Month: May 2012

Sage Patanjali – Author of Ashtanga Yoga

In spiritual saadhana, there are eight Yogic disciplines to be observed: Yama, Niyama, Aasana, Praanaayaama, Prathyaahaara, Dhaarana, Dhyaana, and Samaadhi (sense restraint, observing rules, discipline of the body, breath-control, withdrawal of senses from objects, concentration, meditation and the Super Conscious state). Of these, the first is Yama. It is enough if this single discipline is understood and observed. All human values are comprised in it. Humanness is embedded in it. Yama includes the Pancha Praanaas (five-breaths), Pancha Bhuthaas (five elements), Pancha Koshaas (five sheaths), Pancha Thathvaas (five basic principles), and Pancha Rupaas (five forms). The five forms are the form of Gaayathri. The five basic principles are: Ahimsa, Sathyam, Aastheyam, Brahmacharyam and Aparigraha (Non-violence, Truth, Non-covetousness, Celibacy, and Non-possessiveness). These five constitute Yama.

Ashtanga Yoga

What are the human values? Only when the inner significance of Yama and Niyama is properly understood, humanity will find fulfilment. Yama includes the following practices: Ahimsa (Non-violence); Sathyam (Truth); Aastheyam (Non-stealing); Brahmacharyam (Continence/Celibacy) and Aparigraha (not receiving anything from others).

Ahimsa Paramo Dharmah

The first value is Ahimsa. Buddha attached great importance to Ahimsa. He considered it the foremost Dharma (duty). “Ahimsa Paramo Dharmah” declared Buddha. What does Ahimsa signify? It is not merely refraining from causing harm or injury or pain to others. Just by not hurting others, one cannot be called non-violent. Non-violence, apart from not causing harm to others, also implies refraining from causing harm to oneself. One who harms oneself cannot avoid harming others. Whoever desires to observe Ahimsa must first see to it that she/he does not commit violence unto herself/himself. How is this to be ensured? By constantly examining whether one’s conduct is right or wrong. For instance, in the matter of speech, one must examine whether one’s words are causing pain to others or not. One must ensure that one’s looks are not tainted by evil intentions or thoughts. One should not listen to evil talk. All these cause harm to the individual. Hence, one should give no room for bad looks, bad hearing, bad speech, bad thoughts and bad actions.

Abhor Violence in Thought, Word and Deed

Ahimsa does not mean, as is commonly understood, not causing harm to others. How can we not cause harm to others? What is the true meaning of Ahimsa? It really means that one should not cause harm to anyone in thought, word or deed. Therefore, not harming anyone with the purity of thought, word and deed is non-violence. This is the most important human value. Only when this has been developed, will one be qualified to practise and experience the second value of Truth.

Dedicate all your actions to the Divine This will save you from the consequences of  involuntary violence

You should be careful not only with regard to how you relate to the five elements, but also with regard to your food. Excessive eating amounts to violence to the body. Moderation in food is conducive to happiness. Thus, Ahimsa (non-violence) is what confers happiness on you. That which hurts you is Himsa (violence). Not just this. Even in drinking water, you should observe restraints. Likewise, one’s entire life should be governed by the principle of non-violence. Many germs die when one takes a bath or walks or does any other action. Even in the process of breathing many germs die. Violence is present in all these activities. Therefore, to avoid the consequences of such involuntary violence to living creatures, one is advised to dedicate all actions to the Divine. But, there is no meaning in dedicating to the Divine, conscious acts of violence. The conscience will not approve of such conduct. In Vedantic parlance, the conscience is called Chith. It is also called Awareness. Awareness is total understanding. This total understanding is within the capacity of every human being. Everyone must strive to acquire this awareness. Thus, Ahimsa is the primary duty of man.

Adhere to Truth in Thought, Word and Deed

Truth does not mean merely speaking honestly with the tongue. Truth remains unchanging in all the three times. Truth must be adhered to with the purity of thought, word and deed. One must not take recourse to falsehood either through the mind, or words or actions. Therefore, speaking the truth with the unity of thought, word and deed is Sathyam. This is the second human value.

Speak the Truth that is Pleasant and Soothing

The second value is Sathyam. Truth does not merely mean speaking factually about what is seen or heard or done. Truth transcends all the three times. Anudvega Karam Vaakyam, Satyam Preeti Hitam Chayat. The truth which is spoken must be pleasant and soothing. It must not agitate the one who hears it. Truth must not be spoken in a way that it hurts others. At the same time, just because it is pleasant for others to hear, one must not speak the untruth. That which is spoken with humility, with unity of mind-tongue-body and in a way that appeals to others is Truth. Students must necessarily follow this path of Truth. Human being’s life is based on Truth. It is sacred, Divine and most precious. It is a life worthy of living. However, treading along the path of untruth, for the purpose of selfishness and self-interest, we are wasting our life in futility.

Sathyam, Jnaanam, Anantham Brahma

The second value is Sathyam (Truth). What is Truth? Truth is not merely telling the facts about what you see or hear or do. These are temporal truths. In its full sense, Truth relates to what comes out of your heart in the form of the voice of conscience. This Sathyam (Truth) is also called Ritham. It is true for all time: past, present and the future. It is not affected by changes in time, place or circumstances. It is unchanging and cannot be suppressed. Truth is its own proof. It is the form of the Divine as declared in: Sathyam, Jnaanam, Anantham Brahma (Truth, Wisdom and Infinite is Brahman – the Absolute Self). Truth is thus the second human value.

Refrain from Stealing in Thought, Word and Deed

Astheyam means refraining from stealing what belongs to others. Not just refraining from stealing with the hand, but even the thought of taking another’s property should not arise in the mind. Nor should one encourage others to commit theft. Therefore, Aastheyammeans refraining from stealing others’ property with purity of thought, word and deed. This is the third human value.

You may use others’ property, but only with their permission

The third value is Astheyam (non-stealing). What is Astheyam? Astheyam means not stealing the properties of others. Property should not be confined to physical objects like a book or a pen. When you need anything, there is nothing wrong in your taking it with the permission of the owner. To take or use any object without such permission amounts to stealing. Even to criticize someone in a way that harms her/him amounts to theft (of her/his good name). What is the meaning of theft? To take hold of an item that does not belong to you. Every object has an owner. We may make use of that object only after seeking permission from the owner.

Brahmacharyam means living in Brahman

The next value is Brahmacharyam. Brahmacharyam is interpreted in many ways by the people of the world. One meaning is remaining unmarried. This is not the correct meaning. This meaning is only from the worldly point of view. The true literal meaning of the term is “Moving in Brahman.” Brahmacharya means ceaseless contemplation of God. Charya means moving or treading. Brahmacharya means “moving in Brahman”, or “treading along the path of Brahman”. Brahmacharya should not be imagined to be related to the physical losses, difficulties, sorrow or worry. Mere bachelorhood is not Brahmacharyam. Such a person may be called as just “unmarried”.

Brahmacharyam is like the Foundation for the other stages of life

It may be impossible to observe Brahmacharyam in the way that it is normally understood by the world. We should not allow the mind to get into wrong thoughts, wrong words or wrong actions. True Brahmacharyam means living constantly in Brahma (the contemplation of the Absolute). Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavati. In practical life, this means dedicating all thoughts, all speech and all actions to the Divine. Sarva Karma Bhagavat Prityaartham. Considering oneself as Brahma and performing everything as an offering to Brahma is true Brahmacharyam. Continous study of the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Brahmasutraas and other scriptures also constitutes Brahmacharyam. Brahmacharyam is the foundation for the other stages in life: Grihastha (householder), Vaanaprastha (recluse) and Sanyaasa (renunciant). If the foundation of Brahmacharyam is not strong and firm, the other stages of Grihastha (householder), Vaanaprastha (recluse) and Sanyaasa (renunciant) will get shaky and may even fall. Therefore, for the mansion of life, Brahmacharyam is very important. It must be pure, unwavering, unselfish and egoless.

Atma-Aham-Thought-Word-Deed

The fourth value is Brahmacharyam. Many interpretations are given to this value from the worldly point of view. These are not correct. Observance of Brahmacharyam means: whatever one thinks, says or does should be filled with thoughts of Brahman, the Supreme Divinity. To be ever immersed in the consciousness of Brahman is Brahmacharyam. All thoughts, words and deeds should be dedicated to the Divine. This is called “Sarva Karma Bhagavat Prityaartham”.

Perform all actions without any expectation of reward

The fifth practice is Aparigraha. This is usually interpreted as not accepting other’s property as gift or in charity. This is not the correct meaning. It really means performing actions without expecting any reward; without any acquisitive motives. We must perform all actions without any ego, attachment, self-interest or selfish motive. Only then can we claim to have practised Aparigraha. Today because actions are done out of self-interest and selfishness, out of ego and attachment, they lack true human quality. If we wish to foster human values then we must perform all our actions with purity and unity of thought, word and deed. We must undertake all work without any expectations of the fruits thereof. Even worship, religious ceremonies, pilgrimages and the like are done with some kind of expectations and not in a spirit of disinterested devotion or worship or sadhana. This cannot be called true human value.

Receive benefits only from Parents, Guru or God

The fifth value is Aparigraha. The Upanishads have regarded Parigraha (acquiring things from others) as sinful. Whatever help we may render to others, we should do it without expectation of any return. It is natural for human beings to reap the fruits of their actions. However, the scriptures advise exercise of caution in this regard. One is entitled to receive benefits only from one’s father, mother, Guru and God, but not from others. As God is the creator, sustainer and protector, you have the right to claim anything from God. From your parents you can receive what they are in a position to give, according to their capacity. But you should not trouble them by seeking more than that from them. From the preceptor you must receive only knowledge. From the preceptor, who teaches you what promotes your well-being, you have to seek ways of satisfying him and not any other benefits.

Never accept dowry during marriage. It is a sin.

The fifth discipline is Aparigraha. This means not accepting things from others. You have every right to receive gifts or other things from your parents. You are the very reflection of your parents and hence you can accept from them whatever they give. Aparigraha has certain subtle implications. For instance, it is not proper to accept gifts from one’s in-laws or even from one’s brothers. When any gifts are received from these relatives you have to make good by giving them back some equivalent presents. Today the Aparigraha aspect is being blatantly violated.

Students – Enter all domains of life and make a positive impact

Only when one observes Yama and Niyama, it would amount to achieving the four Purushaarthaas (goals) of life (Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha). It would also amount to the practice of Samaand Dama. We are not able to see the practice of these human values as prescribed in Yama and Niyama, in the students of these days. That is why the hearts of students is polluted today. Students must have a sacred heart. They should shape themselves into future responsible citizens. The good or bad of the nation rests on the shoulders of these students. Students must enter into all domains of life – worldly, ethical, moral, spiritual and scientific; and make a positive impact therein. 

Give up Meat eating, Drinking and Smoking

Truth, Righteousness, Peace and Love are the human values. The one who nurtures these values is a true human being. Food plays a very significant role in nurturing these human values. Embodiments of Love! Do not take what I am saying in a wrong way. On this sacred day of Vijaya Dasami, take an oath to give up vices such as smoking, drinking, and partaking of non-vegetarian food. Give up these three habits and you will develop a sacred heart.

A True Devotee of God must give up eating Meat

How do we get rid of bad feelings, selfishness and self-interest, pomp and ego? These qualities arise on account of food and habits. Today, be it anyone, but those who consider themselves as devotees of God, must give up eating non-vegetarian food. Why? Because consumption of the meat of animals, nurtures animal qualities in man. In Hindi language it is said, “Jaise Anna, Vaise Man” meaning “As is the food, so is the mind”. As is the food, so is the belching. If you eat a mango, can you get the belching with the taste of a cucumber? No, you will get belching with the taste of a mango only. When you partake of the meat of cruel animals, the quality of cruelty develops in you too. Not only this. What a great sin it is to consume life that is made up of five elements and which we see manifest with the senses of sound, feeling, form, taste and smell? Apart from developing demonic qualities, what a great sin it is to kill another being that is made up of the same five elements that the human body is made up of. Committing such a sin gives rise to worry. Therefore true devotees and those who aspire to be true devotees, must give up eating non-vegetarian food. People say they are Sai devotees, Rama devotees, Krishna devotees; but they sit and eat chicken! How can such people be true devotees? They are actually demons. They will never be the recipients of God’s Grace. Therefore, be it Indians or people from overseas; those who wish to follow Bhagawan’s command must give up meat eating immediately.

Non-vegetarians are prone to many more diseases than vegetarians

The name of this world is “Jagath”. “Ja” means “Coming” and “Gath” means “Going”. The very name of this world – “Jagath” means “Coming and Going”. Once we know this truth, why should we worry? We must not give any scope for such worry. Only then, will human beings gain the deservedness to realize the Divinity in them. Except for human beings no other beings have this unique opportunity of realizing Divinity. For this, food and habits play a very important role. Among 84 lakhs of spices that exist in this creation, 83,99,999 species enjoy food that is provided by Nature. All birds and animals live on natural foods and are therefore not prone to many diseases. But human beings alone, swayed by the taste of the tongue, carried away by various tastes, transform the natural food into various forms based on their imaginations. They cook the food and make it into Kurmas (a dish originating in South Asia or Central Asia; it is usually considered a type of curry). But they do not realize how this reduces their life span. Even among human beings, those who consume vegetables are less prone to diseases. But those who consume meat are prone to more diseases. Why? Because, vegetarian food alone provides the right type of balance that is needed by human beings. This is a human body and that is an animal body. The two do not gel well each other.

Inspire your parents also to give up non-vegetarian food

A small example: In a house, once every week, they used to prepare mutton. When our students go home, parents say, “Oh my dear son, you have been in Puttaparthi for one long year, you have not eaten any chicken, sheep or fish”. Saying so, they prepare all the dishes and serve the children with love. However, the son should say, “Mother, I will not do this bad act. Why should I kill one being to keep this being alive? This is not good for me. You are going just by the body. You are offering flesh to this body which is made up of the very same flesh. We must offer nectar to this body made up of flesh. We must partake of sacred food. We must partake of food given to us by God. We should not eat non-vegetarian food that enhances our bad qualities and bad actions. When once the children keep telling like this again and again, parents too will get transformed. I know of many such cases. After the children have come to our college, through them, their parents too have given up non-vegetarian food.

A True Devotee of God must give up drinking Alcohol/Liquor

The second aspect; we drink water. There is life in water. It contains life force in it. Water is a sacred aspect of God. Water originates from God; from the hair locks of Lord Shiva (as the Ganges). Giving up such sacred water and taking to drinking liquor / alcohol is a big mistake. Alcoholism is very cruel. It makes you forget yourself. It makes you lose your respect, lose your human qualities and makes you forget God. A drunken man does not even know what he is doing, talking or listening. He keeps on rambling. How shameful it is to see people in this state. One tends to laugh to see how such people, though being born as human beings, behave like beings without life. This is not good. Drinking (liquor/alcohol) also leads to destruction of many families. All the money that one earns is spent on this evil habit and the man is not able to take care of his own wife and children. With all the wealth, what is the use if one cannot foster one’s own parents, wife and children? The root cause of these evils is alcoholism.     

Non-vegetarians and Alcohol addicts are more prone to Heart Ailments

It is the primary responsibility of human beings to prevent themselves from becoming a victim of any disease. When one’s food and habits is well regulated, there would be no scope for any disease at all. It is said that proteins and vitamins are very essential for human beings. Non-vegetarian food and addiction to alcohol are the root causes for heart ailments and other major diseases. Research has revealed that people who consume vegetarian food are far less prone to heart ailments than those who consume non-vegetarian food and alcohol. Even the vegetarian food that is consumed should be balanced and wholesome. It should contain liberal doses of Vitamin C and Vitamin E, which are available amply in green leaves and carrots. The presence of these vitamins prevents heart ailments in a large measure. Therefore one should ensure the intake of these vitamins in good quantity.

A True Devotee of God must give up the habit of Smoking

Along with drinking (alcohol), some also smoke cigarettes. Because of smoking, humans are subject to many diseases. Asthma, Eosinophilia and Cardiac ailments arise on account of smoking. If an individual smokes even once, she/he is prone to get cancer. The impact of smoking can be actually demonstrated. Take a white cloth and after having taken a deep puff, blow air onto the white cloth. You will find dark spots appearing on the cloth. If it can make such an impact on the cloth itself, you can imagine what impact it can make when it gets into the human blood stream. It ruins one’s health and shortens one’s life-span. Therefore, those who aspire to become true devotees of God have to give up meat, liquor and smoking. No government can stop these habits. The feelings have to transform individuals from within. It is only mental transformation that can bring about a change. Each one must recognize the truth and conduct oneself accordingly.

I am always Happy!! If you wish to offer me a Gift on My Birthday, give up Eating Non-vegetarian food, Drinking Alcohol and Smoking

Embodiments of Love! You are deeming this day as the 69^th Birthday of Swami. I have no desire to celebrate such birthdays. As I was coming (for Darshan), I was greeted by many wishing Me “Happy Birthday”. I am always happy. Why should anyone wish “Happy Birthday” to Me? Be happy yourselves. Your happiness is My happiness.

Paatra Shuddhi, Paaka Shuddhi and Padaartha Shuddhi

Our students know this very well. Before eating food, we offer the food to God – Brahmaarpanam Brahmahavir. Why should we offer the food to God? There are three types of defects that are associated with the food items: Paatra Shuddhi (purity of the vessel in which the food is cooked), Paaka Shuddhi (purity of the process of cooking) and Padhaartha Shuddhi(purity of the materials used for cooking). When all these three are pure, the mind will also be pure. When these three are not pure, impure feelings will arise in us. So first is Paatra Shuddhi– to some extent we may be able to take care of this aspect; but Padhaartha Shuddhi – purity of the materials; how do we take care of this? What you may have bought from which shop? How would the shopkeeper himself have bought these materials? From whom would he have bought the vegetables? It is not possible to look into all these details. Thus it is not always possible to ensure the purity of the materials used for cooking. Next is Paaka Shuddhi– how do we know what feelings the cook may entertain while cooking the food? If he cooks the food with bad feelings, these bad feelings will get into the cooked food too.

The disturbed Sanyasi and the impact of food

Embodiments of Love! Even if it may take some more time, have your food only after praying and offering it to God. Only then the food will become sanctified and will illumine your intellect. Once upon a time there was a hermitage near Sivananda’s Ashram in Hrishikesh. There lived a number of celibates over there and free Chapatis (food) were distributed to all. The residents of the hermitage also partook of the same food. In that hermitage, there lived a sacred and noble Sanyasi (recluse). One day a businessman donated money to prepare food for the ashramites on the eleventh day after the demise of his young wife. However, this food turned out to be poisonous. What was the poison? How did the young girl (wife of the businessman) die? The businessman was aged. However, being rich, he somehow had enticed the girl’s father with money and married his young daughter. The young girl spent her time languishing that her father had destroyed her life in this manner. Disgusted by leading such a life, one day she jumped into the Ganges and ended her life. The businessman was performing the obituary rites on the eleventh day. He distributed the food so prepared, to all close by ashrams.

God is always within us in the form of Vaishvaanarah

You are aware that everyday you chant the following prayer before partaking your food:

Inspire parents also to chant the mantra before eating food

When you pray, “Brahmaarpanam, Brahmahavir…” before eating your food, parents too will watch you and think, ‘Wow! See how much devotion he has”. Then you must tell your parents, ‘Mother, the food that is gifted to us by God, must be offered to God first and then we must consume the same. Once we offer the food to God, it no longer remains as food. It gets transformed into Prasaadam. There will no defects in the Prasaadam. Once you tell your parents like this, they too will get the desire and will start chanting the prayer. This, if we wish to bring about a change in the parents, we can do so through their very children.

It is not desirable to watch TV while eating food

Some foolish students consider this practice of chanting the prayer before consuming food in the Hostel, as a forced discipline. Such students chant the prayer so long as they are in the Hostel. Once they go home, they do not chant any prayer. They eat food with useless thoughts and lead a meaningless life. And do you know how the process of dining takes place these days?

We must eat food with a serene and peaceful mind

While eating our food everyday, we should not indulge in discussion of topics which will cause agitation, sorrow, or anger. It is essential to partake our food with a serene and peaceful mind, with sacred feelings, and with Divine thoughts. Mental tension is responsible for ill health. These days, in the modern age, we engage in some perverted acts while eating. We tend to watch TV, video, etc., while eating food. This leads to impurity in the mind. We must make every effort to prevent our minds from becoming impure.

We must ensure that no negative vibes get into us while eating food

Even while eating food, the T.V. is kept in front, in the Dining Hall. People watch T.V. even while partaking their food. The result is that, not just the food, but even all the foul things seen on the T.V. are being consumed by the viewer. Full concentration is only on the T.V. This concentration in viewing T.V. (Drushti) affects one’s view of the world (Srushti). The scenes, thoughts and actions displayed on the T.V. give rise to similar thoughts and feelings and actions in the viewer. Unknowingly, agitations and ill feelings enter the minds. One starts wondering as to why such thoughts and feelings that were never there in her/him before, have started appearing now. All these thoughts and feelings arise because of the seed sown while watching television. In due course the seeds take root and sprout in the minds.