ध्यानस्य महत्वम

कस्मिंश्चित् ग्रामे एकः सन्तः आसीत्। तस्य नाम रामदत्तः। सः नित्यं प्रातःकाले एकस्मिन् वृक्षस्य छायायाम् उपविशत्। सः पद्मासनं कृत्वा नेत्रे निमील्य, गम्भीरं ध्यानं कुर्वन् आसीत्।

जनाः तम् अपश्यन् च चकिताः अभवन्। कश्चित् बालकः पृष्टवान् —

"भोः तात! भवतः नेत्रे निमीलिते, भवतः किम् कार्यम्?"

रामदत्तः स्मितं कृत्वा उक्तवान् —

"वत्स! अहं आत्मानं पश्यामि। बहिर्दृष्ट्या संसारं पश्यामः, अन्तर्दृष्ट्या आत्मानं। यदि आत्मा शान्तः भवति, सर्वं सुखमयं भवति।"

बालकः सन्तुष्टः अभवत्। सः अपि नित्यं ध्यानं कर्तुं आरब्धवान्। शनैः शनैः ग्रामस्य सर्वे जना अपि ध्यानस्य महत्त्वं अवगच्छन्। ते अपि प्रातःकाले समाहिताः उपविशन्ति स्म।

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पाठः (शिक्षा):

ध्यानस्य साहाय्येन चित्तं शान्तिं लभते। शान्तं चित्तं एव सुखस्य मूलम्।

ध्यानस्य महत्वम

 कथा: ध्यानस्य महत्त्वम्

कस्मिंश्चित् ग्रामे एकः सन्तः आसीत्। तस्य नाम रामदत्तः। सः नित्यं प्रातःकाले एकस्मिन् वृक्षस्य छायायाम् उपविशत्। सः पद्मासनं कृत्वा नेत्रे निमील्य, गम्भीरं ध्यानं कुर्वन् आसीत्।

जनाः तम् अपश्यन् च चकिताः अभवन्। कश्चित् बालकः पृष्टवान् —

"भोः तात! भवतः नेत्रे निमीलिते, भवतः किम् कार्यम्?"

रामदत्तः स्मितं कृत्वा उक्तवान् —

"वत्स! अहं आत्मानं पश्यामि। बहिर्दृष्ट्या संसारं पश्यामः, अन्तर्दृष्ट्या आत्मानं। यदि आत्मा शान्तः भवति, सर्वं सुखमयं भवति।"

बालकः सन्तुष्टः अभवत्। सः अपि नित्यं ध्यानं कर्तुं आरब्धवान्। शनैः शनैः ग्रामस्य सर्वे जना अपि ध्यानस्य महत्त्वं अवगच्छन्। ते अपि प्रातःकाले समाहिताः उपविशन्ति स्म।

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पाठः (शिक्षा):

ध्यानस्य साहाय्येन चित्तं शान्तिं लभते। शान्तं चित्तं एव सुखस्य मूलम्।

150 Years of Arya Samaj: A Spiritual Renaissance

Speech of Pandit Brahm Dev Vedalankar on maharishi dayanand

Respected Gathering, Esteemed Office Bearers and Workers of Arya Samaj Sakkarpur, Beloved Children, and Honorable Acharya seated on the Vyas Peeth,

Today is a truly auspicious day for all Aryas. On this Sunday, which also marks the Navami of the new Hindu year, we celebrate the birth anniversary of our revered Arya icon, Maryada Purushottam Shri Ramchandra Ji.

In truth, there come moments in all our lives when we draw inspiration from the life of Lord Ram. We look up to him for strength and guidance. Remember, this is the land of Bharat—whose ideals are personified in Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, and Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati.

In today’s society, people become overnight sensations through short reels and OTT fame, often forgetting that the true superstar, above all others, is Shri Ramchandra Ji. Despite all the wealth, food, clothing, and conveniences in modern society, there is still a severe lack of values and deep thinking. The reason for this is our departure from ideal role models.

When we are struggling in life, mentally or emotionally exhausted, if we are reminded of our roots—"You are a follower of Rishi Dayanand," "You revere Maryada Purushottam Ram," "You are a descendant of Yogiraj Krishna"—this awareness itself strengthens our thoughts and character. Life is full of challenges; it is a battleground of duties and responsibilities. If we become even slightly careless, we may lose everything.

So first, I bow to Shri Ramchandra Ji, who gives meaning to our existence. And second, I bow to Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, the harbinger of India’s spiritual renaissance, who reminded us that our true ideals are not just mythical, but deeply rooted in our heritage—Ram, Krishna, Chanakya, Rishi Kanada, Gautam—all visionaries of this land.

Let us remember: Arya Samaj was established on 10 April 1875 in Mumbai by Maharishi Dayanand with one primary aim—to unite all castes, sects, and communities under one Vedic banner, under the symbol of ‘Om’. Swami Dayanand's dream was to integrate fragmented Indian society into one brotherhood of Aryas.

Sadly, today we lack knowledge of his life because we don’t invest time in self-study. Our ideals are indeed Dayanand, but we neither read about him nor listen to scholars who share his wisdom. The last time I was here, I had begun to narrate his life story, especially his arduous journey to find a true Guru.

Let me share two observations that bring me sorrow:

1. Rishi Dayanand studied in Mathura. But the current condition of the place he stayed in—Guthia—is so dismal it can distress any sincere devotee.

2. He brought the Vedas back into the lives of Indians. One of the core tenets of Arya Samaj is: “The Vedas are the books of all true knowledge.” Reading, teaching, and listening to the Vedas is not just a duty—it is the supreme duty of all Aryas.

Just like a devout Hindu keeps the Ramayana at home, or a believer of another faith keeps their holy scripture, can we not make a solemn vow—on this 150th anniversary of Arya Samaj’s founding—to read at least one Vedic mantra a day? If not daily, then every alternate day, or at the very least once a week.

Swami Dayanand’s mission began with his publication of the “Sandhya” booklet, which compiled and explained the Vedic mantras used in daily prayers. A generous man once donated ₹1500 for its printing in 1866—a huge amount back then—and 3,000 copies were distributed freely to promote this spiritual discipline.

Swami Dayanand believed that true transformation in life can come only through regular Sandhya (daily prayer) and yogic practices. Today, as we celebrate the birth of Shri Ram, we must ask why people across the world, irrespective of faith or tradition, feel a spiritual energy on Ram Navami. It is because Shri Ram lived by what he preached. Greatness is not measured by wealth or fame, but by the alignment between one’s words and actions.

Swami Dayanand emphasized that we must embody our values in our behavior. Let me share a powerful anecdote from his life. While reading from a book called Panchadashi, he came across a passage suggesting that even God may err or fall into doubt. He immediately closed the book and declared he would no longer speak on that subject. He said, “God can never be deluded. He is omnipotent, omnipresent, and pure truth.” That was his commitment to truth.

Swami Dayanand lived simply—he wore unstitched clothes and was accompanied only by a cook and a humble Brahmin assistant. He came to the conclusion that until the knowledge of the Vedas is re-established, India cannot progress spiritually. He traveled extensively—to Agra, Kishangarh, Pushkar, and many other towns—spreading Vedic wisdom and urging people to use temple donations for the welfare of scholars and society, not for personal gain.

At Pushkar, even the Mahant of the Brahma temple was influenced by his teachings. Swamiji told him that wealth should be used for noble deeds, and one must never fall into immoral conduct.

Later, he arrived in Ajmer and engaged in a bold debate with Christian missionaries. On the fourth day, the topic was: “Is Jesus God? Did he resurrect after death?” Swamiji categorically denied both, stating such beliefs contradict Vedic truth. When a priest named Shulbread warned him of arrest, Swami Dayanand replied fearlessly, “No threat of prison can deter me from speaking the truth.”

Toward the end of his journey, Swamiji returned to his Guru, Virjanand Ji, in Mathura. He gifted him two gold coins and a fine muslin cloth and recited his manuscript Bhagwat Khandan, seeking his guru’s feedback and blessings.

This reminds me of an old teaching: when you visit your elders—be it your guru, your parents, or grandparents—never go empty-handed. And as Krishna says in the Gita, approach your teacher with questions and humility, and you shall gain wisdom.

Dear mothers and gentlemen, true life is one of gratitude—not just toward our teachers and parents, but toward our nation and culture. The one who remains grateful shines from within, remains wise, and never loses composure in adversity.

Let us remember, despite the countless hardships Swami Dayanand faced, he never let go of his inner wisdom. Today, as we celebrate the birth of Shri Ramchandra Ji, let us offer this prayer to the Supreme Lord:

"O Divine One, O Father of the Universe, grant us strength so that our path may align with Shri Ram, Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, Yogiraj Shri Krishna, and the ideals of Arya Samaj."

If we follow these thoughts in life, then celebrating Ram Navami and the 150th anniversary of Arya Samaj becomes truly meaningful. When our ideals are Ram, Krishna, and Rishi Dayanand, we are assured that in the end, Dharma will prevail, and Adharma will be vanquished.

Yes, life will present obstacles and trials, but when you live with conviction and devotion, nothing can stand in your way.

Bhakti and Karma: The Twin Pillars of Spiritual Life -By Pandit Brahm Dev Vedalankar

The one with whom I have established a bond, the one to whom I have expressed my sorrows and unburdened my heart—He is my beloved, the Supreme Father, the Almighty. A true devotee must reflect on what form genuine devotion should take. How should one call out to the Supreme Father in such a way that He listens? But nowadays, things have taken a different turn.

Please don’t take offense—just reflect for a moment. When we are in trouble or face hardship, what do we often say? “God, please fulfill my wish; I will offer so much in return.” When we come to a place of worship, we often say, “Lord, please help me. I will donate this much to the temple or offer this much in alms.” The intention is not bad, but the method is flawed.

Let me ask you a simple question. The one who sustains us all, who protects us and is supremely powerful—He is known as Indra, the all-powerful, the Lord. In the Satyarth Prakash, it is said that the one full of divine majesty is called Indra, that is, God.

Now tell me, the things we offer to God—are they truly ours? Or do they belong to God? Of course, they belong to Him. Then how can we assume ownership of them, and say, “God, I offer You this much; now You must do this for me”?

Devotion is not about bargaining with God. True devotion says, “Lord, if You have given me suffering, then You will also take it away. If You have given me hardship, then it is mine to endure—it will pass.”

Let me give you a simple example. When you're driving a vehicle and hit a pothole, the car jolts but recovers. What absorbs the shock? The shock absorbers in the car. Similarly, devotion works as a shock absorber in life—it softens the impact of life’s troubles.

Today, while studying the Upanishads, I came across a beautiful teaching. It said there are two kinds of devotion: regular and irregular. Regular devotion strengthens your self-confidence. Irregular devotion, on the other hand, leads to blind faith.

Let me illustrate this: When you wake up in the morning, you brush, bathe, and follow your routine. If you miss breakfast, you feel uneasy. Just like food is necessary for the body, regular devotion is essential for a pure and peaceful mind. But what do we do? We keep it last. After all our tasks, we squeeze in two minutes for a mantra or a quick prayer. And when asked to join a havan or prayer, we say, “No time.” If someone invites us to a spiritual gathering, we respond, “I’ll do it at home sometime.”

But then, in a moment of crisis, we remember God intensely. I received a powerful message once: “Who says God doesn’t exist? When everything fades in life, only God remains visible.” But why let it come to that? Why not remember Him always—as our guide, as the one who leads us?

Our prayer should be action-oriented. As the Vedas say: labor first, prayer later. Devotion has been misinterpreted as sitting idle and chanting, expecting miracles. True devotion means action plus prayer, infused with knowledge.

Let me share why we revere Swami Dayanand, Swami Shraddhanand, and Pandit Lekh Ram. It’s because their devotion wasn’t passive. They didn’t just chant. They acted—they transformed society. Their devotion wasn’t just in words, but in deeds.

Devotion must be active, driven by action (karmana). We must worship God through our deeds. If our words and actions don’t match, we’ll never truly understand God.

Lord Krishna also emphasizes this in the Gita. There are two paths—knowledge and action. The organs of knowledge perceive, while the organs of action perform. Just as a blind man needs the guidance of someone who can see, and a lame man needs someone who can walk—together they move forward.

Likewise, knowledge and action must go hand in hand. Prayer should follow labor. Effort and devotion must coexist, and devotion should be informed by knowledge.

Let me share the story of Swami Shraddhanand, formerly known as Munshi Ram. He was an atheist, caught in bad company. When Swami Dayanand visited Bareilly, his father urged him to attend the sermons. Munshi Ram did so, and after hearing the final sermon, he confessed that although all his questions had been answered, one thing was missing—he still hadn’t felt God’s presence.

Swami Dayanand responded, “I never promised to show you God. The Upanishads say that God is not attained through sermons or study but through His grace.” This moment stirred Munshi Ram. He later renounced alcohol, changed his life, and eventually became Swami Shraddhanand, founding Gurukul and leading social reform.

True devotion brings change. Think—despite years of worship and rituals, how much change has occurred in your life? Change happens when we offer with a pure heart and say, “Everything I have is Yours, Lord. Nothing is mine.” That’s when real devotion begins.

God helps those who help themselves. Take one step toward Him, and He will take ninety-nine toward you.

Vedas teach us that devotion must be active. We must be dynamic—not idle. And we must nurture ourselves, not just physically, but through self-examination and humility. Evaluate your actions. Are you impatient, angry, egoistic toward others? Cultivate inner refinement.

There’s a story of two disciples who sought a guru. He asked them how to remove darkness from a room. One said, “I’ll cut it with a sword.” The other said, “I’ll light a lamp.” We often fight our weaknesses. Instead, we should light the lamp of self-study, service, and good company.

When you sit in a satsang, negative thoughts disappear. Why? Because you're in the presence of truth. Serving others humbly brings inner grace. Lord Krishna, a master of all scriptures, chose to serve at the Rajsuya Yajna, handling guests' footwear and arrangements. That is true humility.

Becoming God-centered means aligning with His attributes—truth, consciousness, bliss (Sat-Chit-Ananda). Swami Dayanand once said: The greatest is God. And being near greatness makes you great. Just like keeping company with the divine instills divinity in you.

Swami Vivekananda said: “The one who helps is more fortunate than the one who receives help.” For a moment, God entrusted you with His work. That is a blessing.

Bhagavad Gita also says—purify yourself through knowledge and penance (tapas). What is penance? Enduring life's dualities—heat and cold, joy and sorrow—with steadiness. Krishna taught Arjuna to bear them like a true warrior.

When you light the lamp of knowledge, the same wind that once extinguished it now fuels it. Similarly, the hardships of life that once seemed against you will uplift you when you face them with strength.

So instead of fighting your anger, light the lamp of study. Replace jealousy with service. And at the beginning of your yajna, remember the mantra: “Om Amritopastharanamasi Swaha”—O Lord, You are my refuge, my resting place, my covering. When I rest in You, what need is there to fear?

Reflect on this truth daily, and the certainty of God will become stronger. As I said earlier, regular devotion gives self-confidence. Irregular devotion fosters blind faith.

Let us pause here for today. I will continue this reflection tomorrow. If you found anything meaningful, do ponder it. If there was any shortcoming, I welcome your feedback so I may improve. Thank you for your time and attention.

Om Shanti.

 

सत्य ज्ञान क्रांति का अप्रतिम योद्धा महर्षि दयानन्द सरस्वती।

महर्षि दयानन्द सरस्वती जी भारत के समृद्ध इतिहास के नायक इस संसार के अन्दर सबसे ज्यादा तपस्या साधना कठोर पुरुषार्थ यदि करना होता है तो ज्ञान प्राप्ति के लिए करना होता है। प्राचीन काल में जब कोई शिष्य गुरु के पास उपस्थित होता था तो समित्पानि होकर जाता था उसके बाद भी शिष्य को गुरु कहता था कि एक वर्ष बाद आना एक वर्ष श्रद्धा तप सत्य का अनुष्ठान करो और फिर जो तुम्हारे प्रश्न है अगर मै उनको जानता होऊंगा तो तुम्हे उत्तर दे दूंगा। इतना विश्वास अपने गुरु पर इतनी लगन तभी जिज्ञासु अपनी धीरज से अपनी जिज्ञासा शांत कर पाता है। संघर्ष में नही टूटना ही जीवन है। आप विचार कीजिए सूरज जब धरती पर अपनी किरणे बिखेरता है उससे पहले कितनी साधना संघर्ष करता है अपने डगमगाता नही अपने लक्ष्य से अपने कर्तव्य पथ से। इसी प्रकार जब कोई नदी पृथिवी से निकलकर प्रस्फुटित होती है बहुत संघर्ष करती है। याद कीजिए पवित्र गंगा नदी को धरती पर लाने के श्रीराम के पूर्वज श्री भागीरथी जी असंख्य वर्षों तक निरन्तर पुरुषार्थ और साधना और कठोर तपस्या निरन्तर करते रहे तभी अविरल निरन्तर बहने वाली मां गंगा को समस्त भारत का पालन पोषण करने वाली बना पाए। बालक सिद्धार्थ एक रोगी एक बूढ़े एक अर्थी को देखकर संसार के मोहपाश से मुक्त हो कर गौतम बुद्ध बन जाते है। समर्थ गुरु रामदास सावधान सुनकर विवाह मंडप से उठकर ऐसी यात्रा पर चले जाते हैं जो वास्तव में भारत के अन्दर एक स्वराज्य की क्रान्ति की ऐसी अग्नि प्रज्वलित करते है जिसकी ज्वाला में से छत्रपति शिवाजी महाराज का प्रादुर्भाव होता है जो मुगलों को छिन्न भिन्न करके हिंदवी स्वराज्य की स्थापना करते है। इसी कड़ी में जब देश के अंदर धर्म के नाम पर थोथा कर्मकाण्ड, नैतिकता के नाम पर मिथ्या अंधविश्वासों का प्रचलन था। चारों ओर समाज अपनी दुर्दशा पर कराह रहा था, नारियों की दुर्दशा के उनका रुदन और चित्कार बड़े बड़े पाषाण हृदय वाले लोगों को भी विचलित कर रहा था । ऐसी ही दुरूह कठिन परिस्थितियों में राष्ट्र नायकों का जन्म होता है। महान पुरुषों का व्यक्तित्व दिव्य प्रेरक होता है। वसुंधरा पर महापुरुषों का जन्म इतिहास की विशिष्ट घटना होती है। इनके उदात्त व्यक्तित्व, उत्कृष्ट विचार तथा प्रभावपूर्ण क्रियाकलापों के कारण ये महान पुरुष न केवल समकालीन अपितु आनेवाले युग युगांतरों तक अपनी चारित्रिक विशेषताओं की छाप छोड़ जाते है। इनका व्यक्तित्व एवं इनकी विचार सम्पदा मानव जाति का पथ निर्देश करते है। भारत की उर्वरा भूमि सदा से ही ऐसी महान दिव्य विभूतियों से सुशोभित रही है। गुजराती के प्रसिद्ध साहित्यकार कन्हैयालाल माणिकलाल मुंशी ने लिखा है इतिहास की रंगभूमि पर ऐसे व्यक्ति जब जब आते है तब दूसरे तत्व पुरुषार्थ विहीन हो जाते है इतिहास क्रम रुक जाता है। समय शक्तियों का मान भूलकर दर्शकों का मन उसके आसपास लिपट जाता है। भूतकाल की रंगभूमि पर ऐसे अनेक व्यक्ति हुए है परशुराम, योगेश्वर श्रीकृष्ण चाणक्य। ऐसे ही महान पुरुषों की शृंखला में भारत के धार्मिक सामाजिक सांस्कृतिक पुनर्जागरण के पुरोधा महर्षि दयानन्द सरस्वती जी की गणना ऐसे ही शलाका और प्रशंसनीय महान पुरुषों में होती है । गुजरात एक महावृक्ष है। उसकी जड़ में परमात्मा श्रेष्ठ श्रीकृष्ण का कर्मयोग छिपा हुआ है। उसकी डालियों पर महाकवि नर्मद और महात्मा गांधी की कोपले फूटी है।। गुजरात की इसी धरती ने लोककल्याण के लिए सर्वस्व त्याग करनेवाले संन्यासी दयानन्द सरस्वती जी को जन्म दिया । ऋषि दयानन्द जी का बचपन मूलशंकर जी ऋषि दयानन्द जी के बचपन का यही नाम था जब छोटे यानि कि किशोर अवस्था में थे उनके जीवन में एक अद्भुत घटना घटी जिसने न केवल उनकी मानसिक दशा में परिवर्तन किया अपितु उनके भावी कार्यक्रम की को भी सुनिश्चित कर सका। शिवरात्रि पर मूलशंकर जी ने व्रत रखा, रात्रि में शिव जी के ऊपर चूहों को उछल कूद करते देखा तो मुझे शंका हुई कि यह वो शिव तो नही है जिसकी मै कथा सुनता था कि वो सर्वशक्तिमान है, चेतन है मैने अपने पिता जी से पूछा कि पिता जी ये शक्तिमान चेतन है फिर ये चूहे को अपने ऊपर कैसे चढ़ने दे रहे है। तब पिता जी ने कहा कि कैलाश पर जो महादेव रहते है उनकी मूर्त बना कर पूजा करते है कलियुग में उस का दर्शन साक्षात नही होता है । ऐसा सुनकर मुझे भ्रम हो गया है । उसी समय मन में संकल्प लिया कि अगर ये शिव सत्य नही है एक दिन अवश्य ही अपने पुरुषार्थ और विवेक से सच्चे और सत्य शिव रूपी प्रभु के दर्शन अवश्य करूंगा। मनुष्य के विचार ही उसकी शक्ति है। महर्षि से सीखे। विचारों की यह दृढ़ता मूलशंकर के चरित्र की ऐसी विशेषता है जिसके कारण वो आजीवन अपनी आस्थाओं और मान्यताओं पर चट्टान की भांति दृढ़ और अविचल रहे। निन्दा अथवा स्तुति हानि अथवा लाभ कोई बाहरी प्रलोभन उन्हें विचलित नही कर सका। सामान्य मानव के लिए रोग शोक जरा और मृत्यु चाहे किसी भी प्रकार की उत्तेजना प्रदान न करते हो, किन्तु मनस्वी और दार्शनिक पुरुषों के लिए ये घटनाएं सदा ही असाधारणता लेकर आती है और उनके जीवन को निर्णायक मोड़ देने में कारण बनती है। इतिहास पुरुष ही कुछ विशिष्ट ही होते है जैसे महर्षि दयानन्द सरस्वती जी। संसार में आम लोगों के जीवन में मरण आदि विषय परेशान करते है लेकिन झकझोरते नही है लेकिन जो इस संसार में कुछ विशिष्ट आत्माएं जो कि दिखने में सामान्य ही होते है लेकिन जीवन में चिन्तन मनन का दृष्टिकोण दूरदर्शी होता है उन लोगों को अपनो की मृत्यु झझकोरती है। ऋषि दयानन्द सरस्वती जी के जीवन में एक रात जब वो अपने पारिवारिक उत्सव में व्यस्त थे अचानक से उनकी बहन की तबियत बिगड़ती है और मृत्यु को प्राप्त हो जाती है ऋषि दयानन्द जी अंदर तक सिहर जाते है और सोचते है कि एक दिन मै भी ऐसे ही मर जाऊंगा यही से उनके मन में वैराग्य की प्रेरणा जगी जिस वैराग्य को धारण करके जीवन के इस वास्तविक सत्य को समझ करके जन्म मरण से मुक्त हुआ जा सके। इसके उपरान्त उनके धर्मपरायण प्रिय चाचा जी का अचानक देहावसान हो जाने से अत्यंत वैराग्य हुआ कि संसार कुछ नही है। इन सब घटनाओं ने महर्षि दयानन्द जी को सत्य ज्ञान क्रांति का अप्रतिम योद्धा बना दिया। महर्षि दयानन्द जी से प्रेरणा जिसके कारण बाद के वर्षों में उनकी सत्य की साधना और तपस्या में वो ऊर्जा रही है जिसके कारण असंख्य लोगों में सत्य मार्ग में चलने का संकल्प ही नही लिया अपितु सत्य मार्ग पर चलकर व्यक्ति निर्माण, राष्ट्र निर्माण में अप्रतिम योगदान दिया। आइए संकल्प ले हम सभी महर्षि दयानन्द जी की सिद्धांतों पर चलकर सही अर्थों में ज्ञान के प्रकाश से प्रकाशित रहेंगे। पण्डित ब्रह्मदेव वेदालंकार