Tej Gyan Foundation is a relatively recent spiritual organisation in Pune, with an intriguing approach to the truth. Read on for more details and to meet the founder, Tejguru Sirshree Tejparkhi

A Teacher at Heart

Sirshree has systematised spiritual inquiry. excerpts from an interview

Are you happy with the way TGF has grown? What are your future plans?
I am and was happy, and the formation of TGF was a result of this happiness. Another way to look at it is that "I am Happiness". So, there is no question of being happy or unhappy. To answer your second question, true spirituality has been lost in the world. This is being restored to its original significance. The plan for the future is the same as it is in the present. This is not a plan. It is the Divine Plan. It is not a plan of an individual.

What is the essence of the truth that you teach? Can you sum it up in a sentence?
One sentence is too much.
One word is sufficient – Saraswati
Saraswati = sar (head), swa (Self, heart), stith (established).
To shift from the head and be established at the Self (heart) is the essence of the truth that is taught.

What is your definition of enlightenment?
Enlightenment is the attainment of liberation from ego, mechanical living, all forms of bondage, preconceived notions and all vices of the mind (fear, anger, hatred, greed, attachment, envy, etc.) What remains after attainment of enlightenment is unbroken bliss – bliss which is indescribable, which constantly asserts its eternal presence and pervades every aspect of life. Enlightenment is the key to a successful and fulfilled life, the royal path to transcendence. The state of enlightenment resides within all of us.

When the Truth is understood not only intellectually but also at the experiential level… when all your questions and doubts dissolve, that is the state of enlightenment! It entails the journey from the limited confines of the mind (the head) to the unlimited realms of the Self (the heart).

When the Knowing Principle (Self) within us gets associated with worldly objects, it gives rise to maya (delusion). When it returns to its original nature (Supreme Universal Being), enlightenment is attained. To be able to grasp this, we need to first understand the true meaning of the term 'Knowing Principle'. Everyone is specialised in a particular field of knowledge. When one possesses the knowledge of flying aircraft, that body is known as a pilot. If one has the knowledge of medicine, then the body is referred to as a doctor. With the knowledge of architecture, the body is called an architect. With the knowledge of engineering, the body is known as an engineer. If we consider this carefully, we realise that the body is not an engineer or a doctor; rather it is the Knowing Principle that has identified itself with engineering or medical knowledge which assumes the role of an engineer or doctor. The knowledge plays a particular role. This means that knowledge is present in various forms within every human body.

Knowledge resides in the human intellect. When the intellect completely surrenders at the feet of the Lord (the Self) in the heart, the body then begins to serve as an instrument for God to function. The body in which this state is achieved is said to have become the Supreme Being. The Supreme Knowledge (tejgyan) that has emerged within begins to function through the body. When the knowledge plays an 'altogether different' role, beyond the various worldly roles and reassociates with the Self, then alone does the Self reveal itself.

You may refer to this Creative Principle as Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Self, Supreme Knowledge, Tejgyan, Father, Truth.... All these names point to the same Reality.

Enlightenment is not attained after the death of the body, but in this very lifetime. We need to understand as to how this is possible. Attainment of enlightenment implies stabilisation in our original state of Pure Being; where the Experiencer experiences the Experiencer in and through every experience. There is a preliminary state before any game begins. Even while practising yogic exercises, there is an initial state before the body gets into any yogic posture. Once the yogic posture is completed, the body returns to its original posture. Science opines that it is further progress that will lead to ultimate liberation. This is inferred because science dwells on the limited framework of logic and reason. Contrary to this, the truth is that you ought to regress (go back) and stabilise in your original state.

The state of enlightenment is experienced only upon returning to the original state of Being, the state before the grand game of Creation began. Being stabilised in the state of enlightenment, actions arise out of decisions taken while dwelling in that original state. What does each decision of ours indicate? Are our decisions made with the complete understanding of who we essentially are? Are our actions an expression of who we truly are? We offer prayers; however are our actions aligned with our prayers? Our decisions clearly indicate whether we do what we say.

For instance, one may say, "I want to live a good healthy life"; but his actions (overeating and consequent obesity, for instance) could indicate that he wants to die. He will be puzzled if he is told that he does not value his life. He will not believe it. If we carefully reflect and understand this aspect in depth, we realise that every decision of ours reflects whether the decision is arising out of the false identification with our body or out of the clear understanding of our true identity (the Universal Self, our original nature). Enlightenment is the state of stabilisation in our original state of Being, an unshaken understanding or conviction of our true identity from where all decisions arise.

What are the prerequisites a seeker of enlightenment must possess to be successful?
Either steadfast faith or the ability to rigorously enquire are a must. Either devotion or wisdom. A true guru will ensure you get both. A seeker studying with a true guru will attain devotion to be ready for enlightenment. A devotee under the guidance of a true guru will attain wisdom to be ready for enlightenment.

The six requisites are thirst (love for the Truth); listening skills (the ability to listen without prejudice or bias), the ability to contemplate; being free of deceit towards himself and the guru; faith and obedience – steadfastly adhering to instructions from the guru

What is the significance of obtaining a 9001:2000 in the context of being a spiritual organisation? How does it benefit the organisation? How did you get it?
The 'System for Wisdom' was conceived at the very beginning as the need to impart knowledge systematically. In the process, recently auditors noticed that such a system can be recognised by ISO and this certification happened in the process. Obtaining a certification was not the reason for the system to be created.

What do you think lies ahead of us? Is mankind going to evolve spiritually?
Definitely yes! Mankind will evolve spiritually. Actually it has been evolving from the very beginning. The flowing river is bound to merge into the ocean.

What is the significance of year 2012?
The year 2012 holds as much significance as the current year of 2008. Some say that the world would come to an end... and some others say that 2012 will see the heights of spirituality. Human growth in its true sense has only begun. So, why talk about "the end" now? You can say that the year 2008, or the year 2012 are a preparation for the year 2013. Every scene is a preparation for the next scene.