Puja, rituals and worship; the lingam, rudraksha and conch

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I was feeling very odd in the beginning to wear red but now I like it. I think the color suits me also at the time of puja, I look good in that.

I was associating the red cloth with Tantra but it is associated with seeing God and being more fortunate than others. You see many people who think they are spiritual wear white. But the widows in India also wear white. Those who have lost their husbands. That means God has gone away from their life. So we like to look like married girls wearing red.

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Q: Guruji, I have one Shiva Ling. What do you suggest, is it a good idea to install it, can I put worship everyday?

Sh: Well, I will say if you install it you will have to look after it – better not to do it. It is a very strict discipline. So don’t do it.

Q: But you may give me proper instructions.

Sh: Even if you make it holy you will have to live near it all the time. If you go here and there who will look after that? It is not a joke, it is not a play. It is a very serious thing. It can break a person very easily. If you have installed a Shiva Lingam and there is a mistake in your puja immediately you will have that effect so it is better not to go into it.

Q: Sometimes they make collections of Shiva Lingams from different places.

Sh: It is not suggested that you should keep more than one Shiva Lingam at a place. Their energy will clash and you will face so many different problems.

Q: I saw in Varanasi lots of Shiva Lings standing close to each other.

Sh: So that is why Varanasi has a lot of problems, it is a crazy city. So it is not suggested. In Orissa in Bhuvaneswar there are 99,999 Shiva Lings and it is the most poor state in India always facing a lot of natural problems or famine, no crop is coming. No business, nothing. It is the worst state in India because there are 99,999 Shiva Lings — that’s all.

If you can worship it as it should be done – install it. Only for worship, not as a showpiece. In the beginning I was not knowing all these things but when I found this Shiva Ling I had to learn the way what to do and what not to do.

And also in Rajasthan you see the reverse case: there is only one Shiva Ling in a certain area. For miles there is no other temple and it is the most prosperous area I have ever seen. The land of kings, palaces everywhere. Everybody in that locality is a billionaire. One ling can change so much. More than one – you can see how much poor you can become.

Too much of puja is bad. First you learn thoroughly how it should be done, then do it. But never think that you can do it according to your will and it will give you good results. Every deity has a very different specific way of worship and you have to follow that.

Britishers were ruling India once upon a time and for their museums they took so many deities and so many things from temples and they were just put to display in museums. What happened to Britishers — their empire is lost. There were times when sun was not setting in their empire, now it is setting every day. So these are very dangerous things.

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And I have been asked some silly questions. One American asked me: “If you have reached realization, why do you need to worship Shiva? Why do you always bow down to Shiva and to Babaji ?”

I simply told him: “To keep my ego disciplined and humble”.

By doing this daily you know that there is somebody much higher than you.

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I learnt this puja because Shiva is supposed to be the first guru of yoga. He is the giver of yoga to the humanity so in a way I am serving the guru also. Also there is a different point that when you are worshipping the first guru, your ego remains in balance and that is very important otherwise with practice like kriya yoga it is very easy to become full of ego that I am great, I am god myself. But when you are following this discipline ego remains under control. You are humble.

KRIYA YOGA, SHIVA PUJA AND YOUNG LOOK PART2

Do people of different ages have different vibrations?

Guruji: Old people have different ideas about spirituality, they were advocating religious ideas as spiritual ideas. Usually they have long discussions and some arguments. Now the younger generation is much more open-minded. They are not so religious and they read: when they are trying to learn something – they read about it. For old people Google Baba was not available. And also for some people; disciples, almost they know everything – if a layman comes it’s impossible for him to understand that whatever is happening here is absolutely a personal program.

Many people if they see me doing puja there- they think: oh, it’s a temple which is open to the public and everything like that. It takes quite some time to digest this idea: this is absolutely a personal program. It is better this way.

But puja creates very strong vibrations…

Guruji: Some people are sensitive and vibrations are so overwhelming so they cannot control themselves. Most of the people feel very different – mystified and so many things. Only disciples are allowed or some of their family members – otherwise no outsider.

Some outer people could create dissonance?

Guruji : No, nothing – I don’t even notice them. But puja may have some effect on them. I feel: every puja is different. Even though the same things are done, the effect that comes out – different. You see, everyday we wake up – morning or noon or whatever – we are different people, not the same as yesterday.

ABOUT TATTOO

What impact can tattoos have on the person?

Guruji: I think you will always remember it. Whenever you see yourself after a shower – you will remember, you cannot forget it.

But can it be put on non-visible parts?

Guruji: Whatever – what is on the body, it is on the body. Keep your body clean! You are free to do it – but I don’t like it personally.

But I’ve heard that some tattoos can protect you from something?

Guruji: Talisman – more than a tattoo.

RICE AND SHALIGRAM

Rice is never put on shaligram; but when they offer food – they offer cooked rice and other things. Why so? Think on that. That tradition came from Bengal; there, rice is the main food. So they will offer the best they have. But in other places rice is never given – except cooked in ghee.

Why is Shaligram so inimical to putting rice on it?

Guruji: Nobody knows; but I have seen the people doing it and going bankrupt and very poor. These things are very potent.

BHAKTI OR BHAKTI YOGA

tell us please more on bhakti?

Guruji: actually in bhakti you’re devoted to a god or goddess and any area which is set to be their playgrounds – it is permeated with its holy vibrations; and if you want to please them and to be one with their domain, you observe the very strict discipline, live the life with your heart open and full of love on them and you should feel extreme love, devoted love for the deities. Then you go to some person, who belongs to that lineage and may give you some mantra; by continuously doing that you may have some connection with the deity. I’ve seen three ladies, who were able to converse with Krishna himself. It takes something to actually convince me of these things; I can said about three ladies.

One lady- I’ve seen them all – one lady belonging to the farmer, land-owner family: as the custom they remain under veil, they don’t show their face and this is impossible to talk with them – but she came here to offer her respect to me; and Iэму talk with the two other ladies. That was fantastic revelation for me: most of the famous sadhus, so-called gurus, - they have not even a glimpse of the deities they are worship; but these three simple ladies – they are householders, one of them was widow – and two of them were still living with their husbands. They were so accomplished in their devotion that they were able to talk with Him themselves. My point is: there are so many unseen heroes on the grassroots level, they are genuine, very good people with the open heart and very great love for Krishna or the deity they are devoted to – they have something. All the big names which I hear – never see even single person, who was in great mental state.

what is the difference in bhakti and achievements in Kriya yoga?

Guruji: Kriya yoga – I keep telling you – it was the name given by Yogananda, when he started his program in America; but in many places in Lahiri Mahasaya’s diaries he calling it hatha yoga and also calling it bhakti yoga. There is one portion as bhakti – you’re devoted to it and you just trying to please some god or goddess by the power of your suffering or penance or discipline or pure way of life; bhakti yoga is: by practicing yoga you actually see Him face to face, you realize the essence of it. Like kutastha: Lahiri Mahasaya wrote that it’s Radha Krishna themselves, the essence of Radha-Krishna, some people call it the essence of Kali and Shiva. I will say – Kriya yoga is the purest form of bhakti yoga. What other people call bhakti yoga may simple be bhakti only.

Bhakti yoga is the most mysterious thing – we know it by the name of Kriya yoga, but it was introduced in a very different way to the west. Original it is the purest bhakti yoga.

WHEN BHAKTI APPEARS

How does the mechanism of true bhakti accelerate yoga karma towards samadhi and can or does bhakti shortcut this process?

Guruji: Well, Babaji recommended to read Gita one chapter every day; and if you go through Gita, which is a book on yoga, the discussion on bhakti starts from the 12th chapter – after Krishna has spoken about yoga, how to practice yoga, how to achieve samadhi; after knowing that – then after he has shown his universal form; then the discussion on bhakti begins.

If you have not seen anyone or you have not struck up a friendship with someone – then affection will never come. Curiosity will remain, but bhakti can come after knowing, having direct experience, connection – then bhakti will start.

We are readers of Gita; it is part of our Kriya yoga practice. So bhakti comes when you have achieved samadhi, have seen death, have known the secrets of death and have seen the universal form of Time – then it comes.

Some buds of bhakti will start growing in your mind.

Are you talking from personal experience?

Guruji: Personal experience comes from analyzing Gita – step by step, chapter by chapter.

Until then you may like to sing songs, but the real bhakti… When we say «bhakti» that means bhakti in its totality, it will come with direct experience.

And in your case?

Guruji: Yes, many things have happened – after all those samadhis and all these experiences… After writing commentaries on Gita, a different state of mind came. It is only then, in fact, I began to appreciate the simplicity in people. Some of them are born with that level of devotion – you don’t need to tell them about yoga and samadhi. Never ever try to disturb them with higher matters.

Appreciation comes much later. When you overcome the ego (that you’re the greatest one because you’re practicing Kriya yoga) with the grace of the Guru.

KEEP THE EGO IN BALANCE

In many of Your stories You mentioned that before coming here You never conducted any puja?

Guruji: No

You never had a religious background in any sense, it was not practiced in Your family?

Guruji: Not exactly, not high priests. Never.

How has Your presence here in Govardhan, next living Giriraj changed You?

Guruji: It started with the Shivalingam. And finding Shakti’s different body parts. When Shivalingam came – it started automatically.

But before those years, the presence of Giriraj himself was so close …

Guruji: W e visited it, cleaned it, – my focus was not exactly there. Those were hard times, but we passed through it. Now we've discovered all these rituals are the extension of Kriya yoga – after some time. I think we’re on the right track. Also: when you’re offering your pranam to super.. people – your ego remains in place. There are people, who are much more knowledgeable and more powerful and better than. I think it should also be there to keep the ego in balance.

Is it in every discipline – to keep the ego in balance?

Guruji: In fact, if these rituals are not part of it – the ego will become very high. I’m following this discipline, I’m doing such a great tapas – so I’m the greatest, I’m god. I’ve seen several cases of that. But when you’re doing puja to Shiva, to Babaji, to Bhairav, when you’re offering your pranam – your ego remains somehow subdued. And they are there – you realized that also. That’s why in Shrimad Bhagavatam it is a part of Kriya yoga: so your ego will remain under control and under balance.

In early years not many western students were conducting regular puja…

Guruji: I’ve started after so many years; when the right time arrives – they will start. There should be no forcible conducting of puja, they should as a natural development and a result of your yoga practices.

what do You think about the practice when people are making earthen Shivalingam for their own purposes – to have some money, prosperity or even to curse someone?

Guruji: sometimes it works, sometimes not. If the ritual is exact and precise – it will work.

so every Shivalingam must be not just created but worshipped with some mantra?

Guruji: then you just put it in the river. I would love to have a permanent Shivalingam.

they are made from the clay or sand?

Guruji: from clay. The situation with me was like winning the lottery. Now we complete 20 years as well. From earthly point of view it’s a long period. 20 years continuous same routine.

You are not travelling after You start to worship Him?

again I will say that Your connection of earth element and Earth herself is incredible!

Guruji: any sincere yogi, who will practice – I think he will discover these things. That is incredible - no one notice it before. It’s good – I’m the first one to say it.

And sincerity: since your ears are not pierced – your mind is not open.

To balance your mind – they are needed. When person is walking on tight rope, rope-walker – they always carrying big bamboo or something to maintain the balance – only with that they can cross over. Life is like a tight rope walking: you need to maintain your balance all the time.

So kundals are like carrying that big bamboo – they make you balance from time to time and you will be through. For us – very important. No kundals – no kundalini.

REAL DEVOTION TO SHAKTI

We talked about Bandasura, who conquered 16 different creations, that he was a devotee of Shakti in his previous life. I answered: go back to Devi Sukta: ya Devi sarva bhuteshu chetanety abhidhiyate; o Shakti, you’re consciousness in everybody! That means – a devotee should recognize his consciousness and try to know it and try to develop it to its maximum. That is real devotion to Shakti, which he may have done in his previous life. It is not that he was singing bhajans or doing arati all the time. Go to the essence of Shakti! And then, serve it.

BEAUTY IN SIMPLICITY.

can You give me some suggestions to worship Ganesh?

Guruji: I will suggest you – you should pay your respect to Shiva, first Guru of yoga, the giver of yoga and all arts. Keep it very simple. No rituals are required – just you should offer your respect from your heart and that will be enough.

Here I will add: it’s human nature to complicate things. I will give you just one example. Human being complicate the most simple thing like love. By creating the relationship, and going legal and doing marriage. Then love is lost and the marriage remains complicated. The beauty is simple – or it is simply beautiful.

most of the people think that Ganesh is very kind?

Guruji: very powerful beings are can be kind and can be dangerous at the same time. All depends on your behavior. Better to keep of their way. If you’re a good yogi and they will think you’re fit enough – they will contact you. Then it will be the different story.

but common people think…

Guruji: common people have very common intelligence and they just after getting some benefits from them or their desires fulfillment - they have no other desire than that. But for a yogi – you’re ambicious person- let him come and contact you.

Lao Tzu wrote about the way. I wrote about the wayfarer. I think these two books will compliment each other. But it will take some time for society to observe this.

GOLOKA,BHAKTI, KRIYA-YOGA

I will tell you another point: most of the devotees are talking about Goloka where Krishna lives, but until you’ll become like a 5-year old child – you cannot enter the Goloka. If you look at it from yogic point of view: the word “go” can be translated as “cow” also and can be translated as indriyas, senses. All your mind and nervous system can be called go. Your mind is actually the Goloka – it is the epicenter of all senses. If you’re able to achieve the theta state of mind by very hard practice of yoga – you will be in the twilight state, in the middle of conscious and subconscious. Then only you will get the access to the real Goloka, which is the magical world of your own mind. This is what I think about Goloka.

what is bhakti lineage?

Guruji: you’re devotee of the certain god or a goddess and any area which is set to be their playground – it is connected with holy vibrations. If you want to please them and be in their domain – you observe the very strict discipline, your heart should be open and full of love to them, you should feel extremely devoted love to those deities; then you go to some person, belongs to that lineage and he’ll give you some mantra. By continuously doing that you may have some connection with the deity – then to saw Him. I’ve seen three ladies, who were actually able to converse with Krishna himself. I’ve seen them all; one lady was belonging to a farmer, landowner family; as a custom they remain under veil and it’s impossible to talk with them – but she came to me offer her pranam. And I talk with the 2 other ladies. That was fantastic revelation for me: most of the so-called sadhus and famous gurus – they could not have even a glimpse of the deities they are worshipping. But these three simple ladies – two was house holders and one was a widow – they were so accomplished in their devotion that they were able to talk with Him. my point here: there are so many unseen heroes on the grassroots level and they are real genuine very good people with the open heart and great love for Krishna or a deity they devoted to. But any person with big name here – they weren’t even near that mental state.

what is the difference between bhakti and Kriya yoga?

Guruji: this name – Kriya yoga – was started by Yogananda while his travel in America. But in many messages and diaries of Lahiri Mahasaya he is calling it hatha yoga and also bhakti yoga. In bhakti you’re devoted and trying to please some god or goddess by suffering or penance or discipline or your purity of life. Bhakti yoga here is – by practicing yoga you actually see them face to face, you realize the essence of it; Lahiri Mahasaya was written that kutastha is the real essence of Radha Krishna; some people call it the essence of Kali and Shiva. I will say – Kriya yoga is the purest form of bhakti yoga. What other people say bhakti yoga may simply be bhakti only. I keep telling that bhakti yoga is the most mysterious thing. We know it in the name of Kriya yoga but it has been introduced as a different thing; but originally this is the purest way of bhakti yoga.

TRUE DEVOTION TO KRISHNA

5-6 girls from Bulgaria – they have never seen a bull like him; and they were wondering – who is he? What is he? And ISCKON man forgot a name of a bull – so he simply said “husband of a cow”. Then they said – can we touch him? and he said: if your heart is full of devotion to Krishna – he will do nothing. I was standing there, silently watching. They begin to weep and they just embrace him – all 5 of them – and he begins to lick them. That was something! You have to be very brave to embrace a bull of this size.

ENERGY;

somebody told me that we should pray to Hanuman to balance Shiva’s energies inside and open our possibilities?

Guruji: (smiling) just gave them my best wishes.

if I have too much fire inside me – how I can balance it?

Guruji: is there any need to balance? Or you just need to give them a big boost to achieve something? What is the need for balancing it? You need to understand it first, totally.

how I can understand it?

Guruji: by examine it , analyzing it and feeling it and by developing it more. And if it’s god – take it as a gift from him. Use it wisely. Maybe it’s already in balance and with our ignorance we’re trying to balance it out and we will make it under after that. I don’t understand, how praying to Hanuman can balance out Shiva’s energy?

PRAYASHCHITTA

I want to ask You about prayashchitta?

Guruji: It started here and it ended here. Maybe it lasted for almost 10 years.

how You decided to start?

Guruji: my Guru told me, that if there is enough things- it should be done. So we feel – and we have the big pond and all pandits to be started here; but when we found 4 yantras in that room and the note: no need of prayashchitta anymore. So we stopped.

but before – You and Your Gurubhais, You went through this process?

Guruji: no, there was no facilities there. Here every facility is available.

but it was in the history of the lineage that someone from Gurus or disciples did that?

Guruji: they couldn’t do it; it was part of that – but they couldn’t do it because they lived in the cities. Here we did for 10 years, - but then it stopped. Which is better. Pandit Ji was reading for half-an-hour long list of different type of sins; and I said – you’re giving them new ideas. It’s not a wise thing to do. But it was good: after those dips – very high feeling. And the barber was working overtime, shaving everybody’s head. You all went through it(smiling). Some girls also asks me – but I said no, you will look very bad without hairs.

HOUSE OF GOD

Many things are called “house of god”; we have never seen god coming down and declaring – this is my house.

how in India the place for the temple is decided? It requires some conditions of the place?

Guruji: yes, there is a vastu connected with every temple: how it must be create, select the land – all these things are available in books. Land is considered very well before creating the temple. And the design is also important.

it exists some places which are forbidden to place the temple?

Guruji: in smashan you will never see any temple. For other places – there is no exact rule, but it should be good. Inside smashan I’ve never seen any temple. We need to look more deeply into it. Only we’re doing things in smashan.

You have some recommendation for normal people, not a yogis – not to feel so much anxiety and fear? Nowadays the situation is hard…

Guruji: there are so many psychologists and priests who are ready to give them counseling. My counseling maybe not appropriate for them because we’re expose to very different type of life. I’ve never go out for many years – so I don’t know. They are experienced people in social things – so better ask them.

how the murtis for the temple are created?

Guruji: there are many different rules, connected with creating a statue of any deity. They usually created on those principles.

I heard about the ritual of prana pratishtha and invoking the deity into the statue?

Guruji: some connection from the deity established. When you start to worship it a certain things – anything is possible here.

it exists the surest sign that now deity is living forever in this particular statue?

Guruji: not forever – but as long as you will continue to worship in a proper way.

deity is coming into the statue only in the time of puja?

Guruji: we have seen some eyes movements of Babaji before puja, when he was blinking and smiling: there is no fixed rule. It depends on who is worshipping.

if someone will stop worship – deity will com out?

Guruji: of course, yes.

IS IT ALLOWED TO INSTALL MURTI AT HOME

how seriously we must take all symbols of Shiva Ji in yoga practice and will it support yoga practice? Today we saw Shivalingams and discussed – should we buy it and put somewhere?

Guruji: no, don’t take it like that. Shiva was the first Guru and the giver of yoga: so all yogis are respect Him. And He’s our God also. Don’t take it home.

do we need some murti at home?

Guruji: nothing, keep Him in your heart and practice as best as you can.

could it create some disturbances if something will be done wrong or if puja will be not correct?

Guruji: I think too great power you should not invite unnecessarily. You don’t know how to handle that.

morning time I usually have the feeling of depression; is it influence of energy or some hormonal thing or what is it?

Guruji: if it is not a hangover – then you just try to do some physical exercise and listen to some music: it will pass.

Again they say: god helps that who helps themselves – this statement is also there.

One Russian asked me: what should I do to attract god’s attention? What type of praying? I said : stop praying immediately. The whole world is praying to god; if you stop praying – god will notice it immediately, why he’s not praying. It will attract his attention to you. What will be his answer – that we don’t know, but you will definitely attract his attention.

recently I’ve read the story of Hanumanji – and they were praying?

Guruji: no, they were devotees of Hanumanji and also followers of the Master, taniwala; he intervene for them – they could not directly apply this to Hanuman.

amazing that they were need him to say in words to Hanumanji the things they were really need?

Guruji: it’s extraordinary things, yes. And the real ones. I’m still wondering – how much intimate this man must be with Hanumanji; he was able to invoke him and calling him “dada” – the elder brother. We will ride kilometers on bicycle to hear this story from him. and I think some blessings came to that man also: most of his sons and daughters were very good and successful in life.

FIRE CEREMONY

Guruji, if we do ceremony with intention, we put something into the fire, will we communicate with the other side?

Guruji: Actually, fire transforms everything! And I will answer your question from an absolutely different point of view.

After death we will all become ghosts. No matter how much rosy talks you hear from philosophers and religious people, but we are all going to become ghosts. And ghosts have air bodies; the main element in their bodies is air.

When you’re putting certain things in fire, it transforms that thing into gaseous form. Gaseous forms are just part of the air in general. If you have done the fire ceremony in right way, all these things will come to your air body when you will be a ghost.

And you will receive great help there. You will very proud to appear like a very rich man in the ghostly world.

It is preparation for puja.

Think on that.

A TOUCH OF THE DIVINITY FOR ORDINARY PEOPLE

As we were discussing behaviour of the particles, they change behaviour when you observe them.

So every this Idol-worship - is just like that, when you look at it with all devotion, the particles will change their behaviour, and they begin to look at you, as we have discussed.

Maybe this pran pratishtha ceremony is the surest way to create divinity in those particles,

so they will start observing you with all divinity they can have and they may be like expression of the divinity. And they will look at you when you are standing in front of it, those particles will look at you, and your particles will change their behaviour.

And you will also have a touch of divinity.

I think this was a very ancient discovery of the Indian Rishi and Seers and wise people - so that even a layman , most ordinary man who has no ambition to practice tapas or yoga or to know higher things , but his life has a touch of divinity.

So that may be the essence of creating different temples .

This is what I think.

You also think on that.

WHAT IS THE MAIN PURPOSE OF PUJA

some disciples told me, that some people who came to You when they came to puja -they can see a huge amount of spirits everywhere?

Guruji: many saw, yes.

is it their imagination – or they really can see?

Guruji: they live here and come to attend puja also. There are many – thousands of photographs.

You have the very special style of attending puja – it looks like very easy motions, all the style is very light and easy?

Guruji: oh, it took a long time to settle in it.

mostly, when someone is performing ritual it is looking too much serious and unnecessarily too much important; but when You’re performing – it is looking very natural?

Guruji: I’m not a priest, I don’t have to create important feeling.

what is the main purpose of puja? Like paying respect?

Guruji: that’s it! Your ego remains under control(smiling)

is it the way of communication with the higher beings?

Guruji: with Shiva.

why the ego remains under control?

Guruji: I’m already a Guru, many people paying to me respect; if I will not do this – it will become bigger and bigger. When you’re bowing down to more senior people, higher gods – you know there are much better and greater powers than you’re there.

THE POWER OF FAITH

What will be with the devotees with that mantra inside: where will they go?

http://gurujidarshan.com/ darshan/darshans202003-2.html

Guruji: Directly to Rama.

Will they be like his ganas?

Guruji: This – nobody knows; but no doubt – he will care about them. That is the proof that all hindu beliefs are not just out of the blue.

ANCIENT PUJA FOR HANUMAN JI

There was a time when Hanuman Ji was worshipped only in cremation areas by the Aghoris only. After the Tulsidas episode, he became popular among the general public.

So there is a special puja for Hanuman Ji, and to create Bhog, they build a big roti. And they have to pull a cloth. The flour is kneaded on that, never touching the ground, and is cooked on fire.

You have to beg it from a sweeper’s house, because a person who has never deviated from his dharma — only sweepers are there. So you go and beg respectfully, they will give you flour.

Second thing, beg from the eunuchs who don’t know what sex is. Only eunuchs fit this thing. Very respectfully go to them and beg for flour.

And take the flour from a woman who has no other man in her life. Go very respectfully to a prostitute, and ask for flour, and she will give you that.

Then that Bhog for Hanuman Ji is made and the puja is successful. So it’s a very ancient puja. Only done by Aghoris in cremation areas.

all gods need rituals – but now all the rituals are online?

Guruji: that’s why gods are starving up there.

so it doesn’t work if you make donation for e-puja?

Guruji: no go back for what we have been discussing: now king Bali is ruling heaven. And if you will read all vedic texts: daityas were not surviving on yagyas and all these rituals. They don’t need it anymore! They did it without it – so now they don’t need it. Here one observation is: read Shukra Niti – I think I suggested that – Shukracharya is discussing about democracy. Everything are equal; even living relationships are discussed there. Now Shukracharya is a Guru of king Bali. My own observation is – even though I was born in democratic times; - for a very common man ease of life is much-much more than it used to be. It is getting more comfortable! And it will continue to be like this: more and more refinement will develop.

what we see about rituals – nowadays anyone can go to esoteric shop and buy all needed things for any ritual?

Guruji: what does it tell us? Some time they were burning witches – now they are accepted them. I think it’s a progress. We are going back to the magical times! I think it’s good. Now the street magicians are openly showing their powers.

HOW TO CELEBRATE MAHASHIVARATRI

There are so many stories but what I’ve understood this Shivaratri day marks - the first appearance of the JYOTIR-LINGA. The LINGA of light.

When there was big argument between Brahma and Vishnu And Kalbhairav appeared.

That means from that moment The calculation of Time started, so that is the Shivaratri.

Well, my suggestion is try to do 1000 shwassahit

Pranayam or 144 mahamudras whichever you decide. That is for disciples.

Well 144 mahamudras are highly recommended but those who are not physically up to it they can try 1000 swassahit pranayams.

And they will sleep all day, next day but it will have great Impact on them physically , emotionally, mentally, spiritually even socially , so one must try it.

No, we can seat and talk all night , which we were doing but somebody will come

and sing or dance also do something to help us

pass the time and those who are serious

in practice - they should practice all night.

DHUNI TELEPORT?

could Lewis Carrol be practitioner of Kriya Yoga?

Guruji: looks like it. The best thing is – let’s find out, how deep is the rabbit hole. That’s the mystery.

could such rabbit’s holes be in time – connecting its different dimensions?

Guruji: many!

how the person could recognize such rabbit’s holes in time?

Guruji: first time it is impossible – until unless somebody showed it to you.

the simile is very rough, but could Your dhuni be like teleport?

Guruji: I’m beginning to think like that – because strange incidents are happen. The door is both ways: entering and exit.

it’s like a yantra?

Guruji: let’s say – the door to the different dimensions and it work both ways.

what is fire in this case? Like catalyst?

Guruji: fire will transform you – from gross to astral.

but I think only the great Yogi can work with it?

Guruji: I think so; and it takes a very long time – I think now we have done more than 20 years continuously. Now we’re discussing big time frame – from a normal point of view.

more You’re in practice, more Your consciousness develops – more dimensions are open?

Guruji: yes, like this.

Also you must remember one thing: the first question of Arjun is: those, who love you and worship you with form and those who worship you without form – who are the best knower of yoga? And the bhakti thing begins from there. Bhakti maybe a result of very high yoga practice. Before that – curiosity maybe there or membership must be there, that’s it. What we’re trying to talk is the genuine, real thing.

they’re saying that bhakti yoga is the best yoga in Kali yuga?

Guruji: they have my best wishes, I’ve nothing to say. It’s useless to argue, let them be happy. Everybody deserves some happiness. You know, why britishers left India? Thanks to devotees: there was no electricity and no loud speakers before. They simply can’t tolerate that. Musalmans are praying five times a day – but Indians singing bhajans 24 hours a day.

RITUALS, RULES, CONSEQUENCES

could even puja been performed with some mistakes?

Guruji: I’ve seen some people, suffering so

much. Even these things are so technical: if you’re continuously doing some

mistakes – your life is ruined. You want to hear some of it?

of course!

Guruji: if you want to become bankrupt –

start putting rice to shaligram, you will always remain poor. Why – we don’t

know, but it’s the fact.

If you

want to remain sick all your life – you just start to offer water to the broken

Shivalingam, every type of disease will follow.

Also if

you want to ruin your family and everything – start offering water to Shiva

with a conch shell.

And if

you want to face many legal problems, all mafia bosses running after you – just

start putting sindoor on Shivalingam: then these things will come to pass.

These

rituals are not just rituals of faith or something: they are highly

technical and we need to be very careful. This is called karmakanda :

that means these things are actually karma. You also need to consider that.

Rituals

are not something which anyone can do because he has faith or something. These

are highly technical programs and we must have enough information and guidance

to perform them. We have learn the hard way – so it is my duty to caution.

what if someone will worship Shiva with the candles from the church?

Guruji: I have no idea what will happen.

He needs

to be a vegetarian to worship Shiva and very pure in body and mind; that’s why

the shaligram thing was suggested. Because when you’re carrying a shaligram and

if you’re not faking it – without saying that you’re living the very pure way

of life.

even I observe if non-vegetarian is trying to wear rudraksha – something always happen?

Guruji: always – we have seen so many

cases. Their life changes not in a good way because things are clashing.

Unnecessary clashes also not good. If you’re hoping to do that – then do it

exactly the way and you should do enough research, learn about it – then do it.

I will tell

you one example: my disciple’s father, when he was young bank officer; he is a

devotee of Shiva. It runs with the family – here in brahmin families. One day

he arranged the Rudra abhishek, he called one pandit: pandits are also making

some mistakes. There are vaishnav pandits and Shaiva pandits – Shaiva pandits

will do the Rudra abhishek exactly the way. If you will call vaishnav pandit –

some mistake will happen and you will learn of this. After the morning they do

Rudra abhishek he went to the bank. His wife was just hanging wet clothes on

the rooftop and there was son of their neighbor – teenager; something happened

than she slipped and fell – and he laughed and mocking her; and that triggered

the thing. She became so furious – that he is laughing at me and she gived him

a piece of her mind also; she called my disciple’s father and said it’s a

question of family honor – come, I cannot bear this insult. He also became

furious, went to the market and bought a gun- I mean there wwas some officers knowing

him so they granted him the gun license on the spot. So he came home with the

gun – and word reached before him that Sharma Ji is coming with the gun; all

the neighbors run away. Then his father came – my disciple’s grandfather. So

many people gathered – if it is a big fight or something. Grandfather was the

very knowledgeable astrologer, he died at the age 104. They tell him that

everything was good, we did Rudra abhishek this morning - and see what happened. And he inquired: did

you put sindoor on it? - yes, pandit

told us to put sindoor on it. – that’s it – you should never put sindoor on

Shivalingam, because these things will happen. Then they set another Rudra

abhishek and everything settle down: they said “sorry” for the neighbor – that

also said “sorry” 20 times more and everything was peaceful. So – be very

careful about these things. We have seen – so we believed.

READING

GITA LOUDLY

how it is recommended to read Gita every day?

Guruji: it is recommended to read Gita,

if you can read it loudly then it will create the very strong positive

vibrations around you; most of the negativity will go out from your life and

more prosperity and positive thing will come.

The very

simple example will prove it: Arjun was the first person to hear Gita directly

from the lips of Krishna and within 18 days all his enemies were dead and they

recover their lost kingdom. So even material life will be very good after you

begin to read Gita. And of course as bonus you will receive wisdom also.

more effect with the voice?

Guruji: yes. Any language – essence will be

the same. Shlokas in Sanskrit then commentaries in any language. And also I

have seen some of my disciples reading “Putnik” loudly: they became very good

after that, even their looks changed. More positive things begin to happen,

their thinking was very different. You can experiment on that.

elder than 2 years but younger than 8 years – such beautiful virgin with japa should be worshipped?

Guruji: between 2 years and 8 years old – such virgin is considered as the direct embodiment of Durga, according to Shakti worship. If she has certain signs – then her presence is enough. It’s exact description. Not every girl, but with special formation of the body; for Shakti worship it’s necessary.

what is the aim of such discipline?

Guruji: for invoking Shakti – like Durga will appear or Kali will come, something like that. But then again I will tell you what I observe over the years: until unless Shakti actually wants you to see her – you can not see her, she will arrange everything for you. I think it is a very famous story – I’ve told it many times.

Mystical Story

There was one good woodcutter – or how you can call the man who goes to the jungle and cut the branches to get wood. He was from Bengal; once he was cutting wood and somehow he got late. When he was come down from the tree – he heard the roar of tiger. He was afraid- so he remain on the tree. It was the special night and after some time he saw one sadhu with jatas, dragging the dead body of a virgin. He put the body under the tree and created the yantra on the ground and he bring some ritual things with him. He put the dead body in the center of that mandala and sat on top of her stomach, put oil in her mouth and light a lamp in her mouth and begin to say mantra loudly. The woodcutter heard it and somehow he remember it. After about 20 minutes the tiger came, attack that sadhu and drag him away. Everything was ready, and that man was sitting on the tree. It came to his mind – “let me try”. He came down, sat on the stomach of that girl whoever she was and begin to said mantra. Hardly he said mantra three times and Kali appeared and said – ask, what you want? He said: “ before asking, please answer my question. That sadhu was doing great tapas and the tiger drag him away; and I just said mantra three times and you appeared. I don’t understand” . and she said, smiling: “ you don’t remember, how many times the tiger has dragged you away – this thing was real for you, your time is come”.

So most of the times such things are arranged by Shakti herself. If she is favoring you – then. If you will try to find exactly such girl, do this and that – it will never happen. It’s true story from Bengal.

they say such girl must be from the god’s or rakshas’ family?

Guruji: it means astrologically she must be deva or rakshasa.

and when Shakti is saying: I’m kumarika and you are kumaraka?

Guruji: it means – I’m the virgin and you’re the virgin too. And for many western so-called “tantrics” it’s just a sexual arrangement, - but it’s not sexual arrangement, it’s something very different.

the great deed is to give daughter to the kula?

Guruji: it’s another hindu thing. When the father marry his daughter – he always tries to find the man with good family, kula. And here we actually donate our daughter, it is called kanya dana. He’s referring to that. Here it means – if you’re able to find a real yogi – donate your daughter to him. That can be no better bridegroom than that person. It’s really rare to find. Only in India it happens like this.

but for what yogi needs such a girl, if he’s the real yogi?

Guruji: again I will tell you – it’s not a sexual arrangement, it’s something else. If Shakti will favor that yogi – the special girl will come to him. Her presence is enough – that is amazing situation. Only Kali, Tara or some other great Shakti can arrange this actually. So far we heard about it only with Kali and with Tara, no one else.

can we find such example anywhere?

Guruji: any rishi had discipline this. Many kings were giving their daughters to rishi. Chyavana, Raikya, others also.

and what happen with such girl – she carry the Shakti?

Guruji: she may become Bhairavi of that particular yogi or she will become a very respected woman, because if Shakti sending her to that particular yogi – she will be very powerful herself. And she will have enough power to give curses and blessings; they are actually worship them with so much respect. It’s very rare to see now.

and they are also remain like sixteen years old or they grown old?

Guruji: that is not known exactly; but only we know about Devi Parvati – she looks like a girl of sixteen and has eternal youth. And some other yoginis – like queen Menavati, who is the Shakti of Jalandhar Nath, - she also continue to look like the sixteen-year old virgin; but she is a mother of another immortal yogi – Gopichand, even then she looks like sixteen-year old girl. There are some references to such yoginis. Who will not like to remain sixteen-year old for next one million years?

DISCIPLINE ON SHIV TEMPLE

how this wonderful idea of connection of Kartikeya and six dimensions of Time came to Your mind?

Guruji: it just came to my mind; I was not even thinking about Time – and it clashed.

Shiva Ji himself didn’t like him?

Guruji: no, he was fine; Shiva Ji just sent him to South. And he is still in South. But if you go to south all the way – you will end up in north. So it maybe just idea for us, that I’ve send him to south – but he will circle around on Earth at least.

what we’re not crossing in Shiva Ji temple – north or south?

Guruji: we’re not crossing in front of the Nandi. One thing is called one parikrama. Such discipline is only in Shiva temple. I was not aware – but some elderly person pointed it out to me. Many people – they just go round: then problem begins. Better never to cross.

SPECIAL PUJA OF HANUMAN JI

Only aghoris do this certain puja of Hanuman Ji; and the first thing is – you have to create a very heavy roti, which is called ‘rot’, sweet rot; then 4 rots are prepared and given to Hanuman Ji as hope. The thing is – you have to take bhiksha. Flour, not from a man or woman: only a eunuch is asked for flour and they give it freely. Then another thing is: go to a person, who has always stood by his dharma of his caste; only sweeper class. They’re still holding their caste dharma – and they are asked to give the flour; and they give it. The third bhiksha is: go to a woman, who does not think of any other man – this thing is always taken from hardcore prostitute. There is no other man in her life!

and what is puja for him?

Guruji: For having some special favors from Hanuman Ji – some wisdom or some power. It’s a very hard, long process: very few people are successful in that. These three bhikshas – only from these people; otherwise – it will never be possible to do that.

SPECIAL PUJA OF HANUMAN JI PART2

And the sweepers are chosen because they follow their dharma?

Guruji: They follow their dharma, yes. My Guru told me never to insult these three and yogis and sadhus also: you never know who they are. Always be respectful to any prostitute, any eunuch or any sweeper: they have a very different type of power inside. If you’re somehow able to receive a heart-filled blessing from a prostitute – your life will become divine. Which is rare to receive! Eunuchs also: if they bless you – you will become prosperous. Sweepers also: he will never eat sitting on your veranda or something. They will take the food and take it away. But If he agrees somehow and has good feelings for you – yes, prosperity will come. But the hardest thing is to have a blessing from a prostitute.

Milk, yogurt, ghee, honey and sugar. And the flowers – as much as available. It’s not a teapot, it’s some kind of kamandala, which just pour some water on Shiva.

and cobra is protecting him?

Guruji: it’s sort of guarding on Shiva, he’s wearing cobra on his neck.

and in front of Babaji – it is a bird?

Guruji: no, it’s a miniature Shivalingam.

we’re not crossing the line in front of a cow – why so?

Guruji: it is said, that you should not cross over whatever we put on Shiva. It removes every type of prosperity and good fortune. So never cross, just make u-form. It’s up to you, how much circles you want to do. Now I’m doing puja continuously for 18 years. I’m unemployed – I have nothing else to do.

You have enough will power to do it

Guruji: it’s not a question of will power, we have no choice.

I’ve heard if someone touch Shivalingam he will get sick?

Guruji: I’ve seen it many times, some people are dead also.

but when You touch – You feel something?

Guruji: oh yes, I feel very different.

but it’s good death – to die after touching Shivalingam?

Guruji: no good death. We know the man – he suffered and suffered and suffered and lost all his weight and died when he was only 20 kgs. Only skeleton remain.

why it happens? The energy burn him?

Guruji: you don’t want to be touched by everyone, that’s the point.

can we worship Shivalingam at home?

Guruji: be very careful, if you can follow the discipline – you can do everything. Hindus are smart: they build a temple in one place and house in another place. No one is pure enough to follow the discipline. It is just like you invite president to your house and you wore him to live like you do. It’s not going good. Some mistake may definitely come. It is a good idea to just go to the temple, offer your respect, then come back home and relax.

It’s in human nature to blame someone if they failed; it is devil’s guilt – but if something good happened they say: “ I did it”.

fanatics are at least interesting enemies

Guruji: I will quote here from Don Corleone: keep your friends closer, but your enemies even more closer.

is it true that if we will read one chapter of Gita every day – it will kill all our enemies?

Guruji: not kill the enemies, the most of the negativity from your life will disappear. If the enemy has negative effect – it will also disappear.

I heard that the Gandhi read the Gita every day?

Guruji: so the British empire disappeared. Reading Gita is the very common thing in India. Most of the spiritual or religious state of mind people – most of them read it. Gandhi example is very good: in South Africa he was insulted by some british officers and he resolve that he will do something about it – and now no british empire. It work for him.

57. HE BECOMES LIKE SHIVA

from Hatha Yoga Pradipika: yogin should worship Shiva Ji not in the night, not in the daytime…

Guruji: otherwise all the time he must worshipping: with conscious mind – you should not; with subconscious mind, night time – you should not; but in the middle state, with theta-state of mind -you should always worship Him. It’s a condition for yogis, when to worship.

it’s not a fully awaken consciousness?

Guruji: in the middle.

on what level of practice it could be?

Guruji: when smashan will pull you in – it’s a surest indication.

could we compare the shining of Shiva Ji with anything?

Guruji: incomparable.

TO HAVE MONEY OR ENJOY IT

it has meaning, which type of horn must be used on puja?

Guruji: always bull’s horn. It’s direct connection with the fifth element – akash, with that particular sound. Bull’s horn creates positive sound.

but with other type of horn it could be negative? It could harm the area or someone?

Guruji: oh, many types. It usually harm the person who is using it. We were discussing with Larry Carney that most of the judes are blowing the horn of the beast – goat or sheep – so you can see the history.

but they always have some money and prosperity?

Guruji: there is one thing to have money. And absolutely another thing to enjoy it.

if someone will start to blow bull’s horn?

Guruji: the most positive energy will flow. The best part in them – they follow the tradition to the tip. Maybe someone invented this confusion and then it became a tradition. Devil is worshipped with the head of ram or goat.

I think the devotee of Shiva will finally become a yogi.

RUDRAKSHA

5-faced rudraksha is representation of Pashupatinath? What are the qualities and properties of it?

Guruji: it is also described in a chapter of Shiva purana. One-faced rudraksha is the rarest of rare, the original one: it represents Shiva directly. If you have it – you will be like an emperor or king and most of the problems surrounding your area will disappear.

what is connected with 5-faced rudraksha?

Guruji: it will put you more in tune with the Time. It’s like Kalagni – the fire of the Time. Sadashiva also have five faces – so you will be more tuned with that. It will help you a lot in your spiritual practices and even in worldly things.

Guruji, you started to tell the very interesting thing: could you tell us more about different faces of rudraksha?

Guruji:

2-faced is about Shiva and Shakti together. If you have 2-faced it means some energy and blessings from Shiva and Shakti together will flow.

3-faced rudraksha represents Dattatreya; vidya, buddhi and viveka – this it represents.

4-faced means 4 furshads, four achevements in dharma, artha, kama and moksha.

5-faced represents also Sadashiva.

6-faced: they say, if you wear it on your right hand – it will clean you from all your sins, which you may committed. I think this is also very important.

7-faced will give you more prosperity – 7 is lucky number everywhere.

8-faced rudraksha will give you protection from accidental death and different damages which may come your way accidentally.

9-faced is the representation of Shakti; so I highly recommend 9-faced rudraksha for all ladies to wear on the left hand – make them like beautiful bracelet or something.

Eleven-faced is like eleven Rudras specially. Rudras’energy will be much more inside you. It should be wear in the neck.

12-faced rudraksha connected with Vishnu, because there are 12 Adityas and Vishnu is one of the Adityas.

14 th is the last – and it will give you everything, specially the very great balance of the mind.

All these rudrakshas are directly affect your thinking process, they have some impact on the mind. And if your mind is going in a positive way, most of your decisions are going to be very positive: and positive decisions will make the very bright future. What is your future? Decision, taken today, will be your future – the result of it.

if someone has 9 and 11 faced – could they be wear together?

Guruji: why not, wear them together. You can combine and wear them all.

In this I have from 2 to 14 faced. One-faced I’m still waiting – I mean the original one.

what is the best way to wear 5-faced rudraksha?

Guruji: put it on your neck – on thread, mount it in gold or on the gold chain.

gold is better?

Guruji: gold or silver – anything. Time to time clean it with toothbrush and put some good sandal oil – or some essential oil. That is enough care for it.

what is demand on person, who wants to wear rudraksha? Some discipline, vegetarian or what else?

Guruji: rudraksha will make you vegetarian if you’re not. It creates more purity in you. Confidence also.

if someone wears rudraksha with the cross? Cross is the symbol of death?

Guruji: cross is not symbol of death, cross is crossroad; and in the center of the crossroad 7 matrikas lives. This is the magical thing.

it must have equal ends?

Guruji: whatever – crossroad is crossroad, no matter of proportion. There might be great magic behind this thing.

if someone wears rudraksha with tulsi?

Guruji: it will create the mental problems, they clash together. It is not proper to do that.

what does it mean in that story – when Shiva Ош appeared in front of Brahma and Vishnu in the form of the column of the light; it was said that Brahma will always be mentioned in all sacrifices – what does it mean?

Guruji: in fire rituals Brahma is always invoked.

is it possible to do the fire ritual without invoking Brahma?

Guruji: yes, we’re doing it. Near dhuni – without gayatri, without invoking anyone, direct.

it’s just a habit to do it in old fashion?

Guruji: they were taught like this. We’re thinking with the very open mind and we’re have the original thinking as well – so we can see things which they never see. And it’s not a good thing to disturb them.

why in that story Vishnu took the form of the boar – to find the root of that column of light?

Guruji: maybe that is his natural state. Or maybe the judes were the original worshippers of Vishnu. 0r that’s why they don’t eat boar. You have to connect it. It’s rare to see worshippers of Vishnu nowadays. Rama, Krishna and others have replaced him. and no kings all over the world. Even worships are now humanized: Jesus Christ – son of the man, profit Muhammad, in India so many saints are worshipped.

you told us that spirits are so much attracted by alcohol?

Guruji: what is alcohol? Spirit. So the spirit will be connected with another spirit. Spirit is essence. When you make a spirit, you make apple or something rot away – then the essence comes out. In human beings also: when you’re extremely old – you’re rotted away – then the spirit comes out. And somebody is drinking that. Instead of discussing beautiful philosophical imaginations we’re discussing horrible things.

like we were talking about eating god’s flesh and drinking god’s blood in Christianity?

Guruji: from indian point of view it looks like magic or tantris ritual to me. If somebody have drunken the blood of your son – will you forgive him?

does the part of the spirit lives in the picture or the sculpture?

Guruji: yes, it exists the system in India – most of it described in our books; they create it by description – and then exists the ritual which is called prana pratishtha: giving the life to the stone statue. They are treated like a living beings. Then it will depends on worshipper: if he is powerful enough – the god will response.

And from quantum physics point of view – I’ve already giving this opinion – they say that if you begin to observe the particle, the particle changes it’s behavior. When millions of people are going there, full of devotion they’re looking at him, ancient statue, - the particle of that statue change behavior and they start to be active. And when the particle of that particular deity will affect you – your particle will also change their behavior. Maybe hindus were great scientists. When you have the darshan – your particles already change their behavior. They will look at you – and your particles will change behavior.

in Christianity is very popular to put the part of dead bodies of saints into icons…?

Guruji: in india it’s considered as unclean. In black magic – it is used: the spirit of the dead person will remain attached to that body parts. By capturing the soul you’re trying to control the spirit.

but could these dead things heal someone?

Guruji: I don’t know – medical science is healing millions and millions of people – but they rarely receive any credit; if one person out of the blue cures some person – it might be placebo effect, but suddenly he’s a saint. You should give some credit to medical science. They cure more people than saints have done.

The science declaring that not a single force can exist. There is always the opposite force. Even our life depends on it: our immunity system is always fighting – so we can survive. Maybe we’re just part of the Earth blood stream.

PURE INTENTIONS

what is the difference between that who are worshipping deities with rituals and that who are worshipping by their own inner feeling and understanding?

Guruji: first try to understand your inner feeling, the source of your inner feeling; then try to find the source of your life – if there is the spirit inside or what is the source of your life. After finding the source of life you can move on and try to see him – he can tell you something supreme beyond. Step by step.

what if someone worships in outer space – bringing flowers or something?

Guruji: I think this is also very good because it disciplines you; you have a very good routine in your life – and it will give you the very clean way of life, very pious life. And it will have direct effect on your mind – it will also become more pure. Because whatever you are doing with your body in a very pure way – even it will be called religious or something – finally it is training your mind. Routine will form and your mental state will be different – and you will be able to see beyond this things also.

so we couldn’t say – one way is higher and one is lower?

Guruji: no. that is just ego plays – that my way is higher than yours and your is low – that’s nothing more than ego.

When government forcibly gave me the project for dairy – for hundred cows and the milk started – it came to my mind that I will offer at least 101 liter of milk to Shiva every day and we start to doing it.

Anna: Now with the years is the color of Shivalingam is changing?

Guruji: It is changed, the tone is different, now it is darker than before. And there is also a small natural “Om” sign formation on top; when I`m pouring milk on the Shivalingam, “Om” it`s like a groove – it appears when the milk fills it... Now the ritual is like an "addiction" for me or unique performance. I like it, but it took me quite time to get use to it, because I`ve never done it before.

Many Russian disciples who travel all over India, including Ilya, said that they have never seen this kind of puja. We use no common mantras, because most of the mantras are for the temples outside of smashan. But the samshan is supposed to be a home of Shiva also. So we just begin to sound damarus (drums), because every language came from the sound of Siva’s damaru. So whatever mantra Shiva likes - he will understand it. No problem. Simplistic approach. Now we are in 21 year of continued puja of Shiva ji.

Anna: Guruji, when Shiva appeared, what about his third eye?

Guruji: His eye was open. It was a scary experience… “There is more to this world than meets the eyes” … as Shakespeare said there are things between heaven and earth that man cannot even imagine. When it will happen in front of you - then you will be amazed.

I came to Mathura and that time I had almost ten thousand rupees in my pocket. I was alone waiting for the train at the railway station. And an old man, a very bad-looking old man, very weak came asking for money, begging. And I noticed his fate line. It was extra-ordinary line form. And I thought: “How a person with such a strong fate line can beg?” And I thought if he asked me ten thousand rupees I would give him all the money I had and go back home. And I asked him: “How much money do you need? — I will give it to you.” I did not tell him that I was ready to give him ten thousand rupees. And he was surprised because most of people were showing him away. And then I was asking: “How much money you want- I will give it to you”. So after several times I repeated he said: “Yes, give me five rupees”. So I gave him five rupees, I did not tell him I was ready to give him ten thousand rupees. I came to Mathura and stayed there ten-fifteen days then I went back but his fate line was striking my mind. So when I went back home again I had him followed with the help of some friends. And to my surprise he was a boss of a very big group of beggars. He was not a beggar, he was an engine power. And all the beggars were giving him money as a tax. And he was just acting like a beggar to see whether every beggar was just in the right place which he allowed them to take and he was doing a good business. And no beggar could marry without his blessing. So the fate line was working for him. But that brought another thought in my mind: that by asking a certain thing – we put a limit to what God can give us. If he had said to me: “Please give me whatever you want to give” I would give him ten thousand rupees, I already had it in my mind. But only because he demanded five rupees he received five rupees. So it is always better to say if you pray God. “Whatever you want to give — please. I have no demands.”

Q: and what can you say about rudraksha and vibhuti?

Guruji: all these are important things. I’ve noticed that rudraksha and vibhuti from dhuni directly affects your consciousness. And when we are trying to analyze and develop and go deeper in our consciousness – all accessories will actually right. Otherwise we should leave a child when he is born – we should never send him to school, never to the doctor, because every teaching and medicine come from outside, it is not nature given.

Science of murti

I can just give you some point, which are enough to prove, that idol worshipping is the most scientific way of worshipping. In modern physics we see that particles change their behavior by observation; when you begin to observe particles – it will change its behavior, it is established thing. When we are creating idol and it is being worshipped in a certain way and then many-many millions of people have going there just to look at it and observe – after some time particles of that deity begins to change its behavior. Particles are here, it’s a physical thing; and when particles will change their behavior, they will start behave in a certain way, which will have direct reciprocal effect on our behavior. So, it can be understood, that idol worshipping is highly scientifical.

Om is also visible on top of that Shiva ling, a natural Om is there. That is also similar to the Om, which is inside my head. And many rare things are just keep coming here so we are offering them to Shiva otherwise it is impossible to find them in the market. Like yellow datura: it is very rare, actually very rare but here it grew automatically without planting they are growing here so that is the direct grace from Shiva. And I learnt this puja because Shiva is supposed to be the first guru of yoga. He is the giver of yoga to humanity so in a way I am serving the guru also. Also there is a different point that when you worship every way to the first guru and your guru and you’re going down to them, your ego remains in balance. That is very important otherwise with practice like kriya yoga it is very easy to become full of ego that I am great, I am god myself, but when you are following this discipline ego remain under control.

Q: is it necessary to go on puja every day?

Guruji: I think the puja will give you the different type of energy – it will give the extraordinary boost for the practice, when you go back home – it’s better soak in like a sponge the energy it given. Here you can have puja – in Moscow you never have it.

Q: but after puja I feel myself broken and feel tiredness…

Guruji: it is not tiredness, it’s some different thing, happened in your mind. Just feel the atmosphere, enjoy the energy. That is enough.

I’ve heard that the garland of lemons and chilli is dedicated to the goddess of some disease, and her temples are always built outside the village — so as not to invite her in?

Guruji: yes, that is so.

what are these goddesses?

Guruji: there is a temple in Mathura dedicated to smallpox — and it works. These goddesses have many names, and Sitala is one of them. Villagers usually worship them; educated people do not go to these temples — and then they suffer. I have already told you the story of one of my disciple’s father: when the deadly disease came and asked to be taken into the village. He died recently, at more than a hundred years of age. When such forces are involved, you can only follow. And his family was untouched. That means they need a medium or an invitation to enter a village or a town. Every epidemic or disease has its presiding deity: usually these are goddesses. They have enough power to kill you or to spare you — that is what makes them goddesses.