Welcome to the 2022 issue of Raas Purnima

 by Sri Sandip Dasgupta

Joy Babathakur! Joy Babathakur! Joy Babathakur!

Welcome to the Raas Purnima edition of our e-magazine. In this editorial, I will summarize some points that I picked up from one of our Master’s discourses delivered on Nov 30, 1994 at Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi. The entire discourse can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eccI-QoUdZk.

In this discourse, our Master talks about the individual who has become established in the Science of Oneness (a Brahmagyaani purush), introduces us to some very simple (yet hard) techniques to attain that Knowledge of Oneness. Throughout the discourse, he correlates the key terms to other known terms in the Bhagavad Gita. Here are some highlights from the discourse:

• Our Master starts by establishing the universality of the Atman by categorically stating that every action, every thought, every event is centered around the Atman. 
• He cautions us against using the terms “I” and “mine” as we commonly use in everyday life. He tells us that we must encompass each and every one of us (One and All) when referring to the word “I” – not individual I! This is because the individual I belongs to the Atman – who is ever present as the substratum in each and every one of us.  
• The Atmagyaani purush serves the Knowledge of Oneness to each and every one of us - -without any discrimination between groups, faith or path.  
• The Master likens the Atmagyaani purush to:  
• Sthitoproggo purush in Chap 2 of the Bhagavad Gita  
• Jothaarto Bhakta in Chap 12 of the Bhagavad Gita  
• The individual established in Shomotto Gyaan -- Chap 13 of the Bhagavad Gita 
• The same praana exists in each and every one of us – termed the Mahapraana or Muktipraana. The individual praana that we experience on a daily basis is termed the Gouno Praana. 
• You are not as finite as you think – you are infinite. You are present in each and every being, because you are one with the Absolute! You are verily that Absolute of the nature of Saccidananda – Existence, Knowledge and Bliss Absolute. 
• The different types of Bhakta as defined by Lord Krishna are: 
• Tamasic Bhakta takes a limited form and worships God. 
• Rajasic Bhakta is interested in showing off and publicity – engages in external activities to show that he is doing Puja. 
• Shottogyaani bhakto who live quietly by themselves, trying to discover their Reality 
• Shudhu Shottogyaani bhakta – one who has lost all desire; even the desire to do puja! 
• Master introduces us to the concept of Brahmao kriya (Nirbishesh Karma) – the Supreme action for the Supreme Being. 
• To attain the Knowledge of Oneness: 
• One must develop retentive power (Dhriti shakti) – which comes from Brahmacharya or balanced development).
• One must be shraddhavan towards the Guru and listen attentively to the words of our Guru.
  
• The power of retention, coupled with the act of listening attentively (to the Guru’s words) will enable the individual to climb the steps towards Knowledge absolute. 
• Master lucidly provides the steps for us to transit towards the ultimate goal: 
• Amaar amaar Bodh is to be transformed into Tomaar bodh (surrender everything to the Lord who has given us everything in the first place!)
• As you listen to the Sadguru’s words, your life will become an instrument of the Lord. 
• Then you will get unified with the Lord. Ekobhukto purush, Yogayukto purush as stated in the Bhagavad Gita. 
• Then you will become one with the Godhead Absolute 
• Then you will see the total culmination of life from: 
• the gross state to the subtle state, 
• from the subtle state to the subtler state, 
• from the subtler state to the subtlemost state and beyond, beyond – this is the total consummation of all the states as stated by Lord Krishna in Chap 18. 
• Our Master states that MA is the only single syllable word that matters – as that refers to the Absolute substratum that resides in the heart of each one of us. This can be likened to: 
• The Ishwar as mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita who resides in each one of us.
• The Brahma as mentioned in the Upanishad.
• The Atma according to the Yogi.
• The Bhagawan as referred to by the Bhakta.
• The Sadkarmi as referred to by the Sadguru.
• The Mathaa as referred to by the Premik.
• When Lord Krishna introduced the term “Ek Ekshorer Montro”, he was really referring to the term MA.
• When Motherhood will return, Satya Yuga will come.
• Divine Karma is the only Karma that doesn’t have any self-interest – and hence there is no result of that action. We should be engaging in this Divine Karma as stated in the Bhagavad Gita. 
• A new definition of Niyom (rule) – Maake niye Cholo! Take MA along with you whatever you do! She is the supplier of everything. 
• Dharma teaches us righteousness – Avatars come to restore righteousness.
• We can experience Ishwar through Love – all selfishness goes away.
• Sadguru’s Vaani: 
• Maake Hridoy niye cholo (remember Ma is residing in our hearts always).
• Mene Maaniye Cholo.
• Remember MA in all circumstances.
• As Lord Krishna told Arjuna – I am your security in all situations! 
• If you invert the word Gita, you get Tyaag (renounce). We need to renounce our sense of individual I -- give up Amaar Amaar bhaava. This is the key to obtaining Atma Gyaana.

I urge all of you to listen to the discourse that can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eccI-QoUdZk.

Joy Babathakur! Joy Babathakur! Joy Babathakur!

Constructive Thoughts

 

by Smt. Mandira Lahiri

A human mind is a repository of thoughts. There is a huge connection between the thoughts that play in our mind and who we are as a human being. It is to be observed that when we are mentally agitated, or when our mind is filled with negative thoughts...our heart rate goes up, the blood pressure increases, and the feeling of ease vanishes. On the other hand, positive thoughts make us mentally peaceful, and an overall feeling of well-being envelopes us. So, for course correction, we have to keep a check on our thoughts. It has been correctly said: The quality of your thoughts today, determines the quality of your life tomorrow.

Ms. Jaya Row’s February 26, 2021 editorial in The Speaking Tree of TOI titled ‘Transform Into an Outstanding Achiever’, explains this well. Here are some excerpts from that article: -

“Everyone is born with a unique talent and ability. But you must first identify your Svadharma or core interest and invest your energies in that field.”

“In your Svadharma fix a higher ideal or goal. You cannot achieve greatness with a small mind. Enlarge your vision, rise above the obsession with I, me and myself. Espouse a higher cause.”

“The ordinary Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi transformed into the Mahatma when he decided to work for the country. Swami Vivekanand, who initially trembled at the thought of addressing the Parliament of Religions, became a world-famous preacher when he dropped the thought of self. You too can metamorphose into an extraordinary achiever if you rise above thought of self.”

“Thought of self comes in the way of success. A musician sings off key when he thinks of his income and audience rather than his performance. An engineer messes up his presentation when he is desperate for a contract. A chef goofs up when he is anxious to impress his customers.”

“How not to think of yourself? Get inspired with a goal beyond your selfish, self-centered interests. Shed your petty, trivial, insignificant pre-occupations and you will wake-up every morning inspired, enthusiastic and excited to live one more day for your goal.”

“You will be happy as you will be free from the burden of having to cater to yourself. Think of giving and you are instantly happy. The moment you plan and scheme to benefit from anything you are miserable. Watch a child sharing her chocolate with a friend. She beams with happiness. Another child refuses to share her goodies. She has a frown on her face. And thought of self keeps you stunted and handicapped. You never realize your infinite potential.”

We should seek the path of wisdom to avoid misery and grief. So, the mantra is to stop complaining and start celebrating. Anandmurti Guru Maa says, “Don’t analyze too much, don’t judge too much, don’t expect too much. This way you can strike that balance which you deserve, work then will become joy. This balance comes from your mind. See things in the right perspective. Practicing gratitude is very helpful. It shifts our focus to what we have from we do not have in life.”

I came across these words which have profound meaning:

Watch your thoughts

For they become words.

Watch your words,

For they become actions.

Watch your actions,

For they become habits.

Watch your habits,

For they become character.

Watch your character,

For it becomes your destiny.

Once a devotee of our Sadguru Sri Sri Babathakur went to a temple and his slippers got stolen there. The other fellow devotees got perturbed and started searching for the slippers frantically, but the wise man said calmly, “Oh never mind … I must have stolen his shoes in some life, so the scores have been settled now. I am relieved now.” The gentleman’s response was really unique.

Once when Prajnanpurush Sri Sri Babathakur had come to Delhi, we all went to pay him a visit. It was a very hot day.  Sadguru said, ‘I know of a trick which can make you feel better. Sit down quietly and think about the North Pole and South Pole.’ We did what He told us to do and felt better immediately.

One of my neighbors once told me that thoughts pertaining to death, i.e. the fear of death can be overcome by remembering that death has struck us before too....that is how we got our present form. She often tells me that for every problem there is a solution, we just have to think about it the right way.

An elderly couple abandoned by their kids, were living their life in misery. They had no will to live. No amount of counseling helped. They were full of anguish, dejection and sorrow. A wise man came one day and told them that nature was returning to them what they had bestowed on their parents. On hearing this, their thoughts changed. They realized their mistake and accepted the situation. In doing so, something wonderful happened. Their erring children started calling them up to enquire about their well being, and started sending them money on a monthly basis. In other words, their children began to take care of all of their needs. So, just by thinking in the right way, the elderly couple’s woes came to an end.

In Kathamrita it has been mentioned that Master Moshai’s (i.e. Sri Mahendra Nath Gupta aka Sri M.) whole being used to be filled with joy and divine thoughts when he would watch pilgrims going on pilgrimage or returning from pilgrimage. How fascinating! Just by thinking positively, so much joy can be achieved!

Brahmakumaris are taught to do Mansa Seva. When one is unable to do any other service like providing financial help or physical help, then simply sending positive vibrations through the mind helps immensely.

We have observed that many a times when we think of someone, then either we hear from that person or he or she arrives…or some other form of connection happens.

When we want something with our heart and soul, with full devotion and sincerity, then the universe grants us that thing. All our thoughts when focused intently on a singular pursuit, become extremely powerful…hence constructive thoughts can really do wonders.

A couple of limited means came to Bangalore from Bengal to earn their living. The boy’s father, an old man was paralyzed from waist down. He lay in bed full of pain and grief.

Lots of money was needed for his father’s treatment.....so both husband and wife worked hard from morning until night to accumulate money for their sick father. The only thought that would be in their minds was that of them returning to their village to be with their ailing father so that they could nurse him, treat him and make him feel better. Everybody said that the old man would not live for long since his condition was serious. The boy did not pay any heed to all this chatter. Instead, he and his wife put all their energies to toil day and night. After a year when they had collected enough money to fulfill their needs, they decided to go back to their native place. On reaching home they headed straight to their father’s room. The father, who was bed ridden, could not speak; he had become more or less like a skeleton.  Yet on seeing his son and daughter-in-law, a beaming smile spread across his face, and tears of joy started rolling down his sunken cheeks. The son and daughter in law also started weeping and smiling at the same time. People who had assembled there and were watching this sight were so touched and moved, they too had tears of joy in their eyes. The whole atmosphere was charged with pure love.

This incident was narrated to me by Jaya who was the daughter-in-law of the house. This thought-provoking incident made me realize that it does not take much to be joyful. Our constructive and positive thoughts can lead us to extreme joy.

Our Sadguru Sri Sri Babathakur in his book ‘Nectar of Wisdom’ explains, ‘More mind is occupied to think of Self or God, less mind will have time to be preoccupied with other personal feelings which is an expression of ego. The conclusion is simple----think of Self or God more and more, you will get rid of more and more problems and disturbing selfish feelings. Think of the ‘Formula of four-fold A’ {Adapt, Adjust, Accommodate and Absolute] and apply it in life. In due course, mind will be controlled, and the path to follow will be more and more narrow----but as it becomes more and more narrow, the Self light will shine brighter and brighter, and your ability to remain undisturbed will increase with your power of concentration. And do not forget that mind is the king of actors so to speak----and it has disguises and gestures which are difficult for ordinary people to resist. But remember mind is only acting, mind is not reality. If you practice sincerely, mind will be totally immersed in Self, and then one does not give any importance to the world phenomenon, and can experience life as witness, and be totally detached as no desire is left to be fulfilled. Another result is that a person well established in Self-Knowledge will emanate so much Love that nobody can resist, and all negative thoughts vanish.’

I will end my piece with another golden advice from Prajnanpurush Sri Sri Babathakur, ‘Consider yourself as an operator in the Divine play of the world, for an operator has no possibility to create----his only duty is to make the instrument function.’

 

Grades of Emancipation for the Devotees

The following is a transliteration by Sri Ramen Basu of a story narrated by Sri Sri Babathakur (appearing in Swajnaugrahasudha Vol. 2, pages 7 - 10).

 

 Question: Babathakur! There are many stories in the Puranas on the topic of the devotee and the Lord. Several captivating stories from the present times can also be found on the same topic. Based on Your realization, please tell us how the Lord showers blessings on His devotees so that our yearning and love for the Lord continues to grow and become firm.

Just as the mind and the heart weeps for the Lord, so does the heart and mind of the Lord weep for His devotees. ‘The devotee or Bhakta carries on in life by faith, while the Jnanin carries on in life by spiritual discrimination.’ For the devotee, the door to the Lord always remains open.

There is a beautiful story on the topic of how the Lord bestows mercy/ grace to His devotees. Once the Lord announced to all the Gods and Goddesses in heaven that He would give away prizes to His dear devotees. He requested the Gods and Goddesses to inform all of His devotees of the same, and to make all necessary arrangements for the devotees to be able to meet Him.

Having received their instruction from Parameshwara, the Gods and Goddesses conveyed this information to all the devotees of the Lord in heaven, earth and hell. On a particular day, all devotees from different quarters convened at a certain place to meet with the Lord.

The Indwelling Lord fulfilled the latent desires of His dear devotees. Presenting Himself to His devotees, He rewarded each with a rare divine prize as befitting the devotee’s qualifications. One by one, each devotee after having received the rare divine gift from the Lord, left with a delighted mind singing the praise of the Lord. Then the Lord also retired to His abode for rest. Wrapping up their duties, the Gods and Goddesses also departed to their respective abodes.

At the specific location (where the devotees had previously congregated to meet the Lord), there arrived a special Tattvajna Bhakta i.e. a Realizer of the Absolute Divinity. The prize distribution ceremony was over and everybody had left. When that Devotee could not find anybody at the door He started remembering the Lord intensely. The Indwelling Lord knowing this, sent one of His door-man to the door. The door-man asked the visitor for the purpose of his visit.

He replied – ‘The Lord had announced everywhere that He would give away prizes, that is why I have come to have a darshan of the Lord.’

Having heard the reply, the God posing as the door-man told him that the prize-distribution ceremony had ended. Why didn’t he come at the appointed hour? The Lord is resting - hence hence he won’t be able to meet the Lord now.

Listening to these words from the door-man and in deference to the will of Lord, the devotee was just about to depart when another God arrived and took the Devotee to the Lord. The Devotee folded his hands in a salute and stood still in front of the Lord.

The Lord said to him – ‘The prize-giving ceremony has ended, why have you come so late?‘

  Humbly the Devotee said – ‘Lord, I was busy in my Sadhana, so I was not keeping track of the time. As soon as I became aware of the time, I came running to take your darshan and seek your blessings.’

The Lord asked – ‘Which kind of Sadhana were you doing?’

The Devotee humbly replied with folded hands – ‘ I was engaged in the meditation of Your Reality Itself.‘

Listening to the words of the Devotee, the heart of the Lord melted in compassion. With tears of love in His eyes, the Lord said - ‘You are the best of my dear devotees. But I have given away everything. Now I have nothing more to give.’

Listening to these words, the ever humble devotee replied – ‘Lord! please don’t be embarrassed . I am blessed for having received Your darshan and grace, and for that I am grateful. I did not come to You with an expectation of receiving a prize. Let me take Your leave now.’

The Lord asked – ‘What would you do now after you leave?’

The Devotee replied – ‘Why, just as in the past, I shall remain absorbed in the meditation of the Reality Itself of Yours.’

Listening to these words of the best amongst the Jnanin and the lover devotees, the Lord was very pleased and said – ‘I cannot let you, the ablest and the best of My devotee, go away being disappointed from here in any way. I have given away all My riches and wealth, and it is true that I have nothing left for you; yet since I love My devotee more than My Self always, I am giving Myself unto you. I will always remain in your heart. Never will I go out of your vision.’

Filled with devotion and joy, the Devotee exuberantly saluted the Lord. The Lord embraced him. Thus that Devotee attained unity with the form of the Lord (Sayujya Yoga).

A little while later, a sculptor-devotee arrived at the door. Just as the devotee before, when asked by the door-man for the reason of his visit, this devotee too replied that – ‘The Lord had announced that He would give away prizes and grant darshan out of mercy/ grace - that is why I have come.’ The door-man told him that the prize-distribution ceremony and darshan had ended long ago. Now the Lord is resting, and hence he won’t be getting His darshan now.

Saluting the Lord mentally, the devotee was about to leave when the Indwelling Lord sent a God to fetch the devotee. The Lord asked the devotee for the reason of his visit, and upon listening to the devotee’s reply, asked him for the cause of his delay in coming?

The devotee replied that he was busy in the temple sculpting the image of the Lord and hence had lost track of the time. That was the reason for his late arrival.

Listening to his reply the Lord said - ‘But I have given away all the riches to my devotees. I have nothing left to give to you. However, you are a devotee who was engaged in work related to Me. You are entitled to receive a prize. What shall I do now?’

Listening to these words of the Lord, the devotee became very embarrassed and humbly said – ‘ By Your grace I have Your darshan, and by that I am blessed. I am not at all sad for not having received an award’. Saying this, the devotee saluted the Lord and was about to take leave, when the Lord asked – ‘What will you do now after you leave?’

The devotee said – ‘I will go back and attend to the unfinished work of sculpting Your image.’

The Lord was very pleased with the sincerity of the devotee’s devotion towards HIm and also to his Sadhana. Lifting the stooping devotee and embracing him with a compassionate heart and with tears in the eyes, the Lord said – ‘ I can never refuse a devotee as sincere as you. Since I have nothing else left for you, I will giving away Myself unto you. My direct presence will remain always in your heart’. Thus the Lord bestowed the devotee with Sarupya Mukti (i.e. possession features/form identical to that of the Lord).

After a while a painter-devotee arrived at the door. After getting to the know the reason for his coming, the door-man was about to ask the visitor to leave just as he had with the previous devotee. Just then, a messenger from the Lord arrived to take the devotee to the Lord. The Lord asked the devotee for his identity and the reason for his visit. The devotee replied that he was a painter, and that he was absorbed in the painting of the Lord’s glory; thus he had lost track of the time. He was thus sorry, sought the forgiveness of the Lord. Having heard the reason, the Lord was pleased with his behavior and bestowed him with liberation to dwell in the same planet as that of the Lord (Salokya Mukti).

After a while a philosopher-poet devotee arrived at the door. Like the previous devotees, the Lord summoned this devotee in His presence and asked his identity and the reason for his late arrival. Having heard the reason, the Lord was pleased with him and bestowed upon him, liberation in the form of constant companionship of the Lord (Samipya Mukti).

At last arrived a devotee who always worships the Lord by singing hymns and the name of the Lord. As with the previous devotees, the Lord fetched this devotee in His presence and asked his identity and the reason for his late arrival. Having heard the reason, the Lord was pleased with him and bestowed upon him, liberation in the form of great opulence at par with that of the Lord (Sarshti Mukti).

From the above-mentioned story, we get the true picture of how an able devotee attains the best outcome in life.

Verily, faith and extreme longing for the Lord are the resources for a devotee. The devotee does not care much about reasoning and discrimination. But the Jnanin and the Yogi prefer reasoning and spiritual discrimination; they do not pay much heed to blind faith. It is however only the devotee, who can understand and appreciate that how through faith, he can unite with Ishwara.

 

Transliteration submitted at the holy lotus feet of Sadguru Sri Sri Babathakur by Sri Ramen Basu.