Grace Beyond Remedies

 

Grace Beyond Remedies

The Healing Methods of Bhagavan Nityananda

The first living experience of divine, holistic healing in our family traces back to my great-grandfather, Shri Anant Shenoy. At the time, he was residing in the small village of Padubidri in Karnataka, along with his wife, son Cherdappa, daughter-in-law Bhavanai, and grandchildren—including my uncle Sitaram and my father, Raghunath.

This was the early 1920s. Medical facilities were scarce, especially in rural India. My great-grandfather was afflicted with a severe and persistent stomach ailment. Despite all available local remedies and traditional treatments being tried, there was no relief. His condition deteriorated steadily—he was unable to eat and was growing weaker by the day.

Around this time, the young Bhagavan Nityananda had already begun to be known across the coastal belt of Karnataka and Kerala for His extraordinary, compassionate interventions. Barely in His teens—slender, radiant, and ever-moving—Bhagavan never stayed in one place for long. He wandered freely, holding Bhandaras for the poor wherever He went. In those days of the British Raj, poverty was widespread, and even a single meal was uncertain for many.

People flocked to Him—not merely for food, but for relief from suffering. Bhagavan was often seen standing atop trees, while villagers gathered below, calling out with devotion, “Deva! Deva!” They would pour out their troubles before Him. In response, Bhagavan would simply pluck leaves from the tree He stood upon, or grass from beneath His feet, and hand them down.

These were to be boiled into a decoction and administered as medicine. Remarkably, people experienced immediate relief. When our family approached Bhagavan in Padubidri and narrated my great-grandfather’s condition, Bhagavan plucked a handful of grass and gave it to them. A decoction was prepared and administered. The effect was profound—my great-grandfather found relief almost immediately and soon recovered completely.

It is important to understand that the leaves or grass, in themselves, have no known medicinal value. The healing did not lie in the material—it lay in the Chit Shakti, the divine conscious force that Bhagavan embodied and transmitted. The medium was incidental; the grace was essential.

Many such instances are known across the coastal regions, where countless poor villagers were healed through such seemingly simple yet spiritually charged means.

Healing Beyond Medical Logic

Bhagavan’s methods often defied conventional medical understanding. What He prescribed did not always align with known treatments. Yet, the results were undeniable.

When my uncle Sitaram Shenoy’s daughter, Geeta, was afflicted with severe jaundice, she was brought before Bhagavan. Instead of prescribing a liver-supportive remedy, Bhagavan instructed that she be given an anthelmintic—a medicine typically used for intestinal worms.

Those who heard of this were alarmed. They cautioned that administering such a medicine to a child with jaundice could be dangerous—even fatal. Yet, anchored in unwavering faith in his Sadguru, Sitaram followed Bhagavan’s instruction. The child recovered.

What medical reasoning could not justify, Guru Kripa fulfilled effortlessly.

Nature as Instrument of Grace

On another occasion, the same child, Geeta, developed a painful, pus-filled boil on her leg. With no doctors available in Vajreshwari at the time, her parents once again turned to Bhagavan. This time, His instruction was even more unusual.

He directed that the child be taken to the banks of the Tansa River, where a particular shrub grew. She was to circumambulate the plant and pray to it, requesting its leaves for healing. The leaves were then to be gently warmed and applied over the boil.

This was done with sincerity. By the next day, the boil had drained—pus and impure blood flowed out, bringing immediate relief. The wound healed completely soon thereafter.

Here again, it was not merely the plant, but the invocation of consciousness within nature—guided by the Guru—that brought about healing.

Transforming the Unacceptable into Medicine

Bhagavan’s methods often required one to transcend personal likes, dislikes, and mental conditioning.

My father, Raghunath, would frequently experience dizziness and fainting spells. Bhagavan instructed him to apply generously on his head aged cow’s ghee—ghee that had turned stale and rancid over time. The smell was unbearable. Yet, with complete faith, my father followed the instruction. I have personally witnessed him applying this pungent substance without hesitation. Gradually, his condition improved—and in time, he was cured.

What repels the senses may still serve as a vehicle of grace when sanctified by the Guru’s word.

Simple Remedies, Subtle Power

For wounds, burns, and skin infections, Bhagavan often recommended an ointment known in those days as Santalax—a sandalwood-based preparation. Cooling, fragrant, and soothing, it was widely used and provided effective relief.

Yet even here, one cannot overlook that it was not merely the ointment, but the sankalpa—the subtle will—of Bhagavan that made the remedy truly effective.

Smt. Sanjeevi Prabhu, who suffered from a chronic stomach ache for fourteen years. Despite consulting numerous doctors, the cause of her pain remained undiagnosed and untreated. One of her relatives, who had encountered Bhagavan during His travels in Karnataka, informed her of an Avadhoota—an ascetic clad in a simple loincloth—who had recently arrived in Kurla and was known for performing miracles. In desperation, Sanjeevi made her way to Kurla and bowed at Bhagavan’s feet. No words passed between them; only a deep and silent gaze was exchanged. Then, Bhagavan handed her a small yellow banana, which she consumed immediately. That single act ended her suffering—her stomach pain vanished on the spot, never to return for the rest of her life. For her, this was not just relief; it was a life reborn in faith.

Years later, in the 1940s, Sanjeevi once again had a direct experience of Bhagavan’s healing power, this time in Ganeshpuri, where she had gone with her family to stay at His Ashram. On that day, in the fields that now house Bhagavan’s Samadhi, a group of children were playing when one of them suddenly shrieked in pain—a black cobra had bitten him. As panic set in, Bhagavan calmly walked over to a nearby bush, plucked some leaves, crushed them with His hands, and applied the juice to the bite. Within moments, the child sat up, completely healed, and resumed playing as if nothing had happened. This incident was witnessed by Sanjeevi’s son Ramnath and their loyal family retainer, Madhavmam. Driven by curiosity, Madhavmam later tried to identify the plant Bhagavan had used, but Bhagavan appeared behind him and sternly flailed His arms, shooing him away in silence. This gesture was not anger—it was a silent teaching that healing was not about the herb, but about the grace. It was a subtle reminder that one should not try to dissect or appropriate the divine act of healing beyond one’s spiritual capacity.

Lalita Mauli, another devotee, struggled with debilitating joint pain. Bhagavan simply instructed her to dip into the hot spring (kunda) at Ganeshpuri three times. She did as told, and her pain dissipated soon after.

Bhagavan’s healing approach was not rigid or dogmatic. He combined traditional wisdom with an open-minded acceptance of modern medicine. In fact, there were times when He explicitly recommended surgery. For one woman suffering from severe uterine issues, He advised a hysterectomy, which successfully relieved her condition. Similarly, He asked another devotee with chronic abdominal pain to undergo surgical treatment.

When Shri Ramchandra Shenoy, the infant grandson of Shri Sitaram Shenoy, was suffering from severe GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) and was unable to digest food or feed properly, he was brought to Bhagavan. Without saying anything, Bhagavan simply placed His thumb into the baby’s mouth. The infant sucked it, and miraculously milk overflowed from his lips. From that moment on, the child began to feed normally and gradually regained his health.

Late Shri Ramchandra Shenoy

Interestingly, despite His mystical aura and supernatural abilities, Bhagavan did not dismiss modern medicine. During His time, quinine was the standard treatment for malaria, and Bhagavan frequently directed afflicted devotees to take quinine in the correct dosage. His approach was never fanatical—it was always practical, rooted in the essence of what was truly beneficial to the person, beyond ego, ideology, or orthodoxy.

The Underlying Truth

Through these stories—just a small glimpse of countless such incidents—we see how Bhagavan Nityananda embodied the true meaning of a holistic healer. His medicine was not in herbs, roots, or pills alone. It was in His presence, will, and love—each act an expression of the healing power of the Supreme Consciousness that He was, is, and ever will be. Across all these instances, a deeper principle emerges.

Bhagavan Nityananda did not merely treat illness—He transformed the very understanding of healing.

• The object was secondary
• The process was symbolic
• The faith was essential
• The Chit Shakti was the real healer

What He gave was not medicine in the conventional sense, but Grace in a tangible form. To the ordinary eye, these methods may appear irrational, even contradictory. But to the devotee, they reveal a profound truth:

When the Guru intervenes, the laws of nature do not break—they align with a higher order.

Some solutions that Bhagavan Nityananda gave us

Epilepsy and Dizziness:

Use of aged cows’ ghee for epilepsy or dizziness has been tried on others and was found to be very effective for others, provided they could stand the smell of the rancid ghee. After the ghee has been rubbed thoroughly over the temple, some frothing does happen. That has to be discarded, and after a couple of hours, one can wash the ghee off.

Restoring Ease: A Simple Remedy for Nausea and Uneasiness

For vomiting tendencies and general uneasiness in the stomach, Bhagavan Nityananda recommended a simple, time-tested household remedy. A fresh lemon is cut into two halves. Into the exposed surface, small pieces of ginger are inserted, along with a pinch of salt. The juice from this prepared lemon is then slowly sucked. This simple preparation provides quick relief from nausea and helps settle the digestive system.

The Natural Synergy

Each element in this remedy plays a role:

• Lemon stimulates digestion and helps cleanse the system

• Ginger is well known for its ability to reduce nausea and calm the stomach

• Salt aids in restoring balance and enhances absorption

Together, they create a natural synergy that brings immediate comfort and stability to the digestive process.

Bhagavan’s Way

As with many of His instructions, this remedy reflects Bhagavan’s preference for:

• Simplicity

• Accessibility

• Alignment with nature

There is no complexity, no dependence on elaborate preparation—only a direct and effective response to discomfort.

Yet, beyond the ingredients lies the deeper aspect—the intention and faith with which it is used. Even the simplest of remedies, when guided by the Guru’s word, becomes a channel for healing.

A Living Practice

Such remedies continue to be part of traditional households, passed down through generations. They serve as a reminder that relief need not always be sought in complexity—often, it lies within the reach of what is already present around us.

In Bhagavan’s teachings, even the smallest act of care becomes meaningful when performed with awareness and trust.

Cooling Grace: Sandalwood Oil for Skin Rashes

For skin rashes and irritation, Bhagavan Nityananda recommended the simple application of sandalwood oil.

At a physical level, sandalwood is well known for its cooling, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to the affected area, it helps calm the skin, reduce redness, and bring relief from burning or itching sensations.

However, an important instruction was always emphasised—the oil must be pure and genuine sandalwood oil.

In earlier times, such purity was more easily available. The fragrance itself carried a natural subtlety, and its effect was immediate and gentle. Impure or synthetic substitutes, while similar in smell, do not carry the same healing properties.

The Subtle Dimension

Sandalwood has, since ancient times, held a sacred place in Indian tradition. It is not only used for physical healing but also in पूजा and spiritual practices for its calming influence on the mind and its ability to create a serene atmosphere.

In this context, its application goes beyond the body—it soothes the Prana and quietens internal agitation.

Bhagavan’s Insight

Through such a simple remedy, Bhagavan once again demonstrated His way:

• Use what is natural

• Ensure purity

• Apply with awareness

Even in something as ordinary as treating a rash, there is an underlying teaching—healing happens most effectively when nature, purity, and consciousness come together.

Restoring Balance Within: Simple Remedies for Digestive Ailments

Among the many practical instructions that Bhagavan Nityananda gave to devotees, His guidance on common digestive disorders stands out for its clarity and rootedness in traditional wisdom.

For conditions such as indigestion and acidity, Bhagavan recommended the use of Dashamularistha, while for ailments like diarrhoea, dysentery, and what we now understand as irritable bowel syndrome, He advised Kutajarishta.

At first glance, these may appear to be simple Ayurvedic preparations. Yet, their selection reveals a deep understanding—not only of the body but of balance itself.

Dashamularistha: Re-establishing Digestive Fire

Dashamularistha is a classical Ayurvedic formulation prepared from the roots of ten medicinal plants (Dasha-moola). Traditionally, it is known to:

• Strengthen digestion (Agni)
• Reduce internal inflammation
• Calm disturbances in Vata and Pitta

In cases of indigestion and acidity, the root cause is often not merely what is eaten, but how it is processed within. By restoring the digestive fire and harmonising internal energies, this preparation supports the body in returning to its natural equilibrium.

Kutajarishta: Cleansing and Stabilising the System

Kutajarishta, derived primarily from the bark of the Kutaja tree (Holarrhena antidysenterica), is renowned for its effectiveness in:

• Controlling diarrhoea and dysentery
• Reducing intestinal inflammation
• Strengthening the gut lining

It acts both as a cleanser and a stabiliser—removing what is harmful while restoring order within the system.

Bhagavan’s Underlying Approach

What is noteworthy is that Bhagavan did not reject traditional systems like Ayurveda. Instead, He used them with precision—choosing remedies that were:

• Time-tested
• Accessible
• Aligned with the body’s natural intelligence

Yet, as seen in many other instances, the effectiveness of these remedies was often amplified by His sankalpa—the subtle will rooted in pure consciousness.

Thus, what may appear as a simple prescription carries within it a deeper force.

Beyond the Physical

Digestive disturbances are often linked not only to food, but to mental and emotional states—stress, restlessness, imbalance in daily living. Bhagavan’s guidance, though outwardly directed at the body, subtly addressed the whole being.

In this light, these remedies were not merely treatments—they were instruments to restore harmony between:

• Body (Sharira)
• Mind (Manas)
• Inner energy (Prana)

A Teaching in Simplicity

Through such guidance, Bhagavan demonstrated that healing need not always be complex or inaccessible. Often, the answers lie in time-honored traditions, applied with awareness and supported by faith.

Where modern understanding sees medicine, the devotee sees grace working through it.

Soothing the Unseen: Protection from the Evil Eye and Negative Influences

In many households, especially where children are concerned, there are moments when a child suddenly becomes restless—crying inconsolably, unable to settle, despite no apparent physical cause. Such episodes, though seemingly ordinary, have long been understood in the traditional Indian context as the effect of drishti—commonly referred to as the “evil eye.”

Bhagavan Nityananda, in His simple yet profound way, offered remedies that were both accessible and effective, addressing not only the physical but also the subtle dimensions of such disturbances.

Relief for Children: The Use of Salt

One such practice involved the use of something as ordinary as salt.

A small quantity of salt would be taken in the palm and gently waved around the child, typically in circular motions, from head to toe. This act was done with a quiet, prayerful intent, invoking protection and relief for the child. In many cases, the restlessness would subside soon after, and the child would become calm and peaceful.

Once the process was complete, the salt was not retained. It was immediately washed away—flushed down with water.

This simple act reflects a deeper understanding: salt is traditionally regarded as an absorber of subtle negative influences, and water serves as a medium to carry them away, restoring balance.

Purifying a New Space

Bhagavan also suggested a simple yet powerful method to cleanse and purify a new space—whether a home that is newly purchased or taken on rent.

A mixture of:

• Ghee

• Dry coconut pieces

• Salt

• A few red chillies

is to be placed on burning coal and allowed to smoulder.

As the mixture burns, it produces dense, pungent smoke that spreads through the space. This process is believed to help remove negative or stagnant energies, leaving the environment lighter and more harmonious.

A Note of Caution

This practice must be carried out with care.

The smoke—especially from burning red chillies—can be quite intense, often causing coughing, irritation, and a burning sensation in the eyes and throat. It is advisable to:

• Keep children away during the process

• Ensure proper ventilation after completion

• Perform it mindfully and in moderation

Bhagavan’s Subtle Teaching

Through these simple practices, Bhagavan Nityananda revealed an important truth:

Not all disturbances are visible, yet they can be felt—and gently addressed.

Without invoking complexity or fear, He provided practical ways to restore harmony—whether in a child or in a living space.

At the heart of these methods lies not merely the materials used, but the bhāva—the intention, awareness, and quiet invocation of grace.

For when performed with faith and simplicity, even the most ordinary elements become instruments of protection and peace.

The Subtle Significance

In traditional understanding, salt is not merely a culinary substance—it is considered a powerful absorber. It is believed to draw out and neutralise negative vibrations or subtle disturbances that may affect an individual, particularly those who are more sensitive, such as young children.

The act of waving the salt around the body symbolically gathers these disturbances, while the subsequent act of dissolving it in water ensures their complete removal. Water, as a purifying element, carries away what has been absorbed, restoring balance and harmony.

Bhagavan’s Insight

What stands out in such practices is Bhagavan’s emphasis on simplicity and immediacy. No elaborate rituals, no dependence on external complexity—only a direct, intuitive response rooted in awareness of the subtle forces at play.

More importantly, the effectiveness of the act lay not just in the material used, but in the bhāva—the sincerity, faith, and quiet invocation of grace.

In such moments, the parent or elder becomes an instrument—channelling care, protection, and prayer. The child, in turn, responds not only to the physical act but also to the unseen assurance that surrounds them.

A Living Tradition

Even today, this simple method continues in many homes, passed down through generations—not merely as a superstition, but as an expression of an intuitive understanding of life beyond the purely physical.

In Bhagavan’s teachings, such practices remind us that:
healing and protection often lie not in complexity, but in awareness, intention, and the quiet flow of grace through the simplest of means.

Completion with the Departed: Bhagavan Nityananda’s Guidance on Ancestral Rites

In the journey of life, relationships do not end with physical departure. Bonds with parents, ancestors, and loved ones continue at a subtler level. Recognizing this, the Hindu tradition has, from ancient times, prescribed sacred practices to honour the departed and to help both the soul and the living find peace and completion.

One such significant period is the fifteen-day fortnight following Anant Chaturdashi, known as Mahalaya or Pitru Paksha. This time is dedicated to remembering and offering gratitude to one’s ancestors. Just as Halloween in the West symbolically acknowledges those who have passed on, this period in the Indian tradition carries a deeper spiritual intent—of connection, continuity, and resolution.

During this fortnight, Shraddha rituals are traditionally performed, often with the assistance of priests. However, Bhagavan Nityananda, in His compassionate and practical way, showed that the essence of these rites lies not in complexity, but in sincerity.

Pinda Dān: A Path to Inner Completion

When my grandmother passed away, Bhagavan personally guided my father in performing the last rites. He instructed him to prepare a dough using wheat flour, ripe banana, jaggery, and black sesame seeds. From this, small round balls (pindas) were to be made—each offered in the name of departed family members: great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters.

Over each offering, water mixed with black sesame seeds was poured, along with a heartfelt prayer seeking peace for their onward journey and invoking their blessings for the family’s well-being, health, and prosperity.

These pindas were then to be carefully consigned to clean, flowing water.

Traditionally, Pinda Dān is performed through elaborate rituals. Yet, Bhagavan distilled it into a simple, direct act—making it accessible while preserving its spiritual depth.

At a deeper level, this practice allows one to:

• Express gratitude

• Release unspoken emotions

• Resolve lingering bonds

• Become inwardly complete with the departed

When guilt, regret, or unresolved feelings are released, a profound sense of peace arises—within oneself and in relation to those who have passed on.

Mahalaya Offerings: A Universal Sharing

For those unable to perform elaborate Shraddha, Bhagavan suggested a beautifully simple method during Pitru Paksha.

He instructed that satvic food be prepared and served on patravali (leaf plates), in five separate portions, consisting of:

• Rice

• Dal

• Curry

• Fried Bhaji

• A sweet

These five offerings are then distributed as follows:

1. For the Departed Ancestors
   Offered with prayer for their peace and onward journey. Crows eat this.

2. For the Cow
   Symbolising nourishment, selflessness, and sacred sustenance.

3. For the Dog
   Representing loyalty and acknowledging all beings who share our existence.

4. For Aquatic Creatures
   Consigned to flowing water, symbolizing life in unseen realms.

5. For the Crows
   Traditionally regarded as messengers of the ancestors (Pitru).

The Deeper Insight

Through this simple yet profound method, Bhagavan expanded the meaning of Shraddha.

The offering is no longer limited to ritual—it becomes:

• A remembrance of lineage

• A gesture of gratitude

• A sharing with all forms of life

It reflects the truth that existence is interconnected, and what is offered with sincerity reaches beyond the visible.

From Ritual to Realisation

Bhagavan Nityananda’s guidance transforms these practices from ritualistic obligations into living experiences of connection and completion.

He showed that:

• One need not be bound by elaborate procedures

• One need not depend solely on external intermediaries

• One can directly participate in honouring one’s lineage

What truly matters is:

• Bhāva (inner feeling)

• Shraddha (faith)

• Simplicity and sincerity

A State of Wholeness

When these offerings are made with awareness, something subtle yet profound unfolds.

One becomes:

• Free from inner burden

• Aligned with one’s lineage

• At peace with the past

In that state, there is no longer separation—only continuity.

The departed are not “gone”; they are integrated into one’s being through remembrance, gratitude, and grace.

Bhagavan’s Silent Teaching

Through these practices, Bhagavan was not merely guiding rituals—He was guiding the devotee toward wholeness.

A wholeness where:

• The past is reconciled

• The present is peaceful

• The future is blessed

And in that wholeness, one begins to experience the deeper truth—

That life, death, and continuity are all held within the same infinite consciousness.

The act of offering Pinda to not just immediate ancestors but to the extended lineage reflects a profound understanding:
We are not isolated individuals, but the living continuation of an entire lineage of existence.

Beyond Blind Faith: The Clarity of Bhagavan’s Grace

At this stage, it becomes important to clearly state that what has been shared is not an endorsement of blind belief or unquestioning faith.

Bhagavan Nityananda never encouraged andha shraddha (blind faith). In fact, He would often discourage devotees from attributing miracles to Him. Whenever extraordinary events occurred, He would gently deflect attention away from Himself, saying:

“Whatever happened, happened because of Sthala Mahima—the power of the place.”

At other times, He would attribute outcomes to the natural alignment of forces:

“It is Kal, Vel, and Yog”—time, circumstance, and destined conjunction.

Through such statements, Bhagavan subtly shifted the focus from personality to principle—from the individual to the universal order.

Understanding the Subtle, Not Blindly Believing

Many of the practices described—whether removing the effects of the evil eye, purifying a space, or offering prayers for the departed—are not isolated or obscure beliefs. They are part of a long-standing cultural and experiential understanding, still practised across India and in many parts of the world.

At their core, these practices recognise that:

• Human interactions generate not only physical but also subtle impressions

• Thoughts, emotions, and intentions carry an energetic influence

• Certain environments may hold or reflect such accumulated impressions

Thus, what is commonly referred to as “negative energy” can be understood as disturbing or disharmonious influences, arising either from individuals or surroundings.

The remedies suggested by Bhagavan—simple, direct, and non-ritualistic—serve as means to restore balance, rather than as acts of superstition.

Completion, Not Ritual Obligation

Similarly, the practices related to ancestors—such as Pinda Dān or simple Shraddha offerings—are not merely ritualistic obligations performed out of fear or tradition.

They serve a deeper psychological and spiritual purpose.

They allow an individual to:

• Acknowledge and honour those who came before

• Address unresolved emotions or relationships

• Release guilt, regret, or a sense of incompleteness

In doing so, one becomes inwardly free, whole and at peace, both with oneself and with the departed.

When the Subtle Becomes Visible

It is also true that, at times, events occurred in Bhagavan’s presence that could be termed extraordinary or even paranormal.

There were instances where individuals appeared to be overtaken by forces beyond their control—becoming violent, disturbed, or abusive in ways not consistent with their normal behaviour.

Yet, in the silent presence of Bhagavan, such disturbances would subside. The individuals would calm down, regain balance, and return to normalcy. In many such cases, the affliction did not recur.

Bhagavan never dramatised these occurrences, nor did He claim credit for them.

His presence itself was the resolution.

Faith Rooted in Experience

What emerges from all these accounts is not blind faith, but faith born of direct experience.

• There was no demand to believe

• No insistence on ritual

• No projection of personal power

Only a quiet, natural unfolding of grace.

Bhagavan’s way was to empower, not to bind; to simplify, not to complicate; to awaken understanding, not to cultivate dependency.

The True Teaching

If there is one underlying message, it is this:

Spirituality is not about believing the unbelievable—it is about recognising the deeper dimensions of life with clarity and openness.

Bhagavan Nityananda’s life and guidance stand as a testament to this truth.

What may appear miraculous to the mind is, in reality, a manifestation of laws not yet fully understood.

And what may appear simple on the surface often carries profound depth within.

A Path of Clarity and Grace

Thus, what has been shared here is not an invitation to blind acceptance, but an offering of lived experiences—meant to be received with:

• Reflection

• Sensitivity

• Inner openness

For in Bhagavan’s presence, faith was never imposed.

It arose—naturally, silently, and enduringly.