In the morning, Daaji recorded a message to all the Ashram Management Committees, outlining his vision to enhance our ashrams and optimize the reception for seekers of Heartfulness services. Amidst this, he reviewed several sample book covers and wooden box designs for the upcoming 125th anniversary of Babuji Maharaj. Rajesh Pratap Singh, the coordinator of the tool room, joined him as they delved into discussions regarding engravings and design intricacies.

Following this, the conversation shifted towards the promotion strategy for the impending release of the book "Spiritual Anatomy." After briefly retreating to Kanha Sarovar, Daaji returned to attend to further tasks before retiring to his room.

During lunch one of an older gentleman, Kriti Bhai was discussing with Daaji many spiritual aspects. On the topic of whether it was possible to achieve this goal in a lifetime, Daaji said - Whatever time we have with us, we need not worry about the goal. Having found the Guru, leave it to him. It is his business to take us forward. We have to spread the word without expecting others to start saying, try it, try it, like that, that's enough.

A little later, Daaji said I had never worried about the goal, never. I had no restlessness to achieve the goal. I knew I was already there. So there was no worry or anxiety about the goal. And when this realization touched my heart, since then I have never looked back. 

During the discussion, Daaji shared - Sahaj Marg makes us understand so many things, like Kabir Doha's quotes or Gita that we read. Only after undergoing Sahaj Marg practice we understand them better. Because that changes our awareness altogether. Even a few sittings that we have taken changed our insight completely.

Daaji then went to rest.

Later that evening, at his office in the meditation hall, a gathering convened, welcoming esteemed guests from the leadership team of Infozech, an IT company specializing in the telecom sector, undergoing Kaushalam training. Notable attendees included Hari Kishan Chaudhary from Kolkata and KK Singh, IAS, accompanied by his spouse. Ankur Lal, the founder and CEO of Infozech, posed insightful questions and met with Daaji's candid and effortless responses, fostering a flowing dialogue.

Earlier informed of a guest hailing from Shahjahanpur, Daaji's eyes gleamed with recognition as he addressed the individual. Such connections to his revered Guruji, Pujya Babuji Maharaj, stir profound joy within him, illuminating his countenance with an unmatched radiance. Daaji's loving contemplation when Babuji’s name is mentioned transcends space and time, evident in his every interaction and expression when reminded of him in some way or another.

Addressing the gathering, Daaji shared insights into the spiritual significance of Shahjahanpur, anchoring his words with a photo of Guruji adorning the wall. Transitioning seamlessly, he proposed a moment of meditation, encouraging attendees to pose any lingering queries beforehand.

Q: Exploring energy shifts within us or developing abilities such as the ones seen in the Brigther Minds program can be distracted by our attention outward. How do we deal with that?

Daaji: Patanjali succinctly articulates this concept as Pratyahar. Rather than allowing your energies to dissipate outwardly, redirect your focus to your inner sanctuary. Even amidst external engagements, maintain inward awareness. To sustain this inward focus, you need a focal point. Who embodies your ultimate love, transcending all externalities? It has to be God, right?

We endeavor to perceive the divine presence within and nurture that thought or feeling. For instance, after meditating each morning and attaining a heightened state of consciousness, if this experience captivates you, you strive to prolong it while navigating worldly affairs. Thus, you can remain attuned to that morning consciousness throughout the day. How you preserve and progress in this state is within your control. Without losing yesterday's progress, you can seamlessly resume where you left off the next day. Otherwise, you may find yourself stagnating, moving one step forward and one step back. Hence, aligning with your inner self is paramount; the initial step of Pratyahar involves drawing all attention inward.

When one of the practitioners shared with Daaji that he was reading the Wisdom Bridge book and it was very interesting, Daaji said - Oh you are already reading it. How nice. You see, to bridge the generational gap, it's imperative to lead by example, instilling values in our children through our actions rather than mere words. Establishing consistent practices like meditation and prayer within the family routine holds greater influence than mere words can have. Encouraging collective bedtime prayers instead of digital distractions is a positive habit. So many good habits can be cultivated without disturbing the likes and dislikes of the younger ones.

Sometimes, it's necessary to meet children at their level to effectively communicate and connect with them. When faced with challenging behavior, it's essential to address it with empathy and creativity. For instance, I often prompt children to envision their future selves and contemplate the consequences of their actions, such as whether they would want their grandchildren to inherit their current behaviors. This approach encourages introspection and self-awareness.

Rather than resorting to negative criticism, it's more beneficial to leave them with thought-provoking questions and reinforce positive behavior. Additionally, sharing stories, humorous anecdotes, or diverse media content like YouTube clips and articles can stimulate their curiosity and critical thinking skills. It's important to maintain honesty and humility, acknowledging that we may not have all the answers while encouraging an open dialogue and mutual respect within the family.

Q: I joined the mission as early as 2007. I keep going in and out of the practice every once in a while.

Daaji: It's a common experience for individuals to fluctuate in their commitment to spiritual practice, despite feeling positive about it initially. I've observed this pattern consistently among people from all walks of life. They may express enthusiasm and claim it to be the best thing they've encountered, yet later on, they may pause or discontinue their practice altogether. Some individuals hop from one spiritual teacher or place of worship to another, seeking fulfillment but never quite finding it.

This behavior resembles that of a shopper who impulsively moves from one item to the next, unable to find lasting satisfaction. The underlying issue lies in the misconception that external sources can provide lasting happiness. However, true fulfillment comes from within and requires inner preparation to receive it.

Instead of treating spirituality as a transactional exchange, where we make requests of a higher power as if it were a servant, we should aspire to serve and align ourselves with the divine will. This shift in perspective can lead to a deeper and more sustainable sense of fulfillment, transcending the fleeting desires of the ego.

Q: I often observe that when I think of someone, the next day they send me a word or a letter.

Daaji: Such occurrences are not uncommon. Often, we sense when someone is about to contact us, even before the phone rings. I've experienced this phenomenon firsthand, especially during meditation sessions, where the mere thought of someone coincides with their starting to meditate at their end, despite no direct communication between us.

These phenomena can be attributed to our interconnectedness within a unified field of consciousness, often referred to in scientific terms as the quantum field. Children trained in programs like Brighter Minds demonstrate remarkable abilities, such as perceiving surfaces without physical contact or translating sound into visual perceptions. These extraordinary talents warrant further exploration, perhaps as topics for scientific research projects.

Moreover, the influence of our emotions and intentions extends far beyond our awareness. Our inner state emits vibrations that affect those around us, particularly our close associates like family and friends. These subtle influences resonate even with distant relatives through shared genetic material, highlighting the interconnectedness of all beings.

Consequently, mindfulness in our thoughts, actions, and intentions becomes paramount. Even mundane activities like cooking can become spiritual endeavors when approached with conscious awareness. By nurturing our spiritual growth alongside worldly pursuits, we achieve a harmonious integration of inner and outer success.

However, it's essential to transcend blind devotion and instead embody the values espoused by spiritual figures like Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. While reverence for our gurus is warranted, it's the embodiment of their teachings that truly matters. Understanding that the guidance of a living guru is essential for most individuals, as the subtle bodies of a departed guru leave this world with him.

A brighter-minds demonstration followed this interaction. Hari Krishna Chaudhry, being a gentleman of advanced age, asked Daaji what he thought artificial intelligence, which is so much in vogue these days, was all about. Much to everyone’s delight, Daaji said, “It is artificial. That’s all!”. The entire room, including Daaji, burst out into spontaneous laughter.

As the evening drew to a close, Daaji departed, leaving behind a legacy of profound teachings and heartfelt connections, his words echoing in the hearts and minds of all present. Shri Narayan Chandak ji, from Bloomington, Illinois, met Daaji. He is one of the leaders of the RSS in the US. He shared his vision with Daaji and told him he would be glad to introduce heartfulness into several initiatives he undertakes in the US.