AKHNOOR, Nov 1: Madhu Paramhans Ji Maharaj, Sadguru of Sahib Bandgi, delivered a spiritual discourse in Akhnoor, Jammu, on the importance of karma, human destiny and the path of spiritual awakening, urging devotees to understand the role of consciousness in attaining inner peace and divine realisation.
Addressing the congregation, Maharaj Ji explained that every individual has to face the consequences of their actions and that no one is free from the cycle of karma. Referring to the lives of Lord Rama, Ravana and Vibhishana, he explained how actions determine the course of one’s life and ultimately shape one’s destiny. He stated that Lord Rama’s exile and Vibhishana’s rise to the throne of Lanka, while Ravana met his downfall, could be understood through the principle of karma.
Explaining the spiritual significance of Sage Vashistha, Maharaj Ji narrated that Queen Kaushalya performed intense penance seeking a divine son, which led to the incarnation of Lord Rama. He also referred to the belief that Sage Vashistha was an incarnation of Lord Brahma and subsequently became the spiritual guide of Lord Rama.
Referring to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the spiritual philosophy of Sahib Bandgi, Maharaj Ji said that human beings must understand the purpose of their existence and the consequences of their past actions. He explained that the physical body and worldly life are associated with the experience of karma, but a spiritually enlightened person faces life’s challenges with wisdom, while an individual lacking spiritual understanding remains trapped in suffering.
Drawing an analogy between filmmaking and human destiny, he explained that just as a film’s script is prepared before characters are selected, an individual’s prarabdha (destiny based on past actions) determines the circumstances into which one is born. He emphasised that the account of one’s karma cannot simply be erased and that every individual must remain conscious of their actions.
Explaining the spiritual teachings of Sahib Bandgi, Maharaj Ji highlighted Surati Yoga, describing it as the path of consciousness and focused attention. He clarified that the tradition places primary importance on controlling and directing one’s attention rather than physical postures, gestures or breath-control techniques.
He explained that surati refers to the attention or consciousness of an individual, which constantly wanders from one thought or worldly attraction to another. Giving everyday examples, he said that when a person sitting before us becomes distracted, it is immediately evident that their attention has shifted elsewhere. Similarly, when someone stumbles while walking, people often ask where their attention was.
Maharaj Ji emphasised that the human mind constantly distracts consciousness through worldly desires and thoughts. Therefore, spiritual progress requires bringing this wandering attention under control and directing it towards the Divine.
He concluded by explaining that focused consciousness is central to spiritual awakening and divine realisation, urging devotees to understand the true nature of their attention and follow the path of inner awareness.