AKHNOOR, May 17: Madhu Paramhans Ji Maharaj, spiritual head of Sahib Bandgi, while addressing devotees in Akhnoor, said that remembrance (Sumiran) of the Divine Name is the ultimate remedy for all human suffering and inner unrest.
Delivering his spiritual discourse, Maharaj said that human beings experience pain and suffering because of the influence of the senses and inner weaknesses such as lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego. He stated that saints and sages throughout history have repeatedly advised people to seek refuge in the Divine Name to attain true happiness and peace.
He described the senses as highly deceptive and said that a person who gains control over them becomes a true sage. Explaining the nature of the restless mind, he said the soul itself remains untouched by insults, pain or worldly disturbances, but the mind continuously creates turmoil within the body and keeps individuals trapped in suffering.
Speaking on changing social values, Maharaj expressed concern over increasing domestic conflicts and the breakdown of the traditional joint family system in India. He said that despite material wealth and prosperity, constant disputes within families leave individuals unhappy and mentally disturbed.
He further said that the mind keeps the soul constantly occupied and prevents people from engaging in meditation and remembrance of the Divine Name. Whenever a person attempts to meditate, the mind distracts attention in different directions, making concentration difficult and depriving the individual of true spiritual bliss.
Explaining the purpose of Sumiran, Maharaj said all spiritual traditions ultimately emphasise concentration and focused awareness for realizing the connection between the individual soul and the Supreme Soul. He termed this concentrated awareness as Surati.
Comparing the mind to a vast ocean filled with endless waves of desires, he said inner peace and spiritual experience can only be attained through deep concentration and meditation. He added that true happiness already exists within the soul, while worldly pleasures eventually become sources of sorrow.
Maharaj concluded by urging devotees to focus on meditation and remembrance of the Divine Name to attain lasting peace, inner happiness and spiritual fulfilment.