13 SeptemberDaaji reached the&nbsp;Vijay Vihar Hotel in Nagarjuna Sagar around 11 am. After a short meeting with all present there, Daaji left for the Heartfulness Nalgonda Ashram to conduct meditation. Eager practitioners greeted Daaji at the hall. He lovingly met each and every one there. When he was greeted by an elderly gentleman, Daaji spoke to him and asked for a photo to be taken with him.&nbsp;

After meditation and lunch, Daaji met with the local Heartfulness team and discussed future developments on the ashram site. In the evening Daaji was invited to visit Buddhavanam, a large Buddhist heritage theme park.&nbsp;It is located very close to Nagarjunakonda Island, an ancient site that was once a thriving center of Buddhism. Excavations there unearthed many archaeological treasures—some of which have been relocated, while antiquities, including the Buddha’s holy relics, are preserved in the Island Museum. After the tour,&nbsp;Daaji reached the ashram hall to conduct the evening meditation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

14 September&nbsp;&nbsp;Daaji arrived at the Nalgonda ashram, toured the entire premise and had a discussion with the local team about the ashram land. After breakfast, he conducted meditation, which was followed by a short Q&amp;A session. Here are a few excerpts.Q: Daaji, How can one overcome fear when life feels so difficult, filled with pain and unbearable hardships? Daaji: We all go through that fear at some point in our lives. How I circumvent fear is very simple. I tell myself, “I have my Master with me, Revered Babuji Maharaj. So, whatever may happen, let it happen. I am prepared. I have my Master; why should I be afraid?" We have to remind ourselves that “God has looked after me so well and I am sure that, with the grace of the Masters I have, my life will be fulfilled—not only materially but also spiritually.Q: What is this life all about?Daaji:&nbsp;This life is about how to grow, evolve, and become a better human being. As Babuji Maharaj puts it very simply, the goal is to go from human to humane to divine. Most of us do not understand the difference between human, humane and divine—these are understood according to people’s level of consciousness, level of alertness, and level of awareness of their surroundings.We are able to expand this consciousness through our regular Meditation, Cleaning and Prayer. Through Meditation we are able to go from our normal level of awareness to super-consciousness; through the Cleaning process we are able to dive into our subconscious state; and the Prayer that we offer takes care of majorly two things:&nbsp;1.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;We recognize that desires are the problem;2.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;We recognize that I am myself, a problem for myself—the ego.&nbsp;And ultimately [through the Prayer] we surrender; we submit ourselves with a feeling that “Gurudev, without your help, I cannot progress at all.” I hope you contemplate and think over it seriously—how we can make our practice authentic and incrementally progressive. I would like to share information about the apartment projects here in Nalgonda. Some of you have plots. I would like to convert some of these plots into an apartment complex. Those who are willing to be part of this apartment complex are most welcome, and they can submit their names. I would like to begin construction by Basant Panchami 2025. Thank you so much.

Q: What is this life all about?Daaji:&nbsp;This life is about how to grow, evolve, and become a better human being. As Babuji Maharaj puts it very simply, the goal is to go from human to humane to divine. Most of us do not understand the difference between human, humane and divine—these are understood according to people’s level of consciousness, level of alertness, and level of awareness of their surroundings.

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In Telangana, Daaji’s next stop was Nagarjuna Sagar, where he visited Buddhavanam and shared his pearls of wisdom with abhyasis present. 

Nagarjuna Sagar, 13th and 14th September 2024

Miryalaguda is situated about two and a half hours away from Kanha Shanti Vanam in the Nalgonda district of Telangana. Daaji arrived at Shri Bikashapathi’s home in Miryalaguda around noon, where many practitioners [abhyasis] had gathered to welcome him. After offering prasad, Daaji conducted meditation.

12 September Role of Consciousness Q&amp;A with DaajiThe evening program was arranged at a local convention hall where among the veteran and new abhyasis, there were many seekers who had come to experience Heartfulness meditation for the first time. After the meditation, Daaji answered two questions.Q: What is the inner consciousness and how do we develop it?&nbsp; Daaji: Consciousness has always been there. Even when we will not be, it will always be there. For example, do we really see the actual sunlight? No. We see the objects when it falls on them. Consciousness is everywhere, like light. If you keep your doors and windows closed, then you will not be able to see the luminosity, the light that emanates. You will see only darkness, though the light is very much there. Consciousness is our ability to perceive, to become aware. And it changes from person to person. For example, your mother may be sick. Your sister might notice her sickness before you would or vice versa. This is one level of consciousness/awareness—who perceives it faster? The next level of consciousness is how one responds responsibly. You may say to your mother, “Let me go to work. I will get the medicine for you on my way back from work.” But then what will happen to her in those eight hours? And your sister might say, “Let me sit with my mother, massage her feet or head and have someone get the medicine for her.” So we have to understand the situation. And this ability to perceive and act according to the situation is the function of our consciousness.&nbsp;This consciousness gets affected at multiple levels because of mainly three aspects:&nbsp;<ul><li>First is our desires. One may say, I want to serve my mother, but my desire is to go to&nbsp; work. So it depends which desire dominates in a particular circumstance.</li><li>The second is your intellect. It will analyze, “I spend some time here [with my sick mother] versus if I go to my office and work.” You will look at the profitability of the situation.</li><li>The third is our ego. Suppose you had a fight with your mother, who is sick at that moment. And because you fought with her, your ego is hurt, and you say, “Let me avoid her, let her suffer.” This is your ego talking.</li></ul>So these three aspects change our ability to perceive. But through our own purification, we are able to perceive things better and act appropriately. That is why when we close our eyes, many times we get so many thoughts. And these thoughts are not just irrelevant ones—they are there to remind us what to do, what we have avoided, and what we could have done better. They remind us of our guilt, our defects, and all the things that we have not done properly. They attack us during meditation. They don't leave us, until we understand very clearly, “Let me do things properly, responsibly.” And that is the fundamental role of consciousness.There are 18 chapters and 700 slokas in the Bhagavad Gita and they are divided into 3 major categories: Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. Chapters 1 to 6 are all about karma, what you should be doing and what you should be avoiding. Chapters 7 to 12 are all about Jnana and Bhakti. Our life is also like that, existential, emotional and spiritual.First is existential. Without karma you cannot exist: you have to work, work and work. It can be both karma as well as trauma. It falls in that category.Second is emotional fulfillment. Everyone needs that. To be pampered, to receive affection and share affection. These are all human needs.And the third, the highest, is spiritual fulfillment. You may have existential satisfaction, you may have emotional fulfillment, but without this spiritual fulfillment, your life will remain unfulfilled. It is like you have failed in the fifth class, and you have to repeat the fifth class. So if we fail in the spiritual realm, failing to fulfill our spiritual responsibility, Nature throws us back into the cycle of birth and rebirth. So, it is very important to become aware of our responsibilities towards the Self. The purpose for which we took this birth should take priority.&nbsp;We also must act on all levels of responsibilities—toward the family, community, country, and planet. But this acting on all levels cannot happen without becoming fully aware, fully conscious of the inside, and also of the outside. Only then will such a person not pollute the air; such a person will not pollute the water, or the earth, etc., because their mind is pure and unpolluted.It is thought pollution that creates many levels of pollution. So meditation is the key. Keep doing it regularly and don't ever ignore the process of purification, Cleaning.&nbsp;&nbsp;Q: When I meditate every day, I feel a special energy around me, but when I don't meditate for 1 or 2 days, I feel that it is not there or that I have lost it, why is it so?Daaji: The cause is that you are not careful about your daily meditation. Do it regularly. It only shows you that “when I don't meditate, I don't feel.” So meditate. Don't skip it. To me, meditation is the most important thing, a part of our existence. You may not eat for a few days and it's okay, but never skip meditation, even for one day. It’s like this: suppose I have to make a building, I make it with one brick at a time. I put one brick, then another brick, then the third one, and that's how we build the walls. My spiritual empire is built brick by brick, one meditation at a time, second meditation, third meditation, and so on. It's a daily thing. You skip one, one brick is gone. It will remain hollow. So, consistency, regularity, discipline, and more than anything, how you meditate is important.Some masons will put the bricks haphazardly, then the finished wall looks ugly. When a professional mason lays the bricks, it looks so perfect that the wall does not even require plaster.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our worship, our&nbsp;bhakti&nbsp;[devotion] should take us to the highest. It should be the highest expression of our love. We should not worship because we need something. If you worship because you need something, then it becomes a business. And you can do business with others, but not with God. He knows your intentions, your thoughts, and your actions. You cannot cheat Him. And He's not a fool. In the process, you will only hurt yourself. And there is no point asking for anything from God. He may give you the whole world, but if he holds himself back, you're still a beggar.

13th SeptemberDaaji met with some guests in the morning, and during breakfast they discussed how to spiritualize the youth, and how to sensitize them to the need for spirituality in their lives. Daaji then left for the convention hall to conduct the meditation session. After the meditation, he spoke to the audience, with an interpreter who simultaneously translated his talk into Telugu. Later, he also answered some questions. Here are some excerpts from his speech.<ul><li>The specialty of the Heartfulness way is balance—the integration of spiritual and material life. Babuji Maharaj used to say, “We should not go into spirituality so much that our material life suffers.”&nbsp; Imagine a housewife who wakes up at 5 am and meditates till 12 noon. Imagine the condition of that house. And we should not get into material life so much that our spiritual life suffers. We have to integrate both without any specific importance to any.&nbsp;</li><li>This is about personal life; now think about the Mission. Let me give you a real-life example. I was in Baroda in September 2015 and I was spending my birthday with my mother, just being with her, nothing else. But I was already in the limelight of the Mission. People started coming from all over bringing lots of gifts. I asked one particular couple, “Why do you bring gifts, I am already a wealthy person; I don’t need them.” I was trying to discourage them. They said, “Please accept it; it will give us joy.” So I accepted it. Then I asked the girl, “How much did it cost you?”&nbsp; “2700 rupees.” Then I asked the boy, who said it cost him 10,000 rupees. I asked them if their parents knew about their spending so much money. “No.” “How much money can you spend each day without your parents knowing about it?” “Around 1000 rupees.” So I told them that instead of burning these 1000 rupees a month, at least save 100 rupees a day. So each month you will save 3000 and thus 36,000 a year. Imagine 100,000 abhyasis saving money like that?!</li><li>When the Ayodhya temple was to be built, I was approached for a donation. After giving the donation, I told them, “You are making a mistake. You go to one industrialist collecting 1 crore rupees, then another big person to collect another high amount and so on. Instead, make a pledge of getting a contribution of only 10 rupees from 100 crore Hindus, you will have 1000 crore rupees in 1 day. Even beggars can give 10 rupees. So I am encouraging abhyasis to save something and contribute to the Mission. Some can save 10 a day, some 100 a day, and some can save 1 lakh a day and nothing happens to them. The goal of the Hierarchy of Masters is to have a&nbsp;dhyaan mandir [meditation centre] in every major city of India. And for that our contribution as individuals will go a very long way. So I wish that, depending on your capacity, you start saving money, and contribute in such a way that having spent that much for donation does not hurt your family.&nbsp;</li><li>This morning we were discussing how to spiritualize the youth—how to sensitize them to the need for spirituality in their lives. No one gets convinced by talks, especially the youth. But when we offer them a yogic experience, they will say, “Yes there is something to it and I need to continue this practice.” So to fulfill such a need I think we have to intensify our efforts, and offer the youth our services by going to schools and colleges to train them. We offer them an opportunity to see how a mere human can become humane and then divine. Thank you for listening, and kindly accept my appeal. Take it to your heart.</li></ul>&nbsp;Q&amp;A with DaajiQ: Is there any connection between our dreams and our spiritual journey? Daaji: Yes, it’s always there.Q:&nbsp;I have repetitive dreams. Is there a remedy for it? Daaji: Write it in your diary and forget about it. [After a pause] It would be nice if one day, you write to me about these dreams which keep repeating.Q: In the present, with the&nbsp;samskaras [impressions] I have, with the problems I face and the people I meet, how do I lead my life as a witness to all this—without reacting or responding?Daaji: Well, we begin with this practice of meditation. Whenever we try to be a witness to everything in our life, because of our likes and dislikes, we identify ourselves with those actions. Suppose you are looking at a perfume; you try it, but you don’t like it. You look at a person in the family and say, “Oh, I don’t like him or her.” So even when you are witnessing, you somehow identify yourself with either likes or dislikes. And in that way, you create impressions.We have a very beautiful, simple solution—as a result of whenever we meditate, we arrive at a very special spiritual condition within us. Hold on to it. Having held on to it, we enter the world, do our worldly activities. For example, you are cooking, but at the same time that spiritual condition is tagging along with you. So now what happens is you are witnessing your inner condition with full attention, while giving just the minimal attention to your cooking, or other worldly activities. Sometimes, the opposite happens—full attention is given to external activities and very little attention to the inner spiritual state. But, it’s okay, as long as this thread of connection is there between your conscious mind and your subconscious act of holding on to that spiritual state.Simply put, it is being absorbed in the remembrance of the Master and doing things.This way is better than witnessing. This step, which Babuji Maharaj shared with us, is much better than Lord Krishna’s description in the Bhagavad Gita.Meditation is the mother of creating spiritual states. Meditation done with more and more&nbsp;bhakti [devotion] and more and more love will create better and better spiritual states. Supreme love and devotion—not ordinary love. Meditation done as an ordinary religious ritual will not help you much. No ordinary attachment will help.

Consciousness has always been there. Even when we will not be, it will always be there. For example, do we really see the actual sunlight? No. We see the objects when it falls on them. Consciousness is everywhere, like light. If you keep your doors and windows closed, then you will not be able to see the luminosity, the light that emanates. You will see only darkness, though the light is very much there. Consciousness is our ability to perceive, to become aware. And it changes from person to person. For example, your mother may be sick. Your sister might notice her sickness before you would or vice versa. This is one level of consciousness/awareness—who perceives it faster? The next level of consciousness is how one responds responsibly. You may say to your mother, “Let me go to work. I will get the medicine for you on my way back from work.” But then what will happen to her in those eight hours? And your sister might say, “Let me sit with my mother, massage her feet or head and have someone get the medicine for her.” So we have to understand the situation. And this ability to perceive and act according to the situation is the function of our consciousness.

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Miryalaguda is situated about two and a half hours away from Kanha Shanti Vanam in the Nalgonda district of Telangana. Daaji visited Miryalaguda in September, 2024. 

Miryalaguda, 12th and 13th September 2024

Daaji started his day in the early hours, around 4 am. He spent the quiet hours working on his upcoming book, immersed in thoughts and reflections. After a couple of hours, he returned to bed at 6:30 am for some rest. By 9 am, he was ready to start his day. After breakfast, he rested for a while on the large indoor swing, a familiar sight in traditional Gujarati homes, and was soon joined by his grandchildren. Their laughter filled the morning with joy as they played with their beloved&nbsp;dada&nbsp;(grandfather). &nbsp;

At 11:30 am, Daaji returned to the auditorium for another session with the Vice Chancellors of Agricultural Universities on the second day of their conference. Daaji conducted meditation for all present and later answered several questions posed by the attendees.&nbsp;&nbsp;Later, Daaji asked one of his guests whether he had seen the new Kanha Global School. They took a leisurely drive around it, as the school was closed for the day. During the drive, the guest shared an interesting idea, mentioning that he knew an artist who could carve the Deccan Plateau's massive rocks into beautiful animal sculptures. Daaji, always open to creativity and enhancing the environment with meaning, suggested that the artist visit Kanha to explore the possibilities. &nbsp;

After lunch, Daaji spent some time in his office and also met with functionaries.After a restful afternoon, Daaji went for a short walk, a routine he enjoys – connecting with nature and quiet introspection. At 7:30 pm, a few dinner guests arrived, and after sharing the meal, Daaji made his way to the meditation hall where he was to lead the virtual ‘Dil Se with Daaji’ program for the National Youth Seminar participants from Seattle, USA. Even across great distances, the thread of Heartfulness united them, as Daaji’s guidance and presence brought a sense of closeness and inspiration to all watching the program online. Daaji conducted a meditation session before leaving for home. &nbsp;

Daaji made his way to the meditation hall where he was to lead the virtual ‘Dil Se with Daaji’ program for the National Youth Seminar participants from Seattle, USA. Even across great distances, the thread of Heartfulness united them, as Daaji’s guidance and presence brought a sense of closeness and inspiration to all watching the program online.

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Daaji’s day was filled with meeting the vice-chancellors of the agriculture universities of India and a virtual session of the ‘Dil Se with Daaji’ program for the National Youth Seminar participants from Seattle, USA. 

Kanha Shanti Vanam 7th September 2024

Daaji returned to Kanha Shanti Vanam on the 5th, in good health, looking refreshed and energetic, despite the intense trip to Kolkata the past few days.&nbsp;In the morning Daaji had breakfast with a few guests and then went to his office. There Mr. Pasha Patel, a bamboo expert from Maharashtra, shared his experiences and vision for how the bamboo industry could benefit India, to which Daaji listened attentively, as he always does. Mr Patel had brought along bamboo-crafted items like a clock, a watch, spectacle frames, and even cups and pens. Mr Patel and Daaji discussed the role of this industry in environmental protection and combating climate change, a topic close to Daaji’s heart. &nbsp;

Later in the day, Daaji met with the Vice Chancellors of Agricultural Universities from across India in the conference hall. Collectively, they guide the future of India’s agricultural education and having heard much about Kanha, they had come to hear Daaji’s insights and be inspired. Daaji conducted a meditation session with them. As they sat together, the deep calm of the post meditative state created a shared sense of purpose and introspection.&nbsp;&nbsp;Daaji then visited most of the stalls that were present on the ground floor of the building before joining the VC’s for a group photo. After that, Daaji viewed the demo of the electric-powered tractor near the meditation hall. &nbsp;

In the evening, Daaji conducted meditation and later while distributing&nbsp;prasad to the family, he reminded everyone that even in the simplest acts, there is an opportunity for deep spiritual connection and gratitude.&nbsp;Daaji had dinner with a few guests and functionaries. The evening was a mix of conversations about work, service, and deeper spiritual purpose.&nbsp;Later, more Heartfulness practitioners arrived with their families to meet Daaji and he spent nearly an hour with them, offering wisdom, humor, and gentle guidance. Ever patient and attentive, Daaji made sure each person left feeling heard and uplifted.And yet another busy day drew to a close as Daaji retired for the night at 10 pm. &nbsp;

Daaji met with the Vice Chancellors of Agricultural Universities from across India in the conference hall. Collectively, they guide the future of India’s agricultural education and having heard much about Kanha, they had come to hear Daaji’s insights and be inspired. Daaji conducted a meditation session with them. As they sat together, the deep calm of the post meditative state created a shared sense of purpose and introspection.&nbsp;

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After Daaji’s intense trip to Kolkata, he is back at Kanha Shanti Vanam. The day was filled with meeting dignitaries, including the Vice Chancellors of Agricultural Universities from across India.

Kanha Shanti Vanam 6th September 2024

During all of Daaji’s travels, the meditation sessions conducted by him are telecast live on the Heartfulness YouTube channel. This enables practitioners around the globe to join at their convenience and meditate with Daaji from the comfort of their homes. On that particular morning, the condition, which prevailed after the meditation, was one of profound silence. When Daaji was requested to address the audience he began by saying with a smile, “What to say? After having such a satsangh [group meditation], silence draws you so much inside that it is difficult to speak!Daaji then shared some revealing insights into the times of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu [a 15th-century Indian saint and spiritual leader who is said to have pioneered the Bhakti Movement in worship of Lord Krishna].“During the meditation I was drawn towards the days of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprahu and I was wondering how those days must have been during the time when he started the&nbsp;bhakti&nbsp;[pure devotion] movement. I had a glimpse of it; it was pure love radiating from hearts. And with the blessings of the Hierarchy I was immersed in that love for the Lord. It was a very gripping type of bhakti they had for the Lord—did they ask for anything in the way we make transactions with God? I don’t think so. And that is what made their bhakti pure and everlasting: the vibrations are still here in the air. And so we are able to dive into those moments, feel them; what is needed to do so is a simple heart with some level of purity within. Simplicity and purity will lead us toward true bhakti for which Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu stands tall—he stands taller among all the&nbsp;bhaktas&nbsp;[devotees] in the world.&nbsp;“We think that bhaktas like Meera gave up, sacrificed so much but all these are our observations based on who we are.&nbsp; Would a mother ever say, ‘I sacrificed all my time for my baby?’ It’s normal to be drenched in the love for the Lord, there is no sacrifice with it. If ever in your life you think that you are&nbsp;sacrificing half an hour in the morning [referring to morning meditation] and half an hour in the evening [referring to evening Cleaning], then you better not meditate at all. Each of these half hours prepares us for the rest of the day and each half hour everyday prepares us for life—a life that would eternally remain, with each breath, in absorbency, in constant remembrance, and in love of the Beloved.”

After the session Daaji went back to the Mayfair Hotel and took rest. Later in the day, Shri Sameer Anjaan met Daaji and joined him for the lunch along with a few more guests.In the evening, Daaji returned to the meditation hall to conduct yet another meditation session. He answered a few questions thereafter. Here are some insightful snippets from Daaji's answers.“In an organization there is a difference between its member, its associate, its disciple, and its devotee. According to Babuji Maharaj, ‘a real member of this [Heartfulness] organization is the one who has the highest goal in mind’ but that’s not enough. Are you doing something about it to attain that goal?”“Speaking for myself, when I do anything in remembrance of my Master, when I devote my work to my Master, I enjoy the most.”“There will be times in almost every practitioner’s journey when he/she won’t feel like meditating and lose interest in it. At such times, read the literature of the Mission, take individual sittings from preceptors, and attend group meditation sessions, that’s all. It will revive the joy of meditation. And then again there will be a slump. This happens when we move from one point [energy vortex/chakra in the spiritual anatomy] to another point. So a dry feeling or a slump means that a practitioner is ready to move to the next point.”Post the Q&amp;A session there was a soulful performance by Sniti Mishra, a trained Indian classical vocalist. The session was graced by the presence of Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia ji, the world-renowned flautist and his team. Daaji and Panditji sat in the audience, listening intently to Snitiji’s performance and occasionally exchanging a few words.&nbsp; The musical evening was further elevated by the exquisite renditions of Shri Santosh Sant, a student of Panditji and a&nbsp;renowned flautist in his own right.

“During the meditation I was drawn towards the days of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprahu and I was wondering how those days must have been during the time when he started the&nbsp;bhakti&nbsp;[pure devotion] movement. I had a glimpse of it; it was pure love radiating from hearts. And with the blessings of the Hierarchy I was immersed in that love for the Lord. It was a very gripping type of bhakti they had for the Lord—did they ask for anything in the way we make transactions with God? I don’t think so. And that is what made their bhakti pure and everlasting: the vibrations are still here in the air. And so we are able to dive into those moments, feel them; what is needed to do so is a simple heart with some level of purity within. Simplicity and purity will lead us toward true bhakti for which Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu stands tall—he stands taller among all the&nbsp;bhaktas&nbsp;[devotees] in the world.”

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Daaji began the day with a meditation session followed by a discussion on Bhakti. Daaji shared some revealing insights into the times of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. In the evening, his meditation and Q&A session was followed by a soulful performance. 

Bhubaneswar 2nd September 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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