When a Holy Man Perceives....

When a holy man perceives changes that need to be made in society for the betterment of all of humanity, to be sure these are matters of urgency.

When I read the first chapter of Maharishi Omdev's forth coming book, 'Siksha Patri- Perception', I was struck by the greatness of a mind which could look at society and pin-point those areas that would mean vast improvements in each persons livelihood if they were only implemented.

As a Visionary and Spiritual Man of Wisdom, Maharishi Omdev has undertaken the prospect of giving the average person a glimpse at the way a profoundly spiritual being views society as it is, and the changes that could mean a vastly improved state of being for each individual.

In the book, 'Siksha Patri- Perception', his concern is for the environment we provide for our children as they are being raised and an education system that favors the fortunate and sadly leaves economically challenged children in the dark. He understands completely that 'education enhances dignity and increases self respect'.

The idea that he puts forth, that 'the ignited mind of a Yogi' in the education system would elevate the element of spirituality in society and create more conscious humans gives a person something to think about.

With encouragement he suggests that thoughtfully providing an environment where children are taught by educators who themselves are disciplined and confident with positive habits would carry over and these positive traits would be imbibed by the children.

His insight into the way children could be taught to pursue a love of learning is simple and clear, 'a happy learning process and non- threatening evaluation.'

He sees the need for including a class on 'moral science' in schools and colleges as being of utmost importance. He believes that this moral education should start for the child as early as seven years old, 'when the blueprint of the mind is formed'. This is a profound concept. It is amazing that no one else has ever brought this up before. Clearly the moral standards of many Americans leaves much to be desired. His idea of teaching morals as a science would be a boon to society.

My favorite passage in his writing is his referral to knowledge as having four components the fourth of which he stated as being an, 'Indomitable Spirit.' I was struck by a sense of awe when I read that term. It brought to mind all of the people I have ever considered as great in my life. Those unconquerable souls who no manner of strife or struggle could hold back. I love that term.

But at a deeper level Maharishi Omdev gives sageness to what he realizes is a common tendency in many individuals. That is to know what the appropriate behavior would be in a given situation and nevertheless act in a way that is opposed to it.
The mind knows what the correct behaviour should be, yet the action does not follow. He calls this 'knowing perfectly, but acting imperfectly.' From his standpoint it is one of the most common drawbacks keeping society from evolving spiritually.

He advises the individual to analyze their actions. This is a little known practice used by 'seekers' or those following a spiritual path.

Maharishi Omdev suggests the practice of daily introspection. By reviewing the acts one performs each day, and analyzing which of those acts brought happiness and which were unpleasant or caused unhappiness and by not repeating the one that brought unhappiness or unpleasantness, the individual could eventually rid themselves of suffering.

Another key-point for Maharishi Omdev is the topic of the 'False Leader.' When I asked him if this topic were not a subject for a separate chapter he told me that this is part of what needs to be perceived.

From  Maharishi Omdev's wise perspective, Education, Spiritual Practice, False Leaders, The Nature of Consciousness and Love are all related and when seen with a 'Perception' of awareness can help the individuals and ultimately the world's tranformation to a higher evolved consciousness.

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Be Awake and Aware!

Anyone who has spent time with Maharishi Om, (‘Guruji’ as he is affectionately called by those close to him) will have heard him say, ‘Be awake and aware!’ These simple words of wisdom are deep with meaning. And by sincerely following these instructions our perception of the world around us will be enhanced.

To be awake implies that one has become on the alert and alive to something, (our life?). To be awake is to be fully conscious.

The word aware is even more impressive. In the dictionary it states that to be aware is to be watchful, to have or show realization, perception or knowledge. To be aware implies vigilance in observing or alertness in drawing inferences from what one experiences.

Spending time with Guruji is an auspicious blessing. Recently I had the good fortune of a few afternoons in his Divine presence. His quiet tone and kind mannerisms belied the depth of his words. His phrases were rich in wisdom. He shared his wealth of wisdom casually and with the utmost simplicity. I began jotting down some of the things he said because I knew I would want to remember them.


Although the following information and statements were given in answer to questions asked or in reference to the conversation at the time, these words stand on their own significantly as divine guidance.

(Apologies if I have interpreted anything incorrectly. Any mistakes are mine.)


Dharma:
10 QUALITIES OF DHARMA:

Great Patience (Dhairy)

Forgiveness (Chama)

Purity of Thought (Dama)

Not Stealing (Asteya)

Cleanliness (shauch)

Discipline of Senses (Self Control)

Courage (Dheer)

Knowledge (Vidya)

Truth (Sathyam)

Calmness (Akroda)

Aachara Hina Na Dunanti Veda:
Dunanti- purify
Aachara Hina- Improper behavior
Na- Not
Veda- Teaching
It means: Those who know perfectly, but act imperfectly, even the Vedas cannot purify them. In other words, A person might know the appropriate way to act, but still acts inappropriately, therefore, even the Vedas can not purify him.

When we depart from this earth the one thing that goes with us is Dharma. Neither family, friends, money goes with us. Only Dharma stays with you. and only Dharma can protect you when no one is with you.

Dharma means righteous deed
If we have Dharma we don’t need anyone to save us, and no one can save us.



Personal Responsibility:

Cleanliness is everything, not just washing your clothes, putting on a scent, dressing nicely, Internal Cleaning!

If you know it, it is your responsibility to tell the truth. If you do not know it, it is not your responsibility.

Misguiding for your own benefit is punishable by the Divine.

Bringing misery to other peoples lives is a crime

Don’t compare yourself with anyone.

Don’t be jealous. Jealousy is a sin.

In a hurry do not do anything.



llusion:

Under the influence of illusion and greed we do things that hurt us.

Happiness is not connected with things.

Happiness is connected with thoughts

People are trying to change the outer environment, but they do not want to change their inner environment.


Self Study:

Working on thought and understanding these, that is called self study.

Self Study=Swadhya

How do you do self study? You observe your senses and behavior and you correct it.


Conflict of Thought:

Conflicting thought makes you uncomfortable. In that situation a hurricane comes (to your mind)

Conflict of thought is called a mental hurricane. At the time of a mental hurricane do not do anything, just stay in one place and wait until the worst of the ‘hurricane’ moves away. Once the hurricane is cleared away you can see everything clearly.

When a mental hurricane is there you can hurt yourself.

In this type of situation accept the unbiased advise of friends, relatives or teacher. Accept it as though the Divine is providing shelter, do not ignore it.


Self Doubt:

Don’t put yourself in self doubt. If you don’t know, find out the truth

Those who have self doubt can destroy themselves. (Study the Gita) on how to rid the self of doubt. Inquire. Accept the truth.


Sensual Pleasure:

(See) If the outcome of sensual pleasure is pleasant and not harmful to your thought in any way.

Some behaviors are temporarily pleasant.

Discover what causes the unpleasant, then do not repeat it.


Spiritual Life:

Spiritual life means you should be happy. You should have what you need. Everyone has basic needs of food and a home with space for a guest.

It is not necessary to have more then you need.

When you feel pain in your heart like a tightened fist, that is sadness. Meditate on the Anahata- heart chakra and the third eye together. That combines emotion with wisdom.

Read the Gita, then think about it, sequence, connection and intention of Lord Krishna to Arjuna

Listen and analyze. In any analyzation you need to see Lord Krishna’s intention. Why did he say that? What will be the result.


The Divine:

Believe in the Divine, good karma and truth. You will see justice and you will succeed.

A good prayer to Mother Divine: Thank you for everything. I do not deserve that much. You are most generous.

You can deceive anyone but not the Divine.


Guruji:

Whatever I want for myself I have to give to others.

How can I get peace if I don’t give it?

There is no permanent answer for everyone, it is person to person. Each case is individual.

Judge me through my actions, not my speech.

If they want to ask Guruji’s opinion, he will give it.

If they want to ask something, Guruji can say when.

Have faith in the Divine you will do just fine.

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