I used to do small puja in the mornings and had a routine set up for myself. Initially when I started I would pray on working days only and after many years I started doing all seven days. Then I would bunk some days convincing myself 'so what' if I missed day or two. Last year I got initiated to Reiki and would still give up easily and break my daily sadhna routine. But then I recently started re-reading 'God Talks to Arjuna' (although second time but it looked as if I was reading it first time). I just reached to second verse and realized how unaware I am of the psychological war which was going on inside me . Since I was un-aware of the fight there was no question of participating in it. But since then, I'm so much aware of these psychological skirmishes I face daily that, I notice each of them. Needless to say that I'm very far from perfect at handling them in ideal way. But sure I can see them and I have declared the war from my side as well. Reiki provided me weapon to fight the war provided I decide to fight. But one has to accept and realize that war exists and stand up to fight. These days I don't easily give in to the excuses to not to practice my daily routine, either it is spiritual or non-spiritual. Even though while doing sadhna I may feel that I'm not there 100% I'm just forcing but at the end it gives me satisfaction that I did fight, this itself is good feeling, may not be a victor today but some day definitely I will be. During fulfilling my family duties also if I'm aware of these fights and decide to stand up to them, that will make me better person in fulfilling those duties and spreading happinness. This is the fight we cannot afford not to pick up.
So true! I believe that even to get to the awareness that there is both obvious and subtle psychological warfare that goes on inside us is a big step towards our self-awareness. This understanding helps us improve ourselves as human as well as divine beings. It takes us out of the wake-up, get ready, eat, work, eat, sleep, eat, wake-up routine and gives us a glimpse into what we are capable of accomplishing if we understand and follow the path of spirituality.
What is the use of doing sadhana, japa meditation ,ceremonies and all the rest ? We go on practicing for years ; but whether we get anywhere by all this exertion and self denial we do not know. Does it bring us nearer to reality ?
This is very old question which I'm sure every devotee has while he/she has desire for results. While surfing web I found this answer which was given by Sri Anandmayi Maa, which is very beautiful and satisfying to know that having this doubt itself shows our little progress on the path leading to God. At the same time it encourages us to continue our practice even though we are not fully there(mentally).
No effort is wasted .
When a pitcher is full of water has a hole, however small, all the water will leak away.
This is how it is with you: your concentration is never complete, there is a break in it. you do not want anything with your whole being.
The fact that you are aware of your incapicity to concentrate on Gods Name is also His Grace. Eventhough not interested take the Name as medicine.
This also will have a good result. You will improve. Gods Name is not like worldly medicine that acts at times and at other times does not; Gods Name invariably bears fruit.
Pilgrims on the road towards God very often encounter obstacles and stumbling-blocks which are due to their own former actions. In such cases one should pray,
'Lord , Give me patience and the power of endurance that I may be able to continue undaunted my pilgrimage on the path that leads to Thee'
Keep your spirits high by reflecting that those hinderances and difficulties are breaking up your bad karma. Bear in mind that God is cleansing and purifying you in order to take you onto Himself
This is a very powerful message - "No Effort is Wasted"
I remember very clearly having similar conversations with Shailesh.
I had asked him, I put effort in my job and I see results. I put effort in my family life and I see results, then why does the same formula does not work for putting effort in to meditation and see immediate progress in my spiritual state.
This is when he told me that - "No effort is wasted".
He said that we do not know how many karmic layers are required to be healed in a person. Only way you can quickly cut your karmic debt is to practice Raj Yoga (techniques given to initiates at DHC) everyday.
He said, you cannot treat spirituality as a job or examination, you need to treat it as a way of life. Make it part of your life like you eat food everyday or take shower everyday. Enjoy it and be in surrender to Divine always. Divine grace working for you when you are awake and also when you are sleeping healing your karmic debt. Just keep practicing Raj Yoga everyday.
Thus, "Endure on this path and keep Patience".
I am new member on this website and feel blessed to be part of this group. Our loved friends Ashish & Vandana introduced us to advanced initiates Gaurav & Sunita. Gaurav taught us basic meditation.
I am still at a very beginning stage where I am trying to fight the inside battle within my mind. My sinful mind is filled with lot of noises that do not let me think clearly or take steps in right direction. Everyday is a continuous battlefield. And again this sinful mind gives 1001 reasons for not doing my daily meditation, which unfortunately convinces me.
Not sure how long this will last but I pray to Divine to let this battle subside, let me and my family rise above this noise and strengthen our faith to move towards our GOAL!
Keep up your practice, as much as you can.
Do not suppress your thoughts. Let them surface in meditation. Watch these thoughts as a movie. Do not get entangled in them.
When you do become entangled in thoughts, gently come back to your center.
The meditations of the DHC are very powerful and extra-ordinary.
They will cleanse your thoughts and heal your mind.
Do not worry. You are being healed.