Yuva Sabha Syllabus

Kantihi and Ojaha

Overview of Presentation: This presentation will introduce 1)
Kantihi and Ojaha, 2) Show how Swmishri has portrayed these two
traits in his life, and 3) Show how yuvaks can live their life according
to these two traits.

INTRODUCTION

Notes

People will fawn over materialistic things like cars, clothes, art, etc. They will attribute
descriptive words like beautiful and magnificent to these things. However, these
sentiments will fade away or lessen over time. This is because such materialistic
things will have physical features that will deteriorate over time or the person will
eventually tire of it and no longer have that same appreciation as when they first
experienced the item. That is why materialistic things are often described as fleeting.

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Bhagwn on the other hand is eternal, and through Satsang, we grow to understand
upsan and real happiness. But what was that one moment where we become
completely enamored and engrossed in Satsang for the first time. Most likely, it was
during our first experience with our guru, Pramukh Swmi Mhrj.
What is it that draws closer to Shriji Mhrj and Swmi Bp? If we could
capture our feelings and the answer to that question in one word, what would
that word be?

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Speakers Note: Following that point, use a whiteboard, easel pad, PowerPoint,
etc. to jot down some of the descriptors that the audience can provide on that
question. It can help to group some of the words into a category in order to drive
towards the topic of discussion.

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Sdhus and haribhaktos have written and recited kirtans, describing the beauty of
Gods attractive form and beauty. Two Sanskrit words that encapsulate the essence
of these sentiments are kanti and oja.
The word kanti is used to describe Purna Purshottam Nryans divine beauty
and splendor.
The word oja characterizes the divine glow that radiates on Gods face.

Yuva Sabha Syllabus

Kantihi & Ojaha

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 Examples of kirtans that talk about Bhagwns beauty and the magnificence of a
moments glance of Bhagwn or the Satpurush:
Manmohan re, sundar murti tamri
Tro chatak rangilo chhedlo albel re
Swmi tamri pyr bhari, ek najar male to kfi chhe

Notes
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Kanti and oja are just as relevant and applicable in describing the Satpurush. Our
guru, Pramukh Swmi Mhrj, also emanates this same beauty and attractive form.
Some physical traits that reveal Swmishris divine radiance that anyone will have the
chance to experience, include:
The innocence of his face reflects a compassionate, youthful glow.

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The dynamic sparkle in his eyes conveys his love for Bhagwn and us.

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SWMISHRI EXHIBITING KANTI AND OJA

Sadguru Sant Swmi would make mention of Swmi Bps eyes. And each time that
he has, the gleeful surprise would incline one to think that it was as if he had been
seeing it for the first time.
In 1985, during an interview, Sant Swmi explained, Shstriji Mhrjs
personality and aura reminded one of Bhagwn Swminryan. There wasnt the
slightest difference. As I look at Pramukh Swmi Mhrj, I noticed that his
persona and aura are identical to that of Shstriji Mhrj. Shstriji Mhrjs eyes
were very powerful. No one could look into his eyes with confidence. They
would always lower their eyes. Even his opponents would praise his work.
Pramukh Swmi Mhrj is exactly the same.

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The chieftain of Gadhd who brought eight government officers to meet

Shstriji Mhrj was 85 years old at the time. After meeting him, one of the
officers confided in the chieftain, Look at the luster and sparkle in his eyes. It is
enchanting.
Swmishri has that same sparkle in his eyes. Only words like divine and
Godliness can explain how an 89-year-old sdhu could possibly equally attract
hundreds of thousands from children to youths to adults who have lived full
lives.

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We are familiar with Dr. Jaroslav Fric, aka Professor Fric, the Multimedia Man of
Europe. Professor Fric experienced Swmi Bps kanti. Professor Fric lived in the
former Czech Republic, and he is an innovator in the directing and cinematography.
Performing sev for the Sansth, he directed and produced the 14-screen multimedia
show that was featured in the exhibition at Akshardhm Gndhinagar from 1992 to
2006.
During an interview on November 19, 1992, Professor Fric was asked to recall
his most memorable moments with Swmishri. The professors eyes welled up
with tears, and he tried to compose himself as he answered. He explained, It is
very difficult to answer this question because now the work is over and whatever
that remains is spiritual connection and friendship. I can say for myself that
Professor Fric is such a man who has met scholars, kings, queens, prime

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Yuva Sabha Syllabus

Kantihi & Ojaha

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ministers, and presidents of many countries, but never in my life have I met a
dignitary like Pramukh Swmi before.
In meeting him, you feel that he is a part of the great infinity. I cannot describe
him in words. He impresses not only me, but my team members, too.
While taking photographs of him, I was trying to capture his thoughts and the
depth in his eyes. In all his photographs, I find nothing but absolute purity, divine
peace, and love. This is my lifes greatest experience.

Notes
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I have taken photos of kings and great men, but 70% I had to reject because they
were not due to tension or worry. On the other hand, I had taken 600
photographs of Pramukh Swmi Mhrj and I could not reject any of them. Not
one! It was very difficult to choose which one to use. Whenever we have met
Swmiji his selfless love makes us feel that he is a great power. Forgive me, that
love cannot be described in words, theres simply no definition for it.

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The experience of Swmishris kanti and oja leave many searching for the right
words. At the age of 89, Swmishris face radiates with energy and beauty. He never
gives consideration to altering his appearance to appear photogenic or younger. He is
as the saying goes, a natural. His divine glow and splendor is enough to leave many
individuals fixated in his divine murti.
Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar is a renowned scientist and a notable contributor to the
advent of the supercomputer. Once he shared his sentiments about having his
first darshan of Swmishri, I touched Swmishris feet and felt great peace.
There is a tremendous divine glow that radiates from his face. I was so
rejuvenated by his darshan, I felt as if someone had just added another hundred
years to my lifespan.

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On July 27, 2007, Swmishri was flying into a municipal airport in Morristown,
New Jersey. It had been about two hours since the plane had taken off from
Toronto, and rest of the sdhus on the plane were getting anxious to get off and
proceed to the mandir. As soon as the plane would land in New Jersey, Carl, the
attending immigrations and customs officer, needed to complete a few
immigration formalities before anyone could get off the plane. While waiting for
Swmishris arrival, the sdhus who had come to receive Swmi Bp informed
Carl that Swmishri was an 86-year-old sdhu. Carls impression upon hearing
this was that he would be encountering a weary, old man.

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However, as soon as Carl boarded the plane, to his surprise his eyes fell on a, yes
elderly, but dynamic sdhu. Swmishri had a sparkle in his eyes that was hard for
Carl to comprehend. There was a glow that radiated peace and tranquility. Carl
was stunned, and he remarked, He looks at ease. There is something
extraordinarily different about his face. He doesnt look 86.

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The first impression that many guests have of Swmishri always leaves them in shock
and awe. This is likely because they are fixated on Swmis resiliency and energy,
which would seem abnormal at such a physical age. Most likely, they are meeting and
learning about Swmishri for the first time, so they will not have a full understanding
of what it means for Swmishri to be the Satpurush and experiencing Bhagwn

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Yuva Sabha Syllabus

Kantihi & Ojaha

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through him.
Speakers Note: Rather than reciting the following quotes verbatim, use a
presentation medium to show these quotes, while talking about the main point
above. If possible, while preparing for this presentation, ask yuvaks and other
haribhaktos what came to mind after they first met or saw Swmi in person.
These quotes can be used to contrast impressions of people the audience may
personally know to those of the statesmen and guests below.
On May 17, 2007, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Ugandas Minister of Internal Affairs,
was in Kampala for Swmishris darshan. He observed, Swmishri doesnt look
86. He looks a lot younger. Its unimaginable.
When Vijaykumar Chopra, the owner and chief editor of the Punjab Kesari, a
reputable newspaper in north India, met with Swmishri, he showed a similar
sense of surprise. Mr. Chopra was so surprised that he could only put it in words
by saying, I would never have guessed that he is 85.
On June 22, 2007, the Board Chairperson of Dupage County, Illinois was equally
amazed by Swmishris energetic ways and lustrous eyes. He could not believe
that Swmishri was 86 years old.
On October 30, 1996, Swmishri was addressing a satsang sabh in Singapore. A
Chinese Christian named John was in attendance. After sitting in the assembly, he
described his personal experience, Swmishri was turning the mala when I
noticed how calm and relaxed his face was. It was a reflection of his mind and
soul. I saw a divine aura emanating from him. I couldnt believe my eyes.
Most people that have witnessed this divine beauty and glow, but they cannot
believe their eyes. They have trouble describing it, but they understand that there
is something great about Swmishri, which can only be understood by
experiencing it firsthand for oneself.
Many a times, we find ourselves struggling to fully convey the experience we
may in a certain incident, prasang, activity, etc. Often, it is the energy and uts
underlying our words that help others comprehend the experience no matter
how elaborate or visual we may be in presenting the experience. We may tend
to say something along the lines of, oh, you had to be there, to help bridge
the sentiment that was felt. Alternatively, the adage of a picture is worth a
thousand words may be used to suggest that the picture will fully capture
such an experience.
However, if one of the individuals above, who are fairly unfamiliar with
Satsang, were to look at a murti of Swmi Bp, would they have immediately
had such sentiments? Perhaps not; however because they were able to have a
personal prasang with Swmishri they were truly able to experience
Swmishris kanti and oja.

Notes
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ADOPTING THESE VIRTUES

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So the question that we must ask ourselves is, How can we cultivate our life so that

Yuva Sabha Syllabus

Kantihi & Ojaha

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we can exhibit such an energetic glow with our love for Shriji Mhrj and Swmi?

Notes

Swmishris has always maintained staunch adherence to the panch vartmn

(nishkm, nirlobh, nisneh, niswd, and nirmn) and eight-fold celibacy. So his love
for Shriji Mhrj creates the vibrant glow that we experience. This is how we have
been able to experience his kanti and oja.
In Vachanmrut Gadhd III-27, Shriji Mhrj says that one, who sincerely
observes the panch vartmns, will have a constant rapport with God. He also
explains, The pleasures associated with sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch
are all found to co-exist in one place the blissful and divine form of Purshottam
Bhagwn. When we have darshan of that form of God, we can enjoy the bliss of
that beauty, as well as the bliss of the other four types of vishays (sound, touch,
taste, and smell)[This] bliss is extremely divine; it is eternal and imperishable.
So while we can fall victim to experiencing worldly pleasure in material
objects through the panch vishays, we will only experience misery in the end.
However, if we were to concentrate our panch vishays on the divine beauty
of Bhagwn and the Satpurush, we will be able to experience eternal
happiness. This is the benefit of experiencing and contemplating on Shriji
Mhrjs and Swmishris kanti and oja.

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As yuvaks, we are not expected to observe the panch vartmn as strictly as

sdhus, however we should observe strict niyam dharam for our own betterment
and progress in Satsang.

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However, we can still strive to become as nirmni (to be humble and not have an
ego) as Swmishri and eagerly seeking to be in Bhagwns, Swmishris, and
fellow haribhaktos service (e.g. ds no ds). Similarly, Swmishris true
magnificence and glow of humility and servitude arises from his love for and
devotion to Shriji Mhrj.
In 1967, Yogiji Mhrj and Pramukh Swmi were in Gondal, when
haribhaktos from Kanthariya arrived to discuss the upcoming murtiprathishta for the mandir being constructed in the village. Yogi Bp said,
Take Pramukh Swmi and Sant Swmi. Per Yogi Bp's gn, Pramukh
Swmi and Sant Swmi went to Kanthariya.

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In the days leading up to the murti pratishta, both Pramukh Swmi and Sant
Swmi would conduct pryans and give kath twice a day. One day, after
finishing the morning kath, Pramukh Swmi went to the kitchen. He saw
that Devcharan Swmi was by himself rolling puris, but there was no one
there to help fry the puris.

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From this prasang, we can see Swmishris openness to performing whatever

sev was necessary, whether it was something grand and ceremonial in nature
like a conducting a murti pratishta or giving kath to thousands to doing a
lower profile sev, such as preparing food, the following day. Additionally,
Swmishri was the President of the Sansth at the time, so he could have
steered clear of the kitchen sev. However, his humble, subservient nature
and love for Shriji Mhrj would cause him to act that way. We can learn to
become more humble by engaging in whatever sev is necessary and being
proactive in finding sev.

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Yuva Sabha Syllabus

Kantihi & Ojaha

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 On July 3, 2005, Dr. V.M. Shah, an orthopedic surgeon, came to have

Swmishris darshan in Jamnagar. Dr. Shah expressed, Your face radiates
with energy and splendor even at this age. And your eyes are so powerful that
I feel attracted to them.
Swmishri responded, It is all Gods grace. Everything you see is because of
God.
And Dr. Shah exclaimed, It is your effort that makes everything possible.

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To which Swmishri replied, That effort is Bhagwn Swminryans

blessings and my gurus grace.

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Rather than endear Dr. Shah, who was lauding praise upon him, Swmishri
humbly corrected Dr. Shah and credited everything that has happened to
Shriji Mhrj, Shstriji Mhrj, and Yogiji Mhrj.

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If one has love for God and His Sdhu, then one will be loved by everyone. But if
one is against them, then all will turn against one. Remember this talk, there is no
doubt in it. (Swmi-ni-Vt, 1.128)
Motivational speakers and leadership coaches will often talk about by having a
positive outlook and thinking that the glass is half empty. The point that they
are driving to is that if the person is able to resonate a positive attitude, that they
will draw others to them.

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Similarly, one who loves Bhagwn and Swmishri and follows their gn will
enjoy a blissful life. As a result, a glow similar to Swmishris will develop because
they will have achieved true happiness through love and devotion to Swmishri.
Therefore, others will be naturally drawn towards them. However, such divine
beauty will only emanate if we offer such love to Bhagwn and the Satpurush;
however, if we were to act otherwise, then we would be disregarded by others.

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CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Notes

Swmishris divine aura and splendor have attracted those with extensive knowledge
and depth in Satsang like Sant Swmi and some of the worlds brightest and most
successful individuals; both forms of personas would typically not be influenced or
attracted by anyone so easily.
In Vachanmrut Panchl-5, Shriji Mhrj has said, Moreover, the beauty of God is
such that it cannot be compared to any other object in this world including
everything from Brahma to the smallest blade of grass.
It is only natural for that same beauty and magnificence to emanate from the
Satpurush. Obviously, this is true because God is forever present within him. We
can reflect on Swmishris kanti and oja through mnsi puj. Moreover, we can
experience bliss like his by becoming staunch in our niyam dharam and serving
Shriji Mhrj and Swmishri with absolute humility. In doing so, others will be
able to see a similar glow in us.

Yuva Sabha Syllabus

Kantihi & Ojaha

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Notes
There are countless prasangs where we have seen how Swmi Bp has bestowed
love and affection on all and has demonstrated a natural ability to connect with
anyone from a toddle to elderly devotees. Next time we will explore this when we
discuss Mardayam and Prashrayaha. Mardayam is a tender and affectionate form of
intellect and Prashrayaha is love.

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Yuva Sabha Syllabus

Kantihi & Ojaha

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