Composition of a new song 'Jaane Do' at Swami Rama Ashram

Gods above seem to be really happy with me. Within three months I got another chance to visit Rishikesh. This time all by myself and hence I decided to stay at SRSG (Swami Rama Sadhak Grama). Even in the peak of summer, this place felt like heaven. The foliage, blooming flowers, serene atmosphere and a Rudraksha tree outside my cottage bestowed me with a sense of divine peace.

View from inside my cottage

Every Saturday night at 8pm they hold a kirtan (singing devotional songs) and have this beautiful process where everyone not only participates by repeating what the main singer is singing, but also gets an opportunity to be the main singer. As a part of this process we suddenly discovered this phenomenon called Sophia! All of 19 years old and a cheerful young lady, half Russian and half English, she took us by the storm. When she started singing I checked twice to ensure I wasn't dreaming. Her voice had a hypnotic effect on all of us. Truly blessed with Ma Saraswati (Goddess of learning and Music) in her throat, I couldn't get her out of my mind when I returned back to my cottage.

Rudraksha tree outside my cottage

A couple of hours later, still unable to ignore her melodious voice singing in my heart, an idea struck me. Out of the few songs she had sung, one was the famous Beatles song 'Let it be.' Although I had never heard it before, the melody appealed to me. I decided to translate it in Hindi and the chorus 'Let it be' became 'Jaane Do.' Then I started working on the verse and chose words that would be easy for her to sing and within the next 15 minutes lyrics were ready. I wasn't even sure if she will be there the next day and if she was there would she like to sing it, but well!

Next morning when I woke up I had forgotten all about my madness last night. In fact I did my meditation practise in the cottage and was so late for breakfast that I did not even meet anyone. But later in the day when I spotted Sophia I remembered again and decided to ask her. She immediately said Yes and we decided to give it a try post dinner.

We both had to meet near Meditation Hall after dinner but when I went there Sophia wasn't to be seen. I searched around the whole area looking for her but couldn't find her. Thinking she will come I waited but she didn't. At that point of time I dropped the idea and decided 'Jaane Do!' I went back to the cottage to sleep and realized i needed to get water. So I went back in there and saw Sophia standing outside. She said she was delayed. Looking at the watch I asked her if she wanted to do it now because it was late but she said, "Yes." Her affirmative response revived me again and I brought out the lyrics for her to study.

She hadn't even spent few minutes trying to read Hindi when it was time for the next session at SRSG. I thought it was the end of it but an hour and a half and a few interruptions later we finally sat down to practising the lyrics. Under the moonlight night, and a small bulb allowing Sophia to read from the paper, we were ready for our first recording! Anita from Hungary became our willing audience. She thought we were practising a popular hit song and was shocked to know that it was being composed and put to tune right there in front of her!

Lyrics: Ik din subah Ishwar ne darshan diya
(One morning God appeared in front of me) Bola aisa mantra
(Spoke divine words) Har marz ki jo dawa
(A cure to all problems) Jaane Do- (8)
(Let it go)
Dard jab uthe
(When the pain rises) Apnon ne dukh diya
(Because of hurts caused by loved ones) Yaad karo har marz ki jo dawa
(Remember the divine words) Jaane Do- (8)
(Let it go)
Jab bas Mein Na ho
(When it is not in your control) Is duniya ki hawa
(The ways of the world) Yaad karo har marz ki jo dawa
(Remember the divine words) Jaane Do- (8)
Let it go

You can watch the song at the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_RNgY_IDDY&feature=youtu.be

Read Sophias' blog at http://www.lostinwanderlust.co.uk/

Swami Rama Sadhak Grama: Perfect Spiritual Retreat

With divine blessings of all the Gurus and Saints I got another opportunity to stay in Rishikesh within just two months of my first visit. The excitement was no less. My heart was full of gratitude as I stepped again on that celestial land. The trip was short with just five days to spare and I wanted to make the most of it.

The first day we landed again at Sivananda Ashram, just in time to attend Matri Satsanga and partake the divine nectar flowing so freely. It was amazing to meet the divine mothers, and the love they showered upon me was humbling.

Day two was spent near serene Ganga Ji and walking through the vibrant lanes near Gita Bhavan and Parmarth Niketan. Even when roaming in the 'bazaar' (market), one amazing quality of that place is its ability to not disturb your inner peace. Rarely have I felt that tranquility even when my senses are being bombarded with numerous sights, smells, and sounds. An added factor possibly was the lack of crowd, since this time of the year there are very few visitors due to freezing winter.

In the evening of day two, we arrived at Swami Rama Sadhak Grama (SRSG) "A village of spiritual seekers devoted to the teachings of Swami Rama of the Himalayas." where we had done our booking for the rest of the days. Built like a beautiful meditation hill village, this ashram was established by Swami Veda Bharati in 2002. We checked into our very clean, cosy and cheerful cottage; which was large enough for seven people to stay but it was only the two of us. It allowed a lot of privacy and just the right ambience to relax and rejuvenate.

Cottages

After freshening up we headed towards the Meditation Hall. There was already a meditation session in progress and the room was dark except for a little glow from a lamp in front of Swami Rama's photo. We quietly found a place to sit and made unsuccessful attempts to silent the mind. New place, impressions of the day and unprepared body did not cooperate, and fortunately for us the meditation session was over in a few more minutes. There was a bell, chanting of the Om and some lights were switched on. Next it was time for dinner and one of the teachers recognized we were new. He guided us to the dining hall and also asked us to come back to Meditation hall for an introductory session.

Now this was something that really came as a pleasant surprise; an introduction session where they made a genuine effort to understand who we are, what brought us to SRSG and if we are doing any practices. It made us feel more comfortable and welcomed. This was further followed by another session next day where the teacher spent good two hours with just the two of us to correct our posture, taught some very simple yet creative techniques to keep our spine erect (this helped us to immediately sit for at least double the length of time than we could earlier) and shared few breathing techniques. Just that session itself made it worthwhile for us to visit this spiritual centre. Our teacher (Ms Gita), answered all our queries with patience & joy, and guided us very well.

Other sessions of course were very good too but I specially enjoyed the meditation sessions where we just had to sit in the right posture with our spine erect and focus on breathing. With body now supple with various asanas we practised, and technique of sitting straight longer without discomfort under our belt, an hour long meditation session seemed quite short. A beautiful practise they follow is that for each meditation session the Gurus of the tradition also join in. It not only adds to the spiritual aura but also motivates spiritual aspirants to meditate longer.

Meditation Hall Building

Another very impressive aspect at SRSG is their acceptance of your ideology or practice. They do not make any attempt to change whatever you are doing and in fact are very open in sharing their techniques so these can further support your practice. At no time or point do they indicate that what they are doing is the best and you should also convert to it. While they are proud of being followers of the Himalayan tradition, they do not claim exclusive rights to it and in fact willingly acknowledge other schools and institutions which are all in some way or the other, inter-connected. There is an amazing respect for all traditions, schools and practices. When we talked about Kriya Yoga or our stay at Sivananda Ashram, they were happy to listen and spoke positively about both. 

The day at SRSG started at 4.45 am with a bell ringing to wake everyone up. The sessions started at 5.30am and continued till 9 am. Morning schedule from 5.30 till 9 remained the same everyday. After breakfast at 8pm, the schedule for the day was set up. Each session refreshed us a little more and the day used to pass like a breeze.

A lot of thought and care has been taken regarding the surroundings and food that is provided at SRSG. Variety of flowers and bushes add on to the heavenly set up. Food is sattvic and very tastefully prepared. Soul and stomach both felt immensely satisfied after each meal. They also have a library and a book shop where one finds a good collection of books on spirituality.

If you are visiting SRSG for the first time then either you attend a special retreat or attend continuous three regular days. They have many special retreats going on simultaneously and all this information is available on their website: http://sadhakagrama.org/

Sivananda Ashram: Divine Abode in Rishikesh

My association with Swami Sivananda started through reading his book “The Science of Pranayama.” The Divine Life Society is extremely generous in making their precious literature available for free on the net, and I fortunately chanced upon it one day while surfing. The book is simple yet so profound that it automatically makes you bow down to the author. He has explained cryptic techniques in such a simple manner that anyone can easily follow and gain benefits. In this book, Swamiji has also mentioned a technique for self-healing, and the best part of that technique is his unambiguous assurance that it will work for you. This technique is like an emergency Brahmastra (most powerful weapon created by Lord) that can be used anywhere, anytime and in any situation to immediately relieve one of pain. Since the first time I read this technique, I have used it successfully to cure many ailments. I have shared this with my family and friends who also reported extraordinary relief from pain. One can read this book here: http://www.dlshq.org/download/pranayama.htm

I was so fascinated by this book that I started reading more literature online and then arose a strong desire to visit this ashram. Finally in November 2017 I could manage to stay there for almost a week with my husband and the experience was nothing less than spectacular. I actually have no words that can capture the spiritual knowledge, simplicity, generousness, kindness, selfless service and organizational skills I experienced at Sivananda Ashram during my stay with them. However I would still make an effort to give a whiff of the same.

The Swamijis and Matajis there are very simple and humble and their faces glow with divine energy. Just looking at them one feels blessed. And if you get an opportunity to sit quietly near them for sometime, your mind loses outward focus and becomes internalized. I experienced it first during the Matri satsanga, which is a special session for women. ‘Matri’ means ‘Mother’ in Sanskrit. This session takes place everyday in the Audio-visual Library from 4pm to 5pm. Respected Matajis (women ascetics) there chant few mantras and read from the scriptures. While chanting of the powerful mantras and listening to the divine scriptures is itself devotional, what was overwhelming was the vibration inside my body and spine as I sat next to these Holy Mothers. Each Mataji seemed to me like a power generator with whom I got connected and their combined energy was raising me above my body and mind consciousness. And all this was happening absolutely effortlessly on my part. This happened every day I attended the satsang. Alas, I was there only for a week. When I told these divine Mothers what was happening to me, they just smiled.

I had similar sensations when I met some of the Swamijis there and sat quietly next to them in both the Samadhi shrine and Gurudeva Kutir. Even the place next to Gurudeva Kutir where major events of Swami Sivanandaji’s life are depicted through jhankis, was brimming with spiritual vibrations. It seemed that the ashram is not a physical structure but a living embodiment of divine. The dogs living inside the premises also seemed very saintly, and even calling them dogs because of the nomenclature seemed blasphemous.

Another highlight of the ashram is their stay and meal arrangements. The rooms are large, spacious and well lit and everything is kept very neat and clean. Time for meals is fixed and the food is perfect for spiritual aspirants; simple and nutritious and it tastes divine. While just initially we had a little difficulty sitting on the floor and eating without a spoon, later we started enjoying it. Chanting of the mantras just before the meal was also an amazing experience and we have tried to inculcate this practice even at home now. Not once in our entire stay at the ashram did we face any digestion issue or discomfort because of food. The body always felt light and easy. It also received much needed exercise as part of the daily routine since the ashram is situated on a hill and one needs to do regular up and down to visit various places within or outside the ashram.

At the Matri satsanga I also got introduced to some fascinating literature by an author named ‘Sri Sudarshan Singh Chakra.’ He has created some amazing work on the popular Hindu divinities like Rama, Krishna, Hanuman etc and yet his stories are different from the well-known folklore. While my focus during the satsanga was always on the vibrations inside, I just could not ignore the mesmerizing tales of Rama and Krishna that I had never heard before in my life. Back home I continue to read his books and they are simply marvelous. One can read his books here: https://chakrasahityaonline.wordpress.com/

Rishikesh: A Seeker’s Paradise

Ever since my childhood I have heard about spiritual seekers leaving their homes to take abode in Himalayas and I always wondered if that helped. It is actually your mind that is the mischief-maker and if you are carrying your mind to the Himalayas too, then where is the respite? There is only a change in the location for the body. How would Himalayas help your mind?

While I still cannot speak with certainty for others, going to Rishikesh was nothing less than a spectacular experience for my spirit, mind and body. Every inch of the Devbhoomi was raising my energy upwards; mind was at peace and body was soaking in pristine mountain air and most reverent nectar of Gangaji. Every moment spent in that divine land was like spending an eternity in the lap of God.

We stayed at the well-known Shivananda Ashram near Ram Jhoola and no amount of words can ever be enough to describe their divine spirit, organizational skills, simplicity and generosity.  The Swamijis and Matajis there are so simple and humble that you would never guess how advanced they are, until you sit quietly near them and realize to your utmost surprise that your body is in a state of thrill, there is some upward motion in your spine and your mind is being internalized. And all this is happening absolutely effortlessly on your part. It is like being able to smell roses in a rose garden without even making an effort to take your nose near to a rose.

The one-week stay at ashram was both restful and invigorating. It was restful for the body since the food was just right for the stomach, simple, nutritious and very tasteful. Not once in our entire stay at the ashram did we face any digestion issue or discomfort because of food. The body always felt light and easy. It also received much needed exercise as part of the daily routine since the ashram is situated on a hill and one needs to do regular up and down to visit various places within or outside the ashram. The stay was invigorating for the spirit since we learnt many new things that supplemented our spiritual practice and gave it another boost.

As if our stay at the ashram was not enough to keep us exuberant, we also got an opportunity to visit some other places in Rishikesh and each place only extended our bliss:

Gangaji: Just sitting on the banks of Gangaji and watching her flow, one could spend an entire lifetime and yet not get tired of it. As much as possible, we would sit at a quiet place and watch her. The fickle mind just could not stand her overwhelming presence and retire to its hideouts. The profound insight that dawned once again on watching the Gangaji was the message of ‘Keep Moving.’ She moves continuously without ever getting bothered by what is happening around her. Whether people are joyously celebrating or grievously mourning, singing her praises or throwing filth into her, she wouldn’t pause to either revel in the glory or chastise for the violation. It seems she has a much greater purpose and nothing is worth stopping by. Only if our resolve towards our purpose would gain same sincerity and momentum!

Vasishtha Guha: About 20 kms away from Rishikesh, it is quite a popular spot for seekers now and many websites and travel articles talk about visiting this ancient cave. Here Maharishi Vasishtha (one of the seven immortal sages) along with his consort Arundhati did penance for several years. Sri Purushottamananda Ji of the Ramakrishna Matha Kerala came to this cave in 1928 and did intense penance before achieving the goal of this life in 1961 on a Shivratri. The Guha is filled with divine vibrations and it is believed that many sages and adepts are still residing there in their astral bodies. One feels profound peace when meditating in this cave. Right next to the guha flows the Gangaji, and it is another absolutely stunning site to forget the world and go inside.

Now the guha is being looked after an old Swamiji who resides there in a humble dwelling along with some other caretakers. His benign face and mannerisms tugged at our heart and there arose a desire to just sit quietly at his feet. While that did not happen, we were lucky enough to participate in the morning puja of Shivalinga placed inside the guha and get his blessings.

Naam Mandir: Through a friend we came to know of Raj Supe aka Kinkar Vishwashreyananda, a poet, novelist, seeker and devotee. Through the blessings of his Guru he left the corporate world and started a Naam Mandir on the banks of Mother Ganga. There is a continuous chanting of the Mahamantra in that beautiful and serene temple. It was so wonderful to meet Raj Supe Ji and he shared several amazing things with us including not so well known places to visit and saints to meet. Through him we also got introduced to his Guru ‘Sri Sitaramdas Omkarnath’ who although has left his body, his message and teachings are as fresh as ever.

Neem Karoli Baba Temple: Raj Supe Ji guided us to visit the famous Hanuman Temple in Rishikesh that was frequented by Neem Karoli Baba. The temple has a very different aura and as we stepped inside, we could immediately sense peace descending in our hearts. The idols of Hanuman Ji and Neem Karoli Baba are beautifully carved and gentle to look at.

Kriya Yoga Ashram: We are Kriya Yoga practitioners and it made perfect sense to visit the Kriya Yoga Ashram. Very conveniently located, just a few steps away from the Lakshaman Jhoola, the meditation hall of the ashram was brimming with divine energy. We visited during the day, but it was kept completely dark and through a flashlight we could see just one person meditating there. Having practiced Kriya for more than 15 years and in so many different places, this place felt perfect. It is thoughtfully constructed so the Kriya practitioners can practice Kriya to their heart’s desire without getting disturbed. Hope to spend sometime soon in this ashram in the coming future.

Swami Rama Ashram: I have been a fan of Swami Rama ever since I read his ‘Living with the Himalayan Masters.’ When my mother informed me of his beautiful ashram situated on the banks of Gangaji in Rishikesh, it naturally became a place of must visit.  She was so right. The ‘Sadhak Seva Gram’ situated enroute to Haridwar is a place of immense beauty and peace. It is aesthetically built and one would feel being inside a stunning resort, except that here your mind will become peaceful instead of seeking more pleasures. We will be soon staying at this ashram on our next trip to Rishikesh.

Bharat Milap Ashram: Raj Supeji introduced us to Ram Kripaluji Maharaj of the Bharat Milap Ashram. I called Ram Kripaluji to take an appointment and he picked up the phone on second ring. His voice was very sweet and loving. He immediately gave me time for next day that I was asking for, and also told me that we could visit him anytime. I had taken an appointment for 10am but since our driver came in very early we decided to leave and reached his ashram one hour early. It was a cosy set up that immediately made us feel comfortable. Ram Kripalu ji wasn’t there so we just sat down in front of the altar, which had various pictures of different Gods and Goddesses. Soon Maharaj arrived and gave us a very warm smile. He then asked us to go to the first floor and wait there. It was a spacious hall and we could comfortably sit there. After a few minutes Maharaj came up and spent some time talking to us. He was very loving and kind and shared words of wisdom. He also invited us to stay at his ashram that we are likely to do on one of our next trips.

Shatrughna Ghat and Temple: Just few steps below the Shivananda Ashram is the Shatrughana Temple and ghat. This is one of the two temples that are dedicated to Shatrughna, the younger brother of Lord Rama. The other temple is at Paymmal in Thrissur district of Kerala. The temple is located between some shops near Ram Jhoola in an unassuming form, and one is likely to miss it if not looking for it specifically. But when you enter the temple it gives a sense of immense peace and serenity. When we went it was empty and we could spend some meditative moments in that quiet.

Few yards from the temple is the Shatrughna ghat where Ganga Aarti is conducted in full splendor. It attracts various visitors and passers by and is a divine spectacle that depicts the true spirit of India and glory of Gangaji. Nowhere else in the world would such reverence be given to a river who is considered as the Holy Mother. And nowhere else in the world would such a spectacular show be put up free of cost for anyone who would like to watch.

Another very interesting part of this city was its divine atmosphere in all the places. You don’t have to worry about being cheated at a shop since all of the shopkeepers tell you the same price for an article and they don’t pester you to buy. Wherever you are, you will always hear some devotional music and chants in the background. This stops your mind from thinking of unnecessary things. It is like every inch of this divine place is taking you nearer to yourself.

Eight days of Rishikesh seemed to have wiped out baggage of eighty lifetimes, that was the impact of the power of this holy city on my mind. Needless to say, the city beckons me to visit it again and I am all set and ready to plunge, hoping my mind would be completely purged and discarded, leaving just pure I behind.

Sudama: An Extraordinary Giver

Q: How come Krishna gives Sudama all the wealth of the world in return for a handful of rice that he brings as a present?
Osho: It seems to us that giving away all the wealth of the world in return for a handlful of rice is too much. We fail to see that it is more difficult for poor Sudama to bring a handful of rice as a present for his friend, than it is for Krishna to give all the wealth of the world to Sudama. Sudama is so utterly poor, a beggar, that even a handful of rice is too much. Therefore his gift is more important than Krishna's, he is the real giver, not Krishna.
But we see it differently, we look at the quantity and not at the quality of the gift. We are not aware how difficult it was for a beggar like Sudama to collect a handful of rice, it is not that difficult for Krishna to give away lots of wealth, he is a King. He does not do any special favour to Sudama, he only responds. If someone advances the hand of friendship to him, he responds to it with greater love and friendship. He is like a valley which echoes your one call seven times. A valley is not waiting for your call, nor is it committed to respond to you, but it is in its nature to return your call seven times. What Krishna does stems from his nature, he is just responding to Sudama's love which is extraordinary.
It is significant that Sudama comes to Krishna not for any favour, but just to express his friendship, his love to him, and even as a poor man he brings a gift for his old friend. Usually a poor person wants to receuve something, he rarely gives anything. Here Sudama comes with a gift and not for a gift; his affluence of heart is in comparable. 
Ordinarily a poor man begs and a rich man gives; there is nothing special about it. But when they reverse their roles, it has immense significance. Sudama is as extraordinary as Buddha; both are rare persons. Sudama has nothing and yet he gives, which is extraordinary. Sudama knows that Krishna lacks nothing, he is a King and yet he is anxious to bring him a gift.
When Sudama meets Krishna he feels very hesitant about his gift; he hides the packet from his friend. That is the way of love; even if it gives a lot it never thinks it is enough. Love does not give with fanfare as ordinary donors do; it likes to give anonymously. So Sudama hesitates, he hides his gift from Krishna. He is hesitant not just because it is a poor gift of rice; he would have hesitated even if he had rare diamonds. Love does not proclaim its gifts; proclamation is the way of the ego.
It is because love has become so scarce for us that we are surprised about it, otherwise there is nothing special about Krishna's response.


Excerpt from 'Krishna: The Man and his Philosophy' by Osho.

Kriya Yoga — Highest Method of God Contact

“Kriya Yoga is the highest method of God contact. The aftereffects of Kriya bring with them the utmost peace and bliss. The joy that comes with Kriya is greater than the joys of all pleasurable physical sensations put together. ‘Unattracted to the sensory world, the yogi experiences the ever new joy inherent in the Self. Engaged in divine union of the soul with Spirit, he attains bliss indestructible’ (Bhagavad Gita V:21).

“When by Kriya Yoga the devotee enters samadhi, wherein his eyes, breath, and heart are quieted, another world comes into view. Breath, sound, and movement of the eyes belong to this world. But the yogi who has control of the breath may enter the heavenly astral and causal worlds and commune there with God’s saints, or enter cosmic consciousness and commune with God. The yogi is not interested in anything else."
“Whoever will give less importance to everything else, remembering what I have said, will get to God without fail.” — Paramahansa Yogananda,
    Man’s Eternal Quest

Form the Habit of Meditating (from Paramhansa Yogananda's Notes)

Your engagement with business is important; but your appointment to serve others is more important; and your engagement with meditation, God, and truth is most important. 

Don't say that you are too busy with worry, and the care of keeping the wolf from the door, to find time for the culture of heavenly qualities. Break your self-satisfied, doggedly immovable, old bad habits of idolizing your less important engagements and utterly ignoring the most important engagement: your engagement with meditation and God.

No one else will answer for your actions, although others often become instruments in keeping you enmeshed in useless frivolities and so-called important engagements. 

O sleeping image of God, wake up! Make the determination and the effort to know the right law which will enable you to keep your most important engagement with yourself--to know yourself, your own Soul.

Do not say: "I will meditate on the Cosmic Being tomorrow. " That tomorrow may never come. Begin your meditation today. Today's practice will stimulate the desire to meditate deeper tomorrow, whereas this day's negligence will weaken your craving. Meditate today deeper than you did yesterday, and tomorrow meditate deeper than you do today. Meditate during most of your leisure hours. Instead of being absentminded, think of God. Seek God as the ever increasing bliss of meditation; and feel Him as boundless joy throbbing in your heart. Do not be lured by bad habits and paltry, useless vanity-engagements into crowding out God-contact.

Seek to know God first, last, and all the time. Finding Him first, you will find all things that you crave through Him.