A Study

I at the Lotus Feet of Gurudeva

(when I was 5 years old)

 

Essentials for Successful Sadhana

1. The Rarity of Human Birth: Attaining a human birth is exceedingly rare and precious.
2. Spiritual Inclination: After being born, developing an inclination toward spirituality is imperative.
3. Encountering a Master: One must encounter a Master (Sadguru) who is willing to accept them as a disciple. In turn, the disciple must surrender wholeheartedly to learn from the Guru.
4. Courage and Effort (Purushartha): Mere acceptance by a Sadguru is not enough. A seeker must summon the courage and willpower (Purushartha) to walk the path shown by the Guru.
5. Practice and Discrimination (Abhyas Yog): Upon surrendering to the Sadguru, the seeker must engage in consistent practice (Abhyas Yog) and cultivate discrimination to distinguish between the Real and the illusory, the Permanent and the transient.
6. Experience Oneness: By the Sadguru’s grace (Guru Krupa Yog), the seeker must experience the One in All and embark on the path to Liberation through deep contemplation and realization.

Reflections for Devotees of Bhagavan Nityananda

We, Bhagavan Nityananda’s devotees, are immensely blessed to have reached Stage 4—being accepted by the Sadguru and finding the courage to walk His path.

Purushartha arises from unshakable trust (Shraddha) in the Sadguru. Just as a child, with complete faith, leaps from a height into the secure arms of their father, a seeker must plunge into the path shown by the Sadguru with total trust.

Now, it is essential for us to fully dedicate ourselves to Abhyas Yog, as described by Bhagavan Nityananda in the Chidakasha Geeta. Through disciplined practice, discrimination, and the grace of the Sadguru, the ultimate goal of Liberation can be realized.

Conclusion

To progress on the spiritual path, we must cultivate the following essentials:

1. Purushartha: The courage, effort, and determination to walk the path shown by the Sadguru.
2. Strong Desire for Spirituality: An intense yearning for liberation, freedom from the cycle of birth and death, and realization of Satchitananda(existence, consciousness, bliss).
3. Total Trust and Unconditional Surrender: Absolute faith in the Sadguru and complete surrender to His guidance.

With these, the journey toward self-realization becomes both possible and purposeful.

Reflection

We, as devotees, are truly blessed to have a Mahavatar like Bhagavan Nityananda as our Sadguru. It is our sacred duty to make every effort to walk the path He has shown and attain liberation here and now.

Failing to seize this divine opportunity, which our Purvasanchit (past merits) has brought us to, would be an act of great folly. Being in the fold of Bhagavan Nityananda is a rare and immeasurable blessing.

If we neglect this chance in this lifetime, who knows how many more lifetimes we may need to reincarnate, accumulating further karma, and drifting farther from Him. Let us, therefore, with unwavering faith and determination, walk steadfastly on His path and realize the freedom He bestows.

Although good deeds, rituals, pilgrimages, chanting, and sacrifices can aid and support spiritual pursuits, they are not sufficient on their own to lead a seeker to the ultimate goal of liberation.

It is only through Abhyas Yog (consistent practice), deep contemplation (meditation), and walking the path shown by the Sadguru with integrity, unwavering commitment, and full faith that a seeker can achieve the final goal of liberation.

These are the true pillars of spiritual progress, transforming efforts into realization.

The seeker, ever immersed in contemplating the words of the Sadguru and striving to understand their true meaning, must cultivate the ability to discern between the Permanent and the Transient. Through this discrimination, the seeker can recognize and experience the One essence that pervades all existence.

With this realization, the seeker should channel all desires toward the welfare of others, understanding that such selfless actions purify the mind. However, it is only through the direct experience of the all-pervading Oneness that permanent liberation can be attained.

By ceaseless contemplation and freeing oneself from the delusion of “I” and “Mine,” the seeker transcends fear and sorrow, realizing the ultimate truth and attaining lasting freedom.

While offering Seva to the Sadguru, engaging in honorary work in His Ashram, organizing religious programs, and participating in community services are undoubtedly beneficial and noble, they are not enough on their own.

What is even more important and necessary is to deeply study, contemplate, and internalize the teachings of the Sadguru. As the all-knowing and ever-merciful guide, the Sadguru’s wisdom is the true compass for liberation. Only by understanding and embodying His teachings can a seeker progress toward the ultimate goal of self-realization and freedom.

Through regular practice, the study of scriptures, participation in satsang, and meditating on the teachings of the Sadguru, we must strive to understand the nature of Supreme Consciousness. This path helps us cultivate essential qualities, such as:

 

1. Discrimination (Viveka): The ability to discern the Real from the unreal

Discrimination means developing the wisdom to distinguish between what is eternal and unchanging (the Real) and what is temporary and ever-changing (the unreal). The Real refers to the Divine essence, the Self, or Truth, which is permanent and infinite. The unreal includes material possessions, temporary relationships, and worldly pleasures, which are fleeting and cannot bring lasting peace. Through regular practice and faith in Sadguru, we must reach to experience that Brahman alone is real and that it is One essence that pervades All.
Example: A devotee practices Viveka by choosing spiritual growth and inner peace over material pursuits and worldly distractions.

2. Detachment (Vairagya): Letting go of attachments to transient things

Detachment is not about abandoning responsibilities or relationships but about not being overly dependent on or attached to them. It means living in the world without being bound by it. By letting go of the craving for material possessions and emotional entanglements, a devotee remains focused on the Divine. Vairagya is the result of Viveka, and they are complimentary because the stronger the Vairagya, the greater the effectiveness of Viveka. Another aspect of Vairagya is detachment from all the fruits of our actions.

Example: Like a lotus flower that blooms in muddy water without being stained, a devotee performs their duties without being attached to the outcomes.

3. Patience (Saburi): Enduring with calmness and perseverance

Saburi is the calm endurance of life’s challenges with faith that everything happens for a reason and in Divine timing. A devotee trusts the process and doesn’t lose hope, even during difficult times.
Example: When prayers are not immediately answered or progress seems slow, a devotee with Saburi waits patiently, trusting that the Guru’s grace will guide them at the right time.

4. Trust (Shraddha): Absolute faith in the Sadguru and the spiritual process

Shraddha is unwavering faith in the Sadguru, the teachings, and the path of spiritual practice. This trust gives a devotee the strength to follow guidance even when the results are not immediately visible or understandable.
Example: A devotee surrenders completely to the Guru’s instructions, believing that the Guru knows what is best for their spiritual evolution, even if it defies logic.

5. Devotion (Bhakti): Surrendering to the Divine with love

Bhakti is the heart’s longing for the Divine, expressed through love, prayers, and surrender. It is not just about rituals or offerings but about cultivating a personal connection with the Divine. True Bhakti transforms the devotee’s life into an act of worship.
Example: Singing bhajans, meditating on the Guru’s form, or simply remembering the Divine in daily activities are expressions of Bhakti.

6. Compassion (Karuna): Cultivating empathy and kindness for all beings

Compassion arises from recognizing the Divine presence in every being. When a devotee understands that all life is interconnected, they naturally feel love and kindness toward others, even those who may cause harm.
Example: A devotee shows Karuna by helping someone in need, forgiving mistakes, and praying for the well-being of all, including enemies.

7. Sacrifice (Tyag): Letting go of selfish desires for a higher purpose

Tyag is the act of renouncing personal gains or comforts for the greater good. This could mean giving up harmful habits, selfish motives, or even one’s ego. True sacrifice is motivated by love and devotion, not by compulsion or fear.
Example: A devotee sacrifices their time to serve others selflessly, such as volunteering at a temple or helping those in distress without expecting anything in return.

By practising these qualities, a devotee gradually purifies their heart and minds, aligning their life with the Divine will and experiencing true peace and joy.

These virtues not only support and enhance our spiritual journey but also intensify our longing for Liberation, guiding us steadily toward the ultimate goal.

We are like babies in His fold. Just see the joy, it is One Joy in all of them, Bhagavan, Swamiji, the baby and the two small girls. The joy pervaded if we have the innocence of a child. Bhagavan Nityananda enjoyed being with young children.

When Bhagavan was asked what is a necessary quality that a young Sadhak should have, He said