Atma Jyoti Diwas
What is Atma Jyoti Divas?
‘Atma Jyoti’ is Light of the Soul and ‘Divas’ is Day.
Atma Jyoti Divas is a day for acknowledging and honouring the Divine Atma (Soul) in oneself and in every other person we meet and interact with.
It is a day for acknowledging and honouring the Divine Mother, the Shakti, in every Woman we know and meet.
And it is a day for acknowledging and honouring the Divinity of Nature, and committing to Ahimsa (Non-violence) towards all beings on earth.
Atma Jyoti Divas is a celebration of the Divinity residing in everything within and without us.
Atma Jyoti Divas is celebrated on the 9th of October, the birth date of Master Minood. 50 vows given by Master Minood and set as guidelines, give us an opportunity to look deep within us, and stand us in good stead in our spiritual evolution.
What is the reason for doing this?
Once we embark on an inner journey, the ultimate goal is to realise the Self within.
Although each one of us starts the journey for different reasons and for different purposes, ultimately we strive to become One with all that is.
For this we must dissolve our ego and no longer consider ourselves separate from others.
This requires acts of Spiritual Valour.
Recognising and accepting that we are the Divine Atma residing in a vehicle called the physical body, we must strive to recognise the same Divine Atma that resides in others, even if we are in disagreement with them over some matters, or if we find we cannot understand and accept their behaviour.
This is of critical importance is today’s time, where there is increasing intolerance and lack of respect for the other at religious, political, social and cultural levels.
Doing this with each person you meet at an individual level, we can effect a change in the behaviour and attitude of mankind.
How will it benefit us? What can we gain from it?
By verbally taking the vows and pledging to follow up on them on Atma Jyoti Divas is affirming to oneself that yes, I am here to spread the light of the Atma, I am here to become a living embodiment of that Divine Parabhahman that resides witihin me and within all others as well. It is reminding ourself of our desire to merge with the Divine, and renewing the efforts to make for the same.
When we say it to ourselves out loud and in front of others, it is more deeply absorbed and has greater importance.
How do we pledge to do this? And what has to be done?
We take a verbal pledge to recognise and honour the divinity in ourselves and others, or a pledge that literally renews our spiritual vows we make to ourselves. It can even be to a pledge to forgive everyone who has hurt us or to let go of resentments, to respect women and elders, small children and poor, to participate in cleaning up our cities and country. Doing this automatically strengthens our inner resolve and with increased awareness we can consciously acknowledge the divine Atma within our self and others, while talking with others, while meditating, while praying, even in the midst of an argument.
We can write it down on paper to deepen the commitment within ourselves and carry through our resolve.
Saying it aloud to another person, pledging it on Atma Jyoti Divas makes it deeper ingrained in our psyche, leading to more dedicated efforts and ultimately acceleration of one’s spiritual growth.
Come, take a pledge to awaken / Illumine the soul – the ‘Atma Jyoti’!
What are these vows?
THE 50 VOWS
- ‘Aham Brahmasmi’ I acknowledge my Divinity and in every other.
- I honour the Divine Feminine, the Mother, as ‘the Shakti’, in every woman.
- (For Woman) I honour the presence of Divine in the form of the Mother, the Shakti, operating through me, thus pledge to be compassionate to all.
- Every person, event and situation is telling me something about me and not about them, I wow to take complete ownership of it. Rather than playing the blame game on others, I would introspect on myself and always work on my short comings.
- I will keep calm and never get angry.
- I will always speak the truth.
- I will meditate daily for one hour.
- A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. I will touch a new soul every week by empowering it with Meditation.
- I will live for the ultimate purpose of human life, to realise oneself as a Buddha, a Christ, a Krishna, a Nanak, a perfected human being, a being who emits the soul power and spreads light.
- With great power comes greater responsibility, I will never be carried away by power and pleasures of the world.
- I will not be enticed by the gilt and glamour of the world.
- I will walk the path of surrender in my daily life.
- I will not judge anyone from their past deeds or my past experiences, and will look at everyone each day fresh.
- I will love myself and accept my self as I am, leaving no space for guilt.
- Every time I feel trapped in a situation, I will go through the opportunity that the Universe has given me to understand it, experience it and release it with Awareness and not complain about the situation.
- I will master the act of dropping the desire to promote my identity in each situation and instead will work towards the growth of the soul, mine and others.
- I will take up Meditation as Medication to cure my illness.
- I will live one day in a week just for my own presence as a celebration.
- I will not confront with anyone and silently introspect upon myself to understand the situation.
- I will find a balance between my Spiritual and Material life.
- I will hear each word as I speak, Sakshi Bhav, or Witness mode so as to help myself move into Soul consciousness.
- I will observes my feeling and emotions in response to my daily events to inculcate Sakshi Bhav or Witness mode.
- I will follow Equanimity: Complete Attachment and Complete Detachment.
- I will Let go of being a controller of events and situations in life.
- I will not sit with any one to gossip, and would rather leave such situations every time it arises.
- I will accept the world as my Mirror and work upon myself and be that change in the world for there is no one else out there in the other but me.
- I will feel and see sacredness in everything around, living or non-living.
- Rather than using adjectives and finding faults in my spouse, I will rather work upon what needs to be done in bringing love to the situation.
- I will never throw emotional poison towards anyone specially my loved ones.
- I will let go of all my fears and trust the Universe to always guide me through the path of love.
- I forgive everyone against whom I hold grudge, for what ever be the reason. I then forgive myself for all the pain and sufferings I put myself into. I will make peace with all.
- I will do one hour of spiritual book reading daily.
- I will ask for what I want and not complain about what I have or I receive.
- I will give my best and be in acceptance of the result for I know I did my best.
- I will trust and follow my Intuitions.
- I will not compare or compete upon my material or spiritual journey with anyone rather be inspired by others.
- Now is all I have to live, moment to moment, accepting and living life as it comes with the flow.
- I will be in gratitude to everyone in my life, accepting everyone as my teacher.
- I will do Yoga and Pranayama daily.
- I will be humble towards everyone.
- I will become a vegetarian
- I will quit smoking/Alcohol and will take care of my body. Only then can I finish my life’s purpose.
- I will be a Satvik Vegetarian.
- I will accept all the short comings I see in my spouse and give my best to keep him/her happy at all times, working towards union of Masculine and Feminine, Shiv and Shakti.
- I will give time to my family and myself even if it means to change my job.
- I will develop passion for self inquiry.
- I know dreams are the engines of growth, both for material and spiritual. I will manifest each and every dream of mine.
- I will be inspired and will Inspire others on the self journey, rather than trying to compete with others.
- I will always watch my thoughts and behaviour.
- I will make myself happy and operate from my heart always. I will do something for myself today.
Read what people have to say about Atma Jyoti Divas
namaste !! Its been quite a journey after the Kailash Yatra. Unexplainable the feeling of being blessed or being the chosen one -the silence within which was not comprehend able when people spoke about it -came as a slow realisation. The last day of the meditation session to celebrate Atma Jyoti Divas was very meaningful as each one of us took a vow. What came to me was "A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle-I will touch a new soul every week by empowering it with meditation" Collectively sonia -deepika-Bhavna and me made it happen in a group meditation where we were able to help a dear friend who had lost her children in an unfortunate tragedy -the answer she sought to something she was struggling with became clear. The understanding of the breath and the nourishing of our soul are the answers and as we dwell deeper more mysteries unfold .
Rashmi Agarwal Bector
The Atma Jyoti Diwas was held today in Kolkata at the Centre... It was an amazing experience and at the end of the session everyone took their pledge for the month. It was very uplifting. The energy of the Centre was very high. This day helps us to look within... The divine energy... The light that guides us. Thank you for the Love and Grace Master 🙏😊
Siddhi Agarwal
Yesterday was a fantastic day of meditation on atma jyoti divas where we had a very powerful effect of meditation and i personally felt very calm and composed and after our session i got the 18th vow and coincidently it matched with my birthday that was something which surprised me and then the vow was apt for me because it told guided me to live one day in a week as a celebration i intend to follow this path wholeheartedly and am sure it will make a huge difference in my life and of everyone who r a part of my karmic journey om shanti namaste
Bhavna Sethi
Atma Jyoti Divas: Indeed it has been a self analysis and self introspection event. Under Master s guidance Temple of Inner Wisdom, Delhi did acts of Spiritual Valour to honour and acknowledge the divinity within and in the other. Meditation sessions were held wherein we all were engulfed in high energies. Beautiful new Shlokas were handed over to us by Deepak ji. Thanks Deepak ji. The list of 50 vows are 50 beautiful ways for one s soul upliftment. Wholeheartedly accepting them one by one will definetly accelerate our spiritual journey. Each took a pledge to awaken and illumine their soul. By Master s grace I already feel a transition in my perspective of things, people and situations. Master s teaching that nobody is separate from you, was holding onto me for the past 9 days so I resonate with the vow that I will not judge anyone from their past deeds or past exprriences, look at everyone fresh. I also vow that I will take criticism in a positive and healthy way and will try not to be affected by it. I will not confront with anyone, rather silently introspect upon myself to understand the situation. I also pledge that I will not compare or compete upon my spiritual journey to anyone rather be inspired by others. I feel if I work upon these issues first and master them, my journey will become easy and smooth. Thanks Master for all the guidance and grace.
Seema Gulati
Namaste! Since the inception of Atma Jyoti there have been both visible and subtle changes happening around most of the divine souls of the Temple Family in Ludhiana. Many of them have come forward to take their pledge and are imbibing them in their daily lives. We still need to touch many more. I asked for Divine Guidance in selecting my Vow. It happened to be No. 3....."I HONOR THE PRESENCE OF DIVINE IN THE FORM OF THE MOTHER, THE SHAKTI, OPERATING THROUGH ME, THUS PLEDGE TO BE COMPASSIONATE TO ALL" I hope the Mother Goddess blesses and spreads Love and Compassion in all directions by removing all that is a hindrance in this path for me and for everyone else whom She dwells in Her magnificence. I am grateful to be connected to each and every one who have been "Watching over me"
Sonia Maheshwari Sanwalka
Temple of Inner Wisdom, Ludhiana had a glimpse of The Light,The Truth today. As Master explains that programs are man made but a program executed in surrender began and ended just like a perfect Yatra, as if Master Minood himself was with us in person. In spirit He is always with us. *Today, on Atma Jyoti Divas* Temple of Inner Wisdom went to Geetha Ashram which is run by Shri Nishta ji Maharaj who has studied and preeches the Holy Gita. The Beauty of this place was that ,an old age home, a Mandir, an Ashram for students and a Gaushala was all under one roof. We started off by going to the Gaushala. We gave love and received unconditional love All Temple members went about feeding the cows with full enthusiasm. Meditation was followed in the vicinity of the Temple...... This further strengthened our belief within of empowering the light within by encouraging new seekers to meditate with us. It was truly a very touching moment for us when we heard the Vidyarthis sing a beautiful bhajan on their love for the Gita. Of course....... i thought...... how could we forget!! This was pure divine intervention😊 The session further flowed with bhajans , Atma Shatakam and cake cutting for our respected Master Minood. The Students chanted Sanskrit Shlokas as we wished Dear Master all the best of what life has to offer. Finally Prasad was distributed amongst all present by Temple Sevaks with pure devotion. This morning has truly made a big impact on the peace each one holds within. What more can i say...... Just Blissful. Happy Atma Jyoti Divas to you all. Happy Birthday Master❤️
Anu Bajaj
Temple of Inner Wisdom, Ludhiana had a glimpse of The Light,The Truth today. As Master explains that programs are man made but a program executed in surrender began and ended just like a perfect Yatra, as if Master Minood himself was with us in person. In spirit He is always with us. *Today, on Atma Jyoti Divas* Temple of Inner Wisdom went to Geetha Ashram which is run by Shri Nishta ji Maharaj who has studied and preeches the Holy Gita. The Beauty of this place was that ,an old age home, a Mandir, an Ashram for students and a Gaushala was all under one roof. We started off by going to the Gaushala. We gave love and received unconditional love All Temple members went about feeding the cows with full enthusiasm. Meditation was followed in the vicinity of the Temple...... This further strengthened our belief within of empowering the light within by encouraging new seekers to meditate with us. It was truly a very touching moment for us when we heard the Vidyarthis sing a beautiful bhajan on their love for the Gita. Of course....... i thought...... how could we forget!! This was pure divine intervention😊 The session further flowed with bhajans , Atma Shatakam and cake cutting for our respected Master Minood. The Students chanted Sanskrit Shlokas as we wished Dear Master all the best of what life has to offer. Finally Prasad was distributed amongst all present by Temple Sevaks with pure devotion. This morning has truly made a big impact on the peace each one holds within. What more can i say...... Just Blissful. Happy Atma Jyoti Divas to you all. Happy Birthday Master❤️
Anu Bajaj
Temple of Inner Wisdom, Ludhiana had a glimpse of The Light,The Truth today. As Master explains that programs are man made but a program executed in surrender began and ended just like a perfect Yatra, as if Master Minood himself was with us in person. In spirit He is always with us. *Today, on Atma Jyoti Divas* Temple of Inner Wisdom went to Geetha Ashram which is run by Shri Nishta ji Maharaj who has studied and preeches the Holy Gita. The Beauty of this place was that ,an old age home, a Mandir, an Ashram for students and a Gaushala was all under one roof. We started off by going to the Gaushala. We gave love and received unconditional love All Temple members went about feeding the cows with full enthusiasm. Meditation was followed in the vicinity of the Temple...... This further strengthened our belief within of empowering the light within by encouraging new seekers to meditate with us. It was truly a very touching moment for us when we heard the Vidyarthis sing a beautiful bhajan on their love for the Gita. Of course....... i thought...... how could we forget!! This was pure divine intervention😊 The session further flowed with bhajans , Atma Shatakam and cake cutting for our respected Master Minood. The Students chanted Sanskrit Shlokas as we wished Dear Master all the best of what life has to offer. Finally Prasad was distributed amongst all present by Temple Sevaks with pure devotion. This morning has truly made a big impact on the peace each one holds within. What more can i say...... Just Blissful. Happy Atma Jyoti Divas to you all. Happy Birthday Master❤️
Anu Bajaj
Ever since Master graced my life -my life has been on an Atma Jyoti Divas each day. An incessant celebration of my soul within. TOIW gave me the art of right thinking and living . When you think and live rightly , your passion for loving and caring goes beyond your immediate circle and you become a universal person . Inner Beauty is what matters in life . Introversion begins when one , instead of staying within , ventures out and sees what and how one can do for the good and of others. A point when all windows and doors are flung open . A unique period of sharing , growing and enjoying together. This heralds the path to God conciousness . Working with the blind and the differently abled children of the Saksham Daksh foundation , where i teach painting has always been an soul stirring experience for me. Watching the joy on the childrens faces as they play around with colours to create pieces of abstract art is gratifying . Life becomes commendable when we have something grave to offer to others . Your expanse widens and so does your horizon . You become a part of all the joy of others . My mantra - Be good . Do good .Contribute for the betterment of society . I live the Atma Jyoti Divas each day and my soul rejoices in this celebration , forever evolving.
