A saint, but not an ascetic

J.L. Gupta says Acharya Yash Pal Sudhanshu is performing the glorious task of spreading the light of this land in all directions.

ACHARYA YASH PAL SUDHANSHU JI MAHARAJ is a saint. But, not an ascetic. He belongs to the world. Yet, he is above it. He is not merely good. He is doing good. To all and everyone. At all times. With all the zeal.In every place. Throughout the world. He is like the tree that gives its fruit and shade to others. To one and all. Without any distinction or discrimination. He is fighting an incessant battle. Almost single-handed. Against the continuing fall in moral values. He is performing a glorious task. Soft of speech, he is pure and pious.Radiant and resplendent, he is God’s jewel on earth. To lead the people by his kindly light.

He is young in years.Was born on May 2, 1955. At Saharanpur.In the land of Ganga and Yamuna, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. And the coming events had cast an early shadow. At the tender age of 10, he had joined Sri Vijendra Muni. Stayed with him in the Shivaliks. Was initiated and given lessons in spirituality. Simultaneously, he had studied and qualified for masters in two different subjects. From two different universities. In recognition of his scholarship, the gurukul declared him an acharya. He attained self-realisation in the Himalayas under the care of Swami Sadanand Ji Maharaj. And finally, at the Swami’s behest, he is now carrying the God’s message to the world. Far and wide. Recently, he visited Chandigarh too.

But, he talks of no deity. Never. Favours no faith. Propagates no particular religion. Castigates no individual or organisation. Exposes no religion to any reproach. He does not even suggest that the walls that separate different sects be demolished. He says — there is only one God. He is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient. Different people call Him by different names. Have faith in your God. But, do not be a fanatic. No man should find any fault with the other. There is some good in everyone. Raise yourself. The walls that divide us shall be automatically lowered.Just look over them. Admire and adopt the good. Have what makes you happy. Leave what you do not like. Drink at the eternal spring. You can only gain. You have nothing to lose.

He pleads for the rule of dharma. A society governed by a system of values. A people following the rules of morality. A code of ethics. So that, we have a world where virtue prevails. The right and not the might rules. Where children are loved. The elders are respected. The helpless are helped. Where all have the freedom to grow. To live in an environment of mutual friendship, love, respect and trust. Theoretically, all men may be born equal. Ultimately, a person’s deeds provide the only valid basis for distinction. The individual’s worth and not birth determines his station in life.

He reminds us of our rich heritage. Of the tap and tyag of our sages and saints. The tradition of self-sacrifice for the general good. Of the fact that every prayer that an Indian raises ends with an invocation to peace — ‘Om shanti shanti’. Of the glorious past. That should make us proud and help us scale still greater heights. To rise and raise ourselves. From the pit of corruption that we have got into. Money, beyond the limits of necessity, can only bring misery. Not contentment. Not happiness. Good deeds and not gold can pave the way to God.

He talks of the efficacy of prayer. He says — begin and end your day with God. At his feet. Go to him. On your knees.In utter humility. Not only in the hour of affliction and need. But everyday. Even when there is no problem. Open your heart to him. Confess the truth before Him. Be sincerely penitent for your faults. Lie prostate before Him. With a clean conscience. A clear heart. A pure mind. A firm faith in His grace. The prayers shall bring His blessings. He will put you on the proper path. Give you contentment, peace and happiness. He knows everything. Also what is good for each one of us. He takes care of all. He shall give everyone his due. He would help us to complete the life’s journey with honour and dignity. Make this world a heaven. For everyone.

He does not merely talk of principles. He is pragmatic too. He quickly enters a caveat and adds — God does not help those who merely sit and pray. If we have an itch, we have got to scratch. We have to persevere. We have to work hard to achieve what we want. For success, we have to combine purshaarth with pooja. Work and worship are the golden rule. The ‘firefly shines only when it is on the wing’. So it is with life. When we are idle, we darken. We must develop a work culture. That is the only way to reach God and to achieve the desired goal.

And then he says — man does not live by money alone. In fact, money cannot hide the bodily deformities. It cannot buy peace of mind. The true glory and grandeur of man lies in his moral elevation. Achieved through a sustained pursuit of trust and truth. Constant fear of the Almighty. A firm faith in God. Success based on a moral foundation shall last. Good deeds are never lost. These alone shall be remembered.Even after the man is gone. The storms of time shall not be able to deface or destroy the good and virtuous deeds. Write your name on the hearts of a million men with love and kindness. Let God and not gold be the goal. The name shall be inscribed on the minds of men. It shall last longer than even the individual.

Today, the whole world is his sanctuary. His deeds and discourses are sacred and serene. To awaken and regenerate the degenerating world through light and righteousness is his mission. He rightly calls it — the Vishv Jagriti Mission.

He has a vision. Of a prosperous India giving a moral lead to the world. Of a peaceful and happy world. Where man respects man. A world in which all are bound together by love. Not torn by petty quarrels over small pieces of land.

May he continue to give light. May his mission succeed.