Nama Japa

Nama japa or chanting the holy name of God is a cure for all mental ills. It not only calms the mind but redeems the atma.

In this age of conflict and anxiety chanting the holy name of God is the cure to all our problems and worries.

A few years back a rich man was impressed when he saw Swami Maharaj absorbed in chanting the Lord's name with a pair of 'kartals' (cymbals) in hand. He had never witnessed a person so happy in his entire life. He felt no amount of money could buy the bliss Swamiji was experiencing. He asked Swamiji: "How can we ever attain the happiness you so abundantly possess?" The reply was short and to the point. "Absorb yourself in chanting God's name. This will forge an armour that will make you invincible to all miseries."

While reading this article you are probably aware or unaware of an orchestra of sounds and visions around you; the next door neighbor's blaring radio or Hi-Fi system, the screaming television in the next room, a simmering row across the street or a catchy poster on your way to office or college. All these and a lot more infiltrate and influence your character, mode of thoughts and health.

When anyone shouts, "Scorpion! Scorpion!", "Snake! Snake!", you reflexively jump in fright. When someone calls you names or heaps insult you find it excruciating to bear. You become inflamed and uneasy. When someone praises you, you feel happy. The spectrum of human reactions to the words and things around us is endless. If such situations can arouse feelings of fear, anger, joy, then what of chanting or hearing God's name -- the purest and greatest of all names? The mere saying of the word 'apple' conjures an image of it and a lot more. Similarly, chanting God's name creates an image or awareness of God. We become "apple-conscious" on saying the word apple, similarly we become "God-conscious" on chanting the Lord's name (nama japa).

During the two World Wars soldiers marching to the front chorused or whistled patriotic songs. This bolstered their fighting spirit and numbed their anxieties. The slaves in the cotton fields of America sang songs to kill the monotony of work and the brunt of persecutions from their masters. In this age of conflict and anxiety chanting the holy name of God is the panacea to all our problems and worries. 

A popular verse pointed out by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu says:

Harer Nama Harer Nama Harer Namaiva Kevalam!

Kalau Naste Eva Naste Eva Naste Eva gatir Anyatha!

Brihadnaraidiya Puran

The above verse means that in Kaliyuga there is no other means to moksha than chanting the name of God. The words 'harer nama' (i.e. the Lord's name) are mentioned three times to emphasize the importance of singing the Lord's name.

All our sufferings stem from the delusion that "I am the body." Our true identity is atma (or soul). Believing what you are not (i.e. a case of mistaken identity) incurs misery and frustration. You'll find misery coming your way when you believe you are a leader or you know about lots of things, when in reality you don't. Living in false identity stifles your peace and happiness. To support this consider the example of a thief who is about to do his work. 

He is never at ease. He is always vigilant lest he gets caught. But if he behaves normally, his true self, he is free from the fear of getting caught. To realize who we really are, our true identity, and extricate ourselves from the delusion that "I am the body" and all the reactions that go with it we need to chant the name of God. "Nama-Japa" ultimately strikes a spiritual dialogue between the chanter and God.

Pingala, a woman of loose morals, underwent a miraculous change through hearing God's name. The story says a thief presented a parrot to her. The parrot kept singing the name of "Rama, Rama." Out of her fondness for the parrot her conscience began to ring with the Lord's name. Though she was unaware of Lord Ram's glory, the holy name induced a union with God. By virtue of the Lord's name she became free from sin.

The story of Ajamila in the Shrimad Bhagwat is another testament to the power of God's name. Ajamila was initially a pure, disciplined Brahmin. The genesis of his downfall was accounted for inhaling a fragrant flower from a prostitute. Out of this was born an affection for her that later ballooned into infatuation. He slipped from his daily routine of worship and lapsed in his morals. He left his lawful wife and married the low born prostitute. He had several children out of which the youngest, Narayan, was very dear to him. Years later the servant of Yama (Death) came to claim his soul. Ajamila was destined to damnation if he hadn't uttered Narayan -- his son's name. In calling his son (Narayan) the Lord forgave all his sins because 'Narayan' is also the Lord's name that redeems who ever utters it.

The Lord's name chanted knowingly or unknowingly, correctly or incorrectly (as was the case for Valmiki who chanted "Mara, Mara' instead of "Rama, Rama") plays its purifying role. Gunatitanand Swami says, "I shall redeem anyone who knowingly or unknowingly chants the name of "Swaminarayan." Just as fire or acid burns anyone ignorant of its burning property, similarly, the Lord's name destroys sins regardless of one's ignorance. It would however be pertinent to note that one who chants with faith and understanding supercedes the former.

When the valiant Ram returned to Ayodhya he was given a hero's welcome. A grand coronation was arranged. Guests from all corners were invited. Vibhishan (brother of Ravan) and his followers were also invited. After the occasion the guests returned to their kingdoms. Vibhishan decided to stay behind. His followers, however, wished to return to Lanka. But there was a major problem stopping them from going. The stone bridge to Lanka was no more. It was submerged in water leaving them with no hope of returning home. Vibhishan solved their dilemma.

He took a leaf and without their knowledge wrote the name of 'Ram' and wrapped it in a cloth. "Take this cloth," Vibhishan said "and a way shall be opened to you." The followers did as their new king had instructed. They entered the waters and to their surprise the ocean waters became knee-deep. They waded towards Lanka. Midway one of them opened the cloth to see its contents. Seeing only a dry leaf, he laughed. On closer inspection he saw the name of 'Ram' written on it. This made him laugh all the more. "How could the name of Ram make the ocean knee-deep!" And with this thought his faith subsided. The ocean waters rose and they all perished in the deluge.

As mentioned in the opening paragraph 'japa' has a marked effect on health. Dr. Benson of Harvard University cited an interesting aspect of 'japa'. In an issue of Span magazine, 1976, he says that experiments show that the metabolism in a human changes when he retires for the night. Blood pressure and other body processes operate without any fluctuations. The individual awakens fresh and invigorated. This particular situation is attained through 20 minutes of 'japa', twice during the day. Chanting the Lord's name corrects all erratic body processes and thus enabling good health.

In the Skand Puranas (written by Sage Vyasji) we find a verse that reads: "I pray to the infinitely powerful Lord whose holy name and remembrance relieves me of all mental and physical afflictions."

Bhagwan Swaminarayan emphasizes the importance of 'japa' by questioning an assembly of sadhus and devotees. "How can the mind be retrieved from the waves of unwholesome thoughts that often inundate it during meditation?" No one could answer the question so Bhagwan Swaminarayan replied: "When repulsive thoughts flood the mind, one should abandon meditation and resort to chanting the Swaminarayan mantra aloud...." (Vachanamrut Loya 6).

In Vachanamrut Gadhada Sec. I.56 Bhagwan Swaminarayan says one who has a firm practicing faith in God (upasana) believes that when a sinful man chants the name of 'Swaminarayan' even during his dying moments, he becomes pure, free from all sins and attains the highest abode of god -- 'Akshardham'.

The Swaminarayan mahamantra was introduced by Sahajanand Swami on the thirteenth day after the demise of Ramanand Swami. He called an assembly of sadhus and devotees and revealed the Swaminarayan mantra. The traditional 'Ramkrishna Govind' mantra was replaced by Swaminarayan. In the Swaminarayan Mantra, Swami means Gunatitanand Swami and Narayan refers to Sahajanand Swami. After this new mantra the Lord became popularly known as Swaminarayan.

An incident in Aksharanand Swami ni Vato ('The Talks of Aksharanand Swami') describes the potency of the Swaminarayan mantra. It describes the story of Jehalo, a servant who tilled the land for Allaiya Khachar. Both were faithful disciples of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. On one occasion, Allaiya Khachar having returned from a trip, found that Jehalo had died. 

His body had been taken for cremation. Allaiya Khachar rushed to the cremation grounds and halted the lighting of the funeral pyre. He wanted the town's people to witness the power of the Swaminarayan mantra. He called to the dead man, "Jehalo! Jai Swaminarayan." To everyone's surprise Jehalo opened his eyes. He enquired why he had been called back from God's proximity in Akshardham. A few minutes later he said "Jai Swaminarayan" to everyone and lay down. The funeral pyre was then lighted to cremate the mortal body of Jehalo. The whole village was stunned by this miracle. The mere name of Swaminarayan had brought Jehalo back to life!

Gunatitanand Swami explains that the Swaminarayan mantra is powerful enough to neutralise the poison of a black cobra. The incident of how Yogiji Maharaj was saved from the venom of a cobra bite bears testimony to the words of Gunatitanand Swami.

In his talks, Gunatitanand Swami prescribes chanting God's name as one of several means to realizing God. He says: "Prahlad was fiercely battling against the Lord but he failed to vanquish Him. The Lord then stopped him and told him that if he wanted to win Him he would have to abandon his weapons and resort to chanting His name and remembering Him mentally. Prahlad accepted the Lord's proposal and six month's later he won the Lord's eternal blessings." (Swami ni Vato' Ch.1.3).

Even today the efficacy of the Swaminarayan mantra is a reality. A few months ago a devotee, saddled with a heap of problems, came to Swami Maharaj and emptied his woes. Swami blessed him and consoled him. "Chant the Swaminarayan mantra. Have faith in God and chant His holy name. The storm shall pass and you'll soon be faring through calm waters. You shall be happy." A few days back the devotee said, "The grueling events that led to my misery are yet to recede but I can say that chanting the name of Swaminarayan has brought untold peace to my heart."

Even though God's holy name chanted knowingly or unknowingly has its effect on the devotee yet the effect is more pronounced when it is chanted consciously, correctly and with an awareness of its glory. Our ancient teachers have shown certain requisites for observing nama japa. 

They are as follows:

1. Fix the hours for nama japa. The most effective time is before dawn when 'sattva' (goodness) is predominant.

2. Select a definite place. It is advantageous to sit in the same place each day.

3. Be seated in a steady pose because this helps to steady the mind and aids concentration.

4. Always sit facing North or East. This enhances the efficacy of 'Japa' (chanting).

5. Pronounce the mantra properly without any mistakes.

6. Keep a vigilant and alert attitude to check the mind from wandering or slipping into drowsiness.

7. Use a rosary as an aid to 'japa'. Use the middle finger to rest the rosary and the thumb for rolling the beads. The index finger should not be used.

8. Whilst doing 'japa' visualise the beautiful murti of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the guru parampara. This will give thrust to this spiritual exercise.

9. Do not cross the main bead or crown of the rosary. Turn back when you reach the head.

10. Do not beg of any worldly objects while doing nama japa.

11. Abstain from faultfinding while doing nama japa.

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Does God Exist ? Part-1

A rational and spiritual approach to the existence of God. In this three part of series the reasons for the disbelief in God and its solutions are presented.

Does God Exist?

It is a million dollar question raised since ages. Of course, the question has been answered time and time again. However, there are always doubts raised about the existence of God. Perhaps it would be appropriate to examine the reasons for such doubts so that the problem can be tackled at the very roots.

Causes for Doubts about God's Existence

The first and foremost cause for such doubts is man's ego. It prevents a person from accepting an authority above oneself, because it would tantamount to playing second fiddle to God, surrendering to God, etc. The inflated ego simply does not permit one to accept God as a divine, superior power.

Abraham Lincoln had echoed the same feeling when he declared: "We have been recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven... but we have forgotten God... we have vainly imagined that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. We have become too proud to pray to God that made us... I set apart 30th April, 1863, as a day of national humiliation, fasting and prayer."

Secondly, with the advances in science and technology, people have been more skeptical about their fundamental beliefs in God. They tend to pose such questions: "We cannot see God so how can we accept Him? God cannot be proved through experiment in a laboratory, so how can we accept His existence?" People tend to seek rational grounds for God's existence, forgetting that there are many things in the world, which are beyond reason. It is aptly remarked by someone that a mind all logic is like a knife all blade. It makes the hand bleed that uses it. Hence, such doubts never leave the minds of rational demagogues.

Thirdly, the cause for atheism is the fanatic attitude of some religions. In their fanaticism, they tend to denounce other religions, thus hurting the pious feelings of the followers of such religion. Man looks to religion as the uniting force of humanity but such fanatics, who constantly strike a discordant note, precipitate disbelief in God among the more sensitive people.

Fourthly, association with impostors is also another cause for the loss of faith in God. In the name of religion, they bank on man's inherent fear of God and try to exploit the credulous people to serve their selfish ends. However, when these innocent people come to know of the impostors' misdoing, they tend to lose faith in God. They simply cannot reconcile "cheating" under the banner of religion. The adverse effect of such impostor's misdoing is that the followers then develop disbelief in the words of even true saints and sages, who are the true upholders of religion and belief in God.

Fifthly, atheism develops in one who constantly reads literature that tends to denounce the existence of eternal God.

Sixthly, the base nature of man like carnal passion, anger, greed, egoism, and jealousy also prevents one from accepting the authority of even God realized persons. Hence, doubts about the existence of God always linger on in their minds.

Finally, even great scholars of religious texts fail to understand the true glory of God because they ascribe human failings even to God, just as they themselves have such shortcomings. Having examined the causes for atheism, let us examine the basic qualifications required to develop faith in God.

How Can We Develop Faith in God?

Just as a person seeking for a job as a Manager should have the necessary qualifications and experience, there are certain basic attributes which must be developed in us if we are to develop faith in God. 

They are as follows:

1. If one can understand the glory of God then faith in God will automatically emerge in an atheist. (Vachanamrut Gadhada II-16).

2. We can be convinced of the existence of God through inference. We can see flames, smoke and clouds rising up in the sky, but we cannot see the wind that causes the rise. But we can certainly infer the existence of wind from the phenomenon. Similarly, God can be inferred from his works.

3. We can be certain of God's existence provided we tread on the path of God realization. Yogi Krishna Prem, a Vaishnav saint, once explained to his friend: "The Grand Trunk Road leads to Delhi. How do you know? Tread on it and you will know." Thus mere theorizing does not help us very much in developing faith in God; one has to practice the various disciplines.

Patient perseverance is another requisite to realize God. K. M. Munshi, the founder President of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, once wrote: "I took 16 years to gain a degree, and yet another 12 years to be a good lawyer. But in matters of religion, I wanted immediate results." Certainly, you cannot get mangoes tomorrow from a mango seed sown today. It takes time. But once one has that vision, it is, as E. Schroedinger, a Nobel Laureate in Physics, said: "We know when God is experienced that this is an event as real as an immediate sense perception or as one's own personality."

Once a guru was approached by a disciple. The disciple asked the guru, "Have you seen God?" The guru replied, "Yes, I have seen God." The disciple became impatient and said, " Then show me God." The guru asked him to stay back and promised that he would show God to him. After a few days, the inmates of the ashram happened to go to a nearby lake for a bath. The guru also accompanied them. The inquisitive disciple was also with them. 

They all plunged in the lake for a bath. After a while, the guru went near the disciple, caught hold of his head by his hair, and pressed hard on him so that the disciple was fully plunged in water. He held him tight under water. The disciple in desperation struggled hard to surface above the water. But the guru seemed to be bent on pressing him under water. The disciple struggled frantically and, at long last, succeeded in releasing the grip of the guru. He was almost drowned. When he surfaced above water, he began to gasp for air. In a couple of minutes he came round and charged the guru for trying to kill him by drowning him. 

The guru coolly pretended not to heed the complaint. On the contrary, he asked the disciple, "What were you doing under water." The disciple in a fit of anger, retorted, "Good heavens! You seem to be least bothered about my life. Didn't you see how frantically I had to struggle to loosen your grip on my head? How can you be so cruel?" The guru again asked him, "But why did you struggle so frantically to loosen my grip?" The disciple retorted, "Why not? It was a matter of life and death for me. Had I not struggled so hard, I would have died." The guru then told the disciple, "Just as you struggled so hard to save your life, have you undertaken an equally frantic struggle to see God? If you do so, then God will certainly reveal Himself to you."

The story underlines the fact that instant results in matters of God are not to be sought. Perseverance in our endeavor to attain God is a prerequisite.

Also we must realize that there are some things which lie beyond the ken of intellect. Bertrand Russell in his book "What I Believe" confesses that, "In the near future when the volume of evidence will increase quantitatively, we shall have to revise our opinion and come in line with the findings of religion which are so often branded as trash." Even Pascal has said, "The heart has reasons of its own, which the head can never understand." Jean - Jacques Rousseau, the 18th century French philosopher, opines, "Above the logic of the head is the feeling of the heart." 

The Holy Bible says, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." Bergson has rightly attracted our attention to the possibilities of intuition as a conveyor of direct knowledge. When the heart is thoroughly purified, one develops a sixth sense, viz. intuition of a purified heart, through which comes the experience of super sensuous realities that lie beyond the ken of intellect. The Taittiriya Upanishad has underlined the principle thus: 

"Yato vaacho nivartante apraapya manasaa saha." That is, "The mind and speech can not approach God and return to their empiric state."

In the Bhagvad Gita when Shri Krishna manifested before Arjun in all his resplendence, Arjun just could not bear to look at him. Only when his senses were divinized by God that he could behold the vision of Lord Krishna.

During the 1977 foreign tour of His Divine Holiness Swami Maharaj, a press reporter in his interview of Swamishri asked: "Why can't we see God?" Pat came the reply from Swamishri, "We do see Him but just can't believe Him to be God."

Lord Swaminarayan has explained the same in Vachanamrut 51 of Gadhada section I: "It is like a diamond cutting a diamond. God inspires within the knowledge of His own Self. He can therefore be realized only by the knowledge inspired by Him and not through the 'indriyas' (senses) and 'antahkaranas' (mind, intellect, etc.) which are evolved out of maya."

Thus God transcends our understanding, but through His grace, we can be divinized to know Him.

The next point which goes a long way to develop our faith in God is faith in the scriptures and the God - communion sadhus.

"The scriptures are the source of prevalence of 'Dharma' (religion). One who has not read scriptures, even unknowingly conforms to the rules laid down in the scriptures and acts accordingly with his mother, sister, wife, daughter, etc. These relations and its definitions have been born out of the scriptures and one holds them to be true and behaves with one's relations according to the code of behavior so laid down. The scriptures are therefore the great and only authority. But one who does not respect these scriptures and acts according to his own conception is a heretic. And one who takes the authority of the scriptures, has a strong foundation for the path of God realization," says Lord Swaminarayan in Vachanamrut 13 of Sarangpur Section.

In Vachanamrut 68 of Gadhada section-I, the Lord has said that, "Skepticism develops when one reads scriptures which deny God. The company of believers in such scriptures is also sure to turn one into an atheist... However, if one desires to drive out such sceptic influence from one's mind, one should read Holy Scriptures like the Shrimad Bhagwat, etc."

He goes on to say further in Vachanamrut 27 of Gadhada Section-III, "The saint in whom the vital redemptive attributes (nishkam, nirlobh, niswad, nisneh, and nirman) are displayed is said to have established rapport with God. Therefore, his words should be taken as the ultimate truth, and the knowledge of God that he infuses in the disciples is the ultimate knowledge and the eternal truth."

His Divine Holiness Yogiji Maharaj was often found talking to the idol of God. Once an inquisitive aspirant asked, "Swamibapa, we can hear you talking to the idol of God. But, does God ever respond to your talks?" Swamishri said, "Of course, he invariably talks to me." The aspirant asked further, "Why is it that we can never hear that voice?" Swamishri replied, "Well, it is like connecting a telephone call to someone. At my end you can hear my part of conversation but can you, by standing nearby, hear what the party at the other end of the line is saying?" Thus through the association with such a saint, who is in direct rapport with God, one can realize God.

Finally, one should keep away from the vilifying influence of the nastikas, for they deny the authority of God and the scriptures. One should pray to God to protect one from such influence (Vachanamrut Gadhada Sec. I-48).

Effects Point Towards the Cause

Just as, when one sees a sword weighing two hundred kilos, one can imagine the greatness of the warrior who can fight with such a sword; similarly, one can visualize God's greatness through His works.

Often we wonder: Who is the sculptor that gave such vivid shapes to the various living creatures? Who is the music maestro who taught the birds their love-song to beckon their mates? Who is that chemist who put juice in the fruits and fragrance in the flowers? Who is the artist who painted the designs of the leaves of the various trees, and put color into the lovely butterflies? Who is the engineer who designed a cow's stomach such that grass is transformed into milk? Who is the manufacturer who made wood out of carbon dioxide and water? Indeed such miracles must have a Miracle-maker taking care of them.

Besides, there are infinite galaxies in the cosmos. Yet they do not meet with accidents. The sun also never fails to rise regularly every day. No barriers blockade the overflow of water from an ocean, yet, it never transgresses its boundaries! No doubt, there must be a controller to regularize all such activities!

Thus we can infer from such observations that a creator-cum-controller is a must and that is God!

Scientific Arguments and Illustrations for the Existence of God

There are various rational arguments posed to deny the existence of God. Some of them are dealt with and explained as follows:

(1) Some people argue, "How do I believe in God when I cannot see Him?" Sri Ramkrishna Paramhansa explains by giving an example, "Thou seest many stars in the sky but findest them not when the sun rises, can thou say that there are no stars, then, in the heaven of day? So, O man, because thou behold not the Almighty in the days of thy ignorance say not there is no God." If a mirror is covered by a layer of dust, I cannot see my image in it. But the moment the dust is wiped off, the image is there. The mirror and the face are the same but the dust obstructed visibility. Similarly, the dust of maya (ignorance) obstructs our view of the Lord."

Since I cannot see your brain, am I to assume you don't have one? More and more powerful instruments are needed to unravel the mysteries of physical sciences. That being so, is it not scientific to accept that mysteries of the Divine can be understood only by sharper and sharper spiritual perceptions?

To cite another example, none of us has seen electricity, however, when the switch is turned on and the lights blaze forth we say there is an electric current in the line. Thus, though we do not see electricity, we infer its existence through its working. The same is the case with God whose working bespeaks His existence.

(2) Yet some people argue, "Can you prove the existence of God with certainty as done in laboratory experiments by science?"

But the skeptics forget that there are many things in science which have no proof yet they are accepted as true. For example, nobody has ever obtained the square root of minus one (i.e., ( \/ -1). But, science has decided to call it 'i' (-1= i) and proceeds on to apply it. Without the said proof, there are so many applications of 'i' in the theory of Analytical Functions which lead to fruitful results. Hence, absence of any experimental proof cannot be a criterion for the non-existence of anything.

Again, Planck gave the 3rd Law of Thermodynamics that, "Entropy of a perfect crystal at absolute zero (temperature) is zero." There is no proof for it as none has yet been able to reach absolute zero temperature. However, it has many practical applications.

Thus absence of experimental proof is no criterion for the denial of anything, least of all God!

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Merchant of Death

Although considered a "merchant of death," Alfred Nobel was quiet and peace loving, interested in the arts and science.

From time immemorial, fame and riches have been the prime objectives of mankind at large. For many, these two aspirations have become the touchstone of an accomplished and a happy life. But after reaching the summit they have different feelings, seekers after fine do not give up trying. They only became prudent as they go along, they try to revert back mentally but nothing can be done as they have been cast in a loud. After the mould has been cast. In spite of such cases in history the The cords of ambition attained and kept, but soon they snap with a torment that demolishes the golden edifice built through years and years of sweat and toil.

Let us consider the life of the 'dynamite' man - Alfred Nobel. We associate his name with two important things. One is an event and the other is an invention. The event hits the headlines every year - i.e. the Nobel Prize giving ceremony. And his invention was dynamite.

Nobel though affluent had found very little happiness during his life. In 1888 a bizarre incident rocked the very nerves of Nobel. He was 55, breathing quite healthily and sober mentally. It was in the morning papers that he read his own obituary. In fact, his brother Ludwig had died but the press had mistakenly wrote his obituary. The papers had branded him as 'a merchant of death,' because his fortune had been amassed through the making of arms and weapons. Nobel felt, "Is this how posterity is going to remember me?" It left an indelible mark upon his conscience. He resolved to change his 'dead image' while he was still alive. Unknown to many, Nobel had given millions of dollars to those in despair and the poor. He became refined man, a connoisseur of art, culture and a man very much in love with poetry.

Alfred Nobel was born in Stockholm in 1833. The birth of Nobel gave no consolation to his already bankrupt father, Immanuel Nobel. His father, had scant education, yet he was a gifted genius, a self-taught engineer, architect, and an inventor. Alfred's youthful days were not at all pleasant due to his failing health and dreamy nature he kept himself aloof from all ties of love and friendship. For Alfred, understanding, love, friends, a home, a wife and children spelled happiness. He never attained any of them. When he was middle-aged his brother asked him to write a short autobiography. He wrote the following:

Alfred Nobel: His miserable existence should have been terminated at birth by a humane doctor as he drew his first howling breath.
Principal Virtues: Keeping his nails clean and never being a burden to anyone.
Principal faults: He has no family, is bad tempered and has poor digestion.
One and only wish: Not to be buried alive.
Important event in his life: None

Alfred Nobel had attended school for only a year. His education continued under the guidance of a private tutor. He had acquired no degree or diploma but his ambitious nature and natural acumen got him wealth and fame.

For many years his elder brother had tried to find something more explosive than gun-powder. In 1855 Alfred and his father began to experiment with nitroglycerin. For fifteen long years both father and son pursued their project. In 1870 they invented a new power packed explosive-dynamite. Alfred Nobel truly believed that his invention would not be a weapon for further destruction but would lead to the signing of peace treaties. Writing to an eminent contemporary, an Austrian pacifist he said, "My factories may put an end to war sooner than your (peace) congresses."

Nobel was a mystery tycoon like Howard Hughes. A hermit whom very few people knew and saw. He often felt a need to be alone, "I want to live among the trees and bushes, silent friends who respect the state of my nerves, and I escape when I can from both large cities and deserts." He abhorred publicity. Inquiries about his life were often made, but he replied with a flat "No." The only portrait of him that exists was made after his death. Though Nobel was a delightful man, witty, fluent in four languages, he lived a solitary life and died a lonely death in 1896. His immense fortune amounted to 9 million dollars. In his will he desired that the money be spent in awarding prizes, to be distributed annually in five domains, namely; physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace. The subjects of his will reflect that Nobel was a man of peace. Now economics has been added to the list.

The presentation of prizes takes place at solemn ceremonies in Stockholm and Oslo (Denmark where the peace prize is awarded) on December 10th, the death anniversary of Alfred Nobel. The prize is a handsome sum of 40,000 dollars, a gold medal and a diploma. But why is the prize awarded on his death anniversary, quite an inauspicious occasion you may think? It is probably because Alfred Nobel rather than be remembered as the "Merchant of Death," wanted to be remembered as a "Merchant of Peace and Generosity."

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Tomorrowitis

Do you suffer from Tomorrowitis? If you find yourself saying: I'll find time tomorrow… Sure I want to do it, but… My hands are full at the moment… and other similar things…, then you are suffering from tomorrowitis. Learn in this article how to get rid of this problem.

Thousands thronged to see him. Day after day they sought him out, the fee charged was of no consequence. He was a must for all. Harry was an instant success, yet he was a dismal failure.

Our star was the focus of attention at one of the greatest introspective plays of the '40s, 'The Iceman Cometh,' by Eugene O'Neill. Harry's wife had died twenty years previously. Since that time he had never stepped out of his house. Oh yes, he had planned that proposed walk down the road, unfortunately that walk never materialized. You see one day he would have 'a back playing up' another day, 'bad weather' then 'caught cold', in fact there was an impressive array of excuses he could turn to. The audience watched in uncontrollable mirth as Harry, afflicted by Tomorrowitis, sunk deeper and deeper into his grave of failure. 

Tomorrowitis is a psychological disease in which we postpone all our 'activities' to another day. But predominantly that day never arrives.

Tomorrowitis was the cause of Harry's blocking his own highway to a happy and fruitful life.

Do you suffer from Tomorrowitis? If you find yourself saying:

I'll find time tomorrow…
Sure I want to do it, but…
My hands are full at the moment…
I am waiting for inspiration…

First, I have to make a detailed plan, budget, etc… and other similar things…
These are all symptoms of a crippling disease called Tomorrowitis - the ghost that will forever haunt you. But don't worry! Unlike terminal cancer, Tomorrowitis can be cured with 100% success. This wonder drug cure is already in your hands. It is upto you to use it.

FIRST, we have to introspect. Sit down and think honestly along these guidelines:

Why haven't I started this project?
Am I scared of failing?
Do I really want this, if not why am I doing it?
What will others think?
Why haven't I taken that long proposed foreign holiday?

Remember, you must be TOTALLY honest with yourself. Only you will know the outcome of this investigation. No one else will know, so there is no need for embarrassment. Thread by thread untangle this knot, that has denied you your personal success.

Now that you have dragged out into the open all your 'reasons' for procrastination, we can broadly classify them into two groups:

(1) Fear of failure.
(2) Lack of interest.

You will now have realized that the previously once insurmountable 'problems and fears' you faced have now rapidly diminished in size and have lost their awareness.

SECONDLY, begin the job in hand, this is the key to success. I can guarantee that Mozart, Bach, Wagner, etc., didn't wait for inspiration to walk into their heads, they galloped to inspiration. Day after day they sat down to the job of composing. The sheer effort they put, sparked off that genius latent within them. You can also spark off that hidden genius in yourself whether you want to compose music or make a kitchen wall unit.

To succeed you need motivation.

Do you want to pass those exams or don't you?
Do you want promotion or don't you?
Do you want to live a happier life or don't you?

If you really want these things and much more, what is there stopping you? Go right ahead and do it. School children are often heard saying, "Finders keepers, losers weepers". This rhyme applies to every one. For success we have only to search and endeavor, those who don't ultimately end up weeping.

Take the example of Master Haeng Ung Lee. When Lee was a boy growing up in Korea in relative poverty he had no concept of business or the martial arts. After World War II he started judo - but failed, boxing met with a similar result. Finally he tried Tae Kwan do, an activity that combines physical fitness, self-defense and internal discipline. Soon, Lee founded a martial arts school, but it was a failure. Some then suggested that he should go to America. Lee took up the challenge but after six months found himself back in Korea due to a faulty visa. 

Lee didn't give up, despite the fact that he lost all his friends. Fighting hard, Lee regained his visa and once again travelled to the U.S.A. He opened a martial arts school in Omaha. Working intensely, Lee slowly expanded his school. Now he has over 250 schools and needless to say money is pouring in like water over Niagara.

But more importantly, Lee, the former pauper boy of Korea, is getting satisfaction from his being able to help thousands of other people lead a more fruitful and healthy life.

So far we have discussed how you can become aware of the habit, for that's what Tomorrowitis really is, a deadly habit. This habit has now to be got rid of.

The logical steps in escaping from any habit are:

(1) to become aware of it,

(2) replace it with a desirable habit. How? Well you virtually have to break the habit of Tomorrowitis.

One way is to force yourself to do everything. Go and see that friend now, write that postcard now, fix that drainpipe now, … remember, Now.

Don't be concerned if you can't finish everything. To finish is not your present goal. You should be concerned only with starting. Finishing will automatically come later, but starting is the magic formula.

If Dr. Livingstone could replace the spear for a Bible in darkest Africa, I'm sure you can replace a bad habit for a good one. If Mahatma Gandhi could slowly memorise the entire Bhagwad Gita during his daily morning brush rituals, I'm sure you can start a big task on a regular basis, bit by bit. After a few weeks you will feel as if a dragging weight has been removed from your shoulders. You will be free, a liberty you probably haven't enjoyed for a long, long time.

You are now on your way to success in your chosen field.

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Panacea for Today's Problems

This article explains the current scenario of society and how the Swaminarayan Sampradaya is overcoming the social problems spiritually.

Introduction

Look at today's newspapers and what do you find? Wars! Terrible accidents! Riots Crime is on the increase! New orgy of mass murders! Mob rule threatens big cities!

War:

In the first eight decades of the 20th century more than a 100 million have become cannon - fodder at the hands of their fellow-men.

Crime:

There has been a cancerous growth of crime and violence. For instance, in the U.S. there occurs a burglary every 10 seconds, a rape every 7 minutes and a murder every 24 minutes.

Drugs:

A Drug Culture has emerged. It is made up of heroin addicts, shooting galleries, psychedelic lights and posters, rock music, underground newspapers, hippies, smuggling, drug pushers and the like. The drug problem is primarily a youth problem.

Moral Degeneration:

Man has descended into an abyss of moral evil that staggers imagination. Fraud and greed are triumphant everywhere. As Dr. Einstein said: "There is no defence in science against the weapons which destroy civilization."

Juvenile Delinquency:

Under the circumstances, juveniles commit almost half of all serious crimes. In America, 15 is the peak age for crimes and violence! The key to a peaceful world lies with the care we take of youth who are the citizens of tomorrow.

Youths:

Rebellion… The Generation Gap… Student Unrest… Juvenile Delinquency… Illegitimacy… Sexual Revolution … Pot … Escapism … these are the social problems of today's youth.

Reasons:

Why do children and youths go astray? Because they aren't brought up the rightway. We are failing our children. They are our future and our most precious resource and yet our most lawless citizens. We have never given them any spiritual training.

The world is in torment. The gravest problem scourging today's world is the 'Crisis of Character'. Crime stems from a lack of character.

The simple reason for all the violence is plain Human Nature - uncurbed human nature, allowed to run rampant in a tolerant society. So long as we are dominated by passions and desires, we will flout our neighbor, never leave him in peace, build institutions and societies which mirror our violent impulse, aggression and greed.

Education:

Education, however more than any other single factor that can mould the citizen of the follow future. But modern education has failed to provide solid goals and values that its youth could rally behind individually and nationally. It fails to teach students how to live. It commits the crime of developing the machine, instead of the Man. The result is a mixed-up, unhappy and fearful world in chaos.

Remedy:

Ours is a diseased humanity we have plenty of knowledge. Through their, the young people of the world show their utter contempt for the values of a society that has a materialistic way of life through riots, demonstrations etc, what society needs is a spiritual sheet anchor. Man does not live by bread alone.

Religion:

Religion is the life-giving water which quenches materialism that is burning the core of the hearts of millions. It is meant to refine the nature of man. Some say religion has failed to do that. But it is really not so. In fact, religion has not been tried in its true sense. As C.C. Colton said: "Men wrangle for religion, write for it, fight for it, die for it, anything but LIVE for it."

Character:

Undoubtedly, "The greatest, the highest and the noblest contribution that a man can make for the benefit and prosperity of this world is his pure and spotless character."

Today, the Swaminarayan Sampradaya founded by Lord Swaminarayan two hundred years ago, is a dynamic force working miracles with the youth. The fountainhead of such metamorphosis was Yogiji Maharaj succeeded by the present Head, His Divine Holiness Swami Maharaj.

A Novel University

His Divine Holiness Yogiji Maharaj's impact on the student is vividly borne out by the following incident:

In 1965 a mob of 2000-militant students at Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, marched towards the Chemistry Department to burn it down as a protest of their grievances. At the head of the mob was a burning torch and the students were in a violent mood. 

However, to everyone's surprise, a dozen students halted the mob. One of them coolly suggested to the 2000-strong mob: "You may first burn us down before you proceed to burn the institution of education. It has been the source of education for thousands and will still educate thousands more for decades together. What shall we gain by burning down the buildings?"these dozen youths held back the 2000 agitators. This seems incredible. But the Head of the Chemistry Department, could not even imagine that there could be such students who would, at the risk of their lives, make the mob see reason even in their frenzy. 

The mob dispersed.

The Head of the Chemistry Department, later on, called on those youths to find out in which "University" their moral fibre had been moulded. Pat came the reply: "It is Yogiji Maharaj who has taught us this. We are followers of the Swaminarayan Movement which has always provided peaceful solutions to problems."

This has been so because Swamiji has been an idol of selfless love.

Youth Power Sublimated

Swami Maharaj has inspired noble virtues in thousands of youths today. During a grand festival to mark the Bicentenary of Lord Swaminarayan in April 1981, Ahmedabad, 10,000 youth volunteers, were working day in day out, to make the 37-day Festival a grand success. 

Millions thronged to the festival. However, at that time, there were rampant anti-Reservation Riots with escalating violence going on in Ahmedabad and throughout Gujarat. 

The situation was out of hand as even the Central Government arbitrators had failed to bring about a peaceful settlement. The Gujarat Government was ill-equipped to curb such riots. 

Curfew used to be the order of the day. However, the religious festival, held in the very midst of Ahmedabad City went on without a single untoward incident. The youths, the fellow-students of the rioting students, were involved in an activity that transcended the worldly agitations and violence. In spite of the general atmosphere of looting, arson, and violence, these youths remained above the politicking. Not only that but they also assisted for peace in Ahmedabad and Gujarat at large. Peace was soon restored in Gujarat.

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The Shadow of Death

Jean de La Fontaine: "Death never takes the wise man by surprise he is always ready to go." Learn more about the concept of death in this article.

On 5th May 1993 a news age agency in China solemnly filed a report that Li Ching Yu, the oldest man on earth, had expired at 256!

When the present proof-crazy authorities declare of knowing no one having celebrated his 116th birthday, people still put trust in the Russians announced the death of Muslimov of Barzavu, in august 1973. They said he lived to enjoy the 100th birthday of his third wife and his grandchild.

Despite the fact that we do not know how close to truth these claims are we still find them strikingly impressive; surprising and bewildering! Like us, the majority of humanity tends to marvel at stunts of life, and life itself; yet overlooks the commonest and the most stunning part of it all : DEATH!

In the days of Shri Krishna, Yaksha bemused Yudhisthira with a similar question, "What is the greatest wonder of the world?" Yudhisthira unravelled: "Although, before his very eyes, man witnesses people dying and things perishing, he never, for once honestly feels that death shall befall him likewise." 

Your Nursery Teacher told You so!

Is it not absurd that we mechanically get into our daily routine sparing no thought or wilfully ignoring the most conspicuous feature of our life - DEATH? Since birth our eardrums have received the din of death, our eyes have seen its sieges and our mind has tolerated its tremors. Yet we forget!

On your zero birthday while you frolicked spitefully in your mother's arms, a 'Birth Certificate' had been issued, but at the same time, the same people, set aside a similar piece of paper for the 'Death Certificate'. Birth is an invitation to death. Age toddled you onto nursery. Surely! You can recall the dramatic voice of your teacher?

"… and the b..i..g..bad wolf DIED!" You cheered in a class-chorus as it meant a happy ending for the three little pigs : It was strongly suggestive that not only the baddies but even the goodies came to an inevitable end, whether unhappy or happy.

Now you're older and roaming the streets. It's Saturday. With a teenage gait and a stylish tilt you look up-Gosh! Colourful posters from the movie-world arrest your eyes. They read 'Game of Death' and 'Death Race 2000'. Age comes harshly down and you find yourself in the early twenties, hung on a job. One evening, making full use of your cushioned sofa, you wearily turn on the T.V. The box screens a few protesters waving curse, "Death to…." The news terminates taking with it a few more years. A new horizon gives way. Crowded with dreams, you stand facing a 'yagna' or a church altar, holding a warm, delicate hand of your second half to be. Softly and shyly both of you whisper, "Till death do us part."

All this goes when death strikes.

Even the Strongest Proved too Weak

At 33, death disposed of Alexander the great with an ease of a spider gorging a trapped fly. Napoleon, Stalin and Churchill were all great and sturdy but greater and sturdier still was death; The list is endless and it's here that the famous lines of a Gujarati poet, Narayandas, need framing:

"As for a man, his days are numbered:
With dawn, as a bud of the field, he flourisheth.
With dusk, as a withered flower he falleth.

No Time for Good-Byes

When 900 people in Jonestown, Guyana committed mass suicide in November 1978 the world was riddled by its suddenness and freakishness. Hardly anyone prophesied it or later believed it but it was crystal clear, how inhumane was the instigator, Rev. Jim Jones, is of little importance here as we are concerned with the unpredictability of Death.

Science Won't Help!

Many say, Science will curtail death and eventually eliminate it; as it has already increased our lifespan from 30 in the 1900's to well over 60 in the 1990's. The question to ask is will the space age scientist be able to devise a protective outfit to fight death? The most logical answer is 'No'.
Today, the microscope has revealed the unseen world, the scalpel has discovered hidden regions and the telescope distant galaxies. Yet death has remained a mystery.

It's Coded Messages

So far, so good; we've closed in onto a few features of death. 

(a) Death is predetermined; none can escape it.

(b) Death arrives at anytime.

(c) Death is too complex to be understood.

(d) Death remains uninfluenced by scientific or worldly methods.

Birth bargains with joy; death deals with gloom. We entered the world empty-handed and we'll have to exit it empty-handed. If our own body fails to accompany us then what of possessions? What use is expending a life for things which we are to leave behind? It would be like slogging day and night for 50 years at a factory and coming home without a dime! Vain and disheartening!

Before it's too late we must change things. We have to act lightning fast because death may befall us at anytime. Even now at this very moment! But we can't understand it. We're in a fix! What do we do? Well, what does a child do when he's stuck with a maths sum? Simple! He runs to an experienced teacher. Our experienced saints and sages direct us to religion. Science remains mute on this topic, it offers nothing. Only religion needs resorting to.

Steve McQueen No.1 Hollywood Star admits

His athletic physique, manly stride and a handsome squarish face topped with flaxen hair, hoisted him to the apex of Hollywood. For years, he remained nonchalantly, the No. 1. Inwardly, a proud, rigid man disillusioned by success, Steve relentlessly despised God, until… At the age of 42 the doctors stamped him a patient of terminable cancer. The horror of dying struck him. A dramatic metamorphosis followed. He found himself struggling to play a role he'd never played before. His film career was at stake, his dreams were dwindling, and he desperately needed aid. Past successes and publicity did poorly for his present state. At last, with a lacerated ego he meekly turned to God. In 1979 a British newspaper reported.

"A man who publicly scorned God began to privately pray for hours at an altar, he specially installed at his place." In his own words, "I have touched God. He has given me more courage than I have ever had in my life." Though Steve never recovered physically, he died a different death. He had experienced that his entire life, though teeming with fame and wealth, was useless at the point of death. This understanding transformed him. He sought God during his final months and tried tirelessly in the limited time available. God indubitably assuaged the misery of his soul.

He was fortunate enough to foresee death, we may not be so fortunate. We must act immediately! Opt for a resolution - a God-centered life, or a betterment, if we already are religious.

Overcoming Fear

In the Shrimad Bhagwat, King Parikshit, when informed about his impending death in a week's time, became paralysed by fear. He at once sought the succour of sage Shukdev and took refuge. For a week he did without royal comforts, food and even water, focusing his senses on the religious discourses. The knowledge of God cleansed him, enabling him to transcend fear. He embraced death smilingly, fearlessly and went forth to become immortal. Through God he had vanquished the fear of death….

But religious tales and God's words shed divine light which dispel this darkness. Lord Swaminarayan says, "One who has devotion with exuberant love towards God will overcome fear of death and feel fulfilled." (Vachnamrut Loya 2).

Does Death Call for a Party?

It has been bred in the very marrow of Indian Culture that death is not the inevitable, inescapable, tortuous ordeal. From young age the religious have been nursed on Gita's ambrosia in the form of shlokas.

"The soul is never born nor dies; nor does it exist on coming into being. For it is unborn, eternal, everlasting and primeval; even though the body is slain, the soul is not."
Protected by a mail of knowledge, people well grounded in Indian Culture have sent invitations to death. They realise themselves to be the soul; the soul never dies. No question of death lingers and the process becomes negligible. Moreover, Lord Krishna explains.

"As a man discarding worn-out clothes, takes other new ones, likewise the embodied soul, casting off wornout bodies enters into others which are new."

Noteworthy historical events during the life of Lord Swaminarayan up to this day espouse the above statement.

A devotee in a vision was informed by the Lord that the elder of his two sons will expire in a month's time. And exactly a month later, the body demised. His relatives mourned and the village showed concern. But to their unthinkable horror, they saw the father distributing sugar-pieces. He was celebrating his son's death!

Another month swept by and the Lord predicted his second and last son's death. It followed accordingly. People grieved at the second successive death in such a short interval. Yet, once again the father rejoicing celebrated this inauspicious occasion. When the village folk irately questioned his barmy behaviour, he clarified, "My sons were happy, but have become happier. They now sit in God's abode, eternally.

Jean de La Fontaine's saying demands some attention, "Death never takes the wise man by surprise he is always ready to go."

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