If we can somehow consolidate the habit of constantly repeating the Name, normally a consciousness about the supreme goal of our life perennially persists in our mind. We can detect it as soon as any object, condition, situation, attraction or repulsion tries to draw us away from the Ideal. Theft can seldom take place in a house where the house-holder is wide awake and vigilant. In this state self-analysis and self-examination become constant and normal. We do not repent after having committed mistakes, but we remain on our guard before we are overtaken by blunders. Still mistakes do take place. But if we persist in our spiritual practice we can correct our mistakes immediately. Because, we do not harbour any inclination to nurture or support our mistakes rather we become tremendously earnest about eradicating them as soon as they are detected.
Often the mistakes do not make themselves felt spontaneously. But when we try to concentrate our mind on God they invariably appear before us. Thereafter they are to be corrected with a grim determination. If we perceive at the time of meditation that we have behaved with someone in an undesirable way, we should make haste to please the man with all sweet and cordial behaviour without allowing our ego to remain stiff. If we go on adjusting ourselves in this way, defects and demerits do not find any opportunity to accumulate and debase us. Then our mind becomes clear and unburdened. Our whole life flows on smoothly in a blissful manner with an unbroken continuity.
The Joy of Self-Possession
Again in course of spiritual practice our mind is habitually drawn inward. The very roots of our consciousness steadfastly adhere to the subtlest depths of our being i.e. to the Ideal. So the thousand and one conflicts and struggles of life cannot upset us at all. In the midst of all agitations an abiding sense of steadiness and peace reigns supreme. This self-possession, stay in the Ideal or dwelling in Brahman is the only desideratum of life. To dwell in Brahma means to dwell and roam in becoming. In fact, we have no acquaintance with the happiness that flows from active absorption in the Ideal. And that is why we greedily move about seeking the paltry happiness that can be secured by yielding to passions. If we can somehow develop a maddening urge for God, then sorrow vanishes once for all and we do not feel the painful pinch of unending hankerings. At this blessed hour a man becomes established in a consciousness of everlasting perfection and ever renewing novelty and freshness of spirit. Life and world appear to be a perennial stream of sweetness to him. He can then usher in peace and cosmos in the bosom of the devastating chaos of the world, with the aid of his inmost bliss and harmony springing from his intense Ideal-Centric love.
Perception and Pursuit of Sound (Bhajan)
In course of spiritual practice when sound appears it should be properly pursued and sought after. This is called “Bhajan”. In the spiritual path “Bhajan” has a special utility. So every day it should be practiced for quite a long time with deep adherence according to the way prescribed by the realized ‘Guru’.
Food, Habit and Conduct
If we have to move in tune with the Ideal, we need to take special care of food, habits, speeches, manners, dealing, conduct, behaviour etc. these things are to be so adjusted that they promote health of body and mind, devotion and regard, eliminating all adverse distractions. These benign habits are called hygienic principles (Sadachar).
There are three kinds of Sadachar, i.e. physical, mental and spiritual. By spirituality we mean a way of life by the adoption of which progressive dynamism becomes constant and unhampered. Well adhered Ideal-centred move includes mental and spiritual Sadachar. In a word we should be particularly vigilant and careful about observing Sadachar in a comprehensive and thorough manner. It is a must in the spiritual life. If we deviate from it we shall be unnecessarily creating hindrances in the path of our spiritual evolution.
Personal Perusal
Regular daily perusal of good books and scriptures is also a must for our spiritual advancement. Perusal becomes complete when we try to master the principles laid down by men of realization. So we should not merely read books but endeavour to observe existential principles in our day to day life. We shall have to acquire necessary good habits by systematic cultivation. Again, we shall have to give up all bad habits with determined and conscious efforts.
Vows and Atonements
There is provision for specific atonements for particular transgressions, evil deeds and sins. If anyone happens to succumb to such vices he needs to purify himself by having recourse to appropriate forms of expiation. Expiation signifies restoration of lost responsiveness through the adoption of proper remedial measures. As a result of addiction to vices our nerves lose their fine sensibilities. To discern and identify the cause of mental depravity and to revive the dwindling responsive faculty by eliminating the causal factors that contribute to the deterioration of it through strict adherence to certain restraints and disciplines as also sincere confession constitute the essential features of expiation. Again there is provision for the observance of precise vows for the awakening of willpower and the attainment of self-purification and self-contentment. It is useful to perform them according to necessity.
Prayer, Discourse on the Ideal and Association with Ideal
We should say something about prayer. Often we pray for various objects. But our prayers should centre on the interest and establishment of the Ideal and not around our self-interest and self-glorification. Because self-centred desires snap our ties with the Ideal. We should identify ourselves with his interest. This makes our communion with him spontaneous and natural. Again, our prayers should be supplemented and fortified by apt actual move and deeds. It is only then that they become unfailing. The essence of the word ‘prayer’ also lies in an excellent go of life. In the family life and organizational sphere congregational prayer coupled with relishing discourses on the Ideal irresistibly and invariably uplifts our mind towards the Ideal effecting a tuning with him. The regular cultivation of these practices is highly beneficial. It is also very essential to come to the living altar of the Lord and to keep company with him and his sincere devotees with all regardful service and intelligent understanding. Through this holy habit quite a lot of existential traits and trends can be assimilated.
All these things are included in Jajan. In fact, the objective of Jajan is to assimilate and imbibe the character and conduct of the Ideal in the life of the devotee according to his personal capability and individual distinctiveness and thus to keep in tune with the Ideal in all respects with all active materialization of his principles and plans on the plane of actual living. Therein lies the culmination of realization. ▀
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