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.

I took this much time to find out that I am more confused now than at the beginning of my Spiritual Journey. Confusion is not my concern anymore now. I am getting more angry and more anxious about the life more than ever now. I even question the use of the little extent of Sadhana that I am still able to continue.
It seems my journey inwards is in turmoil. I stopped reading books and don’t know when and how. I am not interested in anything but not willing to leave anything from my attention… and so on…
The only thing I managed is my continuous improvement on the path of speaking the truth. There are very few incidents now that an untrue word comes from me. If an urge comes I keep silent instead of talking a lie.
Please guide me, if I am eligible to be a spiritual person.

Ans.

Do not downplay yourself so much. You haven’t strayed, nor have you lost the path.
This kind of turmoil is common.
Sadhana is not meant for fixing day to day life, it’s a long term thing, it is best not to link it to daily, monthly or yearly trials.
Sadhana goes on side by side with seemingly lousy worldly life, but no problem here. Because sadhana sows the seeds which are never destroyed, they wait for the ready ground to blossom again. This is a tree that once sown cannot be destroyed.
You are on the path, you will always be. You’re more than qualified to be a spiritual person.
We are very happy about the continuation of the resolve for Satya. Satya is the very foundation of Dharma.
Worldly life is usually frustrating, the trick is not to take it too seriously and not let it overwhelm us. We get angry because we engage and invest ourselves emotionally in the events and dispositions or tendencies of others. If we stay aloof, we are not offended.
To accept is the trick.

Q.

How to develop Shanta Bhava?

Ans.

Shanta means peace, and peace should be your mantra. Once in a while keep saying “Shantih! Shantih! Shantih!’ The Vedic mantras ended with Shantih three times –it’s specifically important for developing shanta bhava.
Shanta is one of the six bhavas. In shanta bhava, the mind of the devotee is free from mundane thoughts. His mind is calm, full of knowledge, devoid of any emotions. Like an ocean without waves. Bhishma was a perfect example of shanta bhava. He was always peaceful.

Q.

What are some of the practical tips to maintain Shanta Bhava during Japa or Dhyana?

Ans:

• Become silent. Try to listen to all the sounds around you. Distinguish every sound, small and large, including that of your own breath. Then be quiet and forget those sounds.
• Become still. Make sure not a single muscle is strained. Don’t try to force yourself into sitting in an erect position. Be relaxed and comfortable.
• Will yourself to be peaceful. Tell yourself that you are light, you have no weight, you are like a feather. Thinking thus, breathe slowly, gently, calmly. Let your prana flow slowly like a quiet river.
• Visualise any of the following:
  • You’re sitting on the banks of a river/ sea. There’s soft breeze. You are happy.
  • You’re sitting in front of the idol of your favourite deity looking at His face first, then His feet. You have placed your head at His feet and you’re peaceful.
  • You are sitting in your favourite temple and meditating with your eyes closed.
  • Lord Shiva is sitting in deep meditation, His eyes closed. You look at him and close your eyes and start meditating yourself.
  • Your Gurudeva is sitting in meditation with His eyes closed.
  • Your Gurudeva is raising his hand to bless you, he has a smile on his face. He puts his hand on your head and blesses you, tears flow from your eyes in gratefulness.