== FOR INTENSE SADHANA ==
Namaskar,
Sadhana is the mainstay in the life of each and every margii. It is an
integral part of our existence. At the same time we all know that our
progress in meditation is systaltic and that sometimes it is difficult
to move past certain plateaus or feelings. Here below in this letter are
some points from one senior family acarya for how to intensify one's own
sadhana practice.
VIBRATION COMES IN SADHANA
Generally, whenever we do our sadhana then a certain sweet vibration
comes-- it happens to everyone. A distinctive blissful energy sweeps
through the body and permeates the mind. And this vibration itself is a
positive sign that our meditation is working, i.e. that it is fruitful.
THE SPIRITUAL SCIENCE BEHIND IT
From a slightly more technical perspective, we can say that there are
certain stages of our sadhana and which represent how the aforementioned
sentient vibration results.
Initially by Baba's grace with our iccha shakti-- strong desire or will
power-- we attempt to concentrate the mind. And then step by step the
next stages unfold. A sense of surrender develops and with that
devotional feeling & yearning we begin the repetition of our mantra. As
the practice of our mantra japa continues and strengthens, then
mantra'ghat occurs. That is, the mantra strikes on the kulakundalini and
the kundalini begins to rise up. And in result a wave of sentient
blissful feelings spreads throughout our being. In brief, this is how
that sentient vibration comes in the body and mind.
A SENTIENT VIBRATION SHOULD ARISE, OTHERWISE...
So with our focused mind and right practice of meditation, a blissful
flow consumes our existence. That is a sentient vibration is aroused.
And this of course is a positive development.
Because if we do not feel any vibration at all when we do our sadhana
then we know that the mind was just running hither and thither; and, all
in all, our "sitting in sadhana" was just a waste of time.
So in proper sadhana, a sentient vibration must arise.
TWO ROADS
Hence the arousal of a sentient vibration indicates a certain degree of
"success" in our sadhana. But as we know, this is not the be-all of
one's sadhana. Rather at this point one has reached an initial plateau
or crossroads where two distinct options present themselves.
Either with one's developed nerve cells and nerve fibres one can manage
and digest that spritual vibration or one cannot. That is, either that
sentient vibration can be assimilated internally and one can continue to
focus on their mantra japa and delve deeper into their meditation. Or,
due to one's less developed nerves and according to their samskara, the
sweet vibration aroused in sadhana causes an external reaction-- such as
crying, shaking, laughing, rolling, somersaulting, weeping, bouncing etc.
SENTIENT VIBRATION MUST BE ASSIMILATED
So the key aspect here is that to further progress in sadhana then one
must have the requisite strength to internalise that sentient vibration.
Because if we give way to those sentient feelings and allow them to
present externally then the mind gets diverted and distracted, in which
case one can no longer concentrate on the mantra. And once one's mantra
japa gets interrupted then sadhana goes down.
Therefore all those external manifestations in sadhana-- such as crying,
singing, laughing etc-- hinder one's ability to advance. Specifically,
they cause one's sadhana to stall since at that point the mind gets
externalised towards those outer expressions. In which case the sentient
energy created by the mantra repetition just gets drained out.
Here again it should be known that that the initial arousal of a
sentient vibration is a distinct sign of progress. But in turn we
should-- as far as possible-- not allow those feelings to leak out
externally in the form of tears, laughter, horripilation etc. Over time
these types of reactions should be controlled, i.e. assimilated within.
So the challenge is to internalise that vibration. Then, by Baba's
grace, one will feel bliss inside, yet at the same time the mind will
stay focused and continue to devotionally repeat one's mantra. Then one
can reach deeper and deeper into the kingdom of eternal bliss.
A COMMON MISPERCEPTION
Sometimes when we see others crying or laughing or rolling around in
their sadhana then the tendency is to think that the person is a great
sadhaka or that their sadhana is very high. But actually all it means is
that due to a weakness in their nerves the sadhaka could not assimilate
those sentient vibrations. And in result that vibration leaked out
externally as opposed to being internally channelised to a higher degree
of sadhana.
Thus if one is weeping or laughing in sadhana it does not mean that they
are the top-most sadhakas. As there may be many others who have reached
that same point yet easily absorbed that vibration and by Baba's grace
could dive deeper into their meditation.
So this is one aspect for us all to keep in mind: That we should always
aim to keep the body motionless and keep the mind focused on our mantra
and reach closer and closer to Him.
MANTRA REPETITION: CALLING OUR DEAREST ONE
As we know, our mantra is a divine tool for calling our Dearest One. And
with a heart full of devotion we should continue our mantra japa and
focus exclusively on that in our sadhana. Then when any sentient
vibration is aroused we will easily be able to cross that threshold and
become further immersed in His divine flow-- in the kingdom of bliss.
SADHANA IS THE PATHWAY OF LIFE
Here Baba again reminds us that the path of sadhana is the most
meaningful endeavour in life.
Vrtha' janma.....
Baba says, "The ideation on Brahma should be done scrupulously, or else
you will later regret and bemoan the futility of your life with the last
drop of your tears at your last hour. You should make your life
worthwhile through your sadhana. How much can your worldly friends and
relations do for you? After your death your relatives may perhaps ask,
'How much money has he left behind?'. Your friends may go to the
crematorium and indulge in flattering reminiscences about you. Your
husband or wife may cry out for you for about ten or twelve days and
then regain their normal composure. Your lot will be only a profound
sigh-- a record of the futility and frustration of your life. So do not
waste your time lest you later have to repent." (SS-3, p.63)
Namaskar,
Jawaharlal
Note: BECOMING MORE AND MORE SINCERE IN SADHANA
It is a constant endeavour for each and every sadhaka to become more and
more involved in their sadhana. And for this to happen it demands both
sincerity of heart and dedication to our ideal-- to Baba. In that case
we can all deepen our spiritual practices by His grace. All in all, the
above written topic does not at all pertain to those who are just doing
5-10 minutes of sadhana prior to taking food. All the above ideas are
related to those who are deeply committed to their sadhana and regularly
allot a proper amount of time to their practice. On this regard during
holidays & vacations etc, we should all try to spend more and more time
focused on our sadhana. Because otherwise in our day to day mundane
existence it is not at all easy to deepen one's practice. For that it
demands a focused mind and time spent in sadhana. So whenever possible
we should leave our house and go outside for sadhana for an extended
period of time to practice meditation. Then we will leave behind our
worldly distractions and be able to focus the mind on our mantra and
call Him with the love of our heart. By Baba's grace we will all move
ahead in our sadhana and internally experience His cosmic bliss. By His
grace may we all please and serve Him in our sadhana.
Everyone-- all family members-- are kindly requested to write in with
their sadhana realisations and spiritually related experiences.
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Those Who Are True Devotees...
"Top-grade devotees says, 'I want all my actions to give You joy. It's
immaterial whether that brings joy or pain to me, it doesn't bother me
at all. My only task is to give You joy'. This is called ra'ga'tmika
bhakti and is the devotion of the highest category. One should possess
this type of devotion. 'I will do those actions which will make Parama
Purus'a happy, but which may or may not bring joy to me.' Human beings
should act in this way." (Morning General Darshan, 08 Nov 1978)
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