S: Pranam guru ji, I am in college and I am a bit tensed for my future as I want to prepare for civil services but there are my college studies also ,so I am not able to focous on any of them due this unwanted stress.So please guide me. Besides I have been trying to wake up early in the morning but then I keep on feeling dozy and sleepy throughout the day so please tell me what sould I do for both of these problems? pranam guruji.
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you. To advise properly, please intimate your year of college studies.

As regards feeling drowsy on getting up early in the morning, it may be due to stomach problem like constipation etc. I paste my articles also for your guidance below:-

Shubh Karma

Hard working, devotion, dedication, honesty, services to the parents and elders to follow eternal religion mentioned in Vedas, practice of Ashtang Yoga, discharging moral duties to get progress in education, science simultaneously with spiritualism like, daily havan, to be in contact with the learned Acharya, to get his advice, are some of the pious deeds which make the future bright and obliterate the sorrows, problems, diseases, etc.

One must wake up early in the morning for early morning walk and exercises, must sit on meditation and chant holy name of God, must be away from any addiction and non-vegetarian. Such pious actions lead to long, happy life and bright future.

You should first try to get up early in the morning at least at 5:30 a.m. then after sometime, it will be easy for you to get up at 5:00 a.m. and then to get up at 4:30 a.m. which is sufficient.

GAYATRI MANTRA

Please, start the day by chanting Gayatri mantra in the early morning sitting on suitable asan like Sukhasan, Siddhasan or Padmasan etc. concentrate on the point between two eyebrows which is called “Agyachakra”. The Gayatri mantra should be chanted along with its meaning both times. Also, please try to perform daily hawan even with Gayatri mantra. Then try to study any of my books daily and put up question if any.

After 15 days chant the Gayatri mantra only thrice thereafter do the name jaap of Almighty God-“Om”. The jaap must be done daily by heart and not orally.

The Gayatri mantra is as follows —

OM BHURBHUVAHA SWAHA TATA SAVITUR VARENYAM BHARGODEVASYA

DHIMAHI DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODYAT

Meaning of Gayatri mantra stating each word is as follows. Its meaning is based on Vedas and Sanskrit grammar. Grammatical hints are in short please.

Om has three Hindi words. Aa, Uu AND Ma. Aa is meant for Aakaar from which three names of God are built, Viraat, Agni, and Vishwadi. From Uu = uukar from which Hirannyagarbha, Vayu and Tejas names occur and Ma = makaar from which Ishwar, Aditya and Praajyan aadi, holy names of God occur. Rigveda mantra 1/164/46 says God is one but His names are several. But here OM the holy name of God is only being explained.

VIRAAT = Viraat word is made from dhatu ‘Rajrideeptau’ i.e., manifest. Therefore Viraat means He who manifests the universe. As God manifests the universe, thus Viraat is the name of God. Rigveda mandal 10, sukta 129 states that like potter makes pot from clay, similarly God creates universe from non-alive matter prakriti. Prakriti is unseen matter. From unseen matter, the whole universe is created in the visible form. Science also says that matter is never destroyed but changes its form. Suppose a paper is burnt, paper changes its form into ashes. Then ashes are crushed and thrown in air. At this moment, the paper changed into ashes becomes invisible but was never destroyed. Similarly the whole universe at the time of final destruction is turned into prakriti i.e., into unseen form.

AGNI = From dhatu, “ANCHU GATI POOJANAYOHO” the word “AGNI is made. Its meaning is: He who is a form of wisdom. “SARVAJAYEN” i.e., Omniscient. That is, knows each and every atom of universe and even beyond universe. He who is to be known, to be gained and is worshipful. So Agni is the name of God.

VISHWA = Vishwa word is made from dhatu, “VISHPRAVESHANE”. Its meaning is He in whom the universe is entering or He who is entering the universe. So being omnipresent, Vishwa is the name of God.

HIRANNYAGARBHA = i.e., ” JYOTIRVAYIHIRANYAM”. Its meaning is, who is the base of all sun, etc., luminous lokas or He who is the living place of all luminous lokas.

VAYU = from dhatu, “VA GATIGANDHANYOHO”, vayu word is made. Its meaning is He who holds, gives life and destroys and is the mightiest amongst all. So the name of God is Vayu.

TEJ = from dhatu, “TIJA NISHANE”, the word Tej is made meaning He who is self made and self-enlightened and gives light to sun, moon, stars etc. God does not take light from anywhere but gives light to sun, moon, stars, etc. so the unbroken, unobstructed/unproduced and eternal form of light is Almighty God and not sun, moon etc. So the name of God is Tej.

ISHWAR = from dhatu, “ISH ASHWERIYE”, the word Ishwar is made. Its meaning is whose knowledge is thoughtful and true and He who has unlimited wealth, fortune and glory etc. Therefore the name of God is Ishwar. Here it is not out of place to mention that soul (man/woman) has limited qualities and are dependent whereas God is independent and has unlimited qualities that is why He is God.

ADITYA = from dhatu, “DO AVAKHANDANE”, Aditya word is made. Its meaning is the one who cannot be broken into pieces and thus cannot be destroyed. So God’s name is Aditya.

PRAJAYEN (PRAGYA) = from dhatu, “JYEN AVABODHANE”, Prajayen word is made meaning whose wisdom is totally without any misunderstanding and thus he who knows every matter and behavior of whole universe without misunderstanding. So God’s name is Prajayen. So here also it is not out of place to mention that illusion can never attack on God and God is totally free from illusion.

BHUHU = “BHUHU ITI VAYEE PRANAHA” i.e., He who is the base of lives of universe, is most beloved, even more than Prann i.e., breath. So Bhuhu is the name of God.

BHUVAHA= “BHUVAHA ITI APANAHA” i.e., He who is totally free from any sorrow, and the soul removes his own all sorrows after coming in contact with Him. So the name of God is Bhuvaha.

SWAHA = i.e., “SWAHA ITI VYANAHE” who is omnipresent in the universe and is holding the same. So the name of God is Swaha.

SAVITUHU = He who creates the universe. So the name of God is Savituhu.

DEVSYA= who gives all pleasure/merriment, so the name of God is Dev.

VARENNYAM = He who is the most supreme and acceptable. God is most supreme and acceptable for worship.

BHARGAHA = the purest entity (though God is formless, but finding no suitable English word of Sanskrit word, “SHUDH SWARUPAM” the word entity has been used.)

TAT = i.e., the God i.e., of the purest entity.

DHIMAHI = i.e., we must hold (sort of meditation) because

YAHA = the God

NAHA = our,

DHIYAHA = mind(i.e., in our minds)

PRACHODYAT = by inspiration (fulfil the mind with wisdom)

MEANING
“We meditate the God who is the base of lives’ of universe, totally free from any sorrow, omnipresent, creates the universe, gives all pleasure/merriment, most supreme and acceptable, purest entity; May the God enlighten our minds with wisdom by His inspiration”.

Here it is not out of place to mention that idea of a (one) Ved mantra is based on ideas of several Ved mantras. So in the above Gayatri mantra, there are three things —-
Bhuhu, Bhuvaha, Swaha, Savituhu, Bhargaha, Devsya are some qualities amongst unlimited qualities of God. These are called Stuti i.e., to say about God with His real qualities and not self made etc.

Secondly Dhimahi means meditation i.e., one should always sit in meditation and do hard and pious deeds for which he will have to study Vedas in full, while discharging moral duties towards family and nation.

Third and last is DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODYAT. It is a prayer to God explanation of which is cited above.

How to do havan

Please sit in the morning to perform havan. Havan must be in sunlight then it is more beneficial. Then half a bowl of fresh water with a tablespoon must be with you with small twigs especially of mango tree if possible, havan samagri, ghee, camphor and match box must be there with you. Please sit on sukh asan on four times folded blanket and blanket must be on mat.

Sukh asan i.e., sit on duly folded feet in comfortable position. Then first close your eyes and concentrate between two eyebrows and chant Gayatri mantra three times within heart and not by mouth. Then open your eyes.

Take one spoon of water in right palm. Chant this mantra, OM AMRITO UPASTRANMASI SWAHA and drink the water which you have put in your palm. Then again take the spoon of water in right palm then chant the next mantra, OM AMRITA APIDHANMASI SWAHA, and drink the water. Then again take the water in right palm and chant the mantra, OM SATYAM YASHAH SHRI MAYI SHRI SHRAYTAAM SWAHA, and drink the water. Then wash the right palm while sitting, with the same water kept in bowl.

Then put the twigs into havan kund with one piece of camphor and burn it. During this process chant the Gayatri mantra again and again till such time the fire is lighted sufficiently. Then chant the Gayatri mantra and at the last add the word Swaha and offer ghee with tablespoon, quantity equivalent to 4 to 5 drops. And if you are alone then also offer in fire pinch of havan samagri from your right hand’s finger and thumb avoiding forefinger. So this offering may be of 11 times, 21 times or 51 times as the time suits. It is the simplest way and I have not quoted the complete method of Yajyen. The havan with Ved mantras are always offered as the best worship of God only please. Do havan daily and both times

Building interest in studies

It is a moral duty of a student to concentrate on hard study and to look after his health. Avoid bad society always concentrate on your Brahmacharya. Awake early in the morning and after bath- brush etc., do holy name jaap of God at least for 15 minutes. Go for morning walk and light exercises daily. Take plenty of water i.e., at least 15 -to 20 glasses in a day. Always respect your parents, elders and teachers. Must be soft spoken, avoid TV so as not to see bad scenes, films etc. this all will help you to concentrate in your study. Whatever you study and learn, try to write on rough book a lot without seeing books etc. I have written a book on Brahmacharya in Hindi, that can be sent free of cost to you. The book is specially meant for students.

STUDENT LOSING CONCENTRATION

Concentration is not made on mind, but mind has to be concentrated on particular point or subject etc. It requires practice of Yam, Niyam, Asan, Pranayaam, Pratyahar, Dharnna and Dhyan then one attains Samadhi. In this path, guidance of a spiritual master who knows Vedas and Ashtang Yoga philosophy is needed. Holy name jaap of God helps a lot. I have written a book on Yoga which can be sent on receipt of your postal address. However, personal guidance as stated is essential. It is a moral duty of a student to concentrate on hard study and to look after his health. Avoid bad society always concentrate on your Brahamcharya. Awake early in the morning and after bath-brush etc., do holy name jaap of God at least for fifteen minutes. Go for morning walk and light exercises daily. Take plenty of water i.e., 15-20 glass in a day. Always respect your parents, elders and teachers. Must be soft spoken, Avoid TV to see bad scenes, films etc. This all will help you to concentrate in your study. Whatever, you study and learn, try to write on rough book a lot without seeing books etc. Please refer to the book- “Brahamcharya-Dukh Nivarak Divya Mani”.

Kiran: Namaste yoga acharya charna sparsh. Can animals, birds, plants etc.., also aim to moksha?
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you.

You see, only human being is entitled to attain salvation (moksha), if any person follows the spiritual path especially eternal knowledge of Vedas, which emanates direct from God in the beginning of each creation. The human beings, based on previous lives’ deeds gets human body. Vedas and spiritual holy books tell that we are free to do pious deeds or sins i.e., Kriyamann karmas whereas other than human life, others are not entitled to do pious deeds or sins. They are only entitled to face the result of previous lives’ deeds that is why human life is entitled to do deeds (kriyamann karma) and simultaneously face the result of previous lives’ deeds and therefore human beings come under “karma yoni” and other living beings come under “bhog yoni”.

I also paste my article below for your guidance, please.

BHOG YONI

The present life’s deeds are to be faced in the next BIRTHS and not next birth. In bhog yoni, deeds (present deeds) done do not accrue result. (No karmaphal created). So, birth apart from that of human-beings does not face any karma in next birth but such soul has to face the result of his previous lives’ deeds only because one birth is not sufficient to face the result of all deeds. The animal/birds’ yoni etc., is awarded by God till the time pious deeds and sins become equal in number and when it becomes so, then human-beings body is awarded . So, in animal, bird’s yoni, the result of deeds is to be faced to minimize the deed because when a deed is faced, it gets over.

Souls in animal and bird’s yoni is not authorized to listen or know about God that is why, it is called only bhog yoni.

Rebirth and different yonis

Yonis are of four types mainly- undaj,Jarayuj, Swedaj, udbhij.

Idea of Yajurveda mantra 39/6 is that after leaving the human body, the soul goes to several matters in the space etc., and then according to good or bad deeds takes next birth. Yajurveda mantra 39/7 states that those souls who do sins they take birth with violent nature like wolves, bear and those who give fear to others in human body, they take birth in body with dangerous nature like crocodiles, poisonous snakes, tigers, lions, wild boars etc., those who give fear to others, they will be of timid nature also like rabbits, deer etc. Those who give justice and make others fearless, they will take next birth in a fearless nature. Those who are indulged in illusion, they will take birth in a place where the atmosphere will be full of illusion (Yajurveda mantra 40/3 also refers).

Those who are learned Yogis but are not yet attained salvation, they will take next birth in a place where there will not be any illusion but divine enlightenment. Those who have not controlled their five senses, five perceptions and mind then in the next birth they will be of restless nature. But those who have controlled their senses etc., will be of calm, peaceful nature. Those who have followed eternal knowledge, they will also be of peaceful nature in the next birth.

Atharvaveda mantra 9/10/16 states that those who are not learned in this birth, they will get the birth as “sthavar” rooted plants etc., as birds and as animals etc., and those who are learned they take next birth as rishi-munis. So the soul based on his sins or pious deeds takes birth in upper class or lower class. The above said Atharvaveda mantra also states that the soul in the human body knows each and everything that is each outer matter of the world but due to involvement in illusion, soul does not know himself.

As Manusmriti states in shlok 1/43-46 the soul according to deeds takes birth as animal, non-violent deer etc., carnivores like tiger, leopards etc., devils, human beings. The said are of “jarayuj” type i.e., those who take birth from their skin i.e., tissue. Soul takes birth as “undaj” type i.e., those who hatch from eggs like birds, snakes, crocodiles, fish, tortoise, etc. Soul takes birth in “Swedaj” type i.e., those who take birth from sweat, humidity, moisture, for-example, lice, mosquitoes, flies, bed-bugs, etc.

Soul also takes birth in Udbhij i.e., who takes birth from within the earth like plants who emerge from seeds etc., and are stable at one place like trees etc. So there are four above quoted main origin (yonis) of which the total number comes as 84 lakhs.

As regards counting, this matter is only dealt with by Almighty God, please.

Human birth is received when the total number of sins and pious deeds are equalized.

The present life’s deeds are to be faced in the next BIRTHS and not next birth.

In bhog yoni, deeds (present deeds) done do not accrue result. (No karmaphal created). So, birth apart from that of human-beings does not face any karma in next birth but such soul has to face the result of his previous lives’ deeds only because one birth is not sufficient to face the result of all deeds. the animal/birds’ yoni etc., is awarded by God till the time pious deeds and sins become equal in number and when it becomes so, then human-beings body is awarded . So, in animal, bird’s yoni, the result of deeds is to be faced to minimize the deed because when a deed is faced, it gets over.

Souls in animal and bird’s yoni is not authorized to listen or know about God that is why, it is called only bhog yoni.

Whether all souls would pass through all types of animals/birds/insects yoni, it depends on equalization of good and bad deeds.

Yes, it is possible that all the present animals, insects etc., on earth were once or twice etc., human beings in past.