JAMMU, Oct 4: Sadguru Shri Madhuparamhans Ji Maharaj of Sahib Bandgi today addressed a congregation at Ranjri, Jammu, and delivered an enlightening discourse on the nature of the human soul, the influence of negative forces and the importance of spiritual awareness.
Addressing the gathering, Sadguru Shri Madhuparamhans Ji Maharaj said that every individual in the world is bound by forces that influence human thoughts and actions. He observed that people often make mistakes in life and later experience regret, stressing that no human being is completely free from error.
Explaining the importance of compassion and self-reflection, he narrated the well-known incident of a woman who was about to be stoned for committing a mistake. A sage intervened and asked that only the person who had never committed a mistake should cast the first stone. On hearing this, everyone lowered their hands and left. Through the example, he emphasised that before judging others, people should reflect upon their own shortcomings.
He said that human beings remain under the influence of a negative force that prevents them from recognising the true protector of the soul. Referring to the teachings of Kabir Sahib, he said that Kaal Purush, described as the negative power, resides within the human body and keeps the individual soul entangled in worldly illusions and desires.
Explaining the presence of the soul in all living beings, the spiritual leader narrated an incident involving a young parrot chick. He said that a boy had brought the chick after it became separated from its parents and had been taking care of it. When the chick was brought before him, it bit him when he touched it. He explained that although the bird was very young, it instinctively recognised what was beneficial or harmful to it.
He further narrated that he had advised the boy to protect the chick from predators. Soon afterwards, several parrots arrived and, after the chick was left at the spot, it fluttered towards them and was taken away. He said the incident demonstrated the natural bond between living beings and their offspring, comparing it to the way human beings search for their children when they go missing.
He emphasised that the same divine essence exists in all living beings and urged people to recognise the presence of the Divine Soul, or Atmadev, in everyone.
Explaining the nature of the soul, Sadguru Shri Madhuparamhans Ji Maharaj described it as pure, innocent and blissful, and as a fragment of the Divine. He said that the soul remains suppressed and trapped within the physical body because human beings mistakenly identify themselves with the body.
He compared the human body to a cage in which the soul remains imprisoned and said that various internal impulses and weaknesses act as its guards. Referring to the teachings of Kabir Sahib, he said that forces such as lust and anger constantly influence human beings and often drive them towards actions without adequate reflection.
He stressed that spiritual awakening is necessary for the individual to overcome these inner adversaries. According to his discourse, the power of the True Master’s Name enables the soul to overcome negative influences and ultimately return to its true spiritual abode.
The discourse concluded with an emphasis on self-realisation, compassion towards all living beings and the need for spiritual awareness in order to understand the true nature of the soul.