Why Worship a Guru?

The spirit of the festival Diwali dwells in lighting diyas (earthen lamps), which symbolises the inner awakening or enlightenment. The spirit of the festival of colours i.e. Holi, lies in spreading harmony. The spirit of Christmas lies in sharing be it gifts or heartfelt wishes for others. The spirit of Eid lies in charity. Similarly, the spirit of the most auspicious festival for all disciples across the world i.e. Guru Purnima or Guru Puja lies in expressing the purest and reverential feelings of love and gratitude towards the Guru. Also, this festival marks the dawn of a spiritual new year where disciples embark upon with new enthusiasm, resolutions and rejuvenated spirits on the path of devotion.

The festival finds its origin in the era of the great sage Ved Vyasa. It is celebrated every year on Ashadh Punam, the day this legendary figure was born, who classified the four Vedas, wrote 18 Puranas, the Brahm Sutras and uttered Mahabharata, which was penned by Lord Ganesha Himself. Through his intense literary classification and compositions of the great epics and scriptures, he opened the portals of the esoteric world of spirituality for the inquisitives. He also, following the eternal Vedic regime, initiated his disciples into the eternal science of Brahm Gyan. In the honour of such divine personage and to worship the Perfect Master or the Sadguru of the time, who by bestowing the same eternal knowledge of Brahm Gyan ushers the disciple towards his ultimate blissful destination, this festival is celebrated with great exuberance and devotion.

Verily, worshipping has been equated with Gods and deities residing in the heavenly abode. Most of us all through our lives have seen our elders or have ourselves bowed in front of their immortal power. Why then this tradition of worshipping someone with a physical garb, living within the brackets of the mortal world surfaced in the annals of our glorious history? In other words, why do we worship a Guru?

A bird's eye view of all the Vedas, scriptures and texts of wisdom would easily provide us with the fact that the Guru is the ultimate power in both worlds. He is the Living GOD– Generator, Operator and Destroyer of the life of a disciple. He amalgamates in himself all the three roles i.e. the role of a creator, protector and exterminator for his disciples. Therefore, in our Vedic tradition we worship the Guru before anyone else.                                                                          

Let's analyse all the three roles of a Guru on the basis of the scriptural, psychological and historical evidences.

THE ROLE OF A CREATOR

As per the Vedic wisdom and our sages, there are two births of a human being. The first one is through his mother's womb and the second one is through the spiritual womb of his Guru.

Our Vedas elucidate the same–

Aacharya Upanyamano Brahmcharinam
Krunute Garbhmanth
(Atrahva Veda- 11:3:5:3)

Meaning, Acharya (Guru) at the time of Upanayan Sanskaar (bestowing Brahm Gyan) bears his disciple in his spiritual womb.

Just as a new life gets initiated in the womb of a mother, similarly, the initiation of a disciple into Brahm Gyan under the patronage of a Sadguru marks his becoming a Dwij that is 'being born again'. This second birth is considered much more glorified and superior than his first birth. Reason being, the first birth culminates in the mortuary whereas the second birth culminates in eternity. Also, the second birth sets him free from the vicious cycle of transmigration and eventually leads him to reside in the ultimate bliss. Moreover, as after taking birth from the mother's womb we enter this mortal world, similarly, after being born through the spiritual womb of a Guru, we enter the inner-immortal world where we come face to face with the wonderful reign of the Supreme Being. Jesus Christ also proclaimed– “Unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

When the mother of cowherd Chandragupta confronted Acharya Chanakya, who wanted to take her son along with him to the University of Takshashila, she said– 'You can't take my son; I have given birth to him. I bore him in my womb for nine months. He is my dream.' Acharya Chanakya humbly replied– 'I have done his Upanayan Sanskaar (bestowed him with Brahm Gyan). I too have borne him in my spiritual womb. He might be a dream for you, but only I can translate that dream into reality. You have given birth to a probability, but only under my spiritual wings it will become a possibility.' History stands witness how an ordinary boy who wandered on the streets as a cowherd, under the patronage of Acharya Chanakya was transformed into the King of the Kings– Chandragupta Maurya, who unified the nation and established the kingdom of righteousness.

Hence, a Guru like a spiritual mother not just brings forth his disciple in the cosmic world of eternity, but also brings out the best in him.

THE ROLE OF A PROTECTOR

After giving birth, a mother is very protective about her child especially when he is an infant. She always stays close to her child, guards him and watches over him. Similarly, a Guru, after initiating the disciple into the realm of the spiritual world does not abandon him. Rather, he always stays close to him. A disciple, who abides by all the commandments of his Guru, always feels his presence around him. He feels an all-time inner-connection with his Guru, which eventually strengthens with time. However, a mother can protect and guard her child only in this life; but a Guru is such a protector who shields and guards his disciple even beyond life. An incident from the life of Lahiri Mahashya when he met his Guru Mahavtari Babaji for the first time, in a cave on the Dronagiri Mountain, verily stands evidence to this.

When Mahavtari Baba gently struck on Lahiri's forehead, he retrieved everything about his previous birth. He writes, “…the saint approached and struck me gently on the forehead. At his magnetic touch, a wondrous current swept through my brain, releasing the sweet seed-memories of my previous life. 'I remember!' My voice was half-choked with joyous sobs. 'You are my guru Babaji, who has belonged to me always! Scenes of the past arise vividly in my mind; here in this cave I spent many years of my last incarnation!' As ineffable recollections overwhelmed me, I tearfully embraced my master's feet. 'For more than three decades I have waited for you here– waited for you to return to me!' Babaji's voice rang with celestial love. 'You slipped away and vanished into the tumultuous waves of life beyond death. The magic wand of your karma touched you, and you were gone! Though you lost sight of me, never did I lose sight of you! I pursued you over the luminescent astral sea where the glorious angels sail. Through gloom, storm, upheaval, and light I followed you, like a mother bird guarding her young. As you lived out your human term of womb-life, and emerged a babe, my eye was ever on you. When you covered your tiny form in the lotus posture under the Nadia sands in your childhood, I was invisibly present! Patiently, month after month, year after year, I have watched over you, waiting for this perfect day. Now you are with me!’

Moreover, in the role of a protector, a Guru also shields his disciple at the psychological and emotional levels. A Guru, with his pure love and faith, gives his disciple a strong foundational support, upon which a disciple resolutely treads the path of his life while making the correct decisions. His divine love shields him from the negative effects of the feigned material love of the world.

Swami Vivekananda often quoted– '…ever since our first meeting, it was the Master (Ramakrishna Paramhansa) alone who had faith in me– no one else, not even my own mother and brothers. That faith and that love of his have bound me to him forever. The Master was the only one who knew how to love and who really loved. Worldly people only feign love to gratify their own self-interest.'

Indeed, it is the selfless love and prowess of a Perfect Master, who as a divine protector guides and shields his disciple (at all the three levels– physical, psychological and spiritual) from all impending dangers.

THE ROLE OF AN EXTERMINATOR

Lord Shiva in the Vedic texts has been referred to as the God of destruction. It is not mere destruction but 'constructive destruction'. To understand the concept of constructive destruction, in contemporary parlance, we may cite an example of personal computers. With the arrival of personal computers, the economy significantly profited without much economic upheaval. It raised the productivity and ushered in significant value for many. But at the same time, computers killed the market for typewriters. Typewriters became obsolete and organisations investing in them certainly lost out. Similarly, the market for all the small gadgets– like, MP3 players, point-and-shoot cameras, wrist watches, voice recorders and calculators got swallowed by all-in-one efficient Smartphones. For the development and growth, constructive destruction, i.e. eradication of smaller insignificant things holds great importance in the business world.

In the spiritual world as well, constructive destruction is done by the Guru in the life of his disciple. Our scriptures proclaim, 'Gururdevo Maheshwaraha'– A Guru like Lord Shiva brings in constructive destruction in the life of his disciple. For his growth and development, he too exterminates and eradicates all the obsolete, redundant and unwanted thoughts from his mind and ushers him towards a more significant and supreme goal of his life. This constructive destruction facilitates the self-development of a disciple, which eventually helps him climb the ladder to success in life.

A Guru characteristically plays the role of a Generator, Operator and Destroyer (GOD) for his disciple and leads him all the way to eternity from mortality. Hence, worshipping the Guru holds a great importance in the life of a disciple. Therefore, we being fortunate to be the disciples of the Perfect Spiritual Master of the time, H.H. Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, let us celebrate this most auspicious festival with great enthusiasm and devotion.

Worship a Guru

Shri Ram Katha Paved the Way to Holistic Development

Shri Ram Katha Paved the Way to Holistic Development

Ram, as believed, is not merely the name of a person who lived during Treta Yuga and had killed the daemon king Ravana. Ram is the name of a strength which lies deep within all human beings. In today's chaotic world where all relationships are devoid of feelings, promises are vague and righteousness is a forgotten word, the divine name of Lord Rama comes to a rescue and re-establishes the bygone humane values. The question is how to get that divine name. Is mere chanting of Shri Ram’s name loudly is divine name or is it more intricate?

To enunciate the true divine name, Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS), a socio-spiritual organization organized Shri Ram Katha from June 15 to June 19, 2016. DJJS is working tirelessly for almost 20 years now under the aegis of its founder Gurudev Ashutosh Maharaj Ji. Sadhvi Rupeshwari Bharti Ji, preacher disciple of Gurudev evoked and unleashed the power which makes one realize victory of good over evil.  

Sadhvi Ji lucidly narrated the various episodes of life of Lord Ram and illustrated the relevance of HIS actions in present times. The perfect master of Treta Yuga, Lord Ram, illuminated lives of all His devotees with profound Brahm Gyan (divine knowledge).  Since time immemorial, Brahm Gyan (technique of direct perception of divine light within oneself) is passed on from a perfect master to its disciples. Rupeshwari Bharti Ji explained that during meditation, a disciple is asked to sit in meditation posture and then by grace of Guru, perceives a light at the centre point of forehead between two eyebrows. During Brahma Gyan, one realizes that all external means of attaining divinity is in vain unless one receives this true knowledge from a perfect master. In order to receive this knowledge, no external sensory organ is required and only requirement is a sincere and focused mind.

Ram Katha elucidates that disciples of Lord Ram like Lakshman, Hanuman, Bharat, Shabari, Ahilya, Vibhishan etc. attained greater altitudes in the spiritual paths once they were blessed with Brahma Gyan. Even today, millions of disciples around the world have experienced positive impact in their careers, lives and overall personalities after attaining Brahma Gyan by revered Gurudev Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, the perfect master of today.

Sadhvi Ji further explained that journey to divine name of Shri Ram is not in just attaining Brahm Gyan but the journey starts from that moment. Disciples find their joy in doing selfless service in various ongoing social projects at DJJS, be the hard core criminals of Tihar Jail or the visually and physically challenged individuals, Brahm Gyan has the ardent power to accentuate inner potential of any individual.

The seven day Ram Katha program received huge appreciations by all the guests and visitors. Sadhvi ji's flawless oratory and in depth knowledge on varied subjects was highly praised by the guests. Audience was doubly benefitted as not only they got a discourse on one of great epics Ramayan but also on how to implant those great values taught by Lord Ram in their lives through Brahm Gyan. By incessant practice of this true knowledge and by being united, goal of World peace is very much achievable.

Visit @ https://www.djjs.org/

Monthly Spiritual Congregation

Monthly Spiritual Congregation

To achieve greatness; great effort, discipline and consistency are needed. An environment to generate and support such values is needed. Our subconscious mind is very responsive and alert. If we go to a place where people have wrong instincts and bad vibrations, we’ll be impacted by those feelings even if we don’t want to mix with them. On the contrary, positive- inspirational vibrations will change us for the better. Swami Vivekananda once said,

“Fill the brain with high thoughts, highest ideals, and place them day and night before you; and out of that will come great work.”

In order to infuse the real meaning of greatness and also to reveal how to become one in true sense, Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS) - a non- government, non-profit and a leading spiritual organization, head and founded by His Holiness Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, organized a program of Monthly Spiritual Congregation in the month of June at different places in India. Many branches like Amravati, Bareilly, Chakan, Dibrugarh, Dabwali Malko Ki, Jodhpur, Latur etc. got drenched into the showers of divinity.

This is a high time where we need to realize that we are not ordinary, there is some part of God within us, which is highly pure, beautiful, positive and worth living for. And one can realize this hidden part only with the help of Brahm Gyan. Many preachers, volunteers and audience witnessed the divine magic in the air and lost into the world of spirituality during the discourse.

In order to describe the humbleness of a sincere prayer at the lotus feet of Lord, somebody has beautiful said,

“It is time to awaken and know this truth,

Light the earthen lamp of devotion and wisdom

And hold firmly to your roots!!

Let the darkness fade away and light penetrate our being,

Behold!, the wait is over, for a New Dawn is breaking on the World Screen!!”

The program served the supreme purpose of disclosing the utmost truth. People got to know that life is so invaluable to all of us, this is a God’s beautiful gift to us and we need to realize its worth by being connected to the powerhouse of the soul ‘Supreme Lord’.

Visit @ SPIRITUALITY

Gau Katha Established the Essence of 'Bharat' in Hearts of Disciples

GUA KATHA

Historians say that centuries back, there was a Roman King ‘Vitelius’ who first used to stuff himself at the whims of his gluttonous palate, and then vomit out by drugging himself. Eat and eat, over and over again, he could not feel content until his digestive system broke down. Someone has truly said to describe such people, “Fire cannot be extinguished by pouring oil in it; rather it gets wilder.” In words of psychologists, affluence is directly proportional to inward crisis. Once Jesus said, “Bread won’t feed man’s soul; obedience to every word of God is what we need.” And, we can follow God only by imbibing His words in our heart, body, mind and soul.

India is a land which is known for quenching the spiritual thirst of mankind, where unguided people find their supreme destiny. And, In order to reveal the unmeasurable greatness of ‘Bharat’ as a country and to inspire the gathering with the gems of spirituality, Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS) - a non- government, a non-profit and a leading spiritual organization, headed and founded by His Holiness Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, organized a seven day spiritual program of Gau Katha from 22nd - 28th May, 2016.

The program was commenced with the warm welcome of all guests, preachers, volunteers and congregation. Many prestigious guests marked their valuable presence during the program. Some of them were- Mr K.D. Bhandari (Chief Parliament Secretary), Mr Surindhar Singh Sodhi (Former IG), Mrs. Sheetal Vij (Chairman- Shri Devi Talab Mandir Prabhandak Committee), Mr Rajesh Aggarwal (President- Shri Geeta Mandir), Mr Sunil Jyoti (Mayor), Mrs Kulwinder Kaur Oberoi (Deputy Mayor), Pargat Singh (MLA), Mrs Neerja Jain (Counsellor), and Mr Kamal Sharma (Former Counsellor).

A holy beginning of the program by the humble prayer at the lotus feet of Lord Krishna filled the hearts of audience with immense peace and devotion. Then after, the melodious series of devotional and inspiring bhajans, songs, soaked the hearts of devotees with immense devotion and serenity.

The spiritual discourser of the program – Sadhvi Sumedha Bharti Ji, very beautifully cited the divine incidents from the life of Lord Krishna depicting how the culture, traditions and rituals of ‘Bharat’ have supreme purpose towards divinity, which can actually cure the spiritual crisis that has trapped today’s world. Sadhvi Ji further explained how cows play valuable role in Bharat’s prosperity. Truly, cows teach us a lifelong lesson for unconditional love and sacrifice.

The spirited people, strong inclination of them towards spirituality marked the success of the program.

visit to : https://www.djjs.org/

SAM unravels spiritual heritage at Shri Krishna Janmashtmi celebrations

High-spirited and divine vibes reverberated all around during an enlightening edition of SAM during Shri Krishna Janmashtami Mahotsavheld at Delhi's Siri Fort Auditorium on September 13, 2015. The event was attended by people from all walks of life. Swami Narendranand, Chief Secretary, Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS), was also present on the occasion.

With numerous revelations from the divine plays of Lord Krishna, the event left the audience awestruck. Inspirational songs by home band Eternal Bliss marked a pious and soulful beginning. The saga continued with an informative lecture presented by Sushri Parma Bharti Ji, DJJS representative. She also threw light on the dire need to follow teachings of Shri Krishna even in the contemporary era. She elucidated how his incarnation took place to eliminate evils from the society, establish peace and brotherhood and most of all, protect the sanctity of religion.

Then came a dance ballet by the home group Eternal Splendour, which dramatized the life span of Lord Krishna. The killing of cruel king Kans, the pain of separation of Krishna's family members from him, his teachings for Arjun, his role as a master during the battle of Mahabharta and many more incidents were recreated in an incredibly inspiring way.

Praiseworthy words from esteemed guests testified the instrumental role played by SAM in spreading social awareness on significant issues. Mr. Sunil Varshney, Charted Accountant said, "It's a matter of happiness that we have organizations like SAM that work on youth agendas. It was an amazing program on Shri Krishna which unveiled many spiritual secrets”

Mrs. Mona Lakhanpal, principal, Maxfort School also expressed, "SAM has entertained as well as inspired us today to follow the path of righteousness and lead a meaningful life. Their volunteers, performances, spirit of togetherness, such a jubilant attitude, all is worth appreciation."

The program ended on a successful note and SAM proved its versatility with suitable presentations as a part of this spiritual program.

for more information visit us at: spiritual magazine