A Soul-Stirring Spiritual Retreat
Deepa & Suresh Poduval
Dubai
(U.A.E)
(July’2018)
Hari Aum!
Prostrations to the Guru Parampara, up to H H Maa Purnanandaji (Maaji), who has taken us under Her
wings, teaching us Shaastras, for our evolution. We have been associated with Maaji since the past
few of years, during which we have gained a lot of insight through Her discourses on various scriptures,
including Sreemad Bhagawad Geeta, Tattwa Bodh, Sreemad Bhaagvatam, Ramayana, etc. We were blessed to have
been able to attend the recent Retreat at Satyavrat Institute of Subjective Sciences (SISS)once again,
this Guru Purnima, on “The Enigmatic AUM” and more importantly,to be initiated by Maaji.
The objective here was to learn meditation on AUM and understand the true meaning of AUM. We tried to
assimilate the basic essence of AUM and tune-up to our inner Self. In this unreal world, attached to the
material objects, we have almost lost this ability to tune to the subtle. Hence, initially we found it
a bit difficult to grasp the Subjective Science dealing with the unstruck Sacred Sound beyond Space.
However, Guru’s grace and the meditation techniques taught, helped us immensely in sharpening our
focus and alertness, to absorb the subject matter better. It made us realise the power of a pure and
sharp mind.
Guided Sessions on Meditation
meditation classes taught us the step-by-step techniques to integrate our body, mind and intellect, by
closing all gates of the body, restraining the mind in the heart, and rising from the gross to subtle.
It taught us to transcend up to subtle Space by chanting AUM while revelling at the Holy-feet of Lord.
Understanding indestructible AUM as the three States – waking, dream, and deep-sleep, helped us use
chanting as a tool to transcend the stages of Naad, Binduand Kala. All the wrong concepts we had on
meditation were shattered. Like cattle, we all have been following common meditation practices, the
objective of which was to quieten the mind and suppress thoughts as opposed to enlivening them up to
the Divine Sheen. When we chant the Mantra “Na Tatra Suryo …… Tasya Bhaasa…”, which we have been
doing mechanically for some time now, makes us realize the depth now. Once we realise that Light of
Consciousness, the terms Aham(I) and Idam (this)are understood.
The discourse on the Upanishadic analogy of the bow and arrow took the whole concept of AUM to a much
subtler level. Like a professional archery coach, Maaji taught us to hold the bow of AUM-kar steadily with
our vision focused on the Target (Brahman). Pulling the bow-string back with strength, sustained
steadiness and conviction to ensure the arrow (Jeevaatma) gets the maximum flight towards it’s Aim.
Maaji directed, observed, trained and corrected us on every minute aspect - from positioning the leg
to straighten the back, the gradual increment of the silence between AUMs, the awareness level, to the
minor adjustments of breath etc. All these were very helpful tips on Japa, to pull our self away from
gross identification, allowing the Jeevaatma to travel in the inner Silence.
Maaji also reminded us of the four-fold qualification as mentioned by Sree Adi Shankaracharya in the
beginning of ‘Tattwa Bodh’, and the need to follow the Yama, Niyam, Aasan, Pranayaam and Pratyahaar, in
order to be able to steady the Antahkaran (the four-fold inner equipment) for a long time before we may
get on toDhaarna& Dhyaan. We pray that we get the strength to make regular worship and study an
integral part of our lives.
As Maaji said, focusing on the Daivi-Sampattis will aid our progress. By imparting the significance and
application of the Eka-Akshar-Brahm AUM through selected Mantras from the Upanishads, The Bhagawad Geeta,
and Sree Guru Geeta, Maaji has now put us on a much higher platform, preparing us for the great leap
into the pinnacle of Knowledge – the Upanishads. We now understand that devotion and Knowledge go hand
in hand and we realise the need for inculcating Shraddha to be able to hold on to the Divine Truth.
Following the convocation, we should – as Maaji said - no more remain mere devotees singing our songs of
sorrow. Having taken the sacred vow, with Maaji’s blessing and being in Her association at Sree Gurupaad
, now for sure, we disciples can progress on the path to gain this Ultimate Knowledge and revel in the
blissful infinite happiness.
A special mention to Manishji as all of this would not have been possible without his dedication and
tireless efforts. We are always grateful for his patience and willingness to listen and spread his
light of knowledge. How can we not mention Pablo! He is such a disciplined soul. We at times, fail to
understand and forget to follow instructions because of our arrogance, or maybe ignorance, but Pablo does
not!
Blessed to be under the shelter of Maaji.
