Sadhana Path - II

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SADHAK

 

A SADHAK is one -

 

· Who knows his SADHYA (Goal);

· who has fixed and settled his PATH OF SADHANA to reach the goal;

· who is conscious of the SADHAN (the body); and

· who marches on the path of Sadhana, and endeavours to climb higher and

higher.

 

Fundamental knowledge does not present any difficulty or doubt in

understanding it. Nor is the path of Sadhana difficult to practise.

However, the environments in which we live and the cumulative effect of our

past deeds have their tremendous influence on the mind and keep us ignorant

of our real SELF, and forgetful of the Path of Sadhana. In order to be

steady and steadfast in our SADHANA we must study Holy Books (SADGRANTH)

regularly everyday and thus go on hammering the basic formulae (SUTRA) to

make them a part of our disposition (SWABHAV).

 

SADHANA PATH

 

Undoubtedly the whole of the nectar in a lake is useful, yet it is not

necessary, nor possible, to drink the whole of it. Llkewise, we have to

pick and choose one or two of the Holy Books, the philosophy of which is in

accord with our faith, convictions, aptitude and circumstances; select

from them some verses which will guide us in implementing SADHANA day-in

and day-out; and analytically group them so as to chalk out a weekly

course for refreshing and contemplation.

 

This manual of SADHANA PATH is based on (Part-1) Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and

(Part-II) Shri Ram Charita Manas, which are complete codes of conduct and

which derive authority from Bhagavan Shri Krishna Himself and Bhagavan Shri

Shiv Himself, respectively. They have become most popular evidently

because of the clarity and simplicity in the exposition of the Science of

Divine life and in the imparting of such Technology of Divine Life as is

practicable for every man and woman.

 

PARAMATMA - JAGAT - JIVATMA

 

The Science of Divine Life and the Technology of Divine Life as contained

in this Manual may be briefly introduced thus:

 

The Lord (PARAMATMA)

 

Existence of PARAMATMA (the Lord) is a matter of faith based on

experience. HE is transcendental and immanent at the same time. There is

nothing beyond Him; He transcends everything; He Is immanent everywhere,

formless or with form; He is omniscient and omnipotent; He is full of

beauty and sweetness ; He is ocean of grace and mercy; He is ocean of

love. Whatever happens, happens in obedience to HIS auspicious Law which

is based on Justice and Mercy.

 

The World (JAGAT)

Whatever is perceptible by the senses is JAGAT (World) in which everything

is ephemeral and transient. Things and beings as such are neither

attractive nor repulsive, neither pleasant nor painful. However, it is our

attitude towards them which makes them so.

 

The Soul (JIVATMA)

JIVATMA (the soul) is a particle of PARMATMA and, therefore, inherently

immortal, pure, self-illuminous, and full of bliss. ATMA stands out quite

distinct from the body. But, because of AVIDYA (ignorance of the real

self) the soul has been deluded to identify itself with the body and this

has produced 'I'-ness (AHAMTA) and 'Mineness (MAMATA). From these emanate

desires (KAMANA), which go on multiplying in geometrical progression. All

these cause bondage. Salvation, therefore, means emancipation from "I" and

"Mine". Pleasure, pain, fear, desire, greed, anger etc. are experienced in

the ego-sense (AHAM) of the body, not in the ATMA. Avidya is the result of

forgetfulness of the real self.

 

Believe in the Lord ; Know the world ; Realise the self.

 

FOUR PILLARS OF SADHANA

 

In every activity, thought and word of a man Of the world" is reflected the

feeling "I am this" and "This is mine"; while in every thought, action or

word of a SADHAK (man of Divine Life) is manifested the steadfast

conviction "I am His"; "He is mine"; "everything is His"; "every being is

His".

 

These are the four pillars on which the entire superstructure of SADHANA is

built up.

 

"Everything is His".

The Lord is the proprietor of everything. We must recognise this and

rejoice. Accordingly we must surrender unto Him, whatever we do, and

whatever we "have( i.e. whatever He has made "available" to us and of which

we are, therefore, a trustee and as such under the obligation to use it

properly but not to misuse it).

 

"Every being is HIS"

And, HE is present within every being. We must not bear ill-will or hatred

towards any one. Since every one is related to us through HIM, we must

serve everyone with non-attachment. The panacea for all ills of worldly

life and the secret of metamorphosing worldly life into divine life lies in

dedicating all thoughts, actions, words and belongings to the Lord.

 

"I am His" (ATMASAMARPAN)

He is our Master; we are mere instruments in His Hands. He is the showman,

we are mere puppets. The key lies in the merger of the individual with in

the divine will. By prostrating before the Lord the SADHAK delivers

himself over to the Lord. By worshipping Him with faith and devotion we

get merged in our Lord.

 

"He is mine"

He is our Father, Mother, Preceptor, Brother and all. Love of the Lord is

the goal. To be loved by the Lord is the goal. When our mind and heart

will incessantly and uniterruptedly be soaked in divine love, the same will

be reflected and manifested in all our thoughts, actions and words.

 

- to be contd.

 

shrii

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email: shree

website: http://members.tripod.com/~satsang