Daaji went for his walk at 6.30 a.m. and spent some time inspecting the health of the plants.

The morning&nbsp;was busy with meetings. Around 8.45 a.m. Daaji met up with Madhu Kothapalli to discuss a few projects. This was followed by a meeting with Elizabeth Denley and Balaji Iyer regarding the&nbsp;Heartfulness magazine and some new initiatives.&nbsp;Later Daaji was joined by V. Ramakanth and Ashok Bhargava, an architect from Indore, to discuss the Omkareshwar project and other forest development activities.

At 5.40 p.m. Pullela Gopichand and&nbsp;Chenraj Roychand (founder of the Jain Group and Chancellor – Jain University), along with a friend, met Daaji. There was a discussion on various aspects pertaining to students, including the health hazards of electromagnetic radiation and ways to divert the children from being addicted to gadgets.&nbsp;


 Daaji referred to scientific experiments and research conducted over the last decade, which show that prolonged exposure to mobile phones and any other device producing electromagnetic radiation adversely affects red blood cells. He recollected his Guruji’s saying that every cell has its own brain, and mentioned that it is this intelligence in the membrane of each cell that allows certain things and stops other things from entering.


 Daaji then suggested his guests involve students in experiments that show the effect of our feelings and thoughts on the life around us. As an example, he mentioned the study where a few plants were spoken softly to and treated with love, while another set of plants was addressed rudely. He suggested children conduct this experiment and observe how the plants grow in each case.&nbsp;


 The topic then shifted to conception. Daaji said, “The attitude at the moment of conception matters a lot.&nbsp;But the act is so overpowering that you forget everything in that moment. At that time, even God is in the background. That awareness has to be in-built, it has to be developed in you from early childhood. And that is the purpose of the meditative state, where you maintain the condition gained out of meditation all throughout the day. Whether you’re playing, studying, dancing, sleeping or taking food, that state has to be maintained and it has to become effortless from very early in your life. This effortless meditative state then becomes vital later on in life, in whatever you do, whether you are engaged in conceiving a child or doing your business.”

At 6.24 p.m. Daaji conducted meditation. After meditation, which lasted about 20 minutes, other guests took leave while Daaji continued on a walk with Gopichand. On the way, he showed him showed some interesting plants and explained their details.&nbsp;

Around 7.20 p.m.&nbsp;A.S. Rajan, IPS and Director of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, joined Daaji and Gopichand in their&nbsp;walk. Daaji conducted another meditation session, from 7.33 p.m. to 7.50 p.m, and later had dinner with both the guests.

<h2>
 Maintain the Meditative State
</h2>

 The attitude at the moment of conception matters a lot.&nbsp;But the act is so overpowering that you forget everything at that moment. At that time, even God is in the background. That awareness has to be in-built, it has to be developed in you from early childhood. And that is the purpose of the meditative state, where you maintain the condition gained out of meditation all throughout the day. Whether you’re playing, studying, dancing, sleeping or taking food, that state has to be maintained and it has to become effortless from very early in your life. This effortless meditative state then becomes vital later on in life, in whatever you do, whether you are engaged in conceiving a child or doing your business.

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The effortless meditative state then becomes vital later on in life, in whatever you do, whether you are engaged in conceiving a child or doing your business.

Kanha Shantivanam 30th June 2022

Daaji went for his walk around 6.30 a.m.


 At 10.15 a.m. he went to the temporary meditation hall in the north of Kanha to give the final sitting to the 78 candidates, including 44 women and 34 men, who had come as part of the new preceptors’ (trainers) training&nbsp;program.&nbsp;It was a short and special&nbsp;sitting, beginning at 10.20 a.m. and concluding at 10.32 a.m.&nbsp;

After the sitting Daaji observed, “The luminous spiritual being of Pujya Babuji Maharaj was felt while giving sitting to the preceptor candidates. I instantly started resonating with that luminosity, and I could find my entire body glowing. From this state, the work began on the candidates present. The work was made easier because of this, and Transmission flowed naturally from points 1, 2 and 8. Some were settled on point 8 and some were on point 9. I offered my prayers to the great Master to help them retain the position granted during the sitting.”


 Afterwards, Daaji distributed&nbsp;prasad to all the candidates and gave a talk. Congratulating the new trainers, he said that this was an opportunity given to them by the great Master that would indirectly help them all to evolve faster. In addition to their daily practice, this offering of service and training seekers to the next level, cannot go without reward. And that is in the hands of the great Master.&nbsp;


 Daaji said, “I’m sure whoever you start on the Sahaj Marg path will turn out to be spiritual giants.” He added that the requirement to do so was to allow the Master to work through the preceptor, permitting him to help the seeker&nbsp;grow, while doing whatever was needed to be done from their side by way of Transmission, cleaning, prayer, suggestions, and exchange of thoughts.


 Daaji stated that he wanted every preceptor to create at least 3 very good practitioners in their center each year, who would be well versed in the philosophy of Sahaj Marg. He said, “Give them special attention all throughout the year, and every year you must produce at least 3 such students.”&nbsp;


 He suggested that brother preceptors nurture brother practitioners and sister preceptors nourish sister practitioners.


 He added, “So imagine if all 14,000 preceptors worked together. What magical things we can do together!”&nbsp;


 Through this one can gauge the vision that Daaji has for preceptors in taking the work forward.

After the session with preceptors, Daaji went on rounds of the ashram. He first checked the place of construction of&nbsp;a new gate, which would make it easy for the people of Meera Shanti Vanam to enter and leave Kanha.&nbsp;


 From there he went on to inspect the ponds in the Madhuvanam premises and nursery area, both of which are being expanded&nbsp;so that they can store more rainwater. Through this one can understand the importance Daaji has been giving to the construction of ponds and other waterbodies.

On his way back home Daaji met a couple of practitioners (Anubhuti and her mom), who were walking in the hot sun. He asked them to get into his car and took them home. He then spent some time patiently listening to an elderly couple in his office, along with Anubhuti and her mom. Anubhuti thanked Daaji saying it was the most wonderful day of her life!

At 6.15 p.m. Daaji went to the Kanha Medical Center for a follow-up of his&nbsp;shoulder pain, as per the advice of Dr. Sharath Reddy whom he had visited the earlier day. After the check-up, and despite the pain he was in, Daaji went to the admin building to meet the practitioners who were waiting for him.


 At 7 p.m. he met the guests from Brahma Kumaris, and other practitioners, in the admin building. The team from Brahma Kumaris honored Daaji with a shawl and invited him to their upcoming event.&nbsp;


 A few practitioners asked him some questions. After some time Daaji indicated that he would like to meditate, but the flow of questions and meetings kept going on.&nbsp'

Just before starting meditation, Daaji called on the THLC students present there and spoke to them. They had all completed their tenth class and wanted Daaji’s guidance in further studies. Daaji asked them to meditate on this thought regarding what to choose for studies, reassuring them that he would discuss it after the meditation.&nbsp;


 Daaji conducted meditation for about 25 minutes. Thereafter he welcomed the THLC students, who were seeking his guidance for their higher studies, into his office. The students present were Karnika Singh, Divya Atithi, Heer Madrasi, Malti Patel, Bhumij Ahire from THLC and Anmol Samant from KCC.&nbsp;


 Daaji asked all of them to write their 5 best areas of interest pertaining to higher studies. Then he asked them to strike off the one they were least interested in from among the options they had written down. He asked them to repeat the process until only one option was left, and he suggested they go with that.&nbsp;

After this, Daaji left the office to go home.

<h2>
 The Natural Flow of Transmission
</h2>

 The luminous spiritual being of Pujya Babuji Maharaj was felt while giving sitting to the preceptor candidates. I instantly started resonating with that luminosity, and I could find my entire body glowing. From this state, the work began on the candidates present. The work was made easier because of this, and Transmission flowed naturally from points 1, 2 and 8. Some were settled on point 8 and some were on point 9. I offered my prayers to the great Master to help them retain the position granted during the sitting.

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So imagine if all 14,000 preceptors worked together. What magical things we can do together!

Kanha Shantivanam 29th June 2022

Daaji went for his regular walk at 7 a.m.&nbsp;


 At 8 a.m., after breakfast, Daaji left for the hospital in Hyderabad&nbsp;to get an MRI scan done for his shoulder which had been troubling him for quite a long time.&nbsp;


 Around&nbsp;9.30 a.m. he reached&nbsp;the Sprint Diagnostics Center, where he was received and taken for scanning by Dr. Sharath and his team. After the scan, Daaji invited the doctors and the staff of the diagnostic center to visit Kanha along with their children. He shared the idea of having their children learn Brighter Minds.

Daaji then left for IKEA and spent some time there purchasing garden&nbsp;tools for daily&nbsp;use.&nbsp;

He returned to Kanha around 2 p.m. and, after lunch, went to rest.


 At 6 p.m. Daaji went to the meditation hall to conduct sitting for the candidates of the new preceptors’ (trainers) batch. After meditation, which concluded around 6.40 p.m., he informed that he would be giving the final sitting to the candidates the next day.&nbsp;

Although he looked very tired and exhausted, he went to his office to meet a couple of practitioners who were waiting to see him. In no time the entire room was filled with practitioners. In spite of his&nbsp;tiredness and shoulder pain, Daaji listened to them patiently, one after the&nbsp;other. Observing him deeply, one could get a feel of his pain and his need for rest.&nbsp;

Suddenly one of the sixth-grade students from THLC asked Daaji,&nbsp;“When I see you answering a question on TV or in person, it seems to me that you’re constantly thinking about something. I wonder what is it that you keep thinking about?”


 Daaji replied, “We are talking now, right? Did I speak a word? What was I doing?” &nbsp;


 The student said he was thinking.&nbsp;


 Daaji said, “No, I was trying to&nbsp;feel your question. I was trying to understand what&nbsp;you are&nbsp;trying to convey through your heart. For example, questions such as ‘What’s going on with your life?’ are easy to answer. Words can just pacify at the mental level and, of course, they are also necessary. But to go deeper and respond is different.&nbsp;


 “So questions, when asked, are to be heard. Or at least make the other person believe that you are hearing well.”&nbsp;


 Later the boy expressed his wish to hug Daaji. Daaji laughed and hugged him back. He gifted the boy a book and asked him to keep reading it.

<h2>
 Feeling is the Key
</h2>

 “No, I was trying to&nbsp;feel your question. I was trying to understand what&nbsp;you are&nbsp;trying to convey through your heart. For example, questions such as ‘What’s going on with your life?’ are easy to answer. Words can just pacify at the mental level and, of course, they are also necessary. But to go deeper and respond is different.&nbsp;


 “So questions, when asked, are to be heard. Or at least make the other person believe that you are hearing well.”&nbsp;

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For example, questions such as ‘What’s going on with your life?’ are easy to answer. Words can just pacify at the mental level and, of course, they are also necessary. But to go deeper and respond is different. 


Kanha Shantivanam 28th June 2022

The day began with Daaji going for his walk in the nature.&nbsp;


 At 9.30 a.m. he checked his e-mails and responded to them. He spent some time researching a few plants and later went to rest.&nbsp;

At 4.30 p.m. Daaji conducted group meditation in which Sanjay Sehgal, Geeta Sehgal, Ajay Bhatter, and Madhusudan Reddy participated.&nbsp;After meditation, there was a discussion on land-related matters pertaining to the Siliguri ashram, and the group received guidance from Daaji.&nbsp;



 He also suggested a new way to inspire youngsters to participate in a new phase of the Heartfulness Essay Event, which would include topics such as ‘The problems I can solve’. He said he would like to institute awards for young innovators this time. He also expressed his wish to create scholarship funds for the students of THLC [The Heartfulness Learning Center].

At 5.15 p.m., Dr Sarath, Suresh from the Harley’s group, Rahul Rao and Kranthi Kiran from the TRS party, and a few&nbsp;others joined Daaji in his office. At 5.30 p.m. he conducted meditation for all present.&nbsp;



 After meditation, Daaji spoke to Suresh from the Harley’s group. He suggested them to offer their customers a very special opportunity to learn to meditate by opening spirituality clubs at their&nbsp;joints.&nbsp;



 Daaji then called Kapil, a young boy residing in Kanha, to demonstrate Brighter Minds to the guests. After the demo, Suresh ji asked if the children needed to practice every day and what happens if they don’t.&nbsp;



 Daaji replied, “They lose the ability depending on the surrounding environment. If the family is in harmony, it is good. If they are not, then the mind gets disturbed and they lose that ability. I observed this when the Brighter Minds sessions were conducted in government schools and villages.&nbsp;



 “Children from the villages learn very fast. They also lose the ability very fast because the proper environment is not&nbsp;there in the house.&nbsp;Parents don’t&nbsp;meditate. They are so much into rituals and other stuff that the calmness that should prevail in a person is missing&nbsp;in the villages. So, that has to be there.&nbsp;



 Parents have to radiate poise; that is a precondition. If children keep watching TV and playing video games, they’ll lose the ability instantly.”



 Suresh ji wanted to know if there was any&nbsp;way to keep children away from the distractions caused by addiction to gadgets.



 Daaji said,&nbsp;“Unless you have something higher in mind, you cannot disconnect yourself from the lower. For these children, playing video games is a high ambition. When they come across something new like God-Realization, there is initial excitement but afterward they lose it. So I would say it entirely depends on the environment in the house, the&nbsp;family environment.”



 Daaji further clarified that Brighter Minds was not a miracle. By practicing continuously, there is a new network formed in the brain from which new abilities emerge. Children have&nbsp;to practice&nbsp;regularly and keep using those abilities, otherwise, the new neuron network that is created by the initial learning&nbsp;will be&nbsp;lost.&nbsp;

The discussion continued till 7 p.m. Later Daaji went for his rounds in the ashram, inspecting the pond in the Madhuvanam premises and a few other areas.

<h2>
 Calmness Should Prevail
</h2>

 “Children from the villages learn very fast. They also lose the ability very fast because the proper environment is not there in the house. Parents don’t meditate. They are so much into rituals and other stuff that the calmness that should prevail in a person is missing in the villages. So, that has to be there.”

<h2>
 The Family Environment is Important
</h2>

 “Unless you have something higher in mind, you cannot disconnect yourself from the lower. For these children, playing video games is a high ambition. When they come across something new like God-Realization, there is initial excitement but afterward, they lose it. So I would say it entirely depends on the environment in the house, the&nbsp;family environment.”

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Children from the villages learn very fast. They also lose the ability very fast because proper environment is not there in the house. Parents don’t meditate. They are so much into rituals and other stuff that the calmness that should prevail in a person is missing in the villages. So, that has to be there. 


Kanha Shantivanam 27th June 2022

Daaji spent the first half of the day in his office at home.


 Between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., he had meetings with Balaji, Malik and Vinod to discuss the ongoing construction activities at Kanha. He met Sanjay Sehgal to discuss upcoming events of Heartfulness, and afterward went home to get some rest.


 After lunch, around 2.30 p.m., Daaji spoke at length with Ramakrishna Mallela and N.S. Nagaraja on various topics related to spirituality. Talking about the attitude to work, he said, “Remain absorbed in the Lord and work.”

As per the routine, Daaji met up with guests and seekers in his office at 6 p.m. He first conducted meditation for the group, which included Shashi Dhawan, D.P. Mishra, Dr. Nagaraju Rao and S.G. Anil Kumar. After meditation, one by one the guests spoke to Daaji and shared the purpose of their visit. Slowly, the entire office was flooded with seekers, each one eager to meet Daaji.


 A young boy joined Daaji on his way home, and asked him, “Daaji, what should I grow up to be?”&nbsp;
 
 Daaji replied, “Grow up to be a good man.”&nbsp;
 
 On a lighter note, he added, “Get married,” and everyone burst out laughing.

Daaji reached home and spent some time watching a few videos on his computer. After dinner, between 8.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m., he recorded a few videos with the media team for various programs.


 When asked for a solution to the growing issue of children’s addiction to mobile phones and digital gadgets, Daaji said, “Meditate.”&nbsp;
 
 He added with a sad expression, “Who will listen to me if I ask them to meditate? Even our practitioners, themselves, don’t meditate regularly. They are always busy with their mobiles, so how can they become examples for their children?”


 Later he went through some of the proposed designs for his upcoming book, The Wisdom Bridge. Daaji saw all of them with keen interest and requested the team to get some more designs ready.


 After this long and tiring session, he called it a day.


 In the silence of the night, Daaji’s repeated message throughout the day – to meditate for peace and calm – rang loud and clear in the hearts and minds of his associates.&nbsp;

When asked for a solution to the growing issue of children’s addiction to mobile phones and digital gadgets, Daaji said, “Meditate.”&nbsp;
 
 He added with a sad expression, “Who will listen to me if I ask them to meditate? Even our practitioners, themselves, don’t meditate regularly. They are always busy with their mobiles, so how can they become examples for their children?”

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Talking about the attitude to work, Daaji said, “Remain absorbed in the Lord and work.”

Kanha Shantivanam 18th June 2022

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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.”

Daaji-speaking

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

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