SWAMIJI
TEACHINGS
He explained the different motives for prayer:
1. Highest form: Selfless Prayer - not asking for anything in material terms. Just praying for spiritual advancement of all sentient beings.
2. Medium form: Selfish Prayer- for material benefit or making deals with God.
3. Lowest form: Destructive Prayer - to harm or destroy others.
He explained the methods of attaining spirituality:
1. Japa (mantra reciting),
2. Tirth (pilgrimage),
3. Daan (charity),
4. Satya (true speech),
5. Vyavahar (interaction on a daily basis).
Japa
Reciting one’s mantra constantly in one’s mind should become a habit. One can use prayer beads (a mala) or just say it internally. This cleanses or purifies the mind. The habit of this mantra erases unnecessary thoughts. Japa serves an additional purpose in times of need or fear. Swamiji preached that you should aspire to have Japa so engrained in your subconscious that in the last seconds of your life, you will naturally remember God.
Pray constantly: "Khoob Jaap Karo. "
Tirth
Visiting places of worship have a lasting impact because of their positive energy fields. The prayers, rituals and havans (fire-offerings) that have been performed, purify the atmosphere and hence bring peace to pilgrims. He said it was good for us to go on these journeys as often as possible as they transform the mind.
Daan
The act of giving. He taught us to cultivate the habit early; in giving there is pleasure. During bhandaras he would encourage us to distribute food and money to the poor and sadhus. On seeing their appreciation, we would be motivated to keep giving. He kept nothing for himself and gave away everything. He used to say "Kasht hota hai parantu shuddhi hoti hai." meaning that it is difficult to sacrifice, but one gets purified in doing so.
Charity should be given without the expectation of any return, with the intention of genuinely helping someone. Right intentions and emotions are imperative throughout. When one offers prayers in one’s mind (mansik) they are accepted. So, one’s thoughts are very important and we need to be watchful.
Charity is not limited to giving only monetarily. Giving can be extended in many forms: kindness, compassion, knowledge, food offerings, helping the less able.
In today's day and age (Kalyuga) he said the two most important good karma are japa and daan.
Satya
He placed a lot of emphasis on speaking the truth and staying true to your word. Not giving false promises. If you are unsure, its better not to commit than to break a promise. Also, he stated that its important to speak priya satya (sweet truth). If the truth is going to harm or hurt someone then one should remain silent. It’s better to not comment than to state the bitter truth.
Vyavahar
In Swamiji's opinion, this was the most valued of all teachings. He said that all the above practices happen sometimes, but what happens constantly is your interaction.
Your interaction with people on a daily basis is what makes your karma. See people who serve you as serving angels: feel their pain, treat all with love and respect. Your interaction happens 24 hours a day. Be very careful with this as it determines your karma, destiny or fate. You are responsible for your future.
Philosophy on Death and Life After Death :
Swamiji taught us that your last thoughts determine your soul’s next destination or rebirth. Therefore making Japa a habit and reciting your mantra at the time of death should become second nature.
At the time of one's death, he explained that one’s entire life is shown to you like a movie: a flashback of yourself as a third person - an objective viewer so you can observe your actions in your lifetime. Then according to your deeds and last thoughts you go to the appropriate destination.
On enquiring, “Is death painful?” he replied “if one was to pull ones arm out of its socket it would hurt; similarly, Yama (God of death) takes the life force out of the body – so yes, it is painful."
We should be vigilant to live in such a way that when it’s our turn, we’ll see our spiritual connection rather than the things we regret. He used to tell us not to be a moorkh (an ignorant person) and utilise your human birth wisely. Don’t waste it on eating, sleeping and enjoying worldly pleasures. It is important to keep a watch on your deeds, speech and thoughts. Eventually your thoughts will become actions and your actions become your destiny.
"Do din mein jag ka khela.
Sab chala chali ka mela”
In two days this whole play of the world will end, just like a fun fair.