Two Birds of the Mind 🕊

The mind, a nest of living soul,

Two birds reside, who's in control?

One devout, a seeker ever true,

The other wild, a rascal through.

 

Whom should I ask, which voice to hear?

Which path to trust, which one to dear?

Who is the master, who shall guide?

The mind reflects, day and night beside.

 

A storm of thoughts begins to rise,

The mind shakes under restless skies.

One pulls and tugs, the other stays,

Caught in the push and pull of two ways.

 

The seeker whispers, “Wait, be still,

First know yourself, the inner will.

Let go, relax, and calm your mind,

There lies the wealth that you shall find.”

 

The wealth is knowing your own heart,

The self within, a shining part.

No gold or gem can match this light,

It guides the soul through darkest night.

 

The wild one stops, beholds the scene,

Peace fills the nest, serene and clean.

Both birds unite, no more apart,

The soul has grasped the Divine heart.

 

— Ajay Sardesai – Megh

Monday, 8/9/25, 18:37 PM

Devotion and Faith: AC or DC? — A Reflection

Sometimes a thought arises in the mind – were these saints and sages just like us? How did they receive such boundless grace from their Guru? Why did they experience such profound revelations? And why not us…?

Some examples from the Guru–Disciple tradition:

Shripad Shri Vallabh – Shankar Bhatt

Shri Nrusimha Saraswati – Sayandev Sakhare

Shri Swami Samarth – Shri Swami Sut

Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa – Swami Vivekananda

Shri Mahavatar Babaji – Shri Lahiri Mahasaya

Shri Shankar Maharaj – Shri G. K. Pradhan

Shri Mahendranath Maharaj – Shri “M”

These pairs of Guru and disciple flash before the mind’s eye. In their lives, we see extraordinary Gurus, astonishing experiences, and immeasurable service to humanity. And naturally, the question arises – why are we not like them? What exactly is the difference between them and us?

A Scientific Analogy for Devotion

Being an engineer, a technical analogy occurred to me quite naturally: the devotion of saints is like DC (Direct Current) – steady, unified, uninterrupted.
Whereas our devotion is like AC (Alternating Current) – wavering, fluctuating, and often directionless.

Saints’ Devotion — DC Current
DC means direct flow – an electric current moving consistently in one direction. Saints’ devotion and faith too are like that:

Consistency – once their mind settles on God, it never wavers.

Fixed direction – the sole aim of their life is self-realization and service to humanity.

Unshaken in adversity – however deep the suffering, their faith never collapses.

Our Devotion — AC Current 
AC means alternating flow – changing direction and intensity with time. Most often, our devotion resembles this:

Fluctuations – sometimes enthusiasm in practice, sometimes boredom; sometimes full faith, sometimes doubt.

Influence of external forces – worldly duties, expectations, pain, and ego interrupt the current of devotion.

Energy without direction – the strength of devotion exists, but it is unfocused.

How to bridge and rectify this gap?
This comparison is not just an observation – it points the way forward. If AC can be converted into DC through a converter, then our devotion too can be made steady and powerful.

That converter is the Mind

To gain mastery over it, purify it, and turn its focus towards devotion Guru is the key.

Ways to stabilize devotion:

1. Daily practice – set aside a fixed time every day for remembrance of God or Guru.

2. Guarding faith – doubts will arise, but gently and repeatedly bring the mind back to faith.

3. Satsang and saints’ teachings – studying the lives of saints keeps us awakened.

4. Respect without comparison – honour your own journey without measuring it against others.

AC to DC: The Journey of Devotion
Gradually, this unstable (AC) devotion and faith begins transforming into stable (DC) devotion.
Once that happens, the intensity of faith – the potential of DC – begins to grow.
The journey starts from zero (0) potential and moves toward infinity (∞).

To represent the concept into a mathematical equation just for fun-

 

 ·        Starts at zero: V(0)=0V(0)=0.

·        AC→DC transformation: the oscillatory “AC” term Ae−αtsin⁡(⋅)A e^{-\alpha t}\sin(\cdot) decays because α>0\alpha>0, so instability fades.
·        Faith intensity grows without bound: the “DC” term ekt−1e^{k t}-1 (with k>0k>0) increases from 00 toward ∞\infty.
·        Net effect: early on, V(t)V(t) wiggles (AC present); over time, oscillations vanish and the growing DC dominates.

Optional “purity of DC” metric (fraction of stability at time tt):

 

Parameters:

k>0k>0: DC growth rate • α>0\alpha>0: AC damping rate • AA: initial AC amplitude • ω\omega: AC frequency • ϕ\phi: phase.

And the day this infinite potential is attained – that is the moment of liberation.

What is liberation after all?
To become infinite – beyond any framework of comparison, beyond all limitations. Isn’t it so?

 

“Within every heart lies a saint in dormant form. Some awaken him, while others forget his very existence.”

 

Grace of the Guru can descend upon anyone at any moment – provided the mind is pure, steady, and overflowing with faith.
This journey from AC to DC is the true path of spiritual practice, the very essence of penance.

Surrender yourself to that steady ‘DC’ flow of devotion.

 

Tuesday, 24th June 2025 | 02:10 PM
 Ajay Sardesai (Megh)

 

Who is That 'I' -with that silent gaze

A bird I am, from lands afar,

I've halted here beneath the star.

 

A moment's worth, here’s my nest,

Soon, I must depart on another quest.

 

From where I came—I do not know,

Don’t even know—Where I will go.

 

All that's here shall pass one day,

Only the ever pure "I" shall always stay.

 

Its colours endless, vast, untold,

Unfolding secrets, fold by fold.

 

The sun, the wind, the falling rain,

Touch only body, not the true "I" within.

 

Who is this "I" who none can define,

Untouched by the elements or time?

 

The mind may weep, or dance in bliss,

But this "I" can't be confined to this.

 

This ego-sense—a fleeting dream,

Not truth, but just a passing gleam.

 

Then who is "I"— with that silent gaze,

Watches it all in changeless ways?

 

Monday, 14th July 2025 – 7:37 PM

Ajay Sardesai – (Megh)

Mahakaal !

 

He is everywhere, he permeates both within and also out,

He dwells in all beings, with an unbroken effect, no doubt.

Through countless lifetimes, we keep drifting on,

While he permeates within us, flowing on and on.

Boundless and unfathomable, unmatched is his might,

Nowhere, yet everywhere, he’s infinite and still in sight.

He flows in us, like waves in a song, moved by devotion,

Yet he stays still, steadfast ,strong and divine , without emotion.

Who is he, so near yet unknown,

We permeate through him, but he remains untouched, unshown.

Whether he permeates through us or we are merged in him,

Still, we cannot grasp him, the eternal absolute truth within.

Who is this being, so vast and grand,

Unborn, immortal, beyond the reach of time’s hand.

He is Shiva, the eternal, the formless,

He is SadaShiva, the essence of the truth, pure and flawless.

He is Rudra, fiercesome, fearless, and mighty,

He is Mahakaal, timeless, imperishable, and rightly.

Yes, he is Mahakaal, boundless, with time his beating drum,

His form is terrible, immense, and sublime, he is Aum.

He is Mahakaal, the Timeless,

Yes he is Mahakaal , the Timeless

 

Saturday , 30/11/2024 , 22:05 hrs.

Ajay Sardesai (Megh)

माने त्रयः उपायाः – स्वभावः, विद्या, धनं च। - Three keys for Respect -Character , Knowledge & Wealth .

 

व्यक्ति सर्वत्र सम्मानितः अस्ति,

प्रमुखं तस्य चरित्रं,

तदनन्तरं तस्य ज्ञानं,

अन्ततः तस्य धनं।

A person is respected widely for many things, foremost is his character, then his knowledge and last comes his wealth. Necessarily in that order.

एक व्यक्ति को व्यापक रूप से बहुत सी बातों के लिए सम्मानित किया जाता है, सबसे पहले उसकी चरित्र के लिए, फिर उसकी ज्ञान के लिए और अंत में उसकी संपत्ति के लिए। यही सही क्रम है।

एक व्यक्ती अनेक गोष्टींमुळे सर्वत्र आदर प्राप्त करतो, मुख्यतः त्याच्या चारित्र्यामुळे, त्यानंतर त्याच्या ज्ञानामुळे आणि शेवटी त्याच्या संपत्तीमुळे. ह्याच क्रमाने!

Ajay Sardesai (मेघ)

Wednesday 28/08/2024 12:30 PM

The story of Sanat Kumara and Narada

The story of Sanat Kumara and Narada is a significant part of the Chandogya Upanishad, one of the primary Upanishads in Hindu philosophy. This story appears in the 7th chapter of the Chandogya Upanishad and focuses on the spiritual teachings imparted by Sanat Kumara to Narada.

Context:

Narada, a divine sage, is known for his immense knowledge of the scriptures, hymns, and rituals. Despite his vast knowledge, he feels unfulfilled and lacks inner peace. Seeking a deeper understanding, Narada approaches Sanat Kumara, an enlightened sage and often considered an incarnation of the god of wisdom, for guidance.

The Dialogue:

1.   Narada's Knowledge: Narada begins by listing the vast range of subjects he has studied: the Vedas, Itihasas (epics), Puranas (ancient histories), grammar, mathematics, astronomy, and other sciences. He admits that despite all this knowledge, he hasn't attained self-realization or true happiness.

2.   Sanat Kumara's Response: Sanat Kumara listens patiently and then tells Narada that while his knowledge is vast, it is only the knowledge of "names" (nama) and not of the ultimate truth. According to Sanat Kumara, true knowledge goes beyond words and concepts, and Narada's knowledge, though extensive, is still within the realm of the finite.

3.   Gradation of Knowledge: Sanat Kumara then guides Narada through a series of teachings, each leading to a higher understanding. He explains that the essence of all knowledge begins with the mind (manas), which is subtler than the physical elements. But even the mind is limited, and beyond the mind is the understanding (vijnana), and beyond understanding is meditation (dhyana). He continues this teaching, showing how each layer of knowledge leads to a deeper, more subtle truth, culminating in the realization of the Atman, the Self.

4.   Attaining Infinite Bliss: Finally, Sanat Kumara reveals that the ultimate truth, or the knowledge that leads to liberation, is beyond all finite concepts. It is the knowledge of the infinite (Bhuma), which alone can bring true peace and fulfillment. The finite cannot bring everlasting happiness; only the realization of the infinite can do so. He concludes by saying, "Where one sees nothing else, hears nothing else, understands nothing else, that is the infinite."

Significance:

This story emphasizes the limitations of intellectual knowledge and the importance of spiritual wisdom. It shows that true understanding comes not from the accumulation of information but from the direct experience of the divine or the infinite. Sanat Kumara’s teachings guide Narada (and by extension, all seekers) toward the realization that the ultimate purpose of knowledge is to lead one to self-realization, where the knower becomes one with the known.

This teaching is central to the Upanishadic philosophy, which advocates for a journey from the external world of names and forms to the inner realization of oneness with the ultimate reality, Brahman.

Indra & Virocha -The Quest For The Truth

 

The story of Virochana and Indra from the Chandogya Upanishad is a fascinating tale that explores the nature of the self and the different paths toward understanding it. This narrative is part of the larger Vedic literature and is deeply embedded in Hindu philosophy. Here is a summary of the story:

Background

In the Chandogya Upanishad (Chapter 8), both Virochana and Indra are students of the sage Prajapati, who is considered a creator deity and a teacher of profound spiritual wisdom. Virochana is the king of the Asuras (demons), while Indra is the king of the Devas (gods). Both are curious about the nature of the Self (Atman) and seek Prajapati’s teachings to understand it better.

The Quest for Knowledge

Virochana and Indra approach Prajapati and ask him about the nature of the Self. Prajapati tells them that the Self is "free from sin, old age, death, grief, hunger, and thirst; it desires only what is real, and thinks only what is true." Intrigued, they stay with Prajapati for thirty-two years, performing austerities to qualify for the knowledge they seek.

After thirty-two years, Prajapati gives them the first lesson: he asks them to look into a bowl of water and see their reflection. He says, "This is the Self." Both Virochana and Indra look into the water and see their physical reflections. They believe that the physical body is the true Self.

The Divergence

Virochana, satisfied with this explanation, returns to the Asuras and teaches them that the physical body is the Self. The Asuras then begin to focus on the physical, material world, seeking pleasure and satisfaction in it. Virochana's interpretation leads the Asuras to believe in a philosophy that prioritizes the physical and material aspects of existence.

Indra, on the other hand, is not entirely satisfied. As he returns to the Devas, he begins to have doubts. He reflects on the nature of the physical body—it ages, it decays, and it is subject to suffering. Indra returns to Prajapati and expresses his doubts.

Prajapati, seeing Indra's sincerity, instructs him to stay for another thirty-two years. Indra does so, and after this period, Prajapati teaches him further. This cycle repeats, with Indra staying with Prajapati for a total of 101 years. Each time, Prajapati provides Indra with a deeper understanding of the Self.

The True Self

Finally, Prajapati reveals to Indra the ultimate truth: the Self is not the physical body, nor the mind, nor even the intellect. It is the pure consciousness that is beyond all physical and mental attributes. This Self is eternal, infinite, and one with the ultimate reality, Brahman. Indra realizes that the true Self is beyond physical existence and is identical with the universal spirit.

Conclusion

The story contrasts the superficial understanding of the Self, represented by Virochana, with the deeper spiritual insight attained by Indra. Virochana’s interpretation leads to a materialistic view of life, while Indra's perseverance and deeper inquiry lead to the realization of the spiritual nature of the Self.

This narrative illustrates the journey from ignorance to knowledge, from the physical to the spiritual, and the importance of deep contemplation and guidance in understanding the true nature of the Self.

King Asvapati and His Guests (Knowledge of Self & Brahman)

The story of King Asvapati and His Guests is found in the Chandogya Upanishad (Chapter 5, Sections 11-24). This narrative centers around the profound spiritual knowledge that King Asvapati imparts to a group of Brahmins who seek wisdom.

The Story:

The Setting:

King Asvapati Kaikeya was a wise and just ruler, known for his deep spiritual insight and knowledge of the Self (Atman). He lived in the land of Kekaya and was respected for his understanding of the ultimate reality, Brahman.

The Arrival of the Brahmins:

One day, a group of learned Brahmins, including Uddalaka Aruni, came to Asvapati's court. Each of these Brahmins was renowned in their own right, and they had come together in the hope of learning about the nature of the Self (Atman) from someone who possessed a higher understanding.

Asvapati welcomed them warmly and inquired about the purpose of their visit. The Brahmins explained that they had come to learn about the Self, the essence of all beings, and how it relates to the ultimate reality, Brahman.

The King's Inquiry:

Before sharing his knowledge, Asvapati questioned each Brahmin about their own understanding of the Self. Each one of them described their knowledge, focusing on various aspects of the Self, such as the physical body, the vital breath (prana), the mind (manas), and the intellect (vijnana).

While the Brahmins each had a partial understanding, King Asvapati pointed out that they had only grasped a fragment of the whole truth. He then proceeded to teach them the deeper and more comprehensive knowledge of the Self.

The Teaching of King Asvapati:

Asvapati explained that the Self (Atman) is not limited to the body, mind, or intellect. It is the innermost essence of every being, transcending all individual identities and forms. This Self is identical to Brahman, the ultimate reality that pervades the entire universe.

He taught that the Self is the source of life, consciousness, and the universe itself. Understanding the Self as Brahman leads to the realization that all beings are interconnected and that there is no true separation between the individual soul and the universal spirit.

Asvapati emphasized that the realization of this truth leads to liberation (moksha) and that the highest knowledge is the understanding of this unity.

Moral of the Story:

1.   The Unity of All Existence:

o   The central teaching of Asvapati is the oneness of the Self and Brahman. The story emphasizes that the essence of every individual (Atman) is not separate from the ultimate reality (Brahman). This realization of unity is key to spiritual enlightenment and liberation.

2.   Partial Knowledge is Incomplete:

o   The Brahmins, though learned, had only a partial understanding of the Self. The story highlights that spiritual knowledge must be comprehensive and not limited to individual aspects. True wisdom comes from understanding the whole, not just parts of it.

3.   The Role of a True Teacher:

o   King Asvapati's role in guiding the Brahmins demonstrates the importance of a true teacher (guru) in the spiritual path. A wise teacher helps students transcend their limited understanding and leads them to the ultimate truth.

4.   Humility in Learning:

o   Despite being learned, the Brahmins sought out Asvapati to further their understanding, showing that humility is essential in the quest for knowledge. No matter how much one knows, there is always more to learn, especially in spiritual matters.

5.   The Goal of Knowledge is Liberation:

o   Asvapati’s teaching underscores that the purpose of spiritual knowledge is not mere intellectual understanding but the realization that leads to liberation (moksha). This liberation comes from knowing that the Self is one with the infinite Brahman.

Conclusion:

The story of King Asvapati and his guests is a profound exploration of the nature of the Self and its unity with Brahman. It teaches the importance of comprehensive spiritual understanding, the role of a true teacher, and the ultimate goal of realizing the oneness of all existence. The narrative encourages seekers to move beyond partial knowledge and to strive for the realization of the highest truth, which leads to liberation and the end of all suffering

The Story of Raikva and King Janashruti Pautrayana

The story of Raikva is found in the Chandogya Upanishad (Chapter 4, Sections 1-3). It highlights the theme of true spiritual wisdom residing in unexpected places and the importance of humility in the pursuit of knowledge.

The Story:

King Janashruti Pautrayana was a well-known and generous ruler. His fame spread far and wide, and he took pride in his charitable deeds. One night, as he lay on his terrace, he overheard a conversation between two swans flying overhead. One swan praised the king's generosity, comparing his fame to the brilliance of the sun. However, the other swan mentioned that despite his greatness, Janashruti could not be compared to Raikva, a poor cart driver who possessed true knowledge of the Self and the universe.

The mention of Raikva intrigued and unsettled King Janashruti. He immediately set out to find this mysterious man, wanting to learn the wisdom that had made Raikva's name more revered than his own.

After a long search, the king found Raikva sitting under a tree, driving his cart. The king approached him with great reverence, offering Raikva 600 cows, a golden necklace, and other treasures in exchange for the knowledge he sought. However, Raikva was unimpressed by these material gifts. He rebuked the king, asking him why he was trying to buy spiritual knowledge with wealth. Raikva emphasized that true wisdom could not be bought.

Realizing his mistake, King Janashruti returned to Raikva with even greater humility. This time, he offered his entire kingdom in exchange for the knowledge that Raikva possessed. Seeing the king's sincerity and humility, Raikva agreed to teach him.

Raikva taught King Janashruti about Samanvaya—the unifying principle of all existence, which is the essence of Brahman (the ultimate reality). He explained that everything in the universe is interconnected, and realizing this oneness is the key to spiritual enlightenment.

Moral of the Story:

1.   True Wisdom Lies Beyond Material Wealth:

o   The story illustrates that spiritual knowledge and wisdom cannot be bought with material wealth or power. Raikva's initial rejection of the king's lavish gifts underscores the idea that true understanding of the Self and the universe comes from within, not from external possessions.

2.   Humility is Essential for Learning:

o   King Janashruti's journey from pride to humility is central to the story. It is only after he humbles himself and sincerely seeks knowledge that Raikva agrees to teach him. This teaches us that humility is a crucial virtue in the pursuit of spiritual growth and enlightenment.

3.   Wisdom in Unexpected Places:

o   Raikva, a humble cart driver, possesses profound spiritual knowledge, highlighting that wisdom can reside in the most unexpected places. It is a reminder not to judge others based on their external status or occupation, as true knowledge transcends social and economic boundaries.

4.   The Unity of All Existence:

o   Raikva's teaching about the unifying principle of all existence reflects the core Vedantic idea that everything in the universe is interconnected and part of a single reality, Brahman. Understanding this oneness is essential for spiritual awakening.

Conclusion:

The story of Raikva is a powerful lesson in the value of humility, the true nature of spiritual knowledge, and the importance of looking beyond appearances. It encourages seekers to approach the spiritual path with sincerity, to recognize the unity of all existence, and to understand that wisdom and enlightenment cannot be acquired through material means but must be sought with a humble heart