Come, Let's Enjoy the Silence!

In the hall of our mind, the tussle of thought currents goes on unabated. The mind remains busy at all times.

Scientists say that in our brain 30 to 31 waves constantly flow. We call this the neuro-linguistic system. These waves belong to the language system of our mind. Research indicates that whenever we are engaged in intense mental work, indulged in arguments and counter-arguments, these waves are in Beta range. When we take a break from the heavy load of responsibilities and try to relax for a while or swing while sitting on a reclining chair or take a solitary walk in the garden, even then the mind continues to emit waves of the Alpha range. During vacation, when we revel in the mood of fun and enjoyment, or drive a car on the highway with zooming speed, the mind is busy sending Theta range waves. Even when we are fast asleep, the brain remains active and emanates waves– sometimes Theta and occasionally Delta.

The inquisitive: The function of mind is to think only. So let it go…Why mind it? What’s wrong in it?

There is definitely something wrong in it. If the machine remains functioning without a break, day and night, what will be the result? To speak in scientific terms, heat will generate in all its parts due to friction. Similar is the case with the machine called mind! And, don't forget that this machine is not made of hard metals but of extremely delicate nerves and neurons. When thoughts generate in it on a continuous basis, it also gets heated up. You must have heard people telling often, “Please do not talk to me at this moment. Right now my mind is hot!” Anger, tension, agitation over silly nothings- these issues have become a part of our life. It is the result of increase in the level of 'temperature' of the brain.

The inquisitive: What you say is correct… But, if we do not think how would we work and function in society? If we do not apply our minds, how would we achieve success in life?

What is wrong is unnecessary thinking. Within the circuit of your mind, when the web of useless thoughts leads to the 'traffic jam', you are unable to take proper decisions.

Our mind needs to be away from the small puddles and take a deep plunge into the internal oceanic depths. Don't you desire so? At least for some time in a day… Reveling in that deep silence… deep... so deep as the Atlantic Ocean where ripples of thoughts are not present! Not even the vibrations of thought-currents… Sh…Sh…Shss…Sh … complete silence!… where you enjoy merging into that eternal zero (fullness!).

The inquisitive: Very pleasing to the ears. But, is it possible to practically enjoy such a blissful state for even some moments every day?

Yes of course, it is possible! To lead us to such a state of eternal bliss, spiritual teachers invite us from time to time. “Come to me and I will give you rest. All of you work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Oh, the carriers of that heavy load of work and responsibilities! Come to me and take rest, relax in my lap… I will provide you with peace of mind.”

The Inquisitive: Tell me please how can that state be attained?

After being blessed with Brahm Gyan, by concentrating on the place between the brows (where one applies tilak), one can commence the journey of peace to reach into the depths within and seek eternal bliss.

The Inquisitive: Why seek Brahm Gyan for concentrating on the place between the brows? We can do it straightaway without seeking someone's help!

What will be the effect if you concentrate on the closed door! Your eyes will become tired and exhausted. You won't be benefited by such a futile exercise.

Brahm Gyan activates the 'Divine Eye' situated at the centre of your two physical eyes. Only when the perfect spiritual Guru graciously opens this divine door, you are given the passage to the depths of the latent kingdom of divinity within you. The issue is simple and straightforward. The door opens and you are able to move within. In that blissful world, thoughts are not admitted. Bliss alone reigns! This is that mighty Atlantic Ocean, diving into which you begin to experience- Aum, Peace, Peace, Peace, Aum…

Hatred-The Killer Vice

The word 'hatred' finds its place in the dictionary of most of us. Whether we reveal it openly or not, but in our hearts we do bear hatred for someone or the other, for some or the other reason. This vice called hatred seeks someone to be hated always, and we all fall victims to it. Today, let's try to analyse this vice, which eats up a big chunk of our mental energy.

So friends, why do we hate others?

If we look into the subject, the most prominent reason that we will find behind hatred is selfishness; i.e., when we see our selfish desires or motives getting hindered, it is then that this vice creeps inside us. Another cause that may be found is: if for some unknown reason somebody hurts us, then we may tend to hate him. Or else, due to our past impressions, we may tend to hate someone at the first sight or others may tend to hate us at first sight too. Hatred can grow as a result of jealousy as well. So, these are the chief causes which are said to give birth to hatred.

Now hatred, whatsoever be the cause, is a vice and definitely needs to be destroyed. Otherwise, remember:Hatred corrodes the vessel in which it is stored.(Chinese Proverb)

True! It destroys our mental energies as we tend to become obsessed with the object of our hatred. Believe it or not, hatred is one of the biggest causes of chronic depression. It is said that an evil thought (here, feelings of hatred and jealousy for others) is thrice cursed. Firstly, it harms the subject, i.e. the one who harbors such negative feelings. Secondly, it harms the object, i.e. the one towards whom that hate is directed. And, thirdly, it harms the entire universe by dissolving more negativity in it.

Next, the question arises: 'What needs to be done?'The following incident suggests an answer:

Once, a person came to a saint and said, “O Master! I try my level best not to give place in my heart to the feelings of hatred and jealousy towards others, especially for those with whom I work. But, despite my efforts, I fail to completely ban such negative feelings from entering inside me. It has become my nature to think negative and unnecessarily hate others. Please suggest some way to me so that I can get rid of this vice.” The saint said, “From today, whenever such negative feelings come in your heart, reveal them to the ones for whom these feelings arise. Tell them that you hate them and are jealous of them. Tell them clearly that you don't like them and that they hold the place of a rival in your life!” The man accepted the advice of the saint and returned. After a couple of days, he went again to the saint and said, “Master! That what you suggested me appeared to be an easy task at the first sight. But, when I actually had to implement it, it turned out to be very difficult! I realised that it is difficult to stop the negative feelings of hatred from entering my heart. But, it is rather more difficult to tell it to others that, I hate them. So, out of the two ways, I have chosen the easier one... I have stopped nurturing hatred towards others.”

But friends, after knowing “What” to do, still an important query remains unanswered. That, “How” to bring about this change?

The best possible solution is to change ourselves or the situation, whichever is easy and wise. Although, out of their growing impatience, people today are opting for the extreme steps; like, breaking the ties of a relationship (divorce in case of couples or break-ups between brothers/friends) or, at times, resorting to violent means like killing the person they hate! Certainly, these options are not advisable. We need to remember that life demands all of us to compromise on many fronts. We can escape the worst if we develop this attribute even a little. It is due to the lack of this virtue of compromise that today we have so much violence and struggles around.

So, how to prepare ourselves to choose for the wise and the right way? This is possible by cultivating love for all in our hearts. As Lord Buddha also says: Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.

Our books of wisdom suggest us a formula in this regard, i.e. 'Cultivating Love through Divine Knowledge.' What happens when a person gets initiated into the Divine Knowledge, meaning, the practical experience of God within?

When a Perfect Master bestows upon us the technique to practically experience the Divine Lord within, we see our true nature in the form of light through the Third Eye. Slowly but steadily it comes to our understanding that the same God is present in all and that we are all different manifestations of the same Divine Light; like, when we see the sunlight through green glass, it appears green and when seen through red glass, it appears red. So the difference is in the superficial manifestation and not the source. This realisation automatically develops love for all, over a period of time, and we come to the understanding which is divine and elevating!

Such Divine Knowledge which makes it possible to have these welcoming substitutions of love and positivity over hatred and negativity can be had even in this age, with the grace of His Holiness Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, Founder and Head of Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan.

A Journey Within

"I am the traveller. Within me lies the route. It's my journey within myself. It's a safari not in a distant land, but in a territory nearest to me; nearer than even my flesh."

Yes! I am talking about the inner cosmos that lies and spreads wide within us– neither in our physical set-up nor in our biological or genetic make-up. It is also not our mental sphere full of thoughts and emotions. This world is not integral even to our neural system (brain) holding cognition or normal consciousness.

Then where does this inner-world lie? On which plane of my existence does it exist? Well, I take this opportunity to reveal it to you through this picture (See Fig A). The picture depicts a gateway in the forehead which is wide open. There is also a splash of light around it, indicating a paranormal, rather a divine threshold. Within the gate lies an infinitely vast domain with indefinite dimensions. A zigzag pathway is laid in it which goes beyond the horizon. A bright figure of a man is shown walking over this path. Below the gate lie the eyes of the man, which are closed; not in an ordinary sleep-mode but in a deep reflective style. The man seems not to be a common man, but a 'seeker'.

What is he seeking? He is seeking himself– his Real Self. Where? Within Himself! According to the science of self-realisation and the revelations of all mystics, the centre of our forehead is the point of communication with the cosmic higher world that lies beyond our physical, sensorial, mental, and intellectual domains. It's a gateway to a subtle terrain that spreads right within our forehead, in the upper region of skull. Neurosurgeons cannot observe it by dissecting the skull; for, it is set and positioned subtly in our supra-physical being.

And that too, infinitely, boundlessly! You will wonder how? How come such an expansive cosmos exist within our small skull? That's, in fact, the most advanced technology of the Super-Engineer, the Almighty God! As our computer engineers can store thousands of Giga Bytes in a micro-chip in binary form, God has also saved and secured a complete cosmos within our micro-skull in ethereal divine form. It's a 'MACROCOSM' within the 'MICROCOSM'!

Indian philosophy calls this inner world as 'Antarjagatah'. The gate that leads to it is named as 'Dasam Dwaar'– the Tenth Door. Only a genuine spiritual mystic (Sadguru) with divine excellence has the forte to break open the jammed lock of this door. He transmits His absolute energy to the seeker and unlocks the gateway to the inner cosmos. With this, the seeker is uplifted from lower sensorial planes to the magnificent palace of wisdom. Hopping at sensory level ends and the longitudinal journey into the vast space within begins.

The seeker sits in meditative posture in stoic poise. Motionless! But, from within, he transcends and travels on cosmic planes. The bright figure walking along the inner path in the portrait symbolises the 'consciousness' of the seeker. Hence, it is actually the consciousness that becomes the astronaut of the inner-cosmos, and travels far and wide for self-exploration. The more consciously the aspirant focuses at the centre of the forehead, the deeper he delves and the farther he traverses the inner cosmos, which is full of spectacular visions, music, and experiences. He beholds an exquisite world adorned with divine wonders par excellence.

In fact, 'self-exploration' is analogous to 'space-exploration'. The outer-space is verily a clone of the inner-space. Therefore, the tight-lipped secret-shells of the cosmos outside can be heard speaking in the cosmos inside. According to the space-scientists, more than 90% of the universe consists of dark-energies, unobservable to human-eye. Thus, a major chunk of the outer-space remains veiled, thereby concealing countless secrets within its ambit. However, the inner-world is the key to all these locked mysteries. Nothing is hidden to the eye of consciousness. It sees and penetrates each speck of reality dwelling in the world within.

In the beginning of the Shvetashvatara Upanishad, the rishis (sages) present their queries and inquisitions on various issues concerning life, universe, and existence. They ask: “Who is the cause of this cosmos? What lies beyond? Whence are we born? What is the basis of our existence? Where do we dwell at the end? Please tell us, O ye who know Brahman, under whose guidance we abide, whether in pleasure or pain.” The Upanishad ultimately concludes that the sages could not find any satisfactory verbal solution to their queries. Therefore, in the end, they became absorbed in meditation. Through the undivided focus of mind, they discovered the creative power, the secrets of universe and its cause. Hence, within the inner-universe lies the encoded data of all that exists without.

Above all, this inner-world is a beatific oasis of peace and bliss. Robert Alan has rightly said– "Peace of mind is not a goal I need to achieve. It's a place inside I never want to leave." Inner-world is that specific place within us from where oozes the ceaseless spring of peace. So, dive in the ocean of your being… travel deeper and deeper… till you become speechless, thoughtless! The beholder of Ananda (Supreme Bliss)!

Our Limited Sight vs. the Limitless Lord Divine!

The present age is the age of science. It's an era where blind faith, blind beliefs, imaginations and unsubstantiated convictions have no place! Everything is tested, verified, and proved.

Taking recourse to such arguments, some atheists deny the existence of God. But, a wise saying goes thus– 'little knowledge is a dangerous thing'. These atheists relied upon just one aspect of science, ignoring the other facets. Whereas, the fact is that 'Science' itself accepts many things and creatures whose existence cannot be comprehended through the sensory organs of the human beings. For example, the air that we breathe in contains thousands of bacteria/micro-organisms. But, we are unable to see them with the naked eyes. Our eyes are unable to reach out and locate the distant planets and stars twinkling far away from us. These eyes cannot see the x-rays, ultraviolet rays and the infra-red rays. We are just able to perceive a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

In a nutshell, we are able to see only 0.00000000000035% (3.5 X 10-13) part of the cosmos. Imagine, out of the gigantic figure of the combined population of these 2 million earths, you are able to see only 42 individuals– that's what makes the 3.5 X 10-13 part! And, this is what we are able to see on this Planet Earth! Strange, isn't it? We are so proud of our eyes but, just look at the limitation of their vision! How minimal is their power! As compared to the magnitude of the cosmos, the power of the eyes is almost non-existent!

That apart, the small world which these eyes perceive– are these able to see even that much to the point of perfection or in totality? If it were so, the words like 'mirage or illusion' would not have found place in the dictionary.

Just stand at one end of the rail-track and stretch your vision towards its far end. It will appear as if the two parallel tracks meet each other. But does it actually happen? In that case, the outcome would have been only accidents! From the beginning of the journey till the end of it, the railway tracks are laid parallel. Stand on the shore of the sea and look as far as the eyes can survey. You will visualise that the sea and the sky meet at one place. But is there any such place on the Earth where the sea and the sky meet?

Why then trust these eyes so much? Why then make them the witness to prove the existence of God? When these eyes are unable to perceive even the little fraction of this cosmos around them correctly and fully, how can then we expect them to have the capacity to see the Creator of the cosmos?

The Sages, the Realised Souls, have tendered for our benefit their profound, philosophical observations in this regard. Just read the following verse from Kenopanishad very carefully–

Yachchakshusha na pashyati

yena chakshoonshi pashyati,

Tadeva brahma tvam viddhi

nedam yadidamupaasate.

Meaning thereby, 'that' which cannot be seen by these eyes, instead 'that' which makes these eyes see the things around, 'that' alone is Brahman. The sum and substance is that these eyes are mere instruments. These don't possess the power of their own, that enables them to see. It is with the power of the Divine that the eyes get the intrinsic strength to see. A bulb cannot give light on its own. Only when the electricity passes through it, it is enabled to provide light. No vehicle can move on its own. Only when it gets the energy from the external sources, it provides the locomotion. Similarly, our eyes and for that matter all other sense organs are functionless on their own. The divine power of God alone provides energy for their activation.

So, do all these factual assertions lead to the conclusion that God is simply the subject of discussions and blind acceptance? Does that mean that it is impossible to experience and know (realise) Him? No, not at all! If it were so, Swami Vivekananda would not have declared aloud from the open platform that 'Religion is the realisation of God', i.e., the essence of religion is to have face to face meeting with God.

Our sages have repeatedly proclaimed that God cannot be seen or experienced through these external eyes or with the aid of any other sensory organ. For experiencing Him, the subtle apparatus is needed. As per the spiritual terminology that subtle instrument is known as “Divine Eye” or “Third Eye.”
Our scriptures reveal that–

Esha sarveshu bhooteshu

goodhotmaa na prakaashate

Drashyate tvagrayayaa buddhayaa

sookshmayaa sookshmadarshi bhihi

Meaning thereby, even though the Supreme Lord exists in all beings, yet He is not visible to all due to the curtain of Maya. Only they who have explored the subtle divine principles and possess the subtlest and the finest 'apparatus' known as Divine Eye are able to experience Him.

But how can we acquire this subtle apparatus, i.e., Divine Eye? Since this is not an external instrument, it is not possible to get it from the external sources. Only a Perfect Master (Poorna Guru) can bestow it upon the inquisitive aspirant.

In the sixth part of the fourteenth section of the Chhandogyopanishad, this truth has been explained in perfectly clear terms. When Shvetketu questioned his father as to how to see God, his father replied–

Yathaasomya purusham gandhaarebhyobhinaddhaakshamaaneeya...

O' the benevolent one! Assume that someone from Gandhaar (a country) is blindfolded and is left alone in a deserted place with no human beings around. Now, that individual cries out for help. In such a situation, if someone were to untie his knots, remove the blindfold and give him proper information about the direction of Gandhaar, then? Without doubt, he will be able to reach his destination. Similarly, when one meets a True Guru, with his (Guru's) guidance, he is able to move in the direction of meeting the Divine Lord. One's bondage in the secular world lasts until he is fortunate to meet his Guru, who can remove the veil tied to his eyes, or to say, who can bless him with the Divine Eye. Because, thereafter, it is certain that he realises the Supreme God within himself.

In essence, being unable to experience the Supreme Lord with the external eyes, do not negate His existence. By raising the voice against God, do not stand in the queue of the atheists. Instead, seek refuge of a Poorna Guru (a Perfect Master) who can open your Divine Eye and can make you experience God within you. Only then, you will be justifying your conviction of being scientific in your approach. Not otherwise!

Return Gift of Kanha's Birthday

The infant crimson rays spread out and enclosed the horizon and beyond… The mowing of the cows, the chirping of the birds, the raving of the Yamuna waves- all began to resonate in chorus to compose a divine music. Life rejuvenated in its entirety. The jingles in the air carried a joyful note all over Gokul. Yes! The joy of the residents of Gokul Village couldn't be possibly described in words that day. Indeed, it was an auspicious day, the Birthday of Kanha, their prince…

'Oh! It's my Kanhaiya's birthday…!' Sulekha Kaki woke up with a jerk. Certainly, it was her Kanha's birthday!!! He had turned into a lovely four year old. Kaki had to get ready quickly to reach Nand's palace. But…ohh... she was unable to move from her bed. She touched her forehead. She was down with fever.

With tears in her eyes, she thought of Yashoda, the mother of Kanha. Her thoughts transported her to Nand's palace- 'Yashoda must have spent last night cleaning and decorating the palace and this dawn would have brought thousand smiles on her face. Maharishi Shandilya must be performing holy yagya (ceremonies) in the open veranda of the palace…My darling Kanhaiya would soon come out…' Sulekha Kaki forced herself out of her bed. She just couldn't miss seeing the event to be held in the palace that day.

'Ahh…what a beautiful day it is!!!' The royal courtyard was already full. All hearts were pounding and awaiting their sweetheart Kanha- that mischievous smile on his divine countenance. It was just one glance of Kanha that all Gokul villagers could die for. …And there...There came the stealer of all hearts, everyone's beloved, Krishna Kanhaiya... The royal yellow robe, the curls wrapped in beads of pearls, the crown adorned with a peacock's feather, ears studded with gems, garlands made of rare stones around the neck and wrists, the anklets shimmering and royal… All hearts skipped a beat in admiration. Tears of joy rolled down the faces of the villagers on seeing their darling, who was accompanied by his mother Yashoda.

There he was, seated on a tall throne to receive the gifts from everyone. Sulekha Kaki, too, handed over her bundle of pancakes and kissed the bright forehead. Then, she stood in a corner to see Kanha receiving gifts from his dearest buddies.

The first to run was Sridama. His eyes shining and two fingers lifted, as if something precious was enclosed in them! Huff… Huff… he reached Kanha, making way through the swarm of visitors, breathing heavily and unable to speak a word. The little gopas, there, understood everything. Kanha gently held Sridama's fingers and marked the veneration on his own forehead. And lo... the villagers saw the mark on Kanha's forehead. It was not red or pink or yellow but deep brown in colour!! Hmm... So, Sridama had gifted Kanhaiya a pinch of fresh cow dung!! Nay, the love between the two had multiplied the dung's worth by a million.

Thereafter, it was Bhadra's turn. He too ran to Kanha. His gift was wrapped in a towel across his neck. Eagerly the two friends untied the knot and brought out ten smooth, round pebbles. 'Today, we will use these pebbles to play!!!' Kanha exclaimed with joy. Then came another buddy, Mahabala. In his fist, he was holding a thin stick with a flag on the top. With utmost care, he handed over his gift to his dearest playmate.

Ahh! What a sight of innocence and hilarity!!! Kanha was literally jumping, feeling rich with the newly gifted precious items by his friends.

Mother Yashoda, then, lovingly pulled out a large platter full of beautiful gems, precious stones, pearls, and jewels. 'Come Kanha, pick something for your friends. Wouldn't you like to give them some return gifts?'

Kanha looked at the plate thoughtfully. With a finger on his chin, he evaluated each item on the plate for a little while. Gold, silver, pearls...Hmmm…none could stand in comparison to the invaluable gifts that he had received from his friends.

'I know what to give!!!' Finally, Kanha got an idea. Stepping over the platter, kicking the pearls and the gems, he ran towards his buddies with his heart full of love. His arms playfully flung around Sridama's neck, tightly hugged Bhadra to his bosom, and, then, lifted Mahabala onto his shoulders delightfully … 'Hey! I am yours. Your Eternal Gift!'

Making Of A Disciple

Doku was the son of a swordsman. But, he couldn't win his father's confidence of being a good swordsman. Gripped by the feelings of humiliation and anger, he left his father's place in search of someone who could make him perfect in the art of swordsmanship.

After a long hunt, he came across a master who was adept in swordsmanship.

Manzo had excelled the art in all respects. Doku approached Manzo and said, “Master, will you teach me the art of playing with swords? I must tell you that I am not a novice in this field. I know quite a lot. But, still my father has rejected me saying that my skill lacks perfection. So, I have come to you to become perfect in this art. Please tell, when would you commence the training?” Doku's impatience was clearly evident. Along with that was also evident his ego, which brought him an unpleasant response from the Master. Manzo looked at Doku and said, “I confirm your father's assessment about you. You truly don't seem to be fit for learning this art. And, so, I refuse to accept you as my student.” Doku stood shell-shocked upon hearing those words. As if, he was hit by thunder lightning a thousand times! With stony eyes, he looked at Manzo. The Master also looked at him and said, “You may go now.”

The arrow of rejection had hit the right place, throwing an attack on the monster of ego that had seized Doku's mind and heart. Doku laid in the master's feet, crying for his refuge.

Tenet No. 1) For Sadhaks (disciples of a Perfect Spiritual Master): Ego is a major stumbling block on the path of spirituality. It must be forsaken to receive the grace of the Master.

Manzo: Ok, I grant your request.

Doku: Pardon me for asking one thing, O Master. My father is getting old and so I need to go back to him after learning this art in the shortest possible time. I am ready to undergo any hardship. In that case, how long will it take to attain mastery in this art?

Manzo: 30 years.

Doku (surprisingly): Thirty long years! …If I practice far more intensely and with utmost dedication, then how long will it take?

Manzo: 70 years or, perhaps, your whole life!

Doku's face clearly expressed his confusion and inability to grasp the import of the Master's words. He stood with folded hands but his questioning eyes were repeatedly asking for an explanation.

Manzo: The answer to the 'why' resounding in your inner being is that the one who is in a hurry, as you are, to get the results seldom learns quickly.

Doku (once again realised his mistake): Forgive this ignorant one, Sir! I surrender myself to you.

Tenet No. 2): Patience is an essential pre-requisite to achieve the results; for, Guru knows when and what is to be given to his disciple.

Manzo: You will have to strictly follow as and what I say.

Doku: I promise you, Master.

Manzo: From today onwards, it is your duty to cook the food, wash all the utensils and clothes, clean the hermitage, and give water to the plants.

Doku (without an iota of hesitation): Sure, Master.

Manzo: So, go and take charge of your duties right now.

Doku: Yes, Master

Doku did not say that just for the sake of saying. He did what he said. He dedicated himself fully in carrying out the order of his Master.Day and night, he was seen engrossed in fulfilling the duties that were allotted to him. Only one thought echoed in his mind that there should be no mistake in the Master's work. And, it was the result of this dedication and hard-work that he never gave anyone a single chance to complain.

Manzo's eyes were keeping a constant watch over Doku's inner being to keep track of the answers to these questions. But, Doku's undivided faith and surrender in the feet of his Master did not let him fall this time. Doku's dedication and surrender won the Master's heart, who did not get to hear 'Yes' even once in answer to the questions that were meant to test Doku's faith.

Tenet No. 3): Hard-work, dedication, and faith are the jewels of a disciple which enhance his inner beauty and make him win the love and insurmountable grace of the Master.

But, what's that? Where Doku's dedication and surrender deserved reward from the Master, there he started receiving terrific blows of swords every day. Every day, Manzo would hit Doku with a wooden sword and Doku tried to protect himself from the unexpected attacks. This activity continued for weeks together. Hardly a day passed when this strange thing didn't happen. But, not even once did any ill-feeling arise in Doku's heart for the Master's peculiar behaviour.

After a couple of weeks, one day, Manzo called Doku in his room. Doku entered the room with folded hands fearing that he must have made some mistake. But, his happiness knew no bounds when he saw a beautiful smile on the Master's face. Manzo caressed him and said, “My dear son! Today I declare you as the greatest swordsman in the world, as there is no stroke that can defeat you, whatsoever it may be! You have learnt to defend yourself from every possible attack that can be made by the opponent. Now you can go to your father, who will be greatly happy to see a new Doku in front of him… perfectly suitable for becoming his heir.”

Tenet no. 4): Always remember! Even the hits and blows of the Master are in the favour of a disciple. They are not meant to harm him; instead, they are a blessing in disguise, which are meant to make him perfect!