Abhyasis awoke to another rainy and sunny morning as they got ready, had breakfast, and prepared for a final meditation session with Daaji. Daaji enjoyed breakfast with the members of the Danish boards before going to the meditation hall for Satsang.&nbsp; &nbsp;After a beautiful and blissful meditation, amidst the sound of torrential rain on the windows, Daaji received the last book of Jens Gnaur, Nachiketas’ Third Wish. This book describes the contemplative traditions from the Vedas and Upanishads to Heartfulness and the science of Yoga, including Sufism, Christian mysticism, and more. It will be also published in India in the next months. &nbsp;The seminar was wrapped up by the Danish Coordinator, who thanked all volunteers and Daaji for His visit, which they became aware of on short notice. Only one wish of them to Daaji was expressed that He comes again to Vrads. Daaji jokingly responded, “Next time, I’ll give two days’ notice.” &nbsp;Daaji made His way up the hill, stopping to greet young children and old friends, to see the renovated art room, and to snap some photos along the way. The eyes of many abhyasis were filled with tears in anticipation of Daaji leaving. Daaji was generous to spend additional time outside to say goodbye to everyone, before retreating into His cottage.&nbsp; &nbsp;After lunch, Daaji went for a short visit to Silkeborg and came back to Vrads ashram. &nbsp;

Around 4.30 PM, Daaji made His way to Billund Airport, where He was greeted by several abhyasis also travelling back to their respective homes. Daaji boarded a flight to Frankfurt, Germany, and reached around 8.50 pm.&nbsp; &nbsp;From the airport, Daaji then left for the hotel ‘Hilton Frankfurt Airport’ for the overnight stay. After the dinner, Daaji rested for the day. &nbsp;

The Highlight of the day &nbsp;Daaji received the last book of Jens Gnaur, Nachiketas’ Third Wish. This book describes the contemplative traditions from the Vedas and Upanishads to Heartfulness and the science of Yoga, including Sufism, Christian mysticism, and more. It will be also published in India in the next months. &nbsp;

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Daaji’s last day in Denmark was memorable for all the abhyasis for the meditation session he conducted in the morning. Daaji had a great time climbing the hill, meeting abhyasis and the kids before he left for Frankfurt. 


Denmark 8th July 2024

On Sunday morning, the ashram awoke to a cloudy day. Daaji got ready for morning meditation, first enjoying breakfast with many European youths. Daaji then walked down towards the meditation hall and conducted the meditation at 9 am. After the meditation, He returned to the cottage to do some work and to rest. Around 2 pm, He once again had lunch with several European youths, talking about several topics with them, including His grandchildren, and nodding His head when they requested for Him to return to Vrads again.&nbsp; &nbsp;One of the lunch guests commented on Daaji’s trip being a business trip to which Daaji said, “It’s not a business trip,”. “I don’t do business unless it’s spiritual business.” &nbsp;

After finishing lunch, Daaji returned upstairs to finish some work, before getting ready to greet over 250 new seekers for a special outreach event, with a meditation and Q&amp;A. They were invited to visit the center, to enjoy together tea or coffee, and were presented with the Heartfulness approach and practice. A Heartfulness trainer guided the relaxation in Danish after which Daaji conducted the evening meditation. Afterwards, He addressed the audience and interacted with Raja Bjarne from Transcendental Meditation Denmark.&nbsp; &nbsp;Daaji said, “Good evening to all of you. I do greatly appreciate and admire people craving to rise in spirituality. What better place than these woods in Denmark, the finest place I think I have seen, where nature is unspoiled? Let us all pray that it remains like that. It is our duty to protect nature and hopefully, we can take this initiative all through the globe. That’s not the purpose of talking, though. I’m here to welcome you all and make you experience what these practices are all about. I’m also very grateful to the Rajaji of Denmark, here is a leader here in Denmark representing the Transcendental Meditation of the great Maharishi. So I welcome Raja Bjarne. We’ll have some interactions and if any of you have any questions related to such contemplative meditation practices, I will try my best to answer.” &nbsp;Speaking on Meditation, Daaji said meditation is loosely understood in the Western world. Not just in the Western world, but even in India, people think that meditation is all about focusing your mind, and coming to one point of stillness. And when you try and understand its true original language, Sanskrit, means dhyana and if you split this word, dhyan, it means “dhy” and “yan”. “Dhy” means “the ultimate wisdom”, “Yan” means, “the vehicle”. The vehicle through which you arrive at the ultimate wisdom is dhyan. You transcend the mind itself. So, what is the point of having a focused mind? You’re transcending the very function of the focusing mind, which is thinking. So, dhyana is not about thinking intellectualizing or even contemplating. It’s all about transcendence. Is it once? No, it’s a continuous transcendence.” &nbsp;For the question “What’s more important: having the right attitude or consistency?” Daaji responded saying, “Both. There’s the aspect of practice, there’s the aspect of consistent practice, there’s the aspect of practicing with the right attitude.” &nbsp;

After a final question, Daaji said His Pranams and walked out of the meditation hall. He followed the grassy path up the hill and made His way toward Vrads’ famous café, which serves delicious coffee and pastries. Inside, Daaji was given a tour of the artwork on the walls of the café while enjoying a cup of coffee and a croissant. Afterwards, He returned to the cottage to have dinner with a few more youth, before finishing a few work-related meetings and retiring to sleep.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Highlight of the Day &nbsp;Speaking on Meditation, Daaji said meditation is loosely understood in the Western world. Not just in the Western world, but even in India, people think that meditation is all about focusing your mind, and coming to one point of stillness. And when you try and understand its true original language, Sanskrit, means dhyana and if you split this word, dhyan, it means “dhy” and “yan”. “Dhy” means “the ultimate wisdom”, “Yan” means, “the vehicle”. The vehicle through which you arrive at the ultimate wisdom is dhyan. You transcend the mind itself. So, what is the point of having a focused mind? You’re transcending the very function of the focusing mind, which is thinking. So, dhyana is not about thinking intellectualizing or even contemplating. It’s all about transcendence. Is it once? No, it’s a continuous transcendence.” &nbsp;

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It was the second day of Daaji’s stay in Denmark. He spent the day conducting meditation sessions and answering questions after them. He shared some of his pearls of wisdom regarding Dhyan and meditation that offered those present an amazing insight into the practice. 


Denmark 7th July 2024

After a very special visit to Lisbon, Daaji boarded a plane and made his way to Denmark for a European Seminar in Vrads Sande Ashram, first with an overnight stop in Copenhagen. After getting some much-needed rest, Daaji had breakfast and then set off to Vrads via car.&nbsp; &nbsp;Three hours later, despite holiday traffic jams, Daaji pulled into Vrads and up to His cottage with the rain pouring down and dozens of Abhyasis eagerly awaiting his arrival despite the weather. Daaji was escorted inside, where he was treated to a delicious lunch and dessert prepared by the kitchen team before retiring upstairs to rest.&nbsp; &nbsp;

More than 500 abhyasis registered for the seminar, from all over Europe. They enjoyed coffee and pastries together, rested and wandered around Vrads’ beautiful grounds before heading to the meditation hall for Satsang. Daaji awoke from His rest and walked down the grounds to the meditation hall at 6:30 pm, greeting old friends, new faces, and all the children who were very happy to see Him and say hello.&nbsp; &nbsp;Daaji then conducted the meditation session for all present in the venue. It was a very profound session that lasted almost an hour before Daaji said That’s all. After the meditation session, Thomas Mogensen presented Daaji his book titled “In the Light Awakening”, a compilation of his two books In the Light of His Light and Dreams Awakening with some additional content. &nbsp;“It’s a great book”, said Daaji. “Many abhyasis could not meet Babuji, we can see Babuji come alive in this book actually. The way this interaction has happened and how Thomas has articulated his interactions with Babuji, it’s simple, breathtaking, and amazing. One would begin to think, “I wish I was Thomas. He’s sitting in front of Babuji.” So I really encourage you – this will definitely transport you in His presence somehow. Keep your hearts open and read your heart.” &nbsp;In alignment with Thomas’s description of Babuji, Daaji then shared his thoughts on simplicity.&nbsp; &nbsp;“What is simplicity?” said Daaji. “One of our maxims also emphasizes a life, be in tune with nature, but not just that. Babuji puts a significant word in front of it: be simple. Be simple and in tune with nature. The second maxim also talks about the goal.” &nbsp;

After Satsang, Daaji returned to His cottage, where He had dinner with several European youths, enjoying an evening of laughter and stories. Shortly after, Daaji retreated up to His room for rest.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Highlight of the Day &nbsp;During his session, Daaji shared his thoughts on simplicity. “What is simplicity?” said Daaji. “One of our maxims also emphasizes a life, be in tune with nature, but not just that. Babuji puts a significant word in front of it: be simple. Be simple and in tune with nature. The second maxim also talks about the goal.” &nbsp;

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After his trip to Portugal, Daaji arrived in Denmark for the European Seminar in Vrads Sande Ashram. Around 500 abhyasis attended the event and experienced the profundity of the meditation with Daaji.


Denmark 6th July 2024

The following morning, after breakfast, Daaji visited the second gift. The land, currently dry and arid —reminiscent of Kanha Shanti Vanam in its early days— will require significant rejuvenation to transform into a serene haven for spiritual seekers. The land, potentially 100 hectares, is part of a 1,000+ hectare property located in Alentejo and is part of the Montado ecosystem, a multifunctional agro-silver-pastoral system originally covered by Mediterranean woodlands and now home to cork oaks and holm oaks. &nbsp;Daaji was warmly welcomed by the family in a traditional Alentejo house filled with history. The visit included ecologists and architects who will help shape a plan for the future development of the land. After the presentation, he conducted a meditation session, adding to the spiritual ambiance of the day. &nbsp;

Daaji's journey in Portugal was filled with memorable moments and heartfelt exchanges. He left Lisbon mid-afternoon to head to Vrads for the final seminar in Europe, and the last stop on His global tour, before returning to India. &nbsp;These days have been a beautiful testament to the spirit of Heartfulness and the community's commitment to creating spaces for peace and regeneration. &nbsp;

Daaji's journey in Portugal was filled with memorable moments and heartfelt exchanges. He left Lisbon mid-afternoon to head to Vrads for the final seminar in Europe, and the last stop on His global tour, before returning to India.

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Daaji was warmly welcomed by the family in a traditional Alentejo house filled with history. The visit included ecologists and architects who will help shape a plan for the future development of the land.

Lisbon 5th July 2024

On the morning of July 4th, Daaji arrived from the United States to Lisbon, Portugal. Despite being a weekday, several practitioners were at the airport waiting to warmly welcome Daaji to Lisbon, marking his return to Europe with great joy. After the airport welcome, Daaji went to a hotel by the river to rest before evening meditation. &nbsp;

In the evening, nearly 500 participants arrived for a special outreach event, entitled "Open Your Heart: Empowering Mental Health, Peace and Regeneration through Heartfulness Meditation." It was heartwarming to see so many people turn up for this event; during his last visit to Lisbon in 2015, the gathering was small, with just 50 people. &nbsp;During the event, Daaji conducted a meditation session and then answered questions from the attendees. &nbsp;Heartfulness trainer Vasco Gaspar introduced Helena Marujo, Chair of the UNESCO Chair on Education for Global Peace Sustainability from Lisbon University, to Daaji after the meditation. Marujo expressed her joy and happiness to be present with Daaji and the amazing Heartfulness community. &nbsp;Ms. Marujo facilitated a Q&amp;A with Daaji. In response to the first question, “How do you envision the growth of Heartfulness in Europe aligning with the Heartfulness initiatives?”, Daaji emphasized that the fourth Heartfulness maxim is about being in tune with nature. “Lead a life that is simple and in tune with nature.” &nbsp;Daaji then said, “When I'm about to go to sleep, and in order for me to make my sleep productive and more restful, I simply connect myself and make a suggestion that I am resting in love of the Divine, or I'm resting in the lap of God, or I'm resting in the lap of my mother and go to sleep. Just an idea. It's like a switch that you flick on to create a light in the room, like that. To create that awareness, I begin with the suggestion that all through the night I will be in osmosis with the divinity. So even sleep becomes productive that way. When I wake up, meditate. So this is a cycle. Everyone in our community, especially, goes through this cycle, some more intensely, some less, and some periodically, but that's okay. The idea is to transform ourselves at our own pace and evolve ourselves at our own pace. And we would like to create many such Oasis. And that's why I'm here.” &nbsp;Another question was on how can we promote transformation, hope and connection in our communities, especially when people are resistant to listening, slowing down and meditating. &nbsp;Daaji said, “Observation in my personal experience shows that it's very difficult to transform anyone, including personal self. When I make an ambitious call for myself that I would like to transform myself and become better and better with certain spiritual practices, certain contemplative practices, and a very healthy way of life. But how many of us, Though, despite of having such a vision, are able to transform ourselves? When we are not able to transform ourselves rapidly, how in the world are we going to change the others?” &nbsp;Daaji later shared the exciting news about the development of a new Heartfulness Institute Retreat Center in Portugal, similar to Kanha Shanti Vanam. This initiative is possible thanks to the generosity of two kind-hearted individuals who offered land and a retreat house. &nbsp;After the Q&amp;A ended, Daaji thanked everyone present and said, “You have a beautiful community here and I pray that there will be many more craving hearts coming together here in Portugal and make a very light community full of love.” &nbsp;

After the session, Daaji had the pleasure of meeting the house's current owner, acknowledging her heartfelt contribution. This beautiful gift, part of a traditional village network, is located in one of Portugal's most picturesque areas and is known for its pure water source, right in the heart of the country. &nbsp;The day ended with a meal offered by a macrobiotic chef, who traveled for three hours just to serve Daaji.&nbsp; &nbsp;

In response to the first question, “How do you envision the growth of Heartfulness in Europe aligning with the Heartfulness initiatives?”, Daaji emphasized that the fourth Heartfulness maxim is about being in tune with nature. “Lead a life that is simple and in tune with nature.” &nbsp;Daaji then said, “When I'm about to go to sleep, and in order for me to make my sleep productive and more restful, I simply connect myself and make a suggestion that I am resting in love of the Divine, or I'm resting in the lap of God, or I'm resting in the lap of my mother and go to sleep. Just an idea. It's like a switch that you flick on to create a light in the room, like that. To create that awareness, I begin with the suggestion that all through the night I will be in osmosis with the divinity. So even sleep becomes productive that way. When I wake up, meditate. So this is a cycle. Everyone in our community, especially, goes through this cycle, some more intensely, some less, and some periodically, but that's okay. The idea is to transform ourselves at our own pace and evolve ourselves at our own pace. And we would like to create many such Oasis. And that's why I'm here.” &nbsp;

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Nearly 500 participants arrived for a special outreach event, entitled "Open Your Heart: Empowering Mental Health, Peace and Regeneration through Heartfulness Meditation." 

Lisbon 4th 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.”

Daaji-speaking

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

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