Shiva Says:

Shiva says, “The fourth is what you truly are. You aren’t awake, you aren’t dreamy, you aren’t deep sleeping... in all the three there is a fourth and that’s what you are!”

If you keep remembering this fact in all your states, gradually the fourth will resurrect and you will be out of suffering. Suffering cannot touch the fourth state. It can occur at the level of your body, mind or intellect only. The fourth cannot be subject to suffering for the simple fact that it is different from all of these. It’s the centre of your being and once you are able to establish it as different from the periphery the magic is done.

Right now the centre of your being and periphery of your existence are intermingled. You are almost 100% at your periphery and are totally oblivious of the center. For example, when you perform your day’s work you think you are performing them whereas it’s only your body-mind organism, not you. So also, when you are dreaming while in sleep, your body and conscious mind are at rest and subconscious is at work. This is also not you. 

Your subconscious, a storehouse of memories, experiences and unfulfilled desires, has the unique ability of creating dreams. And in a dream, everything is so real that you intensely get identified with it. It’s only after awakening that you realize it was a dream. But, the core of your being still remains untouched. Shiva says you can remember the fourth in dream state also. By just remembering, the dream breaks instantly and there is a tangential growth in awareness. Then this breaking up of dreams midway becomes a dear habit as it leaves one deeply rested.

Finally, when the subconscious is at rest too and you have a very deep rested sleep, still, there is a light.... a luminous but cool flame that is alive constantly. That’s what the core is. And Shiva says even when your body, mind, intellect, memories etc all the layers are at complete rest, you can remember this core which is a rock like real bliss and rest personified. A reality that is free of time and suffering, a joyful state.

There is no way you can define the fourth state fully. For understanding sake, you can give it a representative term. Mahavir has called it ‘Kaivalya’ whereas Krishna calls it as being ‘Atmavant’. Lau-tsu calls it ‘Tao’ and Kabir says it is ‘Surati’.  Shri Nanak Dev ji calls it as ‘Akaal Purakh’. Whatever way you describe it the essence is difficult to fathom as our world, unfortunately, is a world of definitions. In order to understand a word we need even more words. Hence Shiva has given a unique term – ‘Turiya’, i.e.  “the Fourth”. He indicates a “state” and not a word. This is the beauty of Shiva.

Turiya is our true state of being and we will do well by remembering it constantly.

My thoughts on living and action:

Different people may have different outlook on life as everyone’s conditioning and circumstances have been different. 

But as far as life’s purpose is concerned, by and large "bringing peace and contentment to oneself" is life's purpose. We are all seeking this objective inherently.

To desire is very human like and we need not be ashamed of it. Having a strong desire to achieve anything is a starting point of living. it is connected with our belief in our worthiness and joy of living.  

The first step, then is “Aligning the actions with the thoughts”. This brings us the authenticity and character that is the foundation of peace and contentment in life.

When we have a desire for achieving and take necessary action to meet the desire, the first step is cleared. Action itself is enough. The outcome may or may not be to our liking but we need not be unnecessarily occupied with it while taking action. Actions taken towards reaching a strongly desired goal bring us peace and contentment for sure.

If we desire anything and do not complement it with reasonable action, the result is frustration and confusion. Therefore, choosing realistic goals and complementing them with actions is important as against taking unrealistic goals and avoiding the action.

Next is our ability to remain undeterred and unperturbed in the face of difficulties, once we have taken a task. As a matter of fact the real pleasure comes when we have achieved our desired Goal but we must realize that these are two different states: 

1. Desire for achieving a Goal and acting for it. 

2. Getting the result of actions.

Thus the total process of living includes desiring and setting a target, acting on it, achieving it and getting motivated to grow further. And in the total process there are two separate states as above. 

There are some catalysts and some deterrents as far as action is concerned:

Catalysts:

•          Belief that ‘I deserve happiness and pleasure’ in life.
•          Strong desire for achieving prominence.
•          Hope, Energy, Fire & Motivation. Enthusiasm.
•          Value system: I love doing what i said (or thought) as         it brings me greatest contentment.
•          Loving the feeling that comes after getting any award         or recognition.
•          Feeling of worthiness.
•          Finding it easy to act. (Habit of making correct mental       image and not making a bigger than actual image of         any task.)
•          Feeling driven (what they call to have a Drive) 
•          Loving the activity in general and enjoying it.
•          Clarity of vision

Deterrents:

•         Lack of confidence. Lack of Fire, Energy or                        Motivation. Lack of Enthusiasm.
•         Any kind of Fear. (Fear cripples the action)
•         Absence of a strong desire to achieve. (devoid of               purpose)
•         Temptation to have things & pleasures without           efforts and work
•         Dislike towards working hard (Making the mental              image bigger than the actual.Fearing difficulties).
•         Lacking courage.
•         Impractical or unrealistic approach. Inability to plan          realistically and execute happily.
•         Lack of worthiness or having low self esteem due to          guilt or inferiority. (Such a person thinks internally              that he does not deserve happiness and pleasures of        life so why take action which will bring them. He feels        a particular type of malaise before he starts anything)
•         Fear of responsibility. (Doing timely and excellent               work will bring bigger responsibilities, how will i meet         them? He forgets that bigger responsibilities bring             bigger power and facilities too and in fact it becomes         easier to take action then. This skewed thinking                 prevails in non performers).
•         Wrong beliefs.
•         Lack of vision. They do not have clarity of destination        and want to be in status quo. In short, always looking        for security instead of growth.
•         Lack of initiative (which comes due to lack of clarity           or vision)

Therefore, it is all about improving upon the catalysts and bringing down the deterrents. This two pronged strategy really works.

I suggest you to have realistic and reasonable Goals, have a strong desire to meet them and compliment it with smart action. This is the key to happiness and contentment. This is also the key to success and peace. Amen! 

UP Poles : Great Mandate to BJP

For the first time in the history of independent India this secular-communal bullshit is over. UP's electorate has shown it conclusively that our democracy has matured. Though some political leaders would still love to be in denial. For example Behenji says how it is possible that Muslim majority areas have voted for BJP candidate? It's unbelievable! Behenji, it happened because the farce of all these years is no longer valid! Simple as that. That you give 90 seats to Muslim candidates simply because they are Muslims, is secular? That Mr.Digvijay unashamedly questions the timing of unravelling a terror conspiracy is secular. But Yogi Adityanath emphasising need of safety & security of every one in UP without discrimination is communal?. Reversing a Supreme Court's decision in Shahbano case is secular? But talking of legitimate rights against Tin Talaaque is communal? Actually this majority-minority bullshit has sidetracked all these years, the main agenda of safety, security, employment, development, infrastructure & equal opportunity. It's no coincidence that the states where this Business was in play all these years are the most backward ones today. But now the voter has matured. And for that matter kudos to UP electorate. Even in Punjab also the AAP party, a bubble of electronic and social media, has been shown its true place. BJP-SAD combine has also been given the warning in Punjab.
It's clear that masses want an honest intent and delivery from the ruling party now. Gone are the days when you will easily polarize on cast-creed lines and get a contract for 5 years to ' luto-khasoto'. After 5 years you will play the same card again. Now you will be required to ensure what we call 'good governance ' and stick to the agenda of 'Development'. Modi n Shah have definitely been able to turn the tables on this so-called secular 'Pariwar'. And the road ahead will be chequered with controlling our own 'Pariwar' too, lest the central agenda is sidetracked again. Wish you luck Mr.Modi.

Raver Khedi:

It happened all of a sudden. I was reading about the strategic moves and warfare of Great Bajirao I. The context was that of Battle of Palkhed and Battle of Bhopal. And suddenly tears welled up in my eyes. A great surge of emotion arose. This great man Bajirao Peshwa spent his whole life fighting for his cause of protecting the motherland and creating one unified Maratha confederacy. He was more on a horse’s back than on his masnad. In those turbulent years (AD 1700 – AD 1720) India was no unified a nation. There were English, French, Portuguese, Moguls, Afghans, Siddis (Abbesynians) and even Dutch all vying for a share in the pie. In such times this man dreamed of relieving India from the tortuous shackles of invaders. Right From the day he got Peshwai in 1720 till his death in 1739 this man fought constantly. At times moving at a lightning speed and defeating much larger armies than his, he won many a strong and loyal friends in the process. He never lost a single battle. Creating one Hindawi Swaraj from Sahyadri to Hindukush was the single minded goal he pursued.

Oh what a Man! And what a life!

When I came to know that Samadhi of Bajirao I, is in Madhyapradesh only I immediately made up my mind to visit the place. This place is a village by name Raverkhedi near Sanawad, a small town in Khargone ditrict of Madhyapradesh. Bajirao was often called ‘ Rau’ or ‘Rao’ and in all probability the name Raverkhdi evolved  from Rao. About a 100 km from Indore this is a village slightly in interior but the good thing is MP Govt has now constructed a ‘good motorable road’ right up to the Samadhi place. It is a very serene place and stands right on the bank of river Narmada.

Even during my journey also I felt some previous life connection. When I enquired the way at a place, quite unexpectedly I heard myself asking the villager,“Peshwa Saheb Sarkar ki samdhi kahan hai?”  Before this I never used the words like Saheb or Sarkar with Peshwa.

Anyway, God only knows the reality, but I will suggest you visit this place only if you have interest, connection or affinity with the history of Marathas. Only then will you be able to experience the serenity and spirituality involved with the place.

You can visit from both Maharashtra or MP side. From Indore in MP you have to take Khandwa Road which is quite a busy and well known state highway. There are picturesque hills and greenery on the way. Your first stop should be ‘Mortakka’ which is a bridge on Narmada and comes right after Badwah a small town like place. It will take about two hours to reach Mortakka from Indore.  It’s a very nice site and you get a good restaurant also for refreshment or food etc. 

After this move on another 10 kms and you will reach ‘Sanawad’. In Sanawad you have to enquire ‘Khargone Road’. Leaving Khandwa Road move on to Khargone Road which is also quite a wide and nice road. Only a small patch is under construction but it is quite motorable. Keep on moving till you reach a place called ‘Bedia’ which is about 15-20 kms from Sanawad. Here you will find the signboard of MP Tourism indicating the direction to Bajirav Peshwa Samadhi Sthal. Please see the photo below.

Taking a right turn at Bedia move on Kasrawad Road and after about 7 km there is another Signboard clearly indicating the road to Raverkhedi. This is a nice single Tar Road and gives you picturesque greenery of village India on either side. In Raverkhedi you will have to enquire again because you will cross a small rivulet (Not Narmada) and will find yourself right in the village not knowing where to go? The road to Samadhi goes from the midst of village and villagers will be happy to guide you. It is still about a km or two and Tar Road is available.

Once you reach Samadhi Sthal (You will have to park your vehicle little in advance and walk a little) you will see serene Narmada flowing just beside. It’s a cool and calm place and is being maintained by ASI. Normal cleanliness has been maintained.  There is a Large Pipal tree at the entrance and also a board giving the brief history of the place.

This place has a lot of emotional value. You can sit below the Pipal Tree and watch Narmada flowing quietly. How things must have been about 300 years ago?  You will be suddenly transported to that era.

About a lakh of troops under Bajirao I, camped here and they were just about to cross Narmada and enter North (That time called ‘Uttar’ by the Dakkhanis). In those days Narmada was the dividing line. Below it was South and above it was North. It was the month of April and probably Nimari Sun took its toll on Bajirao. He, reportedly, had a heatstroke and developed a high fever which turned fatal. Peshwa died at a young age of 39 but within that short span he had left such an indelible mark on contemporary India that Nader Shah who was looting Delhi that time decided to go back. Peshwa's expedition of solid 1 Lakh army was to fight with the invader only. Crossing Narmada he would receive solid support from his trusted lieutenants of Malwa (Holkar), Dhar (Pawar) and Ujjain (Scindia).  But that was not to be. He succumbed to an untimely death on 28^th April 1740. 

Had Bajirao not been taken by death, Nader Shah would have had probably the toughest time of his life and Takht-e-Touse, Koh-e-Noor etc. would have been saved. Above all India’s Self Respect would remain intact.

On May 1^st , 1740 Nader Shah returned to Afganistan, leaving Delhi plundered and pillaged.  

 

Visit this place between November to February. Avoid Monsoon and Summer. From Indore it can be easily managed in a single day. It takes about 3 hours one way. 

If you happen to come from Maharashtra then your route should be : Dhule – Shirpur – Sendhwa – Nimarani  on NH 52. After Nimrani you should leave NH 52 and take a right turn to Kasrawad. Now you are treading ‘parallel to Narmada’ actually. On this Road only you will find Raverkhedi phata. Google map can be referred for distances etc.

The following article has been published in "The Times of India", dated 9th Jan 2017

Understanding Ego:

Ego is neither good nor bad. Ego is false. This is what we must understand.

False is given to you for you cannot reach truth without passing through the false. There is no way to perceive the truth directly. That is the sole reason why you have been given the falsity called ego.

When a child is born he is not aware of himself. He does not know himself as a body or a mind or any such entity. It is through his senses that he grows in awareness and creates an identity for himself. But all his senses open outwards be it see, touch, smell … whatever. Thus he develops a concept of himself in contrast to the outside world. Do you see this? There is no way for him to know himself by himself.

Usually a child’s first encounter is with his mother and through her only he becomes aware of his own body. Thus a centre is born which is in reference with the world outside, in this case, the mother. If the mother caresses the child and treats him with love, the child feels he is loveable. If the mother rejects him the child feels he is not good enough and is worthless. This is how his concept of himself develops. This concept of oneself which is based on treatment of the outside world is ‘Ego’. It is not our reality but it is the image of ourselves or the concept of ourselves that has formed based on how we are treated by the outside world. It is a reflected awareness. And that is why it is false.  

Gradually this center becomes the kingpin. After all we live and grow up in a society. And society always reflects. If you go to school your teacher reflects who you are. If you be in friendship with other children, they will give opinions about you. When your parents interact with you they exhibit their opinion about you. You see, everybody adds something to your image and it gets reinforced day after day. You start living your life from this centre and believe it to be yourself. It is for this reason that when someone suggests you to drop your ego you cannot. You feel lost then. You do not know where to go?  Remember! You cannot drop your ego. It drops by itself. It’s just like a leaf of a tree. When it matures it drops by itself without causing any damage to the tree. As if nothing happened. But if you try to remove a fresh leaf from a tree you will damage it. Do you see this?  

Our ego or self-image is our social need. We interact with the world with the help of this friend or foe. If we have a healthy Ego we behave strongly in the society. Whereas, a weak or an ill-formed ego makes us behave either as a victim or a victimiser.  Psychologically speaking, all that comes to the conscious from unconscious passes through the barrier of Ego. If this barrier is not strong & healthy then uncensored desires and wishes will come to your conscience and you will be confused. You will be tempted to gratify them uncontrollably and this is what they call a psychological disorder. Therefore, all psychological disorders have something to do with the health of this centre called Ego. And it is false in the first place because it is given by the outside world. No one is born with it. We must see this great fallacy of the human birth.

So the whole story is you come here without an ego, get it here from outside, have to mature it and then let it drop! You have to get over it or see through it for the simple reason that you cannot know the reality unless you see this falsity as falsity! We often miss this last part and spend our whole life without getting an inkling of the real thing. Do you get this? Your pleasures are false as well as your sufferings are false too. They all relate to a centre that is not your own doing. And this centre demands a lot. Its food is attention and you have to keep feeding it. So you make ten thousand efforts to get attention. But however much you get it you are not satiated. Why? For, it’s like trying to be happy with the beauty of a plastic flower. However beautiful an artificial flower may be you always know it’s not real. It’s a dead thing. However fragrant it may be you always know you have put the scent into it yourselves. It cannot come on its own. So nothing really brings you peace! In fact there is one more irony. Your ego helps you stand up in this world and brings you success. Hence, it becomes very dear to you. But you have no guarantee it will always remain strong and friendly to you. It’s just a matter of time. A slight turn of events can change everything and leave you as confused as a pigmy. We all know how Arjuna, a great personality of his time had gotten confused in the very beginning of a battle that was most crucial to him.

Know! O, Sage; that you were always in the state of ‘being’ before your birth and will return to it again after your death. The “Space of Being” is your true centre. The moment you are free of your false centre you are in the space of your being. And that is the true freedom. That is your home. No suffering can touch you here because suffering is irrelevant to the space of being.  

Saints try to make you understand but your false centre comes in between..  They want to give you the real pleasure and the real scent, (which if realised once, will never leave you) but you want petty toys only. They say your toys will break soon but you do not want to believe. It’s not your fault. You are living from a false centre.

You have to just explore a little more and see the false as false. By its very seeing it becomes transparent and loses its grip over you. Then ups and downs will not affect you so much.