Our lives are so short, our bodies so ephemeral, and this world so full of hazard and suffering that it is absolutely necessary to find God. The only way is to realize God, to have the vision of the Self.
Swami Muktananda (1908-1982
GOD IS ALL PERVASIVE, PERFECT, and eternal. He is in all things, both within and without. He is immanent in all beings and lives in the temple of the heart in the form of the inner Self. Yet there are few who know Him. Many deluded people do not believe He exists — in the heart or anywhere else on this earth — for nowadays faith in God is regarded as false.
[…] Our lives are so short, our bodies so ephemeral, and this world so full of hazard and suffering that it is absolutely necessary to find God. But the way to Him is very hard. Just as man has a bloodline, so the divine principle has a lineage. This world descends from God, who is without beginning. One seed produces another identical seed. The ones yet to come will have the same nature as the first.
In this way, Brahman is gradually born from Brahman. The Self is an integral portion of Parabrahman, God. From the perfect comes the perfect, arising in the form of perfection, remaining perfect in its perfect nature.
When this is the true law, why do we human beings experience imperfection, why do we feel broken and scattered, why do we keep crying out and weeping?
The reason is our forgetfulness of our own real nature. Although illusory, this Self-forgetfulness is very powerful. It has been called ignorance, nescience, maya, or impurity; it is this ignorance that reduces the Supreme Lord to a human being, the Universal Soul to an individual soul, the free to the bound. Creating the notion of “I and mine”, it takes you into the painful world of dualities and gives rise to many sufferings. The only way to escape it is to realize God, to have the vision of the Self.
Enough is known about the thread that connects the physical body with the subtle one. So, also, the silver thread(1) with the Spiritual Hierarchy must be felt. One should not imagine it as something abstract, it exists just like a waterspout in which heaven and earth merge. The very formation of the silver thread is similar to a waterspout because of its spiral form. When the energy of the heart swells with love and devotion the radiant spiral will leap out into space and, naturally, by the law of attraction will meet the Teacher’s ray.
One must accustom oneself to see and sense this light-carrying link as a red-hot spiral amidst the whirl of space. Many have never seen waterspouts; hence what has been said will seem to them like an empty sound. But let them begin to ponder, starting with the coarsest apparent manifestations and then imagining Infinity, where everything is possible, where no rational trend of thought exhausts all Be-ness. (Heart)
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1The cord or thread which links the disciple to the Spiritual Hierarchy is symbolised differently depending on the spiritual tradition the disciple belongs to – in the West and the East. When it exists physically it is worn on specific occasions, or permanently and takes different forms in different traditions.
If man combined his worldly life with meditation and did his sadhana of meditation at the same time as his daily commitments, then the world, which had been filled with three-fold agony — the physical and mental suffering caused by oneself, by others, or by fate and the forces of nature — would become heavenly.
If man combined his worldly life with meditation and did his sadhana of meditation at the same time as his daily commitments, then the world, which had been filled with three-fold agony — the physical and mental suffering caused by oneself, by others, or by fate and the forces of nature — would become heavenly.
It is simply because man is indifferent to God that the world is full of pain and suffering for him. If you made a sweet pudding, full of delicious ingredients — pistachios, almonds, cardamom — but left out the sugar, how could it have any taste? In the same way, the world can be enjoyable only if you meditate on God.
Through meditation, man can make the world his greatest friend; without meditation on God, the world is full of pain. The truth is that life in this world can be a magnificent way to happiness, but only if God is in it completely. Without remembrance of God, without knowledge of Him, without meditation on Him, worldly life is crippled; it has no savor, no delight.
Don’t abandon the world and your near and dear ones. Don’t waste your strength running in every direction in search of God. Don’t lose yourself while you look for peace and rest. Beloved people, stay at home with your husbands, your wives, your children. Be friendly with your crafts, skills and talents. Stay with your businesses and factories.
Call on Him with love, meditate on Him with love and He will reveal Himself within you. You will see the divine light filled with His love.
Through intense deep meditation you reach a state that is beyond thought, beyond change, beyond imagination, beyond differences and duality. Once you can stay in that state for a while and come out of it without losing any of it, then the inner divine love will begin to pour through you. You will not see people as different, separate individuals. You will see your own Self in everyone around you. Then the flow of love from within you will be constant and unbroken.
(Extract from Play of Consciousness, Swami Muktananda)
In an era when polarities are constantly being encouraged, I see a conceptual confusion where people who are aware of the severity of everything that is happening in the world and of all the problems and crises that need solving are placed on one side, and on the other side, people who seek self-development, spirituality and the cultivation of peace. (Shri Prem Baba)
Published: May 3, 2022
PLENITUDE IS LIKE AN OXYGEN MASK IN TURBULENT TIMES
In an era when polarities are constantly being encouraged, I see a conceptual confusion where people who are aware of the severity of everything that is happening in the world and of all the problems and crises that need solving are placed on one side, and on the other side, people who seek self-development, spirituality and the cultivation of peace. I see this antagonism as a distortion, after all, it is only possible to contribute in a true way to helping a world in need if you are first of all at peace with yourself, or at least seeking a path that leads you to this state which is synonymous with plenitude. In the same way, it is not possible to be in plenitude by alienating yourself from the reality of the material world.
I call “plenitude” the inner state of balance, peace and contentment that is independent of what is happening in the outer world. I realize that it is no wonder that the transmission of the content of my book “Plenitude–Life beyond fear” came about in the year 2020, the year of the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic, which marked the beginning of a tougher phase in the planetary transition cycle we are going through. I feel that the understanding of what it really means to be in plenitude and the commitment to develop this state of mind is what will enable humanity to go through this phase with less unnecessary suffering.
I say this, as I have already said in other speeches of mine this year, not only based on the spiritual vision, which confirms this perspective, but also observing from the material point of view and all the evidence that is already more than visible. Those who have been following me for longer know that I have been preparing my students for this moment for many years, so that everyone can go through this cycle in the best possible way. So I feel that it is my duty to help you become clear on what is happening and to offer tools so that you can be a link in this chain of commitment to the Light.
You cannot ignore the great evils that plague the world at this time. We are living the remnants of a pandemic that has not yet ended, which brought psycho-emotional, social and economical impacts. We are influenced by the frequency of war in Ukraine, with the potential to escalate into a world war. We reap the fruits of a climate crisis caused by our accumulated unconsciousness that exploits natural resources and does not respect other beings, be they animals, plants, rivers, among others. We feel the effects of strong political crises in several countries (and in Brazil, this year we will have the presidential election which, according to experts, tends to be the most tense in our history). This is just to mention some of the challenges we are already facing and which have an immense potential to become even more acute in the coming years.
I say this not to put fear, tension or blame on you. I speak so that you understand the need to make this commitment to the search for peace, which begins first within us and then reflects externally. The true search for plenitude is born from a conscious ego that, observing this external reality, realizes that the only way to get through this period and, who knows, be able to contribute positively to the world, is by dedicating itself to develop the state of plenitude that does not let itself be shaken, no matter what challenge is happening. In turbulent times like ours, when the oxygen masks drop down, you need to put it on yourself first.
A majestic mango tree with abundant fruit – Nature’s gift
In substance, the heart is an organ of higher action and offering; hence each offering is of the nature of the heart. Such an affirmation is justly practical, because without giving the heart does not endure.
Of course, it is necessary to understand giving in full justice. Giving should not be understood as only monetary or in needless objects. True giving is of the spirit. Let each heart pour out streams of spiritual gifts. Not without cause is it said that each throb of the heart is a smile, a tear, and gold. All of life flows through the heart.
Nothing can refine the heart so greatly as an infinite spiritual giving. Usually the spiritual offering is not valued, since everything invisible is not appreciated. But the source of riches—spiritual as well as material—is in the heart. If only it could be brought into each case where the throbs of the heart are precious. (Leaves)
Whilst thou wert at the market A merchant knocked upon our door. He wished to exchange his necklace for thine. For thy red stones, he showed us stones of blue fire.
Mother, we knew not which stones were brighter. The merchant was tall, and raven was his beard.
Why art thou so pensive, Mother? The merchant meant to deceive us. Red as blood are thy stones and brilliant as fire thy necklace.
Why art thou so pensive, Mother? We will not let him enter again.
But why do thy tears fall? One of them glistens with a blue flame. Was he not a sorcerer?
Nor do the hands of children discern the best stones. Often the red ones are their choice.
(Leaves)
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Since the beginning of the 20th century, humanity has entered an era which is pregnant with both marvellous promises and great perils. Outwardly, this has been manifested by great scientific and technological progress, which has made life easier for people in many domains. At the same time, as human consciousness has never truly progressed enough in the field of divine wisdom, humanity has known terrible wars which offset the advantages of technological and scientific progress. This is how things go in this world of duality where good and evil always go together as long as the divine soul does not rule the lives of individuals. If one adds to this the fact that the way of life of practically all human beings has been so upset for the last century, that more and more complex social, cultural and psychological problems have appeared, one will then understand how much the society is at a crossroads today.
One generally thinks that all these outer upheavals are especially caused by modifications in society and scientific progress. But they are only the effects. The main cause is to be found in the cosmic energies which are coming down on the Earth and which push things in the direction of change.
Now, it is thought that among the unfolding cycles of evolution which rule our globe, one is now ending: Kali Yuga with very little spirituality and virtue). With the ending of the energies of Kali Yuga, the gradual arc of descent from the Light and Wisdom of Satya Yuga, through Treta and Dvapara Yuga to the darkness and ignorance of Kali Yuga also ends, after which there is a period of transition followed by a gradual arc of ascent, back up through the same Yugas – Dvapara and Treta to Satya Yuga once more, but man will have gained more wisdom and spiritual maturity. We are now in the period of transition.
The four Yugas, Satya, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali are each characterized by a distinct set of virtues, values, and spiritual qualities.
Satya Yuga (The Golden Age): This is the age of truth, virtue, and spiritual purity. Human beings are said to be at their highest level of spiritual evolution, living long and healthy lives, guided by dharma [rightousness] and wisdom.
Treta Yuga (The Silver Age): In this age, virtue and spiritual understanding decline slightly. Human lifespan shortens, and the first signs of conflict and strife emerge.
Dvapara Yuga (The Bronze Age): Virtue and spiritual knowledge continue to decline, and human lifespan shortens further. Disease and conflict become more prevalent.
Kali Yuga (The Iron Age): This is the age we are currently living in. It’s characterized by a significant decline in virtue, morality, and spiritual awareness. Humanity is plagued by greed, selfishness, violence, and disease.
Parivartan – The Shift in Consciousness
At present, we are in period of transition leading into big changes. The Parivartan (“change”), or Shift englobes these greater expansions of consciousness which will be manifested in the cycle of Aquarius, often called the “golden age” (not to be confused with the great Satya or Krita Yuga which is the one usually known as the Golden Age). It is an Age of more spirituality where man is more connected with his Higher consciousness and there is great development in his intellectual faculties. So this new cycle on the rise with its changes is progressively bringing about great modifications in people’s consciousness and also the reorganisation of the whole of human society. This spiritual initiation will bring more peace to the world by our living more through our hearts.
The old must therefore give way to the new, and in this period of transition, whatever or whoever creates an obstacle for the new energies will be swept away. So before the full light of this little Golden Age shines down upon us, the old structures and attitudes will disappear. Changes always come about progressively in God’s creation, and since the middle of the 1900s when the new energies started coming down, man has had ample time to adapt to them, but many have not done so. It is therefore possible that we see spirituality on the rise, while at the same time man-made and natural disasters also increase because of the resistance offered to these powerful energies.
Some Qualities of Aquarius
In ancient Indian Vedic astrology the significance and meaning of Aquarius are almost exactly the same as in Western astrology. Called by its Sanskrit name “Kumbha” – which means “water pot” – it is strongly associated with altruism, humanitarianism, idealism, creativity, imagination, philanthropy, social reform, service, mysticism, spirituality, philosophy, elevated thinking, unity, universalism or universality, harmony, synthesis, non-dogmatism and unsectarianism, and the breaking down and dissipation of dogmatic and traditional forms and structures.
The Emergence of Powerful Cosmic Energies and Its Consequences
From the beginning of time, cosmic energies have been coming down on the Earth to govern life on the planet. These energies vary according to the cycle the planet goes through and the goals humanity has to reach, in the spiritual, cultural and scientific domains.
It is important to note here that the aim of these cosmic energies is not to destroy, but to build a new humanity and a new civilization. However men are not spiritually ready, and that is why they will be in opposition to the direction these energies push us to follow, which will result in destructions. The only solution left now is that each one must bring about a reorientation in his life, for it is the only criterion that must be met to enter the new era, and at the same time avoid being swept away by the calamities to come. This criterion is purely spiritual, and is devoid of any fanaticism or sectarian spirit.
What is expected of each person at present is to allow his heart or inner God to express itself. This inner God is the counterpart of the universal God, whatever the name one gives Him. All truly spiritual people recognize and love one another instantly, beyond their respective religious practices, because their hearts sing the divine melody in unison. This melody is a rallying cry for all; it is the expression of the universal essence from which all comes. All religions are based on the note of the heart simply because God in this mahamanvantara or Life of Brahma, expresses Himself as Love. One deviates only if one goes away from this basic keynote.
The Necessity for Spiritual Reorientation
First of all, there is a natural reason for the human race to take the next step towards spiritual heights. Indeed, just as a child becomes a teenager, then an adult, in the same way during the long process of evolution, humanity’s consciousness reaches higher and higher stages, as the centuries and millenniums unfold. And according to those who know, the time has now come for humanity to make a big leap in this endless ascent towards the Divinity. That is why the Great Spiritual Transformation or Shift in Consciousness has started, with effective energies pushing man upwards, and the Sacha lineage is working for this magnificent goal.
Consequently, in order to make it possible to live in harmony with the new vibratory influences on the Earth, it is necessary for each one to become more spiritual. All those who do not join in and move along in this direction, will unfortunately be swept away by the powerful energies, as has always been the case during the different cycles. There is never any exception.
That is why God has sent great Avatars to help humanity at this critical time. Among them, the Sacha lineage, from the beginning of the 20th century, has been helping humanity to adapt to the more and more powerful energies. They have working on the higher planes to raise the level of spiritual consciousness, while slowing down the arrival of these energies so as to give everyone more time to become more spiritual and thus harmonize with them.
But it is impossible to slow down these energies indefinately, as Maharajji Sacha Baba and other members of the Sacha lineage (Sacha Baba Girnari and Sacha Baba Kulandaji) had been doing since the beginning of the 20th century, and as humanity did not make enough spiritual progress, the latest great Avatar in the lineage, Shri Hans Raj Maharajji let his disciples know in 2005 at the Guru Purnima festival that the effect of these energies was already being felt by those who were not ready: disasters were happening all over the world; they should therefore regularly do their spiritual practice, at least one hour a day.
Propitious Times
But for those who want to develop spiritually, this period of transition is propitious because these strong energies are meant to do just that. What is more, from time to time, there is a particularly favourable alignment of planets which greatly help the realization of spiritual objectives for everyone on Earth. For example, On 20th March 2020 in India, at 2 o’clock the moon was in the 7th house and Jupiter was aligned with Mars. This is indeed pushing us into the Age of Aquarius. This is very favourable for spiritual development and some who know about it have been taking advantage of it. Others have been praying for the advancement of humanity, for we must ALL advance, humanity is ONE body on the spiritual plane. We all share the same Universal Soul (which is different from our individual soul). We are ALL in a period of spiritual advancement through initiation, everyone in the world.
Another opportunity to raise our vibrations even higher and attune our being to the new energies started off with the great conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter in Aquarius on December 20–21, 2020 – an even bigger push into the Age of Aquarius.
This is known in many parts of the world, and spiritual elders of various peoples pray for the world and carry out ceremonies for its uplift. In Australia, on December 21st 2020, the elders in charge of the holy Uluru site carried out a ceremony to release a great quantity of Light around the world, and beyond. This will help to send us further into the new era and will make the choice each person has to make between either living through one’s heart or living a purely materialistic life even clearer. It will boost our spiritual progress if we make the right choice.
The Age of Aquarius which we are now entering will surely bring better understanding among men, but we will still be very far from the ideal situation, for it is only a short period of time in this transition between the two big cycles.
According to Shri Hans Raj Maharajji Sacha Baba, we must first bring about a change in ourselves if we want to help humanity, otherwise we will be of no help to the world. Whenever we progress spiritually, at the same time we also contribute to humanity’s progress.
Two of Maharaji’s pandits (wise man), Tripathiji and Ashokji, came to visit Europe. They visited Sacha places or places where Sacha sangha’s are coming together. All these sangha’s are directly related to our beloved ShantiMayi. Of course on their trail they also visited Naropa‘s Sangha in The Netherlands. (Video description)
The Sacha Trail of Blessings, Tripathiji, Ashokji, Naropa & Sangha, Oxerhof Netherlands, August 23 – 25 2019. Video by Lennaert Koorman
Christmas was celebrated very simply at Sacha Dham ashram.
On Christmas Eve presents were given out to the children. Master Prem Baba, one of Maharajji’s realized disciples from Brazil, held a singing and satsang session which was greatly enjoyed.
On Christmas morning, presents were given to the adult ashramites. Disciples, mostly with Prem Baba, went to offer a flower and pranan (salutations) to Sacha Baba Kulanandji, Maharajji Sacha Baba and Anitaji. This was followed at lunchtime by a big Bhandara (feast meal prepared with blessings and prayers). Along with the ashramites, children form the ashram’s Sanskrit school and primary school were present.
On New Year’s Eve, Prem Baba held a satsang session along with the chanting of mantras (including the very important mantra “Prabhu Aapa Jago”) to bring in the new year. The satsang hall was packed.
A very great fire ceremony organized by the Sacha lineage is being held during the Magh Kumbha Mela, in Allahabad at the confluence of the three rivers — the Ganges, the Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati at Sangam Prayag. Millions of people from India and abroad are expected to attend the Kumbha Mela.
This fire ceremony is necessary to help the spiritual changes which are actually going on all over the world. Indeed, we are in a period where new energies push for a rise in spiritual consciousness, and it is necessary to help people get used to these energies and adapt to them. Humanity will progressively learn to live through the heart instead of only the mind.
This ancient tradition of holding important fire ceremonies for the welfare of humanity was revived by Sacha Baba Kulanandji many years ago and was continued by Maharajji Sacha Baba. Now, their disciples maintain the tradition.
Sacha disciples can also support the transformation programme by chanting the Prabhu Aapa Jago mantra daily, wherever they may be in the world. This mantra was divinely revealed to Sacha Baba Kulanandji for this purpose.
On Sunday 23rd October 2011 in the morning, the great saint and Mahatma, our beloved Master Shri Hans Raj Maharajji Sacha Baba left his body at the age of 89. A few days earlier, he had been suffering from a slight infection and had been admitted to hospital in Dehradun.
His leaving this plane has brought great emotion and sadness to the whole community of disciples and to all those who knew him, for everyone knows how much he was love and compassion, and that he only lived for the Common Good. Maharajji was simplicity, love and grace united in one being.
On that same morning of 23rd October, his body was brought back to his ashram, Sacha Dham, and exposed in the great hall, decorated with flowers. Everyone was thus able to come and pranam, renew their love and devotion to the divine Guru who has served us all well. At the same time, the choir of disciples continually sang the powerful mantra Prabhu Aapa Jago. The last funeral and religious rites took place the following day, on Monday.
A special ceremony is to take place on 7th November during which disciples and friends from all over India and abroad will pay a vibrant homage to the holy Master.
After his enlightenment, which happened in exceptional conditions in October 1955, this great saint, great Avatar has thus spent fifty-six years serving God, his Master Sacha Baba Kulanandji and humanity. Maharajji Sacha Baba only lived for one goal — that humanity should turn to God through the path that each person would choose. He has always said that all religions lead to the same goal which is this same God, whatever the name each religion gives Him. So Maharajji Sacha Baba has never practised proselytism for any particular religion, for he often used to say, “Everyone has a heart, which is the seat of love; love is universal. And love is God, Who is universal.” For him, if a man listens to his heart, he will find God. But if he only listens to his mind, then he will take the wrong path.
So the divine torchbearer of the Sacha lineage has left for the higher plains, but we are certainly sure that from these high plains, he will continue to work for the transformaton of humanity and his disciples. Each of us will be able to continue benefiting from his holy guidance and assistance as long as our hearts are in harmony with him. May our faith and devotion in him shine like the indelible link which joins us to his divine grace forever!
The Call of the Heart 