by Sri Bmal Mohanty
VOL No. 11
 May 2001

CHAPTER TWELVE - LISTENING TO INNER VOICE.

"Based on lectures by Sri Bimal Mohanty"

  QUESTIONS FROM THE READERS

QUESTION 1. - From various

What is the meaning of AHWAN?

Ans: I keep on getting number of querries -especially from friends not very conversant with Sanskrt terms - asking for the meaning of AHWAN.

Here are a few words which might help.

AHWAN is a sanskrt word meaning "CALL" or "CALLING".

Being generic, it is open to many interpretations. One which may be apt for our purpose may be explained as follows.

The final evolutionary goal for every created being is Satchidananda. The truth, its realisation and the ensuing bliss. Satchidananda is perfection unlimited. It is the highest level of `being' towards which we continuously strive - sheding away all imperfections on the way - and finally merge with it and be part of this truth and bliss.

The Divine Supreme Consciousness, (The Param Bramhan, The God, The Lord , whatever name one may give it) is constantly calling each one to rise from the state of inferior being and attain the status of highest superior being and be one with Him. This call reverberates in the entire universe in different form and context. The sooner we hark this call and consciously engage in our spiritual development, sooner will end this cycle of return to imperfection and misery. We shall then attain that state of permanent bliss which is our original nature.

QUESTION 2. - From Sri Namrith Jaykar, , Sri Prem Chand Gupta New Delhi, Ms Jayashree Pune and two other friends.

To know more about meditation

Ans. On expected lines, there are good many number of questions to know about Meditation. At the outset, let me state that, judging the interest we shall soon (after the next couple of issues) be publishing some articles dealing with meditation.

There are ofcourse any amount of written material available describing the various `do's and `donts' about meditation. In the context of spiritual approach to life, we shall attempt to look at this issue with a different point of view.

Meditation is an essential process of any spiritual sadhana (practice).

But many of us normally take only a narrow view of meditation as a kind of therapeutic antidote against physical and mental worries.

Meditation is beyond all these. It is an evolutionary and developmental process of our `being' towards our ultimate goal of Satchidananda- the truth, its realisation and the ensuing bliss.

To derive best results a certain spiritual conditioning and understanding of Sanatana philosophy helps. This conditioning and understanding comes from knowledge. Unless the knowledge assists the Sadhaka the progress will be painfully slow.

If the philosophy and the essence of meditation is not understood side by side with its practice, - as it often happens with many people - frustration and rejection happens too quickly. Unrelated expectations, confusion on issues are too often encountered. Therefore a preparatory conditioning on spiritual matters becomes necessary in order to obtain best results.

Meditation without its spiritual mooring is a waste of time.

In this context, topics such as Understanding Bramhan, meditation, its effects on our physical and subtle bodies become relevant. Some you will find going through the articles in Ahwan and some will appear in next issues.

QUESTION 3. - From Sri Amitabh Joshi

My question is: For those who have a relatively easy & good life, spirituality comes without much hindrance & is often more a fad than anything else. But for those whose lives are repeatedly stuttered with problems and pain and who have found God & LOST him/her-What is left to say to them?

Ans. Yes! It does appear so, doesn't it ? But it only appears that way.

Firstly, we must differentiate between sincere engagement with spirituality, and the outward demonstrative show of rituals and endevours which many people and organizations indulge in. These are to a great extent futile in content. Understanding this, shall eliminate good many number of persons who outwardly appear to be spiritual.

Secondly, conscious engagement with Divinity is neither easy nor difficult. That yearning for evolvement towards the highest being, is inherently woven into the psyche of every created entity. It is within them in either dormant, partially active, or active state. It is triggered neither by comforts of good life nor stifled by problems of worldly worries. It follows a divine principle which is always for the best. A cross section of lives of many enlightened souls will go on to prove this.

Thirdly, the material comforts neither guarantee happiness nor the lack of it debases life. How much do we know, what suffering the other person is hiding in his heart, even though outwardly he enjoys all material comforts? There is no way to judge someone else's life with our limited understanding. Every type of situation we find ourselves in, is our own choosing and its sole purpose is to act like a book of lesson that helps us to understand the ways of the Divine better.

Fourthly, no honest person ever turns Godward with any ulterior motive. It is the call that drives him. All such people fall into four categories. The aarta or the distressed, the arthaarthi or the one seeking some material resources, the jijnaasu or the enquirer of knowledge and the jnaani or the one who has tasted the knowledge. Each turns godward driven by his own need and all genuine prayers (and efforts) are rewarded.

Finally, God is neither found or ever lost. That would mean as if he is something different and separate from us. All the spiritual efforts that we put in, is to acquire the realization of our oneness with Him. The beauty of Sadhana is that even a tiniest of effort from our side is never lost. It takes us a small step nearer to this realization. There may be temporary setbacks (which also has a divine purpose). But those who receive setbacks emerge stronger to bounce back with more intense faith. They always do.

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