For you to read and contemplate every day:
With the help of my pen, these fingers of mine express my heartfelt feelings. But what I write cannot be achieved by material things like this paper, pen or my fingers. The responsibility to realize it lies with all of you: awakened souls and disciples, who are devoted to the mission of global enlightenment.
This mission has been inspired by divine will and being written down through my fingers. Every part of me is trying to find a way to bring it about. I envision countless awakened souls who will bear this responsibility, sharing their time, resources, and efforts both visibly and invisibly. This paper, this pen, and these fingers may perish, but the work they have initiated will not stop. Every drop of my blood, every breath of my life, and every impulse of my mind is devoted to this noble cause. It is the flow of the eternal divine force, acting subtly to bring about the dawn of a bright era.
The scope of this mission is immense; it is as vast as its name suggests – “Transformation of the Era.” A great number of elevated souls will collectively accomplish this epochal task from the invisible domains, even if the credit may go to a few active on visible fronts. You may also become one of these, if you respond to this call of time.
Think back on what our mission has achieved so far and what it will continue to achieve. What will happen in the future will be even greater than that. Most of it will be done by you, each of whom are like parts of my own body, reflections of my own existence. It is the collective power of all of you that makes up the man who is writing these lines.
How will these seemingly impossible goals be achieved? Where will the resources come from? Do not worry. The one who has entrusted us with the responsibility will take care of all this. The only thing you should be aware of is whether you are putting in the best of your efforts. None of you should lack dedication for our noble mission.
Hanuman’s ability was insignificant in terms of resources, talents, and education. He was only an assistant to the dethroned King Sugreev. But the moment he devoted himself to Sri Ram’s mission, he could attain success in astonishing tasks, such as crossing the ocean, uprooting a mountain, and destroying the mighty kingdom of Lanka. He also received the honour of having Sri Ram and Lakshman sit on his shoulders. I expect each of you to be like Hanuman in devotion, discipline, and duty.
The tasks you must complete will be given to you from here in Shantikunj, the headquarters of our mission. These tasks may keep changing, and so will your level of success at them. You must remain unflinchingly sincere in carrying out your assigned duties, and take care that your sentiment of devotion, with which you had joined us, should not wane or weaken. It should continue to grow with each day that passes.
Understand the great dimensions of the tasks ahead. Be assured that if you have tried as hard as you can, without distraction, then even if you do not succeed, your efforts will be considered unique and historic. It is true that immense support and potential are required for such grand plans. But leave all of this to the divine force that has laid the foundation for this mission. You must only worry about how to make better use of your time, abilities, and talents. Whether the work is to your liking or not, strive to find ways in which you can contribute to its completion. Think about how much greater responsibility you can bear, how you can move faster towards your goal despite unfavorable circumstances.
Be vigilant with regards to your habits. You should always be making progress in refining your personality and character. Watch your thoughts and actions carefully, identifying the weaknesses you and your colleagues can see. Identify any indiscipline in your routine. Are your work habits at the whim of fatigue, or other such excuses? Do not allow your selfish desires, lethargy, or lust for comfort to distract you from the path of ideals; do not think of stopping the work at hand.
Frustration and arrogance are the most dangerous enemies of an altruist. You must keep a safe distance from both. Failure or
success—neither is under your control. Failure should only give you a chance to pursue introspection and improve your efforts. Remember that this is putting your abilities and faith through a trial by fire. You must face every obstacle with courage. You must also help extend the faith and potential of your peers.
Great success should only help you understand how far your virtuous efforts and sincerity can take you. It may boost your faith in your chosen path, but it should not trigger your ego. If you are able to achieve something, humbly feel grateful for the opportunity. Have self-confidence, but do not regard yourself as above anyone. This is the kind of mentality you must have.
Our mission’s role will expand greatly in the years to come. Your preparation for this should be exemplary. Your endeavours must endow your inner self with grace, and your devotion must keep the guiding force close to your soul. This is what enabled Hanuman to be a part of the Ram Panchayat.
The glorious accomplishments of our mission in the years to come are certain. In the present phase, the Almighty has bestowed upon certain people the chance to work at the vanguard of this. You are among those people. This is a crucial trial by fire of your participation. Take care that on no front, physical or mental, should you fall. In this critical time, you should not lose faith or stray from the chosen path. None should be lost or separate from the mission, or they will regret this forever. Only after ages do deserving souls receive an opportunity to join such a mission, so do not miss your chance or you might regret later.
Great people achieve great goals. One does not become great through any type of physical possession. Rather, the virtues of his personality are what make him great. Our goals are in sight, and your own greatness should not fall short. It is with this expectation, hope, and confidence in you that we proceed towards the higher realms.
These words from Pujya Gurudev, written during the Sukshmikaran sadhana, convey his guidance to those who have dedicated themselves to his mission. They are also guidelines for those who wish to follow the path of lokseva.
Source: Guidelines for the Aspiring Loksevi
