Daaji reached the meditation hall around 5.30 pm. A family with their newborn was waiting for Daaji on the other side of the car. Daaji got out of the car, called the couple to him, and took the little baby into his hands. He then went into the meditation hall to conduct the meditation session. While entering the hall, Daaji asked to make them sit inside the office as it was rather hot outside. &nbsp;Daaji then conducted the meditation from 5.32 pm to 6.01 pm. After the meditation session, Daaji then went back to the office and met many people before he left for home. On the way back home, Anil Kumar SG who leads the NGO Samunnati and coordinates several rural and organisational projects of Heartfulness, joined Daaji in his car. After a short discussion with him, Daaji then came to record a video message for Shankarananda Kalakshetra, who, in collaboration with Brhat Culture Creatives LLP, has been at the forefront of presenting two unique cultural festivals. Ramayana Kalpavrksam, Bharata Uvaca - ‘A Civilization Speaks’.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Daaji invited a few members of the West Bengal group for dinner, including Ajay Bhatter and Rishabh Kothari with their families. After the dinner, Daaji came to the comfort dorm area to meet all the practitioners from the large group of West Bengal who had lovingly gathered to meet him. He seemed to be in better health but still looked weary. He conducted the meditation session from 8.44 pm to 9.03 pm and then answered a few questions.&nbsp; &nbsp;Q: The first question is, how do you develop restlessness towards reaching the goal?&nbsp; &nbsp;Daaji: The question is very simple, but the answer is not very simple. It's very difficult to answer such questions that inquire about the process of developing something. Because in order to develop this one, it requires a sense of urgency in the heart.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Guru and God are always restless to merge with us. The resistance is on our side, as we are so busy enjoying our own freedom and developing resistance. So unless we develop interest and curiosity towards the idea of what a goal is, there is no point in asking such questions.&nbsp; &nbsp;When we begin thinking of the goal, even before we settle down on the process of inquiry, life’s problems overtake us, and we keep chasing them one after the other, thereby having no time left to give serious thought to the goal. Then, when we get into some serious trouble, we are reminded of the goal of life. If we do not develop a certain curiosity, we remain disinterested in the goal. Then how can you have restlessness? Just as in the case of the cleaning process, we sit with the intention that through this process, which I am going to undertake, I will become purer and simpler. Likewise, when we sit for meditation in the morning, we can begin with the idea that I want to be a little more peaceful and joyful. I want to become a better human being. Let us start with small goals like that. &nbsp;It is not easy to think of God, as few of us have any idea what God is all about.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;We begin only with the supposition that there is God and things like that, but who has the real conviction that such a thing exists? So let's begin our spiritual practice with a simple thing. We can say, “God, I don't even know if you are there or not, but if you are there, I'd like to become like you.”.&nbsp; &nbsp;To become restless, I recommend you read these two chapters, the first and second chapters, from Voice Real, written by Babuji Maharaj. His first chapter is called My Pain. That will somehow trigger some level of pain in you as well. And he says, in that chapter that “the purpose of my writing is to create restlessness in your heart.”.&nbsp; We read, but we often don't do anything about it. &nbsp;Q: Sometimes I have an idea but do not know if I should act upon it. Then the idea gets executed by someone else, as it would seem that it was time for it to be manifested. So next time such ideas come, how can we know it is time to act on them? &nbsp;Daaji: It is better to act than not act. If an idea comes and it repeats itself a few times, then do it. This was also a suggestion by Babuji Maharaj. He used to give advice to abhyasis and preceptors alike. Sometimes, an abhyasi feels like taking a sitting, and due to something that comes up, the idea vanishes. If you don't act on it then the thought will keep on recurring. And the same thing happens with preceptors when they think of working on an abhyasi, and their face comes up in the preceptor’s mind. Then go ahead and when your heart says something, just do it.&nbsp; &nbsp;It has also happened to me many times that if some things descend and you should write them down, new things are revealed. But if you don't write it down, nothing new descends again. Until that idea is crystallized, the new one doesn’t make its appearance.&nbsp; &nbsp;Q.: My parents are lovely people, but they do not understand meditation at all. What to do in such circumstances to bring to their minds the importance of meditation? &nbsp;Daaji: Serve them. Serve them as much as you can. Press their feet if you can, if you have time, massage their feet; do Heartfulness polarity on them; and help them go to sleep. Such services will help a lot. When they feel the effect of your inner state, they will feel like meditating. &nbsp;Daaji then said goodbye to all the abhyasis from West Bengal, saying that they were welcome to keep visiting Kanha whenever they felt inclined to do so. &nbsp;After the session, Abhishek Sinha Roy, the television producer for Nagorik Television from West Bengal, asked Daaji if he could come and get his autograph on the Spiritual Anatomy book. Daaji signed his book, and this gave wings to the others, who then sprang up from their places, milling around him in good cheer. Daaji left after a while, looking like he had had a very long day indeed. &nbsp;

The Guru and God are always restless to merge with us. The resistance is on our side, as we are so busy enjoying our own freedom and developing resistance. So unless we develop interest and curiosity towards the idea of what a goal is, there is no point in asking such questions.&nbsp;

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Daaji then conducted the meditation from 5.32 pm to 6.01 pm. After the meditation session, Daaji then went back to the office and met many people before he left for home.

Kanha Shantivanam 30th March 2024

Following the conclusion of the conference, a stream of well-wishers and admirers sought Daaji to bid farewell, catch a glimpse, share thoughts, or simply pay homage to him. However, the exertion took its toll as Daaji fell ill, grappling with flu, congestion, a cold, and a persistent cough. Despite his illness, Daaji made efforts to sit up occasionally to meet with visitors who insisted on seeing him, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to service and his Master's vision. &nbsp;Even while battling sickness, Daaji continued to receive guests and provide them with spiritual sittings, showing his dedication to his work and his unyielding sense of service. His tireless determination often left his body depleted, yet he persisted, fueled by his deep sense of purpose. &nbsp;Amidst his illness, Daaji found solace in silent walks, seeking the solitude he craved. With each passing day, surrounded by care and prayers for his recovery, he slowly began to regain his strength, finding solace in the peaceful environment of Kanha Ashram. &nbsp;Despite his health challenges, on the 20th of March, Daaji met with Patricia Scotland, the Secretary General of the Commonwealth and graciously conducted a meditation session for her, and then both exchanged ideas about integrating spirituality into the affairs of Commonwealth nations. They discussed initiatives such as Heartfulness meditation, Brighter Minds, and OMG Microgreens, envisioning a future where the health of the land improves, food security and nutrition are enhanced, and individuals, including children and young people, cultivate their own microgreens for improved health. &nbsp;Amidst their discussions, Patricia Scotland extended a warm invitation for Daaji to visit the United Kingdom, to which Daaji graciously accepted, further strengthening the bond between Heartfulness and the Commonwealth nations. &nbsp;Sunday Daaj’s health did not permit him to come for the meditation session, and asked Pratima Aunty to conduct the meditation. After the meditation session, Daaji performed the wedding of Karthik from Kanha and Poonam from Mathura from his jula itself. Despite being unwell, he then met many people who were waiting to bid him farewell as they were going back to their hometowns.&nbsp;He gave a sitting on 24th March at his house from 7:00 to 7:20 PM. He said something beautiful and profound right after the session. He said, “There was a tree. My mind has the information and the heart perceives the nature of the tree. When I focus on a rose flower my mind thinks about a rose, my five senses perceive accordingly and the heart enjoys its overall beauty. When I focus on Agya chakra or any other chakra it is ultimately the heart that perceives the happening at that chakra when the focused and perceiver become one.” &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Daaji's selfless dedication to serving others, even in the face of adversity, exemplifies his profound commitment to spreading love, unity, and spiritual growth to all corners of the world.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Despite his health challenges, on the 20th of March, Daaji met with Patricia Scotland, the Secretary General of the Commonwealth and graciously conducted a meditation session for her, and then both exchanged ideas about integrating spirituality into the affairs of Commonwealth nations. They discussed initiatives such as Heartfulness meditation, Brighter Minds, and OMG Microgreens, envisioning a future where the health of the land improves, food security and nutrition are enhanced, and individuals, including children and young people, cultivate their own microgreens for improved health.

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Daaji gave a sitting on 24th March at his house from 7:00 to 7:20 PM. He said something beautiful and profound right after the session. He said, “There was a tree. My mind has the information and the heart perceives the nature of the tree. When I focus on a rose flower my mind thinks about a rose, my five senses perceive accordingly and the heart enjoys its overall beauty. When I focus on Agya chakra or any other chakra it is ultimately the heart that perceives the happening at that chakra when the focused and perceiver become one.”


Kanha Shantivanam 18th March to 24th March 2024

A bright Sunday morning found Daaji and the Hon'ble Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar ji going for a morning walk in the Yatra Garden at around 6 am. Daaji stopped at each and every point and explained in depth what each point was about. After the long walk, they all left for Daaji’s home and then continued further walk in the surrounding garden. &nbsp;

The meditation dias was filled with the Spiritual Leaders for the final session of the Global Spirituality Mahotsav. Around 9 a.m., Daaji, along with Hon'ble Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar ji, reached the meditation hall and joined all the guests on the stage.&nbsp; &nbsp;The meditation session was conducted by a young trainer, Miss Vandhana Kothari, under the guidance of Daaji, for all the members present in the meditation hall and all who had joined the program online.&nbsp; &nbsp;After the meditation session, Daaji was conferred a special honour as the Global Ambassador of Peacebuilding and Faith in the Commonwealth by Rt. Hon. Baroness Patricia Scotland, the Secretary General of the Commonwealth. She gave a beautiful talk regarding her appreciation of Daaji’s contribution as a true peace ambassador.&nbsp; &nbsp;Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar said that it was a well-earned, well-deserved recognition in the right quarter.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Daaji said that around 300 spiritual organisations, including the Transcendental Meditation headed by Maharaja Tony Nader, and the Brahmakumaris, had participated in the spiritual mahotsav. &nbsp;Mr. Bawa Jain, secretary-general for the World Council of Religious Leaders, said that silence is the language of the heart. Having a guru was the greatest blessing in one’s life, he said. &nbsp;Later in the day, Daaji met many Spiritual leaders and guests in his home around 10.30 am. Shri Kabir Bedi, a well-known movie actor who has been coming to Kanha quite a few times, and Shri Shekhar Kapoor, the famous filmmaker and director, were among those present to meet Daaji. After spending time with everyone until 11.30 am, he met Reverend Yvonne Mcrostie, Uniting Church, and Mr. Haniff Abdul Razak, Pure Land Learning College Association, both from Queensland, Australia, who were seated in his office. After a long discussion with all of them, Daaji went to rest &nbsp;

In the evening, Daaji came to meet a few people in the backstage office. After a short discussion with all present, he then conducted a meditation session from 6.05 pm to 6.34 pm. Several people flooded the room, and more were seated outside. He met the representatives of Judaism and of the Baha'i faith with great interest, embracing them into the fold of his vision of unity. Later, the television news channel Aaj Tak interviewed Daaji. The interview lasted for around 40 minutes. &nbsp;After the interview, he had a discussion with Ann Clare Bornholt and Dr. Shamendar Talwar, UK guests, and gave them a brighter mind demonstration. Later, he explained to them the evolution of consciousness in his unique manner, which makes it easy for all to understand.&nbsp; &nbsp;Daaji told them that, as one of them was a psychologist, he would understand consciousness very well. Daaji explained that the physical body changes a little after reaching maturity, except for slow ageing. There is no question of evolution therein, as it would take millions of years to evolve at a physical level. At the level of the soul, too, there is no evolution possible as it is unchangeable. Then what is it that evolves? The mind, which is called the Manas in Sanskrit,. As it evolves, the intellect evolves, the ego evolves, and so consciousness evolves. As a result, the person evolves.&nbsp; &nbsp;The role of the mind is to think. When evolution happens in the state of the mind, we shift from thinking to feeling. We shift from the logical mind to consideration with the heart. That's why women are more evolved than men. Intellect evolves into intuition and wisdom. And finally, the ego, which people often see as an enemy, becomes refined into a friend who keeps giving you feedback on constant and never ending improvement.&nbsp; &nbsp;Daaji gave the example of being a flautist who would like to increase the level of his performance each and every time, even if he receives standing ovations at his performances. It is vital that we do better than yesterday. We learn to move from egoistic behaviour of thinking that no one is better than me into a constant search for becoming more refined. This permits the evolution of consciousness, which leads to the evolution of humanity.&nbsp; &nbsp;So, as you meditate more and more, it affects your consciousness. Evolution is the evolution of neither the body nor the soul, but of consciousness. And meditation is the only way it can be achieved. There is no other way for humanity to evolve. &nbsp;You know the United Nations has set the Sustainable Development Goals. The focus is on pollution, climate change, poverty, the education of children, and so many other things. But they forgot one major problem, which is mental pollution. Why would people pollute the planet, destroy the green cover, engender poverty, etc.? Because their minds are polluted. That is the root cause. So meditation helps us with that. After a brief interlude, he invited them and Shri Shekhar Kapoor, along with them, to his residence for dinner that evening. &nbsp;

The culmination of the Global Spirituality Mahotsav at Kanha Shantivanam marked the conclusion of an extraordinary gathering that had been meticulously planned by the Ministry of Culture at the time of India’s presidency of the G20. Heartfulness Organization was informed of the dates but a month in advance of the event. Despite the challenges of organising such a monumental event within a limited timeframe, Daaji's unwavering vision and energy infused every aspect of the program. His simplicity, generosity, and warmth resonated with all who attended, creating an atmosphere of profound spiritual connection and camaraderie. &nbsp;Throughout the Mahotsav, Daaji's tireless efforts to engage with participants from diverse backgrounds showcased his boundless enthusiasm and compassion. His home became a sanctuary for visitors, where he personally guided them and shared his wisdom. The event brought together a diverse array of individuals, including artists, scientists, philosophers, authors, theologians, and spiritual leaders, as well as dedicated volunteers and seekers of truth. &nbsp;The magnificence of Kanha's landscape, coupled with the exquisite aesthetics of its gardens, statues, and artwork, left a lasting impression on all who experienced it. However, what truly distinguished this event was the infusion of divine grace, which permeated the souls of all present and imbued the gathering with a profound sense of sacredness and unity. &nbsp;Indeed, the impact of the Global Spirituality Mahotsav will continue to reverberate in the hearts and minds of participants long after its conclusion. As humanity navigates through turbulent times, the message of unity and compassion espoused during the Mahotsav serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all. Gratitude resonates from every soul present, acknowledging the divine and Daaji for orchestrating such a transcendent gathering on hallowed ground, fostering a collective journey towards spiritual awakening and peace. &nbsp;

Throughout the Mahotsav, Daaji's tireless efforts to engage with participants from diverse backgrounds showcased his boundless enthusiasm and compassion. His home became a sanctuary for visitors, where he personally guided them and shared his wisdom. The event brought together a diverse array of individuals, including artists, scientists, philosophers, authors, theologians, and spiritual leaders, as well as dedicated volunteers and seekers of truth.

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The culmination of the Global Spirituality Mahotsav at Kanha Shantivanam marked the conclusion of an extraordinary gathering that had been meticulously planned by the Ministry of Culture at the time of India’s presidency of the G20.

Kanha Shantivanam 17th March 2024

The morning started rather early for Daaji meeting a few guests from different organisations, such as Acharya Balakrishna ji of Patanjali and Swami Chidanand Saraswati ji of Parmarthniketan Ashram of Hrishikesh, accompanied by a few of their followers. Daaji had some tea and snacks and spoke with them for half an hour in his office. Later, he took them on a short tour to see the hydroponics installation in his garden. They left for the airport from there. &nbsp;

Daaji came to the meditation hall to take part in the morning plenary session. He came down from the stage to greet the guests. Later, all the panellists were invited to the dais to take their chairs. Daaji listened to the talk given by Dr. Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi. Daaji felicitated Dr. Imam ji after his talk and then took leave from all the guests. He then had a small discussion with Dr. Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi backstage. Daaji was very happy to hear from Dr. Imam that his son will soon start practicing the Heartfulness meditation. Daaji then gifted his book, Spiritual Anatomy, to them before leaving. &nbsp;The proceedings of the morning sessions can be watched using the below link: &nbsp;

In the afternoon, the various influencers and the Ministry of Culture’s guests were invited to Daaji’s home. During the discussion, Daaji shared many insights. Talking about belief, Daaji explained, “Your belief, without your personal conviction and personal experience, is as hollow as devalued currency. You have to strengthen it through experience, and experience will be strengthened only through your practice.” &nbsp;Daaji then said, having experienced divinity is also a problem. Experiencing divinity for once, or even for a month, a year, or ten years, is also a kind of curse. It's not enough. Like you enjoy the hospitality of a very wealthy person. You have every facility you can enjoy at your friend's place. What will be the state of your mind while you are enjoying this island? I wish I was also wealthy, isn’t it?. One may think that my friend is great, but I wish I were also like him. So the experience of my wealthy friend’s hospitality is great, but to become wealthy, and offer such experiences to others, is another matter. Divine experiences are great, but to become divine is something else.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Daaji then said, “ As the time comes, even bliss also becomes a burden. It becomes too much for us to manage. So you say goodbye to it. And it happens. You don't have to do anything. So far, you have been propelled by nature, and nature herself will take you further up. One has to remain cognizant, become aware at each step through personal experience, personal encounters. Borrowed knowledge is of no use to us here. When we have a scientific perspective, we are ruthless. We don't believe certain things blindly. We go through experiments and can demonstrate what is right and what is not.” &nbsp;Speaking about the present state of the religions, Daaji said, “It's very painful to see. We contradict our own scriptures. We say that God is an antaryamin, all pervasive and all knowing. There is no word that denotes its opposite, such as "bahiryamin,” in any literature. Antaryamin means one who dwells within. And where do we search? Everywhere but inside. So how can you find out by adopting the wrong path? You cannot ever reach your destination.”&nbsp; &nbsp;Heartfulness is a way of expressing our gratitude. I'm alive because of you, who is within me, my dear Antaryamin, my beloved, see. That's enough, that much recognition is what emerges in meditation and see what happens next ….. &nbsp;After listening to the many insights from Daaji, they all joined him for lunch, which was followed by a walk in Daaji’s garden. After seeing them all off, Daaji went to rest.&nbsp; &nbsp;

At 5.30 pm, the Vice President of India, Shri Jagadeesh Dhankar ji arrived for the evening session in the meditation hall. After planting the ceremonial tree and walking down the red carpet, they entered the meditation hall to commence the valedictory session.&nbsp; &nbsp;In his speech at the World Spiritual Mahotsav held at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad, Telangana, the Vice President of India highlighted the significance of spirituality in today's global context. He emphasised the importance of inner peace for achieving world peace, particularly in a time marked by geopolitical tensions, inequality, and religious discrimination. The Vice President underscored India's historical commitment to pluralism and religious tolerance, noting its role as a beacon of hope and enlightenment. &nbsp;He discussed how spirituality transcends boundaries and cultural variations, advocating for a deeper exploration of one's inner being and the recognition of divinity within each individual. Drawing from India's rich cultural heritage, he referenced ancient scriptures, literature, art, and architecture as manifestations of spiritual wisdom. &nbsp;The Vice President emphasised the practical relevance of spirituality in modern life, touching upon its role in governance, economic activities, and social harmony. He praised India's contributions to global spiritual consciousness, including the promotion of yoga and humanitarian aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. &nbsp;Throughout the speech, the Vice President encouraged individuals to integrate spirituality into their daily lives, fostering a society characterised by inner peace, wisdom, and empathy. He concluded with a call for collective reflection and action, invoking the words of Kabir to spread soothing spiritual vibrations far and wide. &nbsp;In essence, the Vice President's speech conveyed the transformative power of spirituality in addressing contemporary challenges and fostering a more harmonious and compassionate world, with special mentions and eulogies interspersed throughout his speech, which brought massive applause from those gathered to listen to him speak. The speech by the governor of Telangana received thundering applause due to her authenticity as well as her homage to Daaji’s extraordinary vision and commitment, which she said she had witnessed firsthand on several occasions. &nbsp;

After the session, Daaji left home and waited for the arrival of the Vice President of India at his residence. All the family members of Daaji welcomed the Vice President. Daaji showed the Vice President to his room, which had been prepared for their stay, and then, after getting freshened, for a dinner together.

Daaji then said, having experienced divinity is also a problem. Experiencing divinity for once, or even for a month, a year, or ten years, is also a kind of curse. It's not enough. Like you enjoy the hospitality of a very wealthy person. You have every facility you can enjoy at your friend's place. What will be the state of your mind while you are enjoying this island? I wish I was also wealthy, isn’t it?. One may think that my friend is great, but I wish I were also like him. So the experience of my wealthy friend’s hospitality is great, but to become wealthy, and offer such experiences to others, is another matter. Divine experiences are great, but to become divine is something else.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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The third day of the Global Spirituality Mahotsav witnessed some amazing profound sessions from the morning and the much-awaited visit of the Hon’ble Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankar in the evening. 

Kanha Shantivanam 16th March 2024

Great anticipation thrummed through the motley crowds walking towards the meditation hall, while the green leaves of Kanha shimmered in the bright morning sunlight. The fresh breeze carried conversations in hushed whispers as everyone scurried around to get themselves ready for the day. Here and there, one could see monks in red, orange, yellow, and white robes, with different shapes of headgear, some with tilaks on their foreheads, clothes with beads of different colours, scarves of their organisation, and intricate badges pinned to their chests, all smiling and mingling with one another. Some watched apprehensively, while others stayed quiet with peaceful self-assurance emanating from them in ripples as Kanha witnessed one of the largest gatherings of its time.&nbsp;Students from schools and colleges had been invited to attend and were ushered in as the buses from Hyderabad city filled the alleys. The President’s security mined around with their sensors and sniffing dogs as uniformed military and police personnel set up security and cordoned off the areas where the President of India would soon be arriving for the afternoon’s celebration.&nbsp; &nbsp;Daaji invited a few guests for a morning meditation at his residence, which started at 6.45 am and lasted until 7.10 am. After the meditation, Daaji went up to his room, and everyone left to get ready for the day. &nbsp;

Several spiritual leaders began to arrive in the meditation hall after 8:30 am. Daaji arrived in the meditation hall and, as the host of the event, greeted and respected all the guests. He then took a seat with everyone. After the official introduction to the plenary session, all the keynote speakers for that session were invited on to the stage to occupy the dias.&nbsp; &nbsp;The session that followed was mesmerising.&nbsp; &nbsp;Daaji’s speech brought tears to many eyes. To Daaji, this event was very special, as he has been deeply marked by Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda in his own life. Swami Vivekananda’s famous address at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago echoed in Daaji’s inspiring talk. It felt as if Daaji continued where Swamiji had left off in Chicago a century ago! &nbsp;Daaji said that the world had witnessed faith and religion dividing people, but we should not blame faith for that. Problems arise due to faithful ones, not by faith itself. He emphasised that people of all faiths need to reconnect with each other. It is only when we are reunited with each other that we can reunite with God. We need to find answers within our hearts in order to achieve this reunion. Daaji highlighted that there are more than 100 references to the heart in the Bhagavad Gita. He bemoaned that whilst every religion uses the weapons of fear of hell and temptation of heaven to invite people to seek refuge in them, a real spiritual seeker will not fall for this, and he will ideally say that he does not even know whether God is there or not. A true seeker would choose to say that she or he wants to experience God's presence in their own heart. Thus, Daaji said, “My only request is that you believe and develop faith only when you have experienced it for yourself. Pray to God to reveal that.” &nbsp;Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji said, “We are fortunate to be in the ‘Amrit Kaal’. After 75 long years of independence, we have a government that understands the faiths and cultures of this land and civilization. The inner core of the culture must be brought out by bringing people together. Spirituality has so many facets that we need to respect each one. A theist and an atheist must, ideally, work together for the benefit of society. The ultimate purpose is to find inner peace and world peace.” &nbsp;Sister Usha Kumari Behnji, Brahmakumaris, said that&nbsp;this festival is a unique celebration that rejuvenates our spirits and empowers us. Despite life's challenges, it's essential to find peace within ourselves. By cultivating inner peace, we develop resilience to life's ups and downs, echoing the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita's perspective on embracing all experiences positively.&nbsp; &nbsp;Sh. Gaur Gopal Das ji of ISKCON, said&nbsp;that We must confront life's challenges, whether spiritual or mundane, recognizing those problems that are inherent to existence. Rather than seeking an absence of problems, true peace lies in our ability to navigate and find solace amidst life's tribulations. By embracing our own struggles before attempting to solve broader issues, we can find connection and solace in spirituality or the universe, transcending the divisive boundaries set by religion. &nbsp;Swami Atmapriyanandaji, of the Rama Krishna Mission, said, “Swami Vivekananda asked, Is God’s book ever finished? It is a continuous evolution going on and on. One page is the Bhagavad Gita, one page is the Quran-e-Sharif, and one page is the Holy Bible. All quarrels begin by saying my perception is better. Nobody can assert that this is the only way to look at divinity. Individual peace and world peace—Swami Vivekananda referred to it as the oneness of the microcosm and macrocosm. If we want to find joy, it is only in the infinite. Without peace, there cannot be joy. Vedanta tells you to realise your infinite true nature. A conditioned mind will always put you in sorrow. Gaining your real individuality is akin to becoming the ocean, thus being at peace with the kingdom of God, which is made up of millions of brothers and sisters in the world. &nbsp;The proceedings from the morning session can be watched using the below link: &nbsp;

After the session, Daaji took some of them, including Gaur Gopal Das ji, Smt. Ranjana Chopra, additional secretary of the Ministry of Culture of India, and Swami Atmapriyananda ji, Ramakrishna Mission, to his residence with him in his own car. They all had a short discussion in Daaji’s office and then went in for lunch. After lunch, Gaur Gopal Das ji of ISKCON took leave from Daaji as he had to go back.&nbsp; &nbsp;Balaji from the accounts team met with Daaji to get a few documents signed by him. Later, Daaji took Smt. Ranjana Chopra and Swami Atmapriyananda ji for a walk around the Gokul Point forest, explaining and showing them all around in his usual fashion. Later, he took leave from all his guests and went to rest, remembering that everyone had to be ready for the big event in the evening with the President of India. &nbsp;

The main program of the evening was incredibly memorable. The Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, arrived at the Kanha campus by 5.30 pm. Daaji, who was eagerly waiting for the arrival of the Hon'ble President, gave a warm welcome and was subsequently guided to the tree plantation in the VIP area. A group of students from ‘The Heartfulness Learning Centre School of Kanha welcomed the Hon'ble President with their welcome song and the Hon'ble President was then taken on a tour to give a brief on the art exhibition that was prepared for the Hon'ble President.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, all the Spiritual Leaders were seated in a majestic assembly just at the entrance of the meditation hall for a group photo with the Hon'ble President. After meeting them and posing for the group photo, everyone proceeded to the meditation hall for the commencement of the main event. &nbsp;In her talk, Hon’ble President Murmu called India the hub of spirituality, urging unity among diverse beliefs. She requested that the spiritual gurus of our time bring harmony among the people, irrespective of their beliefs.&nbsp; &nbsp;The President said that from Lord Mahavir, Lord Buddha, Jagadguru Shankaracharya, Sant Kabir, Sant Ravidas, and Guru Nanak to Swami Vivekananda, India's spiritual figures have provided the essence of spirituality to the world community.&nbsp; &nbsp;The President said that only the good deeds done in the present determine the nature of the good future. Our thinking creates our destiny, and our passions and hostility affect our lives. She emphasised that to create our destiny, we have to control our mind, and for this, we have to take the help of meditation. &nbsp;The President said that we should bring about change in ourselves and only then try to bring about change in other people. If all people ensure their own improvement and work altruistically, then together we will all be able to take humanity in the right direction. &nbsp;Speaking before the President, Daaji, as the Guide of Heartfulness and President of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission, emphasised the importance of mankind uniting steadfastly in these times. He expressed a sense of urgency to prevent further wars, chaos, and strife. Daaji highlighted that if each individual comprehends the unity of humanity and recognizes the same divine light within everyone, differences can be overcome.He mentioned that such understanding is attained through meditation and higher consciousness. Daaji concluded by stating that the ultimate aim is to enlighten all individuals, urging collective progress towards the common goal of self-realisation. The proceedings from the main event can be watched using the below link &nbsp;

After the Hon'ble President left, Daaji met a few guests in his office, backstage. He spoke with some young influencers, such as Devi Chitralekha and Upasna Kamineni, as well as with a few others who trickled in one by one while a stunning musical program was being performed on the main stage. Daaji requested a Brighter Minds demonstration to take place for the guests. &nbsp;Upasana Kamineni had brought her tiny daughter, Klin Kaara, to take blessings from Daaji. Mangali requested that Daaji come back to the meditation hall to listen to her song, which she was going to perform then. Daaji went and stayed till she finished singing. Then he invited her and her brother Shiva home for dinner. The young singer was rather amazed at Daaji’s simplicity and felicity.&nbsp; &nbsp;After dinner, Daaji called Sameer Anjan ji on FaceTime to introduce Mangali to him. After a short discussion, Daaji then presented the Spiritual Anatomy books to them before bidding them goodbye. &nbsp;

The President said that only the good deeds done in the present determine the nature of the good future. Our thinking creates our destiny, and our passions and hostility affect our lives. She emphasised that to create our destiny, we have to control our mind, and for this, we have to take the help of meditation.

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This was the second day of the Global Spirituality Mahotsav which started with morning meditation followed by the first and second plenary sessions. The evening session was the most awaited one as the chief guest of GSM, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, visited Kanha Shanti Vanam. 

Kanha Shantivanam 15th March 2024

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A live journal of blessed activities in and around Kanha with Daaji

20 AprilDaaji reached the Raipur ashram early in the evening. He conducted meditation at 6 pm, after which he retired for the day.

21 AprilIt is a short walk from the cottage in the ashram to the meditation hall, and as Daaji made his way to the hall to conduct the morning meditation, he was greeted by many abhyasis. After the meditation Daaji left for breakfast, and by the time he finished his meal, many abhyasis trickled in and the dining hall was soon filled with people.One sister asked Daaji what one should do when there is no support from the family and it becomes difficult to practise. In response, Daaji gave the example of his preceptor, Draupadi Devi Agarwal, from whom he had taken his very first sitting. He explained how she would pretend to be asleep early in the morning and meditate while lying under the quilt, and in the evening, under the pretext of going to the toilet, she would do her evening cleaning there. Daaji said matter-of-factly, “Jisko karna hai, usko kaun rokega? (If someone truly wants to do it, who can stop them?).”A young girl talked with Daaji about her studies abroad. Daaji asked her her age and if she was married. She responded by saying that she was only 26 and wanted to wait for some more time before she got married. Daaji smiled and said, “Tujhe jaldi nahi hai, lekin Nature ko jaldi hai! (You are not in a hurry, but Nature is.)”Daaji then asked all the members of the kitchen team for a group photo. After meeting with a few more abhyasis, Daaji left. In the evening he conducted meditation at 6 pm.

22 April 2025Around 10.30 am, Daaji met a few members of the Tukdoji Maharaj spiritual organization. Daaji spoke to them for a while and then conducted a meditation session.The evening program featured a visit by the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, and an interview with Tarang Khurana, National Chairman of Young Indians (Yi)—an integral part of the Confederation of Indian Industry, established in 2002 as a pan-India platform to empower the youth in realizing the vision of a developed nation.Daaji welcomed the Chief Minister, and after a warm exchange of felicitations, they sat down for a tête-à-tête. Also present there was a group of Yi members. Daaji spoke about the various Heartfulness initiatives, followed by a Brighter Minds demonstration. Later, Daaji accompanied him to the meditation hall, where, before conducting meditation, he gave a brief explanation of how to meditate the Heartfulness way.After the meditation, Daaji presented books and gifts to the Chief Minister. The CM then took his leave from the meditation hall. Daaji remained there to continue with the scheduled interview with Tarang Khurana from Young Indians.Here are some excerpts from the interview.Q: Keeping in mind the awareness for climate consciousness and the need to take action toward it, what suggestions do you have for our youth to bring about these changes in their daily lives so we can leave a better world for our future progeny? &nbsp;Daaji: It is a great feeling to have the youth being exposed to Heartfulness which is a way of life guided by the heart. And whenever we are guided by the heart, we become extra sensitive to our conscience—should I do this or that? Should I invest money here or not? Whom to marry? Whenever you follow the mind, it tricks you into fulfilling your own selfish desires. Whenever you have gone against the heart and followed the mind, observe the consequences. To get clearer and clearer solutions from your heart, the lens of your heart must be clear too. The main thing we have to understand is ‘how do I get the right message from the heart?’ So firstly, create purity in the heart. We can sail through complicated situations in life, only when we follow the heart.There are no guide books to help navigate us through life. Osho’s story about a thief describes this very well. (Watch Daaji narrate the story in the link below)A presence of mind is required in every situation. And every situation in life throws a different kind of curve ball at us. Just like in cricket, if you are used to batting against only a certain kind of bowling, it would have been easy. But now and then there will be a different kind of bowling—with a different speed, with a spin, full toss and so on.&nbsp; So life throws different curve balls at us, but a meditative mind picks up the problems often before they arise. Meditation to me thus, is like vaccinating the mind against many situations.Q: Young people say, ‘Our time is now. Time for meditation will come later.’ How do we, as young people, come sooner to this side of spirituality and why is it important that we do this? &nbsp;Daaji:&nbsp;According to me, the spiritual journey should begin at the very moment of conception. Imagine for a moment that you are retired, 60 or 70 years old. Would you be able to meditate? Would you be able to sit—at already such a young age you have taken up chairs. Imagine yourself at 60+. Would you be able to sit properly, even in the chair, with your back erect? When you cannot even remember things, how will you remember the continuity of your spiritual experiences which are so refined? So I would not recommend you to postpone the most essential thing. Think about it in a scientific manner: a genetically pre-exposed spiritual man or spiritual woman and their respective progeny. If you become spiritualized at the age of 70, how can you transfer your genetic pre-exposure to your next generation? If you want to transmit your spiritual bent of mind to the future generation, you better be spiritual even before you get married.

23 AprilOn the day of his departure from Raipur, Daaji conducted meditation early in the morning and after breakfast he met with many abhyasis in his room, one group at a time. Amidst many fond farewells, each group had a photo taken with Daaji. He then left Raipur for Kanha at around 10 am.

One sister asked Daaji what one should do when there is no support from the family and it becomes difficult to practise. In response, Daaji gave the example of his preceptor, Draupadi Devi Agarwal, from whom he had taken his very first sitting. He explained how she would pretend to be asleep early in the morning and meditate while lying under the quilt, and in the evening, under the pretext of going to the toilet, she would do her evening cleaning there. Daaji said matter-of-factly, “Jisko karna hai, usko kaun rokega? (If someone truly wants to do it, who can stop them?).”

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In April 2025, Daaji visited the Raipur Ashram in Chhattisgarh and shared his profound philosophies with the abhyasis present there. 

Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 20th to 23rd April, 2025

The following day began with Daaji offering yet another beautiful meditation session in the early morning. After a profound Heartfulness meditation session that was telecast live on the Heartfulness channel, Daaji invited Mr. Linguswamy to give a talk. His talk revolved around his experiences with the Heartfulness meditation practice and its transformative effect. He expressed his gratitude to Daaji referring to him as a ‘real hero.’&nbsp;This was followed by a heartwarming Q&amp;A session with Daaji. His words resonated deeply with the eager practitioners, leaving everyone inspired and deeply moved.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Later that evening, Daaji welcomed a group of practitioners from the Baduga tribal community of Ooty, a beautiful hill station nestled in the Nilgiri mountain range. Their hearts were deeply touched as Daaji interacted with them personally. His gentle words and affectionate demeanor created an unforgettable experience for the community members. He ended the meeting with a promise saying, “I will come soon to Ooty,” filling their hearts with even more joy! He then posed for a group photo with them.&nbsp;Many dignitaries had come to meet Daaji in Tiruppur: Mr. V. Sundararajan, Chairman of Sky Group of Companies and the Founder Secretary of Vanam Foundation, Palladam, Tiruppur District; the Founder Director of the Coconut Farmers Producer Company; and Mr. K. R. Nagarajan who is the Chairman of the Ramraj Cotton Group of Companies and Vice President of the World Community Service Center.&nbsp;Daaji met with Padma Shri Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, Poppy's Group of Companies and Honorary, Founder President, Tiruppur Exporters Association (TEA); the President of Federation of Indian Exporters Organizations (FIEO); and Mr. N. Thirukkumaran Managing Director, Ess Tee Group of Companies and General Secretary, Tiruppur Exporters Association (TEA). Daaji also met with Mr. Kumar Duraiswamy who is the Managing Director, Eastern Global Clothings, the Joint Secretary of Tiruppur Exporters Association (TEA), and also the Project Director, 'Vanathukkul Tiruppur' - Initiatives of Green Tiruppur; and the Convenor, Tiruppur Stakeholders Forum (TSF).&nbsp;&nbsp;After a brief discussion with them on varied initiatives Daaji then asked for the Brighter Minds demonstration to be presented to all the guests.&nbsp; Later they all joined Daaji for the evening Heartfulness meditation session, after which he gave a talk that touched every heart present in the audience. Daaji expressed his joy saying, “My stay here at DJ Park has been very productive and I admire your sacrifice for coming here despite so many inconveniences. Returning home you will notice even greater changes that will unfold in your day-to-day lives because of these three meditation sessions. Tomorrow I will be returning back home but my heart will always remain here and I intend to come back hopefully on the 11th November.”&nbsp;Touching upon the topic of peace, Daaji reminisced about Babuji Maharaj’s letter to the United Nations dated July&nbsp;8, 1957 where Babuji emphasized that world peace cannot be possible until individual peace is granted. Daaji said, “And who can grant this individual peace? No one, but yourself. It’s an individual attitude: a person under turbulence can remain unshaken and a person without any sort of problems remains stressful and anxious. Our path, the Heartfulness way is a direct gift from the Divine because through this&nbsp;pranahuti or transmission all willing practitioners are able to experience a minimum level of peace.”Daaji threw light on the intricacies of how attaining liberation during this lifetime can take us to that state of non-duality whose inherent quality is peace. He also differentiated the peace that one attains before liberation at the Atma chakra [2nd point in the heart region] and the peace experienced beyond the 9th point.&nbsp; He said, “There is no solution in asking or praying for peace. Liberation is in our hands: no God or Guru can grant it if we are not deserving. So our only job is to become deserving individuals.”Daaji also gave simple solutions as to how one can become deserving individuals. He then went on to reveal, “something that most people have not understood in the very first chapter of&nbsp;Reality at Dawn.” Daaji divulged the true interpretation of Babuji Maharaj’s very profound statement –&nbsp;Where religion ends, spirituality begins; where spirituality ends, reality begins; where reality ends, bliss begins.&nbsp;By linking the intricate concepts of God, divine experiences, desires and transcendence, Daaji clarified the meaning of this statement.

Daaji threw light on the intricacies of how attaining liberation during this lifetime can take us to that state of non-duality whose inherent quality is peace. He also differentiated the peace that one attains before liberation at the Atma chakra [2nd point in the heart region] and the peace experienced beyond the 9th point.&nbsp; He said, “There is no solution in asking or praying for peace. Liberation is in our hands: no God or Guru can grant it if we are not deserving. So our only job is to become deserving individuals.”

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Daaji spent the day at Tiruppur, conducting meditation and question and answer sessions and meeting dignitaries. 

Tiruppur 21st October 2024

Despite the heavy downpour from the previous night, the ashram was serene and prepared for the day's events. After the meditation session, Daaji solemnized three weddings in a simple ceremony.&nbsp;<ul><li>Disha and Abhishek</li><li>Astha and Kshitij</li><li>Garima and Sandeep</li></ul>

He returned to the cottage for breakfast, joined by a few guests, including Dr. Kannan, affectionately known as ‘Sanskrit Kannan’ within the Heartfulness community. Their conversation revolved around Dr. Kannan's ongoing study of Vedic texts in the light of Heartfulness teachings, a rich dialogue blending ancient wisdom with the spiritual depth of the Heartfulness approach.

Later in the day, Daaji embarked on the journey to the next destination – Tiruppur. By the time he arrived at the DJ Park Ashram in Tiruppur in the evening, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and eagerness on behalf of the practitioners assembled there. While Daaji was conducting the evening meditation, it began to rain heavily. Many viewed this as a divine affirmation; as if the spiritual hierarchy above was rejoicing alongside the practitioners, their joy mirrored by the rain.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While Daaji was conducting the evening meditation, it began to rain heavily. Many viewed this as a divine affirmation; as if the spiritual hierarchy above was rejoicing alongside the practitioners, their joy mirrored by the rain.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Daaji spent his day solemnizing weddings, discussing Vedic texts and traveling to Tiruppur. 

Chennai and Tiruppur 20th October 2024

Daaji began his day early, looking forward to continue his journey to Chennai. He invited a few Heartfulness practitioners to join him for breakfast, where they discussed plans for the days ahead.&nbsp;His first stop upon reaching Chennai was the Heartfulness International School, Omega branch. There, Daaji launched several important initiatives and took time to meet with school officials. During his speech, he shared his vision to open more such Heartfulness schools across India, calling upon educators within and outside the Heartfulness community to contribute to this noble cause.&nbsp;In response to student inquiries about following one's heart, Daaji answered with his characteristic warmth and clarity, encouraging the youth to trust their inner guidance which is greatly enhanced when nourished by a sincere Heartfulness practice. He explained how a meditative practice strengthens this inner connection, allowing one to navigate life with a deeper sense of purpose.

From there, Daaji proceeded to the Babuji Memorial Ashram in Manapakkam, where hundreds of Heartfulness practitioners from Chennai and nearby centers lined the roads, welcoming him with love and devotion.&nbsp;&nbsp;Daaji enjoyed a hearty South Indian lunch and after a brief rest, he conducted the evening meditation. Several celebrities from the Tamil film industry had been invited to experience Heartfulness meditation by Mr. N. Lingusamy, a Heartfulness trainer and renowned movie director.Daaji inaugurated the Tamil Nadu Youth Seminar with the theme ‘Awaken Your Inner Potential’ with an inspiring talk after meditation. This was followed by an engaging Q&amp;A session with the young participants. Daaji encouraged them to embrace Heartfulness practices with dedication, urging them to research the effects of following one’s heart versus ignoring it. He emphasized that with a consistent meditation routine, they could develop a courageous spirit capable of navigating life's challenges.

As Daaji made his way back to the cottage, a large crowd gathered, each one vying for his attention. Daaji often lovingly reminds everyone that there is no need to struggle for this external attention. He has mentioned that true connection arises from cultivating an inner state of deservingness, where the deep silence of the heart prepares one to receive Divine grace. In this state, the flow of yogic transmission becomes natural and automatic. He gently but firmly asked everyone to leave, before retiring to the cottage for a quiet dinner.This day was filled with moments of deep connection, reflection, and inspiration, as Daaji continued to share the message of Heartfulness with all those who came to meet him.

Daaji inaugurated the Tamil Nadu Youth Seminar with the theme ‘Awaken Your Inner Potential’ with an inspiring talk after meditation. This was followed by an engaging Q&amp;A session with the young participants. Daaji encouraged them to embrace Heartfulness practices with dedication, urging them to research the effects of following one’s heart versus ignoring it. He emphasized that with a consistent meditation routine, they could develop a courageous spirit capable of navigating life's challenges.

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This day was filled with moments of deep connection, reflection, and inspiration, as Daaji continued to share the message of Heartfulness with all those who came to meet him.

Thiruvallur and Chennai 19th October 2024

The following morning saw Daaji rise early to meet more practitioners who with eager hearts had gathered at the hotel to greet him before he left for the venue. The day began with a group meditation, where Daaji, with his signature calm, shared what he had felt during the meditation in his heart. He beautifully explained how once we begin our yogic practice, it is crucial to bring it to completion. Often, it is the unfinished tasks that leaves us with the trauma of regret and guilt, which can be practically impossible to erase.His thoughts flowed like a calm river carrying a deep current of spiritual insight. Leading a holistic lifestyle has been a central theme in Daaji’s talks and work. He emphasized the importance of working on ourselves, making sure not to leave anything unfinished: for a sincere yogi, it is important to note that doing the right thing is a triumph, but neglecting to do the right thing at the right moment can be far more detrimental to one’s spiritual progress.The essence of Heartfulness is to live without creating unnecessary&nbsp;samskaras or mental impressions that weigh us down on our spiritual journey.&nbsp;Akarma, which translates from Sanskrit as action performed with pure love and without attachment, is the ideal state for a spiritual aspirant. The riddles of life – what to do, what not to do, and how to live in the best way – were unraveled by Daaji with ease, making the profound seem simple and achievable.Daaji spoke about the need for self-restraint and how living a life absorbed in divine remembrance can reduce the need for the evening Heartfulness Cleaning practice. When we are truly absorbed in the presence of the Divine, we think and perform actions without creating new imprints on our consciousness. This intensity of practice can help us lead a life of inner peace and harmony.Before leaving, Daaji said that he would have stayed a few days longer if he could have. However, he promised to return soon. He shared how a spiritual guide finds joy in being with sincere and absorbing hearts, ready to deepen their practice and apply the teachings of Heartfulness in their daily lives.

On his way, Daaji made a surprise visit to a Heartfulness trainer’s sari shop. By the time he reached Thiruvallur, Chennai had recovered enough from the heavy rains, and preparations were in full swing to receive him. Interestingly, the rain seemed to follow him, pouring down in Hosur and Vellore after his departure, as though nature itself was in tune with the spiritual energy he emanates. Several thousand practitioners from nearby centers had gathered there, their hearts open and ready to receive their beloved guide.After entering the cottage, Daaji went to his room for a quiet moment to offer&nbsp;prasad. [Sweets offered with an attitude of reverence and in remembrance of the Divine. The sweets are divinized by this infusion of love and reverence, creating an osmosis between what is offered and the one to whom it is being offered.]&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After the prasad was distributed, the practitioners made their way to the hall for a meditation session while Daaji took some much-needed rest. Over high tea, Daaji met with a few practitioners, before making his way to inaugurate the Heartfulness International School in Thiruvalllur.&nbsp;This special moment was marked by the first official admission to the school, which was performed by Daaji personally. He then conducted another group meditation in the main hall, followed by a lively and engaging interaction with the practitioners gathered there. Later during dinner, Daaji met with more practitioners before retiring for the night.&nbsp;

Daaji spoke about the need for self-restraint and how living a life absorbed in divine remembrance can reduce the need for the evening Heartfulness Cleaning practice. When we are truly absorbed in the presence of the Divine, we think and perform actions without creating new imprints on our consciousness. This intensity of practice can help us lead a life of inner peace and harmony.

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Daaji’s day was filled with sessions and meetings with abhyasis and his travel from Hosur and Vellore to Thiruvallur.

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