SADHANA WHILE LIVING IN SANSAR.

 IN THE BEGINNING, START THE SADHANA FROM OUTSIDE. 

Whenever we do something or when something happens, its effect is felt internally or externally. Nothing is not related. Everything is connected with one another. So, sadhana needs to be done both ways, within and externally. It takes time to do such sadhana within. We cannot just sit around till that time. We need to do sadhana from outside so that it has effect within. Mainly, we need to be alert and aware in the mind with mind, and weed (remove unwanted) thoughts, vrutties, feelings and sentiments that are contrary to the central aspiration of the goal of our life. We should not encourage them and do weeding with knowledge. Such weeding is very necessary. 

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 1, Page 75 - 76.

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF EXTERNAL SADHANA?

* I tell to anyone who comes to me 'Be faithful to Karmas (work) that are received by you. If you cannot be faithful to the Karmas that are received by you, if you cannot love or create Bhava for the people - Jivas that surround you in Sansar; how are you going to love or create Bhava for Bhagwan? Impossible. 

* It is a fallacy to believe that, we have nothing to do with the world and the world will take care of itself. For sure, every individual or Jiva is connected to other Jivas in the world. 

* We solve the problems of the world, in proportion to the manner in which we accomplish our work. 

* We have to remember that we are indebted to the world, world is not indebted to us. 

* How can we ignore the Sansar (worldly affairs)? Sansar is the expressed Bhava of Bhagwan. For this reason, we should never hate anyone. 

* They all meet us in different forms in Sansar-world, for experiencing love of ए. People who meet us because of Karma- destiny are also different forms of Him. 

* We definitely should not mix completely or be swept away with people related to us or people who have come in contact recently. At the same time, we have to interact with them in such a way that they are not offended and interact with us appropriately. This will make our lives easier. 

* It is one kind of Sadhana and Bhakti (devotion), if our lives are shaped by developing heartfelt Bhava of Goodness and Bhavna of heartfelt Harmony towards the Jivas who have come in our contact.

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 1, Page 74.

ORDER OF THE TOOL FOR SADHANA (3)

 Whoever wants to experience that on one side there is strong desire for the development of life and on the side there is feeling that he is being pushed in the right direction, must direct mind, intellect, prana, chitta and ego in the direction of practicing such tools regularly and for a long time. On the other side, there must be awareness to be free from attachments-hate, sexual desires, anger etc., 

Without being free of insistences and attachments,

True knowledge will never be experienced. 

This means, on one side there is expression of living, creative and conscious Bhava with heartfelt sincerity and on the other side we are engaged in the work of reducing Attachment-hate, work of progress of life speeds up. 

So they mentioned Smaran, prayers and self-narration (Atma-Nivedan). We can use all these tools easily. In the beginning, we can start with Smaran, even Smaran is hard in the beginning. After a while, with practice we develop the awareness of the purpose in Smaran. From this, we develop understanding regarding the method of doing Prayers, as for example; When I woke up today or while working, "Prabhu, this Vruttie was an obstacle, these things happened." If there is difficulty in Sansar, I would pray accordingly. We can take the help of intellect to take care of the difficulty that may arise while working but with that we can also do prayers. What is the purpose behind the prayer? If we do self-narration or prayers frequently, we can create psychic contact with Him. It takes a while to create the habit, may be you can do it fifty- sixty time a day. This creates a link with Him. For this reason, prayer is a very important tool to create link with Him with awareness. Depth in prayers develop slowly and when there is increase in Bhava, we become worry less and relaxed after prayers. We feel as if there is no load on our head and prayers are done with Bhava. We get the solution of our problems and difficulties.

When there is heartfelt cooperation and engagement of our mind, intellect, chitta and prana, Bhavna of offering develops. Presently we just talk, but true offering is not done. Only when these become active and cooperative, true offering can be done.

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog,  Edition 1,

Part 2,  Pages 104 - 105.

ORDER OF THE TOOL FOR SADHANA (2)

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

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

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 2, Page 104.

CHOOSING THE TOOL FOR SADHANA (1)

 NEED FOR THE CONTINUITY OF ANY ONE  TOOL

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

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog. Edition 1,

Part 2, Page 102.

STEPS OF SADHANA (5)

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

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1

Part 2, Pages 102 - 103.

STEPS OF SADHANA (4)

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

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

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 2, Page 101-102.

STEPS OF SADHANA (3)

 Japa- yagna may not be appropriate for everyone. People are different with different Prakruti. Their nature is also different. In general this is all right. Whoever likes and wants to do Prabhu-Smaran it is alright. They afterwards felt that not everyone can do Prabhu-Smaran. So they suggested for others to do prayers - "ask whatever you want". When a child asks the mother whatever he wants, if mother is in good mood, only then she will fulfill the need of the child. Bhagwan does not have such issues between Him and us. So they suggested to do Prayers. First they suggested to do prayers and ask for physical things and ask for whatever you need or want. It is possible that our demands may not be fulfilled. Even in Sansar the demands are not always fulfilled by mother but that does not prevent the child from asking repeatedly. Prey to Bhagwan and ask from Bhagwan in similar manner. This is one way. They also showed other tools like Bhajan- Kirtan (singing the praise of Bhagwan), association with good and holy people, performing good deeds, letting go of things etc., and suggested to practice one or two tools that suites the nature. They also suggested to practice with tool that is higher than Prakruti, to go higher than Prakruti, but at the very moment, you must have the awareness of the purpose of using such tool and what is going to be accomplished by using such tool. While using the tool, this awareness must be living and propelling us towards Chetna (consciousness).

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition1,

Part 2, Page 101.

STEPS OF SADHANA (2)

 EXPLORING METHODS

When we progress to higher level or there is inquisitiveness to achieve higher level, if we develop deep reflection and contemplation to go higher with the help of Prakruti, we can factually go higher. If we continue to do deep reflection and contemplation with Prakruti, we will continue to be in Prakruti. So, if we want to experience Chetan, increase interest in Chetan and develop tendency towards Chetan; we must do deep reflection and contemplation of the subject that is higher than Prakruti.

This defies logic. Prakruti is in our control. We have knowledge and understanding about it and it is possible to control it. At the same time, this Chetan cannot be grasped by our intellect. So, how can we do deep reflection and contemplation about it? What kind of concept needs to be developed? People had such questions. At this time, our people who have studied holy books and are experienced, studied the problem and determined that every Jiva has this problem and needs something concrete to practice. Just as characteristics of Prakruti are concrete and it is possible to have concrete grip on Prakruti. At the same time, it is not possible for Prakruti to have intellectual grip on Chatan. So it is true that we want to develop interest and liking for Chetan. So we need a tool that is higher than Prakruti. What kind of tool we have? What kind of tools can be understood by the intellect? People thought about it. Tool should be such that can be understood and practiced by common people. So they thought about Smaran of Bhagwan- Japa. In all the Yagnas, Japa-yagna is the best. But this may not be applicable to all.

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 2, Pages 100 - 101.

STEPS OF SADHANA (1)

 HOW CAN WE PROGRESS FROM LEVEL OF PRAKRUTI TO CONSCIOUSNESS?

When there is development of increased interest in reflection and contemplation of only one subject related to life, we develop increased and deep interest (Rasa, રસ) in life itself; This interest is lively and propels you towards consciousness. In the beginning concentration is due to constant study. Now there is addition of deep interest. Deep concentration that develops from addition of deep interest is very different. This concentration also expands. Nothing stays stationary. Everything is going to expand or spread e.g if there is anger, it will expand, if there is sexual desire it will also spread. Every vruttie, every tendency of Jiva nature spreads. Since it is mobile it expands. Similarly concentration that has developed from struggle and efforts also expands. When this is done daily, we develop liking and attraction towards it. It becomes lively and creative resulting in deep attachment. When there is deep attachment, there is development of deep interest. Concentration that develops from deep interest is of different kind. When that happens original nature or manifestation of Atma can be known with this concentration. It is like knowing the person with his characteristics like amount of money etc., Human being can be known by his nature, prakruti, financial status etc'. Similarly, Deep interest is the main characteristic (that can be shown by pointing the finger) to know Atma. It is like, if we know what kind, how much and for what, deep interest human being has, we instantly know what kind of person he is. 

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 2, Page 99 - 100.

KEEP BHAGWAN AS YOUR CLOSE FRIEND AT ALL TIMES

 With the grace of Shree Prabhu, it is very necessary to have firm determination and patience, in the life of the Sadhak. There is also need to enliven and increase the strength of determination with the help of will power, but this should not be the result of insistence or firm opinion. There should be living and constant Smaran-Bhavna of Shree Prabhu in everything. Such heartfelt, constant and living effort must be made with His grace. We have to express complete trust, faith and confidence in Him. Know for sure, only then our mind, Prana and ego will rest and settle down firmly within Him. Call Shree Prabhu for everything. We have to make Him our constant, close, living and talking heartfelt friend. All this is not done by imagination, it is just not possible to do all these with imagination. To achieve this, one needs solid, genuine and inspiring force of heart. 

Shree Prabhu cannot be forgotten even for a second. Sadhak must keep this factual knowledge and awareness. This is very important. We live for Shree Prabhu and whatever we do is all for Him. Whenever we experience Jiva-Nature, we need to be alert and aware in heart, remember Him and ask for His help and grace. 

Continue to remember Shree Prabhu. Before beginning the work, establish Him in heart with sincerity, trust and reverence. We need to imagine that we do the work for the love of the God within. We should establish this with true Bhavna of the heart and with honesty of the aim for our God within. We work for Shree Prabhu for His love. We offer this work to Shree Prabhu with love, devotion and knowledge and thank Shree Prabhu after accomplishing the work. We need to address Shree Prabhu with the Bhava as if He is factually present in our heart. When  there is establishment of the Bhava that the relationship with Shree Prabhu is not imaginary but is based on matter of fact Bhava, at this time devotee Sadhak does not feel that Shree Prabhu is imaginary. He actually feels the presence of ऍ (God within). When the Jiva feels support and help of such God within meaning consciousness, there is nothing difficult for this sadhak. Afterwards, his heartfelt Love- Bhava for Him becomes automatic. Devotee at this time, gets attracted towards God within with his heart automatically. At this time his speed to flow towards Shree Prabhu becomes automatic. This is true, but this does not mean that he does not face difficulties or fight wars. These are present even at this time. There is need for constant awareness with consciousness, to be ready to face difficulties. 

Pujya Shree Mota 

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 2, Pages 96 - 97.

INSPIRE VRUTTIE (TENDENCY) FOR THIS PATH

 When we develop some kind of vruttie in the mind that suggests that we want to go somewhere, we will develop motion to go in that direction. Vruttie means motion. If we have genuine vruttie that "we want to follow the path of Bhagwan," then there will be motion in that direction within us. If we do not experience the higher movement in our mind, then know that there is no true movement in that direction. Path to follow Bhagwan is difficult one, but if we  awaken vruttie towards that goal, then nothing is easier than that. So we should let go the questions of mind and intellect, and offer the vruttie at the holy feet of Shri Bhagwan repeatedly. That is the true effort. 

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 2, Page 96.

WHY CAN'T WE SEE OR EXPERIENCE BHAGWAN?

 Even in the sansar, when we develop some relationship with people whom we do not know, we can experience nearness with them. This is the factual experience of almost everyone. For this reason relationship is very important. Bhava of Bhagwan is available more readily than relatives from Sansar; but we have not been able to develop close relationship with Bhagwan with intense interest, love and Bhava. For this reason He appears to be far. Bhagwan is very near once close relationship is established. We will definitely experience the glimpses of His presence when we use all our strength, Bhava, love, attraction, perseverance and energy in establishing close relationship with Him. All we need to do is make constant efforts.

ENGAGE YOUR HEART IN PRABHU.

When there is heartfelt inclination towards someone, there is more vigor and life in our efforts. It is similar in Sadhana. All of us are in Jiva-Nature. So our mind, intellect, chitta, prana and ego do not get engaged in Sadhana quickly. We need to understand the importance of the human life and try to elevate them (mind, intellect etc) repeatedly and with awareness. If there is presence of remembrance of Prabhu in the heart while performing household chorus, this Jiva can develop increased awareness. Whenever there is tendency of Jiva-Nature while performing task, we need to be aware and call Him for His grace and help. Prabhu resides within us, but due to many coverings of Jiva-Nature, His light is not as bright as his original brightness. So Jiva must find out the kind of coverings, and with understanding, try to be free from it with grace of Prabhu and constant efforts. Jiva must accept the essence of the experiences from Sansar and learn from it. Sansar is a mixture of many things but the Jiva who puts his heart in Prabhu while living in Sansar, for him everything in Sansar is Prabhu only. For this reason, we must keep Him in our hearts. 

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 2, Pages 95 - 96.

REMEMBER BLESSINGS OF BHAGWAN (GOD) WITH BHAVA OF GRATITUDE

 Blessings of Bhagwan is immeasurable. You just think, how many people are there who can hardly afford one meal in a day. They may not have a house even to stay and sleep there. There are many people suffering with diseases, who have no place to sleep except under the sky. Bhagwan has given us so much  happiness compared to people who have diseases and all kind of troubles! If someone in this world helps us in worldly affairs even a little bit, we appreciate it very much! So Bhagwan has done so much for us in this world and blessed us, even then we are so bad that we even forgot to remember Him! We just got engrossed in the worldly items given by Him!

We have no idea how much He has given to us in our lives! We will develop immense love and affection for Bhagwan, if we have such remembrance and gratitude all the time. 

When we experience in our lives factually that Bhagwan is very kind, loving and looks after our interests, and as this experience deepens in life, we clearly understand  the purpose of such arrangement in our lives.  We develop happiness, interest and joy in our lives as an integral part of such arrangement. We feel that our lives have become worth living. We feel like watching His expression (Lila) all the time while being engrossed in the Bhava of Bhagwan. Then only there is an experience of profound change like the feelings of recently married beloved woman ( 'Sohagi battha oolatama / સોહાગી બેઠા ઊલટમાં) .

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan yog, Edition 1

Part 2, Pages 94 - 95.

ALWAYS ASK FOR BLESSINGS FROM BHAGWAN

 We need to keep constantly asking for the blessings of Bhagwan. We are not be able to do anything. All kinds of progress depends on the blessings of Bhagwan. This is a matter of fact. There are books and other things for learning in the school but we cannot learn much unless we have someone to teach us. At least in the beginning, we need some help in learning. When we develop comprehension and insight within us, only then we can learn from such books; but we need some help before we develop such insight. So, it is not just imagination that everything happens with His blessings. Thinking from the other view point, if we think that whatever efforts we make, it is being inspired by Him, we can spare ourselves from believing that we are the doer. With such Bhavna we can avoid having ego within us. Since we repeatedly express such Bhavna of blessings, our consciousness within us awakens and firmly expresses itself. 

I wrote to you in one of the letters that our thoughts regarding expectations, desires etc, become stronger when it is mixed up with atmosphere of the similar thoughts of other people. Similarly, our heartfelt Bhavna of asking for the blessings also gets encouragement and becomes stronger when it mixes with similar Bhavna in the atmosphere. So, always we must continue to be alert and aware to ask for His blessings.  

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 2, Pages 93 - 94.

KEEP PURE (UNADULTERATED) PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH BHAGWAN.

Whatever tool we use, we need to deepen its Bhava in the roots of sadhana. Just as there is no deep love initially when two friends come in contact, but its degree keeps on increasing as their contact increases. We can tell the degree of love between them from the depth of their friendship. Here it is similar. 

We have to make our relationship with Bhagwan personal. I call this as 'personal touch.' We should keep increasing this personal touch. This is not for fulfilling some personal wish or from Bhava with some attributes. We must make an effort to fructify this with our Bhava with our own constant deep desire and contemplation. When King went to see Mirabai, he heard that she was talking to Bhagwan. I do not think, this is a humbug talk. When we worship Bhagawan with best and intense Bhava, we will realize Him with the same form and Bhava. I do not have any doubt about it in my mind. This is a proven thing. That is why I am telling you that we need to keep our relationship with Him personal. There is sect of Marjadi in our Vaishnav dharma. It is for developing such close and personal relationship with Bhagwan. Whatever happens or we do is for Bhagwan. 

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 2, Pages 87 - 88.

BHAKTI OF GOD CONSCIOUSNESS WITH ATTRIBUTES ( સગુણ) IS EASIER.

People whose mind is attracted to God consiousness without attributes (નિર્ગુણ) have more difficulty to experience God consciousness. It is very difficult to be attached to God consciousness without attributes. For this reason Bhakti of God consciousness with attributes is more favorable. Mind and its other senses (like intellect, ego etc,) cannot grasp the aspect of God consciousness without attributes easily. For this reason Bhakti of God consciousness with attributes is more favorable and we need to express the side of consciousness with attributes in our Sadhana. Knowledge is expressed out of Bhakti and presence of knowledge leads to expression of Yog and out of all these there is possibility of expression of art of performing work. This Bhava may have resulted in the tradition of idolatry in the past. When there is heartfelt affection to Shri Bhagwan with love and devotion, we develop personal relationship with Shri Bhagwan. Only then we develop such contemplation where there is presence of deep absorption, concentration, oneness, love and happiness in the Bhava of Sadhana. It is exremely difficult to develop such deep absorption (Lagani) in the mind, intellect, prana, chitta and ego without the support of consciousness with attributes. Expression of consciousness with attributes in the aim of the path of progress in life, means its Bhava and its expression as concentration, focus, continuity and its expansion. It is like getting help from a teacher to progress in education. In spirituality, getting help from the person who knows and has experience with it is (સાકાર)  Shri Sadguru. There is a possibility that mind, intellect, etc, may accept such tool with attributes with easiness. 

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog, Edition 1,

Part 2, Pages 85 - 86.

BHAKTI — (2)

 There is no craze, but there is custom of repeating words or lines in Bhakti. We do not get entangled in it since we also have awakened sense of equality, balanced mind and sense of discretion. Bhakti has sportsmanship, martyrdom, velour of a brave person and courage of a warrior. Bhakt (devotee) never gets defeated by anything. He never runs away from anything. He accepts everything as blessings-prasadi of Prabhu with the Bhava of love, devotion and knowledge. He uses it for his life's development for the love of God, with conscious awareness. 

Bhakti is not sentimentalism. Just as Bhakti is an instrument to express Jiva-consciousness, it also takes higher and higher forms to achieve higher and higher stages. There is not just one kind of Bhakti. It changes in its newer forms according to changing condition. For that reason, it is not possible to evaluate Bhakti appropriately without experiencing the level of Bhakti.

Pujya Shree Mota

Jivan Yog,  Edition 1,

Part 2, Page 83.