" ANMOL-BOL"(Precious Words)"- Of St.Sister Kasturi.

St. Sister Kasturi has always helped the humanity by explaining  about Pujya  Babuji Maharaj in simplest possible words through her talks, speeches and Books. An effort has been made to present a few of her spiritual sayings for the help and guidance of the lovers of God to decide, move and continue on the spiritual path of Sahaj Marg to attain the only goal of human life, i.e., God Realisation.

One thing we should remember that she has always called herself "A Creation of Babuji Maharaj" and has always recommended to Realise the Creator and not the Creation. May the Almighty help all of us in our spiritual journey. This , following, small Booklet contains, both in Hindi and English, Anmol-Bol (Precious words) of St. Sister Kasturi helpful in our spiritual progress; it was published and given as a gift to all abhyasis, on the eve of birthday celebration of St. Sister Kasturi on Oct 7, 2012 , by Sister Kesar at her residence - LUCKNOW----

BABUJI MAHARAJ's VIEWS on Duration of Time in Puja(Mediation)

Generally it has been noticed that the abhyasis feel upset if they do not sit in meditation for an hour. If an abhyasi sits in  meditation for an hour or more, he feels that his puja that day has been very good. This indicates that clock consciousness is more dominant in their minds which does not permit even love for Divine to remain there. This is misinterpretation of what Babuji Maharaj wanted.

Once I asked Babuji Maharaj, "Please tell me Sir, why you have put a limitation of time of minimum one hour for meditation?" Babuji Maharaj replied, "A new abhyasi when sits in meditation, I know that it is difficult for him to sit in meditation for an hour but still it is prescribed because in first 15 to 20 minutes, the abhyasi settles himself in meditation and only after that he starts feeling about Divine. However an hour does not mean time according to a clock because otherwise the abhyasi's attention will remain diverted more towards the clock instead of love for GOD. This actually means that before closing the eyes, the abhyasi should take a simple thought of Divine presence with love for Him in the heart and as there is Divine help in the form of transmission of Divine Grace, the abhyasi will himself feel preferring to close eyes and continue the meditation. The abhyasi should make efforts to sit in meditation for maximum possible time and moreover when abhyasi starts feeling satisfied, it is an indication from GOD that presently the spiritual hunger is satisfied and it is time now to stop meditation and open the eyes. After opening the eyes, the abhyasi should think for a while and make efforts to remain drowned in the Divine thought which he feels during meditation till he next sits in meditation. This also helps remaining in constant remembrance of God."

Saint sister Kasturi has provided a clarification on this point in simple words. She has suggested "to sit in meditation with efforts to feel drowned in love for God and to continue meditation till the abhyasi feels that his thirst for Divine has been quenched. Now the abhyasi can stop the meditation. In certain cases if abhyasi feels much disturbed, during meditation, by the flowing thoughts, he should open his eyes for a while and try to feel Babuji Maharaj and His Grace, the abhyasi will feel very soon to close the eyes and then again he may continue in meditation."

In fact a regular practice increases all round faculties of an abhyasi and gradually a time comes when the abhyasi starts feeling the Divine consciousness all the time whether he closes the eyes or not. This is what Babuji Maharaj wanted from an abhyasi.

So the duration of time in Puja is decided by the then circumstances. When our object is to be free from all the limitations, we should not bind ourselves by the clock time. We should make our living such which maintains a balance between spiritual and worldly life. With the increase in devotion and blessings of God, an abhyasi starts dwelling in the ocean of Divine love. He starts feeling Divine fragrance all the time which pushes him fast to attain his goal of God Realisation. All the Time becomes His Time.

Test of Presence of SPECIAL DIVINE PERSONALITY

Generally the understanding of a modern man is that one who can display some abnormal supernatural powers or can help them in worldly matters, is a Divine Man. Such persons are worshiped by most of the people in the world. These are lower powers which push a man indulge deep in materialism. In fact a 'Divine Man' is one who has the capacity to uplift a person spiritually to the Divine Level. The present era is lucky to have a Special Divine Personality to help human beings, through the transmission of His Divine Grace, in their spiritual upliftment, i.e., attainment of Goal of God Realization.

A question arises as how to understand the meaning and whereabouts of the Special Personality? As per talks with Pujya Babuji Maharaj and clarifications taken from Saint Sister Kasturi, the answer can be sought in their few lines, "From the time of creation, the Divine personalities have been coming and even two incarnations have come to this world. After doing their work here, they left the world. They come with the purpose of cleaning the atmosphere and ease the suffering humanity from the evil effects. The period of Lord Krishna remained till the arrival of Special Personality to the world. Special Personality is one who comes only once that too at the time of close of chapter of the world. He is nearest to the centre and is the last approach of man beyond which the movement is only at the time of Mahapralaya. He has maximum powers at command whether He is in physical form or not. His realm remains till Mahaprayala. When the end of the world is near, He sends incarnation to complete the work. As He plans for Mahapralaya - (Total Return Back to Homeland), He also lays the foundation of the next new creation."

His presence and whereabouts can be tested in two ways -

1. If one is in a clairvoyant state of mind, he can inter-commune with the Special Personality and know His whereabouts;
2. If one sits in meditation calmly for sometime with heart full of unconditional love for God, taking a simple thought of His presence and remains in the mood of the following prayer -

          "O, Master!

           Thou art the real goal of human life,

           We are yet but slaves of wishes, 

           Putting bar to our advancement,

           Thou are the only God and Power,

           To bring us upto that state.",

I am quite confident that one must feel His presence and know His whereabout in a very short time. The attachment and the increase in the love for Divine, the form and figure of Special Personality will come in the vision of aspirant automatically. 

Babuji Maharaj used to say, "Being Avatar or Divine Personality, is never claimed by the beat of drums. It is a subject of innner being of a man. Till the heart feels His presence, one should continue to offer his prayers and love to the Almighty. However, do not take anything for granted even God in human form comes and  says that He is God unless He makes you understand according to your level of wisdom."

Many aspirants of Divine have already merged in Him; so many are moving towards Him for merger and remaining are under process to be included in Mahapralaya. Those who are worshiping the previous incarnation or Personality and if their devotion is sincere full of love, they all will be transferred to the current Special Divine Personality automatically. This is Divine Etiquette.

"May God bless everyone."

Abhyasi's Confusion: What to eat and what not (Part II)

It is a fact that Babuji Maharaj has said, "Meat eating may be beneficial to the body but it is harmful to spiritual upliftment." Even Lord Krishna in his dictates to Babuji Maharaj on 15th October, 1944 had pointed out, "Though meat eating is certainly beneficial for health, seekers of the Divine, should not eat meat. It is harmful for them."

Babuji Maharaj was of the opinion that a person used to wrong things or doing unwanted actions, is like a patient who is suffering from a disease of  ' Wrong Doings '. It is not easy for him to get rid of the disease himself. Babuji Maharaj never said, " leave this or that and then come to me for abhyas". He neither pointed out nor blamed the person for his defects. He simply judged them by the love for Divine in their heart. Being the Supreme Spiritual Doctor, having absolute confidence in his system, he simply prescribed his spiritual medicine, i.e., Meditation, Cleaning, Prayer, Constant Remembrance, to be taken regularly by the patient(abhyasi) to get rid of unwanted things. Abhyasi should make his best efforts to do all actions in Divine Remembrance which develops a balancing smoothness in him with the gradual departure of adverse elements. Cure has been a definite result and time depends on the depth of devotion for taking prescribed medicine. I have myself seen a number of abhyasis cured and touching height of spiritual upliftment. In short Babuji wanted, " Eat to live and do not live to eat. Necessity, however, is a deciding factor in all matters and situations."

A new abhyasi should be told about the efficacy of the system which frees a man from all undesirable things so that he may not entangle himself by brooding over his own defects. In our system, Babuji's role is maximum as compared with the abhyasi. He cures the abhyasis by transmission of Divine Grace. Abhyasi has only to keep himself attached with Him.

Abhyasi's Confusion: What to eat and what not

According to Babuji, a spiritual man definitely eats to live and does not live to eat. Necessity is a deciding factor. Before Babuji Maharaj it has been a practice in the field of spirituality to suggest do's and donts. Eat this and do no eat that. Some so called Gurus also speak even more than that. However Babuji Maharaj suggested only to take the spiritual medicine in time, i.e., to be regular in practice of meditation, prayer and efforts for remaining in constant remembrance and he assured that gradually the abhyasi will feel lightness as he will be free from that which the system does not want. It too is decided according to a particular situation.

Eating is related with body. There are so many places in the world where people cannot survive without eating meat or taking liquor. According to Babuji Maharaj, these people are as good as others who are vegetarians to attain the human goal of life, i.e., God Realization. If eating is related with the body, Divine worship is related with the inner being.

Babuji Maharaj did not prohibit anything because he was confident about the efficacy of the system which if followed properly will keep only required things in an abhyasi. The best way to have a Divine living, is simply to practice ' Not I, but He is doing everything'. It means that abhyasis should even eat and drink in His Remembrance. Gradually the abhyasi will start feeling His presence everywhere. This helps in melting of " I " and to that extent there is replacement by Divine. Without any stress, the abhyasi proceeds towards ' Balance ' in all matters. The dirt gets cleared and obstructions go away. 

One thing we should remember that Nature has given us independence in our actions with an inner guidance to understand Good or Bad, Right or Wrong. This sense should be utilized in our living. Moreover Babuji's help in the form of transmission of Divine Grace is always there. I have put these facts to the best of my knowledge and hopefully this should clarify any confusion in this regard.

Babuji Maharaj's views on Constant Remembrance

Remembrance  means creation of a link in between two, i.e., the one remembering and the other being remembered. It is complete when one always feels the other's nearness all the time.

Babuji Maharaj used to say that an abhyasi should make his efforts always to be in the remembrance of God. No time, place or action should be an exception for His remembrance. With increase in the efforts, the Divine help also increases. Efforts become Real in due course of time.

Babuji Maharaj has pointed out, "Remembrance should be in a way that we feel the thought of remembrance oozing out from the objects everywhere. It is the Real remembrance which mortals can have. It is a play for our good. Now a new chapter opens in the web of life. The effect of our deep devotion begins to resound in a way that we feel, the Ultimate is remembering us. That is the justice of Divinity. When you have played your part fully well, the Ultimate cannot fall short in playing His part. That is only a beginning of a higher sort of spirituality."

Saint Kabir has also said that one should be restless in His remembrance. He has expressed his views on Remembrance as under -

" मेरा राम मुझे भजे, तब पाऊं विश्राम "

which means that my mind can be at rest only when the Lord gets busy with the remembrance of me.

Once I asked Babuji Maharaj "Babuji, when I am at Shahjahanpur before you, there is no remembrance. Why?" Babuji Maharaj replied, "As you are near me, no question of remembrance arises. However on reaching the climax of remembrance, the state of mind of such person does not make him realize that he in remembrance(याद वोह याद है जो कभी याद ना रहे कि हम याद कर रहे हैं ). It happens only when one is always near to the person being remembered."

The efficacy of the way suggested by Pujya Babuji Maharaj is beyond expression because at every step there is the help of transmission of His Divine Grace. We are very lucky to be in the shelter of Babuji Maharaj because for attainment of goal of God Realization, a major part is played by Him with a little co-operation of the abhyasi.

Man of Today and Babuji's Sahaj Marg

The majority of even highly educated persons is unaware of the human goal of life. Most of them feel the question itself to be unnecessary. A few may reply, a good job, prosperous profession, a good family and so on. Man of today aims at comfortable worldly life. Most of them neither known nor believe that there is a life beyond this life and they treat death as an end of everything.

If a person manages to escape misery and troubles to a reasonable extent, he thinks that he has led a successful life. He starts thinking that he has created his success; he does not need any body's help  he is his own God. But the moment there is some problem or trouble, he starts looking for help from other quarters. If he does not get it, which in most cases happens, he curses everybody around including the invisible God as tyrannical and unjust.

A man capable of freeing the persons from worldly problems/miseries, become more popular soon and people attach a name with him as Mahatma/Saint of very high approach. With the time, the number of followers of such man also increases. Gradually people start understanding that solution of a problem or freedom from one misery is not the correct solution. Miseries teach them that human life is full of problems, miseries, sufferings and the gaps being filled up by temporary smiles, laughter or which they may feel or call peace or happiness. People also come to know that, if the very thought of God provides relief in all situations, it is better to find out some way which leads to God Realization.

Sahaj Marg is the most convincing and helpful in attainment of the main goal of human life, i.e., God Realization, in one's lifetime. It is so on account of the following reasons :-

• That Pujya Babuji Maharaj has facilitated the transmission of Divine Grace all the time to the aspirants;
• That it is Rajyoga modified by Babuji. It starts meditation from the heart on the logic that on Divinization of heart, all the centres will automatically be awakened and Divinized;
• That Meditation on heart assisted by cleaning and Constant Remembrance, saves the time. The goal of God Realization is always in view of abhyasi. Mantra, tantra or rituals are not there. Only a heart full of love for Divine is enough;
• That problems, miseries and sufferings do come as a result of Sankaras but with the help of Divine Grace of Babuji Maharaj, the abhyasi feels the least or no impact of them rather a thankful attitude towards God develops in abhyasi in all the situations because abhyasi gradually starts feeling the fomentation of Divine Love;
• That with the increase of Divine Love, abhyasi starts feeling that he is melting, dissolving, diluting and getting mixed in the ocean of Divine Love. Gradually the goal comes in view that one day only He(Divine) will remain. That will be attainment of the goal. The state of merger will be there.

Thus Sahaj Marg is the best way to suit the modern conditions because Babuji's help is more than the role of the abhyasi in it.

Divine Sparks from Pujya Babuji Maharaj

"Religion is simply a preparatory ground for Spirituality; where Religion ends Spirituality begins; where Spirituality ends Reality begins; where Reality ends Real Bliss comes  and when that too is gone the destination is reached."

• We have buried true religion in the grave, only, we clap hands in the name of religion and do nothing else. The aims and object of life conceived in terms of worldly ends are almost meaningless. To practice devotion to please God in order to secure worldly comforts or gains is but a mockery. The problem before us is not mere deliverance from pain and misery but freedom from bondage which is the ultimate cause of pain and misery. Freedom from bondage is "Liberation" which is different from "Salvation". Salvation is only a temporary pause in the rotation. It is the suspension of the process of birth and death only for a certain fixed period after which we again resume material form. The endless circle of rebirth ends only when we have secured Liberation. This is the minimum which a man should achieve while the real goal of human life is God Realization.
• The line of Divinity and Humanity runs in parallel. There is a positive co-relation between the two. The divorce of either is harmful. There should be a balance in between the two. Worldly duties discharged in Constant Remembrance of God maintains this balance. This way,  the living becomes Divine.
• Tastelessness has its own peculiar taste which too one must have a taste of. Everyone is involved to some extent at least in worries. Happy are those who pay no heed to them but try to remain satisfied and contented under all circumstances. The only way for that is to keep one's self concerned solely with the Great Power with a feeling of love and attachment. The superfluities may be treated as barking of dogs. Everything in him will then begin to get regulated, assuming a state of moderation and balance. That is the exact sense implied in the term "The Transformation Of Man".
• Solitary life in a forest and aloofness from all worldly concerns may be, to some, the means of cultivating patience and forbearance but to us, the taunts and rebukes of our friends and relations are the greatest penance and surest means of success. In fact, to put coolly with miseries and troubles contributes much to our betterment, hence they are valuable assets to our progress.
• Suffering and miseries have their own place in life. Everyone has his share of it. Even sages of eminence had their own. Had there been no sufferings in the world, man's thought could never have gone upto the reverse side of it, i.e., Bliss.
• As a matter of fact, all of us are like beggars at the Master's door, having a begging bowl in hand which is the Master readily fills. But when the bowl is already full with things other than spirituality, the question of getting anything from Him does  not arise at all, for, if anything is poured into it, it will flow out at once. The primary thing for us is, therefore, to make ourselves empty so that the bowl may be filled up with Master's Grace.
• Renunciation truly means non-attachment with worldly objects and not the non-possession of things. Thus a household life in which possession of things and worldly ties are indispensable , is no impediment in the way of Renunciation and consequently of Realization only if one is not unduly attached to the objects he is connected with.
• We should live a life like the coot and ducks in the water, which, when they are out of water have no effect of water on their wings. We should love our parents and everybody in the family without being soiled by attachment.
• Have a regard for all religions because they all tell to love God. Try to appreciate qualities of others instead of pointing out defects because God knows everything.

Babuji and Miracles

Babuji Maharaj never encouraged abhyasis to talk about miracles so that their spiritual progress may go on smooth. Once Babuji pointed out, "Centers below Heart region(Muladhar and Kundalini) are full of miraculous worldly powers." He prescribed meditation on Heart so that on gradual divinization of Heart other higher and lower centers may awaken automatically in a controlled manner. This saves the abhyasi from entanglement and misuse of the Divine power and enables him to attain his highest goal of human life i.e. God Realization in one life.

One abhyasi told Babuji that there was a saint who used to cross river on foot as if he was walking on the road. Babuji replied, "It is a wonderful recreation to the viewers. A river could be crossed by a boat with a little expenditure of money. The divine energy should generally be used for the transformation of man. The Nature never excuses a man who misuses the divine power in such a way. Such man may get popularity but cannot provide spiritual benefit to others."

Moreover, miracles do happen if there is a Divine necessity. Babuji further added, "Sahaj Marg abhyasi will get every worldly things of necessity but physical or mental problems will be there due to Sanskaras for which prayer to God can be done."

Babuji did so many worldly miracles but never wanted His popularity on this account rather he used to give credit either to Lalaji Saheb or any other person for the work done. However to change or transform a man into Divine at a glance is the greatest miracle which as i understand only God can do. This is the reason that Babuji always stressed on the quality of the abhyasi and not their numbers because the majority today is of the worldly wise persons who are influenced by one who help in achievement of worldly ends.

Babuji and Idol Worship

Babuji Maharaj was of the opinion, "If the picture or the Idol of God being worshiped is real, it is useful in spiritual progress and if it is not real, the help will not come rather the qualities or defects in the type of man being worshiped will start flowing towards the devotee. The form of the man being worshiped should be that one whose even the bones are divinized." Babuji always used to tell about Lalaji Maharaj that an abhyasi could meditate on his(Lalaji) form.

I was sure about Babuji's form when Babuji narrated one incident. Once Babuji told that when He was in South India, one fellow with some spiritual approach met him. Babuji said, "For testing, he threw iron bars made of will power horizontally then vertically on me. The bars passed my physical form from one end to the other without any obstruction. Later on he fell down on my feet saying that I have the transparent personality which is an indication of Realized Soul. I asked him never to use such test on anybody because if the personality is not transparent, such tests will be harmful to the man". Babuji never suggested his form for meditation, although this idea used to come to the abhyasis automatically.

After a few days the abhyasi starts noticing that physical form does not come in meditation while the feeling of His presence remains there which is a better condition.

Babuji's prescription is to start meditation after prayer which is a presumption of thought that the Divine Light is present in the heart. This process will gradually divinize the abhyasi. The transmission of Divine Grace always remains there to help. During the course of abhyas, firstly the physical consciousness goes away putting the abhyasi in Soul Consciousness. After freedom from Soul Consciousness, the abhyasi enters into the area of Reality although the destination(God) is still far away.

Babuji has said, "God is neither Sakar or Nirakar; He is above and beyond these two limitations. Sakar is an apparent limitation, while Nirakar is a limitation in thoughts. He is infinite. Do not construct His imaginary form and Realize Him as He is".

Thus for abhyas, a simple thought of God is better.

St. Kasturi's answer to rare questions

A few questions by Abhyasis and reply given by St. Sister Kasturi are more beneficial in spiritual progress for those who love Pujya Babuji Maharaj.

Q1 -	Define Sahaj Marg in one sentence ?
A1 -	Merger of "I" in "YOU" is Sahaj Marg.
Q2 -	What do you mean by merger and why it is necessary ?
A2 -	Merger means Laya Awastha. Babuji can put an abhyasi on the root of the spiritual progress within a wink of an eye. However till the steps to the roof are there, chances are that the abhyasi may come down. These steps (Sankaras) are automatically removed when abhyasi remains drowned in the ocean of Divine Love. With the gradual removal of steps, Laya Awastha goes on increasing and on removal of all the steps, abhyasi starts feeling oneness with the spiritual condition given by Babuji. 'This is Merger'. Now there is no chance that abhaysi may come down.
Q3 -	Sister, I want to realize you; Can I ?
A3 -	I am only a creation of Babuji. You better realize Babuji who is a creator.
Q4 -	It is heard that Lalaji is laya in Babuji and Babuji is laya in Chariji - now what is your opinion ?
A4 -	It is a fact that Lalaji is laya in Babuji. Moreover so many Divine Personalities and even incarnations are laya in Babuji. Now you can very well understand that all can be laya in Babuji who is destination or goal for all and not vice-versa. Babuji is Special Personality whose realm will remain till Mahapralaya.
Q5 -	After you, who will guide abhyasis ?
A5 -	Even today not I but Babuji is guiding all of us. Now it is easy to understand that Babuji was, Babuji is and Bauji will be guiding the humanity in future too.