Akram Youth

September 2014 | English

Miracles

Definition
Science of miracles
What is a miracle
What is not a miracle?

Dada Bhagwan Parivar

12

Editorial
Jsca Dear Friends,
We all must have observed that when a tree bears fruits, the branches tend to lean
downwards. We can always argue that it happens so due to the weight of the fruit, but there is a
lot to be learnt from this simple process likewise we get to learn a lot from two towering
personalities of the last century who even on reaching the pinnacle of their careers always
remained rooted to the ground and through their thoughts and deeds set unique examples for
future generations. Read about Ignacy Jan Paderewski and Mahatma Gandhi on pages 10 and
23 respectively.
Learning is everywhere. An incident in a restaurant of Germany sets a classic example for
the rest of the world to think about. Explore it to the fullest on page 20.
Time to exercise your mind, isnt it?
Jai Satchitanand.
Dimple Mehta.

Publisher & Editor:

Dimple Mehta
Year : 2, Issue : 5
Conti. Issue : 17
September 2014
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Gujarat-382421
Phone: (079) 39830100
email: akramyouth@dadabhagwan.org
website: youth.dadabhagwan.org
store.dadabhagwan.org/akram-youth

02 | September 2014

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Contents

04 Gnani with Youth

14 Dadas Book Excerpt |

Miracles

06 Story | Miracles

16 Gnani... An Idol of

08 Gnanis Scientific Solution

18 Happy Onam

09 Science And Invention | Velcro

20 Moral Story | Money is yours,

Astonishment!!

but resources belong to the society

10 Glimpses of Great Souls |

22 Solutions to our Problems

Ignacy Jan Paderewski

12 Cause & Effect | Story of

23 Gandhi Jayanti

Shri Sambhavnath Bhagwan

Akram Youth | 03

Gnani with Youth

Paisa nou Vyavahar (Monitary Dealings)

Questioner: Why Laxmi (Goddess of

Wealth) and Sarasvati (Goddess of Knowledge &
Speech) are not found to coexist in an individual?
Pujyashri: Really speaking, it is not so.
There is no rule as such that both cant exist
together. If one has a good voice and sings well,
he tends to become egoistic. When approached
for a small favor in a function, he often refuses.
He may look upon you as if you are inferior to
him. Thats how he will obstruct Laxmi and
chances of getting money in future. When one
avoids an opportunity, the Goddess of Wealth
stays aloof. You will find that simple and easy
going people have both, knowledge and wealth.
Questioner: People have lots of money
nowadays. But even then, there is no peace in their
life. Why is it so?
Pujyashri: That is because money
nowadays is not hard earned money but
manipulated wealth. Thats why it does not
bring peace. If the money is accumulated
through fraudulent and unfair means, it will
cause pain and rob you of your peace of mind.
Whereas, it will bring peace and satisfaction
only if it is earned through hard work, coupled
with resultant punya (merit) karmas. In Dadas
terminology it is called punyanu-bandhi-punya
karma meaning it is the result of past good
karmas and will again be spent in such a way that
it will cause (bind) punya karmas for future life,
a win-win situation both ways. But if the same is
attained through cheating and fraudulent ways,
it will result in binding paap (demerit) karmas
called paapanu-bandhi-punya. It means one is
getting money because of merit karmas of past
04 | September 2014

life but today he is charging paap karmas for the

future life. Dishonesty, cheating, arson, theft all
result in receiving pain in the end. Satsangs,
donations, charity, honesty that imparts
happiness to all, results in getting happiness in
return. These result in elevation to higher lifeforms in the process of evolution. The one who
inflicts pain on others is subjected to animal life
in the next birth, where one is bound to toil and
suffer pain.
Questioner: I am not able to save money!
What do I do?
Pujyashri: Do you earn money?
Questioner: Not yet. I am still studying in
college!
Pujyashri: Then how do you get money?
Questioner: Mom gives me, not dad.
Pujyashri: So, dad knows that you are
wasting money. Does mom give it willingly or
you manage to convince her somehow?
Questioner: No. She gives willingly.
Pujyashri, it so happens that when Im with friends,
I end up paying most of the time in the canteen.
Pujyashri: Well. Tell your friends that you
will pay for tea and snacks today. But then they
will have to pay for the rest of the week. Will
they agree?
Questioner: No.
Pujyashri: Why is it so? Why dont youll
start going dutch. Everyone will have to pay for
himself. You will find most of your friends will
vanish. There are people who make friendship
only for gains.
Questioner: It is not so. They are friends.
They are not only after food!

Pujyashri: How can you be so sure? Try to

find out. How many friends do you have?
Questioner: 7 to 8.
Pujyashri: Fine. Just dont pay for 8 days.
Say that you will pay on the ninth day only. You
will find how many of them stay back. It is wiser
to spend for mahatmas who are a better
company and the discussions will be about
satsangs & personal development. In case of
college friends, there are needless talks on
cinemas and girl friends and the money spent
will be a waste.
Questioner: We do talk about education
also.
Pujyashri: But that should be on a regular
basis. Otherwise, it will affect our education and
spoil our life.
Questioner: Expenses are more on
Sundays!
Pujyashri: Then try this method. Spend
only on the 8th Sunday. Wait for your turn. Let
others spend first. This way you will save money
as well as identify who are your true friends. Bad
company will fall by itself. Try to save something
from your pocket money & return it to your
mom. Tell her you will demand only when
needed. You may even draw a lesser amount
than what she gives. This self constraint will
help you to save your fathers money. It would
have been a different matter had you been
earning. But father must be working and toiling
hard to earn money to pay for your education
and upbringing. How much load would you like
to put on him?
Questioner: I have developed this habit of

spending from childhood!

Pujyashri: No. you must be alert now. Do
you know your weakness? Your friends praise
you, Look, Ganesh is hearty and broad minded.
He always spends unselfishly and takes care of
his friends. This buttering boosts your ego
and you fall into their trap. Arent your friends
doing so?
Questioner: May be somewhat. Not
everyone.
Pujyashri: Its all the same. They boost
your ego with praise and you end up spending.
This act may lower the greed element in you
but will enhance pride. Whats the gain? There
has to be some normality. How much do you
spend in a month? Rs.1000/- or so?
Questioner: More. About Rs. 1500 plus.
Pujyashri: Well that comes to Rs. 9,ooo in
6 months and Rs. 18,000 in a year. That amount of
money can cover someones education for the
whole year, whereas we spend it in hotels and
fun where it all ends up as waste. In future we
will always be short of money. Do you know the
golden rule? What we spend today is the result
of our punya-karma. You are encashing your
punya. So be careful and economical. Spend only
when necessary so that you have sufficient
balance in times of dire need. So, next time,
when you go to a hotel and suppose the bill is of
Rs.100/-, you pay only Rs.20/-, being your
proportionate share. Dont be liberal, otherwise
you may end up with negative feelings that
Everytime, I end up paying for all and that will
spoil your friendship. Do you understand?
Akram Youth | 05

Story
Biswas Dubey was studying in T.Y.B.Com at
Chanakya National University in Jakkanpur town near
Patna. He had failed twice. This was his third attempt.
He was the lone family member who had reached up to
this level. In fact, the Bihar Government had announced
a prize money of Rs. 51,000/- to all students who would
complete their graduation. This prompted many
students to continue learning beyond class XII, since
past few years.
Biswas, as such, was not good enough in studies.
It was the greed for prize money that drove him to
attempt the degree course. He relied upon superstitions
rather than working hard for achieving success. All day
he would keep busy to please Yogi Babas and Sadhus,
the so called miracle-men.

06 | September 2014

Is there anything in this world

known as

Miracle?

One day he visited Ramprasad Chaurasiya, known for miracles. That day he displayed an
empty handkerchief and managed to bring out a pigeon from it. He repeated this many a times
and within minutes, 5 or more pigeons appeared from nowhere. Biswas was fully mesmerized
by this act and he developed full faith in this persons abilities. Ramprasad Chaurasiya asked
Biswas to work for him for 71 days unselfishly. If he did his work sincerely, he would reward
Biswas with a miraculous coin that would help him to remember whatever he studied, so that he
could pass his exams this time around.
Today was the 17th day. He worked all day in the farm as directed by Ramprasad
Chaurasiya. He met his friend Kailash while he was returning home from work in the evening.
Kailash used to live in the neighborhood. He had studied up to 10th standard in Patna and
then had gone to Mumbai for further studies in Computer Engineering. He was in the last year of
his degree course. He had come to town to spend his vacation.
How are you? asked Biswas.
I am fine. Tell me where are you heading? asked Kailash.
Biswas told him the story of his failure in T.Y. for 2 years and how he had developed faith in the
miracle-man Ramprasad Chaurasiya so that he could pass in his exams this time. Listening to
this, Kailash got furious.
What kind of madness are you into? shouted Kailash.
Biswas argued, Its not madness. It is my belief.
Kailash clarified, You need to work hard and have a strong determination in order to pass
exams. Nobody can rely on miracles to get through
Biswas replied firmly, A person who can inject life into a lifeless thing can virtually do
anything. At least he will be able to get me passing marks.
Kailash was equally unrelenting Listen, drop this madness. That was not a miracle, but
only some kind of a gimmick. An eye-wash through some smart hand play! Look, I am studying
engineering and getting through with sheer hard work, not through miracles.
Biswas suggested, Had you met Ramprasadji, you would have scored still better marks.
If he is so powerful, ask him to bring Haris son back to life Kailash demanded.
He can do anything Biswas was still defending.
How can he do that? Even God cant do so and he is a mere human being exclaimed
Kailash. Just wonder, if he can perform such miracles, he wouldnt be short of anything that is
required by him! Why would he take money from you? Think patiently, and rid yourself of this
madness!
Biswas was jolted with this final blow from Kailash. He was almost convinced with
Kailashs arguments. He immediately started for Ramprasads house. He distinctly remembered
a conversation wherein a saint suffering from cancer had requested Ramprasad to cure him. To
this Ramprasad had replied he that was unable to do so. I am a human being, not God were his
remarks.
By the time he reached the porch of Ramprasads house it was 9.30 p.m. He found a group
of people there and Ramprasad was visibly upset. He was shouting I am robbed. There has
been a burglary in my house.
Then bring the money back - remarked someone from the crowd. You perform lots of
miracles. You can do anything.
Ramprasad could only say, I am a human being, not God
Akram Youth | 07

LE
B
O

Gnanis Scientific Solution

Questioner: Dada, I have

seen a Yogi performing miracles
using a leaf from a mango tree.
Dadashri: Yes. But what
kind of leaf was that? It was
from a Mango tree. Now if you
give him a leaf from some
other tree, say for example
those used for making wine
and ask him to perform, he will
simply object. He will insist for
this particular leaf from mango
tree only. The quality of the
leaf is an evidence in the act.
We know that steel is so hard
that it cant be bent,
irrespective of miracles you
would like to perform. It is the
properties of the items used
that are defining results.
Questioner: They
perform magic and produce
watches, rice, beans, ashes, etc.
from nowhere. How are they
able to do that?
Dadashri: Thats all an
eye-wash. They play tricks with
swift play of hands that we
08 | September

PR

Miracle means an
acceptance through
blind faith.
- Dadashri

ON
TI

S OL

cannot notice. We think its a

miracle since our mind cannot
perceive it.
Questioner: How does
our belief in miracles, affect our
normal life? Does it drift us
towards blind faith?
Dadashri: All such blind
faith without any
understanding in itself is a sort
of miracle. The person
performing such an act is
merely fooling himself more
than the others. You take my
advice. Ask one of these yogis,
Do you have to answer your
call of nature? He will
obviously say, Yes. Then ask
him to stop that by performing
a miracle! Ask him, does he
have any control or authority
over this act of defecating? If
he says, No, you are through.
Just ask him why do you fool
around with innocent people?
There is nothing as such
called miracle. These people
manage to spring watches or

ashes by playing tricks. If that

is really so, why dont they
produce food grains so that we
dont need to import the same?
Even the factories
manufacturing watches will
not be needed, as these people
would manage its supply!
Questioner: What do
they want to prove actually by
doing such acts?
Dadashri: To create an
image of superiority & take
advantage of the peoples
ignorance. It is to get material
gains, either financial or social.
So, We always warn people,
Look, dont follow such
things blindly. There is nothing
that can be called a miracle.
Presently, the times are such
that people are deceived
easily. All because of greed! An
intelligent person is one who is
not greedy. He will not fall for
such acts.

Science And Invention

VELCRO

Velcro is a company that

produces the first commercially
marketed fabric hook and
loop fastener also known
blurr and touch.
Invented in 1948 by George de
Mestral, a Swiss Electrical
Engineer.
Patented as Velcro in 1955 and
Commercially introduced in late
1950s.
Velcro company headquarters:
Manchester, New Hampshire,
USA.
Meaning of Velcro Two
French words Velorus (velvet)
and crochet (hook)
Hook and loop fastener consists
of two lineal fabric strips (a)
tiny hooks (b) hairier loops
which are attached to the
opposing surfaces to be
fastened.
Working: When the two
components are pressed
together, the hooks catch in the

loops and two pieces fasten or

bind temporarily. When
separated by pulling the two
surfaces apart, they make the
distinctive ripping sound.
First Velcro sample was made
of cotton, but proved
impractical and hence was
replaced by nylon and
polyester.
Variations: hooks on both faces,
buttons, zippers, laces and
buckles.
Velcro brand is an example of a
genericized trademark, its
brand name having become the
generic term in many
languages.

Legend: Georges de Mestral

who lived in Commugny, once
on his way back from a hunting
trip with his dog in Alps, took a
close look at the burrs (seeds)
of burdock that kept sticking to
his clothes and his dogs fur. He
examined them under a
microscope, and noted their
hundreds of hooks that
caught anything with a loop,
such as clothing, animal fur, or
hair. He saw.hooks and loops.
Uses: apparel, shoes, leashes,
nuclear power plants, battle
tanks, in the space shuttle
(Velcro made of Teflon loops,
polyester hooks and glass
backing are used.)
Akram Youth | 09

Glimpses of Great Souls

Continuing the journey on the life and times of Paderewski, from where we left of in the
previous issue. This small gesture on his part gives us a glimpse of one of the many virtues of
this great soul.
Once during one of his concerts, it so happened that a
small boy sitting in the auditorium, climbed onto the stage and
began playing Chopsticks and "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"
on the piano. This upset the audience and they wanted the
child to be taken away from stage, as they had come for
Paderewskis performance. When Paderewski realized what
was going on, he went to the piano and began playing along
with the boy, whispering to him, "Keep going. Don't quit, son".
This goes to show how humble and low profile Paderewski
was.

Ignacy Jan
Paderewski

Former Prime Minister

Poland

10 | September

Paderewski once recalled, "I had set certain norms for

the audience attending my concerts that there should be
complete silence and none should be talking when I play.
Incase someone would talk, I would stop playing & would say,
I am sorry to interrupt your conversation. I deeply regret to
disturb you. So I am going to stop for a while to allow you to
continue talking! You can imagine the effect it had..."
Trainloads of people would come in from nearby towns
to hear him play piano. Once when a train from Montana was
delayed by a snowstorm, he waited till the arrival of his fans
before beginning his concert. His fans would do likewise,
whenever he was delayed. When they could not get enough of
his playing, they would refuse to go home even hours past the
end of his program. He gladly continued to play till his fans
were satisfied.
Life struggles made Paderewski tougher:
Paderewski`s personal life was difficult and marked by much suffering. He grew up
without a mother; his father was arrested because of his involvement in the January Uprising;
his first wife died at 20 and left him with an incurably ill son Alfred Paderewski. He also faced
rejections and harsh criticism from the critics during his early career as virtuoso and composer.
It seems, all this sufferings played a crucial role in developing his extraordinary personality and
sensitivity.
Qualities as a human being:
His statesmanship, his devotion to the cause of world peace, and above all, his untiring
and constant labour for the liberty and security of his beloved homeland, Poland, have given
him a rare place, not only in the hearts of his countrymen, but to all intellectual people in the
world. This world will long remember and honour him for these attainments.
In his life, he went through almost every variety of human experience; from the
glamorous excitement of the greatest possible personal triumph on the concert platform, to
the most severe depths of personal and private sorrow. He faced them all with dignity and
nobility; the successes could not turn him from the simplicity and purpose of his life, nor could
the sorrows destroy his faith and his love for mankind.
If ever there lived a man who had that faith in abundance, it was Paderewski. Every move
in his life personally, socially and economically was for the benefit and improvement of his
fellow men.
Yes, here was a personality that was not one in a million, but perhaps one in a century.
An artist of such a distinctly pronounced individuality as to be an exceedingly rare occurrence ,
indeed phenomenal." Paderewski was a genius, an intellectual, a "statesman par excellence;" a
beautiful orator in a language that was not his; a linguist who spoke no less than seven
languages fluently; a great musician; a patriot; and most of all, a humanitarian who was so
generous that every act of kindness was always returned manifold to him.
Akram Youth | 11

Story of

Shri Sambhavnath Bhagwan

3rd Tirthankara

in current life cycle

Shri Sambhavnath Bhagwan was the search for grains dispersed all around.
3rd amongst the 24 Tirthankaras as per the Businesses collapsed and there were ugly
Jain time cycle. His previous birth was that of a scenes of loot and arson all around and there
king named Vipulvahan.
was a complete breakdown of law and order.
A very kind person, King Vipulvahan The whole kingdom turned into a graveyard. It
was famous for his noble virtues. He believed was impossible to expect people to remain
in maintaining law and order in his kingdom. religious and orderly at this hour!
As he was highly judicious, the punishment
King Vipulvahan was deeply aggrieved
meted out to a criminal was equally matched by this event. He realized it was his duty and
to the nature of his crime. Similarly, he praised responsibility to protect people of his
people possessing good qualities. He had no kingdom, especially those who had firm belief
lust for power. He was religious minded and in religion and God.
regularly worshipped Lord Tirthankaras of
He gathered a team of cooks and
earlier times as a true seeker. He was large ordered them to make enough food till the
hearted and generous to the extent that
[ 12 ] last of grain was utilized. The food was to be
nobody returned empty handed from his served to sages and monks first and to the
palace.
general public thereafter. It was his order that
Once it so happened that his kingdom he would eat only after all his subjects had
faced a severe drought. There was shortage been taken care of. Money was spent heavily
of food and water. People considered to procure help in achieving this goal, and the
themselves lucky to find even a handful of treasury got emptied in the process.
grains. They were left to eat tree leaves and
This way, King Vipulvahan went through
bushes to satisfy hunger. Animals started to very tough times staying hungry by feeding
perish. There were crowds at every market to sages and his subjects. This was a classic
12 | September

Cause & Effect

example of ahardaan, charity of food in

religious terms, which he did unselflishly
without expecting anything in return. As a
result of his compassion, he was destined to
become a Tirthankara in his future life.
After overcoming this drought, once
while King Vipulvahan was relaxing on his
terrace, he saw clouds in the sky. He expected
it would rain in a while. Instead, a strong
breeze swept across and the clouds got
dispersed. Instantly a thought appeared in his
mind, How temporary are situations?
Expectation of rain got destroyed in matter of
seconds! Isnt this applicable to our worldly
life? Our health, money, property and
belongings are just as temporary as this cloud.
How can these be trusted? Is there anything
that may be termed permanent or can be
trusted?
The King found himself in deep distress.
Till then he was thinking that all his
possessions and happiness were permanent.
But an untimely death can put an end to all this
any moment, just like the cloud! What will be

his state of mind at that point of time? Will he

be performing religious deeds? What will be
the fate of his next birth? He felt unsure of
himself.
This incident sparked off the spirit of
renunciation in the life of King Vipulvahan. He
felt a strong desire to achieve self- realization
and began his journey to find Pure Soul within.
He passed on the reigns of his kingdom to his
son. He sought diksha (sanyas - one who
seeks renunciation from worldly life) from
Acharya Swayamprabh and started living the
life of a sage. During that period he repented
for all his deeds and attained purity of mind.
After his death, he was born as a deity
named Anant in the ninth devlok (heaven).
He enjoyed all the happiness that was due to
him for his good deeds in the past life. After
completing the life as a deity, he was reborn in
human form as the 3rd Tirthankara whom we
know as SAMBHAVNATH Bhagwan.

Akram Youth | 13

Dadas Book Ex
cerpt

Miracles

Definition
Science of mir
acles
What is a mira
cle
What is not a
miracle?

How to define miracle?

Questioner: People who are on spiritual journey often see miracles happen. Isnt it so?
Dadashri: No. Please understand the definition of miracle. Miracle should be such that no
other person can repeat the act.
Miracles cant be duplicated
Dadashri: Supernatural power is such that it can be passed on to the next person. It is an
accomplishment. But miracle is something that cannot be repeated; it is a marvel or a wonder.
Similarity of Super Natural Power in relative world
Dadashri: Let me explain the meaning of Supernatural Power in your relative language,
by citing an example. What business are you in?
Questioner: Iron & steel.
Dadashri: There is a person named Noor Mohamad in your market. He is a very reputed
trader. People are all praise for him for his good conduct and commitments. If you have lent Rs.
Ten Lakhs to him and demand it back on due date, he will return it promptly. When he asks for
loan again, will the people in the market lend him again? Everyone knows how risky it is to lend
nowadays and people often back out from their commitments. But despite that Noor Mohamad
gets the loan. How come? He could have defaulted from earlier obligation by not paying the
money back. But he did not choose to do so. Thats how he secured goodwill by his previous
conduct and gained confidence of the people. Since he is not misusing the trust imposed on him,
he enjoys the power to draw money from the market. If he breaches the trust even once by
defaulting, he will lose all his power. People will not lend anymore and would want to stay away
14 | September

from him. This is how I explain to you how the power works.
Power or capacity to perform is directly related to your intent
and quality attributes. Once proven, wont you possess it all along?
This is how you attain power
There may be instances when someone wants to keep money
for safety at others place but nobody is willing to accept it. How come?
It is because the man is very quarrelsome. People would not like to deal
with him even though he wants to put in money with them. In another
instance, you may not have cheated anybody or defaulted in life. Still
people would not keep their capital with you. Let me explain: All your
inner feelings, intent, faith and behavior may be such that the other
person feels insecure. If your intent and determination is positive,
your nature is to pay at first instance, possess firm belief to maintain
honesty and integrity, then in that case you will find people will
establish their confidence in you. This is how you gain power.
If one misuses this trust, does not deliver on time or defaults, he
will be drained of power to attract peoples faith again. The way it
works for money, the same way it works here in real terms.
Normally speaking, you obtain power by keeping a positive
track record on regular basis. We have seen saints in this country who
used to eat less and part their food to others so that they can also
survive. This is how one attains lots of divine power.
A person who never speaks abusive language, never thrashes
anyone and does not inflict any pain to others tends to develop chastity and morality of high
stature that people get attracted towards him. That is known as attaining power.
Thats not a miracle
How can there be anything called miracle? It may so happen that you seek advice or
blessing from someone or even start work projecting him in your chit. The result may turn out
to be fruitful. You will give credit to that gentleman as you have sought his blessings. But the
fact is he has done nothing. He has simply wished you good and thing happens. He possessed
merit-karmas for getting fame and will continue to get the credit of any work where he is just an
evidence. All this happens at the behest of purity of his heart.
Nowhere in the world is miracle seen
People misinterpret use of power for miracle. You have done it today, someone will
follow you tomorrow. Thats not miracle. Miracle means something that can be seen only once
and no one can repeat it. If someone can repeat a performance, it means you could also use your
power to perform if you attain that degree. If you apply your power it is termed as miracle, and if
you dont then will it not be so?
Miracle means an act which cannot be repeated by anyone else. This is my definition of
miracle. Accept it if you like. I am not following any book or write-up. This is my own perception.
So did you understand the meaning of miracle? If someone claims to have performed one,
you can always say, Whats the big deal? Anyone can do it if he attains your state of
development. Something that can be taught and can be repeated in action cannot be termed as
miracle. Miracle, in fact, cannot be done or copied or duplicated. So dont ever accept any such
thing as miracle. Not a single miracle has man ever produced in this world so far!
Akram Youth | 15

16 | September

Gnani

An Idol of Astonishment

This incident dates back to the days when Dadashri used to organize everything.
We, 50+ mahatmas went on a jatra (a pilgrimage) to Uttar Pradesh with Pujya Dadashri.
We reached the village of Bareily at midnight. The road ahead of Bareily was very
dangerous. The road spread across Ghats (way through mountains/valleys) in a
complicated manner. That place is known as Chambal Ghati, a famous hiding place for
dacoits and thieves. When we were about to leave Bareily for onward journey, our bus
was stopped by the police patrolling that area. They advised us not to travel at night as
the place was full of dacoits and there was a risk to life and belongings. In fact, there
was a report of dacoits having looted two passenger buses just a day earlier. They
denied us a pass despite many requests by our coordinators.
Dadashri was sleeping inside the bus. Being stalled by the police, one of the
mahatmas went inside and informed the matter to Dadashri. Dadashri came out from
the bus and talked to the policeman. He informed him not to worry as we were on a
religious pilgrimage and there was nothing to fear. Allow us to travel at our risk. The
Policeman calmed down after talking with Dadashri. He finally decided to allow us to
pass, but on condition that he would send two policemen with rifles for our protection.
Dadashri promptly agreed.
All other mahatmas resting in the bus had no clue as to what was happening.
Dadashri instantly clarified to them that this is all vyavasthit ( scientific circumstantial
evidence) so that mahatmas dont panic seeing the policemen in the bus. Dadashri
further elaborated, We will pass smoothly. It may so happen that the thieves may
have gone to address natures call when we will pass by!
Dadashri made a rule: Never have doubts. Doubts invite negativity and things
may get spoilt. It may lead to panic as to what would happen? So Dadashri instructed
Please chant charanvidhi loudly. Mahatmas followed the instructions and Dadashri
told the driver to speed up as much as he could so that we could pass the danger area.
The journey was completed without any difficulty.
Just look how smartly Dadashri handled the police, the mahatmas and the driver,
in a tight situation involving fear and safety. He did it with ease, humor and the very
uncommon common sense.

Gnani is our strength friend, philosopher and guide.

Akram Youth | 17

18 | September

Happy Onam
7th September 2014
Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of Kerala. It is a harvest festival celebrated
with joy and enthusiasm by people of all communities.
Onam is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam
Calendar (Kollavarsham). The Carnival of Onam lasts from four to ten days. First day, Atham and
tenth day Thiruonam, are most important of all. Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances,
energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers all are a part of the dynamic festival called Onam.
Thousands of domestic and foreign tourists visit Kerala to be a part of Onam. It is also celebrated
as the Tourist Week.
The Legend
Story goes that during the reign of mighty asura (demon) King Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its
golden era. Everybody in the state was happy and prosperous and the king was highly regarded
by his subjects. Apart from all his virtues, Mahabali had one shortcoming: He was egoistic. This
weakness in Mahabali's character was utilized by devas to bring an end to his reign as they felt
challenged by Mahabali's growing popularity. However, for all the good deeds done by
Mahabali, devas granted him a boon that he could annually visit his people, with whom he was
so attached.
It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year. People make all efforts to
celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress upon their dear King that they are happy and
wish him well.

Onam Celebrations
The most impressive part of Onam celebration is the grand feast, which is a nine-course meal,
consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes.
Another enchanting feature of Onam is Vallamkali, the Snake Boat Race, held on the river
Pampa. It is a colourful sight to watch the decorated boat oared by hundreds of boatmen,
amidst chanting of songs and cheering by spectators.
There is also a tradition to play games called Onakalikal on Onam. Men go in for rigorous sports
like Talappanthukali (played with ball) & Ambeyyal (Archery). Women indulge in cultural
activities. They make intricately designed flower mats called Pookalam, in the front courtyard
of the house to welcome King Mahabali.
Akram Youth | 19

an
m
r
e
G

Germany is the major economic and political

power of the European continent and a
historic leader in many cultural, theoretical
and technical fields. Germany is one of the
leading countries in developing and using
green technologies.
Germany is also a highly industrialized
country. The country is an example for the
fighting spirit of germans.. They evolved
hard after the tragic trauma at the hands of
the Nazis, united again after partition (east &
west), resurrected themselves with
industrial progress, making big global brands
like Benz, BMW, Siemens, Bayer, Bosch,
Adidas, Audi and are praised all over the
world for their never say die spirit. The
nuclear reactor pump is made in a small
town in this country. As for sports, be it
football, tennis or hockey, you will see their
fans throng from all over the world to
support their teams.
I carried the impression that the Germans
adopted high living standards, as I prepared
for my study trip to that country. When I
arrived at Hamburg, my colleagues who
20 | September

Moral Story
Money Is Yours
But
Resources Belong To The Society

work in Hamburg arranged a welcome party

for me in a restaurant. We noticed that a lot
of tables were empty. A young couple was
having their meal. There were only two
dishes and two cans of beer on the table. I
wondered if such a simple meal could be
romantic, and whether the girl will leave this
stingy guy!
There were a few old ladies on another
table. Whenever a dish was served, the
waiter would distribute the food for them,
and they would finish every bit of the food
on their plates. We ordered our meal and we
talked about our studies and conditions back
home.
The service was very fast. We did not spend
much time dining as we had other activities
lined up for the day. We finished fast and
were ready to check out. There was still
about one third of unconsumed food on our
table.
When we were leaving the restaurant, we
heard someone calling us from behind. We
noticed that the old ladies in the restaurant

were talking about us to the restaurant

owner. When they spoke to us in English, we
understood that they were unhappy about
us wasting so much food. We immediately
felt that they were really being too
interfering.
"We paid for our food; it is none of your
business how much food we left behind," my
colleague Gui told the old ladies. The old
ladies were furious. One of them
immediately made a call to someone. Within
minutes, a man in uniform claiming to be an
officer from the Social Security Organization
arrived. Upon knowing what the dispute

was, he issued us a 50 Mark(German

currency) fine.
We all kept quiet. The local colleague took
out a 50 Mark note and repeatedly
apologized to the officer.
The officer told us in a stern voice,
"order What You Can Consume, Money Is
Yours But Resources Belong To The Society.
There Are Many Others In The World Who
Are Facing Shortage Of Resources. You Have
No Reason To Waste Resources.
Though our face turned red, We all agreed
with him in our hearts.

The mindset of people of this rich country put all of us to shame. WE REALLY NEED TO
REFLECT ON THIS. We order large quantities of food just to show around and satisfy our
pride. But in the process we also waste food which could have been used otherwise. This is a
great lesson for all of us to come out of our habits.
My colleague made Xerox copies of the penalty receipt, gave a copy to each of us as a
souvenir! All of us kept it and pasted it on our wall to remind us that we shall never be
wasteful. Friends, doesnt this incident teach us to be more careful and compassionate
towards Nature? If we save all necessary resources like water, electricity, food etc, we can
definitely enhance the life of our planet Earth.
Akram Youth | 21

Solutions to our
Problems
Question: Sometimes I think negative of a person. So I
do pratikraman, but even then it continue to see
negative. What should I do?
Answer: When it happens again, introspect! Why is it that we remain negatively biased? We are
not negative when someone is all praise for us. So try to find out, has anything happened that is
not as per our liking? In fact, things happen according to our karmic account. In case of punya
(merit) karmas, all happens as per our liking whereas in case of paap (demerit) karmas , all
happens against our liking. In that case, whats the point of feeling negative for the persons who
are basically just a part of the whole situation as one of the evidence only(nimit)? Our negative
approach will only bind new paap karmas because the other person is actually a Shuddhatma.
Moreover, if we retrospect any event, we will realize why we are not given due credit in certain
matters! It is because we dont have sufficient credit of punya. In spiritual terminology, yashnaam-karma means one gets credit for work completed, irrespective of whether he has actually
done anything significant or not.
Despite all your best efforts, when you dont get the praise, understand that you lack in merit
karmas. So the best way to move out of this situation is to understand that things happen as per
our karmic account and not as per our free will.
See Pure Soul in all beings and dont feel negative for them. In case any bad thoughts arise, do
pratikaman instantly. That will help erase your negativity. Lets adopt the policy of Live and let
live. We should not expect others to follow our way of thinking. Give freedom to everybody.
Thats the best way to attain peace.

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22 | September

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2nd October

Gandhi Jayanti
Friends, let us all remember the
Father of our Nation and pay our
respects to this humble being.
Back in those days, the majority of
our population was from economically
weaker section and lived in poverty. Bapu
too preferred to lead a life of simplicity,
just as the masses. In those days, there
was also a third class in the trains. Most
people travelled by the third class. Bapu
also always travelled by the same class.
Once while Bapu was travelling,
two persons boarded the train. Bapus
companions made place for them. After
some time, one of them began to cough.
He cleared his throat and spat in the
compartment itself. Bapu saw this. The
man coughed and spat for a second time.
The third time when he started coughing,
Bapu drew closer to him and the moment
he spat, Bapu caught the spit in his hands
and threw it out of the window.
Everyone in the compartment
was shocked. The man froze with a sense
of guilt. He had recognized the great
man. He was too shocked and ashamed of
himself. He cleaned Bapus hands. He
bowed down and asked for forgiveness.
Bapu said Is this not our own train? So
many people travel by trains. If the trains
are not clean, people will fall ill.

Mahatma Gandhi

Akram Youth | 23

Date of Publication: 22nd of Every Month

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September 2014
Year -2, Issues - 5
Cont Issue - 17

Akram Youth

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