The Heartfulness ashram in Mysore, with its serene gardens and peaceful atmosphere, provided a perfect backdrop for a spiritually rich exchange. The verdant landscape of the ashram embodies a sanctuary of tranquility, where the calmness of nature blends seamlessly with the meditative silence within. The gentle hum of nature, the soft breeze, and the quiet corners invite seekers to dive deeper into their inner stillness. It's a place where the heart, embraced by the spiritual fragrance of peace, feels at home.

The next day, after a meditation session at 7:30 am, Daaji revisited the important question from the previous day, focusing on the distinction between Heartfulness prayer and Heartfulness meditation. His insights shed light on deep spiritual concepts that provide correct guidance on our journey of self-realization.The practice of Prayer as prescribed in the Heartfulness way involves humbly submitting our current state to the Divine presence, acknowledging our imperfections before the Perfect Being. It reflects duality, which is referred to as the Dvaita Bhav in Sanskrit, where the devotee recognizes his/her state of being separate from the Divine.In the Heartfulness prayer, we express ourselves and seek divine assistance to achieve our ultimate goal: becoming perfect, like the Master. As we move forward in our spiritual journey, our experience evolves from duality into what is known in Sanskrit as the Advait Bhaav (Non-Duality), where the perceived separation between ourselves and the Divine begins to dissolve.While practicing Heartfulness meditation, our focus shifts toward the presence of the Divine in our heart, and eventually, only the Divine remains.&nbsp; The ultimate aspiration is to reach Samadhi, a state where neither the individual nor God remains, but everything merges into an Absolute Void. This state signifies the end of all differentiation, the essence of pure oneness.

Shortly after this enlightening talk, Daaji departed from Mysore and traveled to another campus of Heartfulness in Bengaluru called CREST (Center for Research, Education, Sadhana and Training) for a short visit. Upon his arrival, he had lunch and took a brief rest. He instructed Sister Teja Reddy to conduct the group meditation for all the practitioners present there.&nbsp;As Daaji's journey through Karnataka came to a close, there was a silent reflection on the secret spiritual garden within our hearts, lovingly tended with care and devotion. This inner garden holds the promise of a bountiful harvest—a spiritual life rich in purpose, fostering a deep connection to the Divine. May we all continue to nurture this garden, allowing its fragrance to spread throughout the world. In its quiet beauty, we find strength and solace, even amidst life's inevitable storms, staying connected through Heartfulness meditation practices.

It was with hearts brimming with anticipation and love that the practitioners of Tamil Nadu eagerly awaited the arrival of Revered Daaji. Having last graced them with his presence in 2019, Daaji’s visit was long awaited, and the air was charged with a palpable sense of excitement and devotion. The practitioners were ready to experience the profound peace and transformation that comes with his presence. However, the heavens seemed determined to test their patience. Chennai was experiencing heavy downpours, with roads flooding and trains being cancelled. Yet, just as the weather began to calm, so did the hearts of the practitioners. Their inner longing for Daaji was about to be fulfilled by his arrival.Despite the many twists and turns that arose along the way, Daaji finally made his way to Tamil Nadu. A few devoted practitioners eagerly awaited him at the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border, near the Attibele checkpost, hoping for even a fleeting glimpse of their beloved Master. Even as his large Volvo car sped past, their determination and love allowed them to catch up and lead the way for the convoy of cars to the Hosur ashram.The Hosur ashram, nestled in serene surroundings, is a beautiful reflection of the simplicity and spiritual depth found in all Heartfulness ashrams. The ashram, with its lush green surroundings and tranquil meditation hall, provided the perfect sanctuary for this blessed occasion. It felt as if Nature itself had joined the hearts of the practitioners in welcoming Daaji.Despite his hectic travels across Karnataka, Daaji spent time meeting and engaging with the practitioners who had patiently waited to welcome him. His presence brought a deep sense of fulfillment to those who had yearned for his company, his wisdom, and the opportunity to meditate under his guidance.Among the visitors was Mr. Vinayagam, one of the founders of Chennai Silks. Daaji, with his characteristic grace and humility, spent time with everyone, personally greeting them with warmth. After these loving exchanges, he took a brief rest before preparing for the evening meditation.

While practicing Heartfulness meditation, our focus shifts toward the presence of the Divine in our heart, and eventually, only the Divine remains.&nbsp; The ultimate aspiration is to reach Samadhi, a state where neither the individual nor God remains, but everything merges into an Absolute Void. This state signifies the end of all differentiation, the essence of pure oneness.

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Daaji’s last day at the Mysore ashram was filled with insightful talk, meditation and reflection on Heartfulness prayer. His journey through Karnataka ends when he reaches another campus of Heartfulness in Bengaluru called CREST (Center for Research, Education, Sadhana and Training) for a short visit.

Mysore 16th October 2024

Daaji conducted the morning meditation at 9 am for all practitioners gathered in the Mysore ashram. During the day, Daaji met with a few distinguished dignitaries, including Dr. J. Shastry, the CEO of the National Medicinal Plant Board and Head of Research &amp; Development at Dabur. He also gave time to Mr. Rahul Mehta, an investor, and Mr. Venkat from the Karuna Trust, an organization dedicated to improving health among tribal communities.&nbsp;On the way back to the cottage Daaji took part in the plantation of the Rudraksha plant at the ashram.

On the evening of 15th October after the meditation, a fascinating interactive session unfolded, where Daaji graciously addressed numerous questions. Here are some key insights shared during this enlightening exchange.<ul><li>Daaji emphasized the power of staying connected to the thought of the Master as the primary way to protect ourselves from negative energy. By remaining absorbed in this remembrance, we can effectively shield ourselves from unpleasant vibes, making it an essential aspect of our Heartfulness practices.</li><li>To overcome procrastination, understanding its underlying causes is crucial. If procrastination persists, seeking an individual meditation session from a Heartfulness trainer can offer much-needed support to unravel the situation. A brief Heartfulness cleaning session can also help reset one's mental state, while regular Heartfulness meditation practice improves clarity and focus, creating a conducive environment for productivity and inner peace.</li><li>Daaji encouraged everyone to share the Heartfulness meditation practices among family members before expanding their outreach to the global audience. He reminded them that we need not ask for permission to do good, and emphasized that kindness and compassion must flourish organically within our immediate circles.</li><li>He explained that engaging in regular Heartfulness meditation sessions enhances mental clarity, which is instrumental in making informed decisions. A meditative mind transcends likes and dislikes, reducing confusion and improving our decision-making capabilities, thus allowing us to embrace the objective nature of life and achieve a state of tranquility that is much sought-after in a turbulent world.</li><li>Replying to a question, Daaji advised that trying to convince others to practice yoga and meditation or embark on the Heartfulness path may not yield the desired results. Instead, by bringing about positive changes in our own lives through practices like Heartfulness guided relaxation and meditation, we naturally attract our loved ones to this transformative journey toward sustainable peace whilst transcending new levels of consciousness each day.</li><li>There was a question on the difference between two of the most essential practices of Heartfulness which appear similar to some extent.&nbsp; Daaji beautifully differentiated between Heartfulness prayer and meditation, likening the prayer to making a phone call (invocation) while viewing meditation as the means to receive a response (connection) from the Divine.&nbsp;</li><li>Clarifying the concept of points in the spiritual anatomy and related practices, Daaji emphasized that the Point B Cleaning is crucial for addressing sensuousness, as recommended by Babuji Maharaj. This practice not only purifies our thoughts but also elevates our spiritual condition, aligning us closer to our higher selves and nurturing our quest for spirituality.</li></ul>

Daaji encouraged everyone to share the Heartfulness meditation practices among family members before expanding their outreach to the global audience. He reminded them that we need not ask for permission to do good, and emphasized that kindness and compassion must flourish organically within our immediate circles.

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The day was spent at Mysore ashram where Daaji met dignitaries and practitioners. He meditated and answered questions for them all. 

Mysore 15th October 2024

At 6:30 am the following day, Daaji graced the Paramdham ashram, meeting all the members who had lined up outside the hall before conducting the meditation session. The session was followed by a brief yet enlightening interaction session with those present. During this time, he shared profound nuggets of spiritual wisdom that resonated deeply with all who were listening, inspiring them to deep dive into their journey in the Heartfulness way.Daaji spoke about the challenges we face in cultivating gratitude, especially amidst life’s trials and tribulations. It invites the question: how does one accept difficulties while remaining cheerful? And why would one want to do that? Understanding the role of acceptance is paramount; it teaches us to let go of what we cannot control in life, fostering a deep sense of inner peace. Through Heartfulness practices, we learn to navigate these challenges with grace, allowing us to remain poised even in the face of adversity. Heartfulness meditation nurtures this ability, guiding us to cultivate a spirit of resilience and gratitude, ultimately transforming our meditation experience into one of profound joy and serenity.Daaji emphasized the significance of acceptance as a means to glean valuable lessons from our experiences. Surrendering to our circumstances—not as a sign of defeat but as an act of maturity—is crucial. He encouraged all sincere practitioners of Heartfulness to seek divine guidance through their very own Heartfulness prayer practice before bedtime, humbly offering their challenges to Beloved Babuji Maharaj, in thought and spirit. Trusting that support from a higher power will lead to positive outcomes can create a profound sense of peace in our hearts, aligning with all the benefits of meditation.Defining purity, Daaji shared that it means staying true to our inner essence. He pointed out that straying from our source leads to what we might call sin. It’s essential to engage in thoughts and actions that promote spiritual growth while consciously avoiding those that weigh our hearts down. Heartfulness meditation fosters inner purity through being aware of the divine presence within us, allowing us to transcend external circumstances. Daaji reminded us that even a fleeting negative thought can disrupt our purity. Therefore, maintaining a loving remembrance of the divine is paramount to shielding ourselves from impurities, echoing the benefits of meditation for emotional well-being.In response to yet another question, Daaji beautifully articulated that the mind and heart are not separate entities; they are interconnected, with the heart representing a deeper aspect of our consciousness. He referred to a well-known, erstwhile philosopher and trainer of our organization, Dr. K C Vardachari and his insights on achieving harmony between the mind and heart, which fosters clarity and focus. He reminded everyone that Heartfulness Meditation serves as a vital tool in regulating the mind, transforming it into a powerful ally on our spiritual journey. Daaji suggested incorporating micro-meditations throughout our day to maintain centeredness and enhance our spiritual absorbency. A heart filled with love and remembrance is essential for mindfully nurturing our spiritual well-being.Daaji expressed his joy in witnessing the remarkable spiritual condition of the Heartfulness practitioners in Bengaluru, who had gathered at the Zonal ashram and the Paramdham ashram.&nbsp; While comparing the same with those who live in Kanha Shanti Vanam, Daaji observed that the practitioners in Kanha often take his presence for granted, while those in Bengaluru and across Karnataka have been diligently practicing and working on their inner growth, enhancing their Heartfulness meditation experience by leaps and bounds, which was evident when Daaji conducted the group meditation there.

After lunch Daaji met a few guests which included the PROs of the Adichunchangiri Math, Mr. Lingesh and Mr. H S Gopal. They invited Daaji to Adichunchangiri Math as directed by Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Maha Swamiji, the 72nd Pontiff of Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math, Mandya District, Karnataka. Also, Dr. Hallegere Murthy, MD, from Miami, FL and Myetraie Murthy MA, met with Daaji at Paramdham. Dr. Murthy, who runs Scope Foundation, an NGO focused on providing underprivileged children with access to education and healthcare, discussed potential partnerships with Heartfulness. A demonstration of the Brighter Minds program was also presented to them.

Later that evening, Daaji conducted meditation for all from his room before he journeyed to Mysore, arriving there later that night. He kindly requested Sister Elizabeth Denley to conduct a late-night meditation session for all the practitioners who had eagerly assembled in the meditation hall.

Daaji expressed his joy in witnessing the remarkable spiritual condition of the Heartfulness practitioners in Bengaluru, who had gathered at the Zonal ashram and the Paramdham ashram.&nbsp; While comparing the same with those who live in Kanha Shanti Vanam, Daaji observed that the practitioners in Kanha often take his presence for granted, while those in Bengaluru and across Karnataka have been diligently practicing and working on their inner growth, enhancing their Heartfulness meditation experience by leaps and bounds, which was evident when Daaji conducted the group meditation there. &nbsp;

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Daaji graced the Paramdham ashram, met the present abhyasis, the PROs of the Adichunchangiri Math and ended his day with meditation before leaving for Mysore. 

Bangaluru 14th October 2024

Daaji emphasized the profound concept of being in Constant Attentiveness to the inner state, also called Constant Remembrance in the Heartfulness tradition, urging the practitioners to embrace this state with an open heart. Rather than attempting to force this remembrance, Daaji suggested allowing it to naturally uplift and guide one from within, thus furthering one’s spiritual journey.

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Daaji seemed joyful as he greeted the practitioners from Bengaluru and nearby areas. Their love and commitment to their Heartfulness practice resonated deeply with the spiritual energy of the gathering.

Bangaluru 13th October 2024

Daaji started his day in the early hours, around 4 am. He spent the quiet hours working on his upcoming book, immersed in thoughts and reflections. After a couple of hours, he returned to bed at 6:30 am for some rest. By 9 am, he was ready to start his day. After breakfast, he rested for a while on the large indoor swing, a familiar sight in traditional Gujarati homes, and was soon joined by his grandchildren. Their laughter filled the morning with joy as they played with their beloved&nbsp;dada&nbsp;(grandfather). &nbsp;

At 11:30 am, Daaji returned to the auditorium for another session with the Vice Chancellors of Agricultural Universities on the second day of their conference. Daaji conducted meditation for all present and later answered several questions posed by the attendees.&nbsp;&nbsp;Later, Daaji asked one of his guests whether he had seen the new Kanha Global School. They took a leisurely drive around it, as the school was closed for the day. During the drive, the guest shared an interesting idea, mentioning that he knew an artist who could carve the Deccan Plateau's massive rocks into beautiful animal sculptures. Daaji, always open to creativity and enhancing the environment with meaning, suggested that the artist visit Kanha to explore the possibilities. &nbsp;

After lunch, Daaji spent some time in his office and also met with functionaries.After a restful afternoon, Daaji went for a short walk, a routine he enjoys – connecting with nature and quiet introspection. At 7:30 pm, a few dinner guests arrived, and after sharing the meal, Daaji made his way to the meditation hall where he was to lead the virtual ‘Dil Se with Daaji’ program for the National Youth Seminar participants from Seattle, USA. Even across great distances, the thread of Heartfulness united them, as Daaji’s guidance and presence brought a sense of closeness and inspiration to all watching the program online. Daaji conducted a meditation session before leaving for home. &nbsp;

Daaji made his way to the meditation hall where he was to lead the virtual ‘Dil Se with Daaji’ program for the National Youth Seminar participants from Seattle, USA. Even across great distances, the thread of Heartfulness united them, as Daaji’s guidance and presence brought a sense of closeness and inspiration to all watching the program online.

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Daaji’s day was filled with meeting the vice-chancellors of the agriculture universities of India and a virtual session of the ‘Dil Se with Daaji’ program for the National Youth Seminar participants from Seattle, USA. 

Kanha Shanti Vanam 7th September 2024

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A live journal of blessed activities in and around Kanha with Daaji

The following day began with Daaji offering yet another beautiful meditation session in the early morning. After a profound Heartfulness meditation session that was telecast live on the Heartfulness channel, Daaji invited Mr. Linguswamy to give a talk. His talk revolved around his experiences with the Heartfulness meditation practice and its transformative effect. He expressed his gratitude to Daaji referring to him as a ‘real hero.’&nbsp;This was followed by a heartwarming Q&amp;A session with Daaji. His words resonated deeply with the eager practitioners, leaving everyone inspired and deeply moved.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Later that evening, Daaji welcomed a group of practitioners from the Baduga tribal community of Ooty, a beautiful hill station nestled in the Nilgiri mountain range. Their hearts were deeply touched as Daaji interacted with them personally. His gentle words and affectionate demeanor created an unforgettable experience for the community members. He ended the meeting with a promise saying, “I will come soon to Ooty,” filling their hearts with even more joy! He then posed for a group photo with them.&nbsp;Many dignitaries had come to meet Daaji in Tiruppur: Mr. V. Sundararajan, Chairman of Sky Group of Companies and the Founder Secretary of Vanam Foundation, Palladam, Tiruppur District; the Founder Director of the Coconut Farmers Producer Company; and Mr. K. R. Nagarajan who is the Chairman of the Ramraj Cotton Group of Companies and Vice President of the World Community Service Center.&nbsp;Daaji met with Padma Shri Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, Poppy's Group of Companies and Honorary, Founder President, Tiruppur Exporters Association (TEA); the President of Federation of Indian Exporters Organizations (FIEO); and Mr. N. Thirukkumaran Managing Director, Ess Tee Group of Companies and General Secretary, Tiruppur Exporters Association (TEA). Daaji also met with Mr. Kumar Duraiswamy who is the Managing Director, Eastern Global Clothings, the Joint Secretary of Tiruppur Exporters Association (TEA), and also the Project Director, 'Vanathukkul Tiruppur' - Initiatives of Green Tiruppur; and the Convenor, Tiruppur Stakeholders Forum (TSF).&nbsp;&nbsp;After a brief discussion with them on varied initiatives Daaji then asked for the Brighter Minds demonstration to be presented to all the guests.&nbsp; Later they all joined Daaji for the evening Heartfulness meditation session, after which he gave a talk that touched every heart present in the audience. Daaji expressed his joy saying, “My stay here at DJ Park has been very productive and I admire your sacrifice for coming here despite so many inconveniences. Returning home you will notice even greater changes that will unfold in your day-to-day lives because of these three meditation sessions. Tomorrow I will be returning back home but my heart will always remain here and I intend to come back hopefully on the 11th November.”&nbsp;Touching upon the topic of peace, Daaji reminisced about Babuji Maharaj’s letter to the United Nations dated July&nbsp;8, 1957 where Babuji emphasized that world peace cannot be possible until individual peace is granted. Daaji said, “And who can grant this individual peace? No one, but yourself. It’s an individual attitude: a person under turbulence can remain unshaken and a person without any sort of problems remains stressful and anxious. Our path, the Heartfulness way is a direct gift from the Divine because through this&nbsp;pranahuti or transmission all willing practitioners are able to experience a minimum level of peace.”Daaji threw light on the intricacies of how attaining liberation during this lifetime can take us to that state of non-duality whose inherent quality is peace. He also differentiated the peace that one attains before liberation at the Atma chakra [2nd point in the heart region] and the peace experienced beyond the 9th point.&nbsp; He said, “There is no solution in asking or praying for peace. Liberation is in our hands: no God or Guru can grant it if we are not deserving. So our only job is to become deserving individuals.”Daaji also gave simple solutions as to how one can become deserving individuals. He then went on to reveal, “something that most people have not understood in the very first chapter of&nbsp;Reality at Dawn.” Daaji divulged the true interpretation of Babuji Maharaj’s very profound statement –&nbsp;Where religion ends, spirituality begins; where spirituality ends, reality begins; where reality ends, bliss begins.&nbsp;By linking the intricate concepts of God, divine experiences, desires and transcendence, Daaji clarified the meaning of this statement.

Daaji threw light on the intricacies of how attaining liberation during this lifetime can take us to that state of non-duality whose inherent quality is peace. He also differentiated the peace that one attains before liberation at the Atma chakra [2nd point in the heart region] and the peace experienced beyond the 9th point.&nbsp; He said, “There is no solution in asking or praying for peace. Liberation is in our hands: no God or Guru can grant it if we are not deserving. So our only job is to become deserving individuals.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Daaji spent the day at Tiruppur, conducting meditation and question and answer sessions and meeting dignitaries. 

Tiruppur 21st October 2024

Despite the heavy downpour from the previous night, the ashram was serene and prepared for the day's events. After the meditation session, Daaji solemnized three weddings in a simple ceremony.&nbsp;<ul><li>Disha and Abhishek</li><li>Astha and Kshitij</li><li>Garima and Sandeep</li></ul>

He returned to the cottage for breakfast, joined by a few guests, including Dr. Kannan, affectionately known as ‘Sanskrit Kannan’ within the Heartfulness community. Their conversation revolved around Dr. Kannan's ongoing study of Vedic texts in the light of Heartfulness teachings, a rich dialogue blending ancient wisdom with the spiritual depth of the Heartfulness approach.

Later in the day, Daaji embarked on the journey to the next destination – Tiruppur. By the time he arrived at the DJ Park Ashram in Tiruppur in the evening, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and eagerness on behalf of the practitioners assembled there. While Daaji was conducting the evening meditation, it began to rain heavily. Many viewed this as a divine affirmation; as if the spiritual hierarchy above was rejoicing alongside the practitioners, their joy mirrored by the rain.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While Daaji was conducting the evening meditation, it began to rain heavily. Many viewed this as a divine affirmation; as if the spiritual hierarchy above was rejoicing alongside the practitioners, their joy mirrored by the rain.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Daaji spent his day solemnizing weddings, discussing Vedic texts and traveling to Tiruppur. 

Chennai and Tiruppur 20th October 2024

Daaji began his day early, looking forward to continue his journey to Chennai. He invited a few Heartfulness practitioners to join him for breakfast, where they discussed plans for the days ahead.&nbsp;His first stop upon reaching Chennai was the Heartfulness International School, Omega branch. There, Daaji launched several important initiatives and took time to meet with school officials. During his speech, he shared his vision to open more such Heartfulness schools across India, calling upon educators within and outside the Heartfulness community to contribute to this noble cause.&nbsp;In response to student inquiries about following one's heart, Daaji answered with his characteristic warmth and clarity, encouraging the youth to trust their inner guidance which is greatly enhanced when nourished by a sincere Heartfulness practice. He explained how a meditative practice strengthens this inner connection, allowing one to navigate life with a deeper sense of purpose. &nbsp;

From there, Daaji proceeded to the Babuji Memorial Ashram in Manapakkam, where hundreds of Heartfulness practitioners from Chennai and nearby centers lined the roads, welcoming him with love and devotion.&nbsp;&nbsp;Daaji enjoyed a hearty South Indian lunch and after a brief rest, he conducted the evening meditation. Several celebrities from the Tamil film industry had been invited to experience Heartfulness meditation by Mr. N. Lingusamy, a Heartfulness trainer and renowned movie director.Daaji inaugurated the Tamil Nadu Youth Seminar with the theme ‘Awaken Your Inner Potential’ with an inspiring talk after meditation. This was followed by an engaging Q&amp;A session with the young participants. Daaji encouraged them to embrace Heartfulness practices with dedication, urging them to research the effects of following one’s heart versus ignoring it. He emphasized that with a consistent meditation routine, they could develop a courageous spirit capable of navigating life's challenges.

As Daaji made his way back to the cottage, a large crowd gathered, each one vying for his attention. Daaji often lovingly reminds everyone that there is no need to struggle for this external attention. He has mentioned that true connection arises from cultivating an inner state of deservingness, where the deep silence of the heart prepares one to receive Divine grace. In this state, the flow of yogic transmission becomes natural and automatic. He gently but firmly asked everyone to leave, before retiring to the cottage for a quiet dinner.This day was filled with moments of deep connection, reflection, and inspiration, as Daaji continued to share the message of Heartfulness with all those who came to meet him.

Daaji inaugurated the Tamil Nadu Youth Seminar with the theme ‘Awaken Your Inner Potential’ with an inspiring talk after meditation. This was followed by an engaging Q&amp;A session with the young participants. Daaji encouraged them to embrace Heartfulness practices with dedication, urging them to research the effects of following one’s heart versus ignoring it. He emphasized that with a consistent meditation routine, they could develop a courageous spirit capable of navigating life's challenges.

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This day was filled with moments of deep connection, reflection, and inspiration, as Daaji continued to share the message of Heartfulness with all those who came to meet him.

Thiruvallur and Chennai 19th October 2024

The following morning saw Daaji rise early to meet more practitioners who with eager hearts had gathered at the hotel to greet him before he left for the venue. The day began with a group meditation, where Daaji, with his signature calm, shared what he had felt during the meditation in his heart. He beautifully explained how once we begin our yogic practice, it is crucial to bring it to completion. Often, it is the unfinished tasks that leaves us with the trauma of regret and guilt, which can be practically impossible to erase.His thoughts flowed like a calm river carrying a deep current of spiritual insight. Leading a holistic lifestyle has been a central theme in Daaji’s talks and work. He emphasized the importance of working on ourselves, making sure not to leave anything unfinished: for a sincere yogi, it is important to note that doing the right thing is a triumph, but neglecting to do the right thing at the right moment can be far more detrimental to one’s spiritual progress.The essence of Heartfulness is to live without creating unnecessary&nbsp;samskaras or mental impressions that weigh us down on our spiritual journey.&nbsp;Akarma, which translates from Sanskrit as action performed with pure love and without attachment, is the ideal state for a spiritual aspirant. The riddles of life – what to do, what not to do, and how to live in the best way – were unraveled by Daaji with ease, making the profound seem simple and achievable.Daaji spoke about the need for self-restraint and how living a life absorbed in divine remembrance can reduce the need for the evening Heartfulness Cleaning practice. When we are truly absorbed in the presence of the Divine, we think and perform actions without creating new imprints on our consciousness. This intensity of practice can help us lead a life of inner peace and harmony.Before leaving, Daaji said that he would have stayed a few days longer if he could have. However, he promised to return soon. He shared how a spiritual guide finds joy in being with sincere and absorbing hearts, ready to deepen their practice and apply the teachings of Heartfulness in their daily lives.

On his way, Daaji made a surprise visit to a Heartfulness trainer’s sari shop. By the time he reached Thiruvallur, Chennai had recovered enough from the heavy rains, and preparations were in full swing to receive him. Interestingly, the rain seemed to follow him, pouring down in Hosur and Vellore after his departure, as though nature itself was in tune with the spiritual energy he emanates. Several thousand practitioners from nearby centers had gathered there, their hearts open and ready to receive their beloved guide.After entering the cottage, Daaji went to his room for a quiet moment to offer&nbsp;prasad. [Sweets offered with an attitude of reverence and in remembrance of the Divine. The sweets are divinized by this infusion of love and reverence, creating an osmosis between what is offered and the one to whom it is being offered.]&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After the prasad was distributed, the practitioners made their way to the hall for a meditation session while Daaji took some much-needed rest. Over high tea, Daaji met with a few practitioners, before making his way to inaugurate the Heartfulness International School in Thiruvalllur.&nbsp;This special moment was marked by the first official admission to the school, which was performed by Daaji personally. He then conducted another group meditation in the main hall, followed by a lively and engaging interaction with the practitioners gathered there. Later during dinner, Daaji met with more practitioners before retiring for the night.&nbsp;

Daaji spoke about the need for self-restraint and how living a life absorbed in divine remembrance can reduce the need for the evening Heartfulness Cleaning practice. When we are truly absorbed in the presence of the Divine, we think and perform actions without creating new imprints on our consciousness. This intensity of practice can help us lead a life of inner peace and harmony.

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Daaji’s day was filled with sessions and meetings with abhyasis and his travel from Hosur and Vellore to Thiruvallur.

Vellore and Thiruvallur 18th October 2024

On Thursday, October 17, Daaji conducted meditation after which the atmosphere felt charged with deep absorption. This was followed by an inspiring talk from Daaji.&nbsp;He said, “During this meditation, some new guidelines were pouring into my heart from above, and I’m simply awestruck witnessing those dictations, which were not in words but in gestures. One gesture was about when in our country, in our culture, when we were encouraged to touch our parents’ feet. We did&nbsp;Sashtang Namaskaram&nbsp;[a yoga pose where the body is balanced on eight points of contact with the floor: feet, knees, hands, the chest, and either the chin or forehead] to our parents, our elder sisters and brothers, our uncles and aunts, and guests who visited our homes. Babuji says that it is time to revive that tradition, at least within our Heartfulness community. This will trigger mutual love and respect within the family.&nbsp; &nbsp;“Imagine that you get up early in the morning and touch your parents’ feet very respectfully, with a lot of love and reverence. Even if you fought the day before, this very act will dissolve your pain, your guilt, and all the sadness that you may have carried in your heart. Try it, and see what happens.&nbsp;“Secondly, it is wonderful when both husband and wife are meditating, but it is even better when they practice meditation together every morning. In Indian society, we are used to women waking up early, performing household chores, and being very busy in the kitchen. Husbands should also get up early and meditate together with their wives beforehand. It will change the vibrations in the house.“Thirdly, Babuji wants us to exercise.&nbsp;“Contemplate on the stages of thinking to remembrance to frequent remembrance to constant remembrance to remaining absorbed in the remembrance of the Lord in all our day-to-day activities; and if you can go beyond just thinking, remembering, remaining absorbed, drowned in His remembrance, the next stage will automatically open up – being lost in the remembrance of the Lord.&nbsp;“Think over these steps, and how we can dive into that state of being lost in the remembrance of the Lord.”

When Daaji was leaving the meditation hall, Mr. Vinayagam lovingly invited Daaji to come to Chennai Silks [chain of retail textile shops in South India] where breakfast had also been arranged. Daaji accepted this invite graciously and visited a large Chennai Silks shop on the main road of Hosur, where many guests and hundreds of employees were thrilled by his arrival.&nbsp;Among those present, were dignitaries from the World Peace Trust, including two trustees of the organization, Mr. Viswanathan and Mr. Murthy. Daaji spoke with them about the intricate relationship between belief, experience, and the cultivation of inner peace. He suggested that while belief in God can be a starting point, true and lasting peace is attained through direct experience of the Divine. This experiential connection deepens one’s sense of peace and solidifies faith by replacing doubt with certainty.&nbsp;Daaji emphasized the importance of meditation and the shedding of old habits in the journey toward inner peace. He stressed upon the Heartfulness Cleaning practice, its pivotal role in helping us remove our weaknesses and negative tendencies, and the 9 pm Universal Prayer where we pray for peace, harmony and well-being of all in the world.&nbsp;Daaji also spoke about renunciation, suggesting that true peace may require letting go of even the desire for spiritual experiences. Clinging to these experiences, however blissful, can be a subtle obstacle to ultimate peace.This interesting conversation was characteristic of Daaji's multifaceted approach to peace, where he uses analogies that everyone can relate to, simplifying the otherwise complicated philosophical concept of God, and most importantly, suggesting solutions to experience inner peace without hurting anyone’s religious sentiments.&nbsp;

After breakfast Daaji conducted meditation for all the Chennai Silks staff members and guests, following which he browsed through various sections of the shop, happy to be shown around, asking the odd question now and then, much to the delight of the staff members who accompanied him.&nbsp;After this enlightening visit, Daaji proceeded toward Krishnagiri, which is part of the Hosur zone. Despite the intense heat, Daaji conducted a meditation session immediately upon his arrival at noon, and another one at 4.30 pm.&nbsp;When Daaji was leaving the meditation venue, he noticed around a 100 Anganwadi workers [associated with Govt. of India-sponsored child and mother care centers] who were wearing identical pink saris. He paused and inquired about their attire. They were thrilled to meet Daaji up close and interact personally with him. Daaji then invited them to have a group photo with him. This simple gesture touched their hearts in a very profound manner. It was indeed moving to witness Daaji’s heartfelt response to their affection.&nbsp;

Daaji left for Vellore and arrived there after a two-hour drive. He was received with police honors and escorted to the venue. The hearts of the Vellore practitioners, full of yearning, moved Daaji so much that he skipped going his room to rest saying, "I want to conduct meditation right away."&nbsp; After the session, Daaji retired to the hotel where he was staying.

“Contemplate on the stages of thinking to remembrance to frequent remembrance to constant remembrance to remaining absorbed in the remembrance of the Lord in all our day-to-day activities; and if you can go beyond just thinking, remembering, remaining absorbed, drowned in His remembrance, the next stage will automatically open up – being lost in the remembrance of the Lord. Think over these steps, and how we can dive into that state of being lost in the remembrance of the Lord.”

Daaji-speaking

Daaji’s day was eventful with his time in Hosur, visit to Krishnagiri and then finally, reaching Vellore. 

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