Body is more important than matter and soul is more important than body. Similarly, prosperity, progress, efficiency and internal brilliance are step by step higher. Internal faith is that magnificence which refines thinking, character and behaviour and makes man’s personality brilliant, authentic and talented. On this basis, there is emergence of competence, which is the source of all success.
All other powers can be acquired on the basis of spiritual power and then it is possible to utilise one’s achievements in best possible manner. Adverse circumstances can be made favourable on the basis of excellence of personality. There have been innumerable persons whose initial circumstances were insignificant and even bare subsistence was a problem. Yet, they became trustworthy and attractive for all on account of genuineness of character. Their magnetism made persons, resources and circumstances quite favourable. They co-ordinated human pursuit and hard work with goodwill and kindly feeling and went on progressing day by day. Ultimately, they reached the summit of success. This achievement is known as miracle of spiritual power.
On the contrary, there are occasions where, inspite of all favourable circumstances, people degenerated day by day on account of foolishness. They squandered money earned by their ancestors in addictions and went on ruining their wealth and competence in laziness and negligence. Some proceeded on the path of immorality and malpractice and were forced into a miserable plight. Inspite of all facilities they became most unhappy on account of vulgarity of their actions and nature.
Of all the powers, one of consciousness is the greatest. Railways, ships, factories are all man made. New scientific inventions have almost become a matter of daily routine. Religion and philosophy, manners and morals are all man’s creations. The concept of giving some form to God is the result of human wisdom. Man has transformed this crude surface of earth into a world full of beauties. Here, man should not be considered confined to physical body or material wealth. Specialities are linked with Chetna (inner consciousness). This can be raised or pulled down by efforts. Building one’s body or making it weak depends upon the life style of a man. People become prosperous or distressed on account of their own activities. It is within one’s capacity to rise or fall. A man is said to be a maker of his own destiny. Here, man means his inner consciousness. It is the source of all progress. Side by side, poisonous seeds of downfall and decline are also embedded in him. Although, living in dearth and deficiency, virtuous persons whose inner consciousness is elevated, create an atmosphere of happiness and peace.
Several methods can be learnt and taught for becoming prosperous. There are gymnasiums, health centres and hospitals for developing physical health. There are innumerable industrial, scientific, educational and administrative institutions, but hardly is there any arrangement for developing and refining man’s consciousness on meaningful, useful, comprehensive basis.
Pragya Yog is a device for developing spiritual prudence, insight and intuition. In ordinary conversation, it is known as spiritual training of life. It comprises of repeating sacred Vedic hymns (Mantras), known as Jap, meditation (Dhyan), Pranayam (Yogic exercise to control vital breath, mind etc.) and self restraint (Sanyam). It includes all aspects which stimulate human glory and remove obstacles. Physical restraint (Sanyam) and proper and best utilisation of time, money and thoughts are its inseparable constituents. Eradication of defects and evil mental impressions has been emphasised. Concentration and practice are essential if a person has to become man of character, far sighted and industrious. What is needed is wholesomeness and perfection. The devotee should be religious minded while discharging his duties. He should try to live within his own inner self and adopt high ideals and farsightedness. When all these precautions are taken, the devotee attains the stage of self purification (Atma Parishkar). This is easy, possible and natural for everyone.
There can be different methods for self purification. But, from experiments conducted by Pragya fraternity, it has been observed that those undertaken by it are comparatively more easy, logical and systematic.
The importance of inner development has to be realised. Progress of a nation and its people is not confined to its material wealth, education and efficiency. The source and basis of all kinds of progress are personalities, rich in culture and gentleness. If there is lack of inner power, narrow selfishness will prevail and in that event, no idealistic, philanthropic purpose would be served. Here, the maxim ‘accomplish one thing perfectly and everything will be accomplished’, fully applies.
Man, loaded with several kinds of prosperities and specialities can accumulate wealth on the strength of his skill. He can elicit tumultuous cheap applause but will prove counterfeit when he will be tested on the touch stone of human glory. A false man can confuse or mislead other persons, but cannot become cultured, noble, elevated man, known as great person.
Internal excellence has been the chief factor in all great persons, of saint tradition, who could perform great deeds of human pursuit and change the era. In individual life, they enjoy self satisfaction, public respect and divine pleasure. Their actions and personality become exemplary and imitable and inspire down-trodden persons in their upliftment. This is fulfilment of life’s aim. The spiritual training of life in accordance with Pragya Yog fulfils this great object.
Source: Spiritual Training of Life Secret of Spiritual Knowledge
Author : Pandit Sriram Sharma Acharya
