My prayers from Bible included in preface of Upanishad volumes
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| My prayers from Bible included in preface of Upanishad volumes |
I am sending you some extracts from the ‘Preface’ of my 5-Volume magnum opus on
the 108 Upanishads.
Just spend some time to read them, and you will be surprised at their spiritual beauty
and magic of composition.
The astonishing and the remarkable point in these Prayers is that they were all
composed as if done by an invisible hand, for, believe me when I say ‘I have not done
them because during the time they were being selected and arranged I acted
mechanically and did as my inner voice told me to do. I just opened the Bible or other
Texts quoted, and the verses literally “tumbled out of their own”. I did not even had to
arrange them sequentially to make sense from the jumble of verses, but they arranged
themselves. I just went on typing in the same sequence in which my eyes fell on them,
one by one. And lo and behold—it’s a fantastic composition, which will speak for its
self when you read it.
Its indeed a miracle of sorts; it proves to me the existence of the “Holy Spirit”, and
that when I say “my books have not been written by me but the Lord himself who is
their real author”, I am not exaggerating a wee bit, nor am I being pretentiously too
humble. It is a fact, that I say on oath.
(1) From Sam Veda Upanishad volume:
(a) The Epigraph:‘A steady Light which is swifter than thought (mind) is present amongst moving
(animate) things to show the way to happiness. All the Gods who are equally wise and
intelligent move reverentially towards the one and the only supreme intelligent
transcendental Being (Brahm)’ (Rig Veda, 6/9/5).
Oh those with similar high wisdom, knowledge, erudition and scholarship get up, rise
up! (Rig Veda, 10/101/1).
‘He who is the source of life and power, whose commands all beings, including the
Gods, obey, whose shadow is immortality as well as death —we give our oblations to
that supreme Lord whom we adore’ (Rig Veda, 10/121/2).
‘All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that man of God may be
perfect, thoroughly furnished in all good works’ (Bible, Timothy, 2/3/16-17), ‘Ask,
and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you’ (Bible, gospel of St. Matthew, 7/7), ‘Wherefore he saith— awake thou that
sleepest, and come from the dead and Christ (Lord) shall give you light’ (Bible,
Ephesians, 5/14).
‘As the different streams having their sources in different places all mingle their water
in the sea, sources in different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or
straight, all lead to Thee’ (Swami Vivekanand, World Religion Parliament, 11/9/1893,
Chicago, USA), ‘Open your eyes and see him’ (Swami Vivekanand Complete Works,
2/146).
(b) Prayers culled from the Holy Bible:
‘What then? Notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ (read
Sri Ram) is preached, and I therefore rejoice, yea, and will rejoice, for I know that this
will turn to my salvation’, ‘For me to live is Christ (read Sri Ram) and to die is gain;
but if I live in the flesh, there is the fruit of my labour’ (Bible, Philippians, 1/18-19,
21-22). And to do the Lord’s work, I decided to write in English so that the barrier of
language is broken and the wisdom of the Upanishads can ride the waves of the high
seas and spread to all corners of the globe because English is an international
language— ‘I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice
(books) I might teach (reach) others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown
(alien) tongue’ (Bible, Corinthians, 1/14/9-11, 19).
‘I am not capable of anything. If He graciously accepts me, if He mercifully and
benevolently empowers my eyes to see His divine form which is most beautiful,
enthralling and incomparable in my own Atma or my pure-self (which is pure
consciousness), I shall then consider my self as most blessed, most privileged, most
obliged, most thankful and most fulfilled’ (Kathopanishad, 1/2/22).
But let us remember one point, and that is whatever has been written in this book are
not a word of mine, ‘My doctrine is not mine, but ‘His’ that sent me; if any man will
do his will, he shall know of the doctrine; for he that speaketh of himself seeketh his
own glory; but he that seeketh ‘His’ glory that sent him, the same is true, and no
unrighteousness is in him’ (Bible, Gospel of St. John, 7/17-18). ‘The words that I
have spoken to you do not come from me. The father who remains in me does his
work’ (Gospel. St. John, 14/10), ‘What I say, then, is what the father has told me to
say’ (Gospel. St. John, 12/50).
I humbly present this book to my esteemed readers with a sincere request to excuse
me for the errors of omission and commission, and this request is out of the depths of
my heart. I ask the Lord to forgive for my follies— ‘out of the depths, have I cried
unto thee, oh Lord. Hear my voice. Let thine ears be attentive. If then, Lord, shouldest
mark iniquities, oh Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee… for
with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption’ (Bible, psalm,
130/1-3).
I dedicate this book to Sri Ram who is my dearest of dear, most beloved, the essence
of my life and being, and for whom, and for whose pleasure, and on whose behest,
and on whose divine mission, this book is dedicated. I am short of words to pray to
my Lord, but nevertheless my heart springs out like a fountain with these hymns from the Holy Bible— ‘Have mercy upon me, o God, according to your loving kindness….
and cleanse me from my sins… wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow… create in
me a clean heart, o God, and renew a steadfast spirit in me. Do not cast me away from
your presence, and do not take your holy Spirit from me… restore to me the joy of
your salvation, and uphold me with your generous Spirit (Bible, Psalm, 51/1-2, 7-8,
10-12). Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink… draw near to my soul and
redeem it (Psalm, 69/14, 18). I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am like the owl
of the desert; I lie awake, and am like a sparrow alone of the housetop… hear my
prayer, o Lord, and let my cry come to you (Psalm, 102/7,1). Truly my soul silently
waits for God, from him comes my salvation. He is my rock and my salvation; he is
my defence… and my refuge is in God (Psalm, 62/1-2, 7). O God you are my God,
early will I seek you, my soul thirsts for you, my flesh longs for you, in a dry and
thirsty land where there is no water… you have been my help, therefore in the shadow
of your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind you, your right hand
upholds me’ (Psalm, 63/1, 7-8). I am waiting in life’s departure lounge, waiting for
my flight to freedom. But till that time, ‘I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will
sing praise to my God while I have my being’ (Psalm, 104/33). ‘I will praise the name
of God with a song; and will magnify him with thanks giving’ (Psalm, 69/30).
‘Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths (4). Lead me in your truth and
teach me. For you are the God of my salvation. On you I will wait all the day (5).
Remember, O Lord , your tender mercies and your loving kindness (6), for your
name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great (11). My eyes are ever
towards the Lord, for he shall pluck my feet out of the net (15). Turn yourself to me
and have mercy on me, for I am desolate and afflicted (16). Look on my afflictions
and my pain and forgive all my sins (18). O keep my soul and deliver me; let me not
be ashamed, for I put my trust in you (20). [The Bible, Psalm, 25]
‘One thing I have desire of the Lord; that I will seek (Psalm, 27/4), Bow down your
ear to me, deliver me speedily. Be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me
(2). For you are my rock and my fortress. Therefore for your name’s sake, lead me
and guide me (3) …. for you are my strength (4). Into your hands, I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me, O Lord God of Truth (5). I trust in you, O Lord; I say ‘You
are my God’ (14), my times are in your hands (15), make your face shine upon your
servant; save me for your mercy’s sake (16). [Bible, Psalm, 31]
‘The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusted in him and I am helped.
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise him (Psalm, 28/7).
To the end that my glory may sing praise to you and not be silent. Oh Lord my God, I
will give thanks to you for ever (Psalms 30/12). May my speech (read my books) be
pleasing to him, and as for me, I will rejoice in the Lord’ (Bible, psalm, 103). So, help
me, oh Lord!
And ‘finally, my bretheren, rejoice in the Lord’ (Bible, Philippians, 3/1).
(c) Footnote to Contents Page:
Reading all the good books is like a conversation with the finest men of past centuries
—Rene Descartes
‘You will know the truth and the truth will set you free’ (Bible, Gospel St. John, 8/6).
He grants wisdom to whom he pleases, and whosoever is granted wisdom is rich
indeed. But none will grasp the supreme message except men of understanding.
—The Holy Quran 2/269
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge—(Bible Proverb, 15/14),
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they
which testify of me— (Gospel of St. John, 5/39), The Lord gave the word; great was
the company of those who proclaimed it (Psalm, 68/11).
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(2) From the Volume of Shukla Yajur Veda Upanishads:
(a) Epigram:-‘So may I speak these blessed words to the people at large—to the Brahmin, to the
Kshatriya, to the Vaishya, and to the Shudra, to my own people and to the foreigner’.
(Yajur Veda, 26/2). ‘ God is given different names due to his virtues and works, such
as Agni (fire), Aditya (sun), Vayu (wind), Chandrama (moon), Shukra (mars), Brahm
(the supreme Being), Apaha (water), and Prajapati (the creator and care taker,
Brahma). Many other names have also been assigned to him’. (Yajur Veda, 32/1).
May my mind, capable of illumination, be moved by righteous intentions. It is light of
all lights. It goes far away when one is awake, and comes back when one is asleep’
(Yajur Veda, 34/1).
‘Bear with me a little, and I will show you that there are yet words to speak on God’s
behalf. I will fetch you my knowledge from afar, for truly my words are not false.
Behold God is almighty. He is mighty in strength of understanding’ (The Holy Bible,
Job 36/2-5). ‘With Him is wisdom and strength; He has counsel and understanding’
(Bible, Job 12/13). ‘Behold God is great, and we do not know Him’ (Bible, Job
36/26). ‘For who is God except the Lord?’ (Bible, 2 Samuel 22/32). ‘And He shall be
like the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, like the
tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain’ (Bible, 2 Samuel
23/4).
‘Lord, you are my lamp, Oh Lord; the Lord shall enlighten my darkness’ (Bible, 2
Samuel 22/29). ‘Remember His covenant always, the word which He commanded, for
a thousand generations’ (Bible, 1 Chronicles, 16/31-33). ‘Remember to magnify His
work, of which men have sung’ (Bible, Job 36/24). ‘As for God, His way is perfect;
the word of the Lord is praised; He is a shield to all who trust in Him’ (Bible, 2
Samuel 22/31).
‘God is my strength; and He makes my way perfect’ (Bible, 2 Samuel 22/33). ‘Let the
heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, and let them say among the Nations, ‘The
Lord reigns’; Let the sear roar, and all its fullness; let the field rejoice, and all that is
in it. Then the trees of the woods shall rejoice before the Lord---’(Bible, 1 Chronicles,
16/15).
‘Behold, this we have searched out; it is true. Hear it, and know for yourself’ (Bible,
Job 5/27); know that ‘The Lord is God; the Lord is One’ (Bible, Deuteronomy 6/4),
and ‘The Lord is within you while you are with him. If you seek Him, He will be
found by you’ (Bible, 2 Chronicles 15/2).
Oh Lord! Lead us from falsehood to truth, from darkness to light, from death to
immortality (Brihadaranyak Upanishad, 1/3/28).
(b) Prayers from Preface text:-
‘(a) In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was
God (gospel of St. John, 1/1), (b) And the word became flesh and dwelth among us—
full of grace and truth (John, 1/14)’. How stupendous, how magnificent, how
profound, how succinct, how lively are these words indeed! Therefore, the
Upanishads are not lifeless books but ‘the body’ of knowledge, ‘the abode’ of
knowledge. The quest for truth is the spark that injects vitality and vibrancy to a
bunch of alphabets which lead the path to enlightenment.
To quote Swami Vivekanand—‘Whenever you hear that a certain passage of the
Vedas come from a certain Rishi (sages/seers), never think that he wrote it or created
it out of his mind; he was the ‘seer’ of the thought which already existed; it existed in
the universe eternally. This sage was only the discoverer’. (Complete Works, 3
(1970)/119.)
The knowledge of Brahm leaves nothing more to be learnt. ‘Therefore, whosoever
heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth (i.e., trusts them, implements them), I will
take him unto a wise man which (who) built his home upon a rock’ (Bible, gospel of
St. Matthew, 7/24). Then, such a person becomes ‘ye are the light of the world’
(Bible, St. Matthew, 5/14), obtains eternal life and bliss— ‘I give unto them eternal
life, and they shall never perish’ (Bible, gospel of St. John, 10/28), finds salvation—
‘The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants’ (psalms, 34/22), and such a person
becomes one with the Lord— ‘believe me that I am in the father and the father in me’
(Bible, gospel of St. John, 14/11). This is the final aim of the Upanishads— to ignite
or kindle the process of self-realisation in the seeker/aspirant and lead him to the
ultimate Truth and Reality.
It would be relevant to quote Swami Vivekanand here; he has said-‘And so many
rivers having their source in different mountains roll down, crooked or straight, and at
last come into the ocean— so, all these various creeds and religions, taking their start
from different stand points and running though crooked or straight courses, at last
come into Thee’ (Swami Vivekanand, Complete Works, 1 (1970)/390). ‘Without
knowing him we can neither live nor move, nor have our being; without knowing this
Lord of all, we cannot breathe or live a second’ (-do-, Complete Works, 2
(1968)/305). ‘It is through the Self that you know anything…. It is in and though the
Self that you are known to me, that the whole world is known to me’ (-do-, Complete
Works, 2 (1968)/305).
The profound importance and significance of the Upanishadic teaching is again
highlighted by the Swami, for he says, ‘We are taken, as it were, off from the world of
the senses, off even from the world of intellect, and brought to that world which can never be comprehended, and yet which is always with us (Swami Vivekananda,
Complete Works, 3 (1970)/385).
Swami Vivekanand further says, ‘The theme of Vedanta is to see the Lord in
everything, to see things in their real nature, not as they appear to be (Complete
Works, 2 (1968)/312). Vedanta says that you are pure and perfect, and that there is a
state beyond good or evil and that is your own true nature. It is higher than Good. We
have no theory of evil… we call it ‘ignorance’ (Complete Works, 5 (1970)/282).’
The message of the Upanishads finds a parallel in the Holy Bible also. The purpose
and importance of truthful knowledge about the ‘Reality and Essence’ of everything
which the Upanishads strive to enumerate and expose in detail is also succinctly
proclaimed by the Bible at numerous places, for instance—(i) Fools die for want of
wisdom (Proverb, 19/2), (ii) They know not, neither will they understand, they walk
on in darkness (Psalm, 82/5), (iii) They will be blind leaders of the blind, and if the
blind lead the blind, both shall fall in the ditch (Gospel of St. Matthew, 15/14), (iv)
(Therefore), understanding is a wellspring of life (Proverbs, 2/6), (v) The heart of him
that hath understanding seeketh knowledge (Proverb, 15/14), (vi) By knowledge shall
the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches (Proverb, 24/4), (vii) Your
testimonies are also my delight, and my counselors (Psalm, 119/24), (viii) Through
your precepts I get understanding (Psalm, 119/104).
The fruit of knowledge according the Holy Bible is—(i) For the fruit of the spirit is in
all goodness and righteousness and truth (Ephesians, 5/9), (ii) Acquaint now thyself
with Him and be at peace (Job 20/21). [Really indeed! This last quotation is the real
fruit of self-realisation and is affirmed emphatically by the Upanishads.] The Bible
further says:--(i) The Lord is my light and my salvation (psalm, 27/1), (ii) God is light
and in him there is no darkness at all (St. John, 1/1/5), (iii) The Lord is a God of
knowledge and by Him actions are weighed (1 Samuel, 2/3), and where is this God?
The Bible says, (iv) The kingdom of God is within you (Gospel of St. Luke, 17/21),
(v) In him we live and move and have our being (Acts, 17/28).
Regarding this ‘truth’ factor, the Bible says— (i) I am the way, the truth, and the life
(gospel of St. John, 14/6), (ii) Send out thy light and thy truth. Let them lead me
(psalm 43/3), (iii) Thy word is the truth (gospel of St. John 17/17). (iv) The truth is
great unto the clouds (psalms, 57/10), (v) That was the true light which lighteth every
man that cometh into the world (Gospel of St. John, 1/9), (vi) Teach me your way, o
Lord, I will walk in your truth (Psalm, 86/11). Understanding the truth is the
wellspring of life unto him that hath it; the Lord giveth wisdom. Out of his mouth
cometh knowledge and understanding (Proverb, 2/6). Send out thy light and thy truth
and let them lead me (we have seen, are based on sound, logical, rational, experienced
and empirical Proverb, 43/3). Thy word is Truth (St. John, 17/17).
And to do the Lord’s work, I decided to write in English so that the barrier of
language is broken and the wisdom of the Upanishads can ride the waves of the high
seas and spread to all corners of the globe because English is an international
language—‘I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice
(books) I might teach (reach) others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown
(alien) tongue’ (Bible, Corinthians, 1/14/9-11, 19).
‘I am not capable of anything. If He graciously accepts me, if He mercifully and
benevolently empowers my eyes to see His divine form which is most beautiful,
enthralling and incomparable in my own Atma or my pure-self (which is pure
consciousness), I shall then consider my self as most blessed, most privileged, most
obliged, most thankful and most fulfilled’ (Kathopanishad, 1/2/22).
But let us remember one point, and that is whatever has been written in this book are
not a word of mine, ‘My doctrine is not mine, but ‘His’ that sent me; if any man will
do his will, he shall know of the doctrine; for he that speaketh of himself seeketh his
own glory; but he that seeketh ‘His’ glory that sent him, the same is true, and no
unrighteousness is in him’ (Bible, Gospel of St. John, 7/17-18). ‘The words that I
have spoken to you do not come from me. The father who remains in me does his
work’ (Gospel. St. John, 14/10), ‘What I say, then, is what the father has told me to
say’ (Gospel. St. John, 12/50).
I humbly present this book to my esteemed readers with a sincere request to excuse
me for the errors of omission and commission, and this request is out of the depths of
my heart. At the same time, I ask forgiveness from my beloved Lord Ram for all my
in competencies and childishness by submitting before Him—‘Oh Lord! I have
uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me which I did not know’
(Bible, Job 42/2), but ‘must I not heed to speak what the Lord has put in my mouth?’
(Bible, Numbers 23/12), for ‘the Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on
my tongue (when I spoke what I said)’ (Bible, 2 Samuel 23/2).
I write these books as a means of my thanksgiving to my Lord—‘Oh! Give thanks to
the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples’ (Bible, 1
Chronicles 16/8). For this purpose, I—‘Sing Psalms to Him; talk all His wondrous
works! Glory in His holy name. Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!
Seek the Lord and his strength, seek His face everyone. Remember His marvelous
works which He has done; His wonders and the judgments of His mouth’ (Bible, 1
Chronicles 16/8-12).
Through these holy books written by me on His behest and as His pen, I ‘Sing to the
Lord, all the earth; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare
His glory among Nations and His wonders among peoples. For the Lord is great, and
greatly to be praised’ (Bible, 1 Chronicles 16/23-25), for ‘Honour and majesty are
before Him; strength and gladness are in His place’ (Bible, 1 Chronicles 16/27).
I dedicate this book to Lord Ram who is my dearest of dear, my most beloved, the
essence and purpose of my life and being, and for whom, and for whose pleasure, and
on whose behest, and on whose divine mission, this book is dedicated. I am short of
words to pray to my Lord Ram who is ‘The Lord, the Lord God, the merciful and
gracious, long suffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for
thousands, forgiving inequity and transgression and sin’. (Bible, Exodus, 34/6-7.)
My heart springs out like a fountain of joy and ecstasy when I recall the following
lines from the sacred texts of the Holy Bible—‘So it was, when I heard these words,
that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying
before the God of heaven. And I said, ‘I pray, Lord God of heaven, O great and
awesome God. You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love you and
observe Your commandants. Please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before you now, day and
night’. (Bible, the Book of Nehemiah, 1/ 4-5.)
Before concluding finally, the author wishes to express his sincere feelings of deep
and overwhelming gratitude for his beloved Lord Ram for whose love and service he
has embarked on this adventurous journey, and he wishes to thank the Lord from the
deepest recesses of his heart for everything by humbly offering this short prayer
quoting the Holy Bible, for he has no word of his own to say anything—‘Therefore, I
will give thanks to you, Oh Lord—and sing praises to your name’ (Bible, 2 Samuel
22/50). ‘I rejoice in my Lord and am convinced that ‘the Lord is my rock, my fortress
and my deliverer; the God of my strength, in Him I will trust (who is) my shield and
the horn of my salvation, (who is) my stronghold and my refuge, (who is) my saviour-
---I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so I shall be saved---’ (Bible,
2 Samuel 22/2-4).
‘In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God. He heard my voice---and
my cry entered his ears’ (Bible, 2 Samuel 22/7). ‘He brought me out into a broad
place; He delivered me, because He delighted in me’ (Bible, 2 Samuel 22/20). And
‘You have also given me the shield of your salvation, and your gentleness has made
me great. You enlarged my path under me, so my feet did not slip’ (Bible, 2 Samuel
22/36-37). So, ‘the Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock (of my emancipation and
salvation, my liberation and deliverance). Let God be exalted, the Rock of my
salvation’ (Bible, 2 Samuel 22/47).
And, how the redeemed Spirit yearns to meet the Lord? Well, the answer is—‘For I
know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand (by me) at last on earth, and after
my skin is destroyed (and I am dead by the body), this I know that in my flesh (Spirit)
I shall see my God (Lord Ram), whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall
behold and not another. How my heart yearns within me!’ (Bible, Job 19/25-27). For
has it not been said—‘The Lord is within you while you are with him. If you seek
Him, He will be found by you’ (Bible, 2 Chronicles 15/2). ‘But now ask the beasts,
and they will teach you; and the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the
earth, and it will teach you; and the fish of the sea will explain to you; who among all
these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done all this, in whose hand is the
life of every thing, and the breath of all mankind?’ (Bible, Job 12/7-10).
‘You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. I
cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill’. (Bible, Psalm,
3/3-4.) ‘Now, therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me Your
way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight’. (Bible, Exodus,
33/13). The Lord said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest’.
(Bible, Exodus, 33/14). He (Moses) said, ‘Please show me Your glory’. (Bible,
Exodus, 33/18). The Lord replied, ‘I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I
will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be
gracious, and I will be compassionate to whom I will have compassion’. (Bible,
Exodus, 33/19).
‘How long, O Lord, will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face
from me? How long will I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily?
Consider and hear me, O Lord my God; enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death. Lest my enemy say, ‘I have prevailed against him’; lest those who trouble me
rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in
Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord; because He has dealt bountifully with me’.
(Bible, Psalm 13.)
‘Hear a just cause my Lord; attend to my cry; give ear to my prayer that is not from
deceitful lips. Let my vindication come from Your presence; let Your eyes look on
things that are upright. You have tested my heart; You have visited me in the night;
You have tried me and found nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not
transgress. I have kept myself from the path of the destroyer. Uphold my steps in
Your paths; that my footsteps may not slip. I have called upon You for You will hear
me, O God. Incline Your ear to me and hear my speech. Show Your marvelous loving
kindness by Your right hand; O You who save those who trust in You. Keep me as the
apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings.’ (Bible, Psalm, 17/1-8.)
‘The Lord redeems the soul of his servants and none of those who trust in him shall be
condemned’. (Bible, Psalm 34/22). So, help me, oh Lord! ‘The Lord is my strength
and my shield. My heart trusted in him and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly
rejoices, and with my song I will praise him’. (Bible, Psalm, 28/7). ‘To the end that
my glory may sing praise to you and not be silent. Oh Lord my God, I will give
thanks to you for ever’. (Bible, Psalm 30/12).
‘And rejoice in the Lord, you righteous one, and give thanks at the remembrance of
his holy name (Psalm 97/12). Exalt in the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill,
for the Lord our God is holy (Psalm 99/9). ‘Finally, my bretheren, rejoice in the Lord’
(Bible, Philippians, 3/1).
I wish to once again thank the Lord God of all—‘Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He
is good! For His mercy endures forever’ (Bible, 1 Chronicles 16/34).
Amen!
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(3) Prayers from my Volume of Krishna Yajur Veda Upanishads:
(a) Epigram:‘That which is wisdom, intelligence and steadfastness, that which is the inner
immortal light within all living beings, that without which no action is performed—
may that, my mind, will for me what is good’ (Yajur Veda, 34.3).
‘It is most important to note that even the wisest of Guru is not able to impart
knowledge without the help of scriptures; therefore it is imperative for a wise student
or disciple to have direct access to the scriptures. Since no knowledge is available and
sustainable without the scriptures, it is of utmost importance to have knowledge of the
scriptures. Therefore the aspirant should diligently and sincerely search for the
scriptures everywhere in this world even if it involves going to far off places in search of them. When truthful scriptures are accessed and studied thoroughly and
implemented in life, spiritual success and its attendant rewards are available very
soon. Success and accomplishment in any field, let alone spiritual practice, is not
possible in the entire world without a thorough study and implementation of the
various principles and doctrines expounded by the scriptures’. [Yog Kundalini
Upanishad, Canto 2, verse nos. 10-12.]
‘Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is
despised, and his words are not heard’ (the Book of Ecclesiastes, 9/16, the Old
Testament of the Holy Bible). ‘Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and
keep my covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people, for all
the earth is mine’ (the Book of Exodus, 19/5, the Old Testament, Holy Bible); then ‘I
will certainly be with you’ (the Book of Exodus, 3/12, the Old Testament, Holy
Bible).
‘This is the scripture whereof there is no doubt, a guidance unto those who ward off
(evil); Who believeth in the unseen, and establish worship, and spend of that We have
bestowed upon them; These depend on guidance from their Lord. These are the
successful.’ (the Holy Quran, Surah ii, verse nos. 2-5). ‘And believe in that which I
reveal---and part not with my revelations for a trifling price, and keep your duty unto
Me; Confound not the Truth with falsehood, not knowingly conceal the Truth’ (the
Holy Quran, Surah ii, verse nos. 21-42). ‘Read: And thy Lord is the most bounteous;
Who teacheth by the pen; Teacheth man that which he knew not’ (the Holy Quran,
Surah xcvi, verse nos. 3-5).
(b) Prayers from the text of the Preface:-
‘Oh Lord! I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me
which I did not know’ (Bible, Job 42/2), but ‘must I not take heed to speak what the
Lord has put in my mouth?’ (Bible, Numbers 23/12), for ‘the Spirit of the Lord spoke
by me, and His word was on my tongue (when I spoke what I said)’ (Bible, 2 Samuel
23/2).
I write these books as a means of my thanksgiving to my Lord—‘Oh! Give thanks to
the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples’ (Bible, 1
Chronicles 16/8). For this purpose, I—‘Sing Psalms to Him; talk all His wondrous
works! Glory in His holy name. Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!
Seek the Lord and his strength, seek His face everyone. Remember His marvelous
works which He has done; His wonders and the judgments of His mouth’ (Bible, 1
Chronicles 16/8-12).
Before concluding finally, the author wishes to express his sincere feelings of deep
and overwhelming gratitude for his beloved Lord Ram for whose love and service he
has embarked on this adventurous journey, and he wishes to thank the Lord from the
deepest recesses of his heart for everything by humbly offering this short prayer
quoting the Holy Bible, for he has no word of his own to say anything—
‘O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who hast set thy glory
above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and suckling hast thou ordained
strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightiest still the enemy and the avenger.
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man,
that thou visit him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast
crowned him with glory and honour. Thou maddest him to have dominion over the
works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea,
and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever
passeth through the paths of the seas. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in
all the earth!’ (The Holy Bible, Old Testament, Psalm 8/1-9).
I wish to once again thank the Lord God of all—‘Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He
is good! For His mercy endures forever’ (Bible, 1 Chronicles 16/34), and seek his
refuge ‘Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of Daybreak; From the evil of that which He
created; From the evil of the darkness when it is intense; And from the evil of
malignant witchcraft; And from the evil of the envier when he envieth.’ (the Holy
Quran, Surah cxiii, verse no. 1-5). ‘Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind; The
King of mankind; The God of mankind; From the evil of the sneaking whisperer;
Who whispereth in the hearts of mankind; Or the Jinn and of mankind.’ (the Holy
Quran, Surah cxiv, verse no.1-6).
Amen!
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(4) Prayers from my Volume of Atharva Veda Upanishads:
(a) Epigram:-‘Come! Step forward and move ahead of those who are standing with you. Come! Try
and attempt to reach those who have moved ahead of you, have excelled you’.
(Atharva Veda, 2/11/4).
‘Peace be on earth; peace be in the sky; peace be in the heaven; peace be in the
waters; peace be upon the plants; peace be upon the trees. May all the Gods grant me
peace. May peace be generated by these all-encompassing invocations. I humbly pray
to all that is evil, all that is terrible, all that is cruel, to be peaceful, and grant us
tranquility’. (Atharva Veda, 19/9/14).
‘Vedanta (Upanishad) teaches the basic philosophy of all religions; this philosophy is
no monopoly of any particular religion. This is why Vedanta will become the
universal religion; convert it into universal treasure. Vedanta must not remain as the
closed preserve of a group of narrow-minded people.’ (Swami Vivekanand, complete
works, 2/109).
‘That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have
fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father. And these things write
we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard
of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all’ (The
Holy Bible, New Testament, 1John 1/3-5).
‘Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep my covenant, then you
shall be a special treasure to Me above all people, for all the earth is mine’ (the Book
of Exodus, 19/5, the Old Testament, Holy Bible); then ‘I will certainly be with you’
(the Book of Exodus, 3/12, the Old Testament, Holy Bible).
‘This is the scripture whereof there is no doubt, a guidance unto those who ward off
(evil); Who believeth in the unseen, and establish worship, and spend of that We have
bestowed upon them; These depend on guidance from their Lord. These are the
successful.’ (The Holy Quran, Surah ii, verse nos. 2-5). ‘And believe in that which I
reveal---and part not with my revelations for a trifling price, and keep your duty unto
Me; Confound not the Truth with falsehood, not knowingly conceal the Truth’ (the
Holy Quran, Surah ii, verse nos. 21-42). ‘Read: And thy Lord is the most bounteous;
Who teacheth by the pen; Teacheth man that which he knew not’ (the Holy Quran,
Surah xcvi, verse nos. 3-5). O Lord! In thee we put our trust, and unto thee we turn in
repentance, and unto thee is the journeying (destination) (the Holy Quran, Surah lx,
verse no. 4).
‘Truth only succeeds, not the falsehood’ (Mundaka Upanishad, 3/1/16).
(b) Prayers from the text of the Preface:-
I feel shy to say a word to express my deep and overwhelming sense of gratitude and
thanks for my Guru Lord Hanuman ji, because words cannot do justice to my feelings
and the extent of benevolence, munificence and benediction that the Lord has been
gracious enough to shower on me, and without whose wish, direct intervention and
constant guidance, this volume, like the others in the series, would not have
materialised at all.
At the same time, I ask forgiveness from my beloved Lord Ram, who is the very
essence and soul of my life, for all my incompetence and childishness, and the
audacity that I displayed to plunge headlong in the vast ocean representing the
Upanishads just by relying upon his grace and mercy. And lo and behold, the Lord
has held my hands and made the pen flow as if by magic, and this is the fact and the
truth of my heart with no pretensions of modesty or simplicity whatsoever on my part.
‘For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, Oh Lord, you know it altogether.
You have hedged me behind and before, and laid your hand upon me’ (Bible, Psalms,
139/4-5). Oh Lord! I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for
me which I did not know’ (Bible, Job 42/2), but ‘must I not take heed to speak what
the Lord has put in my mouth?’ (Bible, Numbers 23/12), for ‘the Spirit of the Lord
spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue (when I spoke what I said)’ (Bible, 2
Samuel 23/2). Sure indeed, for ‘You in your mercy have led forth the people whom
you have redeemed; you have guided them in your strength to your holy habitation’
(Bible, Old Testament, Exodus, 15/13 (the song of Moses).
‘God shall be my hope, my stay, my guide and lanthanum to my feet’ (Shakespeare’s
Henry, vi, part 2, 11:iii)
Amen!
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(5) Prayers from Rig Veda Upanishads Volume:
(a) Epigram:-‘A steady Light which is swifter than thought (mind) is present amongst moving
(animate) things to show the way to happiness. All the Gods who are equally wise and
intelligent move reverentially towards the one and the only supreme intelligent
transcendental Being (Brahm)’ (Rig Veda, 6/9/5).
Oh those with similar high wisdom, knowledge, erudition and scholarship get up, rise
up! (Rig Veda, 10/101/1).
‘He who is the source of life and power, whose commands all beings, including the
Gods, obey, whose shadow is immortality as well as death —we give our oblations to
that supreme Lord whom we adore’ (Rig Veda, 10/121/2).
‘All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that man of God may be
perfect, thoroughly furnished in all good works’ (Bible, Timothy, 2/3/16-17), ‘Ask,
and it shall be given to you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to
you’ (Bible, gospel of St. Matthew, 7/7), ‘Wherefore he saith— awake thou that
sleepest, and come from the dead and Christ (Lord) shall give you light’ (Bible,
Ephesians, 5/14).
‘As the different streams having their sources in different places all mingle their water
in the sea, sources in different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or
straight, all lead to Thee’ (Swami Vivekanand, World Religion Parliament, 11/9/1893,
Chicago, USA), ‘Open your eyes and see him’ (Swami Vivekanand Complete Works,
2/146).
(b) Prayers from the text of the Preface:-
The knowledge of Brahm leaves nothing more to be learnt. ‘Therefore, whosoever
heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth (i.e., trusts them, implements them), I will
take him unto a wise man which (who) built his home upon a rock’ (Bible, gospel of
St. Matthew, 7/24). Then, such a person becomes ‘ye are the light of the world’
(Bible, St. Matthew, 5/14), obtains eternal life and bliss— ‘I give unto them eternal
life, and they shall never perish’ (Bible, gospel of St. John, 10/28), finds salvation—
‘The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants’ (psalms, 34/22), and such a person
becomes one with the Lord— ‘believe me that I am in the father and the father in me’
(Bible, gospel of St. John, 14/11). This is the final aim of the Upanishads— to ignite
or kindle the process of self-realisation in the seeker/aspirant and lead him to the
ultimate Truth and Reality.
Swami Vivekanand says, ‘The theme of Vedanta is to see the Lord in everything, to
see things in their real nature, not as they appear to be (Complete Works, 2
(1968)/312). Vedanta says that you are pure and perfect, and that there is a state beyond good or evil and that is your own true nature. It is higher than Good. We have
no theory of evil… we call it ‘ignorance’ (Complete Works, 5 (1970)/282).’
The purpose and importance of truthful knowledge about the ‘Reality and Essence’ of
everything, which the Upanishads strive to enumerate and expose in detail, is also
succinctly proclaimed by the Bible :- (i) Fools die for want of wisdom (Proverb,
19/2), (ii) They know not, neither will they understand, they walk on in darkness
(Psalm, 82/5), (iii) They will be blind leaders of the blind, and if the blind lead the
blind, both shall fall in the ditch (Gospel of St. Matthew, 15/14), (iv) (Therefore),
understanding is a wellspring of life (Proverbs, 2/6), (v) The heart of him that hath
understanding seeketh knowledge (Proverb, 15/14), (vi) By knowledge shall the
chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches (Proverb, 24/4), (vii) Your
testimonies are also my delight, and my counselors (Psalm, 119/24), (viii) Through
your precepts I get understanding (Psalm, 119/104).
The fruit of knowledge is :- (i) For the fruit of the spirit is in all goodness and
righteousness and truth (Ephesians, 5/9), (ii) Acquaint now thyself with Him and be at
peace (Job 20/21). [Really indeed! This last quotation is the real fruit of self-
realisation and is affirmed emphatically by the Upanishads.] The Bible further says :-
(i) The Lord is my light and my salvation (psalm, 27/1), (ii) God is light and in him
there is no darkness at all (St. John, 1/1/5), (iii) The Lord is a God of knowledge and
by Him actions are weighed (1 Samuel, 2/3), and where is this God? The Bible says,
(iv) The kingdom of God is within you (Gospel of St. Luke, 17/21), (v) In him we live
and move and have our being (Acts, 17/28).
Regarding this ‘truth’ factor, the Bible says— (i) I am the way, the truth, and the life
(gospel of St. John, 14/6), (ii) Send out thy light and thy truth. Let them lead me
(psalm 43/3), (iii) Thy word is the truth (gospel of St. John 17/17). (iv) The truth is
great unto the clouds (psalms, 57/10), (v) That was the true light which lighteth every
man that cometh into the world (Gospel of St. John, 1/9), (vi) Teach me your way, o
Lord, I will walk in your truth (Psalm, 86/11). Understanding the truth is the
wellspring of life unto him that hath it; the Lord giveth wisdom. Out of his mouth
cometh knowledge and understanding (Proverb, 2/6). Send out thy light and thy truth
and let them lead me (Proverb, 43/3). Thy word is Truth (St. John, 17/17).
‘What then? Notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ (read
Sri Ram) is preached, and I therefore rejoice, yea, and will rejoice, for I know that this
will turn to my salvation’, ‘For me to live is Christ (read Sri Ram) and to die is gain;
but if I live in the flesh, there is the fruit of my labour’ (Bible, Philippians, 1/18-19,
21-22). And to do the Lord’s work, I decided to write in English so that the barrier of
language is broken and the wisdom of the Upanishads can ride the waves of the high
seas and spread to all corners of the globe because English is an international
language— ‘I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice
(books) I might teach (reach) others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown
(alien) tongue’ (Bible, Corinthians, 1/14/9-11, 19).
‘My doctrine is not mine, but ‘His’ that sent me; if any man will do his will, he shall
know of the doctrine; for he that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory; but he
that seeketh ‘His’ glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in
him’ (Bible, Gospel of St. John, 7/17-18). ‘The words that I have spoken to you do not come from me. The father who remains in me does his work’ (Gospel. St. John,
14/10), ‘What I say, then, is what the father has told me to say’ (Gospel. St. John,
12/50).
I humbly present this book to my esteemed readers with a sincere request to excuse
me for the errors of omission and commission, and this request is out of the depths of
my heart. I ask the Lord to forgive for my follies— ‘out of the depths, have I cried
unto thee, oh Lord. Hear my voice. Let thine ears be attentive. If then, Lord, shouldest
mark iniquities, oh Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee… for
with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption’ (Bible, psalm,
130/1-3).
I dedicate this book to Sri Ram who is my dearest of dear, most beloved, the essence
of my life and being, and for whom, and for whose pleasure, and on whose behest,
and on whose divine mission, this book is dedicated. I am short of words to pray to
my Lord, but nevertheless my heart springs out like a fountain with these hymns from
the Holy Bible— ‘Have mercy upon me, o God, according to your loving kindness….
and cleanse me from my sins… wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow… create in
me a clean heart, o God, and renew a steadfast spirit in me. Do not cast me away from
your presence, and do not take your holy Spirit from me… restore to me the joy of
your salvation, and uphold me with your generous Spirit (Bible, Psalm, 51/1-2, 7-8,
10-12). Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink… draw near to my soul and
redeem it (Psalm, 69/14, 18). I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am like the owl
of the desert; I lie awake, and am like a sparrow alone of the housetop… hear my
prayer, o Lord, and let my cry come to you (Psalm, 102/7,1). Truly my soul silently
waits for God, from him comes my salvation. He is my rock and my salvation; he is
my defense… and my refuge is in God (Psalm, 62/1-2, 7). O God you are my God,
early will I seek you, my soul thirsts for you, my flesh longs for you, in a dry and
thirsty land where there is no water… you have been my help, therefore in the shadow
of your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind you, your right hand
upholds me’ (Psalm, 63/1, 7-8). I am waiting in life’s departure lounge, waiting for
my flight to freedom. But till that time, ‘I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will
sing praise to my God while I have my being’ (Psalm, 104/33). ‘I will praise the name
of God with a song; and will magnify him with thanks giving’ (Psalm, 69/30).
‘Show my your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths (4). Lead me in your truth and
teach me. For you are the God of my salvation. On you I will wait all the day (5).
Remember, O Lord , your tender mercies and your loving kindness (6), for your
name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great (11). My eyes are ever
towards the Lord, for he shall pluck my feet out of the net (15). Turn yourself to me
and have mercy on me, for I am desolate and afflicted (16). Look on my afflictions
and my pain and forgive all my sins (18). O keep my soul and deliver me; let me not
be ashamed, for I put my trust in you (20). [The Bible, Psalm, 25]
‘One thing I have desire of the Lord; that I will seek (Psalm, 27/4), Bow down your
ear to me, deliver me speedily. Be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me
(2). For you are my rock and my fortress. Therefore for your name’s sake, lead me
and guide me (3) …. for you are my strength (4). Into your hands, I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me, O Lord God of Truth (5). I trust in you, O Lord; I say ‘You are my God’ (14), my times are in your hands (15), make your face shine upon your
servant; save me for your mercy’s sake (16). [Bible, Psalm, 31]
‘The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusted in him and I am helped.
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise him (Psalm, 28/7).
To the end that my glory may sing praise to you and not be silent. Oh Lord my God, I
will give thanks to you for ever (Psalms 30/12). May my speech (read my books) be
pleasing to him, and as for me, I will rejoice in the Lord’ (Bible, psalm, 103). So, help
me, oh Lord! And ‘finally, my bretheren, rejoice in the Lord’ (Bible, Philippians, 3/1).
Amen!
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cerdit : Ajai Kumar Chhawchharia