FOREWORD

In this materialistic age, man, enchanted by the glitter of this perishable world, has developed a reckless craze for the pursuit of earthly gains and goods, totally oblivious of the spiritual side of his life.  This grievous neglect has resulted in the moral degeneration of the society in general and of the individual in particular.  To satiate his ravenous hunger for material possessions, man does not hesitate to stoop low to deploy dishonest and shady means to amass worldly riches.  He has made tremendous progress in the material field, but at the cost of his spiritual advancement.  Though materially affluent, spiritually he is a destitute; he is a victim of fallacies, doubts, superstitions, make-beliefs, falsehood, fatalism and distorted interpretation of the life-giving thoughts of the Great Masters.  Consequently, he is unable to distinguish between right and wrong and truth and falsehood.  Because of his confused understanding, he is incapable of catching the significance of the vital traits, which make man the crown creation. 

In this book, the author, late Shri Krishan Lal (1918-1988), has briefly touched upon some very sensitive topics of vital importance and put them in their proper perspective.  For example, God-conscious is not a transitory phenomenon related to a particular time and place, as is generally believed, rather it is an innate state of mind, and for righteous existence, one needs the solid backing of God-consciousness, which in turn, implies God-knowledge. Further, God-knowledge is no doubt an imperative prerequisite as it lights the path one has to tread, but simply acknowledging and accepting it is not the be-all and end-all; it has to be nurtured and ripened into a realistic realization of all that it embodies and denotes.  Realization is co-extensive with life, the whole life.  In essence, it means being and becoming.  Thus it brings about an edifying transformation in one’s way of thinking in order to lead an active but truthful life of moral and spiritual discipline – God-consciousness.

History is replete with instances of people, with mere belief in God, becoming shining examples of righteous and noble living.  Heavy responsibility, therefore, devolves upon those who have been blessed with God-knowledge to engage themselves in constant and consistent spiritual endeavor to comprehend and sustain the impact and significance of the God-knowledge and to project their God-consciousness by living upto the terse motto: Truth is hit; higher still is truthful living. Equipped with an enlightened mind and tempered with the consciousness of the omnipresent Supreme Lord, within and without, one should lend moral touch and spiritual flavour to one’s all doings and dealings.  However, to cultivate and sublimate God-consciousness into a spiritual mood, praying (Simran), selfless service (Seva) and congregation (Sangat) are the most important aids.

It is rightly said that renunciation is a means of spiritual attainment and solace.  But renunciation of what: the world or the worldliness?  In fact, renunciation does not mean renouncing the world but the worldly attachment, ego, lust and desires.  It is no use renouncing the world and retiring to the forests or mountains if the mind continues to be ruled by attachment, lust and desire.  A true renouncer (Sanyasi) lives in the world, discharges his domestic and social obligations, and is yet not worldly!  It is aptly said that a householder, whose mind is detached from the world, is truly great.  As we know, all the Great Masters, whom we revere and worship, were householders.

Life is a process.  Act one must and very action has its reaction.  However, unlike the animals, who are condemned to lead a run-of-the-mill existence, man, endowed with the rare faculties such as sense of discrimination, awareness and freedom of choice of action, can make or mar his destiny.  Thus, the Law of Karma (Law of Cause and Effect) does not reduce man to a helpless victim of destiny, as is erroneously believed by the fatalists – a thinking which makes man inert and results in inaction and stagnation – rather, it infuses in him a spirit of dynamic thinking and urge for a better future. 

There are two different view-points on the Law of Karma.  One is that man cannot escape the consequences of his part actions under any circumstances.  The other is that he can be True Master’s grace: whence he realizes his real self and, adhering to his teachings, acts with out attachment and the sense of doership.  The author was thinking of touching upon this aspect of the Law of Karma, but could not do so due to his sudden demise.

The last chapter, “Thoughts to Ponder” comprises thoughts, some of which might be of the holy and renowned personages though the author did not mention their source.  If allowed to play their full role, these will surely make a salutary impact on one’s thought-force for a brighter, healthier and blissful life.

Like his previous works, ‘Religion, Gian and the Mission’ and ‘The Mission and the Missionaries’, this book is also a measure of the author’s dedication and devotion to master.  He has discussed the vital topics in an erudite and laudable manner in the light of the teachings of the True Master to whom he expresses his deep gratitude as ever in the following words:

“All praise to a benevolent Master but for
whose benign blessings, it would not have been
possible for me to make this humble attempt.”

A rationalist by thinking, a lawyer by profession and a devotee by faith, he was utterly humble and self-effacing and, above all, a conscientious being who always remembered those who were helpful to him even in the least.  As ardently wished by him, we convey his thanks to the editors of this book in his own words:

“I am extremely grateful to Sarva Shri Joginder
Singh and Des Raj Ahuja, who made a valuable
contribution by obliging me with concrete
suggestions and constructive ideas”.

Thanks are also due to our younger and talented devotee, Ashwani Madhok, for designing the book and going through the proofs.

I earnestly feel that whosoever reads this book, will be imbued with Love, Light and Wisdom.

AMRIK SINGH
Member Executive Committee
Sant Nirankari Mandal