Message on the occasion of Guru Purnima!

1. Give the highest priority to preparing for survival and performing sadhana, since a major war is inevitable ! – Sachchidananda Parabrahman Dr Jayant Athavale

The world is passing through a period of tremendous upheaval. A World War is inevitable, and the next 5-7 years will witness increasingly war-like conditions across the world. In spiritual terms, this is a sandhikal (Transition period). For more than two decades, Sanatan Sanstha has guided that humanity will face a period of great adversity. That difficult phase has now begun, and everyone will have to face its challenges. What practical steps should we take to safeguard ourselves and our families? What sadhana (Spiritual practice) should we perform? Through its texts, Periodicals, Websites, and other media, Sanatan Sanstha has consistently provided guidance on these aspects. This guidance is not meant merely to be read; it is now time to put it into practice. Therefore, without delay, give the highest priority to the actions necessary for your survival, while intensifying your sadhana. During the adverse times. God’s protection is experienced most fully by sincere devotees!

For the past 5-7 years, especially since the Covid19 pandemic, sampatkal (Favourable period) has given way to the apatkal (Adverse times). From last year onwards, that is, since the India–Pakistan war, the adverse times are unfolding before us. Every period has its own priorities. During sampatkal, people focus on employment, business, travel, and entertainment. During times of widespread crisis, our priorities must change. Fulfilling national duties, preparing for survival, and performing sadhana should take precedence during times of war. Sadhana performed during sandhikal (Transition period) yields the benefit of many years of sadhana within a comparatively short period. Therefore, if you dedicate yourself to sadhana during the next 5-7 years of difficult times, you can obtain immense spiritual benefit along with Divine protection.

During such challenging times, it is essential not to think only of oneself, but equally important to help protect and support sattvik Hindus (jivas [Embodied souls] doing sadhana) in society. Making sincere efforts for their safety and well-being is itself an important form of samashti sadhana (Spiritual practice for the spread of Spirituality) during this period.

– Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Jayant Athavale, Founder, Sanatan Sanstha

2. Eliminate personality defects, negligence, and confusion for rapid spiritual progress – Shrisatshakti (Mrs) Binda Singbal

‘साध्यति निष्पादयति कार्यमिति इति साधकः।’
Meaning : One who continuously performs actions (sadhana [Spiritual practice]) till the desired objective (spiritual progress) is attained, is a seeker. The main obstacles in becoming a true seeker are personality defects, negligence, and confusion.

1. Personality defects : The output of sadhana (its pace and fruit) reduces due to personality defects such as laziness. Therefore, it is important for seekers to implement the Personality Defect Removal process. Through this process, the obstacle of personality defects can be eliminated.

2. Negligence : This refers to improper conduct committed either intentionally or unintentionally. According to the law of karma, one has to undergo the consequences of every action; therefore, every negligent act consumes the fruit of a seeker’s sadhana. As a result, the expected spiritual progress does not take place. The effects of negligence can be remedied through acts such as atonement; hence, a seeker should atone for every negligent act.

3. Confusion : From a seeker’s perspective, the greatest obstacle is confusion! Confusion is a negative mental state created by the seeker himself. It primarily has three aspects :

A. Delusion (considering falsehood to be truth),

B. Conflict (remaining in an undecided state such as whether something is right or wrong), and

C. Doubts (having negative thoughts about the Guru and sadhana).

We can overcome personality defects and negligence through our own sincere efforts; however, to overcome confusion, the Guru’s guidance or grace is essential. Seeking guidance from Saints, who are the forms of the Guru, is the best way to overcome confusion.

On this Guru Purnima, let us make a firm resolve to eliminate the obstacles of personality defects, negligence and confusion within us, so that rapid spiritual progress can take place!

– Shrisatshakti (Mrs) Binda Nilesh Singbal (One of the two Spiritual Heirs of Sachchidananda Parabrahman [Dr] Jayant Athavale)

3. Become devotees of God to obtain protection during the adverse times ! – Shrichitshakti (Mrs) Anjali Gadgil

As foretold by many Seers and Saints, the adverse times have commenced. To sail through the severe adverse times that lie ahead, the only remedy is to develop Bhakti (Devotion) unto God.

The first step in Bhakti is to cultivate bhav (Spiritual emotion) in the antahakaran* for God while performing every act in life. To achieve this, regular sadhana (Spiritual practice) is essential. While performing satseva** of the Guru’s Holy feet, the seeker’s antahakaran automatically develops bhav unto God through the Guru’s sacred presence. It requires no separate efforts. Not letting go of the Guru’s Holy feet should be the ultimate goal in every seeker’s life. Some may say – ‘We do not have a Guru’. In such a situation, one should have the bhav that our Ishtadevata*** is our Guru. This transforms one’s entire life.

*Antahakaran – The inner sense organs consisting of the conscious mind, subconscious mind, intellect and ego
**Satseva – Serving the God Principle
***Ishtadevata – Favourite Deity

According to the proverb, ‘Where there is bhav, there is God’, one can remain in constant communion with God. Communion with God has extraordinary importance in life. Through such communion, the seeker forgets Maya (The Great Illusion that the material world only is real), and life becomes an ocean of spiritual Bliss for Him. Consequently, irrespective of how many crises befall him in the present moment, he faces them with a smile. This is called obtaining God’s or the Guru’s grace.

If there is bhav unto God or the Guru, faith develops that everything is happening as per God’s will. During the adverse times, this very faith and devotion become our life’s support. Without faith and devotion, the boat of life drifts aimlessly.

In times of crises, it is only through faith and devotion that we can safely make it through. Saints say that World War 3 will be severe. Therefore, it is essential to prepare the mind and intellect in advance. Performing sadhana regularly is the best remedy for this.

On this Guru Purnima, let us surrender unto the Guru and resolve to perform intense sadhana by striving to maintain a proper balance between vyashti sadhana (Individual spiritual practice) and samashti sadhana (Spiritual practice for the spread of Spirituality). Let us have firm conviction that Gurudev will certainly carry us through these difficult times.

As preparation for adverse times, do not start only physical preparation, but also commence spiritual preparation through bhav, sacrifice, surrender, and removal of ego. On this Guru Purnima, make a firm resolve for this and obtain the spiritual benefit of the Guru Principle, which functions a thousand times more on the day of Guru Purnima !

– Shrichitshakti (Mrs) Anjali Mukul Gadgil (One of the two Spiritual Heirs of Sachchidananda Parabrahman [Dr] Athavale)