Do use this time wisely, shed doubts, suspicion, jealousy, guilt, greed, silly ego and anxiety and move on to the next level. There is nothing worth holding on, which is of permanent value on earth.
Dear Beloveds,
Time is racing past. At the same time, it is empowering people to experience higher dimensions too. Those who are willing to take at least one step towards liberation from various bindings of earth are being abundantly assisted by time and the masters. Hence, do use this time wisely to shed doubts, suspicion, jealousy, guilt, greed, silly ego, and anxiety and move on to the next level. There is nothing on earth that is worth holding on to, which is of permanent value.
Pat from Portugal had asked me to define a good and bad act, in the context of a spiritual being. My answer is – PURITY. Purity in thoughts, words and actions, while performing his life on earth. If your act is for the well-being of the receiver, if your intentions are pure and unselfish, it is a good act. If you do anything to satisfy your own desire or ego, it is a bad act. A spiritual person should maintain his objectivity. Many people attain spiritual powers quite rapidly. These are baits of spirituality. If you use the acquired spiritual powers for your own benefit, you will fall. If you use the acquired powers for the general well-being of the society, you will always stay liberated from it. The utility of a knife depends on its user. A knife can harm you and help you. It depends on how you will use it.
Many people attain spiritual powers quite rapidly. These are baits of spirituality. If you use the acquired spiritual powers for your own benefit, you will fall.
Remember the old story? Two monks were walking on the bank of a river. One was quite young in his twenties and the other saint was older, in his sixties. While walking, they saw a pretty young woman taking a bath, half-naked. They ignored the sight since they were not allowed to have such distractions and moved on. Suddenly, the woman slipped and fell into the river and started to drown. The young monk left his shoulder sack and jumped into the river and rescued her. He lifted her and brought her to the shore. She had become unconscious. He brought her back to consciousness and when he knew that she was fine and could manage on her own, he picked up his shoulder sack and left the place. He did not look back or expect even a glance of gratitude from her. The older monk was watching all this. After walking for a while in silence, when they sat down for lunch which they had carried, the older monk told the younger one, “I do not think what you have done is right. We are monks, celibates. We are not supposed to touch a woman, let alone a naked one. In that regard, I feel you did the wrong thing”. The young monk smiled and said, “Nowhere in the scriptures have I read that an act of compassion is wrong. The situation demanded an appropriate action. I acted. I left the girl at the shore. She is far away from my body and my mind. Why are you still carrying her?” This silenced the older monk. The young monk acted objectively, based on the need and purpose. He had no fears. The older man represents our current society. He never considered that the woman needed to be rescued or that saving her life was the most important thing at that moment when the incident happened, or that was the appropriate action at that point in time. Instead, he was totally preoccupied by the man-made ‘dos and don’ts’ for monks. This is an example of how society which consists of people of various evolutionary levels will think and act and how, as a spiritual being, you should act. Again, the bottom line is purity. Action without selfishness.
If you use the acquired powers for the general well-being of the society, you will always stay liberated from it.
In the spiritual path, when siddhis or spiritual powers have happened to you, I suggest that you ‘behave like a doctor’. A patient is in front. Emotions have no value. Objectivity is important. Right diagnosis is the key for cure. Look at the patient objectively, diagnose, and do whatever is the right treatment at that time using all the available knowledge, technology and understanding, without worrying about the consequences. There have been many occasions in the history of medicine where the confidence and purity of the doctor have worked miracles on the patient. So, if we are pure within, we need not worry. If the intention was pure, never worry. Society may not understand the ‘eccentric’ spiritual being. You need not worry about it.
Your conscience should be clean. Your inner space should never be contaminated.
When you have spiritual powers (siddhis), if you consistently behave in selfish ways, it will erode from you. Objectivity is important. Who is in front is not important. What you need to do is important, and that you are doing whatever is needed is all the more important. Once you have objectively completed what you have to do, move on without any expectations. In today’s world, misunderstandings are quite common. Each person entertains his own view of how a spiritual person should be, having no consideration or idea about his operating level or consciousness. So, do not expect all people to understand you. It is also not worth being scared about society and because of that fear, not performing what you have to, or what you meant to do with your available life and powers. So, the best way is to be objective and perform to your best ability. Your conscience should be clean. Your inner space should never be contaminated. Only if you entertain purity can you delivery purity. There should not be an inch of selfishness within.
My answer is – PURITY. Purity in thoughts, words and actions, while performing this life on earth.
No fear is the sign of a true spiritualist. When you are performing from the level of purity, even if people do not understand you and your action, it does not matter. Remember – many people did not understand the actions of Jesus during his time and they criticised and condemned him. Many people criticised and condemned Krishna (the whole Kaurava clan for example). Many people considered Sai Baba a mad man. Many people hated Osho. Take any spiritual master – you will see that some loved them, some hated them. Some moved with them with personal agenda and expectations. Some left them because of personal agenda and unfulfilled expectations. When this is the way the world works, what are we afraid of? Just ensure that you stay liberated and pure at all times. Only then can you help others to see the light of liberation.
Bless You with Peace
Love Always
M
No fear is the sign of a true spiritualist… Just ensure you stay liberated and pure at all times.
Dear All,
Mohanji receives many questions. Questions arise from one’s mind because it is the mind that is suffering in various situations and incidences. Here are some straight answers by Mohanji to some commonly asked questions.
Love and regards,
BTW Family
My Beloved embodiments of pure love,
Our relationship is not accidental. We have been connected from life times and will continue through time as well. So, the familiarity that some of you are experiencing today has deeper roots than your limited mind can percieve. So, please do not mind if what is given below is a bit too informal and straight. I know this will provoke some thoughts in you. This is extracted out of some of the regular questions that I handle everyday. Remember, I love YOU. 🙂
Q: Relationship with—————— is not working. (Husband, Wife, Son, Daughter, Neighbor, Boss)
A: Is your relationship with yourself working? Sort that out and all the external relationships will work. Connect to yourself first. This yourself is not what you see in the mirror. It is the formless that keeps what you see in the mirror alive. Connect to that formless within you and everything else will work.
Q: What next?
A: It is up to you. Destiny is your creation. You can make it a beautiful garden or a clutter of weeds.
Q: I am confused!
A: You are not confused. Your mind is. Understand the mind and detach from it. Let it be confused, but you are not your mind. Be what you really are and there is no confusion.
Q: What is the reason for excessive stress in life?
A: Ownership and do-ership. Non-understanding or no realisation that “everything passes away”, both situations and people. When this understanding takes deep roots in one’s mind, life becomes an every moment game and each moment would be pleasurable and stress free.
Q: Many paths, which one to choose.
A: Simple. The path that is in front of you. You cannot actually choose anything else (any other path)
Q: Many Gurus. Which one is MY Guru?
A: None of them. Your Guru is your own soul. All else are reminders. Nothing that lies outside of you really belongs to you.
Q: Why are there differences?
A: There are no differences. It is only a distortion that the mind creates. Everything is one. Just different forms. Mind creates differences. You are not the mind.
Q: I am worried.
A: Mind is worried. You are not the mind.
Understand the mind and detach
Q: Can you help me?
A: Do you really need help? You are all powerful. If you feel otherwise, hold on to me until you find yourself. I will help you. You need the crutches only until your own legs become strong enough to carry you.
Q: I have faith.
A: Do you? Is it conditional or unconditional? Think again. Do you really have FAITH? How much faith? The word faith has become a cliche’. Faith is not just a word. It is a state, a perpetual state. Most of those who say “I have faith”, doubt themselves and certainly even their faith. And their faith is often conditional and sways with others interference, opinions and words.They need to work harder to achieve a total state of absolute faith.
Q: I surrender
A: Do not decieve yourself. Surrender means leaving out whatever you surrender completely from your system. Do you do that? Total surrender needs absolute faith. Complete surrender is a complete state of annihilation of a certain aspect of you. It is a state of dissolution. You are removing something you do not need in your constitution. Karma gets trashed. Think again, when you use such words. Do not deceive yourself.
Q: Whom should I trust?
A: Yourself.
Q: I Love You.
A: Do you? You should love yourself first. Love your family. Love your neighbors, friends, colleagues. I am total. When you love totality, when you become unconditional love, you do love me. If you think I am this form, this is non-understanding. When you hate someone, you do not love me. Loving me means loving the universe. Loving me means loving unconditionally. When you see me in every being, you DO love me. You will feel my love too. I love you through all beings.
Treading the path of faith and surrender
Q: Sometimes I feel disconnected.
A: You are never disconnected from me. Your mind is. You are not your mind.
Q: I want to be always with you.
A: Being with my physical body will never ensure proximity to me. If you are one with my consciousness, you are always with me and totally as well as completely connected with me. This is more permanant as well. Do not have the misunderstanding that those who are physically close to me are actually “close” to me. Some of you who are far away physically from me are more close to me (through unity of consciousness) than those who are physically near me. So, the desire for being with me should not be being physically with me. And many of you will not be able to handle my physical proximity because chances for disillusionment is very high. Read the blog “Living with a saint”. I may kick your ego from time to time. I will tell you things that you may not like to hear, with the intention of shaking you up and liberating you from some samskaric bindings. You may not like it. So, beware. When you have tremendous maturity to handle whatever is given, you will automatically reach me. This is for sure. Otherwise, it is just infatuation. It has no spiritual value. Being in physical proximity, and at the same time being totally ego-less and in complete surrender, like Shama or Mhalsapati to Shirdi Sai Bhagawan is a real grace and blessing. Then the disciple and the Guru are one, though in separate bodies. This is possible and achievable, if you have consistancy in effort and total determination and a will for the annihilation of individual ego.
Q: How can I ensure my spiritual progress?
A: Strive to be always in 360 degree awareness. Watch your limited mind and ego. Be always detached from them. Be steadfast in your devotion as well as conviction. Do not only listen to others. Listen to your own soul and understand your own experiences. Understand and grow into yourself. Grow within. Be rich within. All external expressions should be expressions of your inner richness and not your limited mind. As Gandhiji said “Be the change that you want to see in the world outside.”. Be Unconditional Love.
Be always in 360 degree awareness. Be unconditional love!
Q: How can I see you in your real form?
A: See you in your real form. You will see me.
Q: Where is Good and Bad?
A: In your mind. It starts in your mind and ends in your mind.
Q: I cannot sleep.
A: Good. Practice awareness. It is better than sleep.
Q: How do I know you?
A: Know yourself, you will know me. What your mind says, is not me. What your soul says, is me.
Q: Who is a real saint?
A: One who has nothing to do with earth and knows it well, while being here.
Q: Even if I have one desire?
A: You will stay here.
Q: Aum Poornamada Poornamidam…. what can we equate this with for easy understanding’s sake? (question from a school teacher to explain to her students)
A: To a lamp. It never sheds its shine, brightness, even if a thousand lamps are lit from one. Everything is complete. Only completeness exists. Mind does not understand it, soul does.
Q: Why we wander?
A: Becuase you follow the mind. Mind always remains dissatisfied. It drags the body along. It delivers fears and alienations. It keeps you running for one thing or the other, through disillusionment and non-understanding.
Q: When ego takes over?
A: Men perish.
Q:Spiritual evolution is inevitable or guaranteed in each lifetime?
A: Depends on one’s karmic baggage.
Q: Is spiritual inheritance possible?
A: Yes.
Q: What is our hope for tomorrow?
A: Today
Q: Am I really alive or am I dreaming?
A: It depends on which level you are operating from. “Wake Up”, you will know.
Spirituality is awareness
Q: I believed spiritual masters are invincible. (Discussion point about fall in spirituality)
A: No. On the contrary, they are more vulnerable than others. When existence shifts to unconditional love, they trust everyone. This could be quite detrimental at times. It is hard to climb the ladder, easy to fall.
Q: Can an evolved being fall?
A: Depends on how he manages his ego and mind. If mind controls him, even duality of existence will pull him down. Unity cannot be percieved by mind. It is beyond the mind. To exist in unity, one should cross the boundaries of mind and ego.
Q: Man’s quest for knowledge
A: Waste of time, unless it helps his shedding.
Q: What is worth pursuing?
A: Silence.
Q: What is worth investing in?
A: Awareness
Q: Siddhis?
A: Candies.
Q: Why?
A: It wastes time. It maintains duality. It could nurture stronger ego. It forces detours. It alienates man from unity.
Q: Ultimate destination of man?
A: Narayana, the destination of man.
Q: Is it Lord Vishnu?
A: Parabrahma, the supreme formless GOD. The one who Generates, Operates and Dissolves. All forms are formed out of Him and dissolves in Him.
Q: Why do we visit holy places?
A: Urge to bathe in higher energies.
Q: What do we carry from there?
A: Depends on your stature. The ideal is to carry higher awareness, silence of mind, if you could. Usually, you only carry some photographs of your own form against some divine backdrop! This only tells you that you were indeed there and makes you feel worth the money well spent. Ability to experience gets enhanced with surrender and silence. Silence brings you more awareness than any book-knowledge. Expectation kills the fragrance of every experience.
Q: Why cannot everyone experience the same thing?
A: Each one experiences only as per each one’s capacity, stature and constitution. Each according to his ability, each according to his eligibility. There is no point in comparing. Comparisons means non-understanding.
Q: Where do you really exist? In which realm?
A: In your heart. In the realm of your consciousness. I have no other existence.
Topic: Gurus and followers. In recent years, there has been a lot of controversy regarding certain spiritual organizations and the actions of both their leaders and followers. This has lead to a lot of doubt, confusion and even disillusionment. Mohanji has received many mails pertaining to the subject of Gurus and followers. This post addresses some of the issues raised. Hope it gives you clarity.
Caroline
BTW Team
Mohanji:
“A student threw a stone at his teacher. The teacher was hurt and hospitalised. The head of the institution asked the student’s parents to present themselves for a discussion on disciplinary actions to be taken against the student. The parents appeared on time. The first thing the principal asked the student’s father was “Do you throw stones at your superiors?” The perplexed father said “Well, of course not”. The principal asked again “If you have that much wisdom, then why is your son behaving in this way?”
😦
The point here is, all of us are individuals. Every being is Unique. We all have our own expressions and personal style. We are inimitable in that way. But, society is often two dimensional. When we do something seemingly wrong, irrespective of our reasons for these actions, society will blame our upbringing for that. They will blame our parents, grandparents and even our clan, on some occasions.
Likewise, we have seen or heard many spiritual masters in our life time, both alive and departed. We have also seen or witnessed their followers. Some of them are extremely fanatic and some are moderate, considerate or more tolerant. Yet, we, as society look at their expressions and judge their alive or departed Guru. Am I right? Do we not judge a Guru based on the expressions of his disciples? Are we right in doing so?
The Guru could well be enlightened and might be a total renunciate. His disciple might be a pretender or just another seeker of knowledge carrying a big baggage of sundry desires, dreams and aspirations of making it big in life. He may choose to use the name of a famous guru in order to satisfy his personal desires. Do you think the Guru asked him to do that? Do you think he is reflecting the Guru’s teaching? Do you think that we can blame the Guru for all the actions of his followers? The answer is a BIG and categorical “NO”.
Just like the father of the student was helpless in that given situation, every Guru is helpless in the case of his or her followers. What can a Guru do, if his disciple chooses to mis-interpret or deliberately twist the Guru’s teachings for his personal advantage? This is especially so when the mission grows and the Guru becomes a public figure. He is even more vulnerable. People approach him with multiple interests. Some come in search of guidance and to seek liberation. They are sincere seekers and a big rarity. Some come to obtain a mantra to achieve instant success, which is more common. Some come to see how he operates, which will help them set up their own shop at some point in time. There are many like this. They are collectors. They are after transferable knowledge and not non-transferable experience from the Guru. Some come to test the Guru. Some to compare one Guru with another, and to judge, criticize or ridicule. Some come because of simple things such as they like the food in the ashram or because their spouse cannot cook well. Some come to escape from their nagging realities. Some come because the girl or boy they love visits this Guru. Likewise, different reasons for different folks!!!
Seeking different nectars from different flowers!!!
As one famous model or actress said to a famous Guru “Your Holiness, I want to sleep with you.” The saint smiled and said, “Why sleep, my darling? I am trying to wake the sleeping people up!!!”. On this occasion, for the model, it is another feather in her cap, “I have also slept with a holy man!!!”. This could possibly give a morale boost for her public standing and her socio-commercial positioning. She may gain more space in the gossip columns and may attain more press coverage. For the Guru, it is usually scandalizing. He may get ruined. His reputation may get tarnished. This is especially so, if the Guru has worked hard to maintain uniformity in his image or cultivated an image of invincibility!!! For those who do not care about their public image, nothing matters.
How can the Guru help all the reasons of his disciples? He can only stay neutral at all times. Terrestrial entanglements are not worth it. Great saints may have become involved from time to time, but for specific reasons and purposes. For example Vyasa, Vishwamitra etc.
Whatever rises, must fall. This is the way earth’s gravitational forces work. Nothing can stay in the air for more than a reasonable time. No bird can stay in the air forever. It must rest its wings some time. So, if we expect happiness and upliftment all the time, it cannot happen. We have to go through the dualities of existence until we die. Or, until we are not worried about or bound by terrestrial sensory objects in order to find our fulfillment. If we are self- sufficient, that means, sufficiently established in self, we will be established in perpetual happiness.
Do not judge or criticise anyone – let alone a Guru or a spiritual teacher, because we do not or cannot know and understand anyone fully, nor do we know their karmic configuration which provokes their thoughts, words and actions. Ahimsa is the best path. Perfect Non Violence in thoughts, words and action. Do not judge a father by looking at his son. Do not judge any Guru by looking at his or her disciples. Guru can give only as much as a disciple can carry with him. If Guru is a flowing river and disciple has the capacity to carry only one glass of water, can we judge the guru’s capacity as one glass of water? Here, the disciple can publicly express his Guru’s stature only within his capacity and understanding, which is only one glass!!.
Awakening and Reflecting Divine Grace
Please understand this clearly. Guru is often limitless. Followers usually have tremendous limitations. Guru will indeed try to strengthen them to enhance their capacity. It is like body building. You cannot lift the weight beyond your initial or actual capacity, even if your instructor asks you to take or try more weight. Your instructor may lift the weight easily because of his experience. You have to work everyday and slowly increase your capacity. You need faith, tenacity, consistency, application and dedication. Same with spirituality. You cannot understand the consciousness of a Guru, overnight. It takes time and it definitely takes patience. Gurus exist in a much higher realm and the higher they go, the less street-smart they become. Their operational medium becomes unconditional love. When they cross over to spiritual realms and establish there, they stop depending on their body, mind and intellect. I am talking about sadgurus, the great masters. Acharyas are doing it for money. That is a different story.
So, do not judge a Guru based on the expressions of a disciple who operates with his limited body, mind and intellect. Live and Let Live.
The presence of a True Master is like the fire keeping the Tamas of cold away.
Q: Living in the presence of enlightened masters have been given so much importance in the Dattatreya, Kriya as well as Siddha tradition. In fact, all the tradition recommends living near a master. What is your opinion?
Ans: I have split your question into two. Both are good questions and most relevant in today’s time. It is true that the presence of a living master has a purgating, purifying effect in a receptive disciple. If the disciple is not receptive, even if the highest master is near him, it will not benefit him. Individual receptivity and eligibility or capacity for absorption is the key to gain maximum benefit from the proximity of a Guru.
The presence of a true Master is like the fire keeping the tamas of cold away, when you sit near the fire. The tejus of a true master will keep the Tamas away, the most detrimental factor in the spiritual progress. This helps the disciple to evolve faster. The proximity of the master is also a constant reminder to a worthy disciple. In his energy field, situations melt and the events flow through life, effortlessly. A true master can see and understand the constitution of a disciple and delivers only what he can consume. Wastage never happens. The same medicine cannot cure all diseases. A true guru will only prescribe the medicine the disciple actually needs, irrespective of whether it is sweet or bitter. When the intention is pure, then, the medicine works. Unshakeable Faith of the disciple in his guru is the key here. Shaking, wavering or shifting faith cannot bring clear results, just like if you keep shaking the glass, milk cannot be poured without spillage into it. So, living with a saint has its unique value. But, do not imitate the saint who has already attained enlightenment. Allow him to be himself and follow only his directions and teachings, without judging his attitude and behavior. Leave him alone and be yourself. Live and let live. 🙂
Q: I would like to know the most effective method of Shaktipat? Who can give saktipat? What is the criteria and I have read that one of the sign of a true Datta master is his ability to change one’s consciousness through delivering saktipat. Am I right?
Ans: You are right. The most effective Shaktipat happens in the presence of a real Guru. Many spiritual paths and masters use the technique of direct transfer of consciousness or at least energy. This is not only pertaining to the Datta tradition. Great Shaktipat happens in the presence and energy field of a true master. Introversion, silence of mind and surrender is a must, in a disciple, to attain it. An agitated and questioning mind, ego, analysis etc will close the doors of your receptivity. Just the master’s presence, look, eye contact let alone touch, will deliver what the disciple needs. It is like water flowing spontaneously from a hill to a lower land. In the presence of a true master, saktipat constantly happens. There is no need to get stuck with the word “Shaktipat”. Call it merger of consciousness, energy transfer, or cleansing energy or whatever you like. Words have lesser meaning in this context and effect is more important. Indeed, Datta tradition believes in Shaktipat or purification by a Master. A True Master can deliver Shaaktipat and all those whom he has empowered can also deliver saktipat. When those initiated take it lightly, or lose their purity, or mis-use it let alone scandalize it, the Siddhi comes back to the Master. Initiation into Shaktipat is just like re producing oneself in another. The initated has to become the initiator to perform, while delivering it. As I said, purity is very important and mixing and experimenting it with other methods, does not help. It even takes away the effect of Shaktipat.
A true master can deliver Shaktipat where ever the disciple is, irrespective of their physical proximity. Shaktipat can be delivered by a True Master through his third eye, look or touch. There are many occasions, in some paths, where Shaktipat, energy transfers, or initiations are done in waist-deep water, near fire, or even naked in burial grounds. In some method, depending on the level of blockage of a disciple, Masters deliver shaktipat straight at the Mooladhara chakra, or the space between the scrotum and anus, to jump start the dormant energy. These can be done only by True Masters who know exactly what they are doing. Otherwise, the blockage will get transfered to the one who performs it, which could be quite traumatic and binding.There are many methods. This is only for the academic interest that I have mentioned here. Mis-using of such powers will take it away from the user. It needs extreme internal purity, to deliver with perfection. In Datta tradition, the compassionate Masters remove many karmic blockages of all those who approach them through even a glance, applying vibhooti on their third eye, or by aashirvaad or through touch. It does change the consciousness of the receiver. It removes blockages existing in their system since life times.
Mohanji while giving Shaktipat. … the brightness and shine at the Third Eye is unmistakable.
Q: People hesitate to feed the poor and hungry, but they shower their riches at the feet of Gurus and in some temples. I cannot understand this. Why is God so cruel?
Ans: You are talking about people and why do you drag God into this arguement? Leave God alone. He is truth. He is compassion. He is benevolence. But, He allows you to choose your character, habits and constitution, and allows you to be natural. Has He ever interfered with your ugliest of thoughts? So, God is objective and impartial.
Now, people give money only for purposes that will benefit them in some way. Every investment has an expectation behind it. They want salvation, redemption from their sins, marriage of their daughter, removal of a damaging partner, so on and so forth. They approach Gurus and temples for this purpose. They give money there. True Gurus and Gods need no money. This is ideally recycled back into the society for the benefit of the poor and the hungry. This is the grand collaboration. Gurus and Gods collect the money offered at their feet and they deliver it back to the ailing mass, and use it for the betterment of the poor, needy and hungry, for the birds and animals etc. If this works this way, it is beautiful. Sometimes, greed interferes and the Gurus use it for expressing personal pomposity. They fall. When selfishness takes root, people fall, irrespective of their social standing. We have seen it happening all around us, many times over. Hope you understood this concept clearly.
Thus Spake Mohanji 