The spiritual journey of Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale from Karmayoga to Jnanyoga and finally to Bhaktiyoga

Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale paying obeisance to His Guru – Saint Bhaktaraj Maharaj

Until 1982, I practised and conducted research as a hypnotherapist. Between 1983 and 1986, after visiting various Saints, I was convinced that aspects such as Spirituality and Saints are true indeed.

1. 1987 to 1991 (Karmayoga, physical seva reduces body-awareness)

I commenced sadhana (Spiritual practice) in the true sense after Saint Bhaktaraj Maharaj (fondly called Baba) gave me the Gurumantra (The appropriate chant given by the Guru for a specific purpose to a disciple upon his initiation). Later, I used to attend all bhandaras (Preparation of food on a large scale as a religious offering to God, and later distributed as Prasad to all the devotees who have gathered) and contribute physically. In addition, I would accompany Baba wherever He travelled. While I served Baba, I never expected anything in return, as His service would bring me happiness.

2. 1992 to 2008 (Jnanyoga, studying Spirituality makes the intellect sattvik [Spiritually pure])

Between 1992 and 2008 (even though Baba renounced His gross body in 1995, He used to teach me from the subtle dimension), I put thousands of questions to Baba, and He resolved all my doubts.

‘The Teachings of Saint Bhaktaraj Maharaj’ is a Holy Text based on the Jnan (Knowledge) He imparted. In addition, I studied numerous other Texts and realised many things that were not readily available in the Texts.

3. From 2009 onwards (Bhaktiyoga, efforts undertaken for cultivating devotion make the mind purer and helped awaken bhav [Spiritual emotion])

The gratitude I felt towards Saint Bhaktaraj Maharaj deepened and expanded through the constant guidance and support of Param Pujya Dadaji Vaishampayan and Gurudev (Dr) Kateswami ji. When I read the unpublished Text – ‘Bhaktiyoga’ written by my elder brother – Dr Vasant Athavale, my efforts to cultivate and develop devotion became more intense and precise. This process helped me realise the dryness of Karmayoga as well as Jnanyoga and fostered a deep interest in Bhaktiyoga.

I soon realised that practising sadhana as per Bhaktiyoga brings a unique and far greater Bliss than that experienced through Karmayoga or Jnanyoga. In hindsight, I felt it would have been better if I had begun my sadhana directly through Bhaktiyoga.

4. Reflection on my spiritual journey so far

I felt whatever happened happened for good, and I realised the following :

4A. Had I not performed sadhana as per Karmayoga and Jnanyoga, I would not have realised the importance of Bhaktiyoga.

4B. For samashti sadhana (Spiritual practice for the welfare of society), meaning, for propagating Dharma in society, it is essential to know these three Paths of God-realisation. The spiritual journey I undertook made it happen naturally and effortlessly.

4C. It was Baba’s grace and Divine Will that I followed this path, as He had told me to spread Spirituality.

5. The future journey will also take place as per Shri Guru’s Divine Will

6. Seekers’ spiritual journeys also incorporated Karmayoga, Jnanyoga and Bhaktiyoga as they performed sadhana as per Gurukrupayoga
(Path of Guru’s grace)

Seekers’ spiritual journey also followed my footsteps, and it continues in a similar manner.

6A. Karmayoga : For many years, seekers have been engaged in various forms of satseva, such as spreading Spirituality, conducting spiritual discourses, and cleaning temples.

6B. Jnanyoga : Studying Spiritual Texts, especially those published by Sanatan Sanstha, and applying their teachings in daily life has become an integral part of seekers’ lives.

6C. Bhaktiyoga : Beginning in 2009, many seekers initiated efforts to awaken bhav (Spiritual emotion). From 2010 onward, a growing number of seekers have continued to experience diverse spiritual experiences linked to these efforts or to their devotion to Shrikrushna.

– Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Athavale (26.6.2010)

Seekers’ spiritual journeys incorporated Karmayoga, Jnanyoga and Bhaktiyoga as they performed sadhana as per Gurukrupayoga !