In an era where technology is advancing at unprecedented pace and materialism is growing increasingly prevalent, there is a hunger for voices that speak to the soul - voices that are transmitting ageless wisdom, but expressed in our contemporary language. Among such voices is Premanand Ji Maharaj who is emerging as a venerated saint, and spiritual guru; and who resonates with millions of people in India, and around the world. His teachings, which literature on Bhakti Yoga and the path of divine love, naturally resonate with seekers from all backgrounds, marking him as one of the significant spiritual figures of modernity. Born in a small Indian village, Premanand Ji Maharaj has been spiritual in nature from a young age. In fact, as a child, he had greater interest in devotional songs, stories of saints, and temple activities than on worldly distractions. Unlike several gurus and sages, who have been engaged in the entire spiritual life only later on in life, Maharaj Ji was introduced to devotional service, and all that is associated with it, and to study of scriptures, at an early age. He was especially influenced by the lives of Rasik saints and by the teachings of Lord Krishna, as they appear in the Bhagavata Purana and the Bhagavad Gita.
Born as a common person, Maharaj Ji’s spiritual thirst took him to Vrindavan, the land of Krishna’s pastimes. In Vrindavan, he started to deeply meditate, engage in kirtan (devotional singing), and serve the Vaishnav tradition of devotees. He blossomed into his spiritual identity through the association of his Gurudev and the sacredness of the dham. Premanand Ji Maharaj is not just a teacher of Bhakti, he is Bhakti personified. His discourses are focused on developing prem (divine love) for Shri Radha-Krishna, the eternal divine pair. Instead of deep philosophical discourses which are very dry intellectual discussions, his pravachan (spiritual talks) are emotionally charged, melodious, and always included bhajans that touch the heart and soul. With great simplicity and devotion, he expresses the messages of ancient scriptures that resonate and move devotees. He lays great importance on the notion of service (seva). His followers serve temples, saints, cows (Gau Seva) and needily - all of which he inspires and actively participates in. He promotes that real spirituality is not merely performing the ritual, but with love and compassion for all beings. A key feature of Premanand Ji Maharaj's spiritual dissemination capability is his connection to today's youth population - certainly a polarized environment for young people who are reluctant to pursue "marx list-type spiritual disinfection of kids". In a time in which youth will search medium to everything, sometimes even at the expense of tradition, knows Maharaj Ji is relating to students on an ontological basis, not by force or with a caste and agrarian face, but instead, rationally and funny, where the face of spirituality does not diminish its actual reality. He has reached millions through a combination of a Youtube channel, social media posts, and live interaction and many who have made contact with him and his teachings have acknowledged their capacity for transformation and points of connection in their own experience.
Unlike the virtually unmeasurable amount of spiritual celebrities commercializing there descendent path, Maharaj Ji actually remains an ascetic and morally grounded individual who does not have the intention of glorifying anyone but action. He speaks of Naam Jap (chanting god same) and the inward effort needed for it, he is not outward action and its collective mobilization. For Premanand Ji Maharaj, the contrast that I saw in the vibratory moment, or strengthening activity that is existent, is the depth of the person(s) feeling of Shri Radha Rani. He frequently expresses that Krishna is not available without Radha and that without Her connections he becomes unavailable. He uses emotional descriptors in primarily every katha he conducts related to the connection between Lord Krishna and the pain of the Gopi's to achieve union (Viraha) and an unlimited collective love experience presently with completion of the Divine. Many of his discourses dive deep into Ras Lila, the divine play of Radha and Krishna, encouraging devotees to surrender ego and develop pure love free from worldly desires. According to Maharaj Ji, the path of Bhakti is the most suitable for Kaliyuga (the present age), where logic fails, but love conquers all.
Maharaj Ji's spiritual guidance has prompted the establishment of numerous ashrams, temples, and community programs and services. These are more than simply places of worship and devotion, but also places of learning, health care, and moral and ethical upliftment. Followers or devotees are asked to live life ethically, work honestly, do their duty, wean themselves from the fruit of their action, and help others in their developmental efforts. One of Maharaj Ji's notable projects has been the development of a magnificent temple to Radha-Krishna where true devotees can experience Rasik Bhakti in its truest form. These are not commercial building, living spaces, or day care programs - but places for those spiritually inclined to recharge their spiritual batteries and connect with the Divine. What is most important is that Premanand Ji Maharaj invites humanity to experience inner transformation. External demonstrations of piety and religiosity is meaningless if, inside, we are filled with pride, arrogance, anger, and greed. True spirituality is not the abandoning of one's life to take on some sacrificial persona - it is created when we empty our hearts of pride and replace it with humility; when we empty out our hearts of fear and replace it with surrender to Divine Will; and replace our hearts with love for God. Maharaj Ji is one of the last sources for reason and compassion in a world overshadowed by war and greed. His message is very straightforward: "Chant the holy name, serve others without motives, and love God with all your heart." In the pantheon of contemporary saints and spiritual teachers Premanand Ji Maharaj serves as a shining example of divine love, fearless selflessness, and truth. He has not only restored ancient practices of Bhakti, but also effectively worked off of these traditional sources to build a robust and contemporary relevance to Bhakti in our modern world. His life serves as a universal example of undivided devotion, and profound humility resulting in spiritual bliss - even in this unhinged and hysterically materialistic age.
(Author:- Vivek Koul)
(Note:- This article was also published in Northlines newspaper Jammu written by Vivek Koul)
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