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Part 1 of 8
When you become perfectly pure, you will have all the powers that Parmatman has, NIMESH SHAH of Shrimad Rajchandra Aatma Tatva Research Centre tells SONAL SRIVASTAVA
Part 2 of 8
When and how did you turn to spirituality?
■ My 11-month-old son was suffering from meningitis. Even though we admitted him in the hospital, his condition worsened. His life was in danger.First we prayed for his survival; then,when we realised that he is suffering,we started praying for his life to end so that he gets release from suffering.Surprisingly,it was then that he began to recover.We realised that things were not in our control.This was the biggest turning point in our lives.I used to think you get the results of your karma in this life,but my child was only 11 months old, why did he have to suffer like this? People told me that it isa karmic influence from a past life.Our search began and gradually, we found the path of Shrimad Rajchandra with our guru Prem Acharyaji (Papaji), the founder of Shrimad Rajchandra Aatma Tatva Research Centre,Raigad,Maharashtra.I realised that following a sadhguru helps in progressing towards Selfrealisation.Gradually,I became very fond of Shrimad Rajchandraji.
Shrimad Rajchandraji had written about 900 letters to his disciples. Gandhiji was influenced by him because Shrimad wrote from his personal experiences. He had explained everything scientifically and had also given guidance for spiritual progress.
■ My 11-month-old son was suffering from meningitis. Even though we admitted him in the hospital, his condition worsened. His life was in danger.First we prayed for his survival; then,when we realised that he is suffering,we started praying for his life to end so that he gets release from suffering.Surprisingly,it was then that he began to recover.We realised that things were not in our control.This was the biggest turning point in our lives.I used to think you get the results of your karma in this life,but my child was only 11 months old, why did he have to suffer like this? People told me that it isa karmic influence from a past life.Our search began and gradually, we found the path of Shrimad Rajchandra with our guru Prem Acharyaji (Papaji), the founder of Shrimad Rajchandra Aatma Tatva Research Centre,Raigad,Maharashtra.I realised that following a sadhguru helps in progressing towards Selfrealisation.Gradually,I became very fond of Shrimad Rajchandraji.
Shrimad Rajchandraji had written about 900 letters to his disciples. Gandhiji was influenced by him because Shrimad wrote from his personal experiences. He had explained everything scientifically and had also given guidance for spiritual progress.
Part 3 of 8
How did your belief get strengthened in Shrimad Rajchandra’s philosophy and teachings?
■ I didn’t blindly follow Shrimad. His knowledge had been carried forward from his previous lives. Shrimad said that his knowledge is not from books; it is Self-wisdom.He was a disciple of Mahavira and he propagated Mahavira’s teachings in his lifetime.Shrimad had jati smriti jnana,that is,he was able to see his past lives with the help of his memory.He would already know who was coming to meet him; this was his awadhi jnana,meaning he would know about things,even when they were at a distance. He also had manahapariya jnana — ability to know what others were thinking.He could find out what was going on in the country through his intuitive knowledge.Shrimad used to say that this is the power of Atman and everybody has it. Realised souls don’t have to prove anything to anybody.
■ I didn’t blindly follow Shrimad. His knowledge had been carried forward from his previous lives. Shrimad said that his knowledge is not from books; it is Self-wisdom.He was a disciple of Mahavira and he propagated Mahavira’s teachings in his lifetime.Shrimad had jati smriti jnana,that is,he was able to see his past lives with the help of his memory.He would already know who was coming to meet him; this was his awadhi jnana,meaning he would know about things,even when they were at a distance. He also had manahapariya jnana — ability to know what others were thinking.He could find out what was going on in the country through his intuitive knowledge.Shrimad used to say that this is the power of Atman and everybody has it. Realised souls don’t have to prove anything to anybody.
Part 4 of 8
Can we become Self-realised only with the help of a sadhguru?
■Your guru should be detached and full of karuna bhava. Detachment happens when you are attached only with your guru or a higher being. Detachment does not mean indifference.When you are detached, you are in
shuddha prem, love without any expectations.Reaching the point of Selfrealisation is possible only through a Self-realised guru.
■Your guru should be detached and full of karuna bhava. Detachment happens when you are attached only with your guru or a higher being. Detachment does not mean indifference.When you are detached, you are in
shuddha prem, love without any expectations.Reaching the point of Selfrealisation is possible only through a Self-realised guru.
Part 5 of 8
How can we find the right guru?
■ First of all,you should have a strong desire to have a guru. Finding the right guru is the most critical decision that you have to make.When you realise that you want to achieve Self-realisation,then you look for people who can help you reach that state.When you areready, your guru will find you. A real guru is completely detached;to him it doesn’t matter that his disciples will go to someone else. Papaji says that our real guru is Shrimad Rajchandra;he himself is only a guide.There is no shortcut; the more guru samagam — spending time with your guru — you are able to do, the closer you get to samadhi. Shrimad says that there is no need to read a lot of books.Just follow the right guru; at least you will find peace with his guidance.When you are with your guru,your atman will tell you that he is the right person for you. Gradually,you will start observing more changes in you.A guru helps you understand your own positive and negativequalities.
■ First of all,you should have a strong desire to have a guru. Finding the right guru is the most critical decision that you have to make.When you realise that you want to achieve Self-realisation,then you look for people who can help you reach that state.When you areready, your guru will find you. A real guru is completely detached;to him it doesn’t matter that his disciples will go to someone else. Papaji says that our real guru is Shrimad Rajchandra;he himself is only a guide.There is no shortcut; the more guru samagam — spending time with your guru — you are able to do, the closer you get to samadhi. Shrimad says that there is no need to read a lot of books.Just follow the right guru; at least you will find peace with his guidance.When you are with your guru,your atman will tell you that he is the right person for you. Gradually,you will start observing more changes in you.A guru helps you understand your own positive and negativequalities.
Part 6 of 8
How can we track our spiritual progress?
■Your guru knows when you are making progress spiritually. He observes how you express yourself in front of him. Self-enquiry helps in observing changes in oneself and then others start noticing changes in you.These are different ways of tracking your own progress on the spiritual path.Always compete with yourself, rather than competing with others. If you feel that you are not progressing, then speak to your guru about it.
■Your guru knows when you are making progress spiritually. He observes how you express yourself in front of him. Self-enquiry helps in observing changes in oneself and then others start noticing changes in you.These are different ways of tracking your own progress on the spiritual path.Always compete with yourself, rather than competing with others. If you feel that you are not progressing, then speak to your guru about it.
Part 7 of 8
What is the difference between ego and self-respect?
■ Self-respect can be positive as well as negative;when I think that ‘I’m the boss’ and if another person does not acknowledge me and I feel bad, then this is ego.When you talk about selfrespect or self-confidence, the first thing that comes is self. If you know yourself, then it doesn’t matter what other people think of you. Ego can be positive, if you use it to drive yourself in the positive direction. Shrimad used to say that krodh, lobh, maan and maya can be used in a positive way. For instance,if you get angry, then find out what made you angry, and then get angry with yourself for getting upset with someone.You can use your anger to cut it.When you become a Self-realised person, everyone will start respecting you automatically.
■ Self-respect can be positive as well as negative;when I think that ‘I’m the boss’ and if another person does not acknowledge me and I feel bad, then this is ego.When you talk about selfrespect or self-confidence, the first thing that comes is self. If you know yourself, then it doesn’t matter what other people think of you. Ego can be positive, if you use it to drive yourself in the positive direction. Shrimad used to say that krodh, lobh, maan and maya can be used in a positive way. For instance,if you get angry, then find out what made you angry, and then get angry with yourself for getting upset with someone.You can use your anger to cut it.When you become a Self-realised person, everyone will start respecting you automatically.
Part 8 of 8
Does one come across miracles on the spiritual path?
■There are no miracles on the spiritual path.Everything has a cause and effect. Some extraordinary things may happen that others may call miracles,but you don’t have to get stuck with these.When you are on the path, you start realising the power of atman.Your sense perception may get enhanced.The purest form of atman is Parmatman.When you become absolutely pure, you will have all the powers that Parmatman has.
■There are no miracles on the spiritual path.Everything has a cause and effect. Some extraordinary things may happen that others may call miracles,but you don’t have to get stuck with these.When you are on the path, you start realising the power of atman.Your sense perception may get enhanced.The purest form of atman is Parmatman.When you become absolutely pure, you will have all the powers that Parmatman has.
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