Brief Introduction of Vangamaya Vol. 5

The methods of Sadhanas (spiritual endeavors) devised, practised and advocated by the ancient Indian scientists of spirituality appear to most people as part of some kind of mystical knowledge and magical practices. More esoteric and adventurous seem to be the supernormal attainments (siddhis) associated with the success of these Sadhanas. The detailed knowledge of the original philosophy and science of Sadhanas and siddhis cannot be collected and accessed by people today because of the vast expansion of the field and the destruction and deformation of most scriptures that took place during the long span of intermediate periods of history - especially the medieval era.

Gurudev Shriram Sharma is among the most revered spiritual masters and saintly social reformers of the modern times who have dedicated their lives for in-depth study and investigations of the ancient scriptures and who deciphered and explained the true meanings and important aspects of Sadhana and siddhi. Acharya Sharma brought this knowledge into scientific light after conducting long term experiments on himself to experience the truth and the scientific basis of the claims of "Siddhis from Sadhanas". He had also devoted his sagacity and spiritual excellence to the noble purpose of presenting the essence of this ancient knowledge for the benefit of people across the world. Several volumes in the Vangamaya series have emerged as part of his endeavors in this regard.

The present volume focuses on the basic philosophy, meaning, origin and objectives of the Sadhanas in a very simple and comprehensive way. The gamut of potential siddhis associated with different kinds of Sadhanas is also elucidated here with the main objective of eliminating the misconceptions and suspicions and to appraise the reader of - "What is a true Sadhana and who is an authentic sadhaka who has been blessed by the siddhis and how?"

The author explains the importance of Sadhana as a natural necessity because it deals with refinement, control and ideal training of the mind and body in human life. Restraining the agility of mind is the most essential requirement for Sädhanä in any phase of life. But, as we all might have experienced, it is the most difficult task too. Acharya Sharma has meticulously analyzed the influence of inherent tendencies, internal desires, sentimental makeup, external environment and circumstances of life on the activities of the conscious and subconscious mind. He has identified four major methods of control and refinement of mental tendencies which are of specific relevance today. These also include adoption of swädhyäya and satsanga in day-to-day life to educe illuminating thoughts and piet sentiments. He has elaborated each method with live examples to illustrate how it helps purification of mind, cultivation of righteous tendencies and creative use of enormous mental powers.

It is highlighted that, apart from the refinement of character, behavior and attitude and ascetic control over the agile mind, the purification of the inner self - refinement and escalation at the levels of the subtle and astral bodies too, is important for the realization of siddhis from Sadhanas. The importance of faith, devotion and impact of subtle vibrations of mantras has also been elucidated; special reference is also made to the nature and spiritual role of the unconscious mind.

The influence of the impulses of consciousness pervaded in the surrounding environment has been described by the author as quite significant in the progress of specific Sadhanas. The atmosphere of a graveyard or crematory suits the low level täntirka Sadhanas whereas the serene and spiritually charged atmosphere of the Himalayan region - where great saints and sages of all ages have performed divinely high level Sadhanas and offered altruist service to the Nature and to all beings - inspires immense peace and enlightenment which is most suitable for arousal of divine tendencies and hence for the performance of mantra based sacred Sädhanäs of spiritual elevation.

The institution named Shantikunj has been established by the author himself in Hardwar as a live example of - what used to be the special nature of the Ashramas and Guru-kuls of the ancient rishis; what could be regarded as an ideal environment for righteous and rapid progress of a pious Sadhana. The cosmic vibrations, generated by the uncountably large number of japas (rhythmic enunciation with meditation) of the Gayatri Mantra ongoing for twenty four hours every day since past thirty-five years, have charged the atmosphere of Shantikunj with so much spiritual energy that the minds of the sädhakas automatically get divinely inspired here. The Himalayan surrounding and vicinity of the holy Ganges add to the liveliness, beauty and purity of this place...