Selection of Homeopathic Remedies and their uses

Selection of Homeopathic Remedies and their uses

How do the misconceptions regarding Spirituality arise?

How do the misconceptions regarding Spirituality arise?

1. Misconceptions about Spirituality1.1 Fear1.2 Ignorance1.3 Blind faith1.4 Misuse1.5 Cheating1.6 Inflated ego1.7 ‘Of what use is it to us?’1.8 Secrecy1.9 Misconceptions about spiritual practice1.10 Misconceptions about priests1.11 Misconceptions about seekers1.12 Misconceptions about ascetics (sadhus)1.13 Misconceptions about those teaching Spirituality1.14 Misconceptions about the Guru2. Reasons for misconceptions regarding Spirituality2.1 Misguidance by ‘prominent’ members of society2.2 Spread of ignorance through the media2.3 Opposition to the spread of spiritual knowledge by universities2.4 Spread of ignorance by universities2.5 Indirect resistance from the government2.6 Expression of unilateral opinions2.7 Ignorance and blind faith of rationalists2.8 Pessimism2.9 Unscientific superficial literature2.10 Unrealistic claims

1. Misconceptions about Spirituality

Most people specially the younger generation, have a lot of misconceptions about Spirituality. So let us first understand what these misconceptions are, that is what is not Spirituality.

1.1 Fear

30% of the population feels that if God and saints get enraged with them, they will be harmed. Many people as directed in letters which they have received in the name of saints or God, send twenty-five to fifty copies of them, with the fear that if they do not comply then they will incur a great loss. Similarly, people give alms with the fear that if a person in the garb of a mendicant is hurt, then he may wish one ill and may even curse. There is absolutely no reason whatsoever to harbour such fears. However, due to the fear that if one errs, a sin shall be committed and one will be punished by God for it, at least 30% people from society refrain from making mistakes. This is an indirect benefit of this school of thought.

1.2 Ignorance

There is no connection whatsoever between education which gives worldly pleasures and ignorance about Spirituality. Approximately 80% of the people from each of the following groups - illiterate, those with primary education, those with secondary education, graduates and post-graduates are ignorant about Spirituality, as they have no formal education in it. An example of such ignorance can be seen in the article, ‘The Ganesh idol from the aesthetic point of view’ which appeared in a local daily. In this article a famous artist writes, ‘The traditional Ganesh idol is considered as one of the most beautiful sculptures. I feel like congratulating the anonymous sculptor, the first to materialise this innovative idea into reality’. That Ganapati (Lord Ganesh) is an idea, is ignorance by itself. Deities like Ganapati are not imaginary, they really exist and even have a form. This is what that poor writer does not know.

• A. Dr. Athavale was once invited to deliver a discourse on Spirituality at Mumbai. The organisers asked Him whether they should provide Him with a chaurang (a small square stool used during ritualistic worship) instead of a chair, whether the table should be covered with a saffron cloth and if an oil lamp (samai) was required beside Him. They were unaware that Spirituality does not lie in external decoration but in painting one’s inner self saffron [with detachment (vairagya)].
• B. Sexuality and ignorance about Spirituality

  1. On one hand, you advise me to practise Spirituality and on the other ask me to lead a normal sexual life and not to ‘refuse’ my spouse. Is this not contrary to Spirituality?

  2. A woman suffering from depression, thought that her sexual desire had decreased in accordance with her age. In reality, it can decrease with advancing age, depression and spiritual progress.

• C. ‘Those following the Path of Spirituality differentiated between Spirituality and the universe. They therefore ignored the universe considering it as the Great Illusion (Maya). Hence the very zeal for living was over. People became helpless and inactive and led a life devoid of activity under the pretext of attaining the Final Liberation (Moksha). This is not true Righteousness (Dharma).’ - Shri Arvind (The life of one following the Path of Spirituality should be beneficial for all creation.)
• D. Those believing in destiny: It is incorrect to consider one believing in destiny, a coward. He alone is the true brave one and has the potential to become a saint.

1.3 Blind faith

From the example given below one can realise how deeply blind faith is harboured by Indians. Vrundavan, a place in North India is considered sacred due to Shri Krushna’s residing there. The residents of Vrundavan believe that if one dies in such a sacred place then one’s embodied soul gets liberated. Hence in Vrundavan, faith prevails that the residents of Vrundavan shall not be afflicted with any problem due to dissatisfied ancestors’ souls.

The point to be noted here is that, if this were really true then every corrupt person, a dacoit, a murderer despite committing numerous sins would finally get liberated! If this occurs, then it would be injustice to others. The Lord is impartial towards all. The statement that if one dies in Vrundavan one attains liberation, is true only in the case of a devotee or a sinner who is totally repentant and not others.

One comes across 20% individuals in society who harbour blind faith. Although there is a loss of 10% to the society because of this; yet there is 20% benefit as at least some people refrain from doing bad deeds out of blind faith.

‘We consider a cat crossing our path as a bad omen. So should cats never be seen on the road? If a lizard falls on someone, he feels distressed.’ ⁽¹⁾ These are not superstitions but are premonitions. Should they occur one should repeat (chant) The Lord’s Name.

1.4 Misuse

About 5% of people make money under the garb of Spirituality for instance by starting a ‘yoga’ or a ‘pranayam (controlled breathing exercises)’ class. At one such ‘pranayam’ centre there was a choice of eighteen separate courses of pranayam for improving health, improving concentration, personality development, etc. Names of the eighteen courses were printed in their pamphlet merely to attract people. In reality the same pranayam was taught in every course!

1.5 Cheating

95% of the so-called ‘holy men’ are fake. They make money in the garb of a mendicant. One such ascetic (sadhu) would prescribe ‘worship of the vagina (yonipuja)’ as the sole remedy for any sort of complaint that a woman had. He would then have intercourse with her, that is worship her vagina as the treatment!

Some Gurus advertise through newspapers that they will initiate with a gurumantra at a particular time! [More information on the Guru is given in ‘Science of Spirituality : Vol. 4 - Path of Guru’s Grace (Gurukrupayoga)’.] These fake holy men should realise that rather than roaming about adorned with sandalwood paste (gandha) or tilaks, they should behave virtuously. Only then will people worship them with sandalwood paste and tilaks and will they make at least some amount of spiritual progress themselves.

1.6 Inflated ego

About 5% of people in society try to educate the masses about Spirituality pretending to be very well versed in it when in reality they know nothing about it. For instance knowing absolutely nothing about ‘Lord Shrirama’ one wrote, ‘Rama was never ideal. He can never be the seat of one’s faith..... The concept of God itself should be uprooted’, etc. Yet another said, ‘Now let us see to it that God retires!’

1.7 ‘Of what use is it to us?’

55% of the people feel ‘let those who have a liking for Spirituality study it, of what use is it to us?’ They do not know that in the life of an average individual 20% of physical and psychological problems are caused due to reasons other than spiritual factors in the wilful action (kriyaman karma). The remaining 80% problems are caused by spiritual factors alone. In other words, out of every five distressed individuals, four can acquire happiness merely by undertaking spiritual practice; so four out of five individuals from among one’s family, relatives and friends definitely need Spirituality. Spiritual practice enhances one’s ability to endure destiny. All this of course is from the worldly point of view. To attain the Final Liberation (Moksha), however, there is no substitute for Spirituality.

1.8 Secrecy

Some people feel that secrecy has to be maintained in Spirituality. Why do people following the Aryadharma observe secrecy in Spirituality? In this regard a saint, Shri Gulabrav Maharaj says - ‘Only those who feel that there is nothing in theVedanta other than idle talk say this. When there are trade secrets even in business, why should one feel that there should be none in Spirituality? Besides, one cannot understand the true meaning properly, despite voluminous writings in the holy texts. Secondly, knowledge from holy texts goes into the hands of people who have no authority over it. Thus a genre of people is generated, who impart knowledge to others merely by reading holy texts without totally following the Path of Spirituality. When knowledge is revealed in such a manner, people feel that worldly life is alone more valuable than Spirituality.’ ⁽²⁾

1.9 Misconceptions about spiritual practice

• A. 45% of the people know that Spirituality is useful, yet 50% of them say, ‘we will undertake spiritual practice when we grow old’. There are four errors associated with this statement.

  1. When there is no guarantee that one will survive till old age, deciding that one will practise Spirituality then, is incorrect.

  2. Good physical and mental health is required to undertake spiritual practice. In old age since both these weaken, it becomes difficult to undertake spiritual practice.

  3. Just as it is difficult to learn any new skill in old age, so also it becomes difficult to learn to do spiritual practice then.

  4. The number of impressions created in the subconscious mind goes on increasing with age. In Spirituality, however, one aims at eliminating all these impressions.

• B. Undertaking spiritual practice of one’s favourite deity or a saint according to one’s intellect: 80% of those practising Spirituality fall in this category. Just as when ill, one does not take medicines on one’s own without the advice of a physician or does not argue in court on one’s own without a lawyer, so also it is pointless practising Spirituality according to one’s intellect. When such spiritual practice does not bestow much benefit, one’s faith in Spirituality and spiritual practice begins to waver and one concludes that all this is fake. If Spirituality actually means forgetting oneself, then how will one benefit if one undertakes spiritual practice according to one’s intellect? Hence doing spiritual practice after studying Spirituality or under the guidance of an evolved person proves more beneficial
• C. 30% of seekers feel that if they want to make spiritual progress they should not get married. However this is incorrect due to the reasons enlisted below.

  1. If one does spiritual practice whilst living in society then one makes faster spiritual progress. If one renounces the world and retires to the Himalaya mountains, one is not tested enough unlike when living in society where one is tested at every step.

  2. Destroying the mind, rather causing its dissolution is the very essence of Spirituality. Thus if one practises it, one should not make decisions using one’s intellect. So deciding to remain unmarried is wrong. Besides, if one is destined to get married then one cannot avert it. In such cases, a seeker may feel dejected that he was unable to observe even this restriction of remaining unmarried.

• D. Some feel that if ‘they repeat (chant) The Lord’s Name as spiritual practice then they will not be able to fulfill their other worldly duties’. Such a feeling is absolutely ill-founded. Nowhere in the history of mankind has there been a case in which one has incurred a loss due to repetition (chanting) of The Lord’s Name. On the contrary, repetition (chanting) of The Lord’s Name increases the power of concentration, so one is able to accomplish worldly duties in a much better way.

Detailed information on misconceptions about spiritual practice is given in ‘Science of Spirituality : Chapter 3 - Practice of Spirituality’.

1.10 Misconceptions about priests

Some priests who perform rituals feel that they know everything about Spirituality. In reality however, a majority of them know only about ritualistic worship (karmakand) and they are ignorant about the science behind the rituals.

Those who deliver spiritual discourses (pravachan, kirtan) speak a lot on Spirituality without having any spiritual experiences. Some people consider them as Gurus and undertake spiritual practice as advised by them thus wasting several years of their life doing inappropriate spiritual practice.

1.11 Misconceptions about seekers

A lady seeker’s husband was murdered. When she accepted it calmly, the police thought that she must have committed the act. Some felt that she was not bereaved because she did not love her husband or presumed that she loved someone else. Some thought that she would grieve later with the passage of time!

1.12 Misconceptions about ascetics (sadhus)

• “It is shameful that even after almost 45 years of Independence, ascetics are determining the fate of the nation.” - Jyoti Basu, the Chief Minister of West Bengal (December 1992)
• Psychiatric patients and saints: Are saints paranoid schizophrenics ? - Shiroda, 29^th September 1992.
• Psychiatric patients and those with a steady intellect (sthitapradnya): People try to become emotionally blunt (sthitapradnya) by undertaking spiritual practice.
• Schizophrenics may be highly evolved spiritually.
• Answers obtained through meditation and hallucinations: Can answers obtained through meditation not be hallucinations?
• Misconceiving the ability to forsee the future as a mental disorder: ‘If one deeply studies the psyche of those believing that the world will end, one will find that there is depression in their lives. According to Professor T.K. Umen, Head of the Department of Sociology of Jawaharlal Nehru University, they have accepted such a prediction due to this depression. Mr. Parvin Chopra, the editor of the periodical ‘Life positive’ claims that self-proclaimed Gurus sprout in order to exploit such depressed and escapist people. The organisations established by such Gurus are generally loyal to them. These Gurus then either lead them on the path of self-destruction or exploit them financially or sexually. Many a facet is common in such groups, e.g. a singular charismatic male leader, detachment from the rest of the society and deployment of bizarre modalities for protection of the group. The Om Shinri Kyo sect of Japan, theDravidian sect of U.S.A. and the Kalki sect from South India, believe that The Lord will incarnate to destroy evildoers. Organisations such as the Brahmakumari and Sanatan Sanstha proclaim the theory of evolution which shall destroy human race. Some other groups like the “Heaven’s Gate” believe that flying saucers shall destroy the evil tendencies in the human race.’ - (Doomsday prophesies from Insecurity, Times of India, 13^th October 2000)

1.13 Misconceptions about those teaching Spirituality

Misconceptions about Dr. Jayant Balaji Athavale - ‘Doctor makes use of hypnosis more than Spirituality; that is why a larger audience attends his discourses / workshops’.

1.14 Misconceptions about the Guru

Some harbour the misconception that the Guru will eliminate their worldly obstacles. The Guru has no relation with worldly obstacles but is concerned solely with the spiritual progress of His disciple.

2. Reasons for misconceptions regarding Spirituality

2.1 Misguidance by ‘prominent’ members of society

One should generally not speak on a subject of which one does not have adequate knowledge. Despite this rule several prominent personalities from other fields in society talk on Spirituality even when they have had no spiritual experiences. Some of their listeners especially the younger generation not realising that their opinions should not be taken seriously, get misled and misconceptions regarding Spirituality are created in their minds. A few samples of quotes on Spirituality by such ‘prominent’ personalities are given below. This may also be called idle talk !

• A. A famous astronomer said, ‘In the intercalary (adhik) month of the Hindu lunar calendar [ideal to undertake vowed religious observances (vrat)], one can perform the following rituals - blood donation, donation to a society dedicated to teaching the physical sciences, participation in a cleanliness drive, visits to hospitals to comfort patients, visits to places of historic importance, social work, etc.’ He probably is unaware of the importance of undertaking vowed religious observances, the benefits of which are dependent on the resolve (sankalpa) made by sages. Then how will these modern observances be fruitful without the resolve of a person with an authority in that field? (For more information on vowed religious observances refer ‘Science of Spirituality : Vol. 10 - Holy Festivals, Religious Festivals and Vowed Religious Observances’.
• B. ‘My mother-in-law neither forced me to perform the rituals of Satyanarayan or Mangalagauri nor imposed her opinions upon me. I consider myself fortunate to have such a good mother-in-law.’ - A quote by a famous political leader. Now we will have to redefine a good mother-in-law as one who does not teach any religious principles!
• C. ‘So long as we do not step out of this whirlpool of thirty-three crore deities and casteism, we will not be able to make any progress’, said a former Chief Justice of the Mumbai High Court. This implies that instead of corruption, bribery, etc. it is God who hinders our progress!
• D. At a symposium on eradication of blind faith, the speakers were an industrialist, a senior politician, two scientists, a writer and a chief minister. None of them had any knowledge on religion, faith, etc.
• E. ‘How long will we continue to sing the glory of Rama, Bhim, Arjun and Hanuman?’, asked a senior politician. No matter how many praises are sung of an icon of the Absolute Truth (Sat) like Rama, they will always be far too little. However these people will never realise this as they have spent their lives in the untruth (asat).

2.2 Spread of ignorance through the media

We have already seen how ignorance spreads through newspapers. The radio and television too project repeatedly that things such as casting an evil eye, black magic like bhanamati, possession, etc. are all fake when these really do exist.

2.3 Opposition to the spread of spiritual knowledge by universities

We had written to the executive committee of extra mural education of the University of Mumbai to include the subject of Spirituality in their curriculum to help to eradicate the misconceptions about Spirituality. In a letter dated 27^th June 1988, the University rejected the request. Our universities will probably awaken once the study of this subject commences abroad!

2.4 Spread of ignorance by universities

In a television documentary produced by a university it was said that astrology, the science of mantra, asking a deity for answers through media such as flowers, leaves, etc. in a temple (kaul), etc. are all fake.

2.5 Indirect resistance from the government

A television serial depicting factual incidents beyond the comprehension of the intellect was discontinued by the government due to pressure from the so-called rationalists. However Shakespeare’s play ‘Hamlet’ which also shows a ghost was allowed to be telecast!

2.6 Expression of unilateral opinions

‘The upliftment of the lowest caste of people (harijans) and tribals will bring back Rama’s rule of Righteousness (Ramarajya) to our country, in the real sense..... The chiefs of all hermitages (ashrams), mendicants and saints should leave theirashrams and go into the world to serve the harijans and tribals’- the quote of a well-known Swami. One having true spiritual knowledge even to a small extent will never make such statements. Such statements usually stem from a desire for cheap publicity.

2.7 Ignorance and blind faith of rationalists

• A. Intellectuals give ridiculous challenges to the omniscient and omnipotent saints ‘to perform a miracle and win five lakh rupees’. Miracles are not like movies to be watched by buying a ticket. To witness a miracle one needs devotion (bhakti) and spiritual emotion (bhav). This is precisely what these rationalists do not realise. They talk about money following the illusory doctrine of the west that everything can be bought with money. This is akin to a chaste woman who will not pose in the nude even if offered millions of rupees.
• B. Also, they do not realise the simple fact that one can comprehend only phenomena pertaining to physical sciences and not those beyond them, with the intellect. Existence of The Lord cannot be proved with logic because it is a science based on the intellect and one gets the spiritual experience of The Lord only after dissolution of the intellect.
• C. They are unable to undertake study like the theosophists and researchers at the Psychical Research Society at England who have studied phenomena beyond the intellect.
       ‘A well known pioneer from the Theosophical Society, Mr. Leadbeater has authored two books, viz. ‘The Astral Plane’ and ‘The Devachanic Plane’, based on the nether region and heaven respectively after undertaking research. In these books, at the very outset he says - “We have taken due care to ensure that the information in these books should be flawless. We have not included even a single new or old point which has not been independently experienced by at least two of us experts in this research field and which is not verified by an authority more knowledgeable than us, in these books.” Dr. Jayant Athavale had written the above excerpt around 40 years ago in the first edition of the book. Today, He can reiterate that the research from the last century, in the first edition is correct and flawless as He has experienced its veracity everyday for the past several years..... In short, He does not consider it necessary to alter any of the matter written in these books then.’ ⁽³⁾
• D. That which cannot be understood by intellect can be perceived only after practising Spirituality. However rationalists are not prepared to undertake the necessary spiritual practice. They are unaware that the spiritual intellect does not get activated without spiritual practice.
• E. Rationalism of atheists and theists: The rationalism of atheists is based on human intellect while that of theists on the intellect of The Lord!
• F. Why does research have to be done repeatedly in science?

  1. A researcher puts forth a doctrine through his experience.

  2. Thereafter the data (eg. case papers of patients) from which the conclusion is derived, is thrown away.

  3. After several years, people ask for the authenticity of that doctrine.

  4. Then the research is carried out again on the same subject by another researcher only to arrive at the same conclusion.

       The only way to put an end to this vicious cycle, is by accepting the researcher’s word as the authority. Only then will researchers be able to march ahead.

2.8 Pessimism

Question: ‘Why is there so much pessimism about studying Spirituality?

Answer: First and foremost it is the absence of appropriate education. Secondly, people are not imparted information about this subject in their day-to-day life. It is but natural for people not to develop a liking for Spirituality, as no one provides true knowledge about God. Formerly preaching, prayer and the sacred and venerable holy texts and religious books were closely associated with life. Today due to the growing materialism, they have lost their importance and value in the life of the common man. “Money” itself has become the “Righteousness (Dharma)” of the new era.’^(?)

2.9 Unscientific superficial literature

It is such literature which makes readers lose their faith in Spirituality. For example, a book authored by a famous spiritualist says - ‘Lord Ganapati is fond of red flowers. Red colour signifies revolution. Leaders and philosophers like divine revolution’.

2.10 Unrealistic claims

An example of this is illustrated by the following news item from a daily. ‘Recovery from asthma by performing yogic postures (yogasans)!: It has now been proved that one can get relief from asthma by totally avoiding mental stress and performing simple exercises like yogic postures. Dr. M.P. Mani, of the Kerala Science Convention has proved this through his research. He says that there is no need for any expensive medication to be cured of asthma.’

When one experiences the falsity of this statement, one loses faith in all spiritual literature

Some rationalists consider the renunciation of the body by saints like Saint Dnyaneshvar, when still embodied as suicide!

Reference:

‘Spirituality’, published by Sanatan Sanstha.

Guruvani, P.P. Shri Ramakrushna Kshirsagar Maharaj Yanchya Upadeshancha Sangraha. Publisher: Rasiklal L. Sangharajaka, Shri Datta Temple Trust, Savedi Road, Ahmadnagar.
1. Pg. 10

Sadhubodh: Shri Gulabrav Maharaj Virachit Prashnottaratmak Suktiratnavali. Ashtamayashti, Publisher: Shri Dnyaneshvar Madhuradvait Sampradayik Mandal, Dahisath, Amravati.
2. Pg. 181

3. Shrigurucharitrakathamrut. Editor: Krushnabhakta Divakar Anant Ghaisas, First edition, Gurupratipada, 25^thFebruary 1986. Publisher: Dhananjay Balkrushna Dhavle, Keshav Bhikaji Dhavle, Samarth Sadan, Pahili Bhatvadi, Girgaon, Mumbai 400 004.

Why is Jiva (embodied soul) interested in Spirituality?

Why is Jiva (embodied soul) interested in Spirituality?

1. Origin and meaning of Spirituality2. Synonyms3. Authority in Spirituality4. Importance of Spirituality4.1 Limitations of worldly matter4.2 Subject which bestows eternal and supreme quality of Bliss (Ānand)4.3 Subject bestowing omniscience4.4 Actual fulfillment of acquiring a birth as a human being repeatedly4.5 Useful both for spiritual practice with and without expectation4.6 Realising the importance only when the need arises5. Why is man interested in Spirituality?5.1 Desire to find out the Creator5.2 Desire to go from the impermanent to the permanent

1. Origin and meaning of Spirituality

• A. The word ‘Adhyātma (अध्‍यात्‍म)’ meaning Spirituality is derived from two words, adhi (अधि) and ātmān (आत्‍मन्‌) [ātmānaha ādhi(आत्‍मन: अधि)]. Ādhi means pertaining to the topic and ātmā means the soul. Therefore Spirituality (Adhyātma) means pertaining to the soul (ātmā). Spirituality thus deals with the nature of the soul and information related to questions such as who am I, from where have I come, where will I go after death, etc. Detailed information on this is provided in ‘Science of Spirituality: Chapter 28 - Path of Knowledge (Dnyānyoga)’. Out of the three qualities of the soul that is Absolute Truth (Sat), Absolute Consciousness (Chit) and Bliss (Ānand), only Bliss is discussed here.
• B. The word Adhyātma (आध्‍यात्‍म) is derived from a (आ) + dhihi (धि:) + ātmān (आत्‍मन्‌). A means upto and dhihi means the total energy in the body and ātmān refers to the soul. Spirituality (Adhyātma) is thus the process of leading the total energy in the body to the soul.
  Only the soul is the absolute, ultimate truth. Everything else being from the Great Illusion (Māyā) is the untruth. Humorously we can define Spirituality as speaking the untruth or lying about the truth. On the other hand speaking about other subjects is speaking the untruth about the untruth. ‘Speaking the untruth about the truth’ implies that Spirituality is about the Absolute Truth which is beyond description in words and has to be experienced. As a result, talking on this subject becomes the untruth. ‘Speaking the untruth about the untruth’ is with reference to all other subjects from the Great Illusion which itself is the untruth. Consequently, speaking in this regard is the untruth. After all how can one speak the truth about the untruth!
  It is inappropriate to bring Spirituality on par with subjects such as communism, socialism, etc. by referring to it as Spiritualism; as any concept has an opposite concept. That is precisely why the term Spirituality has been used in the text.

2. Synonyms

A. Parā-vidyā: Parā means supreme. Parā-vidyā means supreme knowledge.

B. Parmartha: This word (परमार्थ) is derived from the words, param (परम) and artha (अर्थ). It thus means acquiring knowledge about the supreme meaning or the Supreme Principle.

3. Authority in Spirituality

Only the one who first qualifies as a seeker and later as a disciple can become an authority in Spirituality, that is only he can get spiritual experiences about the soul principle. The qualities of a seeker and a disciple are enlisted in ‘Science of Spirituality: Vol. 2 - Practice of Spirituality and the Seeker’ and ‘Vol. 3 - The Disciple’.

4. Importance of Spirituality

4.1 Limitations of worldly matter

“So long as the culmination of all human capability is death, it is inevitable that wise people shall look beyond worldly duties and turn away from the material world. Firstly, his remedies to obtain happiness do not impart him with happiness. Secondly all his endeavours, including worldly knowledge prove inefficient, as the origin as well as the end of the manifest world is unknown to him. ‘One thing is certain and the rest is lies. The flower that has bloomed once forever dies.’ This quote by Umar Khayyam, a great Urdu poet illustrates the futility of all worldly knowledge. Hence, quotes such as, ‘Path of glory leads but to the grave’ suggest the helplessness of worldly capability.” ⁽¹⁾

Spirituality is exactly contrary to this.

4.2 Subject which bestows eternal and supreme quality of Bliss (Ānand)

Every living being from the smallest insect or ant to the more evolved human being wishes to acquire the supreme quality of happiness continuously and constantly makes attempts to acquire it. Happiness which is continual and of supreme quality is called Bliss. The science which teaches how to acquire it is the science of Spirituality.

‘A priest

: Do You have any special message for the   American citizens?

Baba

: I have only one message for all the people in the world. Man should   surrender his search for happiness, serenity and contentment in the   external world and realise that they lie within himself rather than   anywhere else. No matter how much one enjoys worldly pleasures   during the day, at the end of it, it is only natural that one feels exhausted.   Certainly, one does not feel contented with the day’s activities. Then   to overcome that exhaustion one takes solace in sleep sacrificing   whatever one has acquired during that day. The very need of man for   sleep proves that instead of striving to seek external objects, if man   becomes introverted he will acquire Serenity (Shānti ) and contentment   in greater amounts. It is only after becoming introverted through   meditation (spiritual practice), that man realises the Divine consciousness   of the soul, that is the energy of God residing within him.’ (2)

The following quotes are well known in this context.

• 1. अनेक संशयोच्‍छेदि परोक्षार्थस्‍यदर्शनम्‌ ।
      सर्वस्‍य लोचनं शास्‍त्रं नास्‍त्‍यंध एक तत्‌ ।
      Meaning: The science (of Spirituality) is akin to the eyes which eliminates all doubts and endows direct knowledge. Those who are ignorant of this science are indeed blind.
• 2. अध्‍यात्‍मविद्या विद्यानाम्‌ । - श्रीमद्‌भगवद्‌गीता १०:३२
      Meaning: The science of Spirituality is supreme among all sciences (vidya). - Srīmadbhagwadgitā 10:32
• 3. यत्‌ ज्ञात्‍वा ज्ञेय भूय: नान्‍यत्‌ ज्ञातयम्‌ अवशिष्‍यते ।
      Meaning: Upon realising that, one becomes that itself which one desired to realise, there remains nothing more worth knowing.

4.3 Subject bestowing omniscience

There being innumerable subjects in the universe, studying even for several births shall prove insufficient to become proficient in all of them. To merge into the omniscient God one has to become omniscient. God has however made this easy by providing us with the subject of Spirituality. This is the only subject in which if one acquires omniscience, one knows everything about other subjects. This is because finally all subjects have originated from it.

4.4 Actual fulfillment of acquiring a birth as a human being repeatedly

Man is born again and again for two reasons. The first, that is 65%, to complete his destiny by enduring it and the second, that is 35%, to make spiritual progress so as to acquire Bliss (Ānand). Both these causes are related to Spirituality. Refer to point ‘Why is man interested in Spirituality?’

4.5 Useful both for spiritual practice with and without expectation

Many people experience the truth of what Sant Tukārām  has described when He said, “Happiness seems as minute as a grain of barley while unhappiness seems as huge as a mountain”. In an average person’s life happiness is 25% and unhappiness is 75%. Since most people do not know how to attain Bliss, each one tries to acquire at least temporary happiness through the five senses, mind and intellect, by way of such things as eating one’s favourite dish, listening to music one likes and so on. Similarly, one makes efforts to overcome unhappiness by taking medicines during an illness, getting the television set repaired when it breaks down, etc. In the case of patients, if one is to explain briefly so as to convince one intellectually, then spiritual remedies are extremely important in the following two types of illnesses.

• A. Man can do nothing about old age, incurable illnesses and death. In such cases, if a patient is depressed, then to overcome the despair, this may be used as a therapy to cultivate in him, a philosophical attitude towards it.
• B. In cases of obsessive compulsive neurosis, a mental illness, it is useful to keep the patient’s mind preoccupied. There is no certainty in worldly life, as there are obstacles at every step. As against this, in Spirituality, there is a certainty of finding Bliss. Hence, H.H. Brahmāchaitanya Gondāvlekar Mahārāj says, ‘If one practices Spirituality for the body to remain content or so that the body remains healthy, etc. it is like exchanging one’s Divine wish-fulfilling cow (Kāmdhēnu) for a donkey’.
  This subject is useful for both, those who have worldly pursuits as well as those with an inclination for Spirituality. In other words, Spirituality is useful to each and every one of us.
  1. Those desirous of worldly pleasure: Practicing Spirituality with expectation (sakām sādhana) gives happiness and reduces unhappiness as well.
  2. Those in search of Bliss: They experience the Blissful state by practicing Spirituality without expectation (nishkām sādhana)

4.6 Realising the importance only when the need arises

One considers the thing that one needs to be of importance where as, we do not give importance to others. The same holds good with Spirituality. One realises its importance only when one requires it! One who does not require it says, “I am content with my family and worldly life. What will I achieve by repeating (chanting) God's Name, meditating and undergoing suffering? Besides I cannot find the time to spare for it too.”

5. Why is man interested in Spirituality?

5.1 Desire to find out the Creator

Each one feels like finding out the one from whom he has been created and feels like returning to Him. For instance when one comes of age, if one comes to know that one’s mother is foster and that the real one is elsewhere, then one goes in search of her. If one goes on a vacation to a beautiful foreign land, at some point one feels like returning home. Similarly, each one feels at least subtly like going in search of the Creator and desires to return to Him.

5.2 Desire to go from the impermanent to the permanent

One feels like giving this impermanent life a support of the permanent (Spirituality). That is, one feels like going from incompleteness to Absoluteness at some time or the other as there is a certainty of finding everlasting Bliss on this path.

Reference:

‘Spirituality’, published by Sanatan Sanstha.

Dhaval-Giri. Second edition, dated 12th January 1964, Author: Justice D.G. Vinod. Publisher: Siddhashram, Shanti Mandir, VijayanagarColony, 2100 Sadashiv Peth, Pune 411 022.
1. Pg. 25

Kalpavrukshatali (Swami Muktānandanchya Sahāvasat). First edition 1986. Gurudev Siddhapith, Ganeshpuri, Thane district 401 206.
2. Pg. 61

Why is science of spirituality superior to other sciences?

Why is science of spirituality superior to other sciences?

1. The sciences connected with the mind and the science of Spirituality2. Amount of the Absolute Truth in other subjects and Spirituality3. Physical sciences and the science of Spirituality

1. The sciences connected with the mind and the science of Spirituality

The relationship of the science of Spirituality with reference to various sciences of the mind is given in a tabular form with comparison of various methods of treatment in a patient with high blood pressure induced by anxiety, below:

Treatment modality	Who administers the treatment?	site of action	Special features	Cure rate %	Recovery*
A. Intellectual     The technique     is important
1. Shavasan     (corpse     posture)	Yoga teacher	Mainly the body and the conscious mind	The patient is not taught how to face the anxiety provoking situations. Hence the treatment has to be continued.	10	Temporary
2. Drugs to     lower the     blood     pressure	Physician	Nerve endings	"	30	"
3. Drugs to     reduce     anxiety	Psychiatrist	Brain	"	30	"
4. Psychothera-    py (discussion    , counselling,    etc.)	Psychother- apist	Conscious mind	As the patient is tau- ght how to face anxi- ety provoking situat- ions incidentwise, personality does not change completely & treatment has to be continued off & on.	50	For some time
5. Psychoana-     lysis	Psychoana- lyst	Subconscio- us mind	After some years, personality of some individuals changes markedly and they are able to face most anxiety provoking situations. Consuently , their chances of suffering from high blood pressure again, are reduced.	10	Mostly permanent
6. Hypnotherapy	Hypnother- apist	Subcons- cious mind	Personality of several individuals improve markedly within a year. Thereafter, they are able to face anxi- ety provoking situati- ons. As a result, the chances of recurrence of high blood pressu- re are very low.	50**	Mostly permanent
B. Beyond     intellect     (spiritual     practice):
The technique is not important, but it is the spiritual energy in the one recommending the treatment which is of importance.	Spiritually evolved individual	A. Subtle   and causal   bodies B. Raja and   tama   components   (are   reduced)	A. Within a few years   , personality of most   individuals changes   completely.   Thereafter they are   able to face anxiety   provoking situations.   Hence, the chances   of recurrence of   high blood pressure   are very rare. B. Factors beyond    intellect are also    evaluated.	2**	Permanent

* Temporary (as long as treatment continues) / for sometime / permanently.

** Though these modalities of treatment are good, the number of those who recover is very less because often the patient discontinues treatment / spiritual practice midway.

The difference between psychotherapy devoid of Divine consciousness (chaitanya) and Spirituality endowing Divine consciousness will be illustrated by the following examples.

• A. A girl was in love with a boy. Rationally, theirs was a mismatch. After treating her with hypnotherapy for a year she finally abandoned the idea of marrying him. Here the Vaikhari mode of speech was used to convince the girl.
  In May 1993, a boy who was in love with a girl secretly got engaged and then informed his family members about it. After contemplating upon it from the spiritual angle, Dr. Athavale felt that this marriage would not last. Hence, the same was conveyed to the boy through someone and that he would receive the appropriate answer within three days. Till then he was not supposed to give it a thought. The three day period was meant to prevent him from taking a decision under the influence of emotions. On the third day he informed that he had broken off the engagement. No resolve (sankalpa) so that he should break off the engagement had been made. It had occurred solely through theMadhyama mode of speech.
• B. A person rejected the girl whose marriage proposal his brother had received as he did not like the girl. People questioned him as to how he had refused such a good proposal. Thereafter he felt very guilty. If he had really committed a mistake, then according to psychology he would have to be told for a few months that everyone makes mistakes and that he should forget the past, etc. On the other hand, if he were correct then he would have to be given suggestions to reassure him about the same. Only spiritual progress helps one to determine whether a decision made is right or wrong. Dr. Athavale perceived spiritually that if the boy had married that girl then they would have got happiness as in an average marriage. On the other hand, the happiness which would be derived from the marriage proposal due to come six months later would endow double this amount of happiness. The moment the person was told this he overcame his repentance.
• C. A patient constantly feared that he would die of a heart attack. The moment he was told that he would live for another 35 years his fear vanished. Otherwise to cure him through hypnotherapy it would take at least eight to nine months.

2. Amount of the Absolute Truth in other subjects and Spirituality

The table below will illustrate why Spirituality is called paravidya (meaning supreme science) and the other sciences are called aparavidya (inferior sciences).

Subject	Amount of the Absolute Truth %
1. Stories, novels, poetry, etc.	0
2. Physical sciences	1
3. Classical dance, classical music,     sculpture, etc.	2
3. Spirituality	100

3. Physical sciences and the science of Spirituality

                                                                        

                                                         

‘Science has varied meanings such as specific knowledge, scientific knowledge philosophical knowledge, direct knowledge and knowledge of Brahman. However generally the knowledge which is acquired through the sense organs by analysis and experimentation of gross substances and natural phenomena following a specific order and procedure is called science (vidnyan). In this context, Prof. K.V. Belsare gives the following explanation - the role of science is to study the properties of physical substances, their interactions with one another, the general principles therein and to derive a system with logical explanation from them. The four steps in the methodology used in science are careful observation, classification, framing a hypothesis and deriving inferences from them. Once the properties of substances are studied, their actions can be controlled. Thus, man can control energies such as electricity, heat, light, sound, water, air, etc. and use them to gain mastery over place, time, speed, disease, etc.

Among all the rules in the behaviour of substances in the universe, the rule of cause and effect is common to all. Hence, in science more emphasis is laid on determining the cause and effect relationship between substances. From the scientific point of view all events in the universe are entirely dependent on rules. Nothing in Nature is mysterious or miraculous. Events which appear perplexing, appear so only until one realises the cause and effect relationship between them. With the help of this knowledge, man has invented extraordinary appliances such as the train, the aeroplane, electric lamps, the radio, the telephone, etc. which have dramatically changed his quality of life.

Though with the help of science, man has acquired external prosperity, internally he does not derive the feeling of contentment. Ancient Indian scholars have made attempts to provide society with both external and internal happiness because eventually without internal happiness, external happiness proves to be futile. After the 10^th century A.D. the progress of our country came to a standstill because we began to concentrate only on internal spiritual practice. Plenty of discussions in the spheres of devotion and Righteousness (Dharma) continued, but we neglected the field of physical sciences. To add to this we even forgot the knowledge compiled by our ancient sages.’⁽¹⁾

Today science claims, ‘After visiting Mars we will have crossed a great milestone in the annals of science and will know if there is existence of life there, etc.’ In Spirituality, visiting Mars by the subtle body and returning to the earth is only a ‘snake-charmer’s game’ or simply ‘purification of the mind (chitta)’.

‘If devices to record such subtle events are invented then at the most they will be useful for documentation and not for endowing the actual experience. Whereas, it is important to actually experience them. If scientists discover the blue dot with the aid of scientific devices, they will accept its existence, contemplate on it for several years, hold discussions and write theses on it. But it is more important to meditate and get introverted so as to actually experience the blue dot than to do all this. You will undergo a total tranformation due to this experience. Internally one will be endowed with Bliss, will be able to hear Divine music and will be able to acquire supernatural powers such as Divine vision, hearing heavenly messages, etc. There will be a flow of Divine nectar (Amrut) from the absolute ether (akash) element within.’ ⁽²⁾ It is for this alone that physical sciences is the first step in the learning process while Spirituality is the final one.

‘People complain that faith (shraddhā) has declined due to modern science. Despite that curiosity about Spirituality has increased. What does decline in faith actually mean? Or what exactly is faith? Can blind and naive belief be considered as faith?

Here, it becomes necessary to explore into the basic nature of faith, as described in the Nirukta holy texts. The author,Vachaspati has defined faith as ‘the strength to support the truth’. If one understands this concept, then the distinction between faith and rationalism will be destroyed. Today, when one says that curiosity about Spirituality has increased it is as if faith itself has been augmented. The intellect aroused by curiosity ‘grasps’ knowledge and faith strengthens that knowledge. There is faith where there is curiosity about Spirituality and knowledge. Curiosity about Spirituality (jidnyasa) and a desire for the Final Liberation (mumuksha) are both complementary to each other in all aspects.’ ⁽³⁾

According to the holy text, Srī Dasbodh the meaning of science (vidnyan) is as follows:

साक्षत्‍व वृत्तीचें कारण । उन्‍मनी ते निवृत्ति जाण ।
जेथें विरे जाणपण । विज्ञान तें ।। ७.४.५०
जेथें अज्ञान सरे । ज्ञान तेंहि नुरे ।
विज्ञानवृत्ति मुरे । परब्रह्मीं ।। ७.४.५१

Meaning: The stance of a spectator is the action of the subconscious mind (chitta). Going beyond the mind (unmani), that is beyond the stance of the spectator is non-action (nivrutti). Where the awareness [absolute ego (ahambhāv)] that I am theknower dissolves, is pure knowledge (vidnyan). - 7.4.5

At the level of Parabrahman both ignorance and knowledge disappear. Even the pure knowledge (vidnyan) dissolves. [Only non-duality (advait) persists.] - 7.4.51

Why the science of Spirituality and not the physical sciences are useful for making spiritual progress will be clear from the following table.

	Physical sciences	Spirituality
1. Origin	Western countries	Eastern countries
2. What is it     called?	Information Experiences	Spiritual knowledge Spiritual experiences
3. What is that     which perceives     the information/     spiritual     knowledge     called?	Embodied soul (jīva)	Inferior spiritual knowledge - Embodied soul undertaking spiritual practice (jīvātmā) Superior spiritual knowledge - God realised soul (Shivatma)*
4. What is the     information /     spiritual     knowledge     about?	Gross things such as the word, touch, form, taste, odour, emotion, thought, etc.	Initially - Subtle fragrance, subtle sound, etc. so also subtle things such as aura, frequencies, etc. Finally - The soul (atma)
5. From where is     the information/     spiritual     knowledge     obtained?	Externally. The five sense organs, mind and intellect too are external with respect to the embodied soul.	Initially from the Guru and later from within. The embodied soul undertaking spiritual practice and the God realised soul acquire spiritual knowledge from within, that is from the soul.
6. Medium of     obtaining     information /     spiritual     knowledge	Information is acquired externally through the five senses and internally through the mind and intellect.	Knowledge is realised with the sixth sense organ that is the embodied soul underta- king spiritual practice and the God realised soul.
7. Difference in     meaning	Absent	May be present, for instance the implied meaning is inter- preted differently by indivi- duals at different spiritual levels.
8. What are they     connected     with?	A. Great Illusion (Maya)**	Brahman (God principle), the soul (atma)
	B. Ignorance	Spiritual knowledge
	C. Objects containing the     three components     (trigun)	Objects beyond the three components (trigunatit)
	D. As Brahman exists in     unlimited forms in the     Great Illusion, e.g. in     food, speech, sound,     etc. the subjects are     endless.	The sole subject is the eternal and infinite Brahman.
	E. Gross	Subtle
	F. Entire creation	The Creator of everything
	G. Things which undergo     dissolution	The eternal Brahman
	H. Psychology is one of     the branches of science     in which the subconscious     mind is studied with     the objective of     eliminating unhappiness.	The universal mind, Brahman is studied in order to attain Bliss.
9. Objective	Achieving temporary happiness	Attaining eternal Bliss
10. Methodology	A. Understanding the     difference between     various objects	Perceiving the similarities or oneness between various objects.
	B. Relative to an object:    Relative to place, time    and object. Hence it    has limitations of place    and time.	Unrelative to an object: Not relative to place, time and object as everything is nothing but Brahman (God principle).
	C. Dependent on the object     (place, time and the     object are required)	Independent of the object (place, time and the object are not required)
11. State in which     information /     spiritual     knowledge is     acquired	Waking state	A. Superconscious state      (samadhi) B. Natural state of commun-     ion with God     (sahajavastha) C. Liberation when still     embodied (sadeha mukti)
12. New creation	Impossible. Highlighting what already exists or changing it.	Possible
13. Awareness of     the body     (dehabuddhi)	Present	Absent
14. Duality /     non-duality	There is duality between intellect and information	Since the one in pursuit of Brahman merges into It, there is non-duality (advait)
15. Happiness and     unhappiness	Science can give a lot of happiness to man but cannot always save him from unhappiness, e.g. a television set, air conditioner, etc. give happiness but when they break down man becomes unhappy.	Spirituality never gives unha- ppiness. One gets worldly happiness from spiritual pra- ctice done with expectation (sakam sadhana) whereas one can attain supreme hap- piness (Bliss) with spiritual practice done without expec- tation (nishkam sadhana).
16. Duration of     the experience/     spiritual     experience	A. Short	Depends upon the duration of the superconscious state, continuous in the natural state of communioun with God and eternal in Liberation (Mukti)
	B. Whatever is learnt     through experience     in this birth has to be     learnt again in the     next, for example,     writing, reading, etc.	Whatever is learnt through spiritual experiences in this birth is carried forward to the next one.
17. Quality	Inferior***	Supreme
18. Extent	Limited***	Unlimited
19. Complete /     incomplete and     truth / untruth	The ‘truth’ in science constantly undergoes changes. Hence, editions of books require improvisation. In brief, science is incomplete and untrue.	The knowledge of the soul principle never changes. The truth found in Spirituality is eternal and beyond time. Hence, the Vedas, Upanish- ads, etc. have reprints but no revised editions.
20. Additions	There are additions to scientific information.	Spiritual knowledge does not have additions.
21. End	Occurs, e.g. when it is discovered that all types of energies are created from a single energy, it will be the end of physics. After the discovery of that basic element from which all elements are created, it will be the culmination of chemistry.	Does not occur
22. Boredom	May occur	Does not occur
23. Contentment	Temporary, as after realising one ‘truth’ one feels like knowing the next.	Present. After one acquires the ultimate spiritual experie- nce of Self-realisation, nothi- ng more is left to be experie- nced. Hence, one experien- ces the Bliss of contentment.
24. Definition	‘विगतं ज्ञानं यस्‍मात्‌ तत्‌ ।’ means, that from which knowledge (dnyan) has departed is science (vidnyan), is how the word science can be humorously but meaningfully defined.	‘सा विद्या या विमुक्‍तये ।’ means only that which liberates is called spiritual knowledge (vidya / dnyan). This spiritual knowledge is acquired only through the science of Spirituality.
25. Fame	Occurs fast, as it is useful in day-to-day life.	Occurs slowly, as there is hardly any connection with day-to-day life.
26. Relation with     other subjects	Absent	All subjects including the physical sciences are a part of Spirituality.

* The embodied soul undertaking spiritual practice (jīvātmā) is one which has experienced a little of the soul principle (ātma-tattva ) to some extent. Rather it is the embodied soul (jīva) which has got inferior type of spiritual experiences. Inferior spiritual experiences are related to the five subtle sense organs, mind and the intellect e.g. experiencing fragrance in the absence of an incense stick, knowing the answer to a query. The God realised soul (Shivatma) is one which has almost blended with God (Shiva) that is, the embodied soul which has got superior type of spiritual experiences. Superior spiritual experiences are in relation to higher supernatural powers (siddhi), Bliss (Ānand) and Serenity (Shanti). For information on supernatural powers so also on superior and inferior spiritual experiences refer ‘Science of Spirituality : Chapter 41 - Spiritual Progress and Chapter 42 - The Spiritually Evolved’.

** Hence this is like running after a mirage. The truth is never found in it.

*** ‘The physical sciences are incomplete in one sense as at any given point of time some of its questions remain unanswered. If ever they are solved then new questions arise.’ - Mr. Jayant Naralikar, Maharashtra Times, 24^th March 1991.

The difference between the physical sciences and Spirituality can be explained in simple language thus - The physical sciences cannot explain how to attain Bliss (Ānand) which only the science of Spirituality can. It is only the science of Spirituality which teaches one to observe the problems in day-to-day life and unhappy events, e.g. a loss in business, death of a near one, etc. with the stance of a spectator (sakshibhāv) and attain Bliss, something which none of the modern sciences can do.