From 20 to 100 …. Spiritual Journey
Swami encourages devotees to take up Sadhana as per their spiritual growth and He prescribes the medicine (spiritual) to the required level at the appropriate time. Swami only knows the exact spiritual growth of each individual. Not even the highest soul nor even a Guru can decide or measure the level of attainment and spiritual growth of his disciple. The Guru can guide and advice but cannot estimate the attainment level and only God, Swami, can really quantify and qualify the spiritual growth of an aspirant.
Swami advised Nama Smarana to all to cross over this samsara Sagara, the ocean of life especially at this period of time. Knowledge of scriptures, Vedam and its practice as well as various spiritual readings can assimilate many sins amazed through ages by human. So, Swami undertook the upliftment of Vedas and Puranas and initiated the masses into Veda Parayanam on a regular basis. Now Vedam is being learned all around the world irrespective of cast, creed and religion. At this period of time and age, Vedam chanting and spiritual activities may seem as funny to a person who have not experienced any spiritual attainment as they are engulfed in material word. They take refuge in science to counter this and seek solace. Science end where spirituality begins. Science and the scientists have come up with many theories of life on Earth but so far could not even go beyond the 5% of the mass and 95% still remains as unknown mass of the universe. Still new and newer Galaxies are being discovered. Many experiments on life after death have thrown light on the existence of Atma or a life force. When that force leaves the body only then that being is declared as dead. Swami on numerous occasions exhorted us to find that Atma or Chaitanya within us. All the spiritual exercises are just meant to realize that Atma or that real Self. Swami declared “I am God which I realizes but you are also God which you do not realize”. Meaning He and the seeker or devotee is the same. From that big one, all the other beings have originated. So, each individual is verily the same Atma and has immense potential and capabilities. Swami also said each human being or any being for that matter contains the same Atma and once that is realized then the whole universe will become one. Instead of hatred they will love each other and understand the meaning of brotherhood.
There is no specific time for taking up Sadhana to seek God within, He said. Earlier the better as one can take up Sadhana at better physical conditions than at a later stage where you will be more worried and concentrated on your physical liabilities rather than the Sadhana. He prescribed the following attainment or milestones at various stages of one’s life and is worth pondering.
At 20 Years = 2+0 Concentrate on two things, Shradha and Bhakthi
At 30 Years = 3+0 Concentrate on Three things, Thrikarna Shudhi
Purity of Word, Thought and Action is what one should attain at 30 Years
At 40 Years = 4+0 Concentrate on Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha (4 Purusharthas) Swami wanted us to desire for Moksha only. Practice Dharma for Artha means earn your wealth through Dharmic ways.
At 50 Years = 5+0, One has to practice controlling the Five Senses.
At 60 Years = 6+ 0, Swami urges one to conquer the Six enemies. Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Matha, Matsarya.
At 70 Years = 7+0, One should become like the Saptharshi’s (Swami said all the above is practiced well then one will become like the Saptharishi. Service to community is an easy way to attain this state.
At 80 Years = 8+0, Like Ashta Dik Palakas. The Ashta Dik Palakas are known for their service to God. They are always immersed in God; they have no other attachment.
At 90 Years = 9+0, become like the Navagrahas. Through your word, action and even the thought processes you revolve around Swami just like the Navagrahas.
At 100 Years = 1+0+0=1 One Only. Become the One. You and Swami are One.
Sairam
