The search for the Unknown has existed from time immemorial in our ancient land Ajanabha–varaha; which later came to be known as Bharatha–varsha, and in our own times as India. It has been the usual practice of such aspirants in search of the Unknown to assemble together in retreats far away from the maddening crowds at the feet of a Sadguru. With his help, as well as constant discussions amongst themselves they tried to reach their goal. The Guru usually was a Dharma–megha, a Shrotriya, and a Brahma–nishta. He imparted his experience, gave the necessary guidance and watched their progress. In such good company and environment of Satsangha, the group developed spiritual consciousness.
Shravana was followed by the practice of Manana, and Nidhidhyasana. The aspirants after many years of sadhana eventually attained the goal which is Brahma–hood. For, it is stated, Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavathi.
The aspirants used to address the Guru “O Venerated one, the Vedas declare Brahman is this Universe as well as its cause. Who is this Brahman? How did we come into this existence? What is the foundation of life on earth? How can we attain the fullness in life? Who planned this universe which functions with precision and perfect regularity? Who really maintains the balanced condition which we witness? What is the substratum in which we live, move and have our being? O Master, we have searched all shastras and the Vedas but get no convincing answer. Diverse accounts are given therein. Some say that what we see as creation is governed by time and space. Others say that the seed determines the tree and the fruit. That is the swabhavashakthi in the seed that determines its development and dissolution. Some talk of karma as the root cause of the existence of different species as well as individuals. Others again attribute creation to the five great elements. Some others declare that the Jivatma is the cause of the universe. So we are confused and really wish to learn through your grace the knowledge that removes our ignorance (Avidya) O’ kindness personified, teach us, we prostrate before you in all sincerity.”
The Sadguru, an ocean of kindness, told them “Mounam is Brahman” i.e., in the depth of silence they would find the answer for their queries. Everything emanates from Brahman. One should seek him in meditation.” He very graciously instructed them according to each person’s capacity and level of understanding through proper initiation. For, initiation is the light that lights the wick in an unlighted lamp. Even though it may be full of excellent oil or ghee, with a good wick alone it cannot light itself to illuminate everything else around and itself either. So the need for another lit lamp to give it the necessary life–start. Thereafter with concentrated effort they steadily turned their minds from the outward to the inward. The extroverts became introverts. By sustained meditation and with the Guru’s grace they eventually succeeded in reaching the goal. Says the Shruti…
‘Te Dhyana–Yoganugatha Apashyana Devatma – Shakthim Swa–Gunairnighoodam”
Seated firmly in meditation they saw the Deva – Atma – Shakthi, which had so long remained within them hidden by the ‘gunas’. They realized then that it was the one who was the root cause of all that they were intensely searching and querying about. They contacted Divinity only after rising above gunas which kept the truth hidden from their view. Silence and Meditation formed important aspects of Sadhana. Much more than this was the grace of their Guru at whose lotus feet they had surrendered themselves.
Times have changed. The time and conveniences for solitary pursuit of Reality in the forest retreats are not available to the man of the modern age. But, the Supreme Parashakti, has incarnated Herself in the person of our beloved Divine Mother Sree Rama Devi, taking the role of a world Teacher. It is an extremely fortunate event for rejoicing that we meet together at the lotus feet of the Vishwamatha and Sadguru who is in Her illimitable mercy guiding us on the right path, by initiating us into the hidden mysteries. Her methods are unique. There has been no instance in the recorded history of the past and present, of the great Parashakthi having come down to this planet of ours. Nor is there another instance of a personage, however great he may be, of having imparted Brahma Vidya on such mass scale as she has done. The greatest of teachers in the past at the best, gave it to the selected few after great consideration.
It is to such a power that on bended knees all aspirants pray and invoke though it is invisible. Who but She and She alone has the power to do so. The treasure She gives is priceless, yet unhesitatingly She bestowes it on us and on everyone who asks for it, and what is more She is again ready with Her gift for the next person who will come for it. Remember in this context, Mantra is herself. Does She not by this action fully illustrate the meaning of the Shanthi Mantra “Poornamadah Poornamidam Poornath Poornamudaschyathe Poornasya Poornamadaya Poornameva – avashishyathe;”? This we chant in our weekly Bhajan gatherings. Only one with infinite capacity can gift Infinity and yet the remainder will be Infinite. What a grand situation and opportunity for those who perceive this presence of the Infinite before them!!!
By dint of sadhana, and the kind good graces of Divine Mother, the Parashakthi, may we fit ourselves to deserve to know the secret and the highest knowledge.
– Sri. B. V. RAO.
The search for the Unknown has existed from time immemorial in our ancient land Ajanabha–varaha; which later came to be known as Bharatha–varsha, and in our own times as India. It has been the usual practice of such aspirants in search of the Unknown to assemble together in retreats far away from the maddening crowds at the feet of a Sadguru. With his help, as well as constant discussions amongst themselves they tried to reach their goal. The Guru usually was a Dharma–megha, a Shrotriya, and a Brahma–nishta. He imparted his experience, gave the necessary guidance and watched their progress. In such good company and environment of Satsangha, the group developed spiritual consciousness.
Shravana was followed by the practice of Manana, and Nidhidhyasana. The aspirants after many years of sadhana eventually attained the goal which is Brahma–hood. For, it is stated, Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavathi.
The aspirants used to address the Guru “O Venerated one, the Vedas declare Brahman is this Universe as well as its cause. Who is this Brahman? How did we come into this existence? What is the foundation of life on earth? How can we attain the fullness in life? Who planned this universe which functions with precision and perfect regularity? Who really maintains the balanced condition which we witness? What is the substratum in which we live, move and have our being? O Master, we have searched all shastras and the Vedas but get no convincing answer. Diverse accounts are given therein. Some say that what we see as creation is governed by time and space. Others say that the seed determines the tree and the fruit. That is the swabhavashakthi in the seed that determines its development and dissolution. Some talk of karma as the root cause of the existence of different species as well as individuals. Others again attribute creation to the five great elements. Some others declare that the Jivatma is the cause of the universe. So we are confused and really wish to learn through your grace the knowledge that removes our ignorance (Avidya) O’ kindness personified, teach us, we prostrate before you in all sincerity.”
The Sadguru, an ocean of kindness, told them “Mounam is Brahman” i.e., in the depth of silence they would find the answer for their queries. Everything emanates from Brahman. One should seek him in meditation.” He very graciously instructed them according to each person’s capacity and level of understanding through proper initiation. For, initiation is the light that lights the wick in an unlighted lamp. Even though it may be full of excellent oil or ghee, with a good wick alone it cannot light itself to illuminate everything else around and itself either. So the need for another lit lamp to give it the necessary life–start. Thereafter with concentrated effort they steadily turned their minds from the outward to the inward. The extroverts became introverts. By sustained meditation and with the Guru’s grace they eventually succeeded in reaching the goal. Says the Shruti…
‘Te Dhyana–Yoganugatha Apashyana Devatma – Shakthim
Swa–Gunairnighoodam”
Seated firmly in meditation they saw the Deva – Atma – Shakthi, which had so long remained within them hidden by the ‘gunas’. They realized then that it was the one who was the root cause of all that they were intensely searching and querying about. They contacted Divinity only after rising above gunas which kept the truth hidden from their view. Silence and Meditation formed important aspects of Sadhana. Much more than this was the grace of their Guru at whose lotus feet they had surrendered themselves.
Times have changed. The time and conveniences for solitary pursuit of Reality in the forest retreats are not available to the man of the modern age. But, the Supreme Parashakti, has incarnated Herself in the person of our beloved Divine Mother Sree Rama Devi, taking the role of a world Teacher. It is an extremely fortunate event for rejoicing that we meet together at the lotus feet of the Vishwamatha and Sadguru who is in Her illimitable mercy guiding us on the right path, by initiating us into the hidden mysteries. Her methods are unique. There has been no instance in the recorded history of the past and present, of the great Parashakthi having come down to this planet of ours. Nor is there another instance of a personage, however great he may be, of having imparted Brahma Vidya on such mass scale as she has done. The greatest of teachers in the past at the best, gave it to the selected few after great consideration.
It is to such a power that on bended knees all aspirants pray and invoke though it is invisible. Who but She and She alone has the power to do so. The treasure She gives is priceless, yet unhesitatingly She bestowes it on us and on everyone who asks for it, and what is more She is again ready with Her gift for the next person who will come for it. Remember in this context, Mantra is herself. Does She not by this action fully illustrate the meaning of the Shanthi Mantra “Poornamadah Poornamidam Poornath Poornamudaschyathe Poornasya Poornamadaya Poornameva – avashishyathe;”? This we chant in our weekly Bhajan gatherings. Only one with infinite capacity can gift Infinity and yet the remainder will be Infinite. What a grand situation and opportunity for those who perceive this presence of the Infinite before them!!!
By dint of sadhana, and the kind good graces of Divine Mother, the Parashakthi, may we fit ourselves to deserve to know the secret and the highest knowledge.