1. VICTORY OVER FEAR
(Pratipaksha-Bhavana-Method)
As you think, so you become. As you think, so you develop. As is your ideal, so gradually your life will become. This is so, because there is a great transforming power in thought.
Take, then, the life of perfect men like Bhishma and think of their deeds and their life and ideals. Your life will be filled by purity, courage, etc. You will become a noble, perfect man. The thought will transform you into its own likeness. Man becomes like what he worships. Man becomes like what he thinks. This is indeed true.
Sit with closed eyes in the early morning. Meditate on courage, the opposite of fear, for half an hour. Think of the advantages of courage and the disadvantages of fear. Practice the virtue during the day. Feel that you actually possess courage to an enormous degree. Manifest it
in your daily life. In some weeks or months fear will be replaced by courage. Repeat the formula
“Om courage” mentally, daily several times. Meditate and assert:
“I am all courage OM OM OM
I am an embodiment of courage OM OM OM
I am like Bhishma OM OM OM
I am a great hero OM OM OM My will is very powerful OM OM OM
I am not afraid of anything OM OM OM
I am bold and chivalrous OM OM OM Courage is my birthright OM OM OM
CONQUEST OF FEAR
It is very difficult to attack fear directly. It is very strong. You are a victim to this
negative trait in hundreds of lives. It has taken deep root. Put the seeds of courage in your heart. Allow it to grow. Fear will die by itself. The positive always overcomes the negative. This is an immutable psychological law. This is the Pratipaksha-Bhavana-method of RajaYogins. Try this method again and again. You are bound to succeed.
May you attain triumph over fear by cultivating courage through the Pratipaksha- Bhavana-method or the method of thinking on the opposite!
2. FEELING THE PRESENCE OF GOD
God is all-pervading. He is always with you. He is in you, around you. He is not far to seek. He cannot be, perceived through the physical eye. Your sense of touch cannot help you.
He has to be realized through the inner eye of wisdom.
Modern civilization has enslaved people to such an extent that they are incapable of any original expression, thought or deed. They do not care to think of their routine actions—how their activities progress, what they are running after or what goal they are marching towards. Inventions, innovations and contrivances have eased men from their labour and human skill. The conservation of energy in this direction has only created laziness in them. More sensual desires and perceptions have begun to sway them. Lost in the ever-pouring luxuries of life, the true mission is once for all forgotten. People do not think wherefrom their daily requirements come, who the unfailing and non-stopping supplier is, where His abode rests, how to have His Darshan, what to request of Him and how to revere Him. No amount of study and research in physical geography, vegetable kingdom, various industrial technologies, physiology and other sciences will solve these problems nor even give a clue to the solution. This scientific knowledge is subject to various hypotheses, axioms and data which are by themselves under controversies. This knowledge will in no way aid one to arrive at the source. The source is really beyond all these conceptions. Its abode cannot be located by running the finger over a coloured map. The Dweller and His abode can be seen only through the inner eye and right understanding. Concentration, Meditation and Sublime Thoughts are the pathways to this abode.
Most people feel themselves unable to stay their mind upon God and meditate upon divine thoughts. This is all due to want of training. Realization is always through practice. Practice comes out of proper training. Proper training requires consultation of learned men. This
is “Initiation in the right path.”
In all ages you meet with such great personalities who are always ready to help you but who may not advertise themselves as such. It is left to you to find out such men, to choose your own GURU to obey him implicitly, to serve him with all sincerity and earnestness and express your thirst for knowledge. Vain discussions and intentional test-questions must be strictly avoided. You must be regular in your lessons and practice.
There are again persons who say that they are unable to meet even a single man of such qualities, for their Guru. Though it is firmly held that no perfection can be attained in any line
without a Guru, it may well be asserted that God is near and dear to you as He is to everybody.
Sincere and earnest attempt will have its own fruits. It is not on this plea the concentration and meditation have to be cast off.
Because a man does not understand the film language, does he refrain from visiting films? He avails himself of every opportunity to accompany his friend who is able to interpret and who is already in the groove. If not he makes fresh acquaintance while in the queue to procure tickets. Even this if he is unable to get he pushes himself anyway and tries his best to decipher the whole film racking his brain. He makes earnest efforts to improve his knowledge in this line by purchasing synopsis, bulletins and magazines. He is restless until he acquires some knowledge. At no stage does he stop and put an end to this quest of knowledge. In due course every actor or actress lives at the tip of his tongue. He becomes profusely enlightened in this art.
He speaks hours and hours about the talents of various film-stars. What are all these due to? Is
he not training himself earnestly. honestly, sincerely and virtuously in the particular line? Did he wait for a Guru? What a pity it is that a man indulges so much in trivial things discarding the vital mission of life?
It is quite common for people to complain that when they begin to think upon God, their mind wanders here and there and their thoughts become engaged with mundane affairs. This is again due to lack of training and want of definite will-power. True. It is very difficult, extremely difficult to fix the mind at first instance upon God. An entirely different, superior and higher stratum of mind is needed for this practice. This has to be well developed.
The mind is full of lust. It is always restless. It traverses through all spheres—good or bad. It has to be wound up by the triple cord of devotion, concentration and meditation. It must always be kept under control.
Try to get alone for a few minutes every day. If you cannot afford this, utilize every scrap
of leisure you presume to enjoy. Select a lonely place, a river bank, the top of a mount, the open terrace of your house, a sea shore, a simple pleasant meadow, a corner in a temple, church or mosque or a private room. Purge all your wavering thoughts. This will be quite easy in any of
the above localities as all the senses will be drawn by the exquisite, beauty of the spot or landscape or by the deep silence pervading all-round. If necessary, burn incense or scented sticks, which will always keep you alert.
There are two distinctive ways for worship of God. One, the “All-pervading Nature” and
the other “Here and here alone”. If one is to sit down and contemplate on the omnipresence of God, i.e., presence in the sun, in the moon, in the stars, in anything and everything he comes across, perhaps he might become lost in immensity. On the other hand one may localize the presence of God at the initial stage which he may develop later into the former method.
Having steadied the mind either by gazing at a particular spot, or the picture of any form
of God or Guru or tuning the ears to the murmur of the river or receding waves of the sea, utter slowly in a low tone the statement “GOD IS NOW HERE” or “GOD IS IN THIS ROOM”. First repeat “G-O-D I-S N-O-W H-E-R-E” in a deep meditative way. Then relax for a while and
again repeat. Do this untiringly till you are immersed in your statement. Now you realize the
presence of God.
Do not stop with this. This is not the ultimate aim. Existence Absolute, Knowledge Absolute and Bliss Absolute are the supreme things to be aimed at. After experiencing “GOD IS NOW HERE” repeat “HIS PRESENCE FILLS ME FROM HEAD TO FOOT”. By repeated utterances realize His existence in you. In the same way practice “HIS PRESENCE IS JOY”,
“HIS PRESENCE IS LOVE” and “HIS PRESENCE IS PEACE”. Whenever your mind attempts
to wander, repeat these statements loudly until it comes round. Morning hours are most suitable. This practice will free you from fear and fill you with courage, joy and peace.
If this is practiced untiringly a sense of supreme joy, Cosmic love and Eternal Peace will reign over you. What to speak of the radiance of such a realized Yogi? How glorious will he shine in the world.
May all know this easy way for the realization of God! May all practice this with definiteness and self-will. May all share His blessings. May all be free from worldly ties and sensual agonies. May the All-merciful Lord encumber them with help and relieve them from the struggle of Samsara!
3. DEVOTION TO GOD ERADICATES ALL FEARS
God bestows perfect security on His devotees and removes all sorts of fears. He transforms the sense of insecurity and fear into one of confidence and faith. He saves him from panic and despair.
Mira was tormented by her husband in a variety of ways but Lord Krishna protected her and removed all her fears. The cup of poison was changed into nectar. Cobra was changed into Saligrama and a garland of flowers. She was shut in a cage where there was a hungry tiger. The tiger did not eat her but kissed the feet of Mira. This was all due to grace of Lord Krishna.
Lord Hari removed all the fears of Prahlada. Prahlada also was tormented by his cruel father. Prahlada was thrown into the sea. He was trampled under the feet of the elephant. He was rolled down from the top of a hill. He was thrown into the fire. But he was saved by Lord Hari. Lord Vishnu removed all his fears.
A devotee sees only the Lord in all names and forms. He beholds Lord Hari everywhere. How can there be fear, then, for him?
Take refuge in Lord, in His name and grace. All fears will vanish completely. He will bestow strength, fortitude, courage, presence of mind, etc., in you.
Abandon desires, Raga-Dvesha, and all sorts of worldly attachment. Pray and meditate:
Lord Hari! I am Thine Ram Ram Ram
O Lord Hari! All is Thine Ram Ram Ram
Thy will be done Ram Ram Ram Fill my heart with courage Ram Ram Ram Shower Thy grace on me Ram Ram Ram Let my mind be attached to Thy lotus feet Ram Ram Ram Let me feel Thy presence, everywhere Ram Ram Ram Let me behold Thee in all forms Ram Ram Ram Reveal Thy form to me Ram Ram Ram Guide me, protect me Ram Ram Ram Pahi Mam. Raksha Mam Ram Ram Ram
4. MEDITATION ON ATMAN
(The Method of Jnanis)
Meditation on the fearless Atman removes all sorts of fears in toto. A sage beholds the immortal fearless Self only everywhere. How can there be fear for him then? There is fear only where there is duality. If one feels that there is a second object besides himself, at once fear is generated. He is afraid of the other man. Separation, duality, perception of objects are all due to Avidya or ignorance.
Start the anti-current from today. Deny the body, and identify yourself with the all- pervading, immortal, fearless Atman. Entire denial of the body cannot come in a day or a week. Constantly think of the Atman. Gradually you will become fearless. You will have to fight against the Samskaras of Anadikala (beginningless time). The more you think of Atman, the more courageous you will become. By constant hammering only can you entirely drive the nail into the wall or a plank. Even so, by constant and protracted thinking on Atman alone you can become absolutely fearless.
Meditate. Assert. Recognize. Realize:
I am fearless, all-pervading Atman OM OM OM
I am not afraid of anything OM OM OM Courage is my birthright OM OM OM
I behold the one Atman everywhere Everything is my own Self OM OM OM Who is to be afraid of whom? OM OM OM There is no duality for me OM OM OM
I see the non-dual essence only OM OM OM My will is very powerful now OM OM OM My power is irresistible OM OM OM
I have no enemy OM OM OM Enemy, tiger, cobra, are my own Self They cannot do harm to me OM OM OM
I love them as my own Self OM OM OM
A Jivanmukta or a sage hates none, fears none. May you all be established in that
Supreme Non-dual Fearless Brahman.
(Pratipaksha-Bhavana-Method)
As you think, so you become. As you think, so you develop. As is your ideal, so gradually your life will become. This is so, because there is a great transforming power in thought.
Take, then, the life of perfect men like Bhishma and think of their deeds and their life and ideals. Your life will be filled by purity, courage, etc. You will become a noble, perfect man. The thought will transform you into its own likeness. Man becomes like what he worships. Man becomes like what he thinks. This is indeed true.
Sit with closed eyes in the early morning. Meditate on courage, the opposite of fear, for half an hour. Think of the advantages of courage and the disadvantages of fear. Practice the virtue during the day. Feel that you actually possess courage to an enormous degree. Manifest it
in your daily life. In some weeks or months fear will be replaced by courage. Repeat the formula
“Om courage” mentally, daily several times. Meditate and assert:
“I am all courage OM OM OM
I am an embodiment of courage OM OM OM
I am like Bhishma OM OM OM
I am a great hero OM OM OM My will is very powerful OM OM OM
I am not afraid of anything OM OM OM
I am bold and chivalrous OM OM OM Courage is my birthright OM OM OM
CONQUEST OF FEAR
It is very difficult to attack fear directly. It is very strong. You are a victim to this
negative trait in hundreds of lives. It has taken deep root. Put the seeds of courage in your heart. Allow it to grow. Fear will die by itself. The positive always overcomes the negative. This is an immutable psychological law. This is the Pratipaksha-Bhavana-method of RajaYogins. Try this method again and again. You are bound to succeed.
May you attain triumph over fear by cultivating courage through the Pratipaksha- Bhavana-method or the method of thinking on the opposite!
2. FEELING THE PRESENCE OF GOD
God is all-pervading. He is always with you. He is in you, around you. He is not far to seek. He cannot be, perceived through the physical eye. Your sense of touch cannot help you.
He has to be realized through the inner eye of wisdom.
Modern civilization has enslaved people to such an extent that they are incapable of any original expression, thought or deed. They do not care to think of their routine actions—how their activities progress, what they are running after or what goal they are marching towards. Inventions, innovations and contrivances have eased men from their labour and human skill. The conservation of energy in this direction has only created laziness in them. More sensual desires and perceptions have begun to sway them. Lost in the ever-pouring luxuries of life, the true mission is once for all forgotten. People do not think wherefrom their daily requirements come, who the unfailing and non-stopping supplier is, where His abode rests, how to have His Darshan, what to request of Him and how to revere Him. No amount of study and research in physical geography, vegetable kingdom, various industrial technologies, physiology and other sciences will solve these problems nor even give a clue to the solution. This scientific knowledge is subject to various hypotheses, axioms and data which are by themselves under controversies. This knowledge will in no way aid one to arrive at the source. The source is really beyond all these conceptions. Its abode cannot be located by running the finger over a coloured map. The Dweller and His abode can be seen only through the inner eye and right understanding. Concentration, Meditation and Sublime Thoughts are the pathways to this abode.
Most people feel themselves unable to stay their mind upon God and meditate upon divine thoughts. This is all due to want of training. Realization is always through practice. Practice comes out of proper training. Proper training requires consultation of learned men. This
is “Initiation in the right path.”
In all ages you meet with such great personalities who are always ready to help you but who may not advertise themselves as such. It is left to you to find out such men, to choose your own GURU to obey him implicitly, to serve him with all sincerity and earnestness and express your thirst for knowledge. Vain discussions and intentional test-questions must be strictly avoided. You must be regular in your lessons and practice.
There are again persons who say that they are unable to meet even a single man of such qualities, for their Guru. Though it is firmly held that no perfection can be attained in any line
without a Guru, it may well be asserted that God is near and dear to you as He is to everybody.
Sincere and earnest attempt will have its own fruits. It is not on this plea the concentration and meditation have to be cast off.
Because a man does not understand the film language, does he refrain from visiting films? He avails himself of every opportunity to accompany his friend who is able to interpret and who is already in the groove. If not he makes fresh acquaintance while in the queue to procure tickets. Even this if he is unable to get he pushes himself anyway and tries his best to decipher the whole film racking his brain. He makes earnest efforts to improve his knowledge in this line by purchasing synopsis, bulletins and magazines. He is restless until he acquires some knowledge. At no stage does he stop and put an end to this quest of knowledge. In due course every actor or actress lives at the tip of his tongue. He becomes profusely enlightened in this art.
He speaks hours and hours about the talents of various film-stars. What are all these due to? Is
he not training himself earnestly. honestly, sincerely and virtuously in the particular line? Did he wait for a Guru? What a pity it is that a man indulges so much in trivial things discarding the vital mission of life?
It is quite common for people to complain that when they begin to think upon God, their mind wanders here and there and their thoughts become engaged with mundane affairs. This is again due to lack of training and want of definite will-power. True. It is very difficult, extremely difficult to fix the mind at first instance upon God. An entirely different, superior and higher stratum of mind is needed for this practice. This has to be well developed.
The mind is full of lust. It is always restless. It traverses through all spheres—good or bad. It has to be wound up by the triple cord of devotion, concentration and meditation. It must always be kept under control.
Try to get alone for a few minutes every day. If you cannot afford this, utilize every scrap
of leisure you presume to enjoy. Select a lonely place, a river bank, the top of a mount, the open terrace of your house, a sea shore, a simple pleasant meadow, a corner in a temple, church or mosque or a private room. Purge all your wavering thoughts. This will be quite easy in any of
the above localities as all the senses will be drawn by the exquisite, beauty of the spot or landscape or by the deep silence pervading all-round. If necessary, burn incense or scented sticks, which will always keep you alert.
There are two distinctive ways for worship of God. One, the “All-pervading Nature” and
the other “Here and here alone”. If one is to sit down and contemplate on the omnipresence of God, i.e., presence in the sun, in the moon, in the stars, in anything and everything he comes across, perhaps he might become lost in immensity. On the other hand one may localize the presence of God at the initial stage which he may develop later into the former method.
Having steadied the mind either by gazing at a particular spot, or the picture of any form
of God or Guru or tuning the ears to the murmur of the river or receding waves of the sea, utter slowly in a low tone the statement “GOD IS NOW HERE” or “GOD IS IN THIS ROOM”. First repeat “G-O-D I-S N-O-W H-E-R-E” in a deep meditative way. Then relax for a while and
again repeat. Do this untiringly till you are immersed in your statement. Now you realize the
presence of God.
Do not stop with this. This is not the ultimate aim. Existence Absolute, Knowledge Absolute and Bliss Absolute are the supreme things to be aimed at. After experiencing “GOD IS NOW HERE” repeat “HIS PRESENCE FILLS ME FROM HEAD TO FOOT”. By repeated utterances realize His existence in you. In the same way practice “HIS PRESENCE IS JOY”,
“HIS PRESENCE IS LOVE” and “HIS PRESENCE IS PEACE”. Whenever your mind attempts
to wander, repeat these statements loudly until it comes round. Morning hours are most suitable. This practice will free you from fear and fill you with courage, joy and peace.
If this is practiced untiringly a sense of supreme joy, Cosmic love and Eternal Peace will reign over you. What to speak of the radiance of such a realized Yogi? How glorious will he shine in the world.
May all know this easy way for the realization of God! May all practice this with definiteness and self-will. May all share His blessings. May all be free from worldly ties and sensual agonies. May the All-merciful Lord encumber them with help and relieve them from the struggle of Samsara!
3. DEVOTION TO GOD ERADICATES ALL FEARS
God bestows perfect security on His devotees and removes all sorts of fears. He transforms the sense of insecurity and fear into one of confidence and faith. He saves him from panic and despair.
Mira was tormented by her husband in a variety of ways but Lord Krishna protected her and removed all her fears. The cup of poison was changed into nectar. Cobra was changed into Saligrama and a garland of flowers. She was shut in a cage where there was a hungry tiger. The tiger did not eat her but kissed the feet of Mira. This was all due to grace of Lord Krishna.
Lord Hari removed all the fears of Prahlada. Prahlada also was tormented by his cruel father. Prahlada was thrown into the sea. He was trampled under the feet of the elephant. He was rolled down from the top of a hill. He was thrown into the fire. But he was saved by Lord Hari. Lord Vishnu removed all his fears.
A devotee sees only the Lord in all names and forms. He beholds Lord Hari everywhere. How can there be fear, then, for him?
Take refuge in Lord, in His name and grace. All fears will vanish completely. He will bestow strength, fortitude, courage, presence of mind, etc., in you.
Abandon desires, Raga-Dvesha, and all sorts of worldly attachment. Pray and meditate:
Lord Hari! I am Thine Ram Ram Ram
O Lord Hari! All is Thine Ram Ram Ram
Thy will be done Ram Ram Ram Fill my heart with courage Ram Ram Ram Shower Thy grace on me Ram Ram Ram Let my mind be attached to Thy lotus feet Ram Ram Ram Let me feel Thy presence, everywhere Ram Ram Ram Let me behold Thee in all forms Ram Ram Ram Reveal Thy form to me Ram Ram Ram Guide me, protect me Ram Ram Ram Pahi Mam. Raksha Mam Ram Ram Ram
4. MEDITATION ON ATMAN
(The Method of Jnanis)
Meditation on the fearless Atman removes all sorts of fears in toto. A sage beholds the immortal fearless Self only everywhere. How can there be fear for him then? There is fear only where there is duality. If one feels that there is a second object besides himself, at once fear is generated. He is afraid of the other man. Separation, duality, perception of objects are all due to Avidya or ignorance.
Start the anti-current from today. Deny the body, and identify yourself with the all- pervading, immortal, fearless Atman. Entire denial of the body cannot come in a day or a week. Constantly think of the Atman. Gradually you will become fearless. You will have to fight against the Samskaras of Anadikala (beginningless time). The more you think of Atman, the more courageous you will become. By constant hammering only can you entirely drive the nail into the wall or a plank. Even so, by constant and protracted thinking on Atman alone you can become absolutely fearless.
Meditate. Assert. Recognize. Realize:
I am fearless, all-pervading Atman OM OM OM
I am not afraid of anything OM OM OM Courage is my birthright OM OM OM
I behold the one Atman everywhere Everything is my own Self OM OM OM Who is to be afraid of whom? OM OM OM There is no duality for me OM OM OM
I see the non-dual essence only OM OM OM My will is very powerful now OM OM OM My power is irresistible OM OM OM
I have no enemy OM OM OM Enemy, tiger, cobra, are my own Self They cannot do harm to me OM OM OM
I love them as my own Self OM OM OM
A Jivanmukta or a sage hates none, fears none. May you all be established in that
Supreme Non-dual Fearless Brahman.
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