Meditation is the mother of constant remembrance

These intricate queries were explained by Parthasarathi Rajagoplachari (who left this world in 2014) or Master, as he was fondly called. He explained that the soul enters the body at the very moment of conception, otherwise why would Lalaji Maharaj (Adi Guru, Shri Ram Chandra Mission - SRCM) recommend the best time to start meditation is at the moment of conception! Then he explained that place, time and samskaras of parents do play a crucial role in determining the type of incoming soul. It is similar to iron particles being attracted towards a magnet in the most natural way. What is this magnetic field at the time of conception that attracts a (particular) soul? It is something that the couple creates at that very moment with their profound inner attitude. If the moment is overpowered with beastly passion, a similar soul will be ready for incarnation. If your thoughts are pious, full of affection rather than lust, the field of vibrations that is created will attract a soul that would resonate or respond to the field the two have created.

Master was concerned about people fixing the time of birth by opting for caesarean delivery to manipulate the astrology of the child – “What is most important is the attitude at the moment of conception?” He clarified by giving an example from the Mahabharat. Pandu was the father of the Pandavas, and Dhritrashtra was the father of the Kauravas. Satyavati, their grandmother, witnessed the death of her son Vichitravirya who had no lineage. She summoned Rishi Vyasa (who was also a son to her by Rishi Parashara) to grant sons to the queens of Vichitravirya. One of the queens, Ambika, was frightened to see the dreadful look of Rishi Vyasa, who presented himself with no bath or preparation. She closed her eyes with disgust and fright during the entire period. The result was the birth of a blind child, Dhritrashtra. When Rishi Vyasa approached Ambalika, the second queen, she too was frightened and horrified; she froze as if her blood circulation came to a complete halt. Consequently, the child born to her had completely pale skin colour, a condition called pandu, hence the name of child.

To ensure that Ambika conceives, Satyavati orders Vyasa to go to Ambika again. This time, Ambika instead places her maid servant in the bed. The maid felt honoured that she is able to mate with the great Rishi Vyasa. Her attitude was unlike that of Ambika and Ambalika. The son conceived to her was Vidura who possessed unparalleled wisdom. Master explained with much humour another side of human nature when a couple hide or turn photos towards the wall of their chosen deity while indulging in intimate moments in their bedroom!

This is also another kind of attitude that sentences the couple with enormous guilt; unfortunately, similar guilt will also be transmitted to the incoming being. It is well-known how substance abuse or drugs or emotions can affect us physically, mentally and emotionally. Such episodes are not without the release of certain neuro-transmitters, either giving us good or bad feelings. Our blood circulates these neuro-transmitters inside of the mother’s body; can one imagine that it does not cross the placental barrier and affect the fetus within? Be it substance abuse or emotional abuse, everything has its cascading effect. Negative impacts are visibly noticeable.

What about positive influences of parental habit or life style? We do not seem to notice much of this impact since it is supposed to be like that, in conformity with nature. For example, no one notices a normal pattern of breathing. It is noticeable only when there is something wrong with our breathing.

Healthier attitudes or positive attitudes are cultivated over a long period of time. It is not something made to order at any given moment. 

Attitudes play a major role in our success, more than the practice itself. If practice contributes 5 per cent towards success, then attitude contributes 95 per cent!  When I am so empty inside, I feel so insignificant inside that he has no choice but to reveal him! Per contra, if I have a bad attitude, bad temper and sit for meditation, what can happen? Will I even be able close my eyes, or offer prayer with a heart full of love and devotion? If I consider my guide as my beloved, should I not create similar sentiments while inviting his spiritual presence during morning meditations? We spend so much time preparing our homes for a guest or a visitor. Depending on the guest, so much time is also spent in the kitchen or running here and there to fetch things to impress a mere visitor! When I am sure that my beloved visits me every time, I close my eyes and meditate, am I at least as restless before beginning meditation as I am for a mere visitor?

As soon as I wake up in the morning, what am I thinking? Am I worried about going to my office or am I worried about meeting my beloved during my meditation? To have a peaceful and uninterrupted meditation, I must find a way in my circumstances to have this peaceful and loving union of two hearts during meditation. 

Once I wake up, spend 45 minutes in the bathroom, by that time the other family members are up, and we have seen what happens then. Before my attention drifts towards other day-to-day affairs, is it not wise to make use of the quieter hours for my meditations?  I should look forward to my morning meditation as if I am really meeting my beloved; all the preparations that go towards this will also help in strengthening the outcome of such meditations. Then, after meditation, am I rushing to get up and finish off various things before running to the office? It is highly recommended that we should brood over our condition after each meditation for a few minutes till we have a grip on that condition. Otherwise, the condition earned will be lost in no time. It is very much like when your child gives you a lovely gift and you throw it on the shelf or into the garbage without even opening it! What would happen to this relationship?

We are bestowed with a unique spiritual gift during every meditation; are we able to become one with It? How can I become one with that unless I can comprehend it? If we are not able to become one with.

It, then it is as bad as throwing your child’s gift onto the shelf or into the garbage. The condition obtained through meditation must get a chance to settle; it needs a few minutes to settle (or for me to become one with it). Babuji Maharaj (Founder, SRCM) used to give the example of freshly poured concrete on the pavement. It must settle before the pavement is usable. Otherwise, walking on freshly poured concrete will spoil it with footprints, et cetera. If such is the case with a grosser object, imagine what can happen to sublime spiritual conditions from a mere thought of other things, or simple carelessness! In a split second, we can lose that condition. Only when I brood over this spiritual gift, this condition, can I have some grip over it. I should get up slowly while holding on to this condition and promise myself that I shall at least maintain this gift of condition, if not make it more intense during the day. When I approach it like this, I do not have to struggle to remember my beloved mentally! Now it becomes a matter of the heart, simple and enjoyable. We practically realise the oft-repeated statement of Babuji Maharaj, “Meditation is the mother of constant remembrance.”  When returning from the office, my mind should be trained to do one thing right away: as soon as I reach home, I must sit and perform evening cleaning as prescribed. It is this attitude or strong desire while returning home that somehow prepares me to complete the “cleaning” process more effectively.