Common Sense

Don't get destroyed by knowledge and power.

Use common sense to survive.

There were once four learned and accomplished men, who had acquired certain ‘Siddhis’ (miraculous powers). One day they said to themselves, "Of what use is all our knowledge and accomplishments if we do not seek the employment of a great king?" Accordingly, they set out for the capital.

Now among these four, three were particularly brilliant. The fourth was far inferior to the others in intellect, but he was the one with the most common sense.

On the road, they came upon the skeleton of a lion.

"Let us bring this lion back to life," proposed the first.

"Yes, this will bring us great fame," agreed the second and third.

The fourth one said, "If you bring this lion back to life, he will attack and devour all of us."

"Don't interrupt just because you don’t have the power to do this!" 

- cried the first, who had already used his superior knowledge to put flesh on the bones. The second quickly introduced blood, and the third was about to breathe life into the lion.

"We should think of our safety," said the fourth.

"Quiet!" shouted the third from the depths of his labor.

"Well, then, I shall go sit on this tree," said the fourth. "Just

in case."

The lion came back to life …. with an empty stomach. He looked around for food … killed the wise men and consumed them.

The only one who survived was the man with common sense.

कुछ संस्मरण Blissful Memories # 6 (Hindi version)

जिन दिनों मैं ब्रजिन्द्रा कॉलेज फरीदकोट में पढ़ता था तो सौभाग्यवश मुझे भापा रामचन्द जी कपूरथला वालों की प्रचार यात्रा में  कई बार उनके साथ जाने का अवसर मिल जाता था ।  उन प्रचार यात्राओं के दौरान - ट्रेन और बसों में उनके साथ सफर करते हुए एवम सारा सारा दिन उनके साथ, उनकी  सेवा में रहते हुए - उनकी जीवन शैली और रोज़मर्रा की दिनचर्या को भी करीब से देखने का अवसर  मिला।  सत्संग में और लोगों से बात करते हुए जीवन के हर पहलू पर उनके बहुमूल्य विचार अत्यंत शिक्षाप्रद होते थे। देर रात तक और सुबह सुबह जब वो बैठे हुए सुमिरन किया करते थे तो उनके दर्शन मात्र से ही मन में असीम शांति का अनुभव होने लगता था। 

उन प्रचार यात्राओं के दौरान एक स्थान पर एक ऐसी घटना हुई जो इतने साल बीत जाने के बाद भी अक्सर याद आ जाती है।  

सुबह के सत्संग के बाद एक अधेड़ उम्र के दम्पत्ति भापा जी के पास आये और नमस्कार करके कहने लगे कि एक प्रार्थना है। हमारा एक बेटा है जिसकी उम्र अब विवाह के योग्य हो गई है। आप प्रचार के सिलसिले में जगह जगह जाते रहते हैं और वहां बहुत से परिवार आप से मिलते होंगे। अगर कोई अच्छा परिवार अपनी बेटी के विवाह के लिए आप से प्रार्थना करे तो कृपया हमारे बेटे का ध्यान रखिएगा। 
भापा जी ने मुस्कुराते हुए बहुत प्रेम से उन्हें आशीर्वाद दिया और पूछा "आपका बेटा कितना पढ़ा है ? क्या करता है और कितना कमाता है ? क्योंकि लड़की वाले ये सब कुछ जानना चाहेंगे"
पिता ने कहा  - हमारा बेटा बी. ए. पास है और सरकारी नौकरी कर रहा है। तनख़्वाह तो उसकी ३०० रुपये महीना है पर भापा जी  .....  सतगुरु की रहमत से वो 500 रुपए महीना ऊपर से बना लेता है  ..... निरंकार प्रभु की बहुत कृपा है।
मैंने देखा कि अचानक भापा जी के चेहरे से मुस्कुराहट ग़ायब हो गई। वो एकदम गम्भीर हो कर कहने लगे : 
रहमत ??? लआनत को आप रहमत समझ रहे हो ? सब गुरुओं सन्तों और ग्रंथों ने जिसका निषेध किया  - सब वलियों पीरों ने जिसकी मुमानत की - उसे आप गुरु की रहमत कह रहे हो ? ये रहमत नहीं बल्कि लाहनत है और ब्रह्मज्ञानियों के लिए तो शर्म की बात है। मुझे मुआफ़ करें - आप को अच्छा तो नहीं लगेगा, लेकिन मैं किसी महांपुरुष परिवार से ऐसे रिश्ते के लिए बात नहीं कर सकूँगा। 

कुछ देर के लिए कमरे में सन्नाटा सा छा गया। फिर वो दम्पत्ति क्षमा प्रार्थना करते हुए नमस्कार  करके बाहर चले गए। 
भापा जी कमरे में बैठे हुए बाकी लोगों से कहने लगे: कितनी अजीब बात है। ब्रह्मज्ञान लेने के बाद भी कुछ लोग ल'आनत और रहमत में फ़र्क़ नहीं समझते। महाँपुरुषों को तो हक़ और हराम - जायज़ - नाजायज़ - सही और ग़लत की समझ होनी चाहिए। अगर ज्ञान के बाद भी ये लालच बना रहा - सबर और सन्तोष की भावना न बनी तो ज्ञान का क्या फ़ायदा ? 

उस दिन, शाम के सत्संग में भी उनके विचार इसी विषय पर आधारित थे  ...... 
इसी सन्दर्भ में कुछ अन्य शास्त्रों और ग्रन्थों का हवाला देते हुए उन्होंने सन्त कबीर जी के इस पद की व्याख्या की  ....  
"बहु प्रपंच कर परधन ल्यावै - सुत दारा पहि आन लुटावै 
 मन मेरे भूले कपट ना कीजै  - अंत निबेरा तेरे जीअ पहि लीजै" 
                                                               (सोरठि कबीर जीओ पृ: 656)

हम अक्सर ये बहाना बना लेते हैं  कि "हम तो बीवी बच्चों के लिए ये सब कुछ कर रहे हैं"
लेकिन कबीर जी कहते हैं कि हे मन - अंत में  हिसाब तो तुम्हें ही देना पड़ेगा - किसी और को नहीं। इसलिए किसी से भी धोखा फ़रेब और कपट न करो                                                                                                
                                                          'राजन सचदेव'


                                           

Blissful Memories # 6

During my college days at Faridkot, I had many opportunities to travel with Bhapa Ram Chand ji of Kapurthala during his Prachar tours. Observing his life style and listening to his thoughts while traveling with him in buses or trains, and in the Satsangs or private gatherings was a great learning experience for me. Staying with him and even watching him meditating – doing Sumiran at late nights and early mornings provided a serene and calming effect.
   
During one such tours, a short but very meaningful incident happened which I vividly remember even today.

After the morning Satsang, a middle-aged couple approached Bhapa ji. They had a young son, of marriageable age. After seeking his blessings, the couple requested Bhapa ji to look for a suitable bride for their son - since he visits so many places and meets so many families every day. Bhapa ji blessed them in his usual charming style and casually asked about the boy - his qualification, job and how much he earns - because the parents of any potential bride would want to know these details. 

The father said: “he has a clerical job in a government office where he gets 300 Rupees a month as wages. But” - he quickly and proudly added: “by the grace of the Satguru and Nirankar, he makes 500 Rupees a month extra from the clients … in bribes”

(“uski tankhvaah to 300 rupaye hai … Par Bhapa ji…. Nirankar Satguru ki Rehmat se voh 500 rupaye oopar se banaa leta hai”)

Suddenly, the smile from Bhapa ji’s face disappeared. He became serious and said “Rehmat? Laahnat ko aap Rehmat samajh rahe ho? That which is forbidden by all saints and Gurus and Scriptures, you consider it as ‘Guru’s Grace’? This in fact is a disgrace - a shame for Gyanis and Bhaktas.” 

And then he politely told them that he would not be able to help them find a bride.

The couple silently left the room. 
Bhapa ji continued… addressing the rest of us sitting in the room: “How strange it is? Some people, even after receiving the Brahm-Gyan cannot differentiate between ‘Laahnat and Rehmat - the ‘Grace and Disgrace’. 
A Brahm-Gyani should know the difference between ‘Haq and Haraam’ - just and unjust… Between ‘Jaayaz and Najaayaz - Fair and unfair – Right and wrong etc.

                                                     ‘Rajan Sachdeva’

In fact, his discourse during the evening Satsang was also mostly based upon the same topic… 
He made several references from the Holy books. One of them was:
“Bahu prapanch kar par-dhan lyaavai – Sut daara pehi aan lutaavai  
Man mere Bhoolay kapat na keejay – Ant niberaa tere jeea pehi leejai” 
                      
(You) Bring money (and possessions) which belong to others by deceptive means, by hook and crook (with the excuse) to provide comforts to wife and children.
Do not deceive, O my ignorant mind– in the end, it is you who will be held responsible.        (Kabeer ji - Gurubani Page 656)

Story of Nachiketa Part 14- Swarg Lok (Kathopanishad)

Nachiketa says: Tell me ‘what needs to be known… what needs to be done’ in order to attain Swarg-Lok - the free of fear, worry-free peaceful life and ‘Immortality’.

This is the desire of a great number of people as well… to attain Swarg or Heaven in the ‘afterlife’. Though, the description of the Swarg and Christian heaven or Muslim ‘Jannat or Bahisht’ (paradise) may vary a little but nevertheless, it is a place of everlasting happiness. 
Even those, who do not believe in ‘afterlife’, also strive to live a happy and prosperous life on earth. 
Therefore, while praying at their respective religious places, or to the Guru or some Revered Saints, most people ask for prosperity, happiness and peace.  
“O Lord! Please bless me with Bhakti, Sukh aur Shaanti -devotion, happiness and a peaceful life” is a popular phrase we quite often say and hear in the Satsangs as well.

Certainly, a life full of freedom, happiness and bliss is what everyone wants in this world. Some work for it and earn their happiness by doing the right Karmas with Gyana; the knowledge and understanding. And some believe it would be simply given to them by the grace of a ‘Higher-being’ - even if they keep doing bad deeds of cheating and hurting others.
Shehanshah Baba Avtar Singh ji used to say “I have not forbidden anything for you. Previous saints and Gurus did forbid some specific things. I have only said don't do these few things. 
1. Don't insult or abuse anyone 
2. Don't Hate 
3. Don't steal 
4. Don't cheat or deceive anyone.

If you keep doing these things, then just having the ‘Gyan’ cannot save you.”
                    (From Avtar Updesh)

Nachiketa could have easily asked for a guaranteed place in Swarg as his second boon – since Dharm Raj had promised to grant anything he wanted. But Nachiketa did not want any shortcuts. Instead, he asked for the ‘sacred fire’ – the sacred knowledge that leads to the ‘Swarg. He wants to earn it. Therefore, he says “Tell me about that ‘fire’; the Gyana - by knowing which - one attains freedom from fear. And the knowledge of those great Karmas that lead to Swarg, the life of happiness and bliss.”

Undoubtedly, through this story of Nachiketa, the author of this great Upanishad wants to convey the importance of 'Gyan and Good Karmas' in order to attain the Swarg - ‘the heavenly blissful state of mind’.

        ‘Rajan Sachdeva’

                                           'To be Continued'

Happy New Year 2074 नव वर्ष प्रतिपद Indian Calendar (Vikrami Samvat)

The Indian (Hindu) New Year (Vikrami Samvat 2074

‘Varsha Pratipada’…  नव वर्ष प्रतिपद संवत 2074

Every culture, religion and community has its own calendar that starts on a different day. Hindus, Jains, Christians, Muslims and Buddhists, all have their own calendars and a different "New Year's Day". 

However, the Gregorian or commonly known as western or Christian calendar is the most acknowledged international calendar and used all over the world. 

Since at one point in history, most of the world was ruled and controlled by the European and Christian rulers, the ruled countries and colonies had to use the Gregorian calendar and, for the sake of convenience, continued using it even after they gained independence.

Moreover, January 1^st as the New Year's Day has been heavily commercialized by entrepreneurs and the media by selling cards and advertising parties and count down gatherings etc. Nevertheless, many people all over the world; Indians**, Chinese, Egyptians etc. still celebrate their own traditional New Year's Day also.

Whereas the New Year’s Day of Christian era (January 1^st) is celebrated with eating, drinking and dancing joyfully in parties and exchanging fancy gifts, the traditional Hindu way of celebrating the New Year’s Day is quite different. 

Traditionally, the tender but bitter leaves of the Neem tree mixed with sweet Jaggery ** (Gurh) are distributed as Prasaadam (gift) on this occasion.

It has a great symbolic meaning.

First, the Neem-Jaggery blend is offered to Ishwar (God) as Naivedya.

Then it is distributed among the family and friends as Prasaad (Gift).

This is one of the highest philosophical attitudes taught by the ancient Hindu spiritual masters.

The Neem, extremely bitter in taste, and Jaggery* sweet and delicious, signify the two conflicting aspects of human life —Joy and sorrow, success and failure, ecstasy and agony. 

It is a reminder that the life is not always ‘Bitter’ or ‘Sweet’ all the time. It is a combination of the two and so might be the coming New Year. 

Wishing "happy new year" to all friends and families is of course a very positive thinking and a wishful greeting, whereas this Indian tradition is more practical advice to the loved ones and a reminder to ourselves.

By first offering this bitter-sweet blend to God and then accepting it as Prasaad, also has a symbolic meaning; of preparing ourselves to face, and by the grace of God, accept whatever may happen in the future as 'Prasaad'*.

By exchanging the gift of this ‘bitter-sweet blend’ with friends and loved ones, we acknowledge that the relationships may also have some sweet and bitter moments that by God’s grace, can be accepted as part of life, and solved mutually. 

We usually tend to disregard the old traditions as ‘out of date’ or even non-sense, but if we try to understand them, we will find that many traditions have some deep and meaningful hidden messages.

                                     May God bless us all.

                                                       ‘Rajan Sachdeva’

Varsha   pronounced as Varsh वर्ष  means  year

Pratipad  प्रतिपद means Tithi or Day

*Jaggery …..  गुड़  Chunks of raw sugar made from sugarcane. 
  Prasaad ........ Gift

** Even within India, Kashmiris, Punjabis, Gujratis, Maharashtrians, Bengalis and South Indians have their own calendars.

2 Short Stories

                                       1.

I asked ......."Are you Hindu or Muslim?"

Response came - "I am hungry"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                                      2.

He was going through some rough time.

To seek help, he called few good old friends........

Every time, a quite familiar voice said:

"Wrong Number"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Story of Nachiketa Part 13- Swarg Lok (Kathopanishad)

Previously:

As his first boon, Nachiketa asked for pleasant relationship with his father and his family.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Sa Tvam Agnim Swargyam Adhyesi Mratyo

Prabuhi Tvam Shraddhnaay mahyam

Swargloka Amratatvm bhajantay

Aitad Dvitiyena Vranay Varain"

 स त्वम अग्निम स्वर्ग्यमध्येषि  मृत्यो प्रबूहि त्वम श्रद्धधानाय मह्यं 

 स्वर्गलोका अमृतत्वं भजन्ते - एतद द्वितीयेन वृणे वरेण 

“O’ Lord of Death. You know the ‘Fire’ which leads to Swarga (Heaven). Please explain to me how to attain that ‘Amrit-Tatva’ -immortality. This is what I ask for as my second boon.”          (Kathopanisgad 1-13)

  

In the eastern Holy Scriptures, ‘Fire’ has been used as a symbol of Gyana or Knowledge. Numerous times - Bhagavad Gita, Ashtavakra Gita and Upanishads have mentioned the word ‘Gyan-Agni’ as a metaphor for Spiritual Knowledge.

As his second boon, instead of asking for power, kingdom or worldly pleasures, Nachiketa asked Dharm Raj to explain the ‘Fire’ - the secret knowledge that leads to ‘Swarga’ - the heavenly life which was described in the previous stanza.

The word Amrit-Tattva or ‘immortality’ does not mean ‘No physical death’. It is also used as a metaphor and should not be translated literally. The momentarily death of consciousness and peace, which is the true nature of the ‘Self’ - is what we face a number of times – perhaps every day - throughout the life.

Immortality is:

“Aatmanyaiv-Aatmnaa Tushtah”  आत्मन्यैव आत्मना तुष्टः 

“When the Spirit stays blissful in it’s true Spiritual state”        

                                                                        (Bhagavad Gita)

  

Nachiketa says: Tell me ‘what needs to be known… what needs to be done’ in order to attain Swarg-Lok - the free of fear, worry-free peaceful life and ‘Immortality’.

That is what everyone strives for.

       ‘Rajan Sachdeva’

          

                                            ‘To Be Continued’

Two Possibilities

There was a saint, who always seemed to be happy.  

People had observed him for many years, and they had never found him sad.

One day they asked him: ‘What is the secret of your happiness?’ 

He said, ‘There is no secret. Every morning when I wake up, I meditate for ten minutes and then I say to myself:

“Listen, there are two possibilities today… you can either be miserable, or you can be blissful. It’s your choice.”

And I always choose to be blissful.

Swarg or Heaven on Earth ... Comment & Reply

Comment:

Interesting. 

I think #4 is enough on its own. If your mind is content and at peace a little less money won’t bother you, not being in perfect health won’t hold you back and your daily issues with family and relationships will not be an issue with you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Although, ‘Contentment’ is the key - the most important factor – but still, I think other three points are also quite necessary in order to live a peaceful life.

Everything in the world, has a reason.

Every effect has a cause – and in return, every cause has its effect.

There has to be some reason for ‘Contentment’ too.

In my opinion, there are two main components - two factors in achieving the state of contentment – Physical and Mental or psychological.

Certainly, mental or psychological factor is more important - which may be achieved with ‘Gyan and Dhyana’ or Awareness and Meditation - but physical component also plays a big role.

We know there is a difference between ‘needs’ and ‘wants’.

Having less or more, both come under the category of ‘wants’ or desire.

However, having sufficient for physical survival - is the ‘need’.

And that is what I had mentioned in this article: “to have sufficient money (resources) for the survival”.

The great Saint Kabeer ji also said:

भूखे भगति न कीजै - यह माला अपनी लीजै 

“Bhookhay Bhagat na keejai -  Yeh maala apani leejai”

How can a hungry person (dying with starvation) meditate?

 Among other everyday necessities, later in this Shabad, he says:

                      मो कउ दोनउ वख़्त जिवाले 

‘Mo Kau Donau vaqt jivaale’

‘Provide me both meals everyday (morning and evening)

                                                Kabeer ji (Gurubani Page 656)

  

When few devotees brought a hungry, starving man - who could barely walk - to Lord Buddha, and requested him for initiation, Lord Buddha said “Feed him first. He will not be able to grasp anything when he is starving”

Thank God that I never had to experience any extreme situation of any kind mentioned in my previous article, and yet, many times, I feel discontent under certain unfavorable circumstances. How can they be content who do not get enough food even one time a day - or perhaps two, three or four days in a row? Not by choice, but because of extreme poverty. It’s possible to be contended with less - but absolutely no food for days? Week after week - month after month… year after year? It is hard for me to even imagine their situation.

So, the point is not about ‘Less or more’. The essential physical requirements have to be met to feel calm, comfortable and content. Otherwise the life could seem like hell.

The same goes with the ‘Healthy and disease less body’.

‘Not being in perfect health’ is one thing but suffering extremely with excruciating pain because of some terminal disease - does disturb the mind, and makes it hard to stay content. Of-course there may be some exceptions in some rare cases. Again, by the grace of Lord, I never had to experience, and hope not to face any such situation ever, but I have seen many great saints and devoted Bhaktas suffering and even crying - either with unbearable and unimaginable physical pain or over the loss of their loved one; a psychological pain. We can deny or alter the facts to glorify our loved ones and those whom we respect or worship, but everyone’s mind does get effected during extreme hunger or unbearable physical or mental pain… at least momentarily.

Even Jesus Christ, at the time of crucifixion, according to Bible, cried with pain and wailed “Father! Why have you forsaken me?” 

Though, they do become contented soon, and glorify the Lord Sadguru and Almighty Nirankar after the pain is gone, but at least, those moments of excruciating pain cannot be defined as ‘Swarg or heaven on the earth’.

It’s easier for the ‘fortunate ones’- who have more than sufficient resources for survival, and adequately healthy body – to preach the doctrine of contentment to others. But I believe the fulfillment of basic physical necessities is required to get to the next step of ‘Contentment’ – the mental gratification.

How can we bring Heaven on earth if we cloud our judgement - to compare ‘nothing’ with ‘less’ and then preach “Less is alright?”

In fact, this might be the reason for many to simply preach the ‘doctrine of Contentment’ and doing nothing to help the poor and deprived; in dire need of food and medicine.  

As I said in that article, Ideology is one thing, but it may not be practical in every situation - all the time.

Let’s be practical.

For those of us - who have enough to live a comfortable life - is so much easier to achieve the state of contentment. Because, while ‘needs’ may not be easy to control, wants and desires are.

But if someone’s basic needs are not even fulfilled, how can he or she chase after the ‘wants and desires?

We must remember the difference between ‘Needs and Wants’.

If our needs are being met and we are contented –

We are in heaven.

‘Rajan Sachdeva’

Power of Satguru's Blessings

Power of Satguru's Blessings

     (By: Skattar Sandhu ...Edmonton Canada) 

With the blessing of Satguru Nirankar, I had the opportunity to live in Bombay Bhawan from 1959 to 1970 under the divine spiritual training of Rishi Viasdev Ji, Parmukh of Bombay Sangat.

In 1969, Satguru Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji and Rajmata Ji planned to go to England for parchar tour. Rishi Viasdev along with saints were blessed to go with them. They travelled was by road from Tehran. When the party reached Tehran, Satguru Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Maharaj told Rishi Ji to write a letter to Skattar Singh not to prepare to go to U.S.A for study and look after the bhawan till He comes back from tour.  I had admission in Wisconsin University for Air-condition Engineering.

After I received the letter, I stopped the preparation. In the meantime, Shenshah Baba Avtar Singh Ji Maharaj got sick, Baba Ji and Rajmata had to come back. Baba ji told the rest of the party to finish the planned tour. The party finished the planned tour and rush to Delhi before Shenshah Ji merged in Nirankar. All the saints from India   also went to Delhi to have untum dharshan.  I had the opportunity to go to Delhi to participate in the procession and pay tribute to Shenshah ji.

Rishi Ji came to Bombay got busy with branch activities. After a few months, preparation for Annual Samagam started. Bombay Saints and sewadal members went to Delhi to attend the Samagam. Last day of the Annual Samagam, Bombay Samagam dates were announced.

After coming back from Delhi samagam, we started looking for a site for samagam. We found a ground in good location. We booked the ground. Sewdal members and the saints prepared ground for the samagam. All other arrangement was made under the supervision of Rishi ji before samagam dates. Saints from Maharatra,Gujrat and other provinces came to Bombay for the samagam. Satguru Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji and Nirankari Rajmata Ji blessed the samagam. This year samagam was bigger than last year. After the discourse of Satguru Baba,I drove them to the Chamber Satang Bhawan. Before Baba Ji entered His suite, He asked me what happened to your going to U.S.A. I told him Ji I got your message sent by Rishi Viasdev Ji I dropped everything off. He said,” you should get ready to go to Canada in two weeks. I am going to call Delhi immediately to talk to  Rev.Vasdev who is going to Canada to pick you up at the airport”.

Baba Ji and Rajmata Ji left Bombay. Our job was to return all rental items. I was busy returning all the rental items and all the saints were telling me that I should be concentrating on prepare to go to Canada. I had all the receipts for the rental so I had to finished before to do anything. We returned everything in three days. I went to Passport Office on Thursday afternoon. The  office was open but they were not entertaining any enquiry. I had to go to the office on Friday morning. My name was called in and I met with Passport Officer. My file was in front of him. He asked me what can do for you. I told him to find out the status of my passport. He informed me that I had already come to the office. I replied that today was my first visit and yesterday I came  late. He showed me my file  and asked who has signed this. I told him this is my sign. I immediately know this was the blessings of Satguru Baba Ji. The Pass port Officer told me that my Passport was issued and will be delivered on Monday. I thanked Baba Ji to help me.

On Monday, I received my passport. Rev. Chadha sahib bought my ticket to same my time. I called my wife who was staying with her parents with two-month baby. She was surprised to hear this. She immediately took train  from Amritsar to reach Bombay to see me off. I landed in Toronto Airport where Rev. Nand lal was there to receive me. Now I understood the power of Satguru commandment.  We must surrender to Satguru to enjoy the blissful life.

           By: Skattar Sandhu (Edmonton Canada) 

What is Swarg or Heaven on Earth

निरोगी काया रहे  -   सहयोगी परिवार 
पर्याप्त धन, संतोष मन - यह चार स्वर्ग संसार 

"Nirogi Kaaya Rahe  -  Sehyogi Parivaar 
Paryaapt dhan, Santosh man -yeh chaar Swarg sansaar" 

1. Disease less body

2. Caring and co-operative family – with love and harmony  

3. Sufficient money and

4. Contentment in mind

Having these four things in life means living in Heaven.

1.  When the body suffers, mind also gets disturbed - and may not be able to concentrate on other important things if the body is hurting. Though there are exceptions, generally a healthy body cultivates a healthy and peaceful mind.

2.  A healthy, loving and peaceful environment at home - where all the family members are kind, caring and considerate - working in harmony - makes life peaceful and joyous. It’s like living in heaven.  

3. Having sufficient money for survival is also necessary in life.

Not having or storing anything (like birds) may sound ideal but it’s not practical. Even the Yogis, sadhus and Gurus also need and collect money to live and enjoy a comfortable personal life. The ideology of ‘Tyaag’ is intended for staying

away from excessive greed.

4. And finally, the ‘Contentment’.  

     It is said: “Ati Sarvatra Vivarjatay”  अति सर्वत्र विवर्जते 

     That Excess of everything is bad. 

     I remember my grandmother used to say:     

    अति भला न बरसना , अति भली न धुप्प 

    अति भला न बोलना , अति भली न चुप्प

     Ati Bhalaa na barsanaa, Ati bhalee na dhupp

     Ati bhalaa na bolnaa,  Ati bhalee na chupp

     Excessiveness of anything -such as eating, drinking, sleeping,  talking, working and resting etc. - is not good and can be  harmful.

     Similarly, crossing the limits of not-eating, not-sleeping, not working, not resting or silence also may not be very good, and may even be detrimental for physical as well as mental health. 

     Being ‘Content’ by having ‘sufficient’ can keep the mind at peace.

The one who has these above mentioned four things in his or her life, is surely living a Swarg-mayi-jeevan – the Heaven on earth.

    ‘Rajan Sachdeva’

Origins: The Journey of Humankind

Last night I watched a show “Origins: The journey of humankind” 

a new series on NTGEO …National Geographic TV.

This particular episode was about Fire.

The broadcaster made few dynamic comments that I thought were not only important in understanding the physical journey of humankind but they are also important in our mental and spiritual journey as well.

In the pre-historic periods, humans, just like other animals, were always on the run. Because they were constantly being hunted and consumed by the predators. Then one day, they discovered fire.

Here are few vital points made by the presenter, that made me think:

1.  Learning how to control and use fire to their own benefit made humans different than other species.

2. Carrying Fire gave humans protection from predators and gave them power over other animals.

3. By keeping burning fire near or around them, instead of constantly running and watching for the predators, now humans could rest peacefully, which gave them time to think about other things – such as loving and taking care of others.

4. Once the humans learnt how to cook, and started eating cooked food, the size of their brain started to enlarge and became bigger than other animals; bigger brain - more intelligence.

Eventually, with the use of fire, humans were able to develop all kinds of tools and gadgets that made their life easier in every aspect, including transportation and even traveling in space.

The last, conclusive comment was the most beautiful one…in my opinion anyway.

While showing two clips in the background – one with an ancient man carrying fire on a stick, and second- a space shuttle being fired up… The broadcaster announced:

“No longer we carry the fire – The fire carries us”

Obviously, this show was about the physical developments; journey of humans into physical world, but I think it also applies to the ‘journey into mind and spirit’ - for the development and advancement of mind.

In the ancient Indian philosophy, Fire is the symbol of ‘Gyan’ or knowledge. There are many references of ‘Gyan-Agni” in Vedas, Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads, and in Gurubani as well.

Light and Sun - a ball of fire - are also symbols of Gyana.

The four points about the use of Fire in the physical world mentioned above, are equally true in the world of Mind and Spirit when we translate Fire into Gyana. 

1.   Gyana; knowledge makes humans different than other species.

2.  Carrying, remembering the Gyan gives us protection from 'mental- predators' such as Ego and Jealousy, and gives us power over other animals such as greed, anger, lust and possessiveness.

3.  By keeping burning fire of Gyana, within and around us, instead of constantly running and watching for the above-mentioned mental predators and enemies, now we can rest peacefully, which will give us time to think about other things – such as loving and taking care of others, and meditation.

4. Once we learn and start eating “cooked food” – the intake of ideas and opinions that are well thought and analyzed - the size of our heart and mind will start to enlarge and become bigger- more open, understanding and tolerant of others.

And then, eventually, Gyana becomes a part of our nature and we can reach to a point when we can say:

“No longer we carry the Gyan – The Gyan carries us”

                                      ‘Rajan Sachdeva’

पूछो मत शीशे से Poochho mat Sheeshay se

पूछो  मत शीशे  से  टूट  जाने की वजह

उसने किसी पत्थर को अपना समझ लिया होगा

Poochho mat Sheeshay se toot jaane ki vajah

Usne kisi pathar ko apnaa samajh liya hoga 

Story of Nachiketa ... Comments

These little windows into our literature, tells me how good sanskaras are inculcated in our culture. I feel thankful to Rajan ji, that he makes it easy to for us to enjoy this bliss.          (Vishnu Panjwani)

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The ancient Indian sages - scholars had done a great deal of research on body, mind and universe and documented their findings step by step in the form of Vedas and Upanishads, which are quite logical and scientific as well. Since they were written in Sanskrit - the prevalent language of the literate people of that time - these books, the scriptures did not become popular among the general public. And these are not widely read and understood by general public even today. Unfortunately, this great philosophy has been misrepresented and thus, even mocked, by not only the outsiders but by many Hindus themselves … obviously out of ignorance. Many great saints and sages such as Guru Ramanand, Guru Kabeer, Guru Nanak, Guru Ravidas etc. represented the philosophy of these great ancient scriptures in the popular language, spoken by general public of their time in and around their native places. They also tried to confront the superstitions and meaningless rituals that had seeped into the society – and addressed the prevalent current issues of their time as well, which had caused divisions among the people. However, over the period of time, the followers of these great Saints and Gurus started their own separate institutions, and gradually, for the political reasons, disassociated themselves from the original scriptures by claiming it their own ‘original’ concepts.

By understanding the fact - that all great religions and schools of thought, especially originated in India, are based upon the same basic concepts – we all can get rid of the misunderstandings and hatred for each other and become one.

Isn’t that one of the main goals of all religions anyway? 

To bring all people together... which can only be done – not by separating - but by understanding others.

‘Rajan Sachdeva’