After his trip to Navsari, Daaji made his way to Vadodara, stopping briefly in his hometown of Bharuch. He conducted a meditation session there before taking some rest. In the evening, Daaji met with local practitioners before continuing his journey. A two-hour drive later, he arrived in Vadodara at night, where he led another meditation session before concluding his day.

6 August, Daaji’s speech at Sir Sayajirao Nagar GruhAn open house was organized at the auditorium at Sir Sayajirao Nagar Gruh to invite seekers of spirituality to experience meditation with Daaji. The audience was packed with many guests, invitees, and Heartfulness practitioners from Vadodara and nearby centers. After the meditation session, Daaji released the Gujarati translations of his books&nbsp;The Wisdom&nbsp;Bridge,&nbsp;Spiritual Anatomy,&nbsp;Yearning of the Heart, Vol 1, and the workbook of the HOPE program (Heartfulness Odyssey for Personal Excellence, a unique spiritual development program with curated themes and curriculum based on Heartfulness philosophy and practices).Daaji then answered questions collected from seekers prior to the program. Here are some snippets from the Q&amp;A session.Q: I recently encountered the 7 Hermetic principles: mentalism, correspondence, vibration, polarity, rhythm, cause and effect, and gender. They seem to describe fundamental aspects of Reality. I am curious to understand how deeply the core teachings of our [Sahaj Marg/Heartfulness] Masters resonate with these ancient principles?Daaji:&nbsp;These comparative studies of the ancient wisdom and Sahaj Marg are not at crossroads with each other. Anything that is natural, that was natural, will always remain natural in resonance. So there is no need to compare.&nbsp;Q: When we apply the concept of the spiritual condition of ‘living dead’ in our lives, how do we handle situations that arise with family and friends during this condition?&nbsp;Daaji: Those in the ‘living dead’ condition wouldn’t even have such worries to begin with!To the one who is already living as if dead, why would he/she care about what others say? This condition arises naturally, automatically: it cannot be artificiallyinduced. It is not that you will have anesthetized yourself; you will not losefeelings of affection, care, compassion, or become insensitive to the world.The state of ‘living dead’ is a very high spiritual condition. Many peopleadopt a defeatist attitude and say, “I am going to live, but like a deadperson.” But that is helplessness. When this ‘living dead’ condition emergesfrom within, when one is moving towards nothingness, an automatic developmentof Godliness occurs, and at that point, all questions dissolve. And life goes on: you do your work, you fulfill your duties and so on.Q: How can we manage our EQ (Emotional Quotient)?Daaji: People who meditate every day develop a rhythm: their inner machinery keeps going. If you try to balance your EQ, say for example, when a dear one passes away, then you will fail. (But I think that the person asking this question is asking about a different matter; perhaps his girlfriend has left him.) So instead, recognize your emotional turbulence, write in your diary exactly what is happening to you emotionally, express it to the Master through the heart, and see what happens over a few days. Rather than seeking answers through words, heed the answers that emerge from the heart: they are always correct and will propel you forward.Daaji delivered his speech mostly in Gujarati, and the following are translated excerpts.<ul><li>Children absorb unexpressed, unspoken feelings from their parents. So as parents, we have to be careful even in our thinking. Curb those feelings in the presence of children. Don’t express them. Hence the importance of a meditative mind. It has a tremendous impact not only in your life, but in the lives of all those associated with you. The vibrational field you carry affects everyone.</li><li>An angry person is toxic. Look at yourself in the mirror when you are angry: it will reveal everything. How ugly a person looks when he/she is angry!</li><li>In the Vedas and Upanishads, it is mentioned that God is omnipresent. So it says, “Worship the sky, worship the rivers, worship the mountains, etc.,” but the&nbsp;rishis&nbsp;[sages] wrote this after having experienced [the presence of God]. And that is when they felt like bowing down in prayer. Nowadays everyone bows down, but without real experience. They don’t know whom they are bowing down to in prayer. It is like sending an email without an address! When will it ever reach?&nbsp;</li></ul>

Q: How can we manage our EQ (Emotional Quotient)?Daaji: People who meditate every day develop a rhythm: their inner machinery keeps going. If you try to balance your EQ, say for example, when a dear one passes away, then you will fail. (But I think that the person asking this question is asking about a different matter; perhaps his girlfriend has left him.) So instead, recognize your emotional turbulence, write in your diary exactly what is happening to you emotionally, express it to the Master through the heart, and see what happens over a few days. Rather than seeking answers through words, heed the answers that emerge from the heart: they are always correct and will propel you forward.

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After his trip to Navsari, Daaji made his way to Vadodara, stopping briefly in his hometown of Bharuch. An open house was organized at the auditorium at Sir Sayajirao Nagar Gruh to invite seekers of spirituality to experience meditation with Daaji. 

Vadodara, Gujarat 6th August 2024

In 1970, Daaji’s father enrolled him in a&nbsp;gurukul, believing that a traditional education would instill discipline in his teenage son. [A gurukul (guru=teacher,&nbsp;kul=family) is a Vedic education system where students live with their teachers and learn from them.] Daaji, then in 9th grade, spent two years at the gurukul. Nearly five decades later, he revisited his alma mater at the invitation of its trustees, making it a heartfelt trip down memory lane.Established by Swami Shraddhanand in 1924 in the village of Supa, in the Navsari district of Gujarat, the Maharshi Dayanand Smarak Gurukul embodies the vision of Shri Dayanand Saraswati, Indian reformer and founder of the Arya Samaj, to integrate Vedic traditions into modern education. The gurukul has been visited and influenced by some of the India’s greatest contributors including Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Subhas Chandra Bose, Morarji Desai, Kanhaiyalal Munshi, Ravishankar Vyas Maharaj, and more recently, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. To this celebrated list, Daaji’s name now shines just as brightly, his visit serving as a humble tribute to the gurukul that shaped part of his remarkable journey, further enriching the gurukul’s legacy.

On the cloudy morning of 5th August, Daaji was welcomed at Supa with great pomp and ceremony including a performance by the gurukul’s marching band, after which he was escorted to the Yogshala by the invitees. The setting of the hall exuded an informality that lent a sense of homeliness to the atmosphere. The audience comprised local Heartfulness practitioners, local ministers, and the gurukul authorities, staff and students. One unit of students was dressed in traditional attire and sitting on the floor cross-legged in the manner of ancient Sanskrit scribes. The program began with a&nbsp;havan that is part of the daily activities at the gurukul. [A havan is a fire ritual that includes prayerful chanting while making offerings. Vibrations from the chanting and energy generated during the havan are believed to harmonize the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of an individual.]After the havan, many introductions of Daaji were made in great reverence, according to him the status of an international celebrity. A framed photograph of Daaji as a young student at the gurukul was presented to him, augmenting the nostalgia of the occasion.

When invited to speak, Daaji said, “Being here in the sacred land of this gurukul is flooding my heart with fond memories. My pranams to this sacred land. My pranams to the flora, the skies, the earth and the water of this sacred land. My pranams to you, dear students, and my prayers for you. My pranams to teachers, and respected trustees.”&nbsp;Daaji’s entire talk was directed to the students. His attention was fully focused there, as if he was having a conversation solely with them. He spoke in his mother tongue Gujarati, striking a chord in many a heart. Here are some translated excerpts from his speech.<ul><li>Mantras give direction, but it is we who have to walk the path. By walking I don’t mean to walk outside with your legs, I mean walk within, walk the inner path. The spiritual&nbsp;yatra (journey) is not going from one&nbsp;dhaam (pilgrimage) to another; that is merely a tour. Even Dayanandji and Shraddhanandji meditated.</li><li>A student should remain a student all his/her life and continue to learn, to self-educate. On the spiritual level, these [educative] opportunities are unlimited, but our efforts there are nil—zero. Here in the gurukul, you have an opportunity to begin that effort. The gurukul teaches us discipline. How many of you have come here to learn and how many of you have been sent here to be set straight? (One boy shouted loudly and honestly in response, “To be set straight!” This made Daaji laugh heartily, prompting him to say, “I too was sent for the same reason by my father, who was fed up with my naughtiness. So take this opportunity and advance in spirituality.”)</li><li>&nbsp;If there was ever a person in India who truly opposed idol worship, it was Shri Dayanand Saraswati. Why did he do so? Why did he establish the Arya Samaj? You should find out. I have seen many students from the gurukul who—‘bhanya pan ganya nahi’—received an education but did not apply its learnings in a meaningful way: they still carry on with idol worship. Then why have you come here to learn Dayanand Saraswati’s principles?</li><li>&nbsp;So learn about the mantras we just chanted. What do they really mean? Read the vedas—all four of them, the Rigveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda and Yajurvaveda. You won’t find a single mention of a temple or idol worship in any of them. Figure out why and once you find out, implement it in your lives. We have to grow physically, mentally and spiritually. But we have forgotten the last one. So hold on to that last one—spiritual growth. And when you graduate from here, remember how to meditate. Research on how to meditate, because it is only through meditation that one can progress spiritually.</li><li>When I was your age, I used to flip through the Mahabharata and Ramayana. I also only just saw the illustrations, never read them then, because it is fun to see the colourful pictures. But even from the pictures one can learn—Shri Rama of Ayodhya meditating, and beside him Sita, also meditating. In the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna meditated before the war started. As children, we can ask our parents, “Krishna is God. Then what is&nbsp;he meditating for?&nbsp;Whom is he meditating on? So you all think about it. If Lord Krishna needs to meditate then what about us?</li><li>So I say to you, when you all grow up to be 15, start meditation. Till then, read, learn, and absorb knowledge. Read about great saints, scientists (like Einstein) both ancient and modern, the Nobel laureates from last year—study them. Which scientist received the Nobel Prize in which field, for which research, discovery? So students must be well-versed in modern knowledge. The gurukul education must integrate contemporary dissemination as well.</li></ul>

After the speech, Daaji took a tour of the gurukul, revisiting his old haunts. In the courtyard of the student dormitory he planted a tree. Earlier in his speech, Daaji had mentioned how he was very sad to see that the old trees and the lush greenery had all but vanished from the gurukul. He expressed a wish that he would like to see it green again like it was in the past and encouraged the authorities to revive the campus. He promised he would send a Heartfulness team to organize a plantation drive. Later, he had lunch at his old mess, where they served a particular dish that Daaji had been very fond of during his time there.Daaji’s visit to his alma mater was more than just a nostalgic trip—it left a lasting impression on all who attended. His words and actions were a reminder of the timeless values imparted by the gurukul, ensuring that its legacy continues to inspire generations to come.

When invited to speak, Daaji said, “Being here in the sacred land of this gurukul is flooding my heart with fond memories. My pranams to this sacred land. My pranams to the flora, the skies, the earth and the water of this sacred land. My pranams to you, dear students, and my prayers for you. My pranams to teachers, and respected trustees.”&nbsp;

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Nearly five decades later, Daaji revisited his alma mater, Maharshi Dayanand Smarak Gurukul, at the invitation of its trustees, making it a heartfelt trip down memory lane.

Navsari, Gujarat 5th August 2024

&nbsp;2 August&nbsp;Daaji’s flight from Goa was delayed and he arrived in Surat later than expected. Amid the smiles and warm greetings he received at the airport, Daaji appeared happy and energetic, meeting everyone and exchanging an occasional word or two. It is of interest to note that 42 years ago Daaji had spent many months in Surat to volunteer for the April&nbsp;bhandara&nbsp;[a spiritual gathering] for Revered Babuji Maharaj’s last birthday celebrations in 1982, a topic that came up later in Daaji’s conversations and speeches.At the airport were also present Shri Savjibhai Dholakia and his family who had been eager to receive Daaji in their hometown. Savjibhai is the recipient of the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, for his contributions to the diamond industry and his philanthropic work. Savjibhai drove Daaji to the Surat Marriott Hotel, which, incidentally, happened to be owned by Daaji’s friend from school, Shri Hasmukh P. Rama.After arriving, Daaji sat down to dinner with Savjibhai, H.P. Rama, and the Heartfulness Coordinators of Gujarat to discuss various matters including his upcoming visit to the Auro University in Surat.

Instilling a Sense of Purpose in Life—Message to the Youth 3 August, Auro UniversityDaaji was to give a speech at the Auro University later in the morning. The University, founded by H.P. Rama and his family, is based on the philosophical pillars erected by Shri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfass, also known as the Mother. Upon his arrival, Daaji was escorted to a boardroom where the University’s management members met him. After conducting the meditation session, Daaji addressed the audience.Daaji praised the University for its principles, particularly the practice of faculty internships in continuous education. Building on this idea in the context of spirituality, he emphasized the importance of ongoing self-education without falling into blind faith, remarking that “a little skepticism is needed.”Daaji explained, “You know the famous&nbsp;shloka [Sanskrit couplet/verse] they use to praise gurus—gurur brahma, gurur vishnuh, gurur devo maheshvarah, gurur saakshaat parabrahma—do you know what it means? You are saying the guru is like&nbsp;brahma, then in the end you are saying the guru is like&nbsp;parabrahma. Do we know what brahma or parabrahma or maheshvara even mean? You are comparing unknowns. Such shlokas may only be recited when you have arrived at the destination and you are able to see no difference between the Highest and the guru who has taken you to that Highest. Or else—forgive me for my controversial statements—you will be like a parrot reciting without understanding. So, I would like students to raise questions and understand the questions.“Another shloka comes to my mind: tvameva mata cha pita tvameva, tvameva bandhus cha sakhaa tvameva … [You are the mother, you are the father, you are the family, you are the friend, you are the knowledge, you are the wealth, you are everything to me, O Lord of Lords]. They worship the guru like that, but I have seen many devotees who ill-treat their own parents such that even the guru will run away! He will say, ‘You don’t have enough love for your father and you are equating me to him?’ The home is a training ground to learn to love someone unconditionally. If you can’t even love your parents, you can love nobody, not even God.”Many students then asked Daaji questions on various topics, to which he replied in detail, addressing themes like consciousness, soul, samadhi, and origin of&nbsp;pranahuti [transmission], to name a few, all the while engaging the students in friendly conversation and occasionally counter-questioning their views.

Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre 4 AugustThe event organized by Heartfulness at the SIECC was open to all—practitioners of Heartfulness, new seekers and curious minds. Among the invited guests were two prominent literary figures of Gujarat, Shri Bhagyesh Jha and Shri Vinod Joshi.The Gujarati translations of 3 books authored by Daaji,&nbsp;The&nbsp;Wisdom&nbsp;Bridge,&nbsp;Spiritual&nbsp;Anatomy and&nbsp;The&nbsp;Yearning&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Heart&nbsp;Vol&nbsp;1, and the compiled workbook&nbsp;HOPE were released by Daaji, Savjibhai and H.P. Rama. After the book release, the distinguished literary guests were invited to the stage for a discussion with Daaji about his books&nbsp;The&nbsp;Wisdom&nbsp;Bridge and&nbsp;Spiritual&nbsp;Anatomy. The entire session transpired in Daaji’s mother tongue, Gujarati. Here are a couple of translated highlights from the conversation.<ul><li>&nbsp;When asked about what inspired Daaji to write&nbsp;Spiritual Anatomy, Daaji said, “Books are often written from thought, imagination or as commentaries on themes that inspire the author. But&nbsp;Spiritual Anatomy is written solely based on experiences. It’s like a map of experiences arising from a simple, but regular and intense meditative practice.”</li><li>&nbsp;What does&nbsp;Brahman [the Ultimate/Absolute] and&nbsp;Atman [soul] really mean? Is Brahman an entity? A spiritual condition? Or God? Split the word into two:&nbsp;bruh means expansion and&nbsp;man here means&nbsp;manan [contemplation].&nbsp; Split the word Atman into two:&nbsp;at means movement and&nbsp;man here means thinking. Thus, the only difference here is that of the dimensions—Atman is linear, one-dimensional, whereas Brahman is expansion in 360 degrees, it is multi-dimensional. So when we cross the elemental plain [heart regions where the 5 points represent the 5 elements or the&nbsp;panchabhutas] into the cosmic region, we experience the&nbsp;bruh—expansion of the consciousness. This gives rise to the feeling of ‘aham brahmasmi’ [I am Brahman]. And yet, there is still more to experience when we transcend even this feeling.</li></ul>The discussion further delved into parenting and family life, with Daaji elaborating on the essence of his book,&nbsp;The Wisdom Bridge.In the evening, Daaji returned to conduct a mediation session after which he answered questions that had been previously collected from the audience. Here are some quotes from his answers.<ul><li>&nbsp;No one knows how to make use of the freedom given to us. Often, we use it to do wrong things. Babuji Maharaj said, “You have only one freedom—the freedom to do the right thing.” To do what is wrong, no God can give permission. To do what is right, you don’t need anyone’s permission.</li><li>&nbsp;The fact that you are asking this question ‘how do I know if I am doing meditation correctly or not?’ means you are not doing it correctly. It’s only when we are on the wrong track that Nature gives us an indication that something that you are doing is not right.</li><li>There is no limit to the refinement of our practice.</li><li>It is said that Ravan ascended to Heaven while Duryodhan ended up in Hell, even though both met their end due to the intervention of two divine incarnations—Lord Rama and Lord Krishna respectively. This difference arose because Ravan, in his final moments, paid his respects to Lord Rama as reverence filled his heart for the Lord. In contrast, Duryodhan’s heart remained consumed by hate.</li><li>When Babuji visited Surat in 1982, he made a beautiful statement in Hindi, “Mind your own business—don’t get involved in someone else’s issues.”</li></ul>

Daaji explained, “You know the famous&nbsp;shloka [Sanskrit couplet/verse] they use to praise gurus—gurur brahma, gurur vishnuh, gurur devo maheshvarah, gurur saakshaat parabrahma—do you know what it means? You are saying the guru is like&nbsp;brahma, then in the end you are saying the guru is like&nbsp;parabrahma. Do we know what brahma or parabrahma or maheshvara even mean? You are comparing unknowns. Such shlokas may only be recited when you have arrived at the destination and you are able to see no difference between the Highest and the guru who has taken you to that Highest. Or else—forgive me for my controversial statements—you will be like a parrot reciting without understanding. So, I would like students to raise questions and understand the questions.

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Daaji visited Surat, Gujarat, from 2nd August to 4th August, and during his trip, he spent some valuable time at the Auro University, Kisna Nature Park, and many other places. This entry chronicles his time and the pearls of wisdom he shared with the seekers.

Surat, Gujarat 2nd August to 4th August 2024

28 July, Sancoale Ashram&nbsp;Nestled in the verdant hills of South Goa, the Heartfulness Sancoale ashram is a place of natural beauty and quietude. Daaji’s visit here was eagerly awaited by all practitioners from Goa and surrounding states. Daaji arrived in the evening at the ashram, where he was received respectfully by many standing outside the hall, and many others waiting inside, silently preparing for the meditation session. Following the meditation, Daaji answered many questions from the youth. Here are some points to ponder upon.Q: In school where there are smart front benchers, back benchers who don’t care about studies, and weak ones who struggle to even pass. In your class, Daaji, I am the weak one. I don’t want to waste my life, so what is your advice for me? Daaji: I often say follow your heart, as the person who is really going through whatever be the situation in life, knows best. They also know the outcome and how to steer their way through. One piece of advice, or even hundreds of them are not fit enough because life throws different curve balls, different problems in diverse situations and the solutions that you may have received through advice in the form of dictation may not apply there at all; every time it may differ.So what is required is a presence of mind, awareness and taking a bold step courageously. Often we know the answer/solution to the problem but the next step is missing, because we lack the courage to follow that step.Q:&nbsp;It is mentioned that an aspirant must meet his/her Spiritual Guide at least once in a lifetime and that one meeting is enough, but how must that meeting be? Is this (being here in your presence right now) what it means to be ‘meeting the guide’ once in a lifetime? Daaji:&nbsp;What's wrong in meeting him again and again? [laughter] It was advised by Babuji Maharaj that when you meet your Master at least once during your lifetime, you should not waste that moment. So the biggest question here is how do you meet your Master?Do you come to him asking for solutions to your problems, looking for answers, or for spiritual gifts? You have to analyze what you are here for and match that with your aspirations. When we first went to see Babuji Maharaj, we had no questions, no expectations—nothing. We were just there. We had no conversations. In his [the Master’s] presence one has to be fully engaged from inside: fully alert like how a cat is, when waiting for a mouse.Here pratyahara, the 5th step of Ashtanga Yoga, makes lots of sense. It means bringing all your attention inward. In the olden days there were no phones, hence no distractions. These days I wonder; you may be meeting him, but are you really meeting?Q:&nbsp;Have you fallen in love? And does it happen once, or can it happen again and again? Daaji:&nbsp;The feeling of love is eternal when we arrive at this stage [in spirituality]. However, I believe your question is from a romantic perspective, right? Well, in that case once is enough! If one [partner] could not satisfy you, the second one will never satisfy you: the romantic game is like that.

29 July, Caculo College, MapusaDaaji was invited by the organizing committee of the Saraswat Education Society at the Caculo College in Mapusa as part of their community outreach program themed ‘A Workshop on Heartfulness Meditation for Excellence.’ The audience consisted of dignitaries, faculty, heads of the college, and students. Drawing from the legend that Goa is a holy land created by Lord Parshuram, the speakers introduced Daaji with heartfelt reverence, recognizing Daaji’s presence as a fortunate opportunity for Goa to have a healing touch of the Divine.&nbsp;Daaji led the meditation session, following which he graciously addressed a selection of pre-submitted questions from the youth. He spoke for nearly half an hour, addressing each question with such depth and insight that even unasked questions appeared to find their answers. Here are a few pearls of wisdom from the Q&amp;A.Q:&nbsp;What according to you is the goal of Education? Daaji:&nbsp;Let me explain this way. When I drink water my tongue tastes the water and when I smell a rose my nose understands this is a rose: but can the rose understand my nose, can water understand my tongue?Objects cannot understand my senses. My mind can understand the senses, but can my senses understand my mind? My intellect can understand the mind, but can my mind understand the intellect? Likewise it goes on and on until we reach the frontier we call God. The reason why we can never ever understand God or can grasp what God is, is because we are grosser than that subtlest being [God]. If I say I understand God it means that I am much above God, and that can never happen. So, education or educating oneself from that perspective means becoming subtler and more refined at an inner level.And that only means—in the words of Swami Vivekananda—your consciousness is now expanding, that you are evolving in the field of consciousness. Hence to educate oneself also means to help oneself to evolve in the field of consciousness. What is consciousness made up of we cannot say but we can say what influences my consciousness and that’s where Heartfulness comes into the picture.&nbsp;&nbsp;The session ended with an interesting Brighter Minds demonstration which involved audience participation. A random person from the audience was chosen and made to stand in front of the child with a blindfold. To everyone’s amazement, the child described the person's appearance in detail, including their clothing and even the design of their shoes!

Meditation for Inner Transformation Mohidin's Gardenia, Vasco&nbsp;&nbsp;This event was an open house where many curious minds and spiritual seekers had gathered to hear Daaji and experience Heartfulness meditation. After a profound sitting, Daaji answered some questions from the audience. Here are a few excerpts.&nbsp;Q: Sir, I am a doctor and an atheist. I believe in karma—doing karma with honesty, doing good for people. I feel I don’t need to go to God for that. So why do I need to meditate? Daaji:&nbsp;You are right about the concept of karma. I have more respect for atheists because they have not experienced God and hence they don’t claim to know him. But if you have experienced God, you don’t need to believe in Him. For example, the sun: you can feel its warmth, you can see it; you don’t need to believe in it. We all know God is antaryamin [inner entity/one who resides within] but there is a big difference in knowing this and experiencing this. So if you are an atheist, I fully agree with you, but go one step further—and ask, “How can I experience Him? That’s why I need to meditate.”Daaji ended the session by inviting those interested in continuing meditation to visit the Heartfulness website and download the Heartfulness App, which offers diverse audio-visual tools and resources to support a meditative practice, including connecting with trainers around the globe for remote meditation sessions.

Q:&nbsp;Have you fallen in love? And does it happen once, or can it happen again and again? Daaji:&nbsp;The feeling of love is eternal when we arrive at this stage [in spirituality]. However, I believe your question is from a romantic perspective, right? Well, in that case once is enough! If one [partner] could not satisfy you, the second one will never satisfy you: the romantic game is like that.

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During July 2024, Daaji visited Goa, and this entry gives a glimpse of the profound sessions and time he spent with the abhyasis, sharing his pearls of wisdom. 

Goa 28th and 29th July 2024

As usual, Daaji woke up early and started his workday at 4 am working at his desk and on the computer. Later he went to inspect the new greenhouse set up behind his home. He walked along the teak wood path, and upon learning from the volunteers there that the neem tree saplings were thriving, now nearly a thousand strong in the nursery, he expressed his joy. &nbsp;He then suggested planting a specific type of grass near the new slopes of the ashram to help hold the soil together. The volunteers discussed the plan to plant a large number of coconut trees, along with one lemon tree for every small group of coconut trees with him. Daaji thoughtfully considered the irrigation needs of the trees, knowing that coconut trees require more water than lemon trees. Eventually, they decided upon controlled drip irrigation, which allowed them to begin a new series of plantations in designated areas. &nbsp;Afterwards, Daaji returned and went through his morning exercise routine. Following breakfast, Daaji went to his office and conducted a sitting for the abhyasis who were waiting for him there. &nbsp;

After the sitting, Daaji headed to the meditation hall stage building to meet a few abhyasis and conducted a meditation session for them. After a brief silence, one by one, people approached him - a few with their projects, some bringing their children for birthday blessings, and others with their life concerns. Daaji affectionately attended to each person giving them time and listening to them patiently, giving gifts to a few children. When a lady fell at his feet, he was visibly upset, reminding people not to do so. He gently chided the abhyasi who had brought the lady, saying, "Had you not told her not to fall at my feet? No good will come of this. Perhaps if she had learned to fall at her parents' feet, it would have been better!" It is truly remarkable how he lovingly addresses everyone's needs in spite of such uncomfortable scenes at times. &nbsp;Later in the day, he met with the Hearty Culture team, who had new products to show him for his approval. He listened and provided necessary feedback and direction until they had finished their updates. He also met with the editorial team members, offering his insights related to publication matters. &nbsp;

When a lady fell at his feet, he was visibly upset, reminding people not to do so. Daaji gently chided the abhyasi who had brought the lady, saying, "Had you not told her not to fall at my feet? No good will come of this. Perhaps if she had learned to fall at her parents' feet, it would have been better!"&nbsp;

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Spending a day around Daaji feels like a profound experience. Daaji’s even the tiniest and seemingly insignificant deed has so much meaning and lesson. 

Kanha Shantivanam 16th July 2024

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

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.

Vellore and Thiruvallur 18th October 2024

On Thursday, October 17, Daaji conducted meditation after which the atmosphere felt charged with deep absorption. This was followed by an inspiring talk from Daaji.&nbsp;He said, “During this meditation, some new guidelines were pouring into my heart from above, and I’m simply awestruck witnessing those dictations, which were not in words but in gestures. One gesture was about when in our country, in our culture, when we were encouraged to touch our parents’ feet. We did&nbsp;Sashtang Namaskaram&nbsp;[a yoga pose where the body is balanced on eight points of contact with the floor: feet, knees, hands, the chest, and either the chin or forehead] to our parents, our elder sisters and brothers, our uncles and aunts, and guests who visited our homes. Babuji says that it is time to revive that tradition, at least within our Heartfulness community. This will trigger mutual love and respect within the family.&nbsp; &nbsp;“Imagine that you get up early in the morning and touch your parents’ feet very respectfully, with a lot of love and reverence. Even if you fought the day before, this very act will dissolve your pain, your guilt, and all the sadness that you may have carried in your heart. Try it, and see what happens.&nbsp;“Secondly, it is wonderful when both husband and wife are meditating, but it is even better when they practice meditation together every morning. In Indian society, we are used to women waking up early, performing household chores, and being very busy in the kitchen. Husbands should also get up early and meditate together with their wives beforehand. It will change the vibrations in the house.“Thirdly, Babuji wants us to exercise.&nbsp;“Contemplate on the stages of thinking to remembrance to frequent remembrance to constant remembrance to remaining absorbed in the remembrance of the Lord in all our day-to-day activities; and if you can go beyond just thinking, remembering, remaining absorbed, drowned in His remembrance, the next stage will automatically open up – being lost in the remembrance of the Lord.&nbsp;“Think over these steps, and how we can dive into that state of being lost in the remembrance of the Lord.”

When Daaji was leaving the meditation hall, Mr. Vinayagam lovingly invited Daaji to come to Chennai Silks [chain of retail textile shops in South India] where breakfast had also been arranged. Daaji accepted this invite graciously and visited a large Chennai Silks shop on the main road of Hosur, where many guests and hundreds of employees were thrilled by his arrival.&nbsp;Among those present, were dignitaries from the World Peace Trust, including two trustees of the organization, Mr. Viswanathan and Mr. Murthy. Daaji spoke with them about the intricate relationship between belief, experience, and the cultivation of inner peace. He suggested that while belief in God can be a starting point, true and lasting peace is attained through direct experience of the Divine. This experiential connection deepens one’s sense of peace and solidifies faith by replacing doubt with certainty.&nbsp;Daaji emphasized the importance of meditation and the shedding of old habits in the journey toward inner peace. He stressed upon the Heartfulness Cleaning practice, its pivotal role in helping us remove our weaknesses and negative tendencies, and the 9 pm Universal Prayer where we pray for peace, harmony and well-being of all in the world.&nbsp;Daaji also spoke about renunciation, suggesting that true peace may require letting go of even the desire for spiritual experiences. Clinging to these experiences, however blissful, can be a subtle obstacle to ultimate peace.This interesting conversation was characteristic of Daaji's multifaceted approach to peace, where he uses analogies that everyone can relate to, simplifying the otherwise complicated philosophical concept of God, and most importantly, suggesting solutions to experience inner peace without hurting anyone’s religious sentiments.&nbsp;

After breakfast Daaji conducted meditation for all the Chennai Silks staff members and guests, following which he browsed through various sections of the shop, happy to be shown around, asking the odd question now and then, much to the delight of the staff members who accompanied him.&nbsp;After this enlightening visit, Daaji proceeded toward Krishnagiri, which is part of the Hosur zone. Despite the intense heat, Daaji conducted a meditation session immediately upon his arrival at noon, and another one at 4.30 pm.&nbsp;When Daaji was leaving the meditation venue, he noticed around a 100 Anganwadi workers [associated with Govt. of India-sponsored child and mother care centers] who were wearing identical pink saris. He paused and inquired about their attire. They were thrilled to meet Daaji up close and interact personally with him. Daaji then invited them to have a group photo with him. This simple gesture touched their hearts in a very profound manner. It was indeed moving to witness Daaji’s heartfelt response to their affection.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Daaji left for Vellore and arrived there after a two-hour drive. He was received with police honors and escorted to the venue. The hearts of the Vellore practitioners, full of yearning, moved Daaji so much that he skipped going his room to rest saying, "I want to conduct meditation right away."&nbsp; After the session, Daaji retired to the hotel where he was staying.&nbsp;

“Contemplate on the stages of thinking to remembrance to frequent remembrance to constant remembrance to remaining absorbed in the remembrance of the Lord in all our day-to-day activities; and if you can go beyond just thinking, remembering, remaining absorbed, drowned in His remembrance, the next stage will automatically open up – being lost in the remembrance of the Lord. Think over these steps, and how we can dive into that state of being lost in the remembrance of the Lord.”

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Daaji’s day was eventful with his time in Hosur, visit to Krishnagiri and then finally, reaching Vellore. 

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