One of Modiji’s goals is to make India a developed country, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for all citizens. And, he also envisions a beautiful country, one that reflects the richness of its culture and the serenity of its landscapes. We are undeniably a colorful country, with a vibrant tapestry of traditions and attire, but not yet a consistently beautiful country except in some pockets of well-maintained spaces.
I have been frankly disappointed that State CMs seem to lack a clear vision on how to make India beautiful, perhaps focusing more on industrial and economic development. This is surprising considering that while development is a concurrent subject, requiring collaboration between the center and states, the aspect of “beautiful” largely falls under the state list, giving them significant autonomy.
But, an interesting incident happened when I went to Bengaluru recently, offering a glimmer of hope and a different perspective. One day, as we were going up in the lift in the Southern Star hotel where we were put up, we saw a Swamiji who exuded a remarkable inner peace, with a noticeable glow on his face and a profound silence about him.
I greeted him with respect, and he was gracious enough to respond with warmth and a gentle smile. He inquired about the purpose of our visit to Bengaluru, and after learning our details and interests, he was very keen to continue the conversation, showing genuine curiosity. We readily responded to his invitation and went to his suite, a simple space reflecting his ascetic lifestyle. He had basic arrangements to sleep on the floor, with his own modest wooden foldable cot, and practically no other possessions except for a neatly rolled yoga mat.
During the course of our engaging 45-minute conversation, he also revealed his simple yet nourishing diet, which primarily included sprouted Ragi, Jowar, and Maize, supplemented by a small quantity of select vegetables and restricted fruits. But, what impressed me most during this insightful interaction was his profound preaching, in which he was clearly a master, articulating ancient wisdom with clarity and depth.
His narrative of integrating a sense of practicality into his spiritual teachings, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern living, prompted me to share these insights in this article.
Let me list each one of these practical yet profound teachings.
#1 : Throwing Cooked Rice and Salt [don’t]
Many people, out of habit or compassion, throw leftover food outside or give it to stray dogs and other animals. He strongly advises that one should avoid completely throwing cooked rice and salt, emphasizing the respect for food and the potential negative subtle energies associated with discarding these essential items carelessly.
#2 : Sit near a peepul tree [do’s]
He advises everyone, especially those facing challenges with academic excellence or concentration, to make it a practice to sit quietly near a peepul tree every Pournami (full moon day). He explained that the unique energy and oxygen release of this sacred tree, particularly on the full moon, can enhance cognitive functions and promote mental clarity.
#3 : House construction [don’t]
Many people, perhaps for aesthetic or architectural reasons, construct their houses in such a way that the entrance near the front gate extends further forward than the main walls of the house. He cautions against this practice, suggesting that this architectural imbalance can subtly contribute to increased conflicts among people in workplaces, disagreements between business staff, and even marital squabbles within the household.
#4 Plucking flowers [don’t]
Many people, without considering the source, pluck flowers from other people’s courtyards and use them for their daily Puja (worship). This act, he strongly advises, should never be done as it amounts to taking something that doesn’t belong to you, which can displease Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, potentially leading to her leaving the house.
#5 Children and God [do and don’t]
Till the age of 12, for their formative spiritual development, both girls and boys should primarily be taken only to Hanuman temples, as the energy and focus of Lord Hanuman are particularly beneficial for young minds. After the age of 12, as their understanding and spiritual maturity grow, they can be encouraged to visit a wider variety of temples and explore different aspects of the divine.
#6 North Star [do’s]
While he did not offer specific advice on the ideal time to wake up or other daily routines, he emphasized a simple yet powerful practice: everyone should make an effort to see the North Star (Dhruva Tara) every night, even if only for a few moments. He believes that gazing at this celestial guide will bring professional success in one’s endeavors.
#7 Rituals, Recitations [do’s and don’ts]
He shared a very interesting and practical piece of advice on the timing and consistency of spiritual practices. He emphasized that one should perform their daily rituals at the same time every day; for example, if you perform your prayers at 8:00 AM, consistency is key, and you should strive to do it at 8:00 AM daily to establish a strong celestial rhythm.
He also strongly advised that spiritual recitations or chanting should be strictly avoided between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, suggesting that the energy during this part of the day is not conducive to deep spiritual absorption. Furthermore, he stressed that when recitations are happening, there should be no other distracting activities or conversations taking place in the house.
#8 Vahanas [don’t]
This advice was specifically in reference to Vahanas, or vehicles. He clearly stated that one should always park their vehicles directly in front of their own house and strictly avoid parking them in front of other people’s houses. He believes that parking in front of someone else’s property can subtly create negative energy, potentially leading to a higher probability of accidents involving the vehicles and difficulties in the timely repayment of dues or loans associated with them.
#9 Sound near temples [don’t]
This particular piece of advice, he mentioned, was very personal and deeply felt by him. He urged that people should refrain from making loud sounds, honking vehicle horns unnecessarily, or shouting in the vicinity surrounding temples. He emphasized that these are sacred spaces that deserve reverence and tranquility, and therefore, we should consciously speak in low voices and engage in respectful discussions when near a place of worship.
As our highly spiritual and enlightening conversation drew to a close, we respectfully took our leave, feeling deeply touched by his wisdom. He was kind enough to ask one of his several personal assistants to escort us to the lift and, as a parting gesture, presented us with a large basket filled with fresh fruits and a book containing sacred Vedic slokas.
A modern yet deeply rooted and wise man, this Swamiji struck me as one of the first spiritual leaders I have encountered who possesses the vision and practicality to truly influence and perhaps even change the face of Bharat, that is India.
If you are already practicing any of these insightful tips, please do share your experiences and thoughts in the comments section below.
If you want to meet this Swamiji post in the comment section below.
