 Early Times Report
JAMMU, July 5: Today, at Akhnoor, Jammu Sadguru Shri Madhuparamhans Ji Maharaj of Sahib Bandgi blessed the congregation with a divine discourse, noting that scientists have recently stated that our brains remain active even while we sleep; a person continues to breathe even in a state of unconsciousness. While scientists are stating this only now, these facts have long been established. Surati (conscious attention) is the essence of meditation, while Nirati (the vital force of awareness) animates the entire body. Surati is the primary element; when the two unite, the spiritual goal is achieved. Nirati is essentially a part of Surati, though the mind constantly keeps Surati in a state of flux.
Regardless of the state you are in-except for death-your bodily functions continue to operate.
Do not get entangled in unnecessary complications. There was once a boy who would constantly make demands of his mother: sometimes asking for barfi (a milk-based sweet), other times for cream, butter, or various other delicacies. His father told him, "You trouble your mother every day with these changing demands. Why not simply drink milk? All the things you ask for are made from milk." Similarly, Sahib says that one should practice Sumiran (remembrance of the Divine Name); everything is encompassed within it. Jap (repetition), Tap (austerity), Sanyam (self-restraint), and Sadhana (spiritual practice)-all are included in Sumiran. There is nothing equal to Sumiran. At the conclusion of my programs, I always urge everyone to practice Sumiran, for it unites Surati and Nirati.
One who chants the Holy Name is truly wise. In the Ramayana, Tulsidas states that while Lord Rama redeemed a few wicked individuals, the Holy Name itself has brought salvation to millions of sinners.
Happiness is attained only through Sumiran, and it is Sumiran that destroys suffering. Kabir Sahib says that through Sumiran, the soul merges into the Divine.
Just as you move forward by stepping with your feet, Nirati activates this body. Nirati pervades every pore of the body; it is the force that drives the breath. And through the breath, it keeps the entire body vitalized. The mind prevents Surati (conscious attention) and Nirati (the faculty of detachment or withdrawal of attention) from uniting. Nirati is an aspect of Surati itself; it is enlivened by the breath. The Soul can be realized only through the union of the two. Therefore, practice Sumiran (remembrance of the Divine) while eating and drinking, sleeping and waking, and moving about. |
