JAMMU, Sep 20: Premavatar, Yugdrashta, Shri Hari Kripa Peethadhishwar and world-renowned saint Shri Shri 1008 Swami Shri Hari Chaitanya Puri Ji Maharaj, while addressing a large gathering of devotees at the Hanuman Temple in village Chak Malal on Sunday, said that despite making every possible effort, people often remain trapped in sorrow, unrest, conflicts, worries, fear and various other difficulties. He emphasized that lasting happiness cannot be achieved merely through material comforts and that true happiness comes through taking refuge in Dharma and the Supreme Divine.
Maharaj Ji explained that many people are like a deer caught in a net. In its desperate attempt to escape, the deer can become even more entangled because of its own antlers. Similarly, human beings often become trapped in their own worries, desires and reactions. Happiness and sorrow, gain and loss, life and death, favourable and unfavourable circumstances, fame and disgrace are all temporary phases of life. The world, circumstances, living beings and material possessions are constantly changing. However, a thoughtful person does not abandon Dharma and faith in the Supreme Divine regardless of changing circumstances.
He said there is a fundamental difference between possessing the means of happiness and actually experiencing happiness. Material possessions may provide comfort, but they cannot guarantee inner peace. According to Maharaj Ji, true and lasting happiness can be attained by following Dharma, cultivating inner discipline and taking refuge in the Supreme Divine.
Addressing the causes of suffering, he said that if the actual causes of disease, grief, fear, anxiety and unrest are identified and removed, the remedies adopted by a person can become meaningful and effective. Maharaj Ji also strongly criticized hypocrisy, superstition, blind faith and rigid orthodox practices.
Speaking about the growing popularity of Vastu Shastra, he observed that people often demolish and rebuild portions of their houses or change directions according to Vastu beliefs, whereas the real transformation required is within oneself. He said that merely blaming one’s fate cannot solve problems. Similarly, wearing numerous rings and gemstones or performing actions solely according to particular days and directions cannot independently guarantee success.
He stressed that sincere effort in the right direction, wholehearted remembrance of the Supreme Divine, seeking the blessings and good wishes of others, and working with dedication, commitment and enthusiasm can contribute to a meaningful and successful life. He also emphasized the importance of preserving love, unity and harmony within families, communities, the nation and society.
In his spiritual discourse, Maharaj Ji said that a controlled mind and disciplined senses become a person’s greatest friends, while an uncontrolled mind and senses become the greatest enemies. He explained that merely conquering external circumstances does not make a person a true Mahaveer; the real victory lies in conquering one’s own mind and senses.
He said that the mind can become both an obstacle and an instrument of spiritual progress. Therefore, people should train their minds to become a means of spiritual advancement. When the mind accepts defeat, a person experiences defeat, whereas when the mind remains victorious and balanced, the person gains inner strength. Happiness and sorrow are also largely experiences of the mind, arising when the mind is either in harmony or disharmony with circumstances.
Maharaj Ji advised devotees to perform their duties while remembering the Supreme Divine wholeheartedly. He urged everyone to serve the world according to their ability and cultivate love and devotion towards the Supreme Divine and saints.
Speaking about forgiveness, he said that revenge increases hostility, while forgiveness promotes love. Forgiveness, he emphasized, is not a weakness but a quality of the brave. According to him, wherever revenge, jealousy, hatred and constant opposition dominate the heart, there is a form of hell; wherever love, unity and harmony prevail, there is heaven.
He said that anyone aspiring to progress on the path of sainthood should cultivate virtues such as forgiveness, compassion, generosity and grace. Goodwill leads towards liberation, while ill will can lead to downfall. He urged people to avoid unnecessary disputes, complications and conflicts and instead work towards creating a peaceful social environment.
Maharaj Ji observed that excessive desire for honour and prestige can provide shelter to pride and deceit. He said that society does not merely require people who speak about reform but needs individuals who genuinely dedicate themselves to serving society. He added that a person’s inner thoughts and feelings gradually shape his or her external actions. When an individual calmly and impartially consults the conscience, it can provide the right direction.
He further advised devotees never to cause sorrow, fear or suffering to anyone, nor to encourage or wish for the suffering of others. Everyone should seek refuge in the Supreme Divine, who represents Truth. He stressed that truth accompanied by deceit cannot truly be regarded as truth.
Emphasizing the importance of duties, Maharaj Ji said that everyone should faithfully perform their respective responsibilities. When individuals sincerely fulfil their duties, many conflicts over rights can naturally be reduced because one person’s duty becomes another person’s right.
He advised devotees not to treat others in a manner they themselves would not accept. Before giving advice, inspiration or teachings to others, one should first implement those principles in one’s own life. Only then can one’s words have a meaningful impact on others.
Maharaj Ji also spoke about the glory of the Divine Name and stated that the Name is even greater than Rama. He elaborated on the importance of Sanskar (values and moral impressions) in Indian culture and explained their significance in shaping an individual’s character and conduct.
He urged devotees to maintain complete faith in the Lord and Guru, strengthen their self-confidence and perform their respective duties with dedication and sincerity. He also cautioned people against weakening their physical and inner strength through improper eating habits, irregular and uncontrolled lifestyles, moral degradation or by choosing the wrong path.
He stressed that wisdom and discrimination must accompany strength so that peace and power are not misused. According to Maharaj Ji, Dharma and spirituality can provide guidance against personal downfall and the negative tendencies emerging in society. He therefore urged everyone to continuously seek refuge in Dharma and the Supreme Divine.
Maharaj Ji advised devotees to draw inspiration and guidance from saints, scriptures, great souls and divine incarnations and to make their lives ideal and spiritually elevated. At the same time, he said that goodness should be accepted wherever it is found. A person genuinely seeking knowledge can learn even from someone considered lowly or unrighteous. He cited the example of Duryodhana, who, despite having Lord Krishna before him, failed to learn from Him.
During his uninterrupted discourse, Maharaj Ji deeply engaged the devotees and created an atmosphere filled with spiritual devotion. The gathering resonated with chants of “Jai Jai Shri Guru Maharaj!”, “Jai Kaman Ke Kanhaiya!” and “Jai Lathi Wale Bhaiyya!” As Maharaj Ji rendered devotional bhajans, devotees danced joyfully and immersed themselves in devotion.
Thousands of devotees from the local area, neighbouring regions and distant places participated in the spiritual gathering to receive the blessings of Maharaj. Earlier, a large number of devotees had gathered to welcome Maharaj and seek his blessings.
The event was also attended by Brigadier and BSF Commandant D. S. Rawat, SSP Bhagat, MLA Mohan Lal Bhagat, former MLA Rajiv Sharma, members of the Gurudwara Management Committee, the President of the Civil Society, members of the Manas Committee, municipal officials, members of the Ramlila Committee and a large number of prominent citizens from the area.