1) Surrender occurs in three stages.  a) Surrender with effort.  Here there is surrender with the sense of I ness. As long as there is a sense of surrendering, the prana is at anahata chakra or below.  b) Surrender is without effort. It is a natural state of being.  This is the sunlit path as Aurobindo and is Bhakti like a kitten.  Here the prana finally ascends above the Anahata chakra and is the “chandra” path.  (Different nomenclature from Saundarya lahiri). Even the thought of surrendering is not there.   c) Surrender is perfected.  As soon as it is perfected, the disciple knows himself as Shakti, or Brahma or Atma.

2) If you try to correlate all descriptions of Yoga with the gross physical world, there is no progress.  True Yoga is progression of consciousnes.  As consciousness expands, one slowly becomes aware of the subtle world of angels, heavens etc and then the tattvas and finally the divine aspects of God.

3) One can have momentary glimpes of any of the higher states of consciousness.  This is often a blessing from higher beings. However, in addition there is also a definite rule that God follows in giving experiences.  If one does 12 proper pranayamas, one has the experience of one Pratyahara. 12 Pratyahara give the experience of one Dharana.  12 Dharanas give the experience of one Dhyana.  12 Dhyanas give the experience of one Savikalpa Samadhi.  12 Savikalpa Samdhi gives the experience of one Nirvikalpa. 

4) Pratyahara is when the prana spontaneously leaves the body and starts to ascend towards Agna chakra. Depending on how stable the prana is it gives either the experience of Dharana, dhayana or samadhi.

5) Please refer to older blods on definitions of Dharana, dhayana and Samadhi.

6) One can never follow Shiv Swarodaya or even understand it till one has the Shakti FULLY awakened.  Slowing of the breath is an after effect and not the cause of awakening of the shakti.  Forcefully slowing the breath will lead to headaches and pulmonary problems.

7) For the normal person, breathing appears to start from outside and goes within. For a person with an awakened shakti, the <strong>force that pushes the breath </strong>is felt at Agna chakra.  This does NOT mean the breathing starts at Agna chakra.  Once this is established, one can understand and reap the benefits of Shiv Swarodaya.  This would explain the reversal of HungSau to Sohum as described in SRF.

8) Everything that I type and say gets filtered by the reader or the listener.  The same is true for all divine scriptures.  The part that the reader cannot understand, he fills in the gaps with his limited understanding.  This is why spiritual progress is very slow.  A perfect disciple does not filter the words of the great beings.  He accepts every divine word and guidance and progresses faster.  This does require two things.  Only listen to someone who is truly divine and humility on part of the disciple.

9) Divine scriptures that are written or the words of great saints like Gurudev, Yogananada, Lihiri Mahashaya, Vishnutirthji Maharaj are not words but is shakti and like a Mantra.  Accept them and move ahead.  That is why the scriptures are considered to be a Guru.  Progress is faster if one sees the divinity in the books.  If it is merely a book to you, then progress will be slower.

This word is pronounced as Shraadha. It is an occasion celebrated differently in different parts of India in different ways. It refers to the rites done by the children as an oblation to their deceased parents and forefathers. The Full moon and the subsequent fortnight in the month of Bhadarva is the time given to observing these rites. This is followed by the celebration of Navratri, the festival in Honor of Shakti.

In one of the Puranas there is the story of Varah Bhagwan, an incarnation of Vishnu Bhagwan, who created 3 Pindas out of his mouth and placed them facing south on a darbha (a wooden stick). This stick is generally difficult to burn also.

Pinda refers to the body. I have described the spiritual eye in great detail elsewhere. However, the center of the spiritual eye can be considered as the mouth of “Varah” or “God” and when facing south or downward, 3 Pindas or bodies were made. The 3 bodies refer to the causal or karana deha, sukshama or subtle body and the gross physical body. The darbha where the Pindas are placed is the sushumna nadi (which generally does not burn even though the body is cremated). Thus this is the creative aspect of God.

The 9 days that follow it, is the reversal of the path ! That is called Navratri or the celebration of Shakti leading us back to God.

Now back to the rites. Shraadha has been described in Riga Veda and Yajur Veda. During Shraadha, on the “tithi” day of the deceased parent or ancestor, the son or household person should invite Brahmins to their home. The brahmin is usually offered “Pinda” and “water”. He may partake in it or sometimes it is placed outside for the birds to enjoy. It is believed in that case the ancestors come in the form of “Khechar” or birds and are satisfied with the oblation. However, in different parts of India, this ceremony is done differently.

The meaning of such an “unusual” ceremony is as follows. After a person passes away, most souls are “lost” for a while “stuck” in different hells or lower heavens unable to come back to the gross world to fulfill their desires. They are thus in the skies of the subtle world. The word khechar has the following meaning – khe means sky and char meaning roamer – roamer of the skies. Thus, to the short sighted, the ancestors are “birds” while in reality they are souls stuck in the subtle world or in darkness. When the ceremony is done, the objective is to give them a “Pinda” or body so they may come back to this gross physical world and continue their journey back to God. The reason for using water has a deeper significance which has been described in greater detail in the fourth chapter of Gita.

The above ceremony is true for those who are unable to meditate under the influence of the divine. For those with an awakened shakti, the method is done in meditation. Here, the Yogi meditates deeply and sends out deep messages of Peace and Love and Happiness. These deep meditations, surcharged with an “active prana” reaches the ancestor through “astral fluid” (water) and gives him or her the chance of paying off their sins quickly and the ability to have a new body quicker. The reason for calling a brahmin is that since most people cannot reach this depth of meditation, the Brahmin or “enlightened” person can do this for them.

This has been described by Paramhansa Yogananda also as the right thing to do on the day of the passing of the relative. If the person who has passed away already has acquired a new body, this meditation would bring the ancestor or parent peace and happiness even in their new body.

Lastly, Gurudev used to say, “Never eat at a place where the ancestors have gone wayward. Otherwise you become, in part responsible for helping their ancestors achieve salvation of some sort” He then continued and said, “Nowadays, every house in this age has ancestors that have gone wayward”. He also said, “In his kula, there is no need for Shraadha. No one goes wayward”.

I once asked Gurudev about a Bhajan written by Narsinh Mehta, “Vaishnava jaana to tene re kahiye,…..Bhane Narsainyo tenu darshan karta, kul ekoter tarya re” meaning upon having the darshana of a true Vaishnava, you give salvation to 71 generations of your ancestors. I asked him if it was true and he said it was true and I humbly bowed to him and he smiled – hinting that he had offered salvation to 71 generations of my ancestors.

Ancestors who have gone wayward, often cause a lot of conflict and pain – that is not dependent on the karma of the individual. Such ancestors often “haunt” individuals but when such families go to the feet of great Saints, the ancestors have a chance of salvation. If you read the book, Punarudaya – the life story of Narayntirth Maharaj there is a story relating to this.

In my own case, my father had started to write Ganesh Chalisa prior to his death. His intention was to give it to 12 Brahmins and it would take his difficulties away. He could not finish the task and I wrote the Ganesh chalisa once and gave it to Gurudev. I had forgotten about it. A few years later, Gurudev out of the blue reminded me of it and smiled – hinting once again, he had taken care of my father.

Since the situation is appropriate, I will narrate one more story. My fathers uncle had given everything up and stayed at Karnali, a holy place on the edge of the river Narmada, near Chandod. He had tried to practice Yoga but probably had not reached much success. I felt sorry for him. I was at Gurudev’s feet and asked Gurudev, if I should bring him here for his darshana. Gurudev closed his eyes for several minutes and then said, No, everything is fine. I did not understand very clearly what he meant or what had transpired.

Many years later, I was standing and suddenly Babaji appeared before me (Paramhansa Yogananda’s Param Guru”). He blessed me and said, I have come at the request of your fathers uncle. Thus, Gurudev had given my great uncle one of the highest form, short of moksha, liberation by sending him at the feet of Babaji!

Lastly, I should let my children know, that no Shraadha is needed for me. The great beings, will take care of me! Gurudev, during my last visit had told me 3 things.

1) I have finished my responsibility towards you

2) You will always have a human body till you reach Moksha

3) You will not suffer the pain of birth and death.

Such is greatness of my Gurudev – Sombargiriji.  I bow to him repeatedly.

Translation : In Sunderkand, Ram is beautiful, the story is beautiful and Sita Ma is beautiful, hence the name Sunderkand.

In Sri Lanka, the Trikutachal Mountains had 3 levels, Neel, Suvel and Sundar. Most of the events of Sunderkand occur in the Sunder peak of the mountain range. This is where Mother Sita was held captive in Ashok Vatika.

First I will give the story and then the Yogic interpretation. The only proof I can offer anyone about the interpretaion is Go deep in meditation and confirm the validity. It is a matter of experience, not a matter of intellectual discussion.

The story starts off with Jambvant reminding Hanumanji of his divine powers of being able to fly. Hanuman then flies over the ocean and en route he encounters Sursa and Lankini. (I have related the story of Sursa who killed birds flying over the ocean by capturing their shadow). Hanuman is also offered an opportunity to rest on a mountain but he declines and says, he has a very important task and he will continue his path. He reaches Lanka and enters the area by becoming very small. He defeats Lankini and goes to Ashok Vatika. The lead Rakshasi Trijata (who also secretly worships Ram) is there also.
Ravana hears of a “monkey” who has invaded his territory and sends a troop headed by his son Akshaykumar. Hanuman quickly kills Akshaykumar. Then Ravana sends his other son Meghnad who uses the Brahmastra. Hanuman, out of respect for Ram surrenders to the Brahmastra and is taken to the court of Ravana. Ravana orders that Hanumans tail be set on fire and Hanuman uses the tail to quickly burn all territories of the trikutachal mountain except Ashok Vatika. Finally, thinking that Vibhishana is a traitor, Ravana expels Vibishana from his kingdom. Vibhishana surrenders to Ram and Ram proceeds to build a bridge to go to Lanka.

The 3 levels of Trikutachal mountains refer to the 3 grant his of the Sushumna nadi. The lower 4 chakras – Rudra granthi are the neel mountain range. The ordinary people of Lanka live there. Meaning, most people have their impulses restricted to the lower 4 chakras which give them either ego or emotionalism or intellectualism. An ordinary person is not able to go beyond it for several life times.

The second range of mountains refer to the Vishnu granthi the chakra ranging from Anahata to Agna chakra.

The highest range, where Ashoka vatika resides is the Brahma nadi or the Sunder Nadi as described by Tulsidasji Maharaj. This is the area between Agna chakra and Sahastrar. Sahastrar is the place of Rama. Below the Sahastrar is Shakti or Sita Mata. Nada is below Shakti and then one comes to Agna chakra. One more thing, there is a manas chakra and Ravana represents the Abhasa Chaitanya.

Even as I write this, my heart knows no limits to the Joy. The Joy of being there. The joy of the incredible work of Tulsidasji.

Thus he states, the Brahmanadi is beautiful, the 2 goals in Brahmanadi – Ram and Sita is beautiful and the path or story itself is beautiful. What else can I call the chapter but Sunderkanda or Brahmanadi?

In the initial part of the chapter, Hanuman or the prana has forgotten his divine right. He is reminded by Jamvant or the Guru his divine power. The prana first leaves the body and goes to Lanka or the Sushumna nadi. It assumes a very small form and secretly enters the lower part of the Sushumna. As soon as the prana enters the area, Bhakti begins (VIbhishana). However, it will be a long time before Bhakti or Vibhishana can meet Ram. Vibhishana directs Hanuman to Brahmanadi where Sita mata resides. When hanuman or the prana hears the loud sound of Meghnada, Hanuman or the prana finally becomes very still. At that point, when Ravana tries to burn hanuman, but instead, Hanuman or the prana anhilates or destroys all the lower parts or chakras of the Sushumna. Thus all the Sanskars are destroyed.

In short, the story of Sunderkand is beautiful because it is a very accurate description of the travels of a Yogi with the prana from the body to Brahmanadi. This final lap or trip through the Brahmanadi is very beautiful. Everyone should go there.

Pushpa danta was a Gandharva (a musician for the Gods).  He would visit and enjoy the Garden of the King Chitraratha.  He enjoyed the gardens and the flowers immensely and subsequently started stealing flowers from the Garden.  King Chitraratha could not catch him because he had the power to become invisible.  So King Chitraratha spread Bilipatra on the garden.  Pushpadanta not realizing it, stepped into the garden and was caught.  Since the bilipatra is something offered to Shiv as oblation, Shiv was displeased.   The result of this transgression was he could no longer remain invisible. Pushpadanta wanted to have the powers to remain invisible again and he prayed to Sada shiv and created the Shiv Mahimna.

Reciting the Shiv Mahimna 11 times is called the laghu rudri and reciting it 108 times is called Maharudri.

The interpretation :  King Chitraratha refers to the creation of all 3 universes ( gross, subtle and causal).  It is called chitra ratha because this entire creation is nothing more than an imagination or picture created by God but appears eternal (referring to the motion like effect of the picture).

Pushpadanta  refers to Atma or Purusha (not the soul).  This is the pure consciousness present throughout creation, invisible to all.  He was enjoying the “garden” or creation but he made the mistake of walking in the garden with Bilipatra. Bilipatra with its 3 leaflets refers to the three gunas. This is why we offer Bilipatra to the Shiv linga meaning we offer all our gunas to Sada Shiv. Thus enmeshed with the three Gunas, he immediately incurred the wrath of Sada Shiv and was forced to become visible in the creation in the form of a human or jiva.  The only way back was by getting the blessings of Sada Shiva. 

For the advanced Yogi, who has reached the Agna chakra, using the word Pushpa has a deeper significance.  In Sanskrit, Poo or Pu means unfolding.  Thus with the development of pure ego or Purusha (this is way beyond the 5 koshas or the three bodies – gross, subtle and causal), the three lokas or universes unfold.  The word danta or teeth or mouth is used to depict the brahma randhra.  It is the mouth of God, the site of creation of the universe.  As per Yogananda Maharaj, when the sperm meets the ovum, the point of entry becomes the medulla oblangata.  (The agna chakra).  For someone who is familiar with neuro anatomy, the medulla has a “mouth” or groove.

The only way back for the jiva or individual is by the grace of Sada Shiv.  With the grace of Sada Shiv, the individual first realizes himself to be the Purusha or Atma present in all creation and then much later realizes the Purusha is the same as Sada Shiv.   Please see elsewhere for more details about Atma or Purusha. The word atma or purusha is <strong>not</strong> the individual soul.

1) Swami Vivekananda visited me a few days ago and blessed me. I do not remember the things he told me though.

2) In his books he has written in the future many will be liberated. Today I had a flash and vision which showed people in near future will be liberated by the thousands. When I say near future I mean in the next century or so

3) Do not ever be proud or think you are making progress. So much more is to be achieved that any spiritual experience like this is still a baby step in the giant picture. For eg, look at the achievement of Kabir, Mirabai, Shirdi’s Satya Sai Baba, Neem Karoli Baba, Ram Krishna, Mohangiriji Maharaj, Kevalgiriji Maharaj, Laxman Giriji Maharaj etc.

4) Definition of Samadhi based on Prana and Light : Savikalpa Samadhi – all the prana from the body goes through the 5 lower chakras and ascends to the Agna chakra or above. Nirvikalpa Samadhi – When the divine light from Sahastrar descends into the body and transforms the mind, chitta and intelligence. For the very great and higher beings, they have the divine light go into the very atoms of every cell of the body and attain immortality.

5) Nachiketa story and dialogue with Yama is an experience of Dashamdwar or the tenth opening. This is just above Agna chakra. You can read about the story in Katha Upanishad

6) Agna Chakra and below is the area of Maya or Delusion or Satan

7) In order to be free of Maya you have to go above Agna chakra.

8) At the 10th door or Dashamdwar (please read the book by Yukteshwar Maharaj – the Holy Science), one has the experience of Abhasa Chaitanya or reflection of the divine (also known has Agnana Or Ignorance Or Diti) and flashes of the beyond which is the Kutastha Chaitanya.

9) For liberation one should be able to go to Kutashtha at will.

10) The divine light is present everywhere. However, it remains very subtle and hidden. As one progresses one should start having flashes of the divine even in this world. The way this world appears to the higher beings is very different than what it appears to ordinary people. Imagination and thoughs have NO ROLE in the final steps but ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT in the initial progress.

11) Swami Vivekananda has described this has a “hydrostatis paradox” – meaning small changes in our own self has a tremendous impact in the external world esp after most of the strong Karma is washed out. The slightest thought or feeling of anger, hatred, affection, bias will cause an immediate reaction in the gross physical world and come back to haunt us. Thus Samta or having balance is very important both to evil and good. Yet, the role of a Guru is very difficult because he has to be impartial to both evil and good but at the same time support the good in a disciple because it will deliver him from the bondage of Karma and give liberation. That is why in the bible it is said, “Thou shall not judge” because when we see evil, it is a judgement on our part. One has to love all, unconditionally, expecting nothing in return and that is verily the only condition which gives liberation. The same love which one has towards money or family should be towards all. Yet the cultural norms have to be followed by a householder and for a Sanyasi or a renunciate he has to follow the norms of a Sanyasi.

There are many more things but it is difficult to write them all, they are best conveyed by a Guru in person with transmission of his spiritual power and his words.

After the last meal, Jesus knew his time to depart had come.    After dinner, Jesus with all his immense love for his discples washed the feet of his disciples!  Look at the immense amount of love he had.  He knew they were all Gods in spirit and he loved them so immensely!  He and his disciples went to the mountain top to meditate (Or you may call it sit in prayers).  Since this was the last night, Jesus wanted them all to meditate in his presence for the entire night.  However, only one person meditated the entire night, the rest of them fell asleep!  The only person who stayed up all night in meditation was Jesus.  That is why in the morning, Jesus said, “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak”  This weakness of the flesh is a very difficult thing to overcome.  It can be done by meditation on the Agna chakra and Manas chakra but requires an immense amount of determination. Even Gurudev said, “Ghanu Kathu che” meaning it is “very difficult”  In the recent times, I can count several people who had done that.  These include Gurudev, his disciples Prahladbhai, Yogananda and his Gurus, Mohangiriji Maharaj, Laxmangiriji Maharaj, Kevalgiriji Maharaj, Neem Karoli Baba, Nityananda Maharaj.  However, in this world with a current population of 6 billion people, I do not see one person who has done it now.   I am sure there are several great saints like that but they are all in forrests or the himalayas.  They do not come down to help, because truly speaking no one wants that help and no one wants or truly seeks liberation or unity with God.  However, this step of conquering sleep completely is very essential prior to getting siddhis of Yoga. Gurudev used to say and I am finally begining to realize, complete knowledge of past, present and future, being able to read minds, hearing things from a distance, seeing things from a distance DO NOT fall in the category of Siddhis. 

I will not discuss the incident of Peter denying Jesus three times before the crack of dawn.   We have no right to speak of such great men.  Unfortunately, in my opinion, most people fall in the cateogry of gutter inspectors.  All they can see is the trash or faults of others.  I have no need for such people, nor do I want to stoop to that level.  These same people could only see Mary as the last temptation for Jesus.  What nonsense!  My answer is, LIVE in the DIVINE consciousness first and then tell me how often you have thoughts of sexuality or food!.  It is only when we fall from Eden (the place of divine consciousness) that sexuality and the dualities arise.

That night when Jesus meditated, he knew of the upcoming pain.  He humbly asked God, if it is thy will can you change the course of the event?  God replied, “this is why you came”.  Jesus had the power to change the event himself.  Literally without fleeing.  Jesus had all the powers one can imagine and them some. Gurudev has described his powers in Muktashastra.   One of the siddhis Jesus had was the ability to be in a crown and no one would see him or recognize him.  Jesus could have walked out that morning and no one, not even Judas could have seen or recognized him.

Jesus did not fight this event.  He was accused unjustly and crucified.  So much pain and anguish did he bear.  He could barely walk.  He had a crown made of thorns placed around his head just to cause pain.  Even with all this, the time was not ripe for him to depart.  He and two others were crucified at the same time.  Contrary to what historians state, Jesus was on the left.  (I saw this in my vision).  There was a thief in the center and another criminal on the right side.  Jesus slipped for a fraction of a second and Satan took over and in the moment of weakness he said, “God why has thou forsaken me?”.  But in seconds, he regained his compure.  Once again, his consciousness was lifted up to Agna chakra or Eden.  There was a smile on his face.  At that time, the thief in the centre, asked Jesus to save him.  (In prayer).  And Jesus saved him.  For those who are familiar with the concept of Moksha, Jesus gave him Moksha.  Look at his greatness. This person was a thief!  Jesus took up ALL his karmas in a second and gave him liberation! 

Swami Vivekananda looked back into the past lives of the thief. 2 lives prior to becoming a thief, this man was a great Sannyasi but material passions made him fall.  This man may have forgotten but Shakti did not forget and gave him liberation!

Jesus still could not leave the body.  At that point, another person came with a spear and shoved it through the lower right side of his chest, pointing upwards and towards the heart, going through his chest and then heart. At this point, Jesus took a breath within and dissolved ALL 3 bodies that very second and merged into God.  The soul or the self is encassed in 3 bodies.  The gross or sthula body and the sukshma or subtle body and the causal or karana deha.  Most people when they get moksha, they have to still work on the Karana deha and the subtle body. This has been explained very nicely by Gyaneshwar Maharaj in Gyaneshwari Gita in the sixth chapter.  Krishna Bhagwaan tells Arjuna that these divine souls then stay as Khechar (Khe meaning sky and char meaning moving or walking in the skies) or the subtle body for a while before they shed that too.  Yogananda Maharaj also describes the same as he was told by his Guru Yukteshwar Maharaj.  Yukteshwar Maharaj says, there is a big celebration when a soul is ready to shed the Karana deha.  Do you see the greatness of Jesus?  He shed all 3 bodies in a second.

This is why Jesus said, he would come back in 3 days. That is how long it took him to come to the gross physical world again.  One day for every body.  Jesus first appeared to Mary when he came back.  He gave her “darshan” in the subtle body.  He would not let her touch him because it was the subtle body.  Later, when he appeared in front of his apostles, he would let them touch him because he had the gross body perfected too.

So, why is it Good Friday?  On my dear readers, if only you could feel and know the immense love of Jesus.  Every place that Jesus walked was saturated with his divine love.  I was there.  This part is very difficult for me to write.  Oh why did this body continue after that?  The day Jesus met Judas, he knew even on that day that Judas would betray him.  I saw the event.  Jesus was an embodiment of divine Love.  Divine LOVE had solidified and materialized in that human body.  All the atmosphere at that time was vibrating with his divine love.  Just like Rama, an avatar had solidified peace in his entire kingdom, that no disease or hatred or crime could occur!

Thus, it brings me to explain another aspect of the divine. There are many aspects or faces of the divine.  Love, Peace, Power, Joy, Knowledge.  Each is perfect in its own.  In any given Avatar one part is perfected.  Thus we see the differences.

So, the reason why it is Good Friday, is because it was the last day where the divine could pour out all its love through Jesus and she did pour out all her Love through Jesus as much as the world could endure.  Thus Jesus could love all those who crucified him.  The one person, Jesus did not forigve was Judas.  He very mildly said, it would have been better for the world, if he was not born!

Judas, did not get liberation for another 800 years. He was born again in India near Jagannathpuri. He still was a miser and still attracted to money.  But Jesus and God in their infinite love, gave him liberation.  This is as per Yogananda Maharaj.

I cannot end this long chapter on Good Friday without mentioning Saint Frances and Sister Theresa (She is mentioned in Autobiography of a Yogi).  They had visions of Jesus and his last moments repeatedly through out their lives.   I bow to them repeatedly for having that kind of love and passion for God.

When Hanuman realizes what happened, he goes to Vibhishana.  Vibhishana says, alas they have been abducted by Ahiravana.  If Hanuman does not rescue them fairly quickly, Ahiravana will sacrifice both Rama and Lakshman to Chandi.  Hanuman goes to Patala.  The door to patala is guarded by a monkey.  Hanuman asks him who are you and the monkey says, I am your son!  This confuses Hanuman, since he did not have any child.  He was an adept Brahmachari and knew it to be impossible.  The son explains, while you were jumping over the ocean, a drop of your sweat fell in the ocean and in the mouth of a fish called “Makardwaja”.  This is the orgin of my birth.

After getting the cooperation of his son, Hanuman enters Patala.  He encounters Ahiravana and Mahiravana.  They had a strong army and Hanuman is told that the only way to vanquish them is by blowing of 5 different candles located in 5 different directions, all at the same time.  So, at this point, Hanuman assumes the form with 5 heads (Panchmukhi Hanuman) and he quickly blows of the 5 different candles and thus kills Ahiravana and Mahiravana.  Through out the saga, both Rama and Lakshmana are rendered unconscious by a spell by the demons.

Now for the interpretation.

1) I have to start of by an interpretation given by Yoganada about Makar or makardwaja.   In Bhagvad Gita, Krishna bhagwan says, amongst the fish he is Makar. Makar meaning shark.  The shark is the king of all fish and devours all other fish in the ocean. The spiritual interpretation is that, “Bhavsagar” or this world is full of the fish of desire.  However, there is one fish that devours all other fish – the shark.  In other words, there is one desire that devours all other desires.  That is the desire for God is the one desire that devours all other desires.

2) Vibhishana is true Bhakti.  When the demon takes the form of Vibhishana, it is the fake Bhakti that everyone performs (lighting candles, singing songs, hymns, etc), Rama and Lakshmana are rendered unconsciouss.  Meaning that form of Bhakti does not have the power to awaken Brahma gyana or love or passion for God.  The true Bhakti which Rama accepted was that of Vibhishana where he gave himself up to Rama unconditionally.  For us, also, true Bhakti starts when we give ourself up completely to God.  But in order to give ourself upto God, we must first know ourself as the soul (not just a mass of thoughts or emotions).

3) Like I have repeatedly tried to explain, there are 2 pranas – universal prana which is the same as Shakti and the individual prana which works in the body taking care of all of its need.  Patala here refers to the body, Hanumana is the universal prana and his son, is the individual prana taking of patala or the body.  Ahiravana and Mahiravana are Raga and Dvesha (attachment and hatred).  One needs the cooperation of the individual prana to go within, and destroy the 5 candles referring to the 5 lower chakras.  Thus when the 5 lower chakras are turned upwards, Raga and Dvesha are destroyed. Liberation is still far, because “Ravana is still alive at Agna chakra”. 

There are other variations to the story which I will try to explain at some other point.

One of Gurudev’s greatest disciples is Prahladbhai.  There is his story in the blogs under gautamkaka.wordpress.com.  However, I will relate this story in the words, I heard from Dineshuncle.  Gurdev told me, Prahladbhai was a Yogiraja.  Meaning king of all Yogis.  He was Gurudev’s disciple.  He was the Mukhi (chief) in a local village in Mehsana.  In the day time, he would discharge his wordly duties.  He only ate in the afternoon.  Throughout his life, he never had an evening meal.  After everyone in the household had retired to bed, he would sit in meditation from around 10 or 11 pm and meditate to 3 am. After that he would go to bed and perhaps sleep for 2  hours and then start his daily routine.  I describe this, so it maybe clear how a perfected Yogi acts and lives. 

When Prahladbhai knew it was time for him to depart, he wanted to leave his body near Narmada river (a holy river in Gujarat) (near Chandod).  Gurudev refused permission.  This part was related to me by Gurudev.  Gurudev, in his usual style knew my question and continued “It would tarnish my reputation if he died somewhere.  His family would not forgive me for letting him die elsewhere”. When the destined time of Prahladbhais departure came, Prahladbhai was sitting on his cot and had everyone of his family gathered around him.  He even invited the local village doctor.  Prahaladbhai said, “I have accomplished what needed to be accomplished in life.  Everyone should follow this path and reach perfection, God and liberation.  It is very easy to get liberation and never come back”  Everyone in the audience was a little taken aback. They had very rarely heard their father / husband etc speak this way.   Of course, they had no idea what Prahladbhai was about to do.  Prahladbhai continued, “Let me show you how to go into samadhi” Now this piqued the interest of everyone!  He closed his eyes and took a breath in.  He said, “My prana is ascending and he pointed to the lower chakras. When my prana goes above the Vishudha chakra, I will be gone”  Saying that, in a trice, he took his prana above the Vishudha and passed away.  According to Dineshuncle, he deceived everyone.  If they had known he was about to take Samadhi, they would have begged, pleaded etc and prevented him from doing this.

Now Prahladbhai had left instructions for his body to be buried.  However, in India, only the muslims, bury the body.  Prahladbhais brother made a tremendous opposition and would not let the rest of the family bury him.  He insisted the body be cremated.  To the chagrin and dismay of the rest of the family, they reluctantly conceded to the wishes of the uncle.  They took the body for cremation.  It was a clear evening.  There was no rain or thunderstorm.  They tried to ignite the pyre but failed 3 times.  When the ignorant people persisted in their effort, Prahladbhai finally let them burn it.  However, before they could burn it, out of the sky, there was a thunderous sound of OM, OM, OM three times.  Then the skull of Prahladbhai cracked spontaneously at the place where the brahmins have their “shikha or chotli”.  After that the pyre lit!

Anyone who has doubts about this, can confirm the story from relatives and other villagers who are still alive in the local village.  (I dont remember the name of the village right now but it is present in gautamkaka.wordpress.com blog).  Some of his relatives are in USA, I believe. This even occured in the 1970′s.  So, I am sure there are many people alive.

One more post script :  As soon as Prahladbhai took samadhi, with the grace of Gurudev and Kashinathdada, his subtle body was already perfected.  He visited in  his subtle body, Gurudev and Kashinathdada. After taking their blessings, he went and visited his friend. He spent some time with his friend and then departed.  Later, when his friend got the knews that he would not believe Prahladbhai had departed because he had just seen him.  Thus, Prahladbhai, left leaving a few miracles.

It would have been nice if his body was given a Samadhi.  The advantage is that the soul when in Samadhi can help other souls if they have the right humility and love.

However, when a disciple gets to that level, and if he or she is very adept at it, and most of his or her past karmas and desires are burnt, he or she stays at the agna chakra.  It is very difficult to awaken such a person.  How can you ?  The person no longer gets any sensory input from the eyes or ears or nose or skin or taste.  He is literally shut out from this reality.  There are many examples of such people.  One of the best examples is that of Mahavir from Jainism.  He was so deep in Samadhi, that when an irate cowherd (because Mahavir failed to keep an eye on his cattle) inserted a stick full of thorns into Mahavir, he did not even budge or wake up.  However at the end of the Samadhi, his pain was there.  There are many other colorful such stories about Gurudev, Guru Sombargiriji.  Yogananda has described stories like this in his treatise on Gita (The prince of Bhukailasha)

For practical purposes these individuals appear dead but in truth are in the deepest Samadhi.  I describe the technique how to awaken such a person (deep down I am afraid this could happen).  It is described in Mukta Shastra.  Dineshbhai or Dineshuncle knows the technique and so does Tejal auntie.  If this body is found in that way, please do not use any of the modern day technology to bring me back.  Shocking this body or giving CPR will be counter productive

1) First put some ghee or oil on the top of the head.  That is the only spot which will have some prana or heat.  Rest of the body will be cold

2) Slowly rub some oil around the top of the head, light up some agarbatti, keep the room silent, dimly lit and rub the oil slowly and gently to the hands and palms and feet.  This process may take several hours.

3) The body in this way would not decay. If all measures fail, the soul may descend back in 21 days.  After that, there is no hope.

4) If someone is equally spiritually advanced, he would use the above procedure and merge his consciousness with the atma and bring the person down

I doubt this will ever happen to me till the last moments of my life.  However, it would be wise to leave a little trail just in case.  Gurudev clearly told me he put a block on everyone so this would not happen to his disciples. 

Enough said on the subject.