It has been raining incessantly over the last couple&nbsp;of days in Kanha.


 Daaji had invited seekers from Russia, who had stayed back after the Bhandara, for breakfast. They joined him with great joy at his home around 8.45 a.m., along with N.S. Nagaraja.


 After breakfast, all of them gathered in Daaji’s office. Slowly,&nbsp;the number of seekers increased in the room, and Daaji took time to listen to each one of them patiently. Thereafter, he conducted meditation.&nbsp;

As Daaji came out of his office after meditation, he was greeted by another group of almost 60 seekers who had gathered in his living room. After spending some time with them, he asked Snehal Deshpande to conduct meditation for all.


 Daaji rested for a while.

Giants and angels of the future


 After lunch, when someone asked Daaji about the future of the human race, he replied, “The future generations of human beings will be angelic. Every human being inherits 22 chromosomes each from their mother and father. [Every human being has 22 pairs of numbered chromosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes.] This will switch to having 24 chromosomes from each parent in the future. The human beings of the future will not be dependent on food or sex, and will be 12 to 14 feet tall.”

Correct thinking, the right understanding, and an honest approach to life


 In reply to an e-mail regarding how to cultivate correct thinking, right understanding, and an honest approach to life, Daaji wrote:


 “None of these can be postponed for a later day. Being honest, having correct thinking, and right understanding is for the here and now. Even relegating them to the past will make the situation very grim and sad. Imagine a person saying, ‘I was honest,’ or ‘I used to think correctly and had a great understanding!’ That would be a tragedy. Similarly, imagine relegating these great qualities to the future. Would you tolerate your loved one saying, ‘Darling, I will understand you better in the future,’ or ‘I will be honest with you two years from now?


 “How to arrive at this triad of qualities? I have experienced time and again that it is when I am calm and composed that my thinking and understanding improve. When I am at peace with myself, no bad thoughts arise. Honesty is automatic in such a state of mind. A meditative mind is always aiming for evolution and hence cannot tolerate anything that would take it downward.


 “A meditative mind is a key that opens most doors, and when you add love to it, it can open all doors including that of the heavens.”

At around 5.15 p.m., in spite of the rain, Daaji went for his daily rounds of the ashram. He visited both the ponds, the one near Madhuvanam and the kitchen, and checked the accumulated rainwater. On the way, he met seekers who were waiting for buses and taxis to return home after the Bhandara.&nbsp;


 Daaji suddenly sighted an elderly woman standing in the rain and waiting for the bus. Filled with compassion, he requested one of the passing cars to drop the lady near the bus stop.


 Back home, Daaji took a walk in the surrounding rainforest. He observed water stagnating in specific areas and directed the concerned team to provide an outlet for the excess water to flow. It was evident that he was very concerned about the plants due to the excessive rain.

In the night after dinner, Daaji sat in his office, browsing through photos from the late 60s and reminiscing about his days with Babuji. It was a tender moment, a fitting conclusion to the day.

<h2>
 The Future of the Human Race
</h2>

 When someone asked Daaji about the future of the human race, he replied, “The future generations of human beings will be angelic. Every human being inherits 22 chromosomes each from their mother and father. [Every human being has 22 pairs of numbered chromosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes.] This will switch to having 24 chromosomes from each parent in the future. The human beings of the future will not be dependent on food or sex, and will be 12 to 14 feet tall.”

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Daaji met many seekers including a group that came from Russia to attend Bhandara today. 

Kanha Shantivanam 26th July 2022

It is the concluding day of the celebrations of the 95th birth anniversary of Chariji. Daaji left home at around&nbsp;6.25 a.m. to conduct meditation for the 17,000 odd seekers gathered in the meditation hall. He gave a talk after meditation.

Daaji began by commemorating Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s flute recital the previous evening and went on to emphasize the need for practice for fulfillment in any endeavor. Here are a few snippets from the talk:


 Practice, Practice, and Practice


 Last evening was enthralling and most enjoyable. We witnessed mastery in action. The flute maestro began his renditions as a child, learning Raga Yaman. And today, after 50 years, he declares he is still practicing a few notes.


 We are moving towards infinity; we have infinite notes. So, imagine the practice we require every moment! Even&nbsp;the great&nbsp;vocalist, Pandit Jasraj, used to say the same. When I asked him, ‘Panditji, what is your message for all of us?’ he mentioned two things, ‘Riyaz, meaning constant practice, and respect for elders.’ Sadly, these days respect for elders has simply disappeared. We don’t respect our own family members, leave alone strangers.


 There is only one thing that can integrate us from the inside, and that is our practice. Without practice, we can go nowhere.


 With What Attitude Should We Practice?


 Babuji used to say practice, practice, and practice – but with the right attitude. Without&nbsp;bhakti [devotion], the heart of Heartfulness, we are nowhere.&nbsp;


 Bhakti&nbsp;is the pinnacle of love. It&nbsp;is an outcome, a state – just as love is a state we arrive at – and not a process. We begin with discrimination, which is a process. For example, you may like or dislike someone in the beginning. But as your goal remains fixed and you develop one-pointed love towards God, the journey takes you further.


 At the culmination of love, we arrive at bhakti. Everything becomes love because then we see Him in all. We feel Him in all. This&nbsp;is what Sahaj Marg stands for. Unity is paramount, but it cannot be forced upon. It must be the result of our practice. And whenever we have discord, take it for granted there is a lack of practice, lack of understanding, lack of right thinking, and lack of honesty in life.


 Daaji expressed immense joy at the discipline showcased by the seekers in the meditation hall during Panditji’s flute concert. He recollected Panditji’s words, “I have attended so many events and performed at so many events worldwide, but I have never seen such a crowd. I have never seen such an atmosphere. It is as if gods are sitting to listen.” Daaji said it reminded him of one of Babuji’s profound statements, “I make Masters, not disciples.”


 Among other things, he touched on the importance of grandparents in a&nbsp;child’s life, the Wisdom Bridge, and humility. He concluded the speech by addressing Panditji, “I am very touched by your presence, especially this time, because the atmosphere within and outside speaks the same language and vibrates with the same harmony. We are ever grateful to our Masters for such a gift.”

Daaji invited Panditji and his team home for breakfast. His child-like enthusiasm was quite palpable as he got ready and eagerly awaited Panditji’s arrival. After waiting for about 15 minutes, he went inside as the guests were delayed.
 
 Panditji and his team arrived at around 8.30 a.m. Daaji gave them a red-carpet welcome and honored Panditji with a shawl. Breakfast was an extremely joyful affair, and both Daaji and Panditji exchanged many stories and insights from their lives. “It was as if gods had descended from the heavens to hear,” commented Daaji on Panditji’s performance.


 He also shared some profound insights on music with Panditji’s young team members, including flautist Vivek Sonar.


 The Interplay Between Music and the Yogic Chakras &nbsp;


 Modern artists, especially the youth, are in a rush. When you hear a raga like Puriya Kalyan [referring to the music playing in the background], time stops – and that’s what we have to try, especially if we have meditation as our backbone.


 [Daaji went on to explain the panchabhutas {The 5 elements of nature, namely, earth, ether, fire, water and air} and the corresponding chakras of the Heart Region and their specific location in the human anatomy.]


 If you focus on the Jal Chakra [Point 4, water element], meditate on it before playing Raga Megh Malhar, and transmit that condition along with your music, you’ll see the magic happen. It might not rain, but at least everything will become cool around you. Even at noon, in the bright sun, the atmosphere will be very cool. This is really possible.


 Similarly, in winter, if you play any raga associated with the Agni Chakra [Point 3, fire element], with immense love from the core of your being, you will create the condition of fire. It warms up your body.


 Playing a raga, like Puriya Kalyan, from the Atma Chakra [Point 2, ether element] will put you in a trance. You will experience total peace if you meditate on this chakra at that time.


 Now, generally, we meditate on the heart; we meditate on the presence of divinity in the heart on a regular basis. But on special occasions, if you bring your attention towards a particular chakra (as mentioned above), meditate on it for about half an hour, drown yourself in that state, and then play from that spiritual state, you will see the effect on everyone, including yourself.


 There are musicians who go beyond the panchabhutas [Heart Region] and play from the Brahmanda Mandal [Mind Region]. And if you play music from that level, very few people will understand. They will not know what is happening, and they might ask, “Is that all?” In fact, they will be mesmerized.


 So, if you combine spirituality with music, you can achieve great heights. You may unconsciously still do so, but when you make a conscious effort, Nature will support you.


 Baa [Daaji’s mother] joined all of them, and Daaji introduced&nbsp;her to Panditji.

The group then set out for the plantation. As it was difficult for Panditji to bend and plant, Daaji gently guided him to sprinkle water on the plant and asked the team to plant it on his behalf. Panditji&nbsp;was very moved by this gesture, which was nothing but a reflection of the Master’s deep compassion and utter sensitivity. Daaji took him on a short tour and showed him around.


 Back in his room, he asked Panditji to sit on the swing while he made himself comfortable in a chair on the opposite side. Panditji gifted Daaji’s flute to Umanath [son of Uday Kumar from the USA], a young flautist in the making, and asked him to play it.&nbsp;


 At around 10.20&nbsp;a.m., Daaji gave a fitting send-off to Panditji and his team and asked Shakti to drop them at the airport. By this time, many seekers had gathered at his residence. Daaji regretfully told everyone that he was very tired and wanted to rest.

As he went into his room, a few seekers followed him. Daaji sat on the swing and chatted with Dinesh Agarwal and his family from Raipur. Daaji asked them if they had read the Bhandara message and wanted to know their feedback and insights.&nbsp;


 Dineshji asked a question regarding the conflict created by desires and wishes, and Daaji shared his insights.


 The Conflict of Life


 The conflict is mainly because the purpose of life is not the same as our desires in life. For example, looking after your children and giving them your best is not a desire, but your duty. As parents, you need to give them an education, make them stronger, and discipline them. But giving everything can spoil them and make them too free and undisciplined. Then you’re not performing your role as a parent. Of course,&nbsp;the immature minds of children will always react, until they themselves become parents. And this is a constant struggle in every family; you are not the only one.


 The same thing happens in our day-to-day relationships with our spouses, relatives, friends, and co-workers. The question that we need to ask ourselves at every stage is, “What is my duty towards my friends or towards my family?” Do only that; nothing more, nothing less. Babuji would say, “I’ll do my best,” and that’s it. The rest, including family and business, is only to support your spiritual life.


 Your efforts in your business or work are mainly to support your spiritual life. If you make your business the spiritual wing of your life – that is, integrate both – then there’s fun. For example, expanding your business is not a desire but a duty. But if you do the wrong things to&nbsp;expand your business, then you have to pay the price. Becoming greedy is altogether different from expanding your business. Expansion of your business by rightful means will also benefit the world, but greed is always for the self, self, and self alone, you see.


 Daaji paused for a few minutes and then said, “As compared to last evening [24 July], the number of seekers participating in the group meditation session this morning is less by 7,000. I have spoken about this earlier. You should never miss a sitting [meditation session] during Bhandara. Come ahead of time, prepare yourself a day or two days early, attend the Bhandara, and leave only after the last sitting of Bhandara.”


 Daaji underwent physiotherapy with Surekha Banda and rested for a while. He had invited a few guests for lunch and he joined them at around 2 p.m. Daaji conducted meditation for the group between 2.35 and 2.55 p.m.

Daaji wanted to conduct meditation for all the seekers in the meditation hall at 6 p.m., but he asked N.S. Nagaraj to conduct the session as he could not make it at the last minute. There were about 5,200 seekers who attended the group meditation conducted by the preceptor [trainer].

In the evening, Daaji went for a walk among the plants surrounding his home. The activities of the day finally came to a close.

<h2>
 With What Attitude Should We Practice?
</h2>

 Babuji used to say practice, practice, and practice – but with the right attitude. Without&nbsp;bhakti [devotion], the heart of Heartfulness, we are nowhere.


 Bhakti&nbsp;is the pinnacle of love. It&nbsp;is an outcome, a state – just as love is a state we arrive at – and not a process. We begin with discrimination, which is a process. For example, you may like or dislike someone in the beginning. But as your goal remains fixed and you develop one-pointed love towards God, the journey takes you further.

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Daaji began by commemorating Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s flute recital the previous evening and went on to emphasize the need for practice for fulfillment in any endeavor. 

Kanha Shantivanam 25th July 2022

It is the most auspicious day of the 95th birth anniversary of Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari, affectionately known as Chariji, the third Guide of Heartfulness.


 The day began with Daaji offering prayers and prasad. He reached the meditation hall at 6.25 a.m. and conducted meditation for 30 minutes. That morning recorded a physical gathering of 23,800 seekers, in addition to the thousands of seekers who joined the session virtually.&nbsp;

After meditation, Daaji released a few new publications and products. He requested everyone to read the Bhandara message titled ‘A Solution to Life’s Problems’ that had been released the day before. He briefly explained that the message was about developing an integrated&nbsp;relationship with our Maker by identifying the cause of disintegration at the personal level.


 The message, in various languages, can be downloaded at:&nbsp;https://heartfulness.org/kanha/event/2022/7/free-meditation-event-kanha-shanti-vanam/


 Daaji invited Ronald Rose and his wife for breakfast. After breakfast, they had a brief discussion regarding the Whispers and intercommunion.

Difference Between Avatars and Human Beings


 Referring to personalities such as Lord Krishna and Babuji, Daaji said, “They come with a purpose, while we come with our own baggage. They come with a purpose, and that purpose drives them. We are pushed around by our own samskaras, whereas they are pushed by their own purpose.&nbsp;In their case, intentions drive them. In our case, impressions drive us.”


 Daaji rested for a while. He asked Gajendra Goutam to conduct the 11 a.m. meditation in the meditation hall. Around 21,600 seekers were present in person for the session. &nbsp;

Meditation in the evening at 5.30 was conducted by Daaji in the meditation hall. Around 24,722 seekers were present for the session. The heavy downpour that prevailed throughout the meditation gave way to a light shower as the session ended and seekers silently awaited the flute concert by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.


 The concert, which lasted about 45 minutes, was attended by several dignitaries in addition to the gathered seekers. The dignified guests included Minister of Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, E. Dayakar Rao; Honorable Minister for Excise and Prohibition, Sports and Youth Services, Tourism, Archaeology and Culture, V. Srinivas Goud; Chief Secretary of Telangana, Somesh Kumar; &nbsp;
 
 Special Chief Secretary, Municipal Administration, and Urban Development, Arvind Kumar; Special Chief Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Adhar Sinha; &nbsp;
 
 Retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Advisor to the Government of Telangana, R. Shobha; and Special Secretary, Transport, Roads and Building, B. Vijiendra. All were left speechless by the mesmerizing performance of the maestro and his team.


 After the concert, Daaji addressed the audience, “It is a sad thing that such a joyous occasion, such a performance, has to end so soon. As Panditji says, ‘See you soon.’ May God grant him good health and very long life. I am ever thankful to him for many reasons.”&nbsp;Daaji went on to express his gratitude to the assembled group of dignitaries and honored them on the stage.&nbsp;

Afterward, he spoke briefly.


 The Timeless Raga


 “My Guruji, whose birthday we are celebrating, used to complement Shri Hariprasad Chaurasia’s (he used to always call him Panditji) playing of Raga Puriya Kalyan. He used to say that if God were to create this universe again, Puriya Kalyan should be taken forward in the next yuga [era]. He also mentioned that during the last few minutes of his time on this planet, when he was breathing his last, he would like us to play Raga Puriya Kalyan by Panditji. Panditji was one of his favorite musicians.”

Significance of the Time of Ragas


 “We need to do a lot of research on: Which raga stimulates which part of the brain? Why are certain ragas played only during nighttime? Why are certain ragas played only in the mornings? Why are certain ragas played only at midnight or noon? Those who are in the field of medicine and neurology may take up this research. It will heighten our knowledge of classical music and take it to the next level.”

The Secret of the Flute


 “There is a beautiful story in the Bhagavad Purana. Radha used to be jealous of Lord Krishna’s holding the flute all the time. She would often wonder what was there in the flute that wasn’t there in her. She was so jealous that she almost broke his flute, only to find that there was nothing in the empty flute.


 “Similarly, emptiness is required in our hearts.&nbsp;If God has to play his divine music through our hearts, our hearts must remain empty without desire. If you have even a speck of anything in the flute, the flute will change its tune. You can’t play music on a flute that is unclean and filled with dirt.


 “Similar is the situation with our hearts. That is why in our system we highly prescribe&nbsp;antah karana shuddhi,&nbsp;inner cleaning,&nbsp;so that we become purer and purer, a simpler vessel of God’s work. Never ever forget this. Let’s meditate; let’s do our cleaning properly and invite God’s grace. Let’s pray for each other so that we can all grow together.”

Daaji honored Panditji and then, along with all the dignified guests, proceeded to his office behind the meditation hall. After a short discussion, Panditji left for Pearl, while Daaji and the dignitaries left for the conference hall where dinner had been arranged for all.


 At around 8.30 p.m., Daaji left for his residence.&nbsp;

<h2>
 The Auspicious Occasion of Chariji's 95th Birth Anniversary
</h2>

 It is the most auspicious day of the 95th birth anniversary of Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari, affectionately known as Chariji, the third Guide of Heartfulness.


 The day was celebrated with meditation and a soulful concert by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.

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Meditation in the evening at 5.30 was conducted by Daaji in the meditation hall. Around 24,722 seekers were present for the session. The heavy downpour that prevailed throughout the meditation gave way to a light shower as the session ended and seekers silently awaited the flute concert by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.



Kanha Shantivanam 24th July 2022

It is the first of the three-day celebrations of Chariji’s 95th birth anniversary at Kanha. The overcast sky is no dampener to the joy and festivity ringing in the air!


 Between 6.30 a.m. and 7.10 a.m., Daaji conducted meditation for all those who had gathered in the meditation all. The morning session recorded an assembly of around 11,700 seekers, with the number rising every minute as seekers from all over the world poured into Kanha.&nbsp;


 Daaji privately shared some of his revelations during meditation:


 Deciphering sacred symbols


 “AUM is considered a holy symbol, and precisely so for it carries many secret messages. It is a secret for those who don’t understand, while for those who understand the value of the symbol, it is no longer a secret.”


 Daaji then drew the symbol, explaining that the curves stood for the three Gunas, or attributes, sat, rajas and tamas. When we transcend and go beyond these three Gunas, we enter the state of zero, nothingness, and are liberated. Instead, if we go the other way there is no transcendence, no liberation. As long as we remain within these attributes, the cycle of birth and death continues.”


 Daaji stated that there were many such significant symbols created by the sages of yore. AUM was one of them, and another was the symbol of Sat-Chit-Anand. He said he would explain that some other time.


 The work goes on


 After meditation, Daaji gave a short talk expressing his joy at the spiritual condition of the practitioners gathered in the hall. He suggested every practitioner take a sitting between 9.30 a.m. and 12.30 pm and instructed every preceptor [trainer] to be available for 4-5 sittings that morning.


 Daaji appealed to every preceptor to give daily sittings and groom at least five practitioners after they returned home so that they become intense practitioners and ambassadors of Heartfulness. He insisted on brother preceptors attending to brother practitioners, and sister preceptors to sister practitioners.


 Daaji encouraged preceptors to become beacons of light and create an atmosphere of unity in their centers. He stated that in the future the virtual meditation sessions on Sunday would come to a halt, and encouraged everyone to attend group meditation sessions in person in their centers.

After breakfast, the trio sat in Daaji’s office, chatting and reminiscing the olden days with Babuji. There was a short discussion on the Sahaj Marg emblem and idol worship.


 Where were the temples before the Vedic period?


 “The sages of the pre-Vedic period did not meditate. They were able to perceive things directly, so they did not need to meditate. And when there was no need for meditation, how could there be a need for temples?”


 Daaji had a phone call&nbsp;with&nbsp;Singireddy Niranjan Reddy, Minister of Agriculture, Co-operation and Marketing of Telangana, and Dr. Varaprasad Reddy, founder of Shantha Biotechnics. He invited both of them to Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasiaji’s live concert scheduled on the 24th evening at Kanha Shanti Vanam. &nbsp;


 Soon thereafter, Jai Sabari and Makarand Pande’s family from the USA paid a visit. Makarand had brought a few items, including new neck support that Daaji found very comfortable.

At 11.45 am, Daaji left for the admin office to attend a meeting of the regional facilitators. He discussed several initiatives, and gave a short talk:


 Centers of unity


 Daaji directed the regional facilitators to encourage all members within a particular zone to partake in the Heartfulness activities of that region. He guided them to&nbsp;establish unity across their centers, without taking any sides.


 He nudged the facilitators to develop a culture of request rather than order, a culture of serving rather than being served.


 Daaji, urging all of them to read the chapter written by Babuji on Lalaji Saheb in Truth Eternal, mentioned that time and again, it would be a reminder of an ideal lifestyle.


 He had an e-mail read out on how to prepare practitioners to make the best of each Bhandara, and shared his reflections:


 The art of being receptive


 “Each of these exercises should start with a heartfelt prayer to Babuji Maharaj, that may such a condition emerge. That should be the beginning of our activities. Increased receptivity is a direct result of removing obstacles in the form of samskaras and prejudice.


 “Holding this condition is possible when you appreciate what has been given. And that is a direct result of devotion – that you care about the Giver and value whatever comes from Him. This is a product of devotion, bhakti. So we try to work on this aspect of removing obstacles, samskaras and creating bhakti.


 “If there is no bhakti in us, it will not pour out. So first we have to create bhakti in ourselves. And when you work with that state of the heart, it becomes easier. Otherwise, it is artificial. It will be like rain in the desert: one moment it rains, and the next second it has dried up. Nothing grows.”

Daaji returned home, observing the activities in full swing across the Kanha premises. He went for a walk in his garden, picking up dry leaves with his stick and piling them near the plants by the wayside. He gave a few&nbsp;suggestions to the concerned team regarding the health and care of plants.
 
 
 The first half of the day came to a close. Daaji had his lunch and rested for a while.

He arrived in the meditation hall around 5.25 p.m. for the evening session and was very happy to see Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia waiting to meditate&nbsp;with him. There were around 21,800 seekers present in the hall. Daaji conducted meditation for all, thereby kickstarting the official three-day celebrations.


 Daaji gave a short talk after meditation, paying a heart-touching tribute to Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and his musical legacy. He recollected Chariji’s deep liking for Panditji’s flute and went on to describe the vibratory effect of various genres of music. He encouraged children to learn Indian classical music and urged one and all to keep this ancient form of art alive through the miasmas of time.


 The vibratory impact of music


 “Our beloved Master was very fond of Hariprasadji’s flute. Whenever he was happy, he would play it. Whenever he was sad and disgusted, or could not sleep, he would play it. My children and grandchildren, also, wake up and sleep with Hariprasadji’s flute music.”


 “I highly recommend that children should wake up to such a satvik atmosphere, and sleep in a satvik atmosphere. Of course, we pray, we meditate, but sometimes certain external means accelerate the shift in our moods. The vibration of this kind of music prepares our hearts and minds and opens them up. It brings us to a level of consciousness that is more receptive to godly vibrations.”&nbsp;

Panditji spent some time with Daaji in his office. After a tour of Yatra Garden and the children’s play area, Daaji dropped him at Pearl and returned home. &nbsp;

Later in the night, Daaji asked a seeker to share his reflections on the Bhandara message. The seeker replied that he had not read the message as it was yet to be released. Daaji was not happy with this information and was upset at the lack of proper communication between the concerned team members.


 With this, Daaji brought the day to a close and went to bed.

<h2>
 Concert of Hariprasad Chaurasia&nbsp;
</h2>

 He arrived in the meditation hall around 5.25 p.m. for the evening session and was very happy to see Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia waiting to meditate&nbsp;with him. There were around 21,800 seekers present in the hall. Daaji conducted meditation for all, thereby kickstarting the official three-day celebrations.


 Daaji gave a short talk after meditation, paying a heart-touching tribute to Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and his musical legacy. He recollected Chariji’s deep liking for Panditji’s flute and went on to describe the vibratory effect of various genres of music. He encouraged children to learn Indian classical music and urged one and all to keep this ancient form of art alive through the miasmas of time.

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Daaji arrived in the meditation hall around 5.25 p.m. for the evening session and was very happy to see Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia waiting to meditate with him. There were around 21,800 seekers present in the hall. Daaji conducted meditation for all, thereby kickstarting the official three-day celebrations.


Kanha Shantivanam 23rd July 2022

Daaji was quite unwell yesterday and, feeling tired, he woke up late today. Nevertheless, with the same zest and zeal, he attended to the guests from Indore whom he had invited to join for breakfast.


 In reply to an e-mail, Daaji explained how we form our destiny.


 How do we form our destiny?


 “When it comes to destiny, there is an eternal play of four vital things: vritti (tendencies), pravritti (activities), prakriti (nature), prarabdha (destiny). You must have seen how we all have our own personalities and traits that hardly ever change. Even when we want to remove a certain habit, we fail time and again. It is like copper transmuting into gold! How is it ever going to happen? The elemental configuration, our personality trait and the associated hard-wired neural circuit, is already fixed. Based on this hard-wiring, we display certain tendencies, we display our choices, and hence our activities. Oft repeated activities reinforce these traits. Based on these accumulated vibrations, we form our destiny. We cannot be practicing table tennis and expect to excel in football.”

Later Daaji spent some time on the swing, accompanied by Madhava Reddy. He asked Madhava to join him as he left for his rounds of Kanha.


 As has been the routine over the past week or so, Daaji first paid a visit to the pond near Madhuvanam and then went on to check the area behind the main kitchen. On his way back home, a young girl approached him and said it was her birthday. Daaji cut the cake they had brought and offered it to them.

In the evening, around 6 pm, Daaji went back again for a round of the premises. As he passed by THLC, he stopped at the entrance and called for architect Deepika and Gowthaman from the nursery&nbsp;team. He directed them to construct a beautiful path covered with creepers so that it becomes comfortable&nbsp;for the students to walk through the school campus. From there, Daaji once again went to the reservoir behind the kitchen to inspect the ongoing work.

On his way back home, near the meditation hall, he spotted a seeker who had arrived from Bengaluru for the Bhandara. The person was carrying a lot of luggage and was accompanied by his kids. Filled with compassion, Daaji asked his associate Kannan to take the car and drop the family to their destination.

Back at home, Daaji went for a walk in his garden. Around 7.30 p.m. he had a Yoga session with Vishnu, the trainer from Kanha.


 The activities of the day ended well after 9 p.m., with Daaji calling for a few seekers and conducting meditation.

<h2>
 Discussion on Destiny
</h2>

 While replying to an email about destiny, Daaji explained, "When it comes to destiny, there is an eternal play of four vital things: vritti (tendencies), pravritti (activities), prakriti (nature), prarabdha (destiny). You must have seen how we all have our own personalities and traits that hardly ever change. Even when we want to remove a certain habit, we fail time and again. It is like copper transmuting into gold! How is it ever going to happen? The elemental configuration, our personality trait and the associated hard-wired neural circuit, is already fixed. Based on this hard-wiring, we display certain tendencies, we display our choices, and hence our activities. Oft repeated activities reinforce these traits. Based on these accumulated vibrations, we form our destiny. We cannot be practicing table tennis and expect to excel in football.”

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Daaji was quite unwell yesterday and, feeling tired, he woke up late today. Nevertheless, with the same zest and zeal, he remained active for the whole day.

Kanha Shantivanam 20th July 2022

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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.”

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

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Kanha Shantivanam 26^th July 2022

Kanha Shantivanam 25^th July 2022

Kanha Shantivanam 24^th July 2022

Kanha Shantivanam 23^rd July 2022

Kanha Shantivanam 20^th July 2022