Questions by readers- Answers by The Mother! These answers are in no way definitive; nor do they make any claims to authenticity. These are supposed to answer the seeking. The insights contained in these answers issue from patrons of The Mother, among who are saints, holy men, scholars and advanced seekers. To submit a question, send email to editor.themother@gmail.com. Do not feel disappointed if The Mother does not publish the answer to your questions. The Editorial Board will choose questions to be published in The Mother depending upon its significance and service to the spiritual seekers at large. However, we will strive to answer most queries and personally communicate the answers to those who put forth genuine queries. Editor.

Q.

Should I use kara-mala (the rosary on the palm) for Japa or mala?

Answer.

Yes, you can use mala instead of counting on the fingers in the initial stages. But in the long run, when you have started long sittings and do Japa in lakhs, as against hundreds or thousands, the kara-mala, the rosary on one’s own palm, comes in handy. The Japa on the finger also offers convenience while travelling and helps keep the practice discreet without attracting attention, which is desirable.

Q.

Is diksha possible remotely/ long distance?

Answer.

While diksha/ initiation can be done remotely, it is best that the disciple meets the Guru in person and seeks initiation. The tradition of initiation-in-person is ancient and has several salutary advantages.
However, some time before the actual initiation, the disciple may prepare himself or herself with certain complementary and initiation-supportive practices and be already on the Path, so that at the time of actual initiation, whenever convenient at a later date, everything can be carried forward.
But this Path can be shown if the person has made up the mind to follow the Order.

Q.

What are the most basic spiritual practices?

Answer.

Thakur, as he was popularly called, recommended the following 5 practices:

PREPARATORY
1.   Partaking of sattvik/ vegetarian food
2.  Observing, to the best of your ability, Brahmacharya/ continence

SUSTAINING
3.  Chanting the Naam i.e. Mahamantra (Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare,Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare)
4.  Satsang: Enjoying the company of holy men/ scriptures

ADVANCED
5.  Staying steadfastly devoted to the Guru and Guru-given practices such as Mantra Japa after formal initiation. This peace and love is real. Do not dismiss it. Don’t be too rational, give free reign to the heart because it is the heart that will assist you in transcending the mortal limitations. This is bhakti. Prema or love is a spiritual word signifying soul’s natural and inherent attraction to God and consequent emotional expansion in an attempt to reach out to Him. Love or Prema is not just a word for emotional state in languages, it’s a spiritual concept.

Q.

There seems to be a special kind of vacuum in me or maybe I should call it blankness. I don't feel like doing anything, only thing that excites me is Japa or doing spiritual discussion with people or talking to family to some extent.

Business or earning money doesn't seem to excite, however I do feel a big need for it.‎ Even if I meet friends, I want to do spiritual discussion. Sometimes I feel this phase may be due to the financial stress and it may change if this period is over. Therefore, I get afraid of losing this passion for God and always request for Sharanagati and Bhakti.

May be it's my laziness or something else but I would want to spend at least few months doing full time Japa (at least 5-6 hours a day) if I get the required strength and want to visit all the Jyotirlingas and places like Gangotri and Kailash Parvat. Don't feel like working though I have been doing it as a duty. The passion I used to carry for earning money seems to have died.
There's nothing which is disturbing me and I can wait for the time to unfold my path.‎ Any words of advice?

Answer.

This is not an uncommon situation.

In the early years of genuine spirituality, vairagya or a sense of dispassion for worldly things sets in. It’s natural.

This is the time we clearly see the polar opposites: world driven by lower self, and that driven by higher self. And we are attracted to the higher self.

Your desire to do full time Japa, go on pilgrimages etc. will surely be fulfilled eventually.
But do not desire extremes or excesses, because they fall apart and wear out, and we are back to the grind.

What if you become as dispassionate about Japa etc. as you are foe making money etc. right now?
It’s likely.

Because dispassion is a deeper universal thing.

The more desirable thing for you would be to yearn for a few hours of spiritual practice daily and punctually but in a sustained, steady manner. More quality, more regularity. Not quantity.

Having said that, let me say vairagya or this dispassion is a great thing because it is a landmark transformation. You need not fully move to the other end, but the callings of the higher self become predominant in your life and occupy a place higher than the lower pursuits. This means you are now Ishwarmukhi, turned God-wards. The movement thereafter can be slow but certain. No rushing into these things.

Q.

I have deep desire to enhance my meditation time and make progress in my spiritual quest, however, not able to spare much time due to being occupied in worldly things. I request all Gurus for their grace to help me move further on Spiritual path.

Answer.

The way is to reserve the morning time. Wake up an hour earlier and do your Japa/ meditation etc. Morning time is always available. God will enable the rest as time passes.

Q.

Is doing daily japa part of Siddha Kundalini Yoga?

Answer.

Of course it is. Your Japa has come from a Sadguru who gave a diksha that is called Shaambhavi/ Siddha/ Jnanavati, all are the names of the same process, and it helps activate Kundalini with Guru’s transmitted Shakti, so daily Japa is a part of this great process. Do you have a copy of Our Master? There is a note on Siddha Yoga in one of the chapters.

Q.

Earlier I used to think that objective of my life is to keep my family happy, though that still remains valid but additionally I keep getting thoughts to inquire main purpose of my life.

Answer.

God-realisation or Self-realization is the purpose of everyone’s life. Looking after family and making it happy is just one part that helps in the ultimate journey.