India is a land of Yoga, Meditation, Spiritual pursuits and miracles. Since the Vedic period, the scriptures have recorded such events and things that the limited intellect of contemporary man may not even comprehend. When the naive intellect of the contemporary man fails to truly fathom this mystery, he dismisses it as heresy. Also, when a Hindu talks about a miracle or performs a miracle, there is a lot of opposition and backlash. Today we will try to learn and understand a little bit about that mystical world of miracles.
According to an incident in a newspaper on the evening of 21st May 1959, a person named Shri Shiv Avatar Sharma successfully performed a clairvoyance experiment before the then President of India Shri Rajendra Prasad. The President was seated in a room. Here he wrote some sentences on a piece of paper. Simultaneously, while sitting in another room, Shivakumar wrote the same sentences on another piece of paper. The President was very impressed by this miracle and told Mr. Sharma that he should try to develop such spiritual knowledge for the welfare of the society. Similarly many years ago a person made gold out of copper in the famous Birla Bhavan of Delhi in front of many dignitaries and leaders. Also, sugar was made from a brick by a monk. Such events have been regularly happening in India. Miracles are a part of our life. We should try to understand them and their reality. Yes, one thing needs to be mentioned here that no one should not get into any kind of superstition, because only supreme faith in God and saint leads one to miracles. A person only causes hurt to himself or herself by indulging in superstition. Lord Swaminarayan never endorsed superstition or any kind of black magic. He always emphasized on faith and devotion and said that only an uncivilized person hankers after miracles. Yes, such miracles happen by God's will. Even Mahant Swami Maharaj does not advocate miracles as a cure for people's ailments. He advises people to have faith in God and develop rock solid endurance and strength in the face of adversities. Here, it becomes pertinent to mention about Dr. Richard Alpert, an eminently intelligent psychologist, author and modern yoga practitioner.
Dr. Richard Alpert was a former professor at Harvard University in America. He once became a heavy drug addict. But, after being introduced to a miraculous saint named Neemkaroli Baba, he became a sadhu and was named Swami Ramdas.
Dr. Richard Alpert has mentioned many of his experiences related to Neemkaroli Baba in his articles, books and interviews.
When Richard first came to India in the year 1967, he was an assistant professor of psychology at Harvard University. He was studying the effects of hallucinogenic chemicals and lethal drugs like LSD and psilocybin. He himself used to consume LSD for his research, which led him to getting addicted to it. But he also had an affinity for spirituality. Richard came to Baba's ashram in search of how to find a commonality between drug induced psychedelic experiences and spirituality.
Ramdas wrote in his book that when he met Baba, he could not tell him about his addiction even though he wanted to. During this time he met Baba several times. Finally one day Baba asked him where is that medicine? Richard was shocked! He thought to himself, "I have not mentioned this to Baba but how come he knows about it?". But on Baba's request, he brought the intoxicating LSD tablets and gave them to him. Richard says that a single pill in itself was a very high dose for an adult person. But Baba consumed the three pills kept in the bottle and it had no effect on him. After this meeting with Baba, Richard went to America only to return to Baba's ashram four years later. But still he had the suspicion that Baba might not have eaten the pills, but rather thrown them away or spat them out. When Dr. Richard met Baba this time, Baba again asked for the LSD pills and Richard gave him four pills, which Baba showed him while putting them on his tongue and swallowing them one by one. This time too these pills had no effect on Baba. This was a miracle for Dr. Richard.
Actually Baba wanted to address the suspicions that were running in Richard's mind by taking these pills and showing that no substance can get him intoxicated. He wanted to show that If you want to get intoxicated, get intoxicated on spirituality and social service. Because there is no greater intoxication than these.
Baba's message seemed to change Richard's mind. Richard took initiation from Baba and then Baba himself gave Richard Alpert the name Ramdas. After this Ramdas started social service through organizations called Hanuman Foundation and Seva Foundation and devoted his life to spiritual education.
Swami Ramdas wrote many books which became famous all over the world. His books include LSD, The Psychedelic Experience, Doing Your Own Being, Journey of Awakening, Be Here Now, How Can I Help, etc., which focus on spirituality and the purpose of human life. Ramdas wrote the book 'Miracles of Love', based on Neem Karoli Baba's miraculous experiences and teachings.
The concept of miracles is often associated with extraordinary events that are considered to be supernatural or divine in nature. Different religious and philosophical traditions offer various perspectives on the truth behind miracles. Here are a few perspectives that are commonly discussed:
1) Religious Interpretation:
Many religious traditions believe that miracles are acts of divine intervention or manifestations of God's power. According to these beliefs, miracles occur as a result of God's will or the intercession of saints or spiritual beings. Miracles are seen as a way to demonstrate God's presence and authority and to fulfill a higher purpose.
2) Skeptical Perspective:
Skeptics approach miracles with a critical mindset, often seeking scientific explanations for seemingly miraculous events. They argue that many so-called miracles can be attributed to natural phenomena, misinterpretations, psychological factors, or illusions. From this perspective, miracles are seen as improbable events that lack sufficient evidence to support their supernatural origin.
3) Symbolic Interpretation:
Some individuals interpret miracles symbolically rather than literally. They view miracles as metaphors or allegorical representations of profound spiritual or psychological transformations. In this view, miracles serve as powerful stories or teachings that inspire and guide individuals on their spiritual journeys.
4) Personal Belief:
For many people, the truth behind miracles is deeply personal and subjective. Personal experiences, faith, and religious convictions shape their understanding of miracles. These individuals may have witnessed events that they perceive as miraculous in their own lives or in the lives of others, reinforcing their belief in the existence and significance of miracles.
It's important to note that the interpretation and understanding of miracles can vary significantly across cultures, religions, and individual beliefs. The truth behind miracles remains a complex and multifaceted topic, often intertwined with faith, spirituality, and personal experiences.
Thanks Giving
This article is written and submitted to The E Today by Sadhu Amrutvadandas. We thank swamiji for his research and analysis and hope to see the awareness about life and peace being spread ahead to larger mass of our citizens.