Aradhana that was uninterruptedly pursued
(Autobiography of Poojya Gurudev Pt. Sriram Sharma Acharya - Continued)

The confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati is known as triveñi. It is said that one who takes bath in it is rejuvenated. Although a heron cannot become a swan, a crow cannot become a cuckoo, it is certain that the inner and outer life of a man can be totally transformed by the confluence of triple currents of upasana, sadhana and aradhana. These are not rituals to be performed in a particular manner or at a particular time but are instruments for bringing about high-level transformations in man’s thinking, character and behavior. For this it is necessary to keep a constant watch on one’s physical and mental activities. Vigilance has to be exercised to eradicate vices. High idealism has to be incorporated in our attitudes, actions and nature to restrain them, just as wild animals and birds are trained to display skilful feats in a circus. (worship) can be done for a short time but sadhana has to be done constantly, just as an infant has to be watched continuously. Only an that is coupled with sadhana becomes fruitful. Those who consider puja (upasana) a mere jugglery and indulge in daydreaming to attain riddhis-siddhis by performing this or that ritual are under a delusion.

Gurudev had on the very first day clearly indicated to me the mode of Tripada Gayatri in the form of upasana, sadhana and aradhana. He pointed out that along with regular jap and meditation, there should be permeation of in sadhak’s thinking and feelings, sadhana in his character and aradhana in his social behavior, with faith and alertness. I have so far implicitly complied with these instructions and the results achieved thereby are there for all to see.

Aradhana means remaining engrossed in doing work for public weal? Jivan- sadhana is a sadhana of self-restraint (sanyam) in which maximum is saved for public weal and minimum is spent on one’s own sustenance. Only that much time, labor, money and talents are used on one’s own person and family which could ensure a simple, dignified life of the standard of an average citizen. Measured against this criterion, a hard working and educated person should be in a position to save something after meeting his essential needs. Best utilization of this saving is known as aradhana. Ordinarily, people mis-spend this saving on themselves or members of their families because it does not occur to them that there are other persons also in this world who have their own needs. If their outlook had been altruistic, they would have utilized their savings in works of public good and fulfilled the needs of the times.