Two Great Masters- Living a Happy and Joyous Life

Iife is a part of the great process working in the universe. All of us are the products of that process and are built by the process. To move on, it is for us to learn the lessons involved in its workings. If we don't learn the necessary lessons, the universe finds a way to put the same lessons in our path, though wrapped in a different appearing package, again and again until we finally get it.

The author has brought before the readers a golden cart full of knowledge from the wisdom of the 'Two Great Masters' of our times placing before him the blue prints for leading a successful and rewarding life on earth. His way of presentation of their timeless guidance is unique. Spiritual truths have been beautifully blended into a loving and inspiring story. The story as well as the dialogues between the research scholars makes the book a beacon light for future generations.

Over the past century human civilization has graduated out of a material era into a mental era. All around enormous increase in knowledge, in technology and in all other fields invites them to see the light of the day and rise from the slumber of centuries. Future would lead humanity into a spiritual era in which all humans would start feeling one with each other.

Both the masters explained and demonstrated the Science of religion, the cosmic religion of humanity. We need to understand and practice this deeper science-the mother of sciences-in which the true explanation of life's phenomena can be found.

Every action of our lives, no matter how small or commonplace that may be, influences those around us and contains the potential for improving our environment. The quiet radiation of inner joy is as nurturing to human life as the food on the table. Let the reader rise to the occasion and reap the highest benefits from the contents of the book.

Three young research scholars take the readers on a ride with them on to the various pathways of life. Their path is illumined through the wisdom shining from the teachings of two great masters of our times-Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda. The journeys are both enriching and rewarding.

The author has done a tremendous work in bringing to light the various questions that normally affront a young reader's minds. The answers to questions through the acceptable method of dialogues offer solutions also. The dialogues are enriching and entertaining. Every time the reader picks up the book, he feels tagged to the story. Introduction of the idea of 'Yoga' for the persons with disabilities is not only noble but a sublime message for whole of the humanity.

A unique quality of the book is that author of the book is no where visible in the writings. He appears to be following the heroes of his story allowing them to express their minds fully.

However large the initial readership of the book may be, the power of its content will send a ripple through the universal consciousness-internet, planting inspirational thoughts that will sprout in their time.

Over the same sea, on the same winds, a ship sails in one direction another in opposite. It is the sails how they are tied and how they are manoeuvred. Similarly it is not the fate that decides where your life is going. It is all about how you take life and where you take it to.

All of us are born in this world like beautiful clay models ready to learn all talking, walking, eating, drinking, and so many other lessons and habits. We go back from the earth saying good-bye to life as hardened solid figures.

During the course of life, through experiences gained by growth in years, we start seeing the world according to our own perceptions. We create meanings, we create friends and enemies. We create our own truth, right or wrong.

The nature of life is to grow towards an ever more perfect and joyous expression of itself. Each living cell has a nervous system, no matter how rudimentary. The more developed the nervous system, the more it will express the qualities of the pure consciousness-intelligence, creativity and bliss.

Most of us go through life more as a routine and hardly try to understand what life is all about. During the journey of life through our tenured bodies we adopt 'isms', dogmas, beliefs and many other complex habits and all these things keep us away from understanding the true meanings of life. It is like watching a movie show and coming back home after fixed time, slowly forgetting the show as the time moves on. In the movie show we forget our identity, particularly if the movie is interesting. Similarly, while passing through life movie also we forget our true identity.

Common man on earth feels bewildered and confused in the dark alleys in which he finds himself at this time of the history. Self-proclaimed Godmen are alluring him with hoary lectures, and confusing him more and more. There is all around negative reporting in TV and media. Leaders are accusing and blaming each other. This affects the overall human psychology and people feel frustrated. In such circumstances religious bigotry also raises its head. There is hunger and poverty in many corners. People are starving for love, for appreciation, for some kind of fulfilment.

The balance is tilted in favour of material pursuits. There is neither any right guidance available nor do we get ready to make efforts to seek such guidance. Life passes on in procrastinations, finding excuses, and rationalizations in favour of our own view points. There are hardly any people who girdle their loins and get ready to do their best in spite of seeming odds.

Life, its substance and purpose, is an enigma, difficult yet not unknowable. The apparent complexities in general human nature are on account of the fact that humans lost the knowledge of applying life- giving principles of spirituality into their practical life. Our Earth, on which we live, perpetually remains in a long circular journey of 24,000 years with its family of Sun and other members in the Solar System. Astronomy and old scriptures tell us that there is a Grand Center in the Universe-the Source of All Energy (Known as Vishnu Nabhi in Indian scriptures) around which also all such similar systems revolve. The intelligence of inhabitants on earth rises or falls with reference to its distance from the Grand Center. (Explained in detail in the book 'Holy Science' by Sri Yukteswar and in Author's book 'Just 7 Days to Excellence')

Under these astronomical influences the earth passed through its darkest period of 2400 years (One-tenth only from 700 B.C to 1700 A.D) being farthest from the Grand Center. During this period, besides material downfall individual temperaments and social attitudes of the people, especially in India, were badly affected. Although 318 years have now passed and the humanity has entered into an ascending era in the cycle of 24,000 years yet compared to the long dark period of 2400 years (commonly known as Kaliyuga) this small period is insignificant.

Presently, the humanity is passing through a very critical phase of transition from old values to new values getting developed through moving forward in the field of information technology. Being in its initial stages of development, the information technology is however, having its adverse effects also on the young minds. The family way of life, peace and understanding are getting affected. Technology is being misused by criminal elements also.

In spite of all the seeming odds, the progressive thinking in this ascending Dwapara era and phenomenal advances in information technology we are daily solving many secrets of life. Little attention is however being paid towards the lost science of yoga (Science of the soul-the essence of our lives) without which it is impossible to find satisfaction and happiness in life however hard the humans may otherwise try. All of us now at least know and understand that life itself works in the body only till the Soul (Divine spark) remains in the body. The body falls dead when the soul leaves the body. Shouldn't we then explore the science of the soul and learn the right purpose of life?

A few years back I read about Lord Krishna telling his confused devotee Arjuna that only one in a thousand (.001 percent) makes efforts to seek Him (God) and out of those thousands who make efforts to seek Him only one knows Him (Bhagvad Gita*-Ch. VII, Verse 3). This statement perplexed me. All around us we see people reciting God, God,God; people swearing by His different names; people talking about God to others; people listening discourses about Him and doing so many rituals, etc. Generally all people go to temples, churches, mosques, gurudwaras, and other places of worship. Normally every home in India has a separate place for worship of the Lord in one way or the other. Then why do such a low percentage only of humans knows Him? An eagerness to know Him then took birth in me.

Man's efforts towards seeking God were only half-hearted, lacking sincerity, seriousness and wisdom. An average man hardly understands the true concept of God and the value of seeking Him in right earnest. He goes to places of worship more as a matter of routine or for seeking some favours from God and not for His love. At home also there is hardly any seriousness except sometimes lighting a jyoti (lamp) or chanting a few 'Mantras' etc morning and/or evening.

Because of the sensitive and emotional nature of humans they face a tough challenge to lead their lives successfully in a world full of duality. One moment we feel inspired and the other moment we are down. We go on playing this game whole of our lives and end up in cutting that very branch of the tree on which we were sitting. We could save ourselves from such predicaments if we make efforts to learn the right principles of life while we are alive.

**Contents and Sample Pages**