed and enthusiasm in the spirit of sadhana. In all kind of meditations the most important requirement is the bhava of concentration and its presence is a must for it to be successful and its absence means that there was not much of dhyan. When dhyan is done with concentration, it leads to absorption in it. That in turn makes it interesting and it is possible to go deeper and deeper. Stability develops at this level. This stability is not with inertia and it leads to experience of the consciousness.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Pagaran
Edition 3; Pages 45 - 46.

My two cents - It is difficult to explain meaning of bhava. It can be understood as the characteristics of the divine consciousness (like bliss, all pervasiveness etc) as experienced by human beings.

LIFE'S BATTLE (જીવન સંગ્રામ)

There is a deep and mysterious purpose behind the formation of this universe. Nobody can stay in the same condition as a result of the inner inspiration of this purpose. Everything dead or alive has to keep moving and anything that does not move gets squashed and destroyed. Even in our bodies there is a constant battle going on amongst atoms at every moment resulting in the production of energy and liveliness. Something new takes shape as a result of meetings and conflicts amongst all of us. There is a unseen subtle battle in these meetings and there is no progress without the presence of these battles. If any soul thinks about it, the soul will find that there has always been the battle of some kind in all the stages of the life. One who wants to aim at spiritual development of one's life, needs this stage of resistance and battle. One can not move forward without it.

It is unheard that the condition of the mind can be changed without the efforts. Mind needs some kind of support to jump out of its trodden path; Mind by itself never changes till confronted with very critical situation. It is of utmost importance for the mind to confront and battle with conflicts, distress, inconvenience, anguish and dukkhas (misery). Then only it can move forward, properly evaluate the situation, and is able to reach higher status from the present level. These conflicts are of different kinds at different level of development. Mind will be always conflicted and wander fruitlessly since mind is based on duality and continues to function at the level of duality. Battle is intricately connected with the formation of the universe and it is needed for its development. Its role in human life will be always there whether one wishes for it or not.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Sangram
Edition 4; Pages 2 - 3.

My two cents -- This was written in response to a devotee's mental stress following a painful event in his life. It is based on the holy book Gita where Bhagwan Shree Krishna imparts the knowledge to Arjun in the middle of battlefield. 

WHEN DOES BHAVNA (INTENTION AND PURPOSE) BECOMES A REALITY?

Swajan: I want to live my life with intention and purpose of spiritual development. For that purpose I recite poems and prayers. Is it possible to materialize this intention and purpose with these activities?

Pujya Shree Mota : When the bhavna is expressed with heartfelt sincerity, it always moves you towards the goal. Just as anger, sexual desire, ego, infatuation and greed move you in its direction, bhavna also moves you in its own direction. So there needs to be movement in the direction of the bhavna of spiritual development. That movement is the characteristic and reliable measure of bhavna.

The bhavna that is expressed in poems and prayers are only temporary and for certain purpose only. Such bhavna will not help you in the appropriate progress towards spiritual development. To maintain the continuity in bhavna, we must change the direction of life and follow the intent of bhavna of spiritual development in our lives all the time with sincerity.

We should continue to watch the play of mind, intellect, chitta, prana and ego with equanimity and without getting entangled it it; at the same time we should continue to fight it without attachment, repentance and worry. Then only it is possible to express the bhavna in its concrete form. We understand lots of things but that is not enough. Bhavna gets stronger if it is possible to act with sincerity at appropriate circumstances and time. Awareness is the first characteristic to train mind, prana and intellect etc, and it does not come automatically. It expresses and stays active only when there is constant presence of such inclination towards the goal.

Pujya Shree Mota
Sant Hraday
Edition 1; Page 172.

EXPRESSED FORM OF GOD

Compared to entire universe earth and its contents are like a small dot. We are nothing compared to the universe; this kind of thinking will reduce our ego. Universe and our worldly life are the expressed form of God. I have heard people questioning about the presence of mental troubles, suffering and difficulties in the world. Light and heat comes out of the sun naturally and at all the time. There can be night here on earth and it is not because of the sun. Sun continuously emits light and yet there is no light at night on parts of the earth. Day and night happen due to earth rotating in certain way. Change of season is also from the same reason. Sun does not cause day-night or seasons. We do not enjoy real happiness (ananda, આનંદ) and fail to take advantage of the grace of God. This is due to our present state of duality and gunas ( human qualities like good, bad or action oriented). We do not understand certain aspects as children but get the meaning as an adult. We can experience the divine light and ananda automatically if our understanding and present state are changed.

How can we change our present understanding and state? The first thing is to have some kind of thought, expectation and longing towards that goal. When we have a desire to perform certain work, the speed and the result depend upon the strength of the desire. Since we are in the state of duality, the works are done at that level and we fail to get the ananda, the characteristic of the divine consciousness.

Pujya Shree Mota
Maun Mandir No Murm
Edition 1; Pages 64 - 65.

EXPRESS WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING IN LIFE

Life is so vast and diverse and if we try to remove it from equation, it will never end. Nobody can deny its existence and its acceptance should be a pleasure. The soul that accepts the life with all the mindfulness never leaves the reality of life, no matter what is his level of development. Such soul does not lose anything and also does not lose his gains in life. He tries to understand real purpose behind his gains and losses or whatever happens in life. Human that tries to understand with such intent and makes heartfelt effort will get deep into the subject and understand its real purpose. It is not possible for the soul to reach such level without complete heartfelt devotion. There is no definite rule that just because there is such conscious understanding and determined vision of life, it will be expressed in life. It is possible to have understanding and alertness and yet it may not be possible to behave accordingly. At such times there is lots of mental struggle and heartache for not expressing such understanding in life. Such creative mental struggle inspires to express understanding of life into actual practice at increasing level. We will have to achieve seamless interaction between understanding and action in life someday. Nothing else will do. Then only it will count as a proof that life has been accepted for real.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Mandaan
Edition 3; Pages 26 - 27.

FAULTS AND SHORTCOMINGS ---------(5) EXPERIENCE OF GRACE INCREASES OUR STRENGTH

We should be experiencing such happenings (grace) many times in our lives if we are truly doing sadhana (efforts to develop and better the life with the aim of experiencing divine consciousness); then only we will be convinced that sadhak gets the help and grace from God at such times. At these times he has concrete awareness that he has the help and support from a powerful entity (God). After that he is not afraid of his faults and shortcomings, on the flip side he challenges and brings these faults up front. He does not rest till he gets rid of such faults and does not feel at ease till then.

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Mandaan

Edition 3; Page 144.

FAULTS AND SHORTCOMINGS -------(4) PRAYER

We should pray to God repeatedly during our daily chores with heartfelt sincerity. There is nothing like definite time in prayer. Whenever we feel the need to say something, say it with the spirit of the prayer and heartfelt sincerity. If these successive prayers are done and are a result of intense mental anguish, there will be definite inclusion of and cooperation from the heart. You may know the parable of Gajendra-moksha (deliverance of an elephant by God Vishnu). On one side the crocodile is trying to pull the elephant in the water and on the other side elephant is trying all the might to prevent from being taken into the water by a crocodile. When the elephant is on the verge of giving up, calls the God to help him. God by His grace saves him from the clutches of crocodile.
----------------continued next blog.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Mandaan
Edition 3; Page 143.

FAULTS AND SHORTCOMINGS ------(3) ALWAYS ASK FOR HELP FROM GOD IN-SPITE OF FIRM DETERMINATION

Sometimes we experience the feeling of defeat in-spite of firm determination to remove our faults. We should be able to find the reason for that to happen. There is a necessity to gather strength from somewhere to fight off bad qualities within us. The soul that depends upon his strength and gets defeated while fighting, feels extreme mental anguish and if that soul prays to God for His grace and help with humility and sense of urgency, gets the grace and help from God. There is no reason for us to fear. Is there any reason for the soul to be fearful if it has heartfelt conviction that he has the support and help of a very powerful entity? An assistant to rich billionaire trades millions of dollars and sometimes looses it and yet feels relaxed after notifying his boss. If that assistant is honest, faithful, industrious and if he has gained love and faith of the boss over the years, gets a pass in-spite of a mistake done due to negligence. Similarly if we do self narration at thy lotus feet with humility and do it completely without any omissions and corrections; meaning showing Him our positive and negative aspects in all the fullness, He will take care of our lives.
                                                                                        -------------- continued next blog.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Mandaan
Edition 3; Pages 142 - 143.

FAULTS AND SHORTCOMINGS --------(2) FIRM DETERMINATION TO REMOVE IT

By accepting the responsibility for the sin or a bad quality within us, our hearts get worry free, mind gets peaceful and chitta (ચિત્ત) becomes joyful; at the same time we should have a clear vision and awareness towards our firm determination and efforts to remove it, just like clear vision of our imperfections. We need to win over this negative aspect with constructive energy and effort. Without the awareness of this constructive energy in our heart, the awareness of the only faults will sink us in the whirl of despair and we will be discouraged. The firm determination (do or die) of not living with our faults and bad qualities has tremendous energy and strength and it is not going to go away. The determination cemented with the efforts of heart and mind can never stay idle. It wakes us up, makes us move and continues to give us the strength to live life. If you experience these happenings then believe that it is true determination. These are the signs of true determination.
                                                                                                         ----------------- continued next blog

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Mandaan
Edition 3; Page 142.

FAULTS AND SHORTCOMINGS ----- (1) ACCEPT WITH HEART ( SINCERITY )

                                                                    HARI OM
Kumbhakonam,
April 6, 1951.

  " I have lots of faults and shortcomings and I want to identify it and remove it. I can see my faults but the mind refuses to accept it. This leads to suppression of major faults and appreciation of a minor good quality in me". This is what you wrote in your letter to me. We need to develop the strength to accept our faults openly without any hesitation. By doing this, our minds get trained to feel separate from the faults and shortcomings to some extent and it also feels disgust and at a minimum do not like it. It is a kind of self narration (atm nivedan, આત્મનિવેદન) to accept whatever needs to be with ease, sincerity, clarity, honesty and without hesitation. There are many requirements and conditions for sadhana and this one is very important and unavoidable. It is not enough to just accept the faults. For clearly appreciating the negatives in the soul doing the sadhana, all these negatives will come up so he can see it. It is a great grace of God for us to see, understand and experience the faults. Our faults and shortcomings are not going to budge until it really cause uneasiness, mental anguish and are throughly evaluated with awareness. It is very important for us to be aware of our faults and its acceptance with all the heartfelt sincerity in the form of self narration and pray for its removal from us with the bhava of self narration.     ----------------- continued next blog.
                                                         
Pujya Shree Mota                                      
Jivan Mandaan
Edition 3; Page 141.

HELP FROM GOD

Swajan:  Mota, How come God helps His devotee and not the one who wants to be a devotee? Even though I do naam-smaran, it is not possible to be free completely from the clutches of vrutties. When vrutties attack I get irritated and even forget to do naam-smaran.

Pujya Shree Mota: God help his devotees but not the ones who want to be His devotees. He is not enslaved to help His devotees. We have not become  devotees yet. We want to stay and play in the mud of vrutties and to demand that God must help is futile. 

God is very eager to help people get rid of desires but we do not want to get rid of it. It is like "holding on to the trunk of the tree and claiming that tree is not leaving us". One can be saved from the attack of vrutties if naan-smaran is done with sincerity. Even if one falls, the recovery from it is very rapid. It never helps to do naam-smaran by bargaining with God. Our duty is to serve Him with love. It is not our job to anticipate the results. In any field the result is always good if the effort is made with focused concentration and good intent. It is also true in the field of spirituality. The main defect is of our naam-smaran. It is of not much use if it is done mechanically like a parrot. There needs to be a prayer with enthusiasm, perseverance and care. The process of Naam-smaran, longing, denial and offering need to be done at the same time. 

Pujya Shree Mota

Sant Hradaya

Edition 3; Pages 43 - 44.

SANSAR ( સંસાર, WORLDLY LIFE AND AFFAIRS)

This sansar is not phony. Its purpose is to shape us. We can profit a lot if we take care and with understanding ignore relationships whether it is favorable or not and the unfair treatment towards us from others. We can do even better if there is awareness during the contact, that these relationships are presented for development of good qualities in our lives. We are presented with circumstances of difficulties, puzzles, troubles, unreasonable behavior of relations with the purpose of shaping our lives, alerting us and learning new things. There is a failure on our part to understand this in living and active manner. That is the biggest defect in us. Whatever is presented in our lives is for learning  and nothing is useless or without purpose and is full of matter of fact circumstances. Experiences teach us that even though the life has the limitations of cause and effect, there is something more than that also. Sansar has limitations and at the same time it is limitless too. We need to experience the purpose behind these happenings in sansar. Just as sansar is a place for hard and difficult penance, it is also a place for experiencing the pleasures of the play of Vrundavan (dance of Shree Krishna with Gopis). We sentient beings do feel as if the sansar has the feeling of duality like truth and falsehood.
Sansar may not be like "it only has duality and nothing more". We will see it according to our views and experiences. So we have to act and behave differently from the sansar.

Pujya Shree Mota
Pujya Shree Motana Patro (Letters)
Edition 1; Pages 37 - 38.

SADHANA FOR EXPERIENCING GOD

Swajan:  Why there is confusion in the mind even if we know that the way of naam-smaran is the straight way to experience the God?

Pujya Shree Mota:  By the grace of God the soul that struggles with the real enthusiasm and bhava from the heart does not have such confusion. We have only one straight path to follow. We can gather all our might and use it with concentration for naam-smaran. At the same time we can try to sublimate our natural tendencies in our adhar (base; mind, buddhi, prana, chitta and ego) so that bhava of our dear God can settle in it. We need to do both together. Sadhak who wants to experience the God must recognize and understand his own prakruti and dispositions.

The bondages of prakruti and dispositions will become stronger by acting according to its whims. Prakruti and dispositions means totality of collected dispositions and habits over many births. We can let go of this past impressions when it rise in the mind and not sweep away in its forceful flow. We should not get engaged in the successive thoughts or get swept away in the force of vrutties. It means that the strength of infatuations, jealousy, anger and sexual impulses gets diminished and in such circumstances not get swept away in its force; at the same time cultivating the awareness and praying to God with sincerity" Oh God! I want only your pleasure". Our strength is the intense enthusiasm to call the God with all the heart and sincerity. We can never drown in the innumerable obstacles due to our inner strength.

Pujya Shree Mota
Sant Hraday
Edition 3; Pages 107 - 108.

ASSESSMENT OF APPROPRIATENESS OF THE KARMA (DEEDS)

                                                                 HARI OM

Kumbhakonam,
April 15, 1953

It is inappropriate for developing life to perform the works (deeds) with just the gross physical consideration even though the works are of the best quality. It is more important to express the original intent snd the sprit of the works (bhavna) with understanding while performing the works than having knowledge and awareness of the works. The works that produce peace, balanced mind, happiness, patience and sense of discretion at the time of performing works and when done with understanding, are very important for the development of the life. One who is a true student of life and is knowledgable about it, can not deny above information.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Pokar
Edition 4; Page 244.

DO NOT HARBOR PREFERENCES, EXPECTATIONS AND DESIRES

We should not think about preferences, expectations or desires about or regarding others. It is proven that the waves of the sound spread in the atmosphere, likewise there are waves of thoughts and it also spreads in the atmosphere. Our thought waves of expectations, preferences and desires mixes with the thoughts of innumerable people's expectations, preferences and desires in the atmosphere. This not only increases their desires etc, but all these cumulative thoughts are also reflected within us because we have become a center in the atmosphere by having such thoughts. Examining from the other viewpoint our thoughts of (money, prestige, enjoyments etc,) are inert and it can not  be the center by itself since it can not think about these things by itself. Since the thought waves of desires etc, are not accepted, it returns to us with greater force. Once we have created the thought waves of preferences, expectations and desires, it will keep on increasing and will be a great hindrance to us. For this reason sadhak should not develop or encourage preferences, expectations and desires within him.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Pagathi
Edition 6; Page 188.

DEALING WITH NEWER CIRCUMSTANCES

Whenever new circumstances and situations are presented to us, its purpose is either to create new understanding or to solidify old understanding. It is proper if we evaluate presenting circumstances and situations in a way that help us constructively. Our actions are skillful and appropriate when used in this manner. This is possible only when we try to be detached from such circumstances and situations with awareness.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Pagathi
Edition 6; Page 197.

PROPER THOUGHTS CAN ELIMINATE THE EGO

                                                                         Hari Om

Karachi, 7/13/ 1942

Dear sister and brother,

When we think contrariwise about others we plant the seeds of that vrutti (tendency, inclination) within us. Not only that, we throw that particular bhavna of contrariwise thoughts towards that person and express ourselves in that format within that person. Just as this happens in our daily lives, it is also true regarding our subtle thoughts. If we offer our thoughts, daily workings and other actions with the spirit of offering and surrender, our sentient nature (જીવ સ્વભાવ) from all these will be removed and we will not have the ego behind these actions - just as the manager of the business takes actions for the owner of the business and not affected by the gain or the loss. We are really influenced by our thoughts and works. It is best if there are no thoughts but it is not good for the persons with tamas prakruti ( lazy nature, તમસ પ્રકૃતિ). Persons with rajas prakruti (active nature, રજસ પ્રકૃતિ) will continue to have thoughts. There is stability and unwavering in the thoughts of persons with satvic nature (peaceful and virtuous, સાત્વિક પ્રકૃતિ). Since our thoughts shape us it is very important to have the thoughts directed inwards and absorbed towards fulfillment of our purpose. I have mentioned many times earlier to never form the chain of thoughts. Repetition of the same does not matter as this needs repeated reminders to continue the practice. We must continue this practice of not forming the chain of thoughts.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Pagathi
Edition 6; Pages 186 - 187.

LOVE AND ATTACHMENT

Mostly there is increased clinging and constriction in the feeling of attachment while the feeling of love is subtle and it creates more bhavna that takes us in the field of consciousness (divinity). Love is a bridge connecting our hearts that we can cross to and fro within us with ease, even though there may be distance physically. We can never fail to understand each other if there is purity in the bhavna of love without interrupting contrariwise thoughts and there is a kind of continuous ease about it. It is my humble prayer to Bhagawan to create such bhavna amongst us mutually and unite our hearts.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Pagathi
Edition 6; Page 209.

PURPOSE OF THE BATTLE ( STRUGGLE) IN LIFE -- ( 2 )

Just as man is shaped and influenced by dukkha, struggle in life is also a very necessary event for building the life. It is a rarity to have the bhavna in the sentient being to be shaped by sukkah. Only rare brave person can maintain constant awareness in the time of sukkah. One who desires to improve  the life and reach the goal in life prevails in sukkah and dukkha equally keeping the aim of life always the same in both. For most sentient beings sukkha is static while dukkha is dynamic. The brave soul that is inspired by the battle in life, develops love and affection in his heart seeing the battle and fights the battle ardently. You should believe that you are on the right path when such characteristics are expressed at the appropriate time. The traveler who seeks to achieve the goal never thinks about running away from any results of such encounters. He understands that any presenting circumstances are the gift of grace from God.

Pujya Shree Mota
Sant Hraday
Edition 3; Pages 68 - 69.

PURPOSE OF THE BATTLE (STRUGGLE) IN LIFE -- ( 1 )

Swajan :  I have lots of conflicting reactions in my mind and heart and it feels as if I am never relaxed and comfortable within me.

Pujya Shree Mota :  The soul that has determined the aim for developing the life will have more instances of intense struggle in life then ordinary sentient being. Such soul feels as if there are more incidents of struggle in life but it is from greater awareness to recognize such instances. Other souls also have such instances but it is not recognized due to lack of awareness. Struggle in life is very necessary to clarify and brighten the spirit of the aim of life, to examine and give definite form and to gauge our strength, to realize the level of our determination, to develop the appropriate skills to win the battle and to solidify the aim of life. Without this battle the progress of the human being falters and stops, and it is also one side of duality.

Pujya Shree Mota
Sant Hraday
Edition 3; Page 68.

WAY TO SUKKHAS (સુખ)

Way to happiness is to develop goodness (સદભાવ), congeniality, love and consideration for others. Even if someone has expressed hate for you, develop goodness towards that person. Develop forbearance and generosity. All these is penance.

It is good to understand the importance of our human life. If you want to taste its nectar, try reducing the differences. Happiness is achieved not by increasing the differences but by reducing it. Even the smart and understanding person increases the differences. He never pays attention to it. He understands correctly but does not act accordingly. He reciprocates the bad behavior of someone by saying "He acted in bad way". Why does he not act to reduce the differences? The reason being his understanding is not mature and deep seated, it is superficial and almost like a hypocrite. The curtain of hypocrisy has to be lifted if one wants to be happy. Hypocrisy is the hardest curtain to lift and one has to do it by oneself. This requires understanding. How can that develop? By itself.

Pujya Shree Mota
Maun Mandir No Murm
Edition 1; Pages 97 - 98.

EXPERIENCING SUKKHA (સુખ, JOY AND HAPPINESS) IN DUKKHA (દુઃખ MISERY)

Mahatmas (higher souls) thought about dukkha in the mind and suggested to training the mind to make a difference. At the same time the biggest enemy in sentient beings is the energy of prana. So they thought the talk of cleansing the mind is not proper. Whatever happens in the mind is the result of prana so cleansing of prana needs to be done. It requires lessening of sexual desires, anger, greed. infatuation and jealously.

Field of Buddhi (intellect) is different than mind, chitta, prana and ego. Field of buddhi is independent. In sansar we understand the nature of a person by buddhi. Buddhi is a subtle sense that throws the light on the problem so we understand about sansar and its ways. We have correct understanding but buddhi is tinted by the colors of prana like desires, preferences, likings and covetousness and incorporates these qualities of prana in its decisions.

If you want to experience sukkha in dukkha, these two senses of prana and buddhi needs to be worked on. Buddhi can be sanctified by reducing sexual desires, anger, other desires, longing, beliefs and preconceived ideas.

Pujya Shree Mota
Maun Mandir No Murm
Edition 1; Pages 86 - 87.

TRUE RELIGION (DHARMA, ધર્મ, PERFORMING DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS)

We need to reduce attachments-hatred in our relations, activities and works. For the sake of our progress there is a need to avoid oppositional attitude and to have the enthusiasm to develop true and heartfelt goodness for others. At the same time we need to find the ways to reduce desires, preferences and covetousness. We should take shelter and support of naam-smaran of God to awaken our inner strength to achieve these goals. True religion is that when we progress and prosper in our lives in this fashion. It is religion when we develop equanimity in the relationships and discussions with the souls that we interact, avoid selfishness and always act in a way to wish well of others, not hurt their feelings and harm them in any ways. Religion is a purification process of the day to day behavior. If naam-smaran is done with this kind of behavior, progress in the life accelerates. Just as mango tree cannot flourish in the soil with rocks and needs good soil, there is a need for knowledge and devotion in life for it to flourish. Prosperity and well being of life is not possible when we continue to be selfish, act with deceit and recite God's name with rosary and spend most of the time doing it.

Pujya Shree Mota
Maun Mandir No Murm
Edition 1; Pages 60 - 61.

INNER BEING AND EXTERNAL WORLDLY AFFAIRS (સંસાર, SANSAR)

Sansar is never attached to us. We get attached to sansar. Sansar is a part of our inner being (mind, intellect, prana etc). External sansar and its happenings are mere expressions of the inner being. If we understand this, and are convinced that whatever happens in external sansar is the expression of our inner being as well as the real cause of it, then we will not feel anything unusual about any expression of external sansar.

THE BEST REMEDY IS TO ASK FOR GRACE BY HEARTFELT PRAYERS.

By the grace of God if we can keep our mind in the higher spirit, then we do not feel anything unusual about the sansar. It is my own experience that it is not possible to control the mind completely by following certain practices and rules or practicing pious life. It is better to get the help of the higher forces rather that trying to control the mind itself. When the heartfelt prayers are done repeatedly with intensity and the help is asked with love, devotion, intellect with the spirit of surrender, mind can be changed into appropriate state with ease. It is not possible to achieve this by any other means.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Pokar
Edition 4; Pages 340 - 341.

CREATE LIVING BHAVA IN HEART

The soul that develops living and creative bhava in the heart by reciting prayers and lives carefree in the grace of God's remembrance (naam-smaran) is never hindered by mental afflictions.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Pokar
Edition 4; Page 340.

EQUANIMITY(સમતા) IN THE PURIFIED INTELLECT (બુિધ્ધ) REMOVES PARTISANSHIP(પક્ષપાત)

                                                                       Hari Om

Kumbhakonam,
April 9, 1953.

As the awareness of the purpose of life gets to be intensified in the purified intellect, equanimity is experienced in the intellect. When that happens we get success in removing all kinds of partisanship and partiality with the help of purified intellect filled with equanimity. Some thoughts may appear to be right and some may appear to be wrong and yet both may have some truth in it. Sometimes certain
thoughts appear to be right and appropriate and yet our attachments, likings, infatuations and desires may be mixed with it, meaning such thoughts may contain partisanship and preconceived notions. Opposing thoughts may have other kind of partisanships. We need to be free from the partisanships and pre conceived notions affecting our natural tendencies, thoughts, feelings and forces of prana with awareness and help of equanimity in our purified intellect. It is very important for this to happen.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Pokar
Edition 4; Pages 166 - 167.

SENTIENT BEINGS DEMAND LOVE

We are troubled by swajans in variety of ways. No body takes pity on us! Everybody keeps saying loudly that :-
'Love us, show us affection, be fond of us, give importance only to us, do everything only for us, count us in everything, do everything only after asking us, always give us importance and keep us in front in everything, talk only good things about us, let us behave the way we want, give us encouragement'. They keep on expecting such things.

Give love first and then experience it.

All these swajans have no idea that love cannot be experienced before giving it whole heartedly in an appropriate manner. All are wandering and entangled in worldly affairs. Still they have no awareness or knowledge about it. Nobody seems to care about their advancement of life. Most are living their lives in this manner. Nobody has the urge to set aside laziness and wake up from such life. Not only that they are happy to show that they are active and awake while in-fact that are at sleep. How can we relieve our excruciating pain after seeing swajans in such condition? Yet we have indefinite patience.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Pokar
Edition 4; Pages 169 - 170.

CHARACTERISTICS OF BEING AWARE OF THE PURPOSE OF LIFE

March 14, 1963.

Swajan :  Is it possible to appreciate the characteristics of being aware of our purpose in life?

Pujya Shree Mota : It is unavoidable and very essential for making the progress, to be aware of the purpose in life. You will see that this awareness of the purpose is discussed in many of my writings. Whenever there is awareness during all the works of a person, know that this person is on the path of sadhana. There are certain characteristics of the person when there is presence of the awareness of the  purpose of life. When there is awareness of the purpose, there is presence of dynamic equanimity that is both action oriented and progressive and can be used in any works. The force of the numerous puzzles and pre conceived ideas in the intellect gets to be much less as presence of subtleness in intellect directs it straight to the purpose of life with concentration and single pointedness. When there is presence of the awareness of the purpose, the force of the attachments and jealousy gets to be minimal. We do not get pushed around by the urges of our understanding, beliefs, habits and customs. When there is presence of the awareness of the purpose, there is resoluteness and certainty of the goal of life. 

Pujya Shree Mota

Sant - Hradaya

Edition 3; Page 154.

WAKE UP AND BE AWARE AT THE TIME OF CRITICAL TEST

We have to see that creative bhava of joy and happiness (aanand આનંદ), is maintained continuously in our aadhar (base). Know that there is no real achievement if you do not experience such happiness. The critical tests come when there are incidents of mind and other instruments going astray from our aim of life. The soul that becomes aware at the time of such tests survives the tests. Depending upon the level of our awareness, we get real estimate of our level of achievements in life and the intensity of the desire to achieve our goal during the time of the tests. We get the measure of the level of our sadhana from the level of real awareness during the test. So when we get the desire to get interested in unnecessary and useless talks or in the external activities that defies our purpose, we should be aware at the time with equanimity and try to guide our instruments (mind etc) inwards towards the bhava of the heart (aanand) with more joy and interest.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Sanshodhan
Edition 6; Page 10.

DOUBTS AND INNER OBSERVATION.

In spiritual path there is a definite possibility of developing doubts and suspicions. It is very difficult to understand the ripples of the mind because of its unimaginable strength and subtlety. It is even more difficult to be above the mind and stay there. Since the roots of lack of faith and doubts are very deep, it is difficult to find and annihilate them. So when you experience even the slightest hint of that lack of faith (અશ્રધ્ધા) and doubts are developing, do not give it importance and store in the mind. By holding it in the mind this poisonous insect of doubts and suspicion is fed and it multiplies. Great harm is done to the tender plant of sadhana. If we do not practice to start doing very subtle observation of our mind, certain kind of dullness and inertia settles in. In this condition there is a feeling that we are progressing along the path of sadhana but in fact we stay in the same condition.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Sanshodhan
Edition 6; Pages 62 - 63.

BIGGEST SIN --- LACK OF FAITH

This does not mean that there should be no faith in sat-guru. One thing that is most hindrance and troublesome is either complete lack of faith or partial faith. As a matter of fact partial faith is like no faith. Our evaluation of sin and good deeds changes as we tread along the path of sadhana. In spiritual field lack of faith is the biggest sin since it is the heaviest and most stubborn obstacle in the path to remove. Faith is considered creative and expressive only when we have developed true heartfelt devotion in the ultimate goal of life and the tools that are used to achieve that goal. When we really need the help from somebody it is not difficult to be attached to that person. When there is sudden and real self interest is present we ignore unpleasant aspects and even if it is obvious we tend to ignore it. This is a matter of our experience. We do not have 'must have' like self interest in sadhana. I say that if you have self interest keep faith. Nothing will work in this path without faith. Faith is conducive to knowledge and wisdom. Faith is never blind as that is its characteristic. People who call faith as blind do not understand it. So there is no need for any explanation for the contra-wise feeling you have about this soul. I am telling you this very clearly as a friend that this kind of doubts are very dangerous. It is not possible to remove this vrutti of doubt just by writing about it. It is painful to see this condition of swajans (relatively) who have come on their own for development of their lives. This soul will happily accept this pain as an ultimate grace and blessings from Shree Prabhu (bhagawan) with joyous spirit.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Sanshodhan
Edition 6; Pages 60 - 61.

BHAVA OF SURRENDER ----- ILLUSIONARY OR APPROPRIATE

Some people start believing in the earlier stages of sadhana that they have surrendered to Shree Bhagawan  and are guided by Him. They say He is the doer of all and He guides them and they do not have to make any effort. According to Christian belief Devil's friend Belial argues that worse argument is best for the prosperity and progress. This understanding is like the argument of Devil's friend (means one of the vrutti or tendency that pulls us down) is good for us. We will feel like ' Oh! We have so much faith towards our sat-guru!' and then continue to encourage laziness and inaction. Our minds will try to convince us and we will believe that we do not have anything further to do for the advancement of our sadhana. Look and wonder! Mind will not only cooperate but guide us in other works and we will continue to work hard ourselves.  Mind will tell us to avoid self effort only in the path of development of our lives and we will cooperate with it. Our progress will definitely suffocate. The faith that is discussed above is (as a matter of fact) not based on the whole truth. The reason for our belief to be baseless is our minds, intellect, chitta, prana and ego are not sublimated into Him. In reality sadhak in the initial stages cannot keep real trust in the grace even though he may believe he does.

It is possible to depend on grace alone, only after complete surrender with love and devotion. It does happen in that situation. It is possible to have that kind of bhava of surrender with wisdom and understanding only when there is complete fusion, sublimation and assimilation of all our inner (antah-karan, અંતઃકરણ) and outer instruments of our aadhar in Shree Bhagawan. Afterwards such sadhak is guided by Shree Bhagawan in all the matters pertaining to his life. So he does not care even if he has suffering. He has  even surrendered his physical body to Shree Bhagawan so he is not afraid of any mental or physical maladies and he accepts it as a blessings from Shree Bhagawan.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Sanshodhan
Edition 6, Pages 60 - 61.

DEFINITION OF SADHANA

You may have feelings of happiness in meditation (dhyan, ધ્યાન) today but tomorrow you may experience opposite feelings. When there is opposite experience to your expectations, please do not get upset. That should be considered a passing phase and should be taken as a passing by cloud in the sky. We should be constantly aware that we do not get entangled in anything and it does not leave any deep impression on us. It is true sadhana when our attitude towards our life's goal keeps flowing uninterrupted in the day today karmas and actions, without getting sucked into the force of the flow of inner instruments (mind, forces of prana, ego etc), and there is expression of equanimity, balanced attitude, peace and joy in our works. With the grace of God this effort is made with heartfelt sincerity and awareness. You can consider the effort done in a right way if there is refusal of any expression of inner natural tendencies and there is no longer continuity of these tendencies if expressed; at the same time inner instruments are immersed in the ultimate goal of our sadhana with full attention. There is true beginning of the sadhana when inner instruments are not deeply involved in any kind of natural tendencies or if they get involved we develop the art (with continuity) of denying them the platform with awareness and maintaining the composure at all the time.    
 
Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Sanshodhan
Edition 6; Pages 49 - 50.

REMOVE OPPOSITIONAL TENDENCIES FROM OUR THOUGHT AND INTENT (BHAVANA, ભાવના)

                                                                    HARI OM
Karachi,
February 16, 1939.

We have to make a consistent effort with awareness to live according to our thoughts and intent that we have earlier decided to follow. There should never be inferior thought or imagination afterwards. We can do all needed thinking before fixing our intent and following it. We have to be consistently aware that there should not be any tendency or indecision creeping in afterwards. This needs to be done with all our actions otherwise we will be wandering all over according to our nature. We must stop and examine ourselves when such inconsistencies cause oppositional tendencies to our intent. Well, it is ideal if we think according to our intention that is fixed earlier but we should never be swept away in the currents of contrary thoughts and emotions. So please train yourselves to be aware when such situations arise. If we fail to remove such inconsistencies that is not appropriate with our intended thoughts and intention, there will be great reduction in the force to carry out our intended actions as determined earlier.  Such an event causes sudden pull and hesitation leading to explosion that destroys the force of our original decision and intention. It is like a turning wheel with presence of a large nail causing friction and noise. This friction and noise can upset us and occasionally can break the wheel too. This is exaggerated due to motion of the wheel. So know for sure, that just like this nail causing severe damage to the wheel, the contrary thoughts becomes treacherous to fulfilling our intention.

Pujya Shree Mota
Jivan Sanshodhan
Edition 6; Pages 301 - 302.

WAY TO PEACE AND HAPPINESS

If nothing else, change the way to think if you want to be happy and peaceful. Be cognizant of your weaknesses and fight to get rid of it. When we are happy and delighted, we also receive the vibrations of delightfulness from the surroundings. There are variety of vibrations in the surroundings but we attract the vibrations as per our own status of mind and level of development. If we invite the vibrations of energy, it enters the mind on its own. We must change the ways we think for all these to happen. But when can we employ this method? This method can be employed when there is awareness to be happy. It is not that we do not want to be happy but there is no real sense of happiness. What we are talking is a limited happiness.

We do not have that intense longing (ઝંખના, Zankhana) for the peace and happiness arising out of divine consciousness. It is ultimate grace of God if we have that kind of longing. We have to change the way we think even for this kind of peace and happiness. This world is for experiencing happiness but we get in this perverted thinking denying ourselves the longing for the peace, happiness and equanimity. We can definitely change the way we live if we can light the flame of this longing. We can solve many puzzles, difficulties and complicated situations if we can free ourselves from thinking about others and keep busy thinking about ourselves. In this situation we may be even fit to give advice to others. By doing this we can be happy in many ways. We need inner strength to accomplish this and to get that we need powerful energy source. Naam-smaran of bhagawan, bhajan, prayers and reading of spiritual literature are essential to receive the inner strength.

Pujya Shree Mota
Maun Mandir Nu Haridwar
Edition 1; Pages 75 - 76.

HOW SHOULD WE THINK?

We have to think about ourselves. It does not mean that we should keep thinking about our faults and perverted desires. That will increase our weaknesses even more. It is important to be reminded of our faults, at the same time it is important to think and make efforts about the ways to remove those faults. It is important to see and think regarding the tremendous effort, enthusiasm, force and sincerity in making this effort. Human being cannot make progress without these attributes. There is a need of inner strength to carry out such effort. Our scripture writers and holy men found out that reciting God name and remembering Him is the best way to achieve this. It is hard to describe the secret of naam-smaran, yet anybody can take its refuge. We can do immeasurable amount of work if the energy from naan-smaran is produced in our aadhaar (આધાર, base). We can do decided works as there is tremendous energy to perform it. This can be proved only with experience. We will know if we follow through like this.

Pujya Shree Mota
Maun Mandir Nu Haridwar.
Edition 1; Page 72.

WHAT SHOULD WE THINK?

If someone asks me " How can we not think about others when we are closely associated with them during worldly affairs"? I will say" You are performing the work, not someone else. You think about only the good qualities of other person". Human beings have both good and bad qualities so always think about good qualities of the human being.Whenever there is a negative thought about someone, think about positive attribute (gunas) of that person right at that moment. Human being can improve his mind in this way. As a result mind then always thinks positively of others. This kind of positive thinking will always be beneficial. This kind of positive thinking will also help us to solve problems. Then we will be able to maintain peace and happiness when intricacy, puzzles and difficulties are faced and these will be solved in a better way.

Pujya Shree Mota
Maun Mandir Nu Haridwar
Edition 1; Pages 70 - 71.

DECAY AND DESTRUCTION OF ENERGY BY THINKING ABOUT OTHERS

One will think twice before spending considerable amount of money, the reason being its importance in one's mind. Being the center of thoughts mind is even more valuable currency. If we try to train it to use it constructively, there is definitely increase in the energy level. We waste lots of energy in thinking about others. If we create a habit of training this center of thought to increase energy with good intentions, there will be increase in energy and good qualities (gunas, ગુણ) within us. There is a natural association of divine consciousness with gunas and energy. So we should quit negative thinking. We should stop thinking about others if we want to experience peace and happiness. Only self examination can be done and that also with the thoughts of doing it in best possible manner. Do not see what others do. One who carries the worries of others on one's head, falls prey to diseases and becomes weak and devoid of energy. It is best to think about ones self to decrease the attacks of diseases.

Pujya Shree Mota
Maun Mandir Nu Haridwar
Edition 1, Pages 69 - 70.

BHAVA-DARSHAN (ભાવદર્શન, BHAVA VISUALIZATION) AND AAKRUTI-DARSHAN (આકૃિતદર્શન, PHYSICAL VISUALIZATION)

Question :  Mota, What is bhava-darshan and aakruti-darshan?

Pujya Shree Mota :  We try to establish in our hearts bhava for the Sadhguru or the physical form (photo or statue) of the God that we believe in with reverence and worship. After sometime the bhava gets established in the heart to the extent that there is concrete presence of that photo at the place of the heart and in front of mind's eye, even if there is no physical presence of the photo. I give the name "aakruti- darshan" for this sadhana and its results.

Bhava darshan is a higher stage of the development. There is awakening of bhava that this subtle visualization of our revered person is the expressed form of God within us, meaning God always resides in our hearts. I call this darshan as bhava- darshan whenever such bhava is awakened in our minds and stays in our hearts permanently.

It is considered progress in the sadhana of bhava-darshan when we do not see or think the person as a  revered preson but recognize with our hearts that it is the bhava of divine consciousness. Sadhana of bhava-darshan is considered to be accomplished when we experience only the subtle bhava behind that person(instead of that person) and in the end we become the experience itself. We will experience this subtle bhava everywhere afterwards.

Pujya Shree Mota
Shree Mota Sathe Vaartalap
Edition 2; Pages 17 - 18.

MEETING AND RECEIVING MOTA !

Swajan :  Mota, I feel blessed after meeting you.

Pujya Shree Mota :  Know for sure that meeting Mota is the greatest experience of your life. You should repeatedly pay attention to develop true love for Mota and see that he is truly expressed in your inner being. We should repeatedly attend to keep the flame of love for Mota lighted to enliven him in our hearts and minds. At the same time remember him repeatedly and awaken his physical figure and natural state (Swarup Akruti, સ્વરુપ આકૃિત) in front of your eyes and in your mind in a concrete and an indirect way. If your inner being (heart, mind, etc), is awakened and absorbed in Mota, you will definitely experience the tremendous support in your life and that there is a powerful force supporting you.

Pujya Shree Mota
Sant Hradaya
Edition 3; pages 56 - 57.

My two cents ;  Pujya Shree Mota writes to keep his Swarup Akruti in front of the eyes and in the mind. My interpretation of the word Swarup Akruti includes physical form as well as Niraakar (shapeless and formless), form.

PURPOSE OF PRESENTED CIRCUMSTANCES

Swajan :  Mota, Whenever we get ready to incorporate sadh bhava (goodness, સદ્‌ભાવ) in our lives, difficulties get worse. Also there are more reactions. It feels as if we are constantly doing penance. 

Pujya Shree Mota :  It is not possible to truly shape our lives without letting the feelings of action and reaction pass by with equanimity and facing difficulties. It requirs penance. Ones who want to keep goodness or understand its importance in life or has decided to have  it as their path are presented with more difficulties. This is the ultimate grace of God. We get this kind of circumstances to understand and train the mind or to have concrete evidence to evaluate the status of our minds. The true measure of our understanding the mind by the mind is to see and evaluate the reactions and counter reactions that spring up within us when confronted with given circumstances. We should develop and maintain the bhavana (spirit) of penance even if there is obvious injustice. It is of no use to bear this without willingness. For this reason bear whatever needs to with love and zeal. Never let go goodness. It is the true ornament of our lives.

Pujya Shree Mota

Sant Hradaya

Edition 3; Pages 53 - 54.