(Continued from previous issue)
Then read the book ‘THOUGHT POWER’ by the very same Swami Sivananda published by the Divine Life Society, which read equally simple and facile. Took recourse to the auto suggestion methods and techniques, supported by some mild medicines which were more of a placebo rather than medication. Although I have been continuing all my activities like research, teaching post graduate classes, and appearing for the general competitive exams and so on.
In 1969 was selected for the State Bank and joined the same as Probationary Officer in the year 1970, while continuing in that self-driven recovery phase from the spiritual slump or fall in the year 1968. While being confirmed in the Bank during November 1971, was summoned into AMMA’S gracious presence in the very next month, that is the first week of December 1971. Hindsight suggests I was rather confirmed in AMMA’S service.
Exposure to AMMA’S gracious presence baffled me. It is as if this little self was ushered into a new life and caused a new beginning. AMMA conveyed that such practices of ‘Pranayama’, retention of breath, could be harmful. Better it is avoided. AMMA also referred to the critical state I got into unknowingly. AMMA made the spiritual pursuit much simpler and easier for me. Just as AMMA said, “Sadhana is that possible”. No one needs to try anything far and remote.
AMMA is also pronounced instead of the traditional, conventional ‘Pranayama’ that involves inhalation, retention and exhalation; mere vigil over the breath confers the same positive results, benefits. Retention of breath could be harmful if not properly guided and instructed. Watching one’s breath is quite easy, simply not posing any risks. In the initial stages, this could be done just by placing the finger on the upper lip, just below the nostrils. As the subject moves ahead with such practice, it becomes very natural to the point of being second nature.
In such a course of watching the breath, advancement is natural. It can be pursued in the natural ordinary mode, anytime, anywhere without even much deliberate effort. The process becomes internalized unknowingly or even by default. Inner phases of evolution too can be experienced as the subject moves ahead in its practice.
Thus, AMMA placed me on the much simpler, facile path of sadhana, rather than spiritual practice. To be candid, after my exposure to AMMA, there was not much of deliberate intent or effort on my part towards spiritual betterment.
Feel that AMMA’S GRACE led me forward rather than my little, infantile efforts of sadhana; the so-called, often referred to as the exalted spiritual path, say practice.
Many a time, felt has been ushered into a tremendous embodied cosmic force in a motherly caressing form that is AMMA. In such exposure spiritual progress occurs by itself with truly little of personal will or effort. Mere thought of a particular process read somewhere, even heard immediately could be experienced by me, rather generously abundantly bestowed on me, graced by AMMA.
Even from the very beginning every leave taken from AMMA exposed me to HER mystic self. Experiencing a great radiance, effulgence behind me closely following in my journeys from Jillellamudi, almost till Ponnur, say Guntur even.
Very quickly exposed the self to the spiritual processes within while being very normal in the outer being, person. Thus, the apparently worldly journey with a strong spiritual current behind, underneath has truly begun by beholding AMMA for this self. From then on AMMA being the cause, the source while personal efforts are inconsequential in degree in my path towards truth. The seeker that I am.
AMMA in HER memorable strolls with me on the rear terrace now covered by DHYANALAYAM tersely conveyed to me, “Every spiritual process and phase caused, undergone shall become natural to the self”. To paraphrase the same in the inimitable vernacular (Telugu) of AMMA (“Ye Sthiti Ki Aa Sthiti Sahajam Ayipovali, Nanna”).
The crucial pointer to be keenly observed and appreciated by the seekers and spiritual aspirants is that AMMA being a tremendous, infinite spiritual reservoir, the embodied cosmic force in a caring, loving motherly form, for those earnest, sincere and steadfast, spiritual advancement happens by mere exposure to AMMA. Efforts of the subject, his practices are not of much relevance though proper.
To repeat, cite AMMA, “Coming to Jillellamudi never goes in vain”. “Mother is that redeems the beings”.
(“Jillellamudi Ravadam Ennatiki Vrudha Kadu.” “Talli Ante Tarimpa Chesedi” AMMA)