This Blog is dedicated to my Pujya Guru Sripad Baba who attained realization of formless God and God with form as Shri Krishna in an early age. He founded Vraj Academy in 1978 for transmission of Radha-Krishna consciousness into the spiritual aspirants, conservation and protection of the cultural heritage of Vraj and transformation of India's education system in the the light of Vedic system of education. He gave up his mortal body on December 31, 1996 at New Delhi.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Tributes to Sripad Baba on His Passing Away
Tantric Bhakta's NoteIn February or March, 1991, Sadhu Charan Das introduced me to his friend, Baba Sripad Maharajji, who was the spiritual leader of Vraj Academy. Maharajji was also, I found out years later, friends with Beatle George Harrison. George had not only written about him in the book "I, ME, MINE" but had also dedicated a song, IT IS HE, JAI SRI KRISHNA, to Baba in 1974. Ram Alexander has sent to Tantrik Bhakta the following description of the passing of this saintly sadhu. Sripad Baba had been a child yogi often lost within himself in divine mood. He roamed freely around India as a young man filled with God-intoxication. He was closely associated with many holy men and also Anandamayi Ma, who at their first meeting when he was still a boy called him, Chhota Baba, little father. He was particularly drawn to the very young Swiss born Swami Jnanananda, who has written movingly and at length about their inseparable early relationship in his inspiring autobiography, "Transcendent Journey". Once on being told that winter was an unsuitable time of the year to pilgrimage to Gangotri as it would be under snow, Sri Pad replied: Real austerity means to be in the hottest place in summer, in the wettest areas during the monsoon, and in cold regions in winter. This was his youthful reasoning typical of his determined temperament. In early middle age Sripad became involved with the Vraja Academy which seemed to cramp his original free-wheeling paramahamsa life-style although he continued his ideal of distributing the art of devotion and the preservation of spiritual culture through the subtle charisma of his divine being.In 1996 he suffered silently from a fatal illness, refused medical treatment, taking water only but meditating most of the day. During his last days he never lay down, and when it was time for him to leave, he remained in the sitting posture. He was 50 years old. His devotees immersed his remains in the River Yamuna at Vrindavan. The river was covered with flowers thrown by chanting devotees in boats. It is said that Baba's face in the sunlight looked beautiful and shone with an ethereal splendour. He had returned home to the River of Love where he had bathed so often for hours on end. The Academy is now closed, but in the garden some 100 cows are looked after by a Sadhu.
Beatle George Harrison's tribute to Baba Sripad Maharajji
India and in particular my experiences in Brindaban (Vrindavan) inspired me to write It Is He.We went to Brindaban where Krishna lived 4000 years ago. It is one of the holiest cities in India - the whole town is Krishna conscious - everyone, everywhere was chanting 'Hare Krishna' and various permutations on that.It was my most fantastic experience; going to that place was great; Ravi Shankar had arranged somehow that we were to meet Sripad (His Holiness) Maharaj, an ascetic, who spoke some English and who was going to show us around.We arrived there as it was becoming dusk and somebody ran off to try and find him. It's all so ancient, all these little streets and old temples. A girl came back and said 'come with us' and we went down to where the river Jamuna used to flow, but now it's changed its course so it's a dry bed. It was an old Goswami (a spiritual master; one who is in full control of his mind ands senses - Swami means 'teacher' and Go means 'the mind and the senses')'s house we went to. We sat there and had tea and then left after dark.We went off with this man and I didn't know who he was, and we were walking and the more we walked, the more I thought 'God this guy is incredible', everybody was coming up to him, all the time, and touching his feet. He looked like an old beggar; real matted long hair and he wore an old sack robe and had bare feet and all these Swamis with shaved heads and saffron robes were coming and bowing to him and touching his feet.He took us round to every temple in Brindaban and he was known in all of them. I was a stiff Westener when we started off, but there was a moment when the atmosphere of the place got to me, melting all the bullshit away. I thought about this man a great deal as it became a fantastic, blissful experience for me.Later, they gave us some rooms and we slept for just a few hours until he came and got us at 4 am to go for the morning Puja (litterally means an offering. It can also mean a temple service as it does here) in the temple. We'd probably only slept for 3 hours but it was the deepest sleep I ever had in my life and all through the sleep I could hear choirs singing. I still don't know to this day - I don't think it was remples I could hear - I think it was something else - all through the sleep I was hearing huge heavenly choirs - it was a fantastic experience.The next day we went to the garden called Sevakunj famous for Krishna's 'Lila'. Lila is a pastime, a transcendental activity. (maybe you've seen the pictures of all the Gopis (cowherd girl), the girls, and there's a big ring of them and they've all got a Krishna each and are dancing in a circle) Krishna always played there; this was the place where he would hang out and dance.They close this park at sunset until sunrise and nobody's allowed in there at night. The only people who have been in during that time, it has been said, have gone mad or have been found dead. All the birds and animals leave as soon as it's sunset.Inside there is a temple with a big brass bed on the altar, and as each of the different temples depicts a different aspect of Krishna, at this one (because he's been up all night dancing with the Gopis and doesn't get up early), they don't open till about 10am for morning Puja. All the trees, which are so ancient, bow down and the branches touch the ground. Just to walk in that place is incredible.That morning when we came back from the temple at about 5am, it was still dark, and we sat in a room. Sripad started singing a Bhajan ( a devotional song) to which we all sang the answering part, repeating it over and over. I got blissed out with my eyes shut, and didn't want it to stop, even when I felt I was going to stop, we would keep it going on. In the end when it eventually stopped, the sun was so high; it must have been 9 or 10 in the morning - the time had flown by - fantastic.And so he said to me 'why don't you make that into a song?'So what I did was take that old chant 'Jai Krishna, Jai Krishna, Krishna, Jai Krishna, Jai Sri Krishna, Jai Radhe, Jai Radhe, Radhe, Jai Radhe, Jai Sri Radhe... and then wrote the English words in between the verses.It Is He was for Sripad Maharaj, a wonderful, humble, Holy man.
INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT OF HUMANS THROUGH EDUCATION
KUMBHA EDUCATION AND HUMAN TRANSFORMATION
'Unsatisfied over his earlier creations of the lower order –animate and inanimate- the Creator eventually derived happiness by creating Man, endowed as he was with the intellect for self-realisation.' (Srimad Bhagavatam)
'The distinction between the eternal and perishable was first realized by Man; followed by the discovery within himself of the germ of the Eternal. The East was the first to discover it.' (Max Muller – Sacred Books of the East)
'The aegis of Providence follows the footsteps of a man who sets out on a purpose other than his own.' (Paul Brunton – Search in Secret India)
Current Educational Models are devoid of the means to inculcate ethical and moral values as part of the learning imparted to the student populations. This is a fatal omission in the training of future generations and is of growing concern to academics, scholars and intellectuals interested in the future of education for the progress and welfare of our ancient country. The scope and content, nay the very aim of present day education, negates integrated development of our future citizens with emphasis not only on learning but blended with a conviction, belief and practice of ethical, moral and spiritual values which form the very backbone of our ancient civilization. India's culture and unique civilsation, its propagation of profound philosophies, and its very way of life attracted esteem and admiration from the East and the West alike. Its educational system and institutions evoked universal admiration and were a source of inspiration to visiting scholars from as far as China.
The system was such that learning and knowledge was absorbed by direct communion between the preceptor and disciple and ensured balanced, integrated development of the younger generations. Knowledge and skills were moored to character and ethics and intellectual advancement mirrored faith in the real values and goal of life. The system verily brought forth unique creative ideas for refinement of the human being, and intellectual excellence to probe the supra-mundane.
No wonder then that India's education was a fount for many a foreign scholar who traveled to this country in search of higher spiritual knowledge. Chinese scholars, Fa Hien and Huen Tsang have recorded glowing analyses of Indian wisdom of the time and the high level of scientific knowledge that sprang from discerning experiments with nature and thought. Art and culture flourished under the reigns of enlightened monarchs and great philosophies emerged from seers, saints and Acharyas.
The great luminaries and mystic saints, Buddha (563?-483 BC), Mahavira (6th Century BC), Shankaracharya (9th Century AD), Ramanujacharya (?1137 AD), Madhvacharya (1192-1276 AD), Nimbarkacharya (13th Century AD), Bhakta Namadeva (1270-1352 AD), Saint Jnaneswara (1271-1296 AD), Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia and Amir Khusro (13-14th Century AD), Swami Ramananda (1400-1476 AD), Saint Kabir (1440-1518 AD), Guru Nanak (1469-1539 AD), Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya (1473-1531 AD), Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486-1533 AD), Goswami Tulsidas (1532-1623 AD), Swami Thyagaraja (1764-1846 AD), and a host of other divinely inspired propounders of spiritually based education were great reformers, and uplifters of moral and social values and religious fervour.
During the Moghul period, education got enriched from Arabic culture, and the Bhakti movement gained momentum from the invasions. On many occasions it surpassed religious boundaries and generated new experience absorbing harmonized ideas from even conflicting sources.
Alas for today's education designed for mass production of robots. Total neglect of ethical, moral or spiritual aspects in education has made it vulnerable to negative influences. It engenders unhealthy competition between aspiring students; breeds animosity in their minds and antagonism in their hearts encouraging violence within the self and disharmony with the society; and eventually rebellion against the very system. It imparts learning without knowledge, and clouds vision with greed and self-interest. They become strangers to the glories of past education in their motherland. Bereft of knowledge and belief in the true values of life, any ambition to excel and contribute to society's welfare and upliftment is stifled. They lose the very potential to grow as worthy citizens of this great land. To continue the present system may well become counterproductive as it carries the seeds of self -destruction.
How then are we to put back education on the tracks of Nalanda, Taxila, Vikramasila, Kashi and Avanti and redeem, reform and reorient the models to suit our country's manpower needs and talents. It is indeed a daunting task. Recent centuries of foreign rule have degraded past educational models with borrowed ideas and practices. The glamour of the western models has already cost us dear. The pursuit of science solely for material progress without injecting character and morals as part of the system has devalued the entire system and rendered our vision myopic. It is a distinct disservice to future generations. It is the duty, nay dharma, of all thinking men to arrest the growing malaise in the present system.
With this aim, the present Seminar is our humble effort to create widespread awareness of the vital problem facing us and the urgency for corrective action. The Kumbha Mela is the auspicious venue so that the aegis of Providence may guide and lead us. This hallowed place has been a traditional meeting ground for saints, mystics and seekers of truth. It signifies the battle between virtue and evil to establish the supremacy of Truth. Various schools of thought have been in quest of Truth, each in its own way. This perpetual quest for Truth is symbolized in the Kumbha as a unique effort of mankind. The venue and the occasion are propitious for us to devise a new Curriculum mental enrichment and material prosperity in the coming years on the foundation of an educational system, which will promote intellect and improve national character.
Wherefore is the eminence of the Kumbha Mela? It occurs every twelfth year alternating between the four sacred places Nasik, Ujjain, Haridwar and Prayag. The occasion is not determined by any mundane event but by the concurrent entry of Brahaspathi and Surya in specific Rasis. Surya in Mesha with Brihaspathi in Simh brings importance to Ujjain; Nasik gets the importance when the two planets conjoin in Makara; Surya in Mesha and Brihaspathi in Kubha confers the importance on Haridwar; while entry of Brahaspathi in Vrishabha and Surya in Makara shifts the importance to Prayag. Brahaspathi is venerated right from Rig Vedic period as the God of wisdom and knowledge and Lord of Mantras. Since the Cosmos is an organic whole, events and objects must be interrelated. Planetary influence on mundane objects is the basic tenet of Astrology. Brahaspathi transits a Rasi once in twelve years while Surya does it once a year. The determinant for the Kumbha is Brahaspathi's movements. Waiting for as many as twelve years for a particular juxtaposition of Brahaspathi and Surya in the celestial region must cannot a special signification in the celebration of the Kumbha Simhast. The mighty celestial planet of Brahaspathi exerts a great influence on earth – a much smaller planet – and more significantly a special influence on the sensitive human beings, as believed in time honoured astrological faith. Practice, belief and faith through the centuries is proff that the impact of Brahaspathi in Simh and Surya in Mesha during the Kumbha is exerted through the medium of water as one of the five elements. Water is prone to receive durable influence by the pull of heavenly bodies as is evidenced by the waxing and waning tides of the ocean. If even the moon, a speck in the Solar system can exercise on particular dates so great a pull on the earth as to cause vibrant stirs in the human brain and emotional upset, the vast influence of Jupiter on human activities can readily be imagined. The wise sages of India have devised the congregation of humanity on the Kumbha occasions and prescribed sacramental baths in holy rivers, so that they may received stimulation from the divine wisdom of Brahaspathi by his influence exerted through the medium of water. Faith and practice from time immemorial has invested Kumbha Melas with sanctity and prayerful invocations to the Creator. Ujjain as the venue for this Seminar and on the Simhast occasion is a divine augury.
The Churning of the Ocean in quest of hidden treasures and the ultimate Nectar associated with the Kumbha has an allegorical connotation. Devas and Asuras are cosmic entities impelled by Satvic and Thamasic gunas respectively. The former strife to gain the Nectar and attain immortality, Truth (the Satvic) triumphed over evil (Thamasic) and prevented evil from perpetuating itself. In a like manner the bound Jiva held captive in the human body composed of the elements is actuated constantly by interplay of the three gunas in its ceaseless efforts to gain freedom from bondage. By constant endeavour and steadfast application, the Jiva elevates himself by Satvic actions and prayers to attain the Supreme Being. The Jiva's striving for the Nectar of eternal bliss and Divine effulgence is the culmination of good actions through Satvic qualities. The Churning for Nectar typifies the ceaseless effort of the individual to attain "Siddhi", Truth overcoming evil in all his actions. The constant search for the nectar of freedom from bondage is the intense search for the vision of the Supreme, breaking all shackles in the way. Verily, Vasudeva told Arjuna –
"Man attains perfection by worshipping by his own duty Him from Whom is the activity of all things (inanimate and animate) and by Whom all this is pervaded."
(Bhagavat Gita XVIII.46)
The churning of the Ocean for Nectar has a more proximate application for the aims of our Seminar. Gaining Vidya, learning and wisdom is the ultimate Nectar of our educational system. Ceaseless studies for assimilation of valuable knowledge must address our efforts. Sravana, Manana and Dhyana to retain Vidya is like churning for Nectar. We make invocations to Brahaspathi that he may bless our efforts to establish improved educational systems and reframe our curricula to yield lasting benefits to the student populations and enrich their intellectual and moral content. This calls for an enlightened and disciplined band of faculty members, and dedicated fraternity of students with faith and conviction in the new approach. The Lord says, in Bhagavat Gita IV.34 :
'The Wise Who see the Truth will teach you Knowledge.'
This exudes quality and purpose in the entire operation.
Ujjain has other unique claims for importance. It is the abode of Mahakaleswara, One of the twelve manifestations of Lord Shiva as Jyothirlingas. The cosmic poison arising out of the churning of the Ocean was swallowed by him to save humanity and gods alike. On washing his feet in the tiny Kshipra River at Ujjain, the river water got the privilege of Nectar spilling on it to make it available to humanity. The ambrosial content in Ujjain was hallowed by the gurukula of Lord Krishna here in the Ashram of Sage Sandipani. That Bhagavan Krishna himself should have set the pace for learning Vidya in Ujjain makes the place twice blessed. Mahakavi Kalidasa has also immortalized this place by receiving grace from the Goddess of learning. What better place is there for us to hold the Seminar.
In formulating a blue print for our future education we can visualize a broad plan of action. However, a concerted effort is needed to collect and put together in an organized form all the threads of perennial knowledge scattered in many places as remainder out of the visions of our seers and sages of the past beginning from the Vedic age. Those threads are to be organized in such a way as to form a complete and all comprehending discipline of intuitive knowledge. It ought to be so comprehensive as to be applicable to all walks of life. The requisite wisdom in this regard is lying enshrined in ancient Indian literature. Indeed it is out of this oceanic stock that some of it was taken from time to time to other countries and cultural milieus of the world and was adapted to their local circumstances and traditions. These are to be recovered to the extent possible and included in our discipline of knowledge. This indeed would be the real ambrosia not only capable of serving as the suitable antidote against the prevailing poison of materialistic self-conceitedness but would also inaugurate a new era of human understanding and transformation.
The urgent need for a thorough overhauling of our educational system is not in doubt. The job-oriented approach to education is a residue of the colonial period, and unsuited to nation building. We have now to come back to our real nature and work in our own way to achieve the real objective of education. It is not that due thought has not been given in this regard by great sons of India. Even while groaning under the yoke of the alien rule, great thinkers like Swami Dayanand, Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, B. G. Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi and Sri Aurobindo produced revolutionary ideas on the educational scenario which, if implemented, would have effected salutary change. In the words of Sri Aurobindo:
"That alone will be a true and living education which helps to bring out to full advantage, makes ready for the full purpose and scope of human life all that is in the individual man, and which at the same time helps him to enter into his right relation with the life, mind and soul of the people to which he belongs and with that great total life, mind and soul of humanity of which he himself is a unit and his people or nation a living, a separate and yet inseparable member."
Let us begin churning in Ujjain for the Nectar of Knowledge, Vidya and Jnana to gain a vision of the Supreme Being.
"The door of the True is covered with a golden disc. Open that. O Pushan, that we may see the nature of the True."
(Isa Upanisad 15)
The completion of this Seminar at Ujjain ushers the ceremonial preliminaries for establishment of the UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN CONSCIOUSNESS proposed to be located at Brindavan by the Vraja Academy. The East was the first to discover the germ of the Eternal in man. The East became the cradle for ancient religions, based on Vedic authorities, and for spreading profound philosophies, to bring spiritual enlightenment to enquiring minds. The proposed Institution is therefore aptly named, as the Orient has far outstripped the West in the advancement of religion and spiritual values. Lord Krishna returned to His Janma Bhoomi after his initiation into learning at Ujjain at Sage Sandipani's Ashram. The conclusions of the Seminar now held at the Kumbha venue in Ujjain will find fruitful fulfillment in the University to be founded in Krishna's Janma Bhoomi with the Grace and Blessings of the Lord of Brindavan.
PRAGYA SANTHAN - A SCHOOL OF CONSCIOUSNESS
PRANJYA SANSTHAN
(The School of Consciousness)
Motivation
In response to the continuous call of seekers of truth, scholars, devotees and others who cherish the higher values of life, Vraja Academy was founded on the eve of Deepavali by Pujya Shri Sripad Baba- a mystic-saint, scholar and philosopher- in Vrindavan, Mathura (U.P.) in October, 1978. Under the guidance of this great visionary the Academy emerged as an upholder of the true cultural traditions of Vraja and a strong repository of the contributions of the saint-poets of Bhakti Movement of 12th-16th century. Nevertheless, Vraja signifies "forward moving", 'Baba' wished that the activities of Vraja Academy should grow worldwide. Therefore, he proposed to establish a University- Eastern University of Consciousness (EUC) - at Vrindavan and several Schools of Consciousness or the centers of "spiritual and cultural regeneration" in various parts of the globe. The proposed University along with the Schools of Consciousness was to augment and decentralize the endeavours of cultural and spiritual initiatives originally undertaken by Baba through Vraja Academy. Baba asked me and my fiancée, Rita Nath, in February 1990 to establish one such School of Consciousness- The Pranjya Sansthan- at New Delhi and take up this as the full time activity. He also asked us to set the objectives following objectives:
À To undertake and sponsor research on Vraja (Indian) culture;
À To foster learning and teaching of Sanskrit language and literature;
À To study man-environment relationship in spiritual perspective;
À To act as a catalyst for cultural and spiritual growth;
À To prepare a curriculum based on ancient gurukul system of education for the proposed University of Consciousness. The main feature of the syllabus will be to synthesise the sublime elements of conventional Vedic Upnishadic education system with the modern developments in the field of natural and social sciences. Thus, the curriculum prepared by school of Consciousness is to infuse spiritual consciousness into the existing system of education
However, we neither had economic security nor adequate confidence to undertake such a gigantic task. Besides, my marriage was fixed I had an offer to join my first permanent job of Research Officer at
Scope and Activities
To stage Raslila- the spiritual folk drama of Vraja- and other performances. Moreover, it will conduct awareness-oriented courses on the discipline of Yogic system in order to develop the higher faculty of understanding. The courses will include lessons on Yogasans, Pranayam and meditation.
To regularly organise seminars symposia and arrange talks and lectures of the saints, scholars and seekers of the different parts of the world. In a way it will act as a meeting-ground for the seekers of the East and West so that they can exchange their experiences and learn from each others.
In view of the deteriorating environmental conditions and its negative impact on human psychology and relationships, the Centre will attempt to provide an alternate view based on holistic perception of man-environment relationship. Besides, the center will chart out plan of action in order to establish harmony between mans psyche and nature.
The School will have a centre for teaching Sanskrit in pure vedic tradition to foster the learning of Sanskrit among novices.
Stages of Development
Stage-I
· Acquisition of suitable physical space, approximately the size of Aurobindo Centre, (Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi) for opening the School.
Stage II
· Construction of the building including classrooms, learning resource centre, auditorium, computer laboratory, faculty rooms, administrative office.
Stage-III
· The establishment of a first-rate learning resources centre with the facilities for advance research on Indology, arts and culture having: i) a very exclusive collection of books, journals monographs dealing with various aspects of indology including Vraja culture, arts, literature and philosophy; ii) an audio-visual section containing recorded speeches of saints, and scholars, and films on devotional themes; iii) computer laboratory.
Stage-IV
The third stage will forge the link between the idea of Vraja Academy of establishing Eastern University of Consciousness in Vrindavan and various Centres of Vraja Academy to be set up all over the world.
Footnotes
First, the Memorandum of Association of Vraja Academy mooted the idea of opening the Vraja University in Vrindavan. Later on it was proposed to be named Eastern University of Consciousness by late Professor S. N. Mahajan, former Research Director of Vraja Academy. The idea of establishing EUC is taking concrete shape under the auspices of Vraja Academy. Recently during the month of July-August, 1989 the idea was further discussed in Bangalore by pajya Shripada Baba with renowned artist philosopher and mystic Dr. S. Roerich and Devika Rani.
The development of the ideas and plans of an alternative system of education can be found in different publications of vraja Academy. Temple Culture; Roots of New Education Policy; Shasvat Bharati; Shiksha Sankalp; and Education for the Future.
(The School of Consciousness)
Motivation
In response to the continuous call of seekers of truth, scholars, devotees and others who cherish the higher values of life, Vraja Academy was founded on the eve of Deepavali by Pujya Shri Sripad Baba- a mystic-saint, scholar and philosopher- in Vrindavan, Mathura (U.P.) in October, 1978. Under the guidance of this great visionary the Academy emerged as an upholder of the true cultural traditions of Vraja and a strong repository of the contributions of the saint-poets of Bhakti Movement of 12th-16th century. Nevertheless, Vraja signifies "forward moving", 'Baba' wished that the activities of Vraja Academy should grow worldwide. Therefore, he proposed to establish a University- Eastern University of Consciousness (EUC) - at Vrindavan and several Schools of Consciousness or the centers of "spiritual and cultural regeneration" in various parts of the globe. The proposed University along with the Schools of Consciousness was to augment and decentralize the endeavours of cultural and spiritual initiatives originally undertaken by Baba through Vraja Academy. Baba asked me and my fiancée, Rita Nath, in February 1990 to establish one such School of Consciousness- The Pranjya Sansthan- at New Delhi and take up this as the full time activity. He also asked us to set the objectives following objectives:
À To undertake and sponsor research on Vraja (Indian) culture;
À To foster learning and teaching of Sanskrit language and literature;
À To study man-environment relationship in spiritual perspective;
À To act as a catalyst for cultural and spiritual growth;
À To prepare a curriculum based on ancient gurukul system of education for the proposed University of Consciousness. The main feature of the syllabus will be to synthesise the sublime elements of conventional Vedic Upnishadic education system with the modern developments in the field of natural and social sciences. Thus, the curriculum prepared by school of Consciousness is to infuse spiritual consciousness into the existing system of education
However, we neither had economic security nor adequate confidence to undertake such a gigantic task. Besides, my marriage was fixed I had an offer to join my first permanent job of Research Officer at
Scope and Activities
To stage Raslila- the spiritual folk drama of Vraja- and other performances. Moreover, it will conduct awareness-oriented courses on the discipline of Yogic system in order to develop the higher faculty of understanding. The courses will include lessons on Yogasans, Pranayam and meditation.
To regularly organise seminars symposia and arrange talks and lectures of the saints, scholars and seekers of the different parts of the world. In a way it will act as a meeting-ground for the seekers of the East and West so that they can exchange their experiences and learn from each others.
In view of the deteriorating environmental conditions and its negative impact on human psychology and relationships, the Centre will attempt to provide an alternate view based on holistic perception of man-environment relationship. Besides, the center will chart out plan of action in order to establish harmony between mans psyche and nature.
The School will have a centre for teaching Sanskrit in pure vedic tradition to foster the learning of Sanskrit among novices.
Stages of Development
Stage-I
· Acquisition of suitable physical space, approximately the size of Aurobindo Centre, (Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi) for opening the School.
Stage II
· Construction of the building including classrooms, learning resource centre, auditorium, computer laboratory, faculty rooms, administrative office.
Stage-III
· The establishment of a first-rate learning resources centre with the facilities for advance research on Indology, arts and culture having: i) a very exclusive collection of books, journals monographs dealing with various aspects of indology including Vraja culture, arts, literature and philosophy; ii) an audio-visual section containing recorded speeches of saints, and scholars, and films on devotional themes; iii) computer laboratory.
Stage-IV
The third stage will forge the link between the idea of Vraja Academy of establishing Eastern University of Consciousness in Vrindavan and various Centres of Vraja Academy to be set up all over the world.
Footnotes
First, the Memorandum of Association of Vraja Academy mooted the idea of opening the Vraja University in Vrindavan. Later on it was proposed to be named Eastern University of Consciousness by late Professor S. N. Mahajan, former Research Director of Vraja Academy. The idea of establishing EUC is taking concrete shape under the auspices of Vraja Academy. Recently during the month of July-August, 1989 the idea was further discussed in Bangalore by pajya Shripada Baba with renowned artist philosopher and mystic Dr. S. Roerich and Devika Rani.
The development of the ideas and plans of an alternative system of education can be found in different publications of vraja Academy. Temple Culture; Roots of New Education Policy; Shasvat Bharati; Shiksha Sankalp; and Education for the Future.
ABOUT SRIPAD BABA
These are collections of some of the writings and poems send in the form of letters to people. These letters have been authored by Sripad Baba and translated/compiled by Shri Gnananad- a Swiss Sanyasi and the long time associate of Baba and adept Kriya Yogi. Shri Gnananad lives in Dehradun, India and written his autobiography "Transcendental Journey" in which he has devoted about 70-80 pages on his association, journeys and experiences with Baba during the late 1950s to early 1970s before Baba founded Vraja Academy in 1978. Some of the sentences and words are not clear and require editing by experts but have been reproduced as it.
PRADEEP KUMAR KESHARI
---------------------------------------------------------------
LETTER
PRADEEP KUMAR KESHARI
---------------------------------------------------------------
LETTER
Kankhal
21.8.63
Immortal Saul,
So very many thanks for your kind letter to Sri Pad ji and for the five photographs. I am really sorry that you had to take the trouble of posting the same letters twice.
We too are keeping our minds absorbed in God. I am thankful to the Divine for granting me the company of pure devotees like you. My meetings and satsangs with Sripad ji on the banks of Triveni, Allahabad are some of the most blessed experiences of my life. The fact that Sripad ji has come into our lives is auspiciously kind act of him and I can only pray that his grace remains forever on us.
We spend one day at Kanpur where Sripad ji held a big satsang with a number of devotees who had been known to him since the last 3 years. I had the pleasure of listening to some stories about those devotees’ first-meeting with Sripad ji. In those days our Sripad was known to them as a Bal Yogi.
In Vrindavan we only went for darshan of Sri Bake Bihari ji, the favourite of Sripad ji. Otherwise we spent two days in seclusion at a wonderful spot which Sripad describes as ‘Ashi Brindaban’. Here we had a troubling Satsang with Sri Ramayan Pande.
My friends told me about some instances of the wonderful life of Sri Pad ji. According to them, he came to Brindaban for the first time approximately 1.5-2.0 years ago. First three days he was so absorbed in his devotion that he did not eat anything. He then walked to ovarian where he ate and then to Sri Barsana Dham. There he spent a most fruitful period of intense sadhana of about six months at Gahvar Van, a little jungle just below Man Mandir. I believe it is during this period that the new name of Sri Pad Sharan Ji comes to him. After I met him I reduced it to Sri Pad ji and that is now commonly used by everyone.
I have the honors of having him with me in my Kutia at a place on the banks of Ganga. I hope we will be here for some time. Swami Krishnananda, a great devotee of God, and others are simply charmed with the godly discourses of our saint. The reason why we love him so much is because his every act and word reminds us of the Divine and we know only well that in the Divine alone shall be found eternal peace and bliss. The experience of bliss in your meditation is your experience of God. Keep this in mind and hold onto that experience and preserve that day and night. Meditation, with holy churning of Om with devotion, will remove the veil of darkness and delusion and reveal the space of eternal light and happiness.
Yours in the Lord,
Gnananda
--------------------------------------
Hari Om Tat Sat.
Infinitude causes forth blossoming of bliss revelation. Therefore, it appears in heart paradise to establish divine play of trance revelation in aspirant. Therefore, the aspirant, who dives within by fully merging his consciousness transcendentally to become part of the divine play, sees the great miracle within him,
From the depth of lumber,
Oh, the Divine Light Diver.
Thou behold…… so that I shall
Be ready to behold thee.
Yours in the Lord,
Gnananda
---------------------------------------------------
Blessed atman,
In tontine of living of lip see appear in hearty vision of timeless, and therefore "Solution to aspirant Souls" came out as the adored feeling to the feet of divine master.
Gyananand
Mussorie
12.5.65
-------------------------------------------------
21.8.63
Immortal Saul,
So very many thanks for your kind letter to Sri Pad ji and for the five photographs. I am really sorry that you had to take the trouble of posting the same letters twice.
We too are keeping our minds absorbed in God. I am thankful to the Divine for granting me the company of pure devotees like you. My meetings and satsangs with Sripad ji on the banks of Triveni, Allahabad are some of the most blessed experiences of my life. The fact that Sripad ji has come into our lives is auspiciously kind act of him and I can only pray that his grace remains forever on us.
We spend one day at Kanpur where Sripad ji held a big satsang with a number of devotees who had been known to him since the last 3 years. I had the pleasure of listening to some stories about those devotees’ first-meeting with Sripad ji. In those days our Sripad was known to them as a Bal Yogi.
In Vrindavan we only went for darshan of Sri Bake Bihari ji, the favourite of Sripad ji. Otherwise we spent two days in seclusion at a wonderful spot which Sripad describes as ‘Ashi Brindaban’. Here we had a troubling Satsang with Sri Ramayan Pande.
My friends told me about some instances of the wonderful life of Sri Pad ji. According to them, he came to Brindaban for the first time approximately 1.5-2.0 years ago. First three days he was so absorbed in his devotion that he did not eat anything. He then walked to ovarian where he ate and then to Sri Barsana Dham. There he spent a most fruitful period of intense sadhana of about six months at Gahvar Van, a little jungle just below Man Mandir. I believe it is during this period that the new name of Sri Pad Sharan Ji comes to him. After I met him I reduced it to Sri Pad ji and that is now commonly used by everyone.
I have the honors of having him with me in my Kutia at a place on the banks of Ganga. I hope we will be here for some time. Swami Krishnananda, a great devotee of God, and others are simply charmed with the godly discourses of our saint. The reason why we love him so much is because his every act and word reminds us of the Divine and we know only well that in the Divine alone shall be found eternal peace and bliss. The experience of bliss in your meditation is your experience of God. Keep this in mind and hold onto that experience and preserve that day and night. Meditation, with holy churning of Om with devotion, will remove the veil of darkness and delusion and reveal the space of eternal light and happiness.
Yours in the Lord,
Gnananda
--------------------------------------
Hari Om Tat Sat.
Infinitude causes forth blossoming of bliss revelation. Therefore, it appears in heart paradise to establish divine play of trance revelation in aspirant. Therefore, the aspirant, who dives within by fully merging his consciousness transcendentally to become part of the divine play, sees the great miracle within him,
From the depth of lumber,
Oh, the Divine Light Diver.
Thou behold…… so that I shall
Be ready to behold thee.
Yours in the Lord,
Gnananda
---------------------------------------------------
Blessed atman,
In tontine of living of lip see appear in hearty vision of timeless, and therefore "Solution to aspirant Souls" came out as the adored feeling to the feet of divine master.
Gyananand
Mussorie
12.5.65
-------------------------------------------------
To Ambika Ji,
Dear One,
Enclosed are a few thoughts on Sadhana. Whatever we do in our life, we should consider, whether it will help us or not in Sadhana. Then only do those things which are good for the spiritual life. I left Haridwar and am now at Mussorie. In fact, I was and still am waiting to hear from you (and others) how you do plan to spend your vacations with me.
Sripad Ji was of the opinion that it was not good if I come to Panna to live and thereafter when you also could go to Himalayas, etc. Anyhow I am quite well by Pad’s grace and I hope about the same for you. If nothing happens Atman. I shall go on alone when the rains start and visit some of devotees. Then, I will come to Panna side and stay there with or without Sri Pad Ji. I have a great liking for Panna state and M.P in general because I have met many sincere devotees like you and your peaceful family.
In case you are willing to write soon then write to me:-
C/o. Sri Kripa Shankar Mathur,
“Whitefield Hall’’
P.O Barlow GanJ,
Distt: Dehradun.
Also, if you meet Sripad Ji, please do convey my pranams to him. And convey my best wishes and un-ceasing love to your parents, brothers and sisters.
Yours,
Pram ender
--------------------------------------------
Somwati Amavasai’s offerings
Delhi.
15/12/
Beloved Self,
I have received your letter on date in at the time when you are observing silence from Dhyan Mandir when I was going to Yamuna side, your letter came in my hand. In my way I was thinking on it deeply. N. handy can snatch you bliss in spite of obstacles.
How have you said that Atman is not the subject of paper? Atman will remain the subject of paper as long as paper does not become the subject of Atman. It is true that the Amite visitors can not be reproduced on paper, because Atman is beyond intellect. The same thing you who explained in your previous letter by saying that you would see me spiritually mad in your heart & then the whole den verse would merge in the same. You are also waiting for the same thing and this will only happen when you will have full realization of your self.
You wrote that your letter should be destroyed. Do you think that we should destroy your thoughts? This can not be done. I was very much pleased to read the same, so I shall keep such thing.
I do not want that I should meet you first and then separate from you. I will meet you in “Abhatie Jag at”, because I am always there. I will also let you know how much water has flown in “Samsar” River later on. After this I will not be able to write you any letter for a long time. You may however go on writing me your experiences, but do not wait for my reply.
I will send you some thing as Parmatma which you, please take. My love & heartily face are always with you. You & I are always near each Atman in Dhyan.
294/11 Babu Purwa Colony,
Kanpur
29-7-64.
--------------------
Dear One,
Enclosed are a few thoughts on Sadhana. Whatever we do in our life, we should consider, whether it will help us or not in Sadhana. Then only do those things which are good for the spiritual life. I left Haridwar and am now at Mussorie. In fact, I was and still am waiting to hear from you (and others) how you do plan to spend your vacations with me.
Sripad Ji was of the opinion that it was not good if I come to Panna to live and thereafter when you also could go to Himalayas, etc. Anyhow I am quite well by Pad’s grace and I hope about the same for you. If nothing happens Atman. I shall go on alone when the rains start and visit some of devotees. Then, I will come to Panna side and stay there with or without Sri Pad Ji. I have a great liking for Panna state and M.P in general because I have met many sincere devotees like you and your peaceful family.
In case you are willing to write soon then write to me:-
C/o. Sri Kripa Shankar Mathur,
“Whitefield Hall’’
P.O Barlow GanJ,
Distt: Dehradun.
Also, if you meet Sripad Ji, please do convey my pranams to him. And convey my best wishes and un-ceasing love to your parents, brothers and sisters.
Yours,
Pram ender
--------------------------------------------
Somwati Amavasai’s offerings
Delhi.
15/12/
Beloved Self,
I have received your letter on date in at the time when you are observing silence from Dhyan Mandir when I was going to Yamuna side, your letter came in my hand. In my way I was thinking on it deeply. N. handy can snatch you bliss in spite of obstacles.
How have you said that Atman is not the subject of paper? Atman will remain the subject of paper as long as paper does not become the subject of Atman. It is true that the Amite visitors can not be reproduced on paper, because Atman is beyond intellect. The same thing you who explained in your previous letter by saying that you would see me spiritually mad in your heart & then the whole den verse would merge in the same. You are also waiting for the same thing and this will only happen when you will have full realization of your self.
You wrote that your letter should be destroyed. Do you think that we should destroy your thoughts? This can not be done. I was very much pleased to read the same, so I shall keep such thing.
I do not want that I should meet you first and then separate from you. I will meet you in “Abhatie Jag at”, because I am always there. I will also let you know how much water has flown in “Samsar” River later on. After this I will not be able to write you any letter for a long time. You may however go on writing me your experiences, but do not wait for my reply.
I will send you some thing as Parmatma which you, please take. My love & heartily face are always with you. You & I are always near each Atman in Dhyan.
294/11 Babu Purwa Colony,
Kanpur
29-7-64.
--------------------
Brahman Namah
Mata Ji,
Meeting and Separation are life’s natural happenings. When the time comes then thought Him some body comes to guide. My meeting with you is a kind of example in spiritual matters, that is why God arranged our meeting and with one another.
I have given sufficient time in doing satsang with you and have given you sufficient spiritual food. Now I have to do some other important work, so I have left Rishikesh for this place, and am not certain when we will meet again. All depends upon His will.
(1) Follow my footsteps and behold my eyes.
(2) Surrender everything to God. If you have even the slightest thought of the tomorrow as to what will happen. Then it will be difficult to realize Him.
(3) Don’t worry, don’t worry, and don’t worry. Have faith on Him, because he is always with you, and see Him within you.
P.S.: We left in the evening on foot by jungle way into here and we have been praying for your upliftmen.
OM SRI PAD
Feelingful remembrance.
----------------------------------------------
Your remembrance figured on the mental plane after a considerable period of time, by virtue of which the feelings are spontaneously flowing. The dialogues through inner sensory vehicles are continuing, for which word symbols are ineffective. That is itself there!
To flow with the motion of spiritual practices is the life and this creation is known as Revelation.
No formation of ego unit may take place the personal doer – identification may go on dissolving.
The diversified streams of spiritual practices are, ultimately, benefited by “the discovery of” “I am that” and “It is no end yet….” Ram Krishna Paramhansa passed through eighteen systems of spiritual practices. Which resulted into a power pile in which all the spontaneity of the systems of Paths was merged……” are for him and he is not for the “paths”.
I don’t know whether you are at Brindaban or in readiness to leave for Maurishash.
What happened to your learning of Sanskrit? And about the contact with Pagal Baba?
I am wondering through various spaces and times without pinpointed address. Sometimes in the golden hues of Himalayas... Some times around the Sea-shores.
May the realization descend……
OM OM OM
Sripad
------------------------------------------------
Mata Ji,
Meeting and Separation are life’s natural happenings. When the time comes then thought Him some body comes to guide. My meeting with you is a kind of example in spiritual matters, that is why God arranged our meeting and with one another.
I have given sufficient time in doing satsang with you and have given you sufficient spiritual food. Now I have to do some other important work, so I have left Rishikesh for this place, and am not certain when we will meet again. All depends upon His will.
(1) Follow my footsteps and behold my eyes.
(2) Surrender everything to God. If you have even the slightest thought of the tomorrow as to what will happen. Then it will be difficult to realize Him.
(3) Don’t worry, don’t worry, and don’t worry. Have faith on Him, because he is always with you, and see Him within you.
P.S.: We left in the evening on foot by jungle way into here and we have been praying for your upliftmen.
OM SRI PAD
Feelingful remembrance.
----------------------------------------------
Your remembrance figured on the mental plane after a considerable period of time, by virtue of which the feelings are spontaneously flowing. The dialogues through inner sensory vehicles are continuing, for which word symbols are ineffective. That is itself there!
To flow with the motion of spiritual practices is the life and this creation is known as Revelation.
No formation of ego unit may take place the personal doer – identification may go on dissolving.
The diversified streams of spiritual practices are, ultimately, benefited by “the discovery of” “I am that” and “It is no end yet….” Ram Krishna Paramhansa passed through eighteen systems of spiritual practices. Which resulted into a power pile in which all the spontaneity of the systems of Paths was merged……” are for him and he is not for the “paths”.
I don’t know whether you are at Brindaban or in readiness to leave for Maurishash.
What happened to your learning of Sanskrit? And about the contact with Pagal Baba?
I am wondering through various spaces and times without pinpointed address. Sometimes in the golden hues of Himalayas... Some times around the Sea-shores.
May the realization descend……
OM OM OM
Sripad
------------------------------------------------
The flow of divine feelings, during rainful environment, upsurges as, if He Himself weeps into tears…………. He sleeps in winter; wakes in summer weeps in rainy season and makes life in spring.
The rhythm of Ganga waves in Haridwar – leading to the confluence of many inseparable souls…… though momentary, but creator of divine joy.; then followed the call to move towards Chitrakoot – passed many living moments through peace – tranquility and mysterious planes of existence. – then in the heart of Vindyachal – at Panna – rains – intensity of in-going, during which your spiritual remembrance writes so many of unwritable communications
OM OM OM
Sripad
---------------------------------------------
Mind continue it’s chanting, feeling, thrilling, with the Divine chant of the Eternal, every where in every thing, changing how mysteriously Divine, Meditation.
Meditations; concentrating development of the phenomenon of the life being. Now I am mingling into Meditation; and my feelings….. My all innermost love catching all the words and makes use rather puts me into deep silence. Pranam again and again Pranam…
The evening is approaching and again morn raises Pranam, Praname….
A day of happiness will come when Shri Padji, Uma, Yogamaya and Radha will meet during meditation time….
Now you stay in your own place at Saharanpur. I do not know what is the will of the Divine.
If inner heart and inner call in future tells me I may come to see you and Yogamaya as well others too. Please wait for my next letter.
Now the bus will be coming as it is 7 O’ clock in the evening. We are going to Ram Van near Madheve Ghur; convey my silent feeling to Yogamaya. Shri Pad remembers Sachdeva, Radha.
Inner heart and inner call tells you within to be once more together. For it is our Atman great desire to be together and do the meditation for realization.
OM
---------------------------------
The rhythm of Ganga waves in Haridwar – leading to the confluence of many inseparable souls…… though momentary, but creator of divine joy.; then followed the call to move towards Chitrakoot – passed many living moments through peace – tranquility and mysterious planes of existence. – then in the heart of Vindyachal – at Panna – rains – intensity of in-going, during which your spiritual remembrance writes so many of unwritable communications
OM OM OM
Sripad
---------------------------------------------
Mind continue it’s chanting, feeling, thrilling, with the Divine chant of the Eternal, every where in every thing, changing how mysteriously Divine, Meditation.
Meditations; concentrating development of the phenomenon of the life being. Now I am mingling into Meditation; and my feelings….. My all innermost love catching all the words and makes use rather puts me into deep silence. Pranam again and again Pranam…
The evening is approaching and again morn raises Pranam, Praname….
A day of happiness will come when Shri Padji, Uma, Yogamaya and Radha will meet during meditation time….
Now you stay in your own place at Saharanpur. I do not know what is the will of the Divine.
If inner heart and inner call in future tells me I may come to see you and Yogamaya as well others too. Please wait for my next letter.
Now the bus will be coming as it is 7 O’ clock in the evening. We are going to Ram Van near Madheve Ghur; convey my silent feeling to Yogamaya. Shri Pad remembers Sachdeva, Radha.
Inner heart and inner call tells you within to be once more together. For it is our Atman great desire to be together and do the meditation for realization.
OM
---------------------------------
From the Shiva Temple near Mirjapur Dave to love.
Dear Atman,
I hope that you are well and happy. Today I have come here with Shri Padji. I am writing you from the Temple.
-------------------------------------
The One in all.
And all in one.
To with us in all.
To know the Knower.
See “Him” in all.
The movement with God the highest e.g. renunciation. “SHANTI KI POOKAR REDUHERE KAI DATH ABHIA SUMADHI KI DHYAN WHE PRUTIMA HAI, ITS MAI ATMA KA PRENAIYAN SHREE JUN HAI.” In feeling the peace from the within together with it different Samadhi dharyanas ways are their. In which Atman’s one in tune with his self is their.
SHRI PADJI just repeated these words. I think you are always thinking about us.
Oh! Jananananda dear Murshid why don’t you make us one in tune with you.
Why are you struggling within your self for us? Forget it.
Become your natural form from of your meditation.
Relation between liven and loved is the silence heart’s recall, retail into its call. DHYAN KAI BHAITURESAI bubbles spring up. Oh! How for consciousness is going away inner most within.
--------------------------------------------
To: Sri Umanath Sukla 07/08/1969
My Dear One,
To get human life is very difficult. Secondly to get satsang with Mahatma is still more difficult. Lastly, to get urge towards God is very very difficult. To get this the aspirant will be tried out in all ways; he has to develop the vairagya day by day and finally come to the stage that he wants Him and Him only. Till that time the bodies ordained play would be continued and no human being can stop it except God. Thus the question arise what we have to do? Detaching from worldly things and increase our determination or urge to want Him and Him alone, who is all pervading. So, the Abhyas of looking for Him within oneself and everywhere has to be done. Only look at That and That alone. The biggest Mantra is “I am not the body;” I am That. This is to be practiced and applied in our day-to-day life. When dead body burned into ashes at cremation ground, we say that body is no more. Yet, what is left behind is Mind with its life long tendencies (Vasanas). Therefore, to be free from the bondage of birth and death, Mind and its life long tendencies are to be removed. This is in other way called purifying the mind.
Then how to purify the mind? Perform actions without any result whatsoever. Do it for God’s sake or on behalf of God. No doer ship. Chant God’s name and concentrate on that alone. By doing this one cultivates the habit of having one thought i.e. the Divine thought. When this is developed, a stage will come when there will not any thought and mind will reach to a state of thoughtlessness. In this state of mind, aspirant enjoys the bliss.
What is bliss? It is nothing but Shanti or peacefulness of mind. Yet, the pity is that we ourselves are upsetting Shanti, which is our real nature. Due to ignorance, the mind and ego, are dragging us externally for happiness where there is no happiness. Therefore, we must train the mind to detach itself from external objects and turn inwardly.
To achieve this purpose, each and everyone is born and grow in this world. But, the moment one takes birth, the ego overpowers him completely as a consequence he wastes his entire lifetime. When a man/woman is convinced about this play of Maya, he will escape from the same and avail the opportunity of his lifetime to reach the Divine.
May God bless and guide you towards Divine. OM
Swamiji
--------------------------------------------------
From:
Sripad Baba,
C/o Pandit Sadasiv Rath,
Raghunath Library,
Ammar Matt,
Puri, Orissa
Poem-1
What I am and what I am not
What I am not that I am
That I am what I am not
He is aware of that and aware of that
Only aware of God or Parish
Not Parka the nor Parish (God)
These two are aware of him.
Presence of
Poem-2
Phenomenon (Parthian the & Parish)
Presence of Provoking in Phenomenon nor Parish and Pork the
Presence of no phenomenon Parish and Procure the
Also that philosophy (call of the heart) is it not so?
Perhaps of it is so that the whole thing will make you.
In spite First to get real eyes then to realize.
Not by mere classical plenty not through that.
Poem-3
DWELLING IN CONSCIOUSNESS
Before the dawn rose the music rhythms of instrument
Sung by Gods which the time of all awakening
Boundless sound of silence tuning inspiration
Springs-up echo of life and joy
The song which sung in symphony of divine
Vastness surrounding merged in consciousness hearty feelings
Revealed in visions hence forth the tuning tumult
Attainment state of mind to the awakening being
Feelingful effacement consciousness bliss ever ceaseless
Oh! Life giving celestial melody
I heard before the dawn rose and sang by gods
Now the phenomenon of sun rose to the horizon of for east
Glamour’s innumerable rays sprinkle by colorful vision
Moments of time gone to make haste with fresh mind
To the journey of immense therefore mute atmosphere
Spell in silence is not the time to be stand still?
Therefore dormant mind awake and arise
Recall to the retrospection memory within
Immerse consciousness glorifies in you
Thou art the Amrit immortal being and the whole universe.
Rouse up with fresh consciousness
The path which is too complicated ---------------------
“In the hand of meditation” I get my spiritual memory”.
Who gives in the hand of meditation, and who gives my spiritual memory?
and who is finding that hand of meditation and is feeling his spiritual memory? How do you know?
Atma is one, feelings are one, only in the realm of heart and intellect there is a difference.
Therefore when heart and intellect merge into the ever full Atman then what is to be seen?
That is the subject of thinking!
_________ in meditation.
Allahabad.
10.9.64
Poem-4
Oh! my Saul, where are you to be found? With a collected mind I am diving into the vastness of my self
When all the glamour of the world does not give me any more satisfaction
Whenever thing of support proves fails and when find myself deprived of help and hope.
Alas! When expectation itself laughs at me and shakes all my faith and itself laughs at me and shakes all my pain and belief in the Reality of this world…….
It is then that the name reveals its sweetness and may lift one up by bestowing upon me the mined world of blissfulness.
Discovering the hours honest of my soul happiness. I learn to measure henceforth all experience of the world with the measurement of mines light and bliss.
Love in all its showy forms would now native from the manifold division – creating mani fastness and mentioning steady and even pavers in up rest dedications at his teeth whose name now is never led to me.
Such love we call the silent love. It is the magnitude power of the heart by which everything is controlled.
Will is the loves own Commander, serving the interests at love. To be in tune, in harmony with the Silent love is the essence of all spiritual life.
Oh Lord, may you live to me my immerse secret life.
Poem-6
Unmukte Hassi Hass Do Bhagavan
Sri Pad Baba
Smile sweetly from the heart within a smile that breaks all bonds of sin.
Every moment I am in Expectation of your secret history’s wondrous Revelation a story that opens floodgates of hears and makes Ganga flow in eyes…….. Such loved moments of anguish existence why are they passing like a fleeting dream.
Smile sweetly from the self within a smile that breaks all bonds of sin your Path alone leads to external light is full of thorns shape pinching a might yes for me you graciously covered it to kind with celestial flowers that every where I find.
Smile sweetly from the self within a smile that breaks all bondage of sin.
In stillness of heart my feelings are annoying foul feelings welling up within are trying to touch you, to be you, my dearest and Dear.
Smile sweetly from the self within a smile that breaks all bonds of sin.
O Lord (Guru), Give a smile from the self within a smile that breaks all bonds of sin.
Lift up the veil that blinds my mind tear part apart the kinds that bind knowing my feelings why don’t you use you art that will bring Nectar into my heart?
Smile sweetly from the self within a smile that breaks all bonds of sin.
You my lord have given me life, a lifeless life of toil and strife.
Pray’ pour forth a shower of blessings honey sweet promising me rest prefer at your holy feet. I long to hear you sing your song Divine harmoniously resounding from my soul’s shrine.
Smile sweetly from the self within a smile that rends all the bondage of sin.
All thoughts of time have left thought swallowed up all moments yet mind lacks peace you still so far why have I not awaken to you call?
What is this life of mine if only pain it be I no compassion and kindness there for me?
Dear Atman,
I hope that you are well and happy. Today I have come here with Shri Padji. I am writing you from the Temple.
-------------------------------------
The One in all.
And all in one.
To with us in all.
To know the Knower.
See “Him” in all.
The movement with God the highest e.g. renunciation. “SHANTI KI POOKAR REDUHERE KAI DATH ABHIA SUMADHI KI DHYAN WHE PRUTIMA HAI, ITS MAI ATMA KA PRENAIYAN SHREE JUN HAI.” In feeling the peace from the within together with it different Samadhi dharyanas ways are their. In which Atman’s one in tune with his self is their.
SHRI PADJI just repeated these words. I think you are always thinking about us.
Oh! Jananananda dear Murshid why don’t you make us one in tune with you.
Why are you struggling within your self for us? Forget it.
Become your natural form from of your meditation.
Relation between liven and loved is the silence heart’s recall, retail into its call. DHYAN KAI BHAITURESAI bubbles spring up. Oh! How for consciousness is going away inner most within.
--------------------------------------------
To: Sri Umanath Sukla 07/08/1969
My Dear One,
To get human life is very difficult. Secondly to get satsang with Mahatma is still more difficult. Lastly, to get urge towards God is very very difficult. To get this the aspirant will be tried out in all ways; he has to develop the vairagya day by day and finally come to the stage that he wants Him and Him only. Till that time the bodies ordained play would be continued and no human being can stop it except God. Thus the question arise what we have to do? Detaching from worldly things and increase our determination or urge to want Him and Him alone, who is all pervading. So, the Abhyas of looking for Him within oneself and everywhere has to be done. Only look at That and That alone. The biggest Mantra is “I am not the body;” I am That. This is to be practiced and applied in our day-to-day life. When dead body burned into ashes at cremation ground, we say that body is no more. Yet, what is left behind is Mind with its life long tendencies (Vasanas). Therefore, to be free from the bondage of birth and death, Mind and its life long tendencies are to be removed. This is in other way called purifying the mind.
Then how to purify the mind? Perform actions without any result whatsoever. Do it for God’s sake or on behalf of God. No doer ship. Chant God’s name and concentrate on that alone. By doing this one cultivates the habit of having one thought i.e. the Divine thought. When this is developed, a stage will come when there will not any thought and mind will reach to a state of thoughtlessness. In this state of mind, aspirant enjoys the bliss.
What is bliss? It is nothing but Shanti or peacefulness of mind. Yet, the pity is that we ourselves are upsetting Shanti, which is our real nature. Due to ignorance, the mind and ego, are dragging us externally for happiness where there is no happiness. Therefore, we must train the mind to detach itself from external objects and turn inwardly.
To achieve this purpose, each and everyone is born and grow in this world. But, the moment one takes birth, the ego overpowers him completely as a consequence he wastes his entire lifetime. When a man/woman is convinced about this play of Maya, he will escape from the same and avail the opportunity of his lifetime to reach the Divine.
May God bless and guide you towards Divine. OM
Swamiji
--------------------------------------------------
From:
Sripad Baba,
C/o Pandit Sadasiv Rath,
Raghunath Library,
Ammar Matt,
Puri, Orissa
Poem-1
What I am and what I am not
What I am not that I am
That I am what I am not
He is aware of that and aware of that
Only aware of God or Parish
Not Parka the nor Parish (God)
These two are aware of him.
Presence of
Poem-2
Phenomenon (Parthian the & Parish)
Presence of Provoking in Phenomenon nor Parish and Pork the
Presence of no phenomenon Parish and Procure the
Also that philosophy (call of the heart) is it not so?
Perhaps of it is so that the whole thing will make you.
In spite First to get real eyes then to realize.
Not by mere classical plenty not through that.
Poem-3
DWELLING IN CONSCIOUSNESS
Before the dawn rose the music rhythms of instrument
Sung by Gods which the time of all awakening
Boundless sound of silence tuning inspiration
Springs-up echo of life and joy
The song which sung in symphony of divine
Vastness surrounding merged in consciousness hearty feelings
Revealed in visions hence forth the tuning tumult
Attainment state of mind to the awakening being
Feelingful effacement consciousness bliss ever ceaseless
Oh! Life giving celestial melody
I heard before the dawn rose and sang by gods
Now the phenomenon of sun rose to the horizon of for east
Glamour’s innumerable rays sprinkle by colorful vision
Moments of time gone to make haste with fresh mind
To the journey of immense therefore mute atmosphere
Spell in silence is not the time to be stand still?
Therefore dormant mind awake and arise
Recall to the retrospection memory within
Immerse consciousness glorifies in you
Thou art the Amrit immortal being and the whole universe.
Rouse up with fresh consciousness
The path which is too complicated ---------------------
“In the hand of meditation” I get my spiritual memory”.
Who gives in the hand of meditation, and who gives my spiritual memory?
and who is finding that hand of meditation and is feeling his spiritual memory? How do you know?
Atma is one, feelings are one, only in the realm of heart and intellect there is a difference.
Therefore when heart and intellect merge into the ever full Atman then what is to be seen?
That is the subject of thinking!
_________ in meditation.
Allahabad.
10.9.64
Poem-4
Oh! my Saul, where are you to be found? With a collected mind I am diving into the vastness of my self
When all the glamour of the world does not give me any more satisfaction
Whenever thing of support proves fails and when find myself deprived of help and hope.
Alas! When expectation itself laughs at me and shakes all my faith and itself laughs at me and shakes all my pain and belief in the Reality of this world…….
It is then that the name reveals its sweetness and may lift one up by bestowing upon me the mined world of blissfulness.
Discovering the hours honest of my soul happiness. I learn to measure henceforth all experience of the world with the measurement of mines light and bliss.
Love in all its showy forms would now native from the manifold division – creating mani fastness and mentioning steady and even pavers in up rest dedications at his teeth whose name now is never led to me.
Such love we call the silent love. It is the magnitude power of the heart by which everything is controlled.
Will is the loves own Commander, serving the interests at love. To be in tune, in harmony with the Silent love is the essence of all spiritual life.
Oh Lord, may you live to me my immerse secret life.
Poem-6
Unmukte Hassi Hass Do Bhagavan
Sri Pad Baba
Smile sweetly from the heart within a smile that breaks all bonds of sin.
Every moment I am in Expectation of your secret history’s wondrous Revelation a story that opens floodgates of hears and makes Ganga flow in eyes…….. Such loved moments of anguish existence why are they passing like a fleeting dream.
Smile sweetly from the self within a smile that breaks all bonds of sin your Path alone leads to external light is full of thorns shape pinching a might yes for me you graciously covered it to kind with celestial flowers that every where I find.
Smile sweetly from the self within a smile that breaks all bondage of sin.
In stillness of heart my feelings are annoying foul feelings welling up within are trying to touch you, to be you, my dearest and Dear.
Smile sweetly from the self within a smile that breaks all bonds of sin.
O Lord (Guru), Give a smile from the self within a smile that breaks all bonds of sin.
Lift up the veil that blinds my mind tear part apart the kinds that bind knowing my feelings why don’t you use you art that will bring Nectar into my heart?
Smile sweetly from the self within a smile that breaks all bonds of sin.
You my lord have given me life, a lifeless life of toil and strife.
Pray’ pour forth a shower of blessings honey sweet promising me rest prefer at your holy feet. I long to hear you sing your song Divine harmoniously resounding from my soul’s shrine.
Smile sweetly from the self within a smile that rends all the bondage of sin.
All thoughts of time have left thought swallowed up all moments yet mind lacks peace you still so far why have I not awaken to you call?
What is this life of mine if only pain it be I no compassion and kindness there for me?
About Sripad Baba by a Bhakt
Sri Sri Pada Baba is a saint, an educationist and philosopher all rolled into one. His close associates do not know much about his past life or age. They told me that he eats and sleeps very little. Baba heads Vraja Academy, which was inaugurated in 1978. The Academy's frequent symposia on Indological, academic and ecological subjects have attracted a large number of Western and Asian scholars. Baba says, "The message of the saints of Braj is that you must empty yourself and get immersed in the lilas (pastimes) of Radha and Krishna. If we are lost in some other thought, then we cannot immerse ourselves in the consciousness of Braj, in which there is a constant flow of bliss. If one transcends the boundaries of space and time, one can certainly experience the invisible Radha-Krishna lilas taking place in Braj. If you talk to a saint or even an ordinary man of this area, he will tell you that the lilas are taking place right now--at this very moment. The real life of Braj lies beyond the distinctions of woman and man. The saints of Braj are living this very life. When Radhashtami is celebrated at Radha's birthplace, Barsana, the emotions are so powerful that compassion and love are flowing in the air. This can be felt at all the festivals in Braj, which has a strong tradition of temple worship and festivals. In South India, devotion is governed by rules and laws. But in Braj, God is taken in a different way. In Braj He is treated as sakha, friend, or even mother or beloved. The devotion of love is a gift of Braj, as it was born here. "The message of Upanishads is that the individual and God are one. The moment one is able to recognize and understand this fact, at that very point Hinduism is established, and not before that. There is a need to eliminate the enmity which has been created due to fundamentalism. We have to bring into our fold the entirety of humanity. The great men of our culture have always advocated breaking through the limitations of the world to awaken the eternal values behind these limitations of country, time, seeing oneself as separate from others and good and evil forces. That awakening must first take place at the individual level. This will then bring awakening in society."
Madras
Dear Atman, 9th May, 70
I felt really extremely happy to have received your kind letter dated 2.5.70. I request you to kindly apologise me for my long silence, since before our great Swamiji left Madras. In fact, I was made mum in all my activities since he left Madras and I am always dwelling in the deepest thought of Him and thereby He initiates me in doing my regular Karma in the realm of divine ecstacy. To be frank to you Atman, He had captivated my heart fully that I cannot miss him even for a moment except during sleep. Such is the divine power he had exercised within himself and tries to distribute it to the real deserving souls according to His opinion. Never in my life, I came across such a powerful, real, but innocent and sweet Swamiji like the great Hounored Sri Sripadji.
Hari Om Tat Sat
Dear Atman, 9th May, 70
I felt really extremely happy to have received your kind letter dated 2.5.70. I request you to kindly apologise me for my long silence, since before our great Swamiji left Madras. In fact, I was made mum in all my activities since he left Madras and I am always dwelling in the deepest thought of Him and thereby He initiates me in doing my regular Karma in the realm of divine ecstacy. To be frank to you Atman, He had captivated my heart fully that I cannot miss him even for a moment except during sleep. Such is the divine power he had exercised within himself and tries to distribute it to the real deserving souls according to His opinion. Never in my life, I came across such a powerful, real, but innocent and sweet Swamiji like the great Hounored Sri Sripadji.
Hari Om Tat Sat
Sri Umanath Shukla, January 11, 1970
Rly. H.S. School
Bareilly (UP)
Dear Atman,
I am obliged for the letter that you wrote to me. The delay in replying is not intentional but it seems God-willed, because many a times I thought of replying but it could not be done.
So Madras is now what Bareilly was two years back I mean to say that just two years back the devotees of Bareilly were fortunate to get Sat –Sangh with Sripad ji Maharaj in the same way in which you are having at present. I do not know where Sripad ji is these days, but wherever he may be, he will always be with us in our core of thought. Strange as it is, he some times appears to me to be a person with mysticism personified. Sometimes, he appears to be abnormal – beyond reach, sometimes as normal as possible and more practical than most of us. Sometimes he appears to be an ordinary human being and sometimes I have given him the treatment that I give to my ordinary students. These are many fold facts of his great personality.
Dear friend, the foremost desire that I cherish in my life is that God may give me power so that I can take my pen to write some thing about him, but for that “Sadhana” is required, I do not know whether this desire would ever be fulfilled. People misunderstands Sripadji Maharaj by his so called dirty bearing but Sripadji Maharaj is the only being who himself alone can give one the power to understand himself. In October last I was in Madras and along with Vishwanathan of 6 Besant Road went to Sri Gaudia math in search of Swamiji where I found that one of the monks there perhaps misunderstood Sripadji Maharaj. He began saying that dirty looking medicant- not knowing English I could not relish this and immediately retorted that Sripadji knows better English than masters of English and came back. You please contact Mr. Vishwanathan of Besant Road and remember me. So Sripadji a great believer in intuition and mental telepathy has served to be a common link between you people in the South with we people in the North. It seems we are really brothers. Hari Smaranam. Please convey my pranam to Sripadji.
Yours brotherly
Umanath
Shri R. Gnanaprakasam,
41, Ramanujam Iyer Street,
Chennai -21
Rly. H.S. School
Bareilly (UP)
Dear Atman,
I am obliged for the letter that you wrote to me. The delay in replying is not intentional but it seems God-willed, because many a times I thought of replying but it could not be done.
So Madras is now what Bareilly was two years back I mean to say that just two years back the devotees of Bareilly were fortunate to get Sat –Sangh with Sripad ji Maharaj in the same way in which you are having at present. I do not know where Sripad ji is these days, but wherever he may be, he will always be with us in our core of thought. Strange as it is, he some times appears to me to be a person with mysticism personified. Sometimes, he appears to be abnormal – beyond reach, sometimes as normal as possible and more practical than most of us. Sometimes he appears to be an ordinary human being and sometimes I have given him the treatment that I give to my ordinary students. These are many fold facts of his great personality.
Dear friend, the foremost desire that I cherish in my life is that God may give me power so that I can take my pen to write some thing about him, but for that “Sadhana” is required, I do not know whether this desire would ever be fulfilled. People misunderstands Sripadji Maharaj by his so called dirty bearing but Sripadji Maharaj is the only being who himself alone can give one the power to understand himself. In October last I was in Madras and along with Vishwanathan of 6 Besant Road went to Sri Gaudia math in search of Swamiji where I found that one of the monks there perhaps misunderstood Sripadji Maharaj. He began saying that dirty looking medicant- not knowing English I could not relish this and immediately retorted that Sripadji knows better English than masters of English and came back. You please contact Mr. Vishwanathan of Besant Road and remember me. So Sripadji a great believer in intuition and mental telepathy has served to be a common link between you people in the South with we people in the North. It seems we are really brothers. Hari Smaranam. Please convey my pranam to Sripadji.
Yours brotherly
Umanath
Shri R. Gnanaprakasam,
41, Ramanujam Iyer Street,
Chennai -21
Dear Atman, Madras
24-12-1969
Shri Shripad ji Swamiji Maharaj is in sojourn in South Indian Holy places and after resuming back to Madras and having satsang here with his devotees.
His atmik and devotional expressions are extremely strange, revolutionary, and unparallel. We the devotees here are fully merged with his satsang and he makes us to have the blissful act of meditation for which one has to have the real eyes to experience. The realization without the real eyes is imperatively not possible. Try to remove the curtain veil of the eyes by sincere and simple way of meditation, so that the real eye is opened to experience the eternal ecstasy.
Swamiji sojourned to Puttaparthi (Prashanthi Nilayam) Sri Satya Sai Baba’s abode during the Dashara festival celebrations. He stayed there for a week and was dwelling in the realm of immortal intoxication. In his opinion, Sri Satya Sai Baba is the incarnation of none other than Shri Lord Krishna. He visited the place of historical importance Vellore and particularly to Pallikoda where the lord Sai Ranganath Swami sleeps on the divine bed of Sai Adisesha. There our Swamiji went inside the shrine and he was transmitted with the facts of Pallikoda and he was in communed with celestial glory and merged in deep ecstasy. It become necessary for me to narrate greatness of our Swamiji since I do want to share the divine pleasure I enjoyed.
From Vellore Shripad ji Swami ji telegrammed to us (i.e myself, Shri Vedgiri, Shri Narsihmam, Shri Balasemidesa Swamigal) to go over to Pallikoda. We went there the next day but could not find his correct address even after a long search. We returned to Madras. But, our Swami ji came to know this affair when he went over to Pallikoda from Vellore (Sri Ranganath Swami the deity of the temple informed him about our going there and not entering the temple. He told him “why do you worry about them, though they have not entered the temple yet I have received them and sent them with my blessings.” This was the incident occurred which our Swamiji informed us immediately after his return from Pallikoda.
Similarly so many surprising things happen here, and the greatness of Shri Shripad ji Swami ji is cannot be revealed.
Yours
R. Gnanaprakasham
24-12-1969
Shri Shripad ji Swamiji Maharaj is in sojourn in South Indian Holy places and after resuming back to Madras and having satsang here with his devotees.
His atmik and devotional expressions are extremely strange, revolutionary, and unparallel. We the devotees here are fully merged with his satsang and he makes us to have the blissful act of meditation for which one has to have the real eyes to experience. The realization without the real eyes is imperatively not possible. Try to remove the curtain veil of the eyes by sincere and simple way of meditation, so that the real eye is opened to experience the eternal ecstasy.
Swamiji sojourned to Puttaparthi (Prashanthi Nilayam) Sri Satya Sai Baba’s abode during the Dashara festival celebrations. He stayed there for a week and was dwelling in the realm of immortal intoxication. In his opinion, Sri Satya Sai Baba is the incarnation of none other than Shri Lord Krishna. He visited the place of historical importance Vellore and particularly to Pallikoda where the lord Sai Ranganath Swami sleeps on the divine bed of Sai Adisesha. There our Swamiji went inside the shrine and he was transmitted with the facts of Pallikoda and he was in communed with celestial glory and merged in deep ecstasy. It become necessary for me to narrate greatness of our Swamiji since I do want to share the divine pleasure I enjoyed.
From Vellore Shripad ji Swami ji telegrammed to us (i.e myself, Shri Vedgiri, Shri Narsihmam, Shri Balasemidesa Swamigal) to go over to Pallikoda. We went there the next day but could not find his correct address even after a long search. We returned to Madras. But, our Swami ji came to know this affair when he went over to Pallikoda from Vellore (Sri Ranganath Swami the deity of the temple informed him about our going there and not entering the temple. He told him “why do you worry about them, though they have not entered the temple yet I have received them and sent them with my blessings.” This was the incident occurred which our Swamiji informed us immediately after his return from Pallikoda.
Similarly so many surprising things happen here, and the greatness of Shri Shripad ji Swami ji is cannot be revealed.
Yours
R. Gnanaprakasham
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON PILGRIMAGE TRADITIONS
Your Excellency, Sri Satyanarayan Reddy and Dear Participants & Distinguished Scholars
The select assembly of Vraja Academy scholars and its distinguished associates heartily welcome you here today. This Academy recognizes you as a most significant link in the global network of those who are ushering the spiritual age through a synthesis of the ancient wisdom and modern science for reaching the truth. We welcome you heartily to this holy place and repose our confidence in your dynamic energy, which we believe, is a transcendental movement representing the dynamic evolutionary aspects of life of nation. Through your innate spiritual inclinations and higher aspirations of life you are intimately aware of character of this holy birth-land of Lord Sri Krishna. Seekers of truth, love and spirituality, saints, poets philosophers and all have been drawn to this holy land since ages. The Divine message of Sri Krishna resonates through the melody of his flute and it is a living experience for those who have captured the meaning of existence of man on this planet. His benedictions, message of peace, and of true happiness of the human spirit continues in this age when mankind is in the grips of disaster. And his eternal message brings back the hope for humankind that he will come forth in moments of utter despondency and darkness. In the 16th century Vraja experienced the peak of eco-cultural spiritual harmony of body and mind and excellence prevailed in all spheres of life and endeavors. The forests of Vrindavan unfolded and displayed their beauty in flora and fauna and the lovers of the holy land, kings, rulers, merchants and priests protected this exquisite beauty and natures grandeur. Scholars and mystics meditated in their enchanting silence and guided the psyche and the lives of the people and harmonized their inner selves with their external forms. The eternal and celestial pastime of Radha and Krishna offered them bliss within the eternal lila. The exhuberant Bhakti emerged from the spiritual zeal of seekers of love and truth. The discipline of peregrinology enrooted from the very inception of Vedic heritage of the Vraja, and Vraja Bhumi has been the harbinger of the sanctity of pilgrimage. The heart centre of beauty and splendour merged here in the Supreme Divine Lord Krishna in his pastimes experience. In the splendour and the beauty of its own creation here he walked, slept and played in that mood of ecstasy, which still prevails in the rhythms of the consciousness of the sacred land. The episode of Bhagwatam depicts the moods of Krishna in Vraja in all the dimensions, and spheres of his lila have been appearing time and again through the ages. Lord Krishan herded the cows in the land of his pastures of Vraja and His Divine footprints are still visible in the soil of the Vraja and His shadow reflects in the molten flow of the Yamuna and under the ethereal canopy, which casts its shadow on the landmarks of Sri Krishna in Vrindavan. History traces back to earliest times of the Indian civilization the centrifugal force in compassing its historicity, sacrility and spirituality. Therefore the discipline of peregrinology infused in the holy feet of Krishna in Vraja invites every one of us to be in Vrindavan to play with him, and be the seeker of the bliss of pilgrimage of inner and inner spheres; the ultimate aim of the pilgrimage. Pilgrimage to Vrindavan is an experience of bliss and happiness. In quest of inner happiness man's interest has focused on endeavours that transcend the material and, bodily aspects of pleasure. As you are aware pilgrimage acquired unprecendented significance in the Semitic and non-Semitic religions. Whereas, the cult of worshipping the dead and of human sacrifices as it had existed in the pre-historic and even the primitive religions, the civilized religions of India and the middle east-polytheistic as well the nonotheistic replaced the flavour of those cults with pilgrimage, and have common psychological characteristics as regards the belief in the transcendent power and adoration of the Divine. Among the ancient religions the vitality of the Hindu religion lies in love toward all men emanating from the very sources of Bhakti. Sri Krishna's Universal God promises salvation through love toward the divine. This spirit is the heart of pilgrimage leading into the religion of humanity. The Jainism & Buddhism, despite their subjective personification touch the core of human spirit, and the tradition of pilgrimage to holy places is definitely meant to elevate the spirit, which alone is the cohesive power as regards human brotherhood. Sikh tradition combines the Hinduism with the monotheism of Islam but Bhakti is still the overriding spirit of Sikhism, and pilgrimage to Golden Temple means the vivification of the Bhakti. In the Semitic religions, the religion of the Hebrews upholds the idea that wherever good men meet together there is the slechina the dwelling place of God below, as it is exemplified in Jerusalem through the centuries. The Christian spirit is embodied in the commandment for the love of the Lord and in love thy neighbour as thyself. The holy land of the Christ is Jerusalem the place where the eternal fellowship with God can be experienced. The Islamic religion makes pilgrimage to Mecca Obligatory as the fifth tenet of faith. All distinctions of race, colour, languages and cultural differences must be dissolved. The sufi interpretation of pilgrimage based on the notion of inner spiritual journey, which is given expression by Rumi, Al-Ghazzali and Indian Sufis. The human heart with effluent love of God and his creation is the abode of the Almighty. Routes of pilgrimage, therefore and the different faiths to which humankind adheres are linked up only at one point in higher dimensions where the mystic realm of existence opens up the gateway to the direct experience of the Divine. The Bhakti tradition and its effluent love reminds us of the renaissance of spirituality which ushered in Vrindavan. The universal spirit of pilgrimage binds together the soul and hearts. The academic interest in this subject has revealed that Vrindavan is a response to this age of renaissance in the present century which has stood the test of time when foreign invaders heedlessly went astray from the path of righteousness in their greed for power and wealth. Despite their relentless onslaughts Vrindavan continues as the most stable foothold for the future renaissance and the transformation of man in the whole man, carrying within his heart the spirit of human love and brotherhood. Vrindavan is the vertex and centre where the meeting point still exists for the North and the South, and for the East and the West. The Vraja Academy has taken this historic initiative for deliberations where the theme for the larger international symposium may be discussed which is to be held in early 1991. The academy cordially invites the learned scholars for pooling their valuable thoughts concerning the academic approach to the subject of pilgrimage. We are indeed most thankful to distinguished scholars who have taken pains to reach the holy place despite the existing uncertainties in undertaking a journey. We really are not able to express in words our deep feelings of appreciation of their enthusiasm for participating in this symposium and are unable to convey to them our-feelings of gratitude for it. The great saint and Yogi of our time Devraha Baba, the ageless one, who has left the mortal plane and joined the cosmic plane in June this year is the source of inspiration for us all and this workshop is a tribute to that immortal soul to salute his cause and mission which leads to the age of spirituality of the 21st century as a century of compassion and love for humanity. His simple tut across the Yamuna in Vrindavan immensely vibrates to nourish for the times to come everyone who visits with faith the banks of Yamuna so that they can quench their thirst as seekers of truth while the perennial flow of the Yamuna passing thereby carries the vibrant consciousness of the great saint who lived there for the enlightened cause of the humanity. We, on behalf of Vraja Academy, once again welcome you all most heartily to this Seminar. We request your forgivance and patience for any lapses in the arrangements made for you. This has been due to present socio-political situation in this country over which we have had no control. We wanted to make arrangements on a grand scale and organize the Seminar properly but the national events urged us to consider postponing this Seminar at the last minute. However, since distinguished participants started arriving from all over the world, we thought it fit to conduct the Seminar even on a humble scale and we seek your indulgence in over looking our lapses. We have had no time to edit and print all the thought provoking papers we have received. We, therefore, had to be content with sharing with you a s summary of these papers may be, at a later stage, we will print all these paper s and send them to you. We ardently hope and pray that the lively and thought provoking discussion that will follow during these few days will overcome the short-comings in the organization of this Seminar and every one will return to his home with grater understanding and love in his or her heart. We thank you all once again for coming here and making this Seminar a great event. We especially thank H.E. the Governor for his address and for joining us in this Festival of love and light by sparing some time from his busy schedule. Thank you.
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