Colleagues in Solitude PDF

Colleagues in Solitude
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(Translated from the Hindi: Sunsan Ke Sahechar)
AUTHOR
Pt. SHRIRAM SHARMA ACHARYA
Publisher: Shantikunj, Haridwar

(U.A), India, 249411
The WWW reprint is for free distribution
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CONTENTS
My unknown stay and purpose of tap sadhana……………………………...…..6
Entrance to the Himalayas………………………………………………..………..13

The fatal narrow path……………………………………………..………...13
The mountain of silver……………………………………………..…….….14
Yellow flies (wasps)………………………………………………..…….….15
Hot fountains of cold mountains…………………………………..…….…16
Fear out of confused communication……………………………..………17
The weeping mountain……………………………………………..……….19
The load carrying sheep………………………………………….………...20
Nature’s Rudrabhishekh (Natures worship of Lord Shiva)………………….….22

The Milestone…………………………………………………………….….22
Own and Alien…………………………………………………………….…24
So satisfied with so little………………………………………………....…25
The Roaring Bhairon Valley…………………………………………….….26
Straight and crooked trees……………………………………………....…27
Leafy vegetables………………………………………………………….…28
Reached up to the clouds……………………………………………..…...29
Apple of the forest…………………………………………………………..30
Mules that walk carefully…………………………………………………...32
Sight of Gomukh (origin of Ganga)…………………………….………….33
Main darshan (view of Tapovan)………………………………………….35
The hut in Solitude…………………………………………………………….…….37
Colleagues in solitude…………………………………………………………..…..41
Membership of world community…………………………………………….…....45

Waiting for the fulfillment of aim……………………………………….…..47
The inner aspects of my sadhana of life……………………………………..…...50
The invisible experience of my visible life…………………………………..….…59
About the Author………………………………………………………………..……68
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PREFACE
It was my good luck or perhaps it was just a chance that I had the privilege
to be associated with an able and accomplished Master (Guru) and to work under his
guidance and patronage throughout my life. The command of this guide was beneficial
not only for the success in life of this humble being, but for the welfare of the mankind as
well.
His kindness began to be showered upon me from the age of 15. From my end
too, I tried with all my might to be worthy of the stature of this Great Guru. It was, in a
way, total submission of the self to this great power. All my activities - physical as well
as emotional - were placed at his feet and I decided to play as a mere puppet in his
hands. Whatever I was entrusted with has been discharged with full dedication.
This process is going on till this moment. It would be better to describe all my actions
so far as the acts of a puppet.
His divine appearance in astral form took place as soon as I completed my 15th
year of age and entered the 16th. It can be considered as the merger. In the beginning
I was asked to kindle an Akhand Deep (Unextinguishing sacred lamp kept burning on
Ghee) and sitting before it to chant 24 lakhs of Gayatri mantra every year and perform a
Yagya there on. This process of Purashcharan was to be continued for 24 years, living only
on bread of barley and cow's buttermilk. This was very well followed as ordered.
Thereafter a series of constructive activities like writing, lecturing, organizing and
publicity were carried on for ten years in order to arouse religious awakening. As a
result, four thousand branches of Gayatri Pariwar came into being. The organization that
came up during those years can be said to be the proper foundation for the structure of the
New Era to rest upon. The energy gained from the Purashcharan Sadhana of 24 years
was utilized in 10 years. Energy was required afresh for carrying out greater
responsibilities. So I was commanded to undergo rigorous penance of special nature
by staying in certain divine locations in Himalayas where vibrant spiritual energy still
continues to flow. Like other commands, this too was reverently obeyed.
In 1958 I set out on one year's penance in the Himalayas. This Sadhana of one year
was performed by staying at Gangotri where Bhagirath has performed penance and at
Uttarkashi, the place of penance of Parshuram Bhagirath has undertaken penance in order
to propitiate Ganga to descend on this earth. While Parashuram's purpose of penance
was to obtain the divine axe with which to conquer the earth, my penance was
intended to acquire energy for building up New-Era, the success of which can be
termed as the success of the Sadhana.
While going to Gangotri for this penance of one year numerous thoughts
occurred in the mind. Wherever I stayed, the thoughts were rising in my mind according
to my nature arid feelings. Being in the habit of writing, I used to write down those
experiences and feelings. Some of the experiences were such that others too could enjoy
it. So those were sent for publication in Akhand Jyoti and were published too. However
some of the experiences were such that their publication during my life time was deemed
improper, hence were held back.
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The articles that were published in Akhand Jyoti during those days under the
titles of "Pages of the diary of a Sadhak", and 'Colleagues in Solitude' were appreciated
and liked by the people. Though the incidents became old, people found it interesting to
read them. So it was thought to publish them in book form, and hence this presentation
of book. While the events narrated in this book have become old, the thoughts and
emotions rose therein are eternal and passage of time has not dimmed their usefulness.
It is hoped that those vibrant feelings that arose in my conscience will also be felt by the
readers in the same manner and the book will thus prove its worth.
A special portion about the features and analysis of the heart of Himalayas has
been incorporated in this compilation. The portion of about 400 miles between
Badrinarayan and Gangotri has been the place where normally all the Riches (Saints) had
performed penance (tap). What can be called the paradise on earth is this portion of
land. If we co-relate the history of gods and events mentioned in the stories of the
heaven with geography, it can be found that it substantiates the theory that those events
and the rule of India (King of God said to be ruling in Heavens)have taken place on this
earth and that the centre from where the culture is originated is said to be the above
mentioned part of the Himalayas This region of Uttarakhand which is the real Heart of
the Himalayas is now subjected to snowfall and the cycle of climatic change has made it
uninhabitable for the weak bodied human beings of the present day. The region referred
to as Uttarakhand is shifting down and is limited from Hardwar to Badrinarayan-Gangotri-
Gomukh.
In the Heart of the Himalayas where the ancient heavenly characteristics exist,
powerful spiritual area charged with the energy of penance also exists. My Master draws
tremendous incomparable energy by staying at this oldest place energized by the purity
of the penance of Rishis. I too had the good fortune to stay here for some period and to see
those divine places. I have described in Akhand Jyoti about as much as I could see there.
This game is unique in its own way. By this, a place which can be said to be the axial
pole of spiritual power can be found to exist on this earth. The unique powers of
north and south poles of the earth are well known. I have come across the pole of
spiritual power, in which highly important gains are inherent, from the point of view
of both subtle power as well as that of accomplished personalities.
It is necessary to introduce it to the world so as to draw the attention of people
towards this divine centre. So this information can be considered to be invaluable. This
information is given in the second part of this book titled "Lap of Ganges, Shade of
Himalayas”. This is also the reason why Brahmavarchas, (The Research Institute of
Shantikunj to co-ordinate scientific and spiritual research), Shantikunj and Gayatri Nagar
(the holy hermitage) have been established at the entrance of Uttarakhand. The people
who visit this place experience divine contentment. It is going to gain extra ordinary
importance in future. The possibilities thereby are not expressed now. But in the days to
come people will be surprised at the shape of things taking place here.
Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya
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My Unknown Stay and Purpose of Tap Sadhana

The power of penance is immense. T a p means heat. So penance means
heating up the self for purification. The greatest of all the powerful elements in this
world have their roots in Tap or heat. Sun heats up itself. So it is the lord of this
universe, providing life-energy to all the beings. The heating up of the atmosphere
in the hot summer brings the benevolent rains that render relief, happiness and
prosperity. When gold is heated it becomes pure and bright enhancing its value.
All the metals coming out of the mines in the form of ore are impure mixture of dirt,
dust and stones. But when melted by heat, the pure form emerges and becomes
valuable. The unbaked pots, utensils and toys made of clay get broken when
slightly hit. But when baked in kiln they become red and strong and earthen
bricks baked in kilns become strong like stones. The soft lime stones become
cement when processed by heat and the structures prepared with it last for long.
The ordinary mica when heated hundred times in fire becomes Chandroday Ras,
an invaluable Ayurvedic medicine. Only when purified on fire several times, the
metals become valuable Rhasma, Rasayan etc. which can revive the patients of
hopeless condition and render them life anew. Ordinary grains, pulses and
vegetable in the raw form are tasteless, uneatable and indigestible. But when
cooked on fire they become tasty and easily digestible. The soiled dirty
clothes, when heated in the washerman's boiler, are washed clean and
spotless. The foods we take in are digested by the fire in the stomach (in the
form of pancreatic secretion) and help produce blood, bone and marrow
that build our body. If the purification in fire or the process of heating is
stopped, all the process of progress will come to halt.
All the functions of the creation are going on only because of
heating up of nature. The latent potential in the creatures manifests in various
forms like energy, valor, courage, enthusiasm, knowledge, science and so on.
Mother nourishes the embryo in the uterus by her body heat and gives birth
to the child. Whosoever endeavored to rise above the humdrum, lazy, indolent
state had had to take up Tap. All of those brave men who have left their imprint on
the pages of history have had to undergo Tap in their own way.
Those among the farmers, students, laborers, scientists, administrators,
scholars, industrialists, and artisans who have done some great
contribution could do so because of their resorting to hardwork, labor, devotion
and 'Tap. Had they remained dull, lazy and inactive and indulged in ease,
comfort, lavishness and merriment, they could never have reached those
heights they attained by their toil and perseverance. Of all the powers,
spiritual power is the greatest. It also implies that spiritual wealth is superior to
all the worldly wealth. Even with ordinary power of wealth, wisdom and might,
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people achieve progress and happiness, but the achievements of those who
have gained spiritual power are many times greater. The difference
between the worldly wealth and spiritual wealth is the same as between brass
and gold or glass and gem. There are a lot of wealthy people who are rich
virtuous lords, scholars and artists. But they cannot be equated to the great
souls who not only elevated themselves but contributed immensely for the
betterment of the world by their spiritual gains. In ancient times too those,
who wanted their children to be virtuous hard working, perseverant, enduring
and calm natured, used to send them to the Gurukul (place of learning under
the guidance of Guru) so that they would be well trained to face the hardships
and realities of life unfalteringly and become eligible to be great persons.
When any great thing got accomplished in this world, there was
inevitably the power of penance behind it. Our country has been the land of
gods and men of gems. The land of Bharat has been called the Paradise on
Earth. It has also remained the crown of the world from the point of view
of wealth, knowledge and valor. The credit for attaining this peak of progress
is attributed to the unshakeable adherence to penance of the people here. The
lazy, selfish, amorous, pompy and greedy people have always been looked
down with contempt and were considered inferior. The greatness of the power
of lap was realized by the people here who lived on this principle and always
remained ready to acquire this power. It is due to this reason that this land
achieved the position of the supreme master of the world and the lord of
immense wealth.
If we go through the past history of Bharat i.e. India, it will become evident
that the multifaceted progress of this land has been based on penance and
its adoption. Lord Brahma, the creator of this universe performed Upasana
of Gayatri for hundred years, sitting on the lotus emerging from the navel of
lord Vishnu, before embarking on the job of creation. It was only they that he
acquired the power and knowledge for creation of this vast universe. Manu,
the ancient sage who framed the rules of humanity and human behavior, was
able to accomplish the great job only after performing penance along with his
wife Shatroopa. Lord Shankar is himself embodiment of Tap. His nature is to
remain engrossed in Tap. Shesh, symbolized as the Serpent, is carrying, the
weight of this earth by the power of Tap.
Saptarishis, the seven eminent Rishis in ancient India performed Tapa on
this very earth as the result of which they became immortal and are now
shining in the sky as seven stars. Brahaspati, the guru of the gods and
Shukracharya the guru of demons are able to guide and protect their pupils by
the power of their tap.
The ability of Vishwamitra, who started a new creation and Vashishtha who
had been giving guidance to several generations of the kings of
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Raghuwansh lay in Tap Sadhana. Once king Viswamitra along with his troop
of soldiers visited Vashishtha in his hermitage in the forest. The latter made all the
necessary arrangements befitting to the guests, despite there having been no
materials or facility. Seeing this, Vishwamitra was awestruck. Over some matter
when a fighting took place between the mighty King Viswamitra with his vast
fighting force and the unarmed Vashishtha, Viswamitra had to concede defeat.
Declaring that a King's might is powerless before the power of Brahma tej he
renounced the kingdom and took to the path of tap for which the rest of his; life was
dedicated.
In order to rescue his forefathers condemned to hell and to quench the
thirst of the parched land and thereby realize the welfare of the people, it
became necessary for Bhagirath to bring Ganga from heaven to earth. This was not
possible by worldly efforts. So, intense penance was the only way. His hard
painstaking and untiring penance made Ganga agree to come down to earth for
which word Shiva had also to be readied to provide help to make the influx of
Ganga possible. Not worldly efforts, but Tap that has done it.
Rishi Chya -wan (an eminent scholar of Ayurved in ancient India) had been
engrossed in Tap for such a long time that white ants made home over his body-and
made it appear like an ant hill. While passing by it, princess Sukanya saw two
glittering objects through the holes of the ant hill which she pierced with thorns (and
they began bleeding). The shining object was nothing else but the eyes of rishi
Chyawan. He had to undertake this intense tap to prove his eligibility for the share
of boundless energy of the Supreme soul (God), by invoking the latent energy centers
in the inner body.
Right from birth, Shukdeo (a great saint and scholar in Mahabarat period)
was meditative. It was his conviction that the best use of this rare gift of human body is
to develop spirituality. He kept himself away from the temptation of desires and
longings and got engrossed in acquiring Brahma jnan and Brahma Tatwa
(knowledge of the supreme God) instead.
Dhruva a prince who took to Tap in childhood and is recognized as
legendary star in the galaxy did not prove a loser. Had he lived a life of pleasure and
merriment like ordinary princes, he would not have been able to become
the pivot of the whole universe and thus attaining immortality. The vast fame
and kingdom he got during life time also could not have been given to him even
by the most lenient. Rishi Kanad who lived on broken grains scattered here and
there on the ground and Valmiki, who lived on the white juice of Banyan tree were
deprived of worldly pleasures. But what they got in exchange of it has been
greater than the greatest of mundane gains.
During their time Buddha and Mahavir the founders of Buddhism and
Jainism also took recourse to Tap as the unfailing weapon to help the people get
rid of the sorrow and sufferings. They transformed the atmosphere of evil and
violence into peace and compassion. It is thought easy and proper to suppress evil
with weapons and arms. But they are not found as effective as the might of Tap.
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The axe of Parshuram (which he got by Tap) proved to be effective as never

before. He wiped out all the unjust kings and lords by making 21 rounds of the
earth. The anger of Rishi Agastya could not be borne by the poor ocean. In three
gulps Agastya consumed the entire water of the ocean. When the gods were
constantly getting defeated at the hands of demons, Rishi Dadhichi sacrificed
himself and offered his powerful bones with which the weapon of Vajra was made
and thus helped Indra defeat the demons and restore peace and happiness to
the gods.
In ancient times, only those who were endowed with patience and
endurance were considered eligible for education. Only such people could do
justice to knowledge by its application for the welfare of mankind apart from
meeting one's own needs. But today education is monopolised by the greedy and
the luxurious. As a result they misuse it a lot. It is seen that it is the educated class
which is farther from humanity, and not the uneducated, and they have become a
curse for the peace and well-being of the world by creating problems of all sorts.
In the olden days the parents used to send their children to Gurukul (hermitage
where students have to stay and work while undergoing real education) in order to
cultivate saintly nature in them. In the Gurukul the Master (Guru) used to put them to
various tests of endurance for quite some time and only after a student passed this
primary test was he considered eligible for receiving education. The readers
might be acquainted with the stories of Rishi Dadhichi, Uddalak, Aruni
and innumerable others who had to pass through the hard tests of endurance.
Brahmacharya (celibacy) has been considered an important part of self-
restraint. The might of Hanuman and the valor of Bheeshma who remained celibate
throughout their life, are known to all. Shankaracharya, Dayanand and many great
men had been able to do gent service to mankind on the power of celibacy. In the
olden days there were many married men who observed celibacy along with their
wives.
On acquiring inner power, the hermits used it not only for the benefit of the
self, but, endowed a part of it to his disciples to make them also great. Rama and
Krishna by undergoing studentship at the hermitage of Rishi Vishwamitra and
Rishi Sandipani respectively got their personality so developed that they came to
be called God. An ordinary Maratha boy, by getting trained by the able Guru
Ramdas, became Emperor Shivaji. Having been bestowed upon with a little divine
power by Ramkrishna Paramhans an atheist boy Narendra became Vivekananda,
the greatest religious messenger in the world of all times. Indra, the king of gods,
who was wandering in search of shelter from the attacking demons was
enabled to defeat the demons by Dadhichi, the great rishi, who gave his own
bones to make the powerful weapon Vajra. A dacoit bacame saint Valmiki on
receiving a piece of advice from Narad Muni.
Those who wished to have worthy children born to them have also been
benefitted by the blessings of hermits. Dasharatha who did not have a child even
after three marriages, was blessed with four sons as a result of Yagya of Putrakameshti
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performed by Rishi Shringi. Having had no child for a long time king Dilip
along with his wife tended the cows of Rishi Vashishtha who blessed them
resulting in the child to be born and thus saving the dynasty from extinction.
When Pandu in Mahaaharat period became impotent. five glorious sons were born
to him by the blessing of Rishi. Vyas. About Jawaharlal Nehru it is said that
Motilal Nehru who was worried about harving no child for a long time, was
blessed by a Rishi of the Himalayas who abandoned his body for fulfilling
Motilal's wish. Many sons of rishis used to be born with the attributes of their
parents' power of Tap and in the childhood itself used to perform such jobs which
were difficult even for the elders. Shringi, the son of Rishi Lomash, on seeing a
dead serpent thrown on his father's body, cursed that who ever did the heinous
act would die of serpent bite within seven days. The curse of the Rishi's son
did materialise and king Parikshit who had done the crime, did die of serpent
bite on the 7th day, despite elaborate security arrangements.
The pages of ancient history are replete with the instances of curses and
blessings and their results. As the punishment for killing Shravankumar by
his arrow, King Dasharath was cursed by the father of the boy that he too
would die of the pain of parting of his son. The hermit's words could not
turn false and Dasharath could not bear the pain of parting of Rama and
had to die out of the sorrow. Even gods were powerless to nullify the wrath
of curse of Rishis. Indra the king of gods, and god Moon too had to suffer
from the curse of Rishi Gautam. The ten thousand sons of King Sagar had to
die in fire for incurring the wrath of Muni Kapil. On being pleased the Rishis
too, like gods, used to shower their blessings and innumerable people got rid
of their sufferings and got peace and happiness.
Not only men, but ladies too of ancient India were in the forefront in
the field of Tap. The profound enduring Tap of Parvati compelled Shiva,
(whose fire of anger burnt to ashes Madan, the god of love, for disturbing his
peace of trance, a state in which he always liked to remain), to marry her.
Anusooya, on the strength of her power of Tap, transformed Brahma, Vishnu
and Mahesh, into small kids. Sukanya restored youth for her old husband.
Savitri brought back the life of her husband Satyavan from Yama,the king of
death. Kunti gave birth to a son as glorious as the Sun himself by
worshipping the god sun, when she was a virgin. Enraged Gandhari cursed
Krishna that his tribe would also become extinct in the same manner as
her own by mutual infight. Her words proved true. The entire yadava
dynasty fought among themselves to death. The hunter was burnt to death
by the fire of anger emanated from Damayanti's eyes. Ida helped her
father in completing his Yagya and getting his desire fulfilled. All these
wonderful results are the manifestations of the power of Tap.
Like gods and Rishis, the demons too knew well that the essence of
power is centered in Tap. They also performed profound penance and
acquired such blessings that could not be achieved even by the hermits
among the gods. Ravana in the course of his profound Sadhana, bartered his
own head several times. Concentrating his Sadhana of Lord Shankar he acquired
immense invincible power. Kumbhakarna also had got his special wish for
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sleeping and awaking for six months alternately fulfilled due to penance.
Megnnad, Ahiravan and Mareechi had gained the magic powers due to Tap.
Bhasmasur had gained by his Tap the gift of killing anyone by the touch on the
victim's head. The valor of demons like Hiranyakashyap, Hiranyakasha,
Sahashrabahu, Baali etc. was also based on Tapa. Many demon ladies like Tadaka
who was a headache to Vishwamitra and Lord Rama, Pootna, who attempted
to kill Krishna, Sursa who tried to swallow down Hanuman Trijada who
entertained Sita by her numerous tricks to lessen her sorrow were also renowned in
the field of spirituality.
Leafing through the pages of the history of India one comes across not
tens or thousands but lakhs of such instances where ordinary human beings
have astounded the world by their amazing deeds of benevolence to the humanity,
besides self-upliftment by their power of Tap. Even in the present era,the work done
by enlightened souls like Mahatma Gandhi, Saint Vinoba, Rishi Dayanand, Meera,
Kabir,Dadu, Tulsidas, Soordas, Raidas, Aravinda, Maharshi Raman, Ramkrishna
Paramhans, Ramtirth etc. could not have been accomplished by people of
mundane capability. From the very beginning, I too have adopted this path of Tap.
I have utilized the power gained from the hard Tap of Mahapurashcharana for the
welfare of the world. As a result, innumerable persons made material and
spiritual progress of high order with my help. Many are the people who got rid of
their pains, sufferings, sorrow and worries. Simultaneously, commendable
works were also accomplished towards moral revival. The pledge to prepare 24
lakhs of Gayatri devotees and to perform Yagyas of 24 thousand Kund was so
enormous that it was riot possible to complete it by hundreds of people working
together for many generations. Yet all this was done very wellwithin a matter of
days. The construction of Gayatri Tapobhoomi at Mathura, the organising of
Gayatri pariwar and the translation and publication of the Vedas and their
commentaries can be seen as the manifestation of the power of Tap.
I have decided to pursue intense Tap in future too. So no one need be
surprised if I devote my entire future for Tap-sadhana.I have realised fully well
that the importance of Tap is greater than the greatest worldly achievements. A
Jeweller does not take glass pieces in place of gems. My decision to
pursue the power of Tap in preference to mundane pleasures may displease
the members of my family and relatives stupefied by worldly charms; but it
will be found that my decision is fraught with wisdom and foresight.
The work which the politicians and scientists are engaged in at
present is only fanning the fire and leading to destruction. Weapons
capable of destroying the enemy country so as to pride over the victory
are being prepared by all. But no one is able to prepare such weapons as
are capable of extinguishing the fire of violence or making the perpetrators of
violence feel ashamed of their evil deeds, or generating the pure blissful joy of
peace and happiness in the minds and hearts that are filled with the fire of
devilish concepts. Such weapons cannot be manufactured in the offices of
political power or in the laboratory of scientists. Even in ancient times,
when such need arose, the arms of peace were prepared in the laboratory of
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hermitages by resorting to Tap-Sadhana. In the present time too, many great

souls are engaged in this work.
Many efforts are being made to make human life as well as the world
nice and happy. Many industries, business, factories roads, rail, dams, schools,
hospitals etc., are brought into being. It is expected that these efforts will help
solve the problem of poverty, diseases and illiteracy to a good extent. But
unless the stream of love, brotherhood, compassion, generosity, faith in
god, restraint, and service is made to flow into the human consciousness, no
effort in the direction of universal peace will succeed. So long as highly
noble souls like Gandhi, Dayanad, Shankaracharya, Buddha, Mahavir, Narad
and Vyas do not appear on the scene to inspire and provide guidance, it is
impossible to elevate public mind to higher plane. Until the public thinking
is elevated and until, pure and idealistic feelings are generated, the feeling of
hatred, enmity, loot, grabbing, adultery, laxity, and sinful deeds can not be flushed
out from public behavior. Tart then there will be no respite from the suffering of
pain, quarrel, disease and poverty.
It is necessary to charge the atmosphere with subtle spiritual current so that
moral forces can develop and sublime human character, can be elevated. This
can be achieved only through Tapa-Sadhana of special nature performed by
highly elevated souls. This is the greatest service to humanity, religion and
culture. Today its need is urgently felt, for with the passing of time evil forces
will be overtaking and the delay may spell disaster.
This call of the time has compelled me to take the present step
have been doing Gayatri Upasana regularly for six hours daily from the day of
Yagyopaveet Sanskar. But it is not enough for achieving great goals. It calls for
tremendous energy of Tap. So it has become necessary to perform intense,
concentrated Tap for one year by staying in that area in the Himalayas where
Rishis perform their Tapa. This Sadhana is not intended for personal benefits
have never tinged for heaven or salvation and will never do so either. I have
pledged umpteen times to work for the upliftment of human dignity. So
then, how come the question of escapism? Universal welfare is my welfare. It
is with this aim that I have taken this step to melt myself in the intense heat of
Tap.
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ENTRANCE TO THE HIMALAYAS:

The Fatal Narrow Path.
Today I had to walk along a very cumbersome path for a long distance.
There was Ganga flowing below and the mountain standing high above. By
the foot of the hill, there was very narrow foot path. It was hardly 3ft. wide.
We had to go along this path. If the leg faltered a bit, it would not take long to
get buried in the roaring Ganga below. If you thought of avoiding it and
walk away safely, there stood the mountain erect vertically for hundreds of
feet high and refusing to budge an inch. On this narrow and difficult path,
every step had to be kept with utmost care; else the difference between life
and death was hardly a foot and a half.
For the first time in life I experienced the fear of death. I had heard this
story from the epic. As described in ancient scriptures once when saint
Shukdeo visited King Janak, he asked the latter as to how he remained
unperturbed like a Yogi throughout his activities. To explain the point king
Janak handed to him a bowl filled with oil and asked to make a round of the
town and come back without spilling a drop of oil, the punishment for
failure being severing of head. Out of the fear of death Shukdeo, made the
round as ordered, concentrating all his attention for not to spill the oil, but
could not see anything in the town. Then King Janak explained to him that in
the same manner as he concentrated only on the oil and nothing else, due to
the fear of losing the life, he too always kept remembering death and this
helped him keep at bay the indolence from getting into his performance of
duties and check the mind from wandering.
The essence of this story was personally experienced today while
passing along that narrow path. We were many travelers together. All the
way we were talking and laughing, but no sooner did we reach this narrow
foot path, than all the conversations ceased and everybody became silent.
All topics of talks disappeared. No body thought of one's home nor the
thought of any outside subject entered in mind. Mind and soul were fully
concentrated on only one thing-keep the next step at the proper place. With
one hand we were clutching at the mountain, though there was hardly
anything to clutch at. The only solace in doing so was that it may help
maintain the body’s balance in case it tended to lift towards Ganga. This
distance of about 1.5 miles was passed with great difficulty. The heart was
beating, heavily throughout. We learnt a great practical lesson today. How
careful we have to be in order to protect the life.
This cumbersome patch of journey was over; but its memory brings
forth a lot of thoughts. If we always keep seeing death in close vicinity, we
13
may not indulge in illusory pleasures. The journey to the destination of life is
like our journey of today, which called for the need of keeping every step
cautiously and correctly. If a single step is taken wrongly or carelessly, it
may mean the fall from the aim of life to abysmal depth. If life is dear to us, in
order to make it worthwhile, it is necessary that we put forward each step like
we did to pass the narrow path, where-after the peaceful journey begins. Life
is full of responsibilities like that of the travelers walking along the narrow path
alongside Ganga. Only after discharging it properly, can one have respite and
hope to get at the cherished goal. The path of duty is narrow like the footpath
described above.Carelessness will make you slip and fail to abyss, depriving of
the chance to achieve the aim of life. Clutching to the wall of religion will help
maintain the balance and help minimize the fear of leaning towards danger. In
difficult times this wall is our solace and support. Faith in religion will help a lot in
getting along the track and reach the goal.
THE MOUNTAIN OF SILVER
Today I was put up in a room on the top floor of Sukki camp. Right in front
was seen the top of the snow- clad mountain. The snow was melting slowly and
was flowing down like a small stream. Some pieces of snow were half-melt and
were flowing down. The sight was very beautiful and pleasing to the eyes.
In the room which was third from mine, some other travelers were staying.
Among them there were two children - a girl and a boy, both about the age of 11 or 12.
Their parents were on a pilgrimage. The children were brought on a device called
'Kandri' carried by porters. The children were pleasant natured.
Both were debating on what the shining mountain was made up of. They had heard
that the mines of minerals were situated in mountains. The boy logically
concluded that the mountain in front of us was that of silver. But the girl took
exception, reasoning that had it been silver lying so open and unguarded, people
would have looted it long back. She, however, could not say what metal the
mountain was made of. But she did not agree with the boy and walked off
stubbornly.
The debate interested me. The children were also very lovely. I called
them both to my side and explained that the mountain was made of stone,
but being of high altitude, it is covered with snow. During summer it melts and
in winter snow covers it again. It is the snow that shines rendering a silvery
appearance. The children got their doubt cleared on this count, but went on
asking a lot more questions related to it. I too provided them a lot of
information about mountains in order to enhance their knowledge.
This made me think as to how much undeveloped is man's intellect
in childhood that an ordinary thing like snow is taken for valuable silver. But
when grown up, man thinks more deeply and gets down to the reality. If the
human intellect was developed right from childhood, children too would
14
get to know the reality easily.

But my thinking this way is also wrong, for how far are the elder people free
from follies and misconceptions? In the same manner as these children
misconceived snow to be silver, the grown ups too consider many worthless
or cheap things like pieces of silver or copper, sexual excitements, worthless
ego and this mortal body to be of utmost value and stay attracted to there so much
so that they do not care to know the aim and purpose of life and wander in
darkness.
We are engrossed in transitory and meaningless pleasures and
attractions more than the small children do in playing with toys and paper
boats. The grown-ups admonish the children for their lack of foresight and
spending the valuable time in kite flying, instead of attending to studies.
But who will admonish the grown- ups who, like puppets, dance to the pull
of strings of sensual pleasures, instead of upliftment of the self? The children
were convinced of snow not being silver. But who will convince us that our
aim is not sensual pleasure or fancies or desires?
YELLOW FLIES (WASPS)
Today while we were silently passing through dense forest we

were suddenly attacked by a flock of yellow flies that were buzzing over
some trees. They clung to us so violently that it was hard to pull them off. We
drove them by hands, clothes and we even ran to get rid of them. But they did not
leave us for a long distance. After over half a mile's running, during which
we stumbled and fell down too, the flies left us. Wherever they stung, it
swelled up due to poisonous stings. It was paining too.
I began to ponder over the matter. Why did the flies attack us? Did they
get anything by doing so? What did they intend to gain by hurting us?
Perhaps the flies might have been thinking that the forest territory was theirs: it
was their dwelling place; and it had to remain safe for them; no one should
trespass that territory. When they saw us passing through, they might have
taken it as an act of arrogance, endangering their security and posing challenge
to their authority. So they might have deemed it necessary to teach us a lesson
for our imprudence and interference.
If this be so, it is sheer folly of the flies. The forest is made by God; not by them.
They must stay atop the trees and make their living. Their greed to occupy and
keep for themselves the entire territory is unreasonable; for, they have no use
of the whole territory. They should also understand that this world is a co-
operative proposition. and it is only proper that its use is shared by all. They
should have had the forbearance to let us past through it enjoying the beauty, the
green cool shade of the trees and fragrance of the flowers. Instead of showing
magnanimity, they stung us, lost their stings, some of them were even mauled to
death and others badly injured. Had they not exhibited their anger and ego in this
15
way, they could have spared themselves of the unnecessary losses and our ill-
will and bad impression about their being foolish and selfish creatures. From
all angles their attack and greed of power did not exhibit any wisdom. They proved
true to their name, "Yellow flies" implying mean creatures.
But why blame the poor flies alone? Why should they alone be called foolish?
We, the human beings, are also treading the same path as of today's flies. The vast
resources created by the Almighty to be shared and used by all, are being grabbed by
us to the extent possible for ourselves alone. We never pause to think that the
needs of the body and even our family are limited and that our amassing the
nature's resources beyond our needs would deprive others for meeting their
bare needs. The excess amassment can only help feed the ego of being the owner
of vast resources. But the fact remains that the ownership also cannot be kept with
oneself for long.
Man too, like the yellow flies, gets blinded by greed and selfishness. He does
not acknowledge the rule of sharing the resources and enjoyment. He threatens,
shows his might and pounces upon those who impede his vested interest, like the
yellow flies did to us. He does not care two hoots for the suffering caused to
others by his unethical behavior.
The yellow flies went back after stinging and chasing us for half a mile. But
when I think of the terrific attacks perpetrated by man intoxicated by the craze
for power, vested interest and ego, my tongue feels shy of blaming the bees.
HOT FOUNTAINS OF THE COLD MOUNTAIN
Since so many days, we have been taking bath in the freezing cold water.
Mustering great courage we used to have a dip or two, but due to the biting cold, we
could not afford to rub and wash the body clean as required. When we reached
Jagnani camp we came to know of three hot water ponds at the top of the hill. We
could not resist the temptation to avail this chance of having a pleasant bath of
rubbing and washing the body clean. We crossed Ganga by the bridge and
panting and tired and resting many a times, we got over the top of hill where
the hot springs were situated. There were three ponds side by side. One of
them was so hot that you could not even touch it with your hands, leave
alone taking bath in it. It was told that rice and pulses bundled in a piece of
clothes when dipped in it, would be cooked in no time. We could not
experiment it ourselves, but in the second pond which was tolerably hot
we bathed to our satisfaction and fulfilled the desire of the preceding
weeks. The clothes were also washed well and became clean too.
I wonder why some hot springs exist here and there in the
mountains which are subjected to and covered by snow fall, and from
whose breast cold streams flow down. It appears that there may be deposits of
sulphur inside and might be imparting tremendous heat to the water currents
passing beside it. It can be compared to a gentleman endowed with many
16
virtues and behaving coolly like the cold springs, but also letting out a trace of
evil lying hidden inside.
The mountains that wish to keep their cool everlasting should throw out
the poison like sulphur from within. Or it may be that the mountains are
exposing their defects within through the medium of these hot springs
rather than concealing their weakness, so that they shall not be termed
insincere or hypocrites. It is bad to have defects, but to conceal them is
worse. This mountain knows this principle. How nice would it have been if
man too realized it!
The mountain might also have deemed it better to pour out whatever heat is left
within so that the passers-by like us, distressed due to coldness, might be
benefited. Having become cold from outside, a little heat might be left within.
So the mountain might have thought, " why to save the little heat left in when the
whole thing has become cold, why not give it to the needy, since I may have no use
of it **If only there were people following the ideals of this self-sacrificing
mountain that presents the example of surviving in extreme wants and yet
serving others with whatever they are leftwith like these hot springs. However
hard we may try, we can never forget these hot fountains of the cold
region. Thousands of travelers like me will sing its praise, for it is
manifestation of unique sacrifice. Providing heat to others while suffering in
cold oneself is like providing food for others while remaining empty bellied one self.
I wonder why the intelligent man should remain selfish while the inert, unintelligent
mountain does so much?
FEAR OUT OF CONFUSED COMMUNICATION
Today a group of pilgrims to Gangotri also joined us. There were seven
members in the group - five men and two women. We were carrying our luggage
ourselves, but their luggage was carried by a porter of the hilly area.The porter was a
villager and his language was also difficult to understand. He was rude and
quarrelsome by nature. While we were going along the top of the hill leading to
Jhala camp he pointed to some thing, making a queer and frightening
face and muttered something in his colloquial language. What he told was not
fully understood but a member of the group thought that he heard the porter uttering
Bhalu, Bhalu (Bear) and started looking in the direction indicated by him. The fog
was heavy at the time, making clear vision impossible, but some black animals
could be seen moving in the area indicated by the porter.
The companion, who heard "Bhalu, Bhalu" from the porter and saw the
black animals in the indicated direction, was very much frightened. He was now
fully convinced that bears were moving down there. He was some distance
behind us, but now tie moved as fast as he could and joined us. His lips were dry
and trembling with fear. He stopped us and, showing the black animals moving
below,told that they were bears and that we were in danger.
17
Fear gripped all of us, but none could suggest any remedy. The forest was
dense and fearsome too. So it was not unnatural for the existence of bears. And it
was only two days back that we had heard from the pilgrims who had been to
Manasarovar two years back. about the terror of wild bears. Our fear began
growing. The black bears were advancing towards us. Due to the thick fog the
shape of the animals could not be seen clearly. The black color and their size
matching to that of the bears in addition to the utterance "Bhalu. Bhalu" by the
porter left us in no doubt about the animals being bears. We then thought it proper
to ask the porter himself as to what could be done. When looked for, he was not
found to be with us. We concluded that he, sensing the danger, might have hidden
himself somewhere or climbed on some tree for safety. We were left helpless against
our fate.
We all stood together close, two each facing the four directions, holding our
lathis with the sharp pointed nailed end out as if they were guns. The idea was to push
the nailed end into the bear's mouth while the others dealt lathi blows on it, in
decided that all will stay together and none will run away, come what may. With this
scheme, we began to move slowly. The bears that were earlier found coming towards
us were now moving downwards. We increased our speed - more than double.
To get out of the danger zone as quickly as possible was in every one's mind. All
were chanting God's name. Fear had gripped us violently. In this way we covered
the distance of nearly a mile and a half.
Fog began to fade. It was about 8 '0' clock. Direct sunlight started
spreading. Dense part of the forest was also left behind. People grazing the sheep
and goats were seen ahead. We heaved the sigh of relief. With the feeling of having
come out of the danger, we sat down to take rest. By now the porter also arrived.
Seeing us all frightened he enquired of the reason. The companion said, "God
saved us from the bears you have shown us. But you have simply deceived us.
Instead of telling us what to do you have hidden yourself in safety."
The porter stood bewildered. He sensed that there was some
misunderstanding. When told about the Bhalu (Bear) he had indicated, he got the
point which caused the confusion. He explained. 'The Aloo (potato) grown in the
village 'Jhala' are famous for its big size. Such crop is not grown in any of the
villages here. This is what I have told you by sign of fingers. When I told of 'Aloo of
Jhala' you heard it as Bhaloo (bear). The black animals you saw are the black cows that
graze here all the day. Due to the fog, they appeared to you like bears. There are no
bears in this region. They are found on the higher mountains. I stayed
behind for easing beside the stream. Else I would have beenwith you and there
would have been no confusion."
We laughed at our folly and were ashamed as well. We blamed and
ridiculed the comrade who heard the porter wrong. Fear was transformed into
humor. We were talking about it the whole day. Recalling what every one said or
did in the state of fear, there went on mutual teasing throughout the day.
18
Everyone was delighted to prove that others were more frightened. The
journey passed joyfully. The subject became a good entertainer.
The incident about the bear which was a reality and the question of life
and death an hour before, eventually turned out to be a mere confusion. It made
me think that there are many confusions and misconceptions rooted in our life
due to which we remain constantly under imaginary fear. But ultimately they
all prove to be mental weakness. Under the false notion that we will be
looked upon as poor and ordinary fellows, if there happens any shortfall in
our pomp and show, many of us indulge in heavy expenditure which is
difficult to meet out. It is proper to be conscious of public opinion when
the question of losing moral and character arises, but if such notion is nurtured
with regard to decrease in show and pomp, it would be considered as vanity
causing worthless expenditure. It is weakness of mind that makes us think
that simplicity is the sign of poverty; and that no one will respect us. Take
for example our incident of today where fear was caused by a silly confusion.
These days, on seeing all kinds of worries, troubles, dilemma,
provocations, desires and ill will arising before us, the world appears to be evil
and frightening. Every thing here appears frightful like the bear. But when the
light of the knowledge of self dawns, when the fog of ignorance fades out,
when mental weakness diminishes, we realize the mistake in having
assumed the cows to be bears. When the light of true knowledge dawns, we
realize that those, whom we thought to be enemies are in fact our own
images and are a part of God. If God is dear to us, his creations too must be
auspicious and benevolent. When we picture them grotesquely, they
appear dreadful. This wrong picturisation is the making of our weak mind
like our misconception of Aloo (Potato) to be Bhaloo (bear).
THE WEEPING MOUNTAIN
On our way today we saw the weeping mountain. Its stone was soft.
Some spring water was blocked above and had no means to pass through.
The soft stone began to absorb it, but where will the absorbed watergo? It
was wetting the mountain downwards. This wetness, when accumulated,
began to falldown in drops. People with imagination called them the drops of
tears. At the places where wetness accumulated, soil particles carried y wind got
stuck and soft green moss began to grow there. Moss is called keechad in the
hilly language here. When the mountain weeps, its eyes must be aching as the
result of which keechad is excerted by the eyes. This is a simple imagination. We
saw this weeping mountain today and wiped the tears too. We felt the moss with
our fingers. We could only do this much. Who would ask the mountain as to
why it was weeping? And if asked, could it have replied?
19
But imagination is very adamant. Mind began to talk to the mountain.

“Oh! Mountain King, you are blessed with so much of wild beauty and
grandeur. You need not have to wander here and there. By simply sitting at a
place you are enjoying your days. Then what is it that worries you? Why do you
weep?”
The rocky mountain stood silently. But the mountain in the imagination
began to talk. “How can you understand the pain I feel in my heart? I am very
high and decorated with nature’s beauty and am living without any care and
worries. Apparently I have everything, but can this inert, indolent, inactive life
be called a life at all? The life devoid of movement, action, struggle, hope,
enthusiasm, effort etc. is akin to a dead one. The joy lies in action. To remain at
ease and idling is different from enjoying rest. It is the calmness of the graveyard.
No sensible person will call it rest or happiness. Those who play on the play
ground of nature, feel more and more fresh and energized as they play on.
Every one in the nature marches ahead like valiant warriors, vanquishing front
after front. On the contrary, here I am the one who is sitting pretty, stomaching
the wealth and exhibiting splendor. Dear child of imagination, you may call me
rich, wealthy and lucky but I am simply inactive. Others leave their indelible
imprint on the pages of history, by serving others with their capacities, earn
eternal fame and feel proud on seeing others getting benefited by their deeds.
But I have conserved all the resources to myself. If I emit the mossy exertion
through my eyes due to weeping out of self pity, there is nothing to be wondered
at.”
My little imagination conversed with the Mountain Kind and was

satisfied with the reason expressed by it. But at the same time it was sad too. The
imagination wished how nice would it have been had it (mountain) made pieces
of itself and offered to be used for making roads, bridges, buildings etc. in that
case it might not have looked high and huge or it would have even lost its
identity as a mountain, but its life would have been fruitful and accomplished.
Being deprived of this chance to be so it is only natural that the Mountain King is
weeping over its misfortune.
THE LOAD CARRYING SHEEP
Sheep which is a small animal is indispensably benevolent Kamdhenu

(the heavenly cow which fulfils all desires) for this mountainous region. It gives
milk, wool and lambs. It also carries loads. On the way today, a flock of sheep
numbering about 100 to 125, having long wool, were seen laded with goods.
They were carrying goods like jaggery, rice, flour etc. to Gangotri. Depending on
the height and capacity, each sheep was carrying load weighing about 10 to 15
20
pounds. Apart from mules, sheep is the only means for transporting goods in
this hilly region. Other animals or vehicles are of no use on these hilly paths.
I began to think – It is not necessary to stress on large means to solve the

problems of life unlike what is commonly thought. A man can live happily and
peacefully with ordinary means. Limited industrialization is acceptable. But big
industries would grab the livelihood of these sheep as well as the people who
depend on them and all the wealth would be concentrated in the hands of a few
industrialists. The root cause of all the war clouds hovering over the world today
is the greed for monopolizing the market for industries.
On seeing the line of sheep, I began to wonder why it is not possible to

live peacefully by adopting simple innocent folks who tend the sheep and live on
the limited earning. In olden days, India followed the ideal of decentralization.
Rishis and Munis (Saints and Sages) lived in hermitages forming a unit. Villages
were larger units. Everybody fulfilled their requirements from their own area,
from their own society and lived happily in co-operation. There was scope
neither form corruption nor for ill doing. In today’s mad race of industrialization,
villages are uprooted; cities are flourishing; the poor are trampled upon and the
rich are growing richer. The terrible machines roaring like demons, are
destroying the health, relations and morality. That which are being built on the
foundation of this mechanism, industrialism and capitalism are called
developments but they will eventually be proved as destruction.
Thoughts are getting incoherent. Small thing is assuming large shape in

the mind. So let me stop these lines here, but the sheep cannot be forgotten, even
if tried to. They remind the ancient social system prevailed in India. In the
present culture, who will consider the utility and helpfulness of the poor sheep?
These poor creatures will only be ridiculed as a symbol of old era. Yet truth will
remain truth. If and when humanity will attain peace and contentment, power
and resources will have been decentralized and in that system everyone will be
living happily and contented by one’s own labor, just like the sheep-tending
folks along with their bleating sheep are living here.
21
NATURE’S RUDRABHISHEKA
(NATURE’S WORSHIP OF LORD SHIVA)
Today we reached Bhojwasa camp. Tomorrow morning we have to set out
for Gomukh. Here there is no traffic. Travelers are met with between Gangotri
and Uttar Kashi. In camps also crowd is common there, but not so here. Today
we are only six of us in all. Everybody has brought with him his own tiffin.
Though it is called Bhojwasa (catering establishment) and also has an inn no such
facilities as available at the lower camps were to be had here.
On looking at the mountain in front, it was felt as if Himagiri (a mountain

peak) was performing worship of lord Shankar by pouring water over it by is
own hands. The scene was celestial. From a great height, a thin stream was
falling down. Down below, there was a nature made Shivinga. The water was
falling over it. While falling, the water was getting scattered into tiny water
drops and the sunrays falling on them rendered the beauty of rainbow. It made
the feeling that Shiva was present in reality and the gods were showering on him
flowers of all colors from the Milky Way. The scene was so enchanting and
engrossing, that the mind would not get off from looking at it continuously. I
kept on looking at it until darkness pulled the curtain over it.
Beauty is the thirst of Soul. But how can it be found in the mud of
artificiality? People decorate their homes with pictures of these forests and
mountains and enjoy their beauty. But none cares to kook at the immense beauty
spread all over in nature’s lap. Throughout the journey here all along the way,
beauty is seen overflowing. The Himalayas are called the ocean of beauty. The
bath in it renders a pleasant vibration in the soul in the inner body, and the mind
longs to get lost in this boundless beauty.
Today’s scene was really nature’s wonder, but in the imagination I was
getting a glimpse of the celestial pleasure as if seeing God Shiva, right before me
in reality. I was inwardly feeling immense joy. If only I were able to describe
even a part of this joy for the benefit of those who are not here, and let them get
the feel of this celestial joy by reading it.
THE MILESTONE
The same difficulty as was faced during the journey from Uttar- Kashi in
the beginning was faced again today. The widening and repairing work of the
road up to Bhatwadi camp was going on. So the milestones were not there
during those days. The road was steep and hence the journey along it on foot
was very tiresome. The way was all along laden with the beauty of the forest. Yet
the delight and excitement it generated in the beginning was diminishing due to
22
constantly seeing it all day, all along and all the twenty-four hours. The lonesome
journey through the barren and unpeopled place was also very unpleasant.
Anyone who is used to the life of hustle and bustle in the midst of people feels it
difficult to bear the solitude. When this loneliness and hard physical strain tries
the mind and body, the lone desire is to know how much distance has been
covered and how much yet to remains to be covered.
After walking some distance, it was usually enquired from the travelers
coming from the other direction as to how far away the next camp was. The
distance to be walked was thus estimated on the basis of that information. Some
travelers happened to be egoistic and would disregard the question and would
not answer. Some did not know the distance, some would tell the approximate
distance; but their approximation differed by many miles. So there was no
certainty about the correctness of the information given. So it was a hopeless
situation for a lone traveler. When traveling in group of five or six people,
joyfully walking, talking and laughing, the journey passes off without feeling
any strain but the difficult journey all alone is very exacting. Under this situation
how helpful is the milestone was badly felt during the journey from Bhatwadi to
Gangotri. In the absence of the milestone the walls of the mountain was
whitewashed at places, and thereon the distances were indicated in red figures
like 25/6 and so on. It meant that the spot was 25 miles and 6 furlongs away
from Dharasu. From the mileages of camps mentioned on the maps, the distance
to the next camp could be assessed. In this loneliness this information on the
walls was very helpful. The entire journey was completed in this manner. After
reaching every furlong, there was the satisfaction of having covered so much
distance and the solace that only this much distance remained to be covered.
Again this time on the way from Gangotri to Gomukh, there are no
milestones or furlong stones and the difficulty experienced on the way from
Uttar-Kashi is repeated. This journey of 18 miles from Gomukh to Gangotri was
performed with great difficulty. The path itself too was very hazardous. And to
top it all was the absence of the milestones that were the travelers’ guide! While
writing these lines, I feel the distress all the more.
How insignificant is a milestone! Its cost, qualification, ability, education,

intelligence etc. are all ridiculous. But it stands erect at a fixed spot with a fixed
duty. It never thinks of moving from the spot. It knows only one thing i.e. the
distance from Dharasu to this spot is so much. With this much knowledge it has
set out to serve. How useful its firm faith proves to be. Innumerable travelers like
me get guidance from it and get relief from worrying about the distance between
the places.
23
When a small piece of stone can serve to guide, when a small earthen
lamp of little value can offer light in darkness and help save from mishaps and
dangers, should service-minded human beings remain idle only because of their
ability, education, intelligence etc. being little and limited? Everybody has some
drawbacks and shortcomings, but each one of us can serve at least those among
us who are less educated, less intelligent and less fortunate. Instead of indulging
in useless talk that such and such thing could be dine if such and such
potentiality and ability were there, would it not be better to do whatever we can
with whatever we are capable of to help and guide others to better themselves.
The milestone knows only the distance between Dharasu and Gangotri and
nothing else. Yet its service is not of any less importance, the inconvenience and
hardship caused by its absence during the journey from Uttar-Kashi to Bhatwadi
is pestering me even in the midst of the happy imagination of the joy. I am going
to have the Darshan (a view of the holy sight) of Gomukh tomorrow.
Most of us are capable of serving humanity better than the milestone, but
the opportunity to prove our utility will come only when we firmly come
forward with self-confidence and dedication with whatever ability we possess.
OWN AND ALIEN
Constant walking has caused blisters on the feet. Today when I looked at
the feet, there were in all ten blisters of Varying sizes, I had worn canvas shoes
hoping that they would help to walk on the hard terrain, but they too caused
injuries on two places. The small injuries and blisters were white and the larger
ones filled with water inside were of yellow color. The walking became painful.
It looked as though the legs were expressing their helplessness in walking by
bearing their suffering.
The destination is far ahead. In any case I have to reach at the appointed
place by Gurupoornima day, the full moon of Ashadh. What to do when the legs
are not in fit condition? Somehow I walked limping yesterday, but today I feel it
difficult. Some of the blisters have ruptured and are becoming septic. If it gets
worse, walking would become extremely difficult, and if I could not walk, I
would not be able to reach the destination in time. It worried me the whole day.
To walk barefooted is also difficult. The entire way is littered with sharp
stone chips that pierce like thorns into the feet and cause immense pain. A
solution was devised. Half of Dhoti (lion cloth) was torn out and made two
pieces of it. Each foot was bandaged with it. The shoes were put in the bag. It
worked, slowly I started walking.
24
On one side there were my own feet that began to express their inability at
my hour of need, and on the other side was this Lathi of bamboo (staff) which,
God knows where it was born and how and when it came with me, is helping
like a brother. Like the old and sick people when felt tired are carried by their
near and dear ones on their shoulders, this lathi, is lending me support like one’s
own relatives and friends.
The way beyond Gangnani camp was very slippery due to rains. The path
alongside Ganga was narrow and the high mountain stood beside it. On this fatal
path, this lathi alone helped to get over the difficulty, had this one too given way
like the shoes, God alone knows if I would have been here to write these lines
today.
The shoes that were bought with high hopes have caused injury. The legs
that were relied upon also expressed inability in this critical time. But this worth-
less lathi proved to be so helpful that I feel indebted to it to no end. I feel like
going on singing its praise.
Expectations from those that were one’s own failed. It annoyed much. But
at the next moment the thought of the faithfulness of this unknown alien lathi,
came to mind. It gladdened me. Instead of worrying over and cursing those that
created trouble, why not remember the one that has graciously helped aliens? In
this creation of God all are our own and all are aliens too.
SO SATISFIED WITH SO LITTLE
Today all along the way I have been carefully observing the hazardous
life of the hilly people and pondering over it. Wherever small soil patches
admeasuring a few square feet were found in the hills, they were made use of for
cultivation. Tilling the land using bullocks was out of question here. So the job
was done by pickaxes. When the crop matures it is cut and carried to their
residence up above the hills, where thrashing is carried out. Where there are no
streams, water from the valleys down below is carried on head or backs to the
mountain above. Men are seen few. Ladies do all the work themselves.
Collection and carrying of firewood from the jungle higher above are also done
by ladies.
These people have to climb up and down many times more than we do on
our journeys that tire us. They have no means of entertainment either. They
were clad in hand spun woolen or cotton clothes, mostly torn or patched. Yet
they were happy. While working in the fields they were singing in chorus. Being
not acquainted with their language, the meaning of the songs could not be
25
understood but the joy and enthusiasm coming out of them was easily
comprehensible.
In comparison to the people here, those living on plains are many times
better off in richness, wealth, education, food, shelter, clothing and convenience
of all sorts. Comparatively they have to toil much less. Yet they are unhappy and
unsatisfied. They always go on crying over their wants. In contrast these people
enjoy peace, happiness and satisfaction by living on whatever comes to their lot
after putting up a lot of hard work. Why this difference?
It appears that dissatisfaction is a tendency which is not due to materials

but greed. Greed cannot be satisfied with materials. It is an abyss. Had it not
been so why should those living on plains, with much more comforts than the
hilly inhabitants with so little, be unhappy and dissatisfied? Why should the
hilly people with so little enjoy peaceful and joyous life?
Having more means is not bad. They are also necessary. But what is
desirable is to be satisfied with what one gets and not to indulge in acquiring
more than required. And why remain unhappy and dissatisfied by disregarding
the available gift of God.
The path we have adopted in the race of modernity by spending more and
remaining more dissatisfied is not correct. It is amply illustrated by these hilly
people, though they are unable to deliver lectures on it or write thesis on this
subject.
THE ROARING “BHERON” VALLEY
Today I crossed the Bheron valley. The traders’ route to Tibet via Tailang
valley passes by this way. Merchants from Harshill use this route to take timber
for sale in Tibet from where they purchase woolen articles to sell here. Since the
ascend is very steep, one gets tired and starts panting which makes it necessary
to take rest at frequent intervals.
I was resting leaning against a mountain rock. Down below Ganga was
roaring the like of which was heard nowhere else along the way. Particles of
water were seen rising high up to about 30 to 40 feet. I became curious to know
why Ganga is roaring so loud, why she is so much energetic, why so violently
speedy here. I began to look below, around and far and wide.
It was noticed that here Ganga is passing through a narrow course

between two closely standing hills. The width might hardly be 10 to 15 feet. So it
is natural for the water to develop so much velocity. Along the course there were
26
also blocks of rock against which the water was striking resulting in the roaring
sound. The water, when broken, used to rise like pieces of brick. The scene of the
speeding Ganga here is worth seeing.
At places like Soron, where Ganga is miles wide, the velocity is very slow.
It has neither fury now hurry. But here the velocity is intense because it has to
pass through this narrow space between the mountains. Man remains unhappy
because of his activities getting scattered in numerous fields. So he can not crate
anything worthwhile. But when a man restricts his fields of activities and
concentrates his energy thereon, astonishing results are found to be achieved. Is
it not what Ganga proves here? Should we not emulate Ganga’s example so as to
achieve something worthwhile by proper use of our energy, rather than frittering
it away on inconsequential matters?
The blocks of rock lying in the course of the stream compel the water to
face the struggle by striking against them. The roaring and thundering were due
to this struggle. The water particles were rising above like balloons of cotton. The
action made me think that man’s potential too would remain unexploited and
unrealized if life is spent in peace, pleasure and merriments without any
struggle. If man could conserve his courage, capabilities, endurance, patience,
and perseverance, his fame too would echo far and wide, like the roaring of
Ganga here. The particles of the special qualities of his personality would be seen
rising high like the shinning water particles of Ganga. Ganga is unafraid, passes
through the little narrow available path; she does not get frightened by the
hurdles, on the contrary she strikes against them and makes her way. Alas! If
only our inner sense were charged with such profound energy and enthusiasm,
we too could have had the opportunity to refine our personality.
STRAIGHT AND CROOKED TREES
Today I passed through a dense forest of Pine and Cedar trees. Seeing
these tail and straight trees I felt very happy. They were so straight that they
appeared like poles kept erect on the mountains slope. They were thick and
strong too.
There were also trees of Tewar, Dadra, Pinkhu and the like which were
bent and crooked. They had sprouted branches in all directions and all of them
were thin too. Except few, all the rest were used as fire wood. The contractors
used them to prepare coals as well. These trees occupy a lot of space, but they are
of ordinary use only. The pine and cedar trees are used for building and
furniture works, but the bent and crooked variety of trees are not useful for such
works. So they are not considered to be of much worth and are cheap in price.
27
It is observed by me that the trees which are tall and straight have not
sprouted their branches all around. They have grown straight to the top without
caring to turn this way and that. It is natural to rise high when energy is
concentrated only in one direction. The pine and cedar trees have adopted this
very policy and they are proclaiming the success of this policy, holding their
heads high. Contrary to this, the bent and crooked trees that had no firmness, or
constancy, but had the flirting mind spread their branches in all directions,
wanting to enjoy the tastes of all sides, as well as to see where better comfort
could be had from, and how to get fast success. In this endeavor branches were
spread in all directions. Its body was covered with numerous small twigs and the
tree appeared to be huge and expressed false pride in its achievement of the large
number of branches and twigs.
Time passed. The roots found it hard to procure water and manure to feed
all the branches and twigs well enough. As the result, the growth was hampered
and the twigs became thin and weak. The trunk of the tree also grew weak, and
could not gain much height. When divided in all directions, how could it remain
strong? These poor Dadra and Pinkhu trees expanded themselves by spreading
branches in all directions, but wise people did not find them of much value. So
their search of success by flirting in all directions ultimately proved to be unwise.
No wonder, if the cedar trees who unwaveringly grew up, aiming only
upwards laugh at the silliness of these trees. Likewise, if wise men look down
upon our failures due to frittering our energy in various interests there will be
nothing unjust in it.
LEAFY VEGETABLES
Vegetables are not much in vogue here. Other than potatoes no vegetables
is available here. Potatoes are costlier too because these have to be brought from
far away places and transportation is also very difficult. The shopkeepers at the
camps sell them at the rate of one rupee per seer (half kg.). Though there are
small cultivable patches here and there by the side of small streams, there is no
practice of growing vegetables. I am bored of eating potatoes daily. On enquiry
from the shopkeepers and the local inhabitants they told that the leaves of three
kinds of trees in the forest can be used as vegetables. They are (1) Morcha, (2)
Lingda and (3) Kola.
One of the natives was given some money and was asked to bring the
leaves of one of these varieties. The tree was there right behind the camp and the
man brought a good quantity of the leaves of Morcha within no time. The mode
of preparation was also learnt from him. When prepared, it tasted nice. The next
day Lingda leaves and the day after Kola leaves were obtained and cooked. They
28
too were tasty. Each of the three varieties of these leafy vegetables was tastier
than the other. It pleased the mind. The deficiency of green vegetables for over a
month was made good by these tasty leaves and I felt very satisfied.
On the way thereon as well as in camps, I used to talk to the natives and
asked why they were not using these green leafy vegetables that were
abundantly available there. I explained to them that leafy vegetables are very
good fro health also. But none of them took my advice nor considered these
leaves to be tasty and beneficial. Finding their disinterest, the topic was dropped.
I feel that unless the utility is known, the importance of no matter in the
world can be realized. In my view all those three leafy vegetables were useful
and hence I found them important, apart from being tasty. The natives here
neither knew their utility nor considered them of much use and hence could not
make use of them despite being abundantly available there. Be it matter of
knowledge, unless the utility is understood, man is neither attracted towards it,
nor makes any use of it. So more than a thing being important, the greater role
lies in knowing its use and getting convinced of it.
All around us, there are many things and means whose knowledge and
adoption in life would benefit us a lot. Celibacy, physical exercise, getting up
from bed before sunrise, prayer in the morning, noon and evening, proper
utilization of time, pious food, regularity in daily routine, non-indulgence in bad
habit, sweet talk, good behavior etc. a re some of the many useful practices,
which are not only highly beneficial but not difficult to adopt too. Yet most of us
disregard them as useless and remain deprived of the benefits attainable by their
adoption.
These hilly natives were unaware of the benefits of these leafy vegetables
abundantly available around them and hence were unable to take their
advantage. But they are not to be blamed. How many means of self-betterment
are available around us? How many of us adopt them and take the benefits? In
folly too, none like to lag behind.
REACHED UPTO THE CLOUDS
Today it has been raining since morning. Normally, clouds were seen
daily passing over the mountains top, but today they have come down much
low. The valley that has been crossed today was over 10,000 ft. above sea level.
The sight of clouds attackingly approaching us was very entertaining to watch
and very exciting too. The clouds appearing like mountains of carded cotton
were flying fearlessly across us. A sort of white darkness made of thick fog
29
surrounded us and dampened our clothes. Had it rained then, we could have
seen for ourselves how the clouds were melting and forming rain drops.
When we used to see clouds in our village, they were seen very much high
up. My grand mother used to tell us that gods lived over there where the clouds
were seen. According to her, clouds are the vehicles of gods by riding on which
they roam about wherever they want and also send down rains wherever they
pleased. In childhood I used to wish how nice it would be I could avail the
pleasure of riding on the clouds and go roaming about at will. In those days I
imagined the clouds to be very costly – many times costlier than aero planes. For
riding on aero plane, one should purchase it, arrange for petrol and oil and learn
to fly it, all of which were very difficult. But for clouds! Nothing to bother, sit
over it and get going, that’s all.
Today I did not ride on the clouds like I imagined in childhood. But seeing
them flying and moving with us thrilled me. We rose to such a height where
clouds touched our feet. It made me think that the difficult targets that seem to
be too high and unattainable could be reached in this manner. The endeavor to
climb over the mountain made us reach up to the clouds. The magnitude of duty
is also of Himalayan height. If we go on climbing, without giving up we can rise
much above the common people who are engrossed in mundane needs of food
and sex. Take this example of ours in reaching over 10 thousands feet height due
to going on climbing.
Clouds are difficult to touch. But on top of mountain they are very close.
High sense of devotion of duty can take us as high as the clouds and the clouds
which were thought to be unreachable were forced to come to us. The tendency
to rise high, carry us to the height of clouds and make them come to us.
Thoughts like these were swelling up in the mind while touching the clouds. But
what can thoughts alone do? If they can not be put into action they would die out
like a ripple in the mind.
APPLE OF THE FOREST
In today’s journey there were any pilgrims to travel together. Among

them there were some women too. Along the way Binni trees were seen bearing
beautiful fruits. The ladies began to ask among themselves as to which king of
fruits they were. Some one among them told that those were apples of the forest.
Do not know wherefrom se had heard of them being apples of forest. But it was
concluded that those were apples of the forest anyway. Fruits were in
abundance, and wore a mixed color of red and yellow which imparted the
impression of their being ripe.
30
The group of ladies stood back. A grown up girl climbed on the tree. It
seemed that she must have had the practice of climbing on trees in her village.
She shook down about 40 to 50 fruits. The ladies standing on the ground picked
them up scrambling. Some could pick up more than the others, and some of
them less. Those who got less were quarrelling with those who got more. While
quarrelling, the lady who got less was accusing that the other woman blocked
her way and picked up more, letting her not to pick. The woman who picked up
more retorted that she picked up more because of her speed in work and her
ability to move fast are bound to be in profit. If you had quick movements you
could have outdone me and collected more.
They decided to eat them at the camp along with the food. The fruits, they
opined, were sweet and beautiful and would taste well with the food. Putting the
fruits in their apron, they began moving happily for having collected so much of
these costly fruits so easily. Though the quarrelling ceased the ill-will of
collecting less and more continued. They were angrily ogling at each other.
The camp was reached. Everyone sat down. Food was prepared. Fruits too
were taken out and served. And oh! Those who put in the mouth began to spit
out. The fruits were bitter. The beautiful fruits, for collecting which they
quarreled and labored a lot and also spent their energy, have turned out bitter.
They were greatly disappointed. The native porter standing beside was laughing.
He said, “These are fruits of Binni tree. They are not eatable. The seeds are used
for extracting oil.” The ladies felt ashamed for having collected and carried the
fruits without knowing the truth about them.
I too was there and was a witness to entire episode from beginning to end.
The ladies now started laughing over the fruit episode. They got a chance to
make fun. It is common that people feel happy on laughing over other’s mistake
and faults. Their mistake was that they assumed the fruits to be sweet and tasty
because of their beautiful shape and beautiful be sweet? They would have
known it. The ignorance caused them to be ashamed of and made them
sorrowful. Moreover they have quarrel led for a worthless cause.
I ponder as to why these ladies alone are laughed at, while nobody laughs
at the whole society which is crazy after attractive appearance. Like moths dying
over the flame. In the world of appearance, god of beauty is worshipped; pomp
and show attract everyone towards them; and due to the temptation people
madly fall for worthless things. They spoil their path and in the end repent over
the futility of their pursuit, like the ladies who are repenting here now due to
having collected the bitter fruits of Binni trees. People who go after appearance
would do well to correct their misconception and try to realize the worth rather
31
than the form. But it is possible only when one is sensible enough to judge the
pitfalls of attractive appearance and be able to keep away from it.
None could eat the Binni fruits. They had to be thrown off. Those were not
eatable at all. Riches and wealth, beauty and youth, merriment and fun sex and
infatuation, enjoyment and easy going and the like are some of the many things
which unsettle the mind. But most of the glittering things in the world are such
that their acquisition will cause only repentance, like having had to throw away
the wild apples.
MULES THAT WALK CAREFULLY
On mountainous region, mules are also used, apart from sheep, for
carrying luggage. They are the only means available for transport too. Like we
see carts, tangas, rickshaw etc. on our roads, only mules are seen moving safely
on the difficult paths of the mountains region.
As we walk with great caution on these mountain foot path, taking proper
care of avoid hitting the foot against stones, the mules also walk carefully in the
same manner. Our head is so positioned on the body that we can see where we
are putting our step and can thus avoid danger. But it is not so with the mules.
With the type of movement of neck and position of eyes they are endowed with,
they can see ahead, but can not see where the legs are being placed. Yet every
step of the mule is always carefully placed at the right spot. Else the slightest
fault will cause it fall down and end up the life like the calf of a cow we saw
yesterday lying dead on the way to Gangotri due to falling from a height of
about 80 feet. The poor thing lost its balance due to keeping one of the legs on the
wrong spot. Such happenings are rare. But in the case of mules such instances
were never heard of.
The man in charge of the mules told (me) that these animals were
extremely careful and were wise in treading the way. They walk fast, yet every
step is kept carefully. When they apprehend any dangerous spot they suddenly
control themselves, take the step back and search out the safe spot with the leg
and then go forward. While walking, its attention is concentrated on the balance
between the foot and the ground. Had it not been so they would not have been
useful on this difficult terrain.
The wisdom of mules is commendable. While man repeatedly takes

wrong steps without caring a bit and consequently suffers without growing
wiser, the mules make no mistake in finding the balance of their feet. If only we
learn to carefully put our steps on the uneven path of life, our status would also
have become commendable like that of the mountain mules.
32
SIGHT OF GOMUKH (The Origin of Ganga)
Today my long cherished desire of seeing the origin of mother Ganga got
fulfilled. The journey of 18 miles from Gangotri to Gomukh is fraught with much
more difficulties than those faced in the journey up to Gangotri. When the road
to Gangotri gets cut off or blocked, the Government officials of the public works
departments arrange to repair it. But this route used by pilgrims not very
frequently lies neglected and unrepaired. The mountain roads get damaged
every year and if they are not repaired for a year or two the paths become very
hazardous. In some places the paths were cut off in such a way that to pass by it
was nothing short of gambling with life. A slight slip of step and there ends your
life.
The glacier, from which Ganga comes out, is of blue color. This place of
origin of Mother Ganga is magnificent by the presence of snow clad mountain
peaks. The course of water appears like an ordinary fountain. Though the course
is thin its velocity is tremendous. It is said that this course of Ganga comes from
Kailash – Shiva’s matted hair. From Kailash to Gangotri Ganga travels
underground. The tremendous speed of Ganga at this visible origin is attributed
to her having endured the weight of millions of tones of glacier for over
hundreds of miles. Whatever that be, for imaginative minds, it is milk coming
from mother’s breast. A pious urge surges within to drink it and to get immersed
in it like it happened with the writer of “Ganga Lahari” (Waves of Ganga) a
composition of poems written in praise of Ganga by Shri Jagannath Mishra, who
went on reciting his own composition, putting one step ahead with the chanting
of each stanza and at the end of the last stanza plunged into Ganga in a fit of
emotion and accepted the watery grave (Jal Samadhi).
I satisfied my urge by taking the sip and dip in Ganga. Throughout the
way imagination and emotions were billowing like the waves of Ganga. Many
thought appeared and disappeared. At this time I can not restrain the urge to
write down an important thought surfaced on the mind. So here I put it.
Here at Gomukh Ganga is only a thin tiny course. On the way hundreds
and thousands of fountains, streams and rivers join it. Some of them are many
times bigger than Ganga at its origin. It is only due to all those rivers and streams
and fountains joining her that Ganga has become so large and wise as seen at
Haridwar, Kanpur, Prayag etc. Big canals are constructed to carry water from
Ganga for irrigation. The water from Gomukh will not suffice of even a single
canal. If no other stream or river had joined Ganga its water would have been
absorbed by the soil within the matter of a few miles, and it would have come to
halt, thereby ending the opportunity to progress. Ganga is great, certainly great,
33
for it has bound the streams and rivers in the bond of love. She threw open her
apron of magnanimity and embraced them to her heart. Taking no notice of their
virtues and faults, she assimilated them all in her fold. How can one whose heart
is full of feeling of boundless love, intimacy and oneness be short of water?
When the lamp burns, moths also get ready to burn themselves over it. When
Ganga has set out on the path of public welfare by spreading coolness, why
should not the rivers and steams come forward to sacrifice themselves in it. We
can see for ourselves in the soul of Gandhi, Buddha, Jesus and the like.
Ganga’s bed level is the lowest. This has enabled the streams and rivers to
fall into it. On the contrary if Ganga had, instead of keeping herself low and
humble, held her level high feeling proud of her qualities, other streams, though
not much worthy would not have tolerated her conceit and would have turned
away from her feeling rather jealous. The magnanimity of the steams is truly
great and their sacrifice is also praiseworthy, yet it is the humility of Ganga in
presenting herself low that has given the opportunity to the streams to make
their existence fruitful. Ganga has many other great attributes but this one virtue
alone is so great that one cannot adequately admire her.
The farsightedness of the steams and rivers in renouncing their own

ambition of attaining fame, keeping their separate identity and importance is also
highly appreciable. They enrich the capacity and greatness of Ganga by losing
themselves. They realized the importance of collectivism, unity and co-operative
working. So they deserve unbound appreciations. They did not preach nor
discoursed on the strength of unity but showed it practically by their deed. This
is called courage of conviction. This unique example of renouncing one’s identity
is not only great but fraught with foresightedness too. Had they insisted on
perpetuating their separate identity and sought to acquire the credit of their
performance for themselves, they could surely have had their own name and
fame, but that would have been considered not of much value. In that condition,
no one would have considered their water to be holy nor worth using for
sanctifying body and soul.
The sacred Gomukh that I saw and bathed in today is only the origin of
Mother Ganga. The complete Ganga is formed by the collective effort of
thousands of steams and rivers. Gangasagar has welcomed it. The entire world
worships it. Only a few fellows like me go in search of Gomukh and reach it.
I wish that a sacred united force may emerge to eradicate sin and promote
universal welfare. If only our leaders and their followers could pick up this
example of collective working like Ganga and her tributaries are doing.
34
MAIN DARSHAN (VIEW) IF TAPOVAN
I felt blessed on having had the sacred sight of the origin of goddess
Ganga. In appearance, Gomukh is a gap in a huge rock through which a small
fountain having the purity of milk is gushing out. Due to the tremendous force of
flow the water strikes against the stones lying on its way so hard that the drops
of water rise very high. The sunrays falling on this spray of water create rainbow
whose beauty is simply to be seen to be enjoyed.
The soul gets purified by merely remembering the message of redemption

and the great culture which mother Ganga, starting from this pious source, has
been spreading throughout ages. I wish I were able to contain forever this sight
in my eyes.
My destination was still ahead. The area surrounded by Ganga, Vamak,

Nandanvan, Bhageerathi peak and Shivlinga Mountain is the heart of the
Himalayas. Innumerable unknown souls of very high stature are dwelling here
and are engaged in acquiring the necessary power required for the purpose of
redeeming this world. It is neither fair nor necessary to discuss it here. It would
be rather premature too. Hence I desist from throwing light on this matter.
Here onwards my guide has been directing me along the path. After
negotiating miles of hazardous ascends I got the glimpse of Tapocan an interior
region situated beyond Gomukh. The snow-clad mountain peaks were spreading
their supernatural beauty all around. There was the sight of Shivlinga Mountain
in front looking exactly as if huge serpents are poised with their raised hoods.
Those who are endowed with the vision of imagination could see with their
naked eyes, the sight of God Shiva with matted hair. On the right side there is the
purple snow mountain of Sumeru. The other radiant bluish mountain peaks are
called Brahmapuri. A little behind on the left side is Bhageerath Mountain. It is
said that this is the place where Bhageerath performed penance (tap) whereon
Ganga was pleased to grant his request to come down to earth.
There is rock called Bhageerath Shila near Gaurikund in Gangorti which is

also said to be associated with the tap of Bhageerath. Anyway this snow-clad
mountain is Bahgeerath Mountain in fact. Engineers also consider this mountain
to be the place of origin of Ganga. Behind Bhageerath mountain there is Nilgiri
Mountain wherefrom Neel River with bluish water flows. All these colorful
mountains of heavenly beauty can be seen from a high spot. When snow starts
melting, the wide expanse of Bahgeerath plateau becomes inaccessible. When ice
breaks, huge gaps are formed. If anyone ventures to get there, the chance of his
como9ng back is remote. When the melting is over by August September, it
really appears like Nandanvan, the garden of heaven. This is not simply a lovely
35
name of the place, but here the atmosphere is truly heavenly. In those days there
sprouts soft grass all over and the whole area is filled with the fragrance of
flowers and rare plants. The earth here is decorated with flowers. There is no
wonder if gods dwell on such beautiful part of earth. If Pandavas had come here
for heading to heaven there appears to be no exaggeration.
The beauty of Tapovan which is the heart of the Himalayas is inexplicable.

Reaching here is equally difficult. Hardly anyone may venture to stay here and
enjoy the beautiful sight at temperature below Zero degree Celsius. Badrinath
and Kedarnath come within the range of this holy Tapovan. Going along the
existing route, the distance from Gomukh to Badrinath is about 250 miles. But if
one goes along the route crossing Mana pass the distance from tapovan is only
about 20 miles (32km.). Likewise Kedarnath is only 12 miles (20 km.) from here.
But it is not possible for everyone to tread the snow-clad track. This Tapovan is
called paradise. On reaching here I felt that I was really standing in heaven. This
is all due to the showering of kindness of that supreme power at whose orders
this body is merely dancing like a puppet in the hands of puppet artist.
36
THE HUT IN SOLITUDE

It is silent all around this hut. The nacre is till. Silence of the solitude is
unnerving. The day passed off and the night arrived. Due to strangeness of the
surrounding, sleep was eluding me. The fear was not due to ferocious animals,
thieves, snakes or evil spirits, but loneliness. The body had no work except
turning from side to side. The brain was also idle and devoid of any work. So the
old habit of thinking started its process. Why fear arises in loneliness?
An answer sprouted from within. Man is a part of Samashti (The totality

of universe). It is Samasthi that has nourished him. Like fish which is blended
with the element of water can survive only in water, man can also be happy and
comfortable only in the society due to his being the part of Samashti, being a
spark of the vast expanse of consciousness. In loneliness the connection with the
vast society is snapped, with the result that his inner growth is arrested. The
uneasiness due to this deficiency can be the reason for fear.
The imagination went still further. In support of the established faiths, it

brought forth many memories of loneliness and many instances of having
suffered in loneliness. Those instances had no trace of happiness; it was simply
passing the time somehow in boredom. The memory of the loneliness in the
condemned prisoner’s dark cell of solitary confinement where I was put in
during the days of freedom struggle surfaced. There was no disturbance in that
room, but solitude exerted pressure on the mind. When I was released after as
month my body was pale like a ripe mango. I felt dizzy, while standing.
Since solitude was uncomfortable every part of the brain was engaged in
proving the futility and demerits thereof. In fact brain works like a loyal servant.
According to the mood of the mind it gathers and presents a mountain of proofs,
evidences, logic, reason, thoughts and examples. To judge what is right and what
is wrong is the job of the sense. The duty of the brain is only to present necessary
materials to justify the stand taken by the mind.
The brain now began to think like a philosopher. The selfish people think
only of themselves, only about the profit and loss to self. They consider none to
be their own. So they remain deprived of the joy of community. Their conscience
is barren and devoid of any noble feeling. There rose before my eyes, the
example of some persons who had everything by way of riches, wealth and
earthly means of comfort, but due to their narrow outlook they have nobody of
their own. All of them are unhappy and suffering from something.
The flow of thought was going fast in its own direction and it seemed that
it is bent upon proving that solitude is not only futile but harmful and
37
troublesome too. Personal inclination would then be able to stress its point i.e.
why to go after this folly. Why not live among the society and gain what is
possible?
The discretion sensed the wrong going of the mind and said. “If solitude is
that worthless, shy should the Rishis, Sadhaks, devotees, aspirants, thinkers and
scientist go after it? Why do they avail such atmosphere? If solitude has no
importance why is it sought after for availing Samadhi (The state of super-
consciousness and self-realization). Why is solitude sought to be availed for self
study, thinking, penance, concentration etc.? Why do the great men spend their
valuable time in this uncomfortable solitude?”
Suddenly the flow of thought that was speeding ahead to prove the
solitude to be harmful stopped like a horse does when the reins are pulled. Faith
said, “The inspiration of Sadhana in solitude cannot be wicked.” Devotion told,
“The power that has put me on this path can not guide me wrong.” The
conscience said, “Soul comes alone and goes alone. It weeps, sitting alone in the
jail of this body. Does it feel uneasy in this solitude that is already destined? Sun
moves alone and so does the moon. The wind flows alone. Do they feel any
discomfort in this?”
Thoughts can be checkmated by counter-thoughts. This psychological

principle was proved here. The thoughts that seemed to be fully developed and
strong a little while ago crumbled like a house of cards now. The counter-
thoughts have defeated them. Spiritual scholars, therefore, tell us the importance
of attacking evil thoughts by noble thoughts. Evil thoughts, however strong they
may be, can be nullified by noble counter- thoughts. I directly experienced in that
lonely night, how faulty conviction can be moulded into noble ones. Now the
brain began to work in the direction of finding the utility, necessity and
importance of solitude.
Slowly the night began to pass. Getting bored due to not feeling sleepy I
came out of the hut and saw Ganga, flowing fast as if being impatient to meet her
beloved, the sea. Blocks of stones tried to stop her on the way, but she crossed
the hurdles and went past them. Though her body was getting wounded all over,
she was neither complaining nor getting disappointed. She hardly made any
notice of these obstacles. She was not al all scared of darkness of loneliness. Her
thought about the lord of her heart did not let her worry about all these matters.
Deeply engrossed in the thought of the beloved, she moved on singing the song
of love, renouncing the comfort of sleep and rest.
The moon had reached over the head. Its numerous reflections were
glittering on the waves of Ganga, as if Brahm (The Almighty) was explaining this
38
illusion in the visible form by showing one Brahm becoming many by entering
into numerous bodies. The scene was very fascinating. Coming out of the hut, I
went over there and sitting on a block of rock began to see the sight attentively
without winking the eyes. Within a short while I felt sleepy and slept there on
the rock.
It seemed to me, that the course of waster got transformed into a lotus-like
beautiful celestial maiden. In that posture of supernatural calmness and ocean-
like gentleness it seemed that all the purity of earth has been collected and filled
up in one human body for her to appear in. without pausing she came over to a
block of rock nearby. To me it appeared that it was happening in reality.
The divine maiden began to say something in her sweet world in very
calm and gentle way. I began to hear it attentively as if hypnotized. She said. “Oh
Soul in the human body! You don’t consider yourself alone in this unpeopled
forest. With open eyes, look around and see that it is yourself that are lying
scattered in every thing you see around. Don’t confine yourself to the conception
that you are limited to being a man. In this vast creation, man is also a small
creature; he too has a place. But man is not everything. Why feel loneliness
where human companions are not present. Other living and inert creatures are
also dear to God like man is. Then why don’t you consider them your brothers?
Why don’t you have intimacy with them? Why don’t you make them your
colleagues? In this solitude there is no human being, but there are innumerable
creatures here. Souls in many forms like birds and animals, flies and insects,
plant and trees live here in this mountain forest. All these souls have feelings and
emotion. If you are able to develop the relation between your soul and that of
these supposedly inert and soulless creatures, you can feel the completeness of
your incomplete soul.
The divine maiden of heavenly beauty continued without pause:- God has
given intelligence to man, but the poor guy could not make use of it for gaining
happiness. He misused this divine boon for greed and fancies and remained
deprived of the happiness he could get. He, who deserved to be praised, became
a creature to be pitied upon instead. But such folly has not been adopted by other
creatures on the earth. They may have only very little intelligence, but you to
assimilate your feelings with theirs and then see if there is solitude. All are your
companions; all are your relatives and friends.
The sleep was broken as soon as I turned the side. I got up hurriedly and
looked all around. The divine maiden who was rendering the nectar-like sweet
advices was not to be seen. It seemed that she has merged herself in this stream.
She might have been transformed back into the course of water. The words
spoken in human language were not there to be heard. But the same message
39
was echoed in the gurgling sound of water. The physical ears could not hear
them, but the soul of the ears still understood it, perceiving it.
Was I awake or in dreams? Was it reality or illusion? Were they my own

thoughts or divine message? I was confused. I opened the eyes and moved the
hand over the head. I tried to find out that which was seen and heard a little
while ago, but was unable to find it and was getting no clue either.
By then I saw many reflections of the moon gliding over the waves that
were coming together from all sides and appeared to be telling something with
smile. When I tried to hear their talk the tiny children-like reflection began
telling:- see so many of us moons are here to play with you, to smile and laugh
with you. Won’t you take us as your companions? Are we not good pals? Man,
you have come from the selfish world of yours where only those who are
intimate, those who would serve your interest, are dear to you. Those who
would be of use to your self interest are yours, and those who won’t do so are
aliens. Isn’t the custom of your world? Leave it and learn the customs of our
world here. Here there is no such complication. There is no distinction like own
and aliens. There is no selfishness. All are our own. We believe that our own soul
dwells in all. You too learn to think this way. Then, with so many of us here you
won’t feel alone.
You have come to perform some Sadhana (dedicated spiritual ppursuit)

here, isn’t it? Don’t you see this Ganga engaged in Sadhana? Engrossed in love
how single-minded she is heading forward to meet her beloved. No hurdles on
the way can stop her. Does she get darkness or loneliness? Does she get
distracted from her aim even for a moment? If you want to adopt the path of
Sadhana, then you too have to adopt this way. When your soul too will start
moving fast to get to the beloved like Ganga, how can the crowd of people attract
you or solitude frightens you? If you want to stay on the shores of Ganga, dear
Sadhak, you learn Ganga’s Sadhana of love too.
Many tiny moons were dancing with the waves. It seemed like the dance
of ‘Krishna’ and ‘Gopis’ said to have taken place at Mathura. The waves were the
‘Gopis’ and the moon played ‘Krishna’s role. A Krishna with each Gopi. What a
wonderful dance was being seen by the eyes? Mind was immersed in joy. The
inner conscience was asking me, “Look, see the glimpse of the supreme beloved.
One soul is dancing in each body like the one moon dancing on all the waves.
The whole night passed. Reddish radiance of the dawn began to appear in
the eastern horizon. What was seen was simply wonderful. The fear of solitude
disappeared. Legs slowly pulled e towards the hut. Now it was light of
loneliness that filled the mind.
40
COLLEAGUES IN SOLITUDE
Man ahs the wonderful capacity of adapting himself to the surroundings
he lives in. when I came to stay in this hut in solitude, I felt loneliness all around.
When the loneliness within comes out it sees loneliness everywhere. But now
when the narrowness within is giving way to broadness. I feel everything around
to be mine and feel oneness with all. Now where is the solitude gone? Now
whom to be afraid of in darkness?
It was the night of no moon. The sky was overcast. It was slightly
drizzling too. The cold wind was trying to get in piercing the blanket, lying
inside the hut on the mat of leaves. The body was today feeling uneasy and
unwell. Sleep also deserted me today. The flow of thoughts gushed out. It began
to compare the home filled with loving and caring people and means of
comfortable living, with this dripping hut in lonely darkness and freezing cold.
The merits and demerits began to be enumerated.
The body was feeling uncomfortable. Mind was its comrade. Why should
it be pleased with these discomforts? They are one in conspiring against the soul.
Brain is their hired advocate. Its business is to support what they are interested
in. The brain is like the royal servants who are postmasters in the art of moulding
their stand according to the situations in order to please the king and to be in his
good books. Judging the mood of the mind it opens the gate for favorable
thoughts to pour in. it is expert in easily putting forth innumerable proofs,
reasoning, logic and justification of purpose. It was out-doing the advocates in
enumerating the merits of household comforts and the demerits of troublesome
hut in the solitude. His arguments continued like a tempest.
At that moment a tiny insect in the hut from its hole in the wall against my
head, began tuning a song. Getting inspired, one by one all the insects in the hut
began singing in chorus. On many earlier occasions the singing of the insects was
casually heard. Their songs then appeared to be hoarse, useless and meaningless.
But today the mind had no work. So it began to attentively hear the ascending
and descending order of the song. The mind had also grown tired of blaming
and finding fault with solitude. This flirting monkey always needs new kind of
works. It now began to enjoy the song session of the insects.
The insects sang a sweet song. It was not worded in human language, but
the ideas and feelings contained therein were same as of human beings. The idea
of the song was like this:- Why can’t we infinite? Why not enjoy being infinite?
Limitation is bondage. In infinity lies the principle of liberation. How can those
whose happiness is limited to sensual pleasure, to whom only a few things and
people are considered to be theirs and whose desires are limited to some small
41
fulfillments, experience the unbound joy available in abundance in the vast

world of the Supreme Infinite? Hey creature, you be infinite, expand your soul to
infinity; there is happiness all over; experience it yourself and become immortal.
The insects were singing together uninterruptedly like a group of saints,

who had relinquished worldly pleasures, singing psalms of salvation to the
music of the single stringed instrument. It was for the happiness of self. Moved
by the sentiments I got lost in the song. The discomforts in the hut caused by the
rain were forgotten. These companions who sang the song of peace in this
solitude dispelled the gloom and charged the atmosphere with joy and
enthusiasm.
Old habits began to change. The world began to appear wide and vast,
when I tried to extend to all the creatures the intimacy, hitherto kept confined to
the human beings. I learnt to enjoy the company of other creatures too just like I
used to do with human beings. Loneliness was nowhere to be seen now n this
un-peopled area.
Today, while I was wandering out of the precincts of my hut, companions

began to be seen all around. Tall big trees appeared like fathers and grand
fathers. The maroon skinned Birch trees (Bhojpatra trees) looked as if some great
hermits clad in their ochre clothes were performing Tap in standing posture. Tall
trees of cedar and pine were standing erect in attention like guards standing
determined not to let in any wickedness prevalent in human society,
Small tiny plants and creepers were sitting like tiny kids in rows. Their
heads were decorated with flowers. When the wind was blowing they began to
swing their heads and looked like the children in the lower class shaking their
heads in a rhythmic motion while reciting the table of mathematics. The birds
perched on the branches were chirping so sweet, that it seemed they were
heavenly singers incarnated here in various beautiful forms to sing the virtues
and praise of the beauty of the woods. Like naughty boys the deers were playing,
running and jumping all over. The wild sheep were loitering in the woods as if
they were the landladies’ of this forest. Small worms’ and reptiles were moving
around like the springed toys, their color, shape and graceful gait are all worth
seeing. The butterflies and flowers were competing in beauty as if they had a
wager to win.
The mountain brook was flowing besides dancing coquettishly like a

maiden being unable to hold the freshness of youth within. Its fickle, playing,
sprightful movements are so captivating that the eyes and mind stay riveted on
the sight. Many other rivers also come and join Ganga. Their meeting at the
confluence looked like two emotionally charged sisters embracing each other
42
while going to the house of their in-laws. Himalaya, the king of mountains,
might have given his daughters in marriage to the ocean. How intimately and
sentimentally the sisters meet at the time of going to the in-laws’ house could be
seen here. No duration of time was sufficient to be satiated with this scene of
sentiments. One wishes to be looking it for ever.
Like senior kings and leaders who are old in age, the mountain peaks
were seen sitting in calm posture as if engrossed in deep thoughts to solve some
serious problem. The white snow appearing atop was their white hairs. The
small clouds hovering around appeared to be offering head wear of fresh white
cotton and also wrapping the naked body with costly blankets and shawls so as
to afford protection from cold.
Wherever I looked at, a large family was seen around me. They had no
language; they could not speak; but the consciousness dwelling in their soul was
speaking a lot without words. Whatever was said was coming straight from the
heart and what they preached was practiced too by them. Such unspelt, yet most
touching words, were never heard before. Their words went straight into the
soul and shook all the cells of the body with a new awakening. Where is the
solitude now? Who is to be afraid of? There are colleagues sitting all around.
The golden light of the sun came down to the earth form above the
mountain peaks, as if the company of noble souls was enlightening ignorant
hearts. The sun stays here and there behind the mountains. Only at mid-day it is
seen for a couple of hours or so. Its rays fill vigor and vitality in all the living
elements which were otherwise shrinking. Enthusiasm and energy begin to
sprout. The sun of knowledge of the self also normally stays behind the peaks of
lust and greed; but whenever and wherever it downs its golden rays are
invariably seen creating a divine commotion.
My body too came out of the hut in order to enjoy the golden sun rays and
moved on to stroll over the green grassy carpet outside. A little distance away
there was a hill laden with flowers of several shades and colors. Eyes could not
resist their attraction and the legs moved on towards it.
The plants adorned with flowers looked like little children wearing
colorful caps, standing together and engaged in planning some game. I too went
and sat amidst them, and began to feel like one among them. I wished I would be
getting a chance to be a child again, if those little plants accepted me as their
colleague.
Imagination went ahead. When the inner self is filled with joy, arrogant
thoughts become calm. There is tremendous power in the imagination of man. It
43
builds the world of its own – not only imaginary but real, powerful and active.
Its power is so great that it has created gods and divine beings and by infusing
devotion and dedication made them great like itself is. It did not take long to be
in that state when the feelings within me began to swell. I felt that these children
standing in rows have accepted me as their colleagues and agreed to include me
in their group to play with them.
The plant I was sitting by was one having yellow flowers. It was very
pleasant natured, smiling faced and talkative. It spoke to me in his language –
“Dear friend, you have gone unnecessarily to be born as a man. Is it any life that
they live? Always worried, puzzled, tense and grudging! Next time you should
be born as a flower and be with us. Do not you see how happy and pleased we
are! We all know what peace there is in taking the life like a game and live it that
way. Do you not see the pleasure within us coming out in the form of fragrance?
The flowers are the manifestation of our laugher. We are loved by all. We offer
pleasure to all. We live happily and make happy all those who come close to us.
This is the art of living life. Man boasts of his intelligence, but what worth is this
intelligence when it could not help him get at the simple process of living the life
in peaceful and playful way?”
The flower continued – “I have said this not to tease you nor to extol our
superiority, but to acquaint you with a simple truth. While we are not rich,
wealthy, learned or talented and yet live the life playfully spreading fragrance
around, tell me why man can’t do so. In comparison to us man’s resources are
many times more. Yet if he lives in worry, sorrow and unhappiness, it will be
attributed to his sheer senselessness.
Dear, you are wise in that you have come to live among and play with us
for some time, leaving the ‘wise’ people. If you wish you can learn from us
humble beings an important fact about the techniques of living life.”
My head bowed in reverence. “Dear friend Flower, you are very blessed.
Though having little resources you have mastered the technique of living life. On
the other hand, we waste our available fortune in grudging and grumbling. My
dear friend, you are a true counselor. You teach, not by words, but b example of
life. Dear young friend, I have come to learn, and will learn a lot from you. Please
do not hesitate to each me like a true friend.”
The ever glad yellow plant laughed heartily, nodded in agreement and
said. “There is no dearth of teachers for those who want to learn. At every step
teachers are available. But where are the learners? Everyone is gloating over
one’s own pride. In order to learn, the door of heart should be kept open. Then
knowledge, true knowledge will automatically enter into it like flowing wind.”
44
MEMBERSHIP OF WORLD COMMUNITY

As per daily routine, today also I set out in the afternoon to enjoy the
lovely beautiful scenes of the forest. It served many purposes. Primarily the stroll
served to keep the health and physiques in order. But the main motive was to
meet and talk to the colleagues in the solitude and enquire of their well being.
When the narrow vision of considering oneself as the member of only human
being began to expand, intimacy and once-ness with plants and trees, birds and
animals, moths and insects began swelling up on its own. These members do not
speak in the language of man, nor do they have the social order like that of man.
Yet the world of this other than human beings has its own place of importance
due to their special characteristics and attributes. Man has created many narrow
distinctions between man and man on the basis of caste, creed, color, regions,
state, nations, language etc. Similarly it is also a narrow concept of man to
consider himself to be a member of human community only and other creatures
to be of a different origin or to consider them as objects of serving man’s needs
and greed. Man is only one of the many children of Nature. Though he has many
superior qualities and qualifications, the other creatures also have their own
special qualities which man does not have. These qualities and specialties are
also so wonderful and great as to make man feel himself to be inferior in those
respects.
These thoughts were rising in the mind while strolling today. In the
beginning the creatures and plants who are the members of this solitude seemed
silly and unimportant. But now when they are seen closely and carefully they too
are found great and it seems that even though nature has given greater measure
of intelligence to man, it has given many other gifts to these unintelligent
offspring. Having received those gifts, they can if they choose to, take much
more pride than man.
Here there are numerous species of birds that fly to visit far off places very
happily. They cross over mountains and change the habitats with the change of
climate. Does man have the ability to fly? He has succeeded in flying with aero
planes, but can it be compared with the ability of birds to fly on the wings? Man
has made a lot of cosmetics and other things to beautify himself; but has he been
able to achieve the beautiful color, shape and design of the birds and butterflies
who are as attractive as the celestial maidens?
Many kinds of clothes are used by man to safeguard himself against cold.
But could any man ever obtain a warm coat of hairs grown on the body like that
of bears and sheep? Should not man whose body emits bad odor every moment
through every pore feel shy before plants and trees whose flowers spread
fragrance every moment? Des man whose body becomes weak and useless and
45
ends up in death in a span of about 60- 70 years, stand any comparison to

pythons, who happily cover a life span of 400 years? Banyan trees live up to
thousand years.
The musk deer’s sprinting over the mountains here can easily defeat any
man in race. Can a man defeat a near in wrestling? Is there any man who is as
industrious and hard working as an ant? Who can collect honey from flowers
like the honey bees? Is human eye capable of seeing in darkness, like the cats?
Which man can identify man and material on the basis of smell as dogs can?
Who can live in water like the fish? Who can separate milk and water like the
swans? Who has the strength like elephant? When these virtues and specialties of
plants and animals are considered, the pride of man considering himself to be
the supreme being in the world can be found baseless.
The thought that man is not everything, prevailed in mind during today’s
stroll. Not only that he is not the supreme, he is not even the leader of all. True,
he has intelligence and power. True, he has amassed a lot of means of pleasure.
At the same time it is also true that he ahs misused this gift. The other creatures
of nature are his own brethren. This earth is the mother of them too. They too are
entitled to grow and prosper here. But man has enslaved them all. Larded over
them, snatched away their comforts and trampled their freedom and happiness.
He took away the milk due for the calves and drank it himself. He killed them
mercilessly to eat their flesh. He destructed birds and aquatic creatures so as to
cater to his taste of tongue and luxury. When you think of the cruel behavior
meted out to these creatures by man for the sake of flesh, medicine, fashion,
pleasure and luxury, the morality of man appears to b e simply a mask that
creates an illusion.
The territory where my solitary hut is situated is abundant with terrestrial

aquatic and aerial creature, apart from plants and trees. While roaming about, I
meet them naturally. In the beginning they used to be scared of me, but not so
now. We have now developed acquaintance. They have accepted me as a
member of their family. Now none of us is afraid of each other. Day by day
closeness and intimacy are increasing. It seems there is a great world on this
earth – a world replete with all heavenly attributes like love, compassion,
friendship, co-operation, generosity, beauty, peach and contentment. But man is
far away from it. He has built a small world of his own- the man’s world. This
conceited creature boasts of the achievement of material science, speaks highly of
h is greatness, superiority, education and morality. But his maltreatment to
fellow creature of this earth unveils all the false claims he makes about morality,
superiority, etiquettes and all.
46
Today I was so much engrossed I thoughts that I lost my way. I have been
fondly watching birds and animals without keeping count. They too were
looking at me in the gesture of approving my thoughts. Man cannot be adjudged
great among the creations of nature only because he is intellectually superior. If
might is the yardstick of greatness, dacoits, demons, evil ghosts, spirits etc,
should be respected because of their superiority in might. The symbols of
greatness are truth, love, justice, character, restraint, generosity, sacrifice,
prudence, friendliness etc. Without these virtues, man possessing intelligence is a
much more cruel animal than the ferocious wild animals. The ferocious animals
resort to attack only when hungry; but the intelligent human beast is ever on the
campaign of cruel attack, in order to cater to his greed and vanity.
It was getting late. By the time I reached the hut, it was already dark. Till
very late into the night I kept pondering. We take pride in having contributed to
the betterment of man, having served him and stayed in his company. But is it
not communal partiality? Is it not a narrow outlook to think this way? Only on
the ground of virtues can man be considered great; else he is the most wicked
among all the creatures. Why should our outlook be restricted to the problems of
man only? Why should not we extend our intimacy with other than human
creatures and contribute for furthering their welfare? Why should not we
consider ourselves to be the members of world community rather than human
community?
A good part of the night passed in these thoughts. The intense pressure of
thoughts disturbed the sleep. A number of dreams were seen. In every dream,
the scene of playing and conversing with different creatures was appearing. The
substance of it all was that the consciousness within was experiencing intimacy
with all creatures, just like we do with human beings. Today’s dreams were very
pleasant. It was felt that the soul was expanding in order to play a much larger
role. A few days back the solitude of this place was bore some; but no place
appeared t be solitary now. Playful companions are everywhere. Though they do
not speak like men or their traditions differ from that of man, their feelings and
emotions are greater and nobler than man’s from many angles. There is no
reason to get bored in living in such a place.
WAITING FOR FULFILMENT OF AIM
Sleep is lessened due to light food. Fruits are very rare now but vegetables
serve to provide the Satwik (pure and pious) element in food. If Satwik food is
taken, four to five hours of sleep is enough for a Sadhak (devotee).
Winter nights are long. Sleep is completed quickly. Ming is rather uneasy
today. When will this Sadhana (spiritual pursuit) be over? How long will it take
47
for fulfillment of the aim? When shall I achieve success? Thoughts like these
were coming up. The current of puzzling thoughts tends to unbalance the boat of
peace. In the flow of such thoughts neither enjoying the psalms was possible nor
concentrating on Sadhana. Boredom got over the mind. So I got out of the hut to
get rid of this boredom and began to stroll. I simply felt to move ahead. The legs
moved on. The cold was intense. But the pull to sit in the lap of Mother Ganga
was too strong to care for the cold. A stone lying close to the edge of the stream
was very much extending into the water. This was my favorite place to sit on.
Wrapping the blanket on, I got there and sat over it. Judging from the position of
stars it was reckoned to be 2 O’ clock in the night.
Sitting there for a long time induced sleepiness. The gurgling music of
Ganga induces concentration of mind like a swing provides comfort to the body.
When a child is put in a cradle and swung, it soon falls asleep. The atmosphere of
the place where I am put up these days is so gentle that the divine gurgling of the
steam sounds like the lullaby being sung by dear mother. In order to get
concentration of mind, this gurgling sound of the stream was as useful as the
heavenly melodious music. Mind becomes calm and relaxed. I felt sleepy and
wanted to lie down. Curling up my body I lay down there in the rock using the
blanket both as bed sheet and wrapper. Sleep slowly began to rock me.
It seemed that the soul of the stone was speaking. Piercing the blanket, its
voice reached through the ears right up to the heart. Even in that dazed condition
the mind began to hear attentively.
The soul of the stone said, “Hey Sadhak, don’t you feel any pleasure in the
soul that you started thinking of attainment? Is your devotion to God filled with
less pleasure than the grant of his appearance in person? Is the journey any less
interesting than reaching the destination? Is the sweetness of performance any
less than that of the fruit? Is the tickling sensation in separation less exhilarating
than the feeling of joy in union? You learn this truth. God is entwined with the
devotee. So why should there be delay in his union? It is only in order to et the
devotee enjoy the pleasure of Sadhan that he has hidden himself behind the veil
and is watching whether the devotee is getting immersed in the sea of joy of
devotion or not. When he gets fully immersed in the joy, god too comes and
starts dancing with him. Siddhi (acquisition of supernatural power) is the stage
at which the devotee tells God that he does not want fulfillment, but longs for the
continuation of separation; that he gets happiness and satisfaction inaction, and
that he does not need the matter, but the sentiments.
The soul of the stone went on telling further. It said, “Hey Sadhak, you
look in front of you. How eagerly is Ganga racing down to meet her beloved!
How pleased she is in this race! Her union with the ocean has already taken
48
place, but she is not content with that. How can the joy in action and imagination
be had in the union? Ganga is not content with union which is the end. She has
pledged to keep on her endeavor to attain the union. So, Sadhak, why should
you be impatient? Your goal is great, your path is great, and your work is great.
Great patience is needed for great purposes. Childish impatience won’t do here.
What is the use of worrying about as to when the aim is going to be achieved?
The sol of the stone was proceeding non-stop. With self-confidence, it said
– You look at me. I too am lying here to merge my identity with that great Being.
I am performing Sadhana of merging myself into the great ocean by breaking my
gross body, this huge piece of rock, into subtle colloids. With every stroke of
waves a part of my body breaks away from me and by turning into colloid it
flows towards the ocean. In this way I get rubbed and enjoy the pleasure bit by
bit. I am trying to prolong this enjoyment of sacrifice for the sake of the beloved
as long as possible. Had I been impatient like the stones lying in the middle of
the course, I would have been broken fast and the destination could have
possibly been reached long back. But that would have deprived me of the
pleasure of getting abraded for the sake of the beloved.
“So don’t be impatient, anger, disappointment, inconsistency, meanness

and lack of faith. Has anyone having these vices ever become great or achieved
the goal? The first requisite of a Sadhak is patience. Holding on to patience is the
test of devotion. Impatience leads to failure. The disappointment and anxiety
confronted by Sadhak are nothing but testing of patience. What kind of a Sadhak
are you who did not learn even this first lesson?”
The soul of the stone finished its talk. My drowsiness was broken. This
admonition jerked the conscience violently. “Your have set out to become great
Sadhak without studying even the first lesion!” my head bowed down in shame
and shyness. I was blaming myself and kept trying for long to understand the
point. I looked up; the eastern horizon was putting on purple hue heralding the
dawn. I got up and went to attend the daily duties.
49
THE INNER ASPECT OF MY SADHANA OF LIFE

Many a Parijan (member) of Gayatri fraternity wishes to know something
more about my sadhana and the achievement thereof. It is natural too. Whatever
of my visible physical life that has come to light is astonishing in their view.
Glimpses of “Siddhi” and miracles can be found in it. The curiosity to know the
secrets hidden behind them is also natural. So if people want to know about my
autobiography and are pressing me it is not unreasonable either.
Usually, I have never been in favor of hiding any thing. Hypocrisy, tricks
and fraud are not be found in my nature. But these days I am helpless that so
long as my acts behind the curtain are not completed, raising the curtain would
be undesirable and would not serve the purpose of awakening the sense of duty
in common people. People will get intricate in mysticism and my personality will
become controversial. Moreover, it will create obstacles in the way of fulfilling
the mission I am assigned to. My life throughout is undoubtedly filled with
supernatural phenomena. The curtains of mysticism are so many that their
premature raising would only be uncalled for. So I leave it to posterity in order to
test their veracity on the anvil of rationality and to judge the power and potential
of spirituality. It may be seen how an insignificant individual succeeded in
transforming his personality just as an ordinary piece of iron turns into gold by
mere touch of ‘Paaras’ (the magic stone which is said to turn iron into gold). With
this view the secret behind the events of my life may be researched in times to
come and my close associates will be of help in this endeavor. But at this
moment, it is premature. So let it remain veiled as it ahs so far been.
The wish to write the autography can be fulfilled only in respect of

revealing how I carried on my Sadhana. In fact all my achievements have
depended on the dedicational life system supported by the Almighty. By taking
this cue, those who are interested in this subject can find the path on treading
which the bliss of spiritual elevation can be achieved. The readers can get only
this much information and have to be satisfied with it in the present.
Of the 60 years of life, the early 15 years are not much consequence. In the
next 5 years I have been assimilating spirituality in my life system. Prayers and
worship had only a small part in it. Three hours of daily worship for 24 years
may not be considered so great at the efforts taken to purify the mind and to
developing sublimity. Had not the thinking and mode of working been purified,
the net result would have been naught like that of the numerous people engaged
in performing worship by resorting to rituals. If the pursuit in my life can be
considered successful and the supernaturality thereof be searched for, it will be
found that the success is attributable to the purified state of my inner and outer
being. Prayers and worship may not be considered of much importance. In my
50
endeavor to write autobiography on one aspect of my life, I would state only one
fact – that is I have applied all my concentration and all my efforts and ability for
self-purification. The prayer and worship have also been aimed at this aspect.
Now for the benefit of the readers I would present some discussion which would
throw light on the path to tread for self-revelation.
Dedicational life has three steps. Treading these steps I covered a long
destination. (1) Matruvatparadareshu (Other’s women be regarded as mother) (2)
Paradravyeshu Loshthavat (Other’s wealth be regarded as clay lump) (3)
Atmavat Sarva Bhooteshu (All being be regarded as our own self). The first two
steps were simple ones. The encounter was with one’s own self which had to be
controlled. This was done successfully due to the inner trait carried on through
previous births and with the help of the able Master. The mind was not so
wicked or avaricious as to drag me on the path of evil doings. When it attempted
now and them, it was strongly resisted and heavily beaten back where after it
became gentle and obedient. Due to being engaged in fighting with mind, I was
spared from sin and down-fall. Now that the dangers are over I can heave a sigh
of relief. Kabir (the saint) too had worn the blanket (life) very carefully and
returned it without a blemish. By this metaphorical expression Kabir meant that
he lived his life in such a manner that no speck of impurity touched and thus he
returned it to god in as pure a condition as was at the start. I thank the Almighty
for having guided me along the same path and treading those footsteps and
holding on to hose supports firmly, I have reached the point where the danger of
falling down does not exist.
The ritualistic process of spirituality is not difficult. With firm

determination, dedication and faith one can effortlessly carry on the procedure of
prayer and worship. An ordinary grocer carried on his business in the same shop
in the same routine throughout his life with full zeal and zest. Neither does he
feel bored nor disinterested. A person selling Paan (betel) and cigarettes spends
about 12- 14 hours daily in his shop quite comfortably and joyfully doing the
same routine all through the life. Then where was the need for me to break the
resolve of performing Gayatri Sadhana for 24 years requiring an everyday
routine of 6 to 7 hours Sadhana? Boredom occurs only to those who consider
Upasana to be less important or less profitable than running a grocery shop or
such works. It is lack of interest that creates boredom.
‘Upasana” becomes disinteresting and bore some to those whose supreme

ambition is materialistic welfare and comforts. Those who think of getting the
desires fulfilled by performing ritualistic worship get disgusted when the aim is
not attained due to deficiency of dedication and the burden of the past doings.
Right from beginning there is apprehension and lack of firm faith in the outcome.
It happens to those who complain of not getting concentration. My state was
51
different. The body was considered only as a means. The materialistic

requirements were restricted to the extent necessary for sustenance of life. I never
nourished any ambition for becoming a great man or to get appreciation or
recognition. With the conviction tat I am soul, I thought. “Why not live for its
upliftment, for its peace, for its welfare and for its expansion”. When I divided
myself into two parts- that is body and soul, and identified the requirements of
each, an unknown wall crashed down and light rushed in dispelling the
darkness.
Satisfaction of sex and lust, fulfillment of greed, amassing money, wealth,

pomp, respect, praise, position etc. are the utmost in life for those who consider
their body to be their true being. They can forget about the upliftment of soul
and can be happy wearing golden handcuff and leg strap. They may be right in
their pretext of not having favorable condition to adopt the higher path. It is the
desire within that prompts to amass materials. When the aim itself is
materialistic happiness and prosperity, the whole conscious efforts and thinking
will be engaged in acquiring them. In that condition, Upasana will remain a silly
game, - whether done or not matters not. Out of curiosity people do it for fun to
see whether it yields something. On doing it for a little while half-heartedly with
a view to obtain miracles, it is abandoned for not getting anything as hoped for.
Abandoned it had toe. Without dedication and faith, without intense
involvement in the efforts in attaining the aim of life, no one could achieve any
progress in spiritual field. These facts were already known to me. So I paid only
that much attention towards the need of the body and the management of home
as was felt absolutely necessary. The conscience was wiling to achieve the aim.
So there was no need to wander after materialistic temptations and attraction.
When I began to feel myself to be in the state of soul and my conscience to

be the sacred seat of God, orientation of the mind became inward. The only
thought was concerned about what the soul which is the prince of God had to do
and which direction had to be proceeded in. the answer was as simple as the
question was. Live only a sublime life and adopt idealistic methods of work.
Those who are not familiar with this path are scared that this system will entail a
lot of problems and difficulties and that poverty, want, abuse and hazards will
have to be faced. Friends will turn foes, and relative will oppose it happened in
my case too in the beginning. At the beginning I also had to endure ridicule and
reproach. It is the people at home and closes relatives who opposed most. They
felt that they would lose the benefit which they expected to get though me. So
they declared e foolish on account of their possible loss. But it did not last long. It
is the disapproval and contempt against adopting immoral path that stays
permanently. Goodness by itself is wealth that takes its own care and remains
steady through. Opponents and accusers realize their mistake after a little while
and offer co-operation instead of placing obstacles on the way. The higher the
52
faith and firmness are. The sooner do the hatred and misunderstanding
disappear and turn in favor. Opposition at home did not last long. As soon as
they realized the truth their apprehensions and misgivings disappeared. In fact
there is no loss in spiritual bargain. Though externally appearing poor, such
persons remain happy due to inner peace and contentment. This happiness and
contentment influence others and prove helpful in converting opponents into co-
workers. My problems too were solved in this way.
When the chain of desire and greed for high position, of fame applause
and of lust was broken, I felt having been liberated form the worldly bondages.
The creatures that are fastened by these three chains are getting dragged along
the mundane roughness and keep moaning the pain due to discontent and
distress. When the futility or fickleness of these three bonds are realized and
greed converted to dedication, one may be assured of attaining salvation while in
the living state itself. As per the saying that, “As you behold so you see”, with
the advent of the knowledge of the self, misconceptions became extinct.
Thereafter the need to achieve the aim of life started to guide me like a child.
Then neither want nor discontent remained. After fixing up the minimum
requirement for sustenance of body and maintenance of family and making
arrangements to meet these requirements, when the roots of greed and lust are
snapped and withdrawn wherefrom, immense amount of energy and
enthusiasm sprout in and the heart gets filled with happiness. Anyone can test
and experience it one self. But people want to extinguish fire with oil. People
want to extinguish fire with oil. People want to satisfy greed with wealth an
satiate lust with sensual enjoyment. Who will make them realize that these
efforts will only ignite wild fire, those who tread such a path will be wandering
in wilderness. Like the evil spirits and devils of the graveyard they will remain
restless and disgruntled and can do only evil things. How can any one teach
them?
The seeker sand the teachers are both making farce. Several Satasang
(moral communion) and discourses were attended, but no one who had dived
deep into spirituality and who could inspire others into it could be found. When
the discourses’ doings were delved into, the dirt and rubbish in them were found
to be much more than those who they were addressing. So I was disgusted. Great
discourses and communions were taking place, but I found none of them
interesting and capable of delivering the goods. When enlightenment occurred it
was from the self within. Only when I valiantly came forward to snap the
bondages, mustering the courage from within the soul, did the aim get fulfilled.
Had I waited for and relied upon others to do it for me I too might have been
made as ignorant as themselves pretending to possess knowledge. I now feel
convinced that if any one gets enlightenment, it happens only from within. In my
case this is the proven fact. If one wants to tread the path of spirituality, the huge
53
mountains of obstacles can not be crossed over and can not reach at the top
destination, without firm faith, courage and adventure. The courage worked in
my case too. When I stood firm, help also came by. From Gurudev to God
everyone came forward to help me constantly by making my way easy. Slowly
but firmly I marched forward. This is how things got on so far.
People go on saying that spiritual life is difficult. But my experience is to

the contrary. In fact life fraught with greed and lust is very difficult and
complicated. Looking to the amount of efforts being taken, worries being carried,
pain being endured and the complications being put up with by people of lustful
and greedy life, the inconveniences in spiritual life can be considered
insignificant. So much labor, so much thinking and planning, so much worry;
and yet not a moment’s peace! Before the efforts to fulfill the earlier need are
completed, scores for further needs crop up due to which man remains
unsatisfied and discontent, despite having gained a lot. Though it is difficult to
fulfill even small needs, he takes upon himself the responsibility to meet larger
and larger needs which call for ten times harder work. Along with accelerated
speed, more problems arise and crate complications. Mind and soul get tired and
weak in trying to find solution to these problems. Ordinary physical and mental
efforts cannot meet the requirements that widen their jaws endlessly. So,
immoral and undesirable means are required to be resorted to. Despite carrying
on with flagrant sinful activities, the desires do not get fulfilled. Considering the
damages caused by the constant anxiety and the dark future, the attainments can
be said to be insignificant. In general, people, instead of living the life, carry it
like a corpse, - weeping, lamenting. Cursing and complaining. In fact these
people should be called saints. Had they taken so much trouble, endured so
much hardships, gone through so much worries and anxieties and suffered
sacrifice for the sake of spiritual progress, these very people would have not only
risen to the state of Yogi, Siddha Purush (entightened soul), Mahamanav (great
man) and Devata but would have become God. In fact, real renunciates,
benevolents, self-sacrificers and martyrs are these folks who did all sort of
adventures and misadventures ranging from hard labor to the acquisition of sin
and distributed all the gains among the offspring’s, and relatives, and remain
empty handed in the end. To my mind these people who suffer everything for
the sake of others are great men and philanthropists in the real sense even
though they consider themselves to be greedy, fallen and degraded.
When I look at the internal and external life system of innumerable people
and the repercussions and results of their life style, I feel that I lived a far more
happy and comfortable life than they did. The worst disadvantage, if at all, had
been that I lived with less wealth and luxury. I commanded less respect and was
looked upon as a poor man. Being not wealthy and rich, the world considered
me to e a small fellow and had little regard for me. This is the maximum loss a
54
spiritual pursuer may have to suffer. But these wants or shortcomings did not
affect me any way – no loss occurred, nor any work suffered. While others were
eating spicy food, I lived on barely and gram. The pleasure of taste put people to
various sufferings, pain and agony. My cheap food was easily digested and kept
me healthy. What did I lose? Instead of catering to the pleasure of taste, I stuck to
the theory that hunger is the best spice and proved its veracity. As for the
enjoyment of taste my coarse bread was more delicious than that of the luxurious
people. People in the pursuit of wealth in order to cater to their ego endeavored
to impress others by show of wearing costly clothes, building beautiful mansions
and putting up catchy decorations. Though I could not put up any matching
show with my little resources, the happiness and contentment I enjoy are not any
less. Albeit, silly superficial people may have thought it childish and ridiculous,
people of eminence who possessed the ability to perceive the substance and
penetrate below the surface commended the greatness concealed behind the
simple looking exterior and bowed in reverence. Who is at gain? Me or the
pleasure seekers? On subjecting myself to severe tests, it can be confidently said
that I have physically and mentally been not only more happy despite less labor,
less risk and less responsibility but the respect showered. On me was also of no
lesser measure. I do not least mind in not being respected or appreciated by the
mad ones. I have no complaint with myself. Right from the Soul to the Supreme
Soul and from gentlemen to prophets everyone appreciated the plan and mode
of my working. Less risk, any yet more profit! In order to carry the load of
expensive, greedy, luxurious and pompous life, it needs a cart with the wheels of
sin and downfall. In my case the luggage was light – took it myself and walked
on. Neither fatigue nor any worry. My own experience is that the ideal life is
simple. It has everything light, satisfaction and joy. There may be apprehension
of getting attacked and harmed by evil people. But this fear is there in the life
too. While saints and sages have to bear this trouble, materialistic people have to
face greater risk of competition, jealousy, revenge etc. These days we hear daily
of killings, loot, accidents, and such horrible news. In these incidents the people
suffered are mostly those whose orientation is materialistic. If so many people
voluntarily come forward to die and to part with their wealth they would have
become gods and history would have been blessed. Saints like Jesus, Socrates,
Gandhi and only a few people of that orientation and suffered such end. The
number of unethical and immoral people who are murdered is thousand times
more. People like Bhama Shah who became poor due to donating in charity are
very few, but rich people who become poor due to fraud, miseries, loot, burglary,
litigation, illness etc. can be counted in lakhs these days. The danger of lot and
attack is less in spiritual field, but many times more in materialistic field. If this
truth were realized, people might not have been scared to adopt ideal life and
would not have fallen to the folly of plunging into vortex of materialistic lust and
greed. My conclusion from personal experience is that there is more loss than
gain in the pursuit of greedy and lustful life. What I have had to lose is
55
inconsequential but what is gained is so rich and great that I wish to request
everyone to adopt ideal and sublime tradition of living spiritual life. But it is not
easy. Citing my own direct example, I have long been appealing to people at the
top of m voice to adopt noble life; but how many have cared to hear and among
those who heard, how many have cared to follow it?
It would have been difficult for me to climb the two steps of “Matruvat
Paradareshu” and “Paradravyeshu Loshthavat” and I not had the will to realize
the real form of life, its aim and its utility as also the courage and velour to tread
the superior path. Those who considered their real form of life to be their body
and remained indulged in lust and greed had to remain deprived of the spiritual
progress. My boat of progress had reached the shore not on the strength of
prayer, worship and rituals. I had to remain engaged in Gayatri Purashcharan
for 24 years in order to complete a major phase of Upasana. The full benefit of
this Sadhana could be derived only when I assimilated the substances of spiritual
progress in the process of practical life. If I too had adopted the way of others
performing prayer worship and ritual for subjugating gods in order to fulfill the
desires and had not rallies the needs of life and regulated it, surely nothing
would have come to my lot. I personally know many a ritualist worshippers
engaged in the routine for long. Their prayer, worship etc. are much more vast
and elaborate than mine. But ion careful observation it was found to be all
hollow. Of course, they have the misconception that they can avail enjoyment in
heaven after death. But after analytical examination I declare that none of them
will go to heaven nor are they going to get any power of miracle. The prayer,
worship and rituals can yield useful results only when life is regulated and
progress made towards loftiness and sublimity, when the outlook improves and
it reflects in the action and behavior which is an essential phenomenon of
spiritualists. I do not subscribe to the view that those, who are insincere, selfish
and working only for the welfare of one’s won children, would not get any
benefit of prayer, worship, fasting and pilgrimage if they do not bring about any
improvement in their thoughts and action. These are no doubt useful, but their
utility is like that of pen for the purpose of writing. How can you write without
pen? How can there be progress without prayer and worship? With this logic it
should also be known that it is not possible to write by possession pen and paper
alone. In order to write, the matter has to be acquired by study, reading,
thinking, refining the thoughts and intellectual development. Without these, no
writing is possible and no poem can be composed. The inner excellence is like
intellectual development and prayer and worship be likened to the pen.
Coordination of both is required for the writing to materialize. Without one of
them, the other is incomplete. I knew well that the cart of Sadhana cannot run
with one wheel and hence properly provided for both the wheels. There is no
secrecy or mystery in my Upasana. I have performed the Gayatri Upasana in the
normal way as described in book “Gayatri Mahavigyan”. So long as I was sitting
56
in Upasana, I imagined and felt that the divine light of mother Gayatri which is
the supreme power of effulgence was entering into every cell of mine and just
like the iron gets hot and red in powerful fire, my impure existence was purified
to the level of my deity of worship itself, that every part of my body became
effulgent due to the assimilation of the divine brightness of mother gayatri in
every cell and atom of body; and the lust of organs got burnt in this fire and
turned ashes and the flaws like laziness etc. were destroyed. The disorders and
diseases were also burnt by the fire. Only the body is mine, but intense
Brahmavarchas (sublime divine predominance) is waving within. Saraswati, the
goddess of knowledge, has occupied the tongue, the organ of speech. The devils
of untruth, deceit and taste left that divine temple and ran away. The eyes are left
with the ability to see only goodness and beauty of God in everything. Defects
like fault finding and sensuality are no more left in the eyes. Ears can hear only
the auspicious voices, deflecting back all the unnecessary noises.
When the effulgent light of Mother Gayatri entered into the subtle body –
the foursome of the consciousness i.e. is mind, intellect, heart and consciousness
– began to experience that Brahmavarchas is putting me towards the role in
which evil desires and ambitions take retreat and noble thoughts and desires that
foster divinity become active. The intellect resolves that the rare gift like human
birth is not meant to be wasted away in catering to fleeting desires and silly
temptations and that every moment of it must be utilized for promoting ideals.
Faith of high order should be planted in the conscience and the urge to march
forward to Satyam (Truth) - Shivam (Auspiciousness) – Sundaram (Supreme
Beauty) should be created. The brightness of God Savita (Sun, creator of
universe) is refining my being by entering into the inner body. God elevates me
miles above the stage of mortals and flying aloft, places me in the omnipotent,
purest blissful stage.
While engaged in Gayatri Purashcharan, it was not only ‘Japa’ (reciting of

mantra) that was being done but the mind too was dancing on the waves of
blissful feeling. The causal body was experiencing the feeling of Atmabodh
(knowledge of self), Atma darshan and Atam Vistar (Expansion of self) in the
form of inner light. I felt that my soul was merged in that supreme bright Savita
like moths surrendering on the flame of lamp. My existence ends and in its place
comes the supreme brightness. There ends me and the reign of Sat (Supreme
truth, purity) takes over. Every moment, I was feeling such absolute blissful joy
of the merger of soul with the supreme soul that all the mundane pleasures put
together can be sacrificed for its sake. In the beginning of Japa, the divine light
was consciously assumed in the Sthool (gross body), Sookshma (Subtle body)
and Karan Sharir (casual body) but in due course its illumination therein became
an automatic phenomenon and ultimately culminated in direct experience. So
long as I was sitting in Upasana the ocean of divine light of Savita kept waving
57
within and without of my being and felt that my existence was getting engrossed
in this divine light. Within and without there was nothing other than light. In
every spark of life nothing but the brightness of light existed. This experience of
Divine Sight was kept on at least throughout the duration of worship. The entire
duration of Sadhana passed off mostly in this state of feeling.
The six hour’s time spent in prayer provided inspiration for the remaining
18 hours. While at work the feeling that the light of the deity of my worship is
my guide and every act is accomplished as directed by him, was prevailing. The
thought that any of my work is inspired by greed or lust, never occurred to me.
Like a mother helps the child to walk by holding its fingers, the divine power,
taking hold of my brain, compelled me to think aloft and by holding the body
made it work in ideal manner. Apart from Upasana all the time while awake, the
feeling that all my actions including daily routine, study, thinking and earning
for the household were being done under the guidance and direction of the
supreme soul, persisted throughout. The six hours of sleep, at night passed off as
if in Samadhi (trance, intense mediation) and like enjoying the bliss of oneness
with the supreme power, lying in the lap of mother in total submission. And
when woke up the feeling was that new life, new light and new joy and
enthusiasm were waiting by to show the path and guide along.
During the 24 years of 24 Purashcharans, there was not much of any social
or family responsibility. So the process of recitation of mantras, meditation and
concentration were done very attentively and without any distraction. The
firmness of faith in the dictum of “Matruvat Paradareshu” and “Paradravyeshu
Loshthavat” spared the body from falling into any sinful act. The pious food
controlled the mind and saved it from all pitfalls of degradation. The bread of
barley and the buttermilk of cow were relished and well digested. At every step
throughout my life, I experience the veracity of the dictum that “Yatha Ann,
Tatha Mann (As is the food, so is the mind)”. Had not the body and mind been
ruthlessly kept under control, I doubt, if it would have been possible to progress
to this extent, however little it may be.
58
THE INVISIBLE EXPERIENCES OF MY VISIBLE LIFE

Two phases of my spiritual life have been completed in 24 years.
Deviations in the ideals of “Matruvat Paradareshu” and “Loshthavat
Paradravyeshu” normally occur in the state of youth. This is the period when
lust and greed are powerful. So this turbulence subsided during the period of 24
years between the age of 15 to 40. This is the period when normally cravings,
lust, greed, and ambitions are unhinged. This period in my case was spent in
studying, thinking, introspecting, self-restraint, meditation and Sadhana. Since
this period is generally prone to emotions, people of receding age are usually
selected for spiritual work.
People of upcoming age can, and should, shoulder the responsibility

ranging from financial management to military service. There is enough scope in
these fields for fulfilling ambitions. The youth can also contribute in service
activities. But youth is not the appropriate time for spiritual leadership. There are
a few exceptions like Shankaracharya, Dayanand, Vivekanand, Ramdas, Meera,
Nivedita etc., who right in their rising youth, successfully shouldered the
responsibility of spiritual leadership. Generally immature age is devoid of clarity
and creates complications. Those who enter the public field while still gripped by
greed for power and fame as well as prone to temptations and sensual
attractions, create disorders. Downfall of even the best institutions is caused by
these people. Though evil is not attributed to any particular age, the tradition of
nature has been such that youth is considered to be the age of ambitions. With
receding age, man grows weak and so do his material desires. With awareness of
death entering in the mind the interest in spirituality, and religious activities
develops. Hence scholarly seers have considered the latter part of life
appropriate for Vanaprasth (transition from material life to spiritual life) and
Sanyas (renunciation of material world).
I do not know the secret as to why My Master engaged me in tapascharya

(life of devout austerity) at the growing age and in accomplishing that I reached
the age of 40 maybe, he apprehended that I may slip down and get carried off by
temptations and ambitions of ego and coming in the limelight. It might have
been considered that without inner strength and maturity, accomplishment of
great work would not be possible. Or I might have been found lacking firmness,
patience, courage and equanimity in the required measure. Whatever it be, my
growing age was spent in Sadhana which has been described time and again.
Everything went on normally in that duration. The only uncommon

feature was the “Akhand Deepak” burning day and night with ghee of cow. It
was incessantly burning in the prayer room. Its spiritual or scientific secret was
not exactly known. To me guru was everything; his instructions were everything;
59
discipline was everything; my submission was everything. On testing it once and

getting convinced of the reliability, I got in this boat and sat with no care of
apprehension. To a soldier discipline is dearer than life. Call it blind faith, or love
for discipline. The installation of Akhand Deepak in the prayer room is part of
this process. After relying on the Guide and fully submitting to him, where
comes the question of doubt or debate? So the question did not arise in my case.
On being told that Akhand Deepak had a role in the Sadhana prescribed to me. I
simply complied with it and kept it burning throughout the duration of
Purashcharan. Later on it became dearer than life. It could not put out after 24
years, but such a thought was tantamount to extinguishing my own lamp of life.
Hence it was decided to keep it on. When I was away in unknown part of
Himalayas and now when I am going again my dedicated life partner will take
care of it. Had I been alone and had not had the wife. I would not have been able
to do any other Sadhana. It was very difficult to maintain the Akhand Deepak.
Servants, disciples or people of weak spiritual conviction can not keep up the
divine flame of this nature. The Akhand Deepak of ma a people gets
extinguished and rekindled time and again. These are Akhand (unceasing) only
for the name’s sake. My lamp remained Akhand (unextinguished). The reason is
not merely external alertness, but can be attributed to inner dedication. The
contribution of my wife in maintaining it incessantly is very much extraordinary.
May be this Akhand Deepak is the form of Akhand yagna. The joss sticks
may be playing the role of material for oblation, japa playing the part of
recitation of mantras, the Deepak (Lamp) playing the part of offering of ghee in
the sacrificial life. In this way an automatic process of sacrificial offering may be
getting accomplished. Due to the pitcher of water and the lamp kept together,
they may be instrumental in producing vaporization in a subtle ay and be
generating some subtle power like in a steam engine. Or it may be that this
external light may be helpful in kindling light within. Whatever be it, I have been
getting spiritual light and unique pleasure from this Akhand Deepak in immense
measure. This lamp placed on the pedestal was burning externally in the
beginning. Later I experienced that the lamp was burning within me in the same
form and was illuminating the entire inside of me as the outer one illuminated
the room. The illumination I was feeling within my body, mind and soul, - in the
gross, astral and causal bodies – might have been its repercussion. Throughout
the duration of Upasana this light was glowing in the senses, just like the room
was illuminated by the lamp kept on the pedestal. Everything about me became
illuminated, the veil of darkness is removed, desires and wants vanished. Mind
and body are draped in bright feelings, thoughts and actions. The ocean of light
was waving everywhere and I was merrily playing in it like a fish in the lake.
The role played by these sensations in the development of the power of self,
divine outlook, and joy is beyond description. May be it is imagination, but had
not the Akhand Deepak been kindled my inside too would have perhaps
60
remained as feebly lighted as the prayer room. Now it is seen glittering like the
festive light of Diwali. It is in this emotional flow that the magazine I started
years back in 1937 was christened “Akhand Jyoti”, the name that I liked most in
the world. May be it is due to this emotional start that the small sapling has now
grown so large that its present circulation is estimated to be over 10 lakhs and the
magazine is spreading the ray of light all over the world.
On hearing the third phase of Sadhana, the rays of “Atmavat

Sarvabhuteshu” began to sprout. The first two phases i.e. “Matruvat
Paradareshu” and “Paradravyeshu Loshthavat” were concerned with my own
body only. When sin entered in the two eyes, the third eye of discretion
frightened and made them retreat. The body was subjected to severe discipline
and snapped the roots of the situations conducive to ill doing. So the evil
behavior became impossible. The “Sadhana of Matruvat Paradareshu” was
mastered without any difficulty. Mind created a little trouble in the beginning,
but the body was always at my side. On getting disappointed, the mind
ultimately accepted defeat and began to co-operate like a good friend. Due to
voluntary adoption of poverty and minimizing the needs to the barest, as well as
giving up the tendency to hoard, there was no question of coveting “paradravya”
(other’s wealth). When one’s own earning was well enough to feed the stomach
and cover the body, why to think of grabbing other’s things? Whatever I got and
whatever could be saved, were distributed among others. Those who are
addicted to giving and distributing and deriving joy out of it can not afford to
hoard. Then why earn the sin of coveting other’s wealth? The life of minimum
wants, simplicity and on-hoarder Brahman (one who is devoted to spiritual
pursuits and leads a simple philanthropic life) has filled my inner-self with
extraordinary happiness and contentment. Had there been anyone wanting to
earn sin by coveting other’s wealth? Merely boasting to be Aparigrahi (non-
coveter) would not do. How many can feel in themselves, in the inner
conscience, the unique joy that comes out of giving? In my case, I got the treasure
of these divine gifts effortlessly.
Now comes the phase of “Atmavat Sarva Bhooteshu”. It means seeing

others like oneself. These are very ordinary words while hearing and talking
about and normally its extent is limited to observance of civil duties, formality
and good behavior etc. but in reality the bounds of this principle are very vast
and extensive. Its extent goes up to the stage of achieving oneness with God. In
this Sadhana, one has to mingle one’s conscience with that of others and get into
the stage of experiencing others’ feelings to be ours. The concrete form of this
concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (universal brotherhood) is to consider
everyone to be ours, feel ourselves to be entwined with others and others with us
and dissolved in each other. The result of this feeling is that we begin to feel
others, sorrow to be ours and others’ happiness to be our own. Such people can
61
not restrict them up to themselves and it becomes impossible for them to be

bound within their selfishness. Such a person feels that the efforts he makes to
alleviate others’ sorrow and to promote others’ happiness are for his own sake.
In this world there are innumerable people who are noble and happy, live
a moral and contented life and bring about the welfare of others and self. Seeing
this, one gets pleasure and feels that God has made this world for fulfilling some
noble aims. Here goodness and knowledge are available aplenty and by making
use of them anyone can obtain divine gifts of happiness and joy, peace and
contentment in adequate measure. There is no dearth of saintly, philanthropic
and spiritually oriented people here. They may be few in numbers but they keep
on spreading their light. Their existence proves that there is divinity dwelling in
man and it can be aroused and made active by anyone with a little effort. The
earth is not devoid of the brave. Divine men do exist here. How great,
magnanimous and divine God is can be visualized on seeing these persons who,
being his own models, have adopted superior path and overcoming all the
obstacles on the way walked ahead towards their goal with peace, dedication
and courage, the very existence of these people upholds the dignity of man and
has made this earth so nice that God himself is tempted time and again to take to
human form and incarnate here. Seeing how the great men treading the path of
ideals and adopting noble work, are inwardly rich and happy, though appearing
outwardly poor, my inner being began to get delighted and feel immense peace. I
often recall the story in Mahabharata in which Yudhishthir (the eldest among
Pandavas), goes to hell for a little while and his presence there made everyone in
hell feel engrossed in joy. If mere recollection of these noble souls instills so
much joy and imparts illumination I wonder how much divine feelings they
might be experiencing themselves.
Whatever beauty is seen in this ugly world is the gift of these noble souls.
The stability and order that exist in this world made up of unsteady atoms and
molecules that ever dance like devils are brought about by these virtues souls.
Whatever splendor and charm seen in the inert elements scattered all over, give
the glimpse of the efforts and the capacity of these great souls who have adopted
noble path. The very dedication of these souls who have pledged themselves to
protect and beautify this world by breaking all bonds of temptations and
attractions, make the world blessed. I wish I would earn the blessings of God by
having the glimpse of and being engrossed in thinking about these noble souls
whose noble efforts are ever deployed for the welfare of the world. I wish to be
blessed by touching their feet with the forehead and don that dust thereon. On
seeing the glimpse of these excellent human beings who elevated individual soul
to cosmic soul, it is felt that God is dwelling and moving on this earth in the
visible form. It was delightful to see so much goodness and nobility existing all
around and made one wish to live here up to eternity. In having the presence of
62
these noble souls, one gets much more pleasure and happiness than that of
heaven or salvation. This truth was proved as clear as day light and I remained
joyful by thinking of this beauty of the world amidst the hardships of life.
This phase of “Atmavat Sarvabhuteshu” has not been one sided; it had the
other side too. There is no dearth of sorrow and grief in this world. Innumerable
persons are suffering from hellish troubles, and miseries, grief and sorrows, want
and poverty etc. Problems, worries and complications are eating into the vitals of
people. Many people are squeezed by injustice and oppression. Perversity has
created hellish atmosphere everywhere. The pain of people burning, mourning,
crying and screaming in the wildfire of crimes and sins and so horrifying even to
the onlookers that the pain of those who suffer it be better left undescribed.
There is no want of things of comforts and convenience, yet nothing other than
misery and sorrow is to be seen. By lending mutual support of love and goodwill
the sorrow could b e eliminated, progress and prosperity could be achieved, but
what can be done when the mentality has become perverse, thinking become
reverse and actions become undesirable? How can one hop-e to reap the fruit of
heaven when the seeds sown are of hell?
How troublesome the misery, poverty, sorrows and grief spread all over
are becoming to human beings? How proudly are people marching towards and
falling in the abyss o0f sin and disgrace? On seeing and hearing about this scene
my soul began to weep. Why did man forget that he is the part of God himself?
Why did he degrade his form and level to this extent? These problems constantly
arose in the mind, but found no answer. There is no deficiency here-neither of
intelligence nor skill nor time. People present innumerable models of art and
skill; perform wonders and miracles. But why do they fail to understand that
their aim cannot be achieved by taking side with the evil, that it will be like
pursuing the mirage and that the result will be grief and downfall. If one more
link was added to human intelligence and realization occurred In his mind that
it is necessary to develop goodwill and kindness towards fellow beings for
achieving progress befitting to human nobility and dignity, the condition of this
world would have been quite different. Everyone would have been living a life
of peace and happiness. Nobody would have had to doubt or be apprehensive of
others and no one state there would have been no trace of misery and poverty.
How pleasantly the sweet fragrance of peace and happiness would have
pervaded every where!
Why is it that intelligent man refuses to accept the bare truth that the fruit
of evil doings is misery and that of virtuous deeds is happiness? History and
experience have it recorded on their pages that grief and downfall have been the
lot of every one who took the path of injustice and selfishness. No one achieved
peace without undergoing sublimation and purification. Without adopting
63
idealistic life system, no one has been accorded respectable and elevated
position. Wickedness exposes itself piercing all its encasements. Even though we
see it all every step, we do not know why we still think that we can fool people
and be able to hide our ill doings, that no body will be able to smell our
conspiracy and that the process can b e continued for ever. Why do the people
who think this way forget that the Almighty who sees with thousand eyes, who
hears with thousand ears and who grips with thousand holds does not let
anything remain concealed? The facts do come out and the evil exposes itself by
shouting from house tops. If people could understand the eternal truth – the
perpetual facts- and had the awareness about the downfall due to adoption of
wrong means, why should they take to narrow thorny and stony wrong path
instead of the highways of morality and goodness? Why this priceless life which
even the gods cherish to avail should be carried weeping and morning like a
burden of corpse? The sight of the pitiable plight of the mourning and screaming
poor creatures who are trapped in the net laid by the crooks has caused me death
– like pain. The Sadhana of “Atmavat Sarvabhuteshu” has made me feel the
sufferings of all human beings in the world as my own. It was felt as if some one
was twisting my own legs. “My own sold is entwined in all the souls and all the
sols in mine.” This statement of “Gita” is simple and innocuous as well as
immaterial so long as it is only heard or read. But the position becomes different
when it becomes one’s own experience and enters into the inner soul. In the same
way as the pain of any part of our body makes us restless, or the sorrow of or
near and dear ones disturbs us, the worldwide sorrow becomes one’s own and
the pain of the depressed and helpless pinches one, when one gets ahead
towards expansion of the self.
The pain of the suffering humanity, of the universal soul, of the individual
and of the society began to rise and disturb me within. The conditions of my
mind became like that of man restlessly seeking remedy from whatever source
and manner to get relief from pain in the eyes, tooth and stomach. How restlessly
and impatiently does a mother take trouble to avail treatment for her child who
suffered fracture of hands and legs in accident, without caring for her own
suffering from fever! The condition of my mind was akin to this and continues to
be so till now. In this state where is the time to take care of comforts for own self?
The things of pleasure and luxury seem to be loathsome like poison. Whenever
the thought to acquire the means of pleasure and comfort arose in the mind it
was looked upon so spitefully as one condemns the mentality of a person who
uses the life saving water of a critical patient for washing his own feet. How can
a mother fill her belly by taking the morsel of food from the mouth of her own
child dying of hunger? How can a father go to gambling or playing dice leaving
his ailing son crying and screaming in pain? Only a man, who is cruel and bereft
of feelings, can do so. No sooner the feeling of Atmavat Sarvabhiiteshu grew
intense then the cruelty became extinct by burning and melting. Only
64
compassion remained in life and it remains untainted, till this last chapter. It has
not diminished the least; instead, only increased day by day.
It has been heard that those who attain the knowledge of the self live
happily, free from all worries. This knowledge of the self is still a rare
commodity for me. I doubt if I will ever get it at all. I do not wish to be at ease so
long as pain and misery exist on this earth and the creatures have to burn in the
fire of suffering and hardship. Wherever I prayed, my request to God has been
that He grant me, not personal comforts and peace, but the compassion to feel
the sorrow and the suffering of others as mine and to grant me, not prosperity
for self, but the ability to wipe the tears from their eyes so as to prove my utility.
This was all I asked for and felt that God, who saved the modesty of Draupadi
(the wife of Pandavas), is going on filling and smearing me with endless
emotions of empathy and compassion. When did I get the time to think of
personal wants and hardships? When did I have the time to think of getting
things of personal comforts? Every cell of mine was filled with pain and sorrow
of the suffering humanity and always thought of what can be done to make
happy this body of universal family. I have spent every bit of what I got to
contribute for reducing the vastness of sorrow and grief and to create the
atmosphere to breathe in the sigh of happiness.
Does any one know as to how many nights I have spent sobbing and
weeping? How many times, I have desperately cried like children? People regard
me as saint, seer, learned, writer, scholar, orator, and leader and so on, but ahs
anyone looked into my soul and learnt to know it? Had any one looked in, he
could definitely see encased in this frame of bones and skin a soul soaked in
compassion and empathy wailing restlessly over the pain and sorrow of the
human suffering. Where is the rest and freedom from care of the so-called self-
knowledge and where is this soul of mine weeping and crying in agony? There is
no co-relation between the two. So whenever I thought of it I was convinced that
the knowledge imparting the bliss of worry-free state, concentration and
“Samadhi” is far away from me- may be, it will not fall to my lot at all, for while I
experience the glimpse of god in wiping the tears of the sufferings, I do not long
to achieve the inert, inactive, dull state of Moksha (salvation) or Samadhi. And
how can one achieve what is not aimed at? I do not recall that I have done
something with a view to please God and gain his favor. By expanding the
concept of Atmavat Sarvabhooteshu, when I saw my own self contained in
everything all over, it did not remain a mere philosophy. The pain and sorrow of
others pinched and pierced me so intensely that I thought of nothing else than
the ways to relieve their pain. Who would then endeavor to gain a berth in
heaven? Who had the time to be engaged in such form of works? Who knew how
to please God and enjoy the pleasure of liberation and of heaven? When the
restlessness of human suffering became my own, the first priority was to struggle
65
against it. Other things could wait. If anyone wants to seek the purpose behind
my actions and activities, it would be enough to know that the time I spent in
thinking of the saint and noble men and their good will and benevolent deeds
was the moments of peace I enjoyed and that when the pain and agony of others
were seen, it pained and agonized me more than my own pain. If anything for
the sake of universal benefit, public betterment or public service have taken place
through me, it my be considered as my compulsion and that I had no other
options. What else could I do when the pain and burning did not let me have a
moment’s rest? When in pain, what else can one do except struggling? In
whatever way people may term my efforts so far., whatever color they may
paint it in, the truth is that the inner feeling of the world took the form of
compassion empathy and emotion and by feeling this universal pain as my own
and, like a wounded fellow, I restlessly kept trying to get relief from it. The
feelings were so intense that I forgot my own self. If anyone wishes to evaluate
my work from the angle of sacrifice, restraint, simplicity, non-acceptance of
charity etc, they may do well to realize that it was only a natural course to the
frame of mind I was moulded in. I can not definitely say if I detested prosperity,
progress, comforts and fame and have willfully renounced them. The fact is that
the pain and sorrow of the human beings of the world became my own and
occupied the mind all the time that I had no time to think in that direction and
they remained forgotten, if someone call this forgetfulness as self-restraint,
Tapasya, it is his choice, but I have deemed it necessary to tell the fact to my
people, since I have opened before them all the useful chapters of my life.
My Upasana and Sadhana were done side by side. I prayed to God in

order that He enters my soul in the form of light and transform the meanness to
greatness. I approached Him only for the sake of dissolving my pettiness in his
greatness. The gift I sought from Him is that He gives me His magnanimity and
generosity so as to experience that all are in me and I am in all of them. All the
performance of penance, concentration and self-restraint, of the 24 Purashcharan
were orbiting around this purpose.
The purpose of describing the ups and downs encountered in the path of
progress of Sadhana is to acquaint any one who wants to tread the path of
spirituality, with how it is possible in the present day circumstances. If direct
evidence is needed, my own journey of life can serve as guide. In fact I have
lived an experimental life. Striking harmonious balance between spiritual ideals
and practical life I have been searching for the fact which enables one to achieve
success by treading this spiritual path without faltering. All my physical and
mental activities were centered on it. My Guide rendered me full co-operation in
this direction and hence I could avail the facility to go along the right path
without getting entangled in any maze. The purpose of this discussion is to avail
66
certified evidence for those willing to take up this line and searching to verify
guaranteed success.
Threading the spiritual path with a definite and systematic plan I have
reached the phase of my destination where it can definitely be felt that the efforts
have not been in vain and that the experiment has not been unsuccessful. It is not
proper for me to describe myself the achievements and gains that came my way.
The occasion to tell and hear about it should come after my departure. The
evidences are so vast that even the non-believers will be forced to believe that
spiritual science is no fraud and that it is not difficult to achieve success for those
who followed this path truthfully. Future researchers who want to enquire into
now the people who tread this path are endowed with internal peace and
innumerable diving powers and achievements, will find my life and mode of
work very useful. In course of time these researchers will find out innumerable
irrefutable evidences of the achievement which the spiritually and divinely
oriented people can avail like me.
67
About the Author:
Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya: A seer-sage and a visionary of the New Golden
Era.
His personality was a harmonious blend of a saint,
spiritual scientist, yogi, philosopher, psychologist, writer,
reformer, freedom fighter, researcher, eminent scholar and
visionary. He pioneered the revival of spirituality and
creative integration of the modern and ancient sciences
and religion relevant in the challenging circumstances of
the present times. In 1979, he founded the Brahmavarchas
Research Institute, the research center in Haridwar (India)
dedicated to the integration of the modern and ancient
sciences in a practical way motivated by the noble goal of
health and happiness for all. This center houses well
equipped laboratories of Haemetology, Biochemistry,
Neurophysiology, Cardiology, Phytochemistry, Psychometry, Yagyopathy etc.
At the age of 15, (Jan 18th, 1926) a great Himalayan yogi, Swami
Sarveshvaranandji appeared before him in astral body from the flame of the
Dipaka (lamp) and guided him throughout his entire life. The next 24 years of his
life were devoted to 24 Mahapurashcharanas –each consisting of the rhythmic
recitation (japa) of 2.4 million Gayatri Mantra with strictest of disciplines. In
1943, he married Bhagwati Devi, and ever since, the saintly couple dedicatedly
pursued the noble mission of spiritual upliftment of humankind.
Realizing the potential of inspiring literature and its relevance in the present era
of intellectual evolution, he had chosen writing as the principal mode towards
uprooting the evil tendencies and blind faith from people’s minds and arousing
the indwelling wisdom, strength and spiritual bliss. He wrote about 3000
enlightening books in Hindi on almost all topics concerning human life. He
translated the entire Vedic Vangmaya (4 Vedas, 108 Upanishads, 18 Puranas etc.)
in Hindi elucidating the tradition, style, universality and history of Vedic
Literature. He also practiced higher-level Sadhana on the arduous heights of the
Himalayas and established enliven contact with the Rishis of the Himalayas.
During 1984-1986, he carried out the unique spiritual experiment of
Sukshmikarana, meaning sublimation of vital force and physical, mental and
spiritual energies. He authored a special set of 20 books highlighting the future
of the world and conveying the message of the dawn of the New Era of Truth
during the 21st Century. On 2nd June 1990, he voluntarily shed his physical
sheath.
68
For more information:
To find out more about Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya and his spiritual
establishment visit www.awgp.org
Dev Sanskriti Viswa Vidyalaya is a university envisioned by Pt. Shriram Sharma
Acharya to meet the pressing need to impart global education on scientific
spirituality and life style with new thought of ethical, moral and spiritual
transformation. Visit www.dsvv.org for more information.
English edition of Akhand Jyoti magazine is available online at
www.akhandjyoti.org.
69

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Colleagues in Solitude

Publisher: Shantikunj, Haridwar

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My unknown stay and purpose of tap sadhana……………………………...…..6

Entrance to the Himalayas………………………………………………..………..13

Nature’s Rudrabhishekh (Natures worship of Lord Shiva)………………….….22

The hut in Solitude…………………………………………………………….…….37

Membership of world community…………………………………………….…....45

The inner aspects of my sadhana of life……………………………………..…...50

The invisible experience of my visible life…………………………………..….…59

About the Author………………………………………………………………..……68

Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya

My Unknown Stay and Purpose of Tap Sadhana

The axe of Parshuram (which he got by Tap) proved to be effective as never

hermitages by resorting to Tap-Sadhana. In the present time too, many great

ENTRANCE TO THE HIMALAYAS:

THE MOUNTAIN OF SILVER

get to know the reality easily.

YELLOW FLIES (WASPS)

Today while we were silently passing through dense forest we

HOT FOUNTAINS OF THE COLD MOUNTAIN

FEAR OUT OF CONFUSED COMMUNICATION

THE WEEPING MOUNTAIN

But imagination is very adamant. Mind began to talk to the mountain.

My little imagination conversed with the Mountain Kind and was

THE LOAD CARRYING SHEEP

Sheep which is a small animal is indispensably benevolent Kamdhenu

I began to think – It is not necessary to stress on large means to solve the

On seeing the line of sheep, I began to wonder why it is not possible to

Thoughts are getting incoherent. Small thing is assuming large shape in

On looking at the mountain in front, it was felt as if Himagiri (a mountain

How insignificant is a milestone! Its cost, qualification, ability, education,

OWN AND ALIEN

SO SATISFIED WITH SO LITTLE

It appears that dissatisfaction is a tendency which is not due to materials

THE ROARING “BHERON” VALLEY

It was noticed that here Ganga is passing through a narrow course

STRAIGHT AND CROOKED TREES

REACHED UPTO THE CLOUDS

APPLE OF THE FOREST

In today’s journey there were any pilgrims to travel together. Among

MULES THAT WALK CAREFULLY

The wisdom of mules is commendable. While man repeatedly takes

SIGHT OF GOMUKH (The Origin of Ganga)

The farsightedness of the steams and rivers in renouncing their own

MAIN DARSHAN (VIEW) IF TAPOVAN

The soul gets purified by merely remembering the message of redemption

My destination was still ahead. The area surrounded by Ganga, Vamak,

There is rock called Bhageerath Shila near Gaurikund in Gangorti which is

The beauty of Tapovan which is the heart of the Himalayas is inexplicable.

THE HUT IN SOLITUDE

An answer sprouted from within. Man is a part of Samashti (The totality

The imagination went still further. In support of the established faiths, it

Thoughts can be checkmated by counter-thoughts. This psychological

Was I awake or in dreams? Was it reality or illusion? Were they my own

You have come to perform some Sadhana (dedicated spiritual ppursuit)

fulfillments, experience the unbound joy available in abundance in the vast

The insects were singing together uninterruptedly like a group of saints,

Today, while I was wandering out of the precincts of my hut, companions