By Chitra Jha
Do you know of any spiritual organization that is ISO 9001:2000 certified? Have you heard of any organization that promises ‘enlightenment’ for all, irrespective of age and gender; irrespective of educational, social, economic, and intellectual backgrounds? Have you ever attended a spiritual program that offers ‘System for Wisdom’ in a corporate training manner; and yet makes it simple enough for a common man to understand and experience it? You would wonder if such an organization exists. Well, such a wonderful organization with clarity of goal and the path for its achievement not only exists but thrives. Headquarted at the city of
Founded by Tejguru Sirshree Tejparkhi, with a vision of creating a highly evolved society on Planet Earth, Tej Gyan Foundation has been a beacon of light for truth seekers. The word ‘tej’ signifies beyond duality. When the word ‘tej’ is pre-fixed to a word, it signifies the state beyond the two polarities. For example, there is happiness, and there is unhappiness; tej happiness (tejanand) is the bliss beyond happiness and unhappiness. ‘Tej’ is the source from which both the polarities of happiness and unhappiness emanate. Similarly, there is ignorance and there is knowledge; tej knowledge (tejgyan) is the wisdom which is beyond both ignorance and knowledge. Tej is the source from which both the extremes of knowledge and ignorance manifest.
Sirshree says that the word ‘tej’ is the missing link to understand the oneness of the existential experience which is beyond two. The existential experience is termed as Self, Witness, Allah, God, Ishwar, Lord, etc. The body functions because of that living (sentient) Consciousness, without that it is a dead entity, insentient. When life (the Consciousness), the living entity within us, experiences itself, it is known as Enlightenment.
The word ‘tejgyan’ refers to the highest knowledge and its experience. It is that state of wisdom from where nothing remains unknown; all the mysteries of life and the universe become crystal clear. This highest state of wisdom carries transformative power. It is a door to enlightenment. Each individual, family, and organization, in fact all of society is capable of experiencing and attaining ‘tejgyan’. The resultant abundance of joy, bliss, and love is something that cannot be explained in words, it can only be experienced. The name of the foundation ‘Tej Gyan’ originates from this ‘knowlerience’ (a new word coined by Sirshree to speak of both highest knowledge and its experience).
‘Tej Parakhi’ refers to the highest role one can assume in life. Sirshree’s disciples lovingly named him Tejparkhi- a living maestro, whose clarity and commitment is shared through the work of TGF.
Sirshree’s spiritual quest began about thirty years ago. Immersed in his quest for truth he practiced many meditations. His unquenchable thirst led him to various schools of thoughts and teachings. His desire to spend more and more time in the search of truth led him to relinquish his college teaching job. He undertook a long period of contemplation on the mystery of life until his search ended on enlightenment around August 1997. He arrived at the understanding that the missing link in all paths that lead to truth is the lack of ‘understanding’.
Sirshree says, “All paths that lead to truth begin differently- but end in the same way- with understanding. Understanding is the whole thing. And, this understanding is complete in itself. Listening to this understanding is enough.”
Sirshree started imparting this final understanding directly to seekers. As a college professor, his greatest skill was his ability to simplify the most complex of topics. Now he simplifies the most complicated topic in the world - spirituality and enlightenment - which he maintains are the simplest concepts.
TGF’s ‘System for Wisdom’ was created in 1998, to impart the wisdom of enlightenment practically and scientifically, in a step by step manner, to all seekers. The major objective of this system was to convert human beings into ‘Tej Sansaris’. A tej sansari is a wise person who knows that he is a gift of creation and consistently communicates joy, bliss, love, and enthusiasm in all his actions. He is aware of his true nature and has experienced it. A tej sansari is neither a recluse nor a worldly man. He gives his talents to the larger welfare of society and effortlessly pursues success, operating through tejgyan.
As Sirshree’s disciples (tej sansaris) grew in number, the need for a formal organization was felt. From the very beginning, Sirshree had attracted many professionals such as doctors, lawyers, chartered accountants, and teachers due to his scientific and logical approach to explaining the final truth. Some of these professionals got together and created a trust called Tej Gyan Foundation in March 1999.
The foundation is registered as a non-profit organization under the Bombay Public Trust Act. The objectives of the foundation are
§ To impart understanding to everybody about the final truth (tejgyan) and expound scientific ways towards self realization.
§ To highlight the importance of tejgyan in all spheres of life- physical, psychological, social, financial, and spiritual.
§ To facilitate creation of a highly evolved society on Planet Earth.
The motto of Tej Gyan Foundation is “Happy Thoughts”. An integral part of Sirshree’s pivotal teachings, happy thoughts are thoughts beyond positive thoughts. These are thoughts of liberation and self realization. These are thoughts that motivate one to get rid of all other thoughts. Usage of the greeting ‘Happy Thoughts’ by TGFtians helps create a higher collective consciousness consisting of positive vibrations.
As an NGO, TGF focuses on education of humanity in the following areas:
· The personal quest (Who am I?)
· The organizational quest (Why am I here?)
· The family quest (What is love?)
Tejgyan is not a belief system or philosophy, but is the understanding which facilitates every individual’s natural growth through these quests.
Sirshree’s key teachings can be summarized in five simple points:
1. The question is not whether God exists. The question is do ‘you’ exist?
2. Everything is just a game of beliefs. Understanding is the whole thing.
3. The purpose of life on earth is to make the mind unshakable, pure, and loving.
4. There is a reason to be always happy (it is within you!). It is possible to be always happy.
5. Guru, God, Grace, and You: are one.
All these teachings are imparted in TGF through a systematic manner by listening to the final truth. According to Sirshree, it is possible to understand the truth by mere listening to it, as listening was the first path to truth. He says, “By listening, one understands. The moment one understands, actions automatically begin to happen. In fact, listening, understanding, and action occur at the same time. With understanding there is a change in action. With change in action, we are liberated from the bondage of karma.’
Sirshree likes to use simple stories, jokes, and anecdotes to impart the highest knowledge in a simple and effective manner. He laughs generously and whole heartedly during his discourses. This bright laughter is infectious to say the least. Thus knowledge of final truth is imparted in a light hearted environment where everyone feels at ease. And direct experience of God happens just by listening systematically……………….
Sirshree says that it is important to impart the highest knowledge in a step by step manner because at each level of understanding the answers differ. The System for Wisdom ensures that through various levels, seekers progress from lower answers to higher answers. The wisdom is imparted as per the level of consciousness of seekers. Seekers can join Group 1 and decide to move step by step as they want and if they want to. At each level their understanding is enhanced and their limiting beliefs drop off. As they attain higher understanding and get rid of their beliefs, they realize that world is their practice ground. They embrace this playground, rather than relinquish it……..
The System for Wisdom is a three step process:
§ Listening to the Truth breaks the false beliefs.
§ Contemplation of the Truth leads to understanding.
§ Application of the Truth leads to conviction.
In August 2008, Tej Gyan Foundation acquired the distinction of becoming one of the world’s first spiritual organizations to have a system for wisdom certified under ISO 9001:2000. This certification has enhanced the image of an already proven system in the eyes of the skeptics and faithful alike.
Last month, I was led to TGF’s MaNaN Ashram outside Pune, which is being developed as its headquarters over 25 acres of land amidst the glory of mountains and pristine beauty of nature, on a personal quest for the final truth. It was an incredible experience to say the least. There were over a thousand seekers; about half of them (including me) were staying in the Ashram itself. Eighty percent of the seekers were in their 20s or early 30s. The diversity was mind-boggling. From peasants to software engineers, from 70 year old women to hip teenagers; all listening to Sirshree under the same roof, connecting with each other and the Guru through a common thread: understanding the truth and experiencing it! The atmosphere was eclectic and magical. Besides experiencing joy and peace, I got to interact with many seekers, tejsevaks (volunteers), and satyacharyas (teachers of truth). Each story spoke volumes.
Khoyesh Thakkar has known Sirshree since 1988. He relates an interesting incident about those days. When he heard that Sirshree had attained enlightenment, he went to meet Sirshree expecting him to sport a beard and look like a sadhu. He was surprised to see Sirshree dressed up as before, even though he looked as if he was on a different plane. Khoyesh asked Sirshree, “Now that you are self-realized, what food do you eat?” In his inimitable style, Sirshree responded, “Are you enquiring about me or my body?” This answer had baffled Khoyesh at that time, but today he knows better. He is emphatic that only lucky people can understand the importance of a living Guru.
Dr. Sunita Sabnani is the editor of English books for TGF. She spoke about her pre and post TGF days with great candor. In her own words, “Since childhood I had felt that this world was hopeless and life was meaningless. After completing my medical studies, I went through a long period of depression, since I felt a vacuum inside me as well as a turmoil regarding what to do about my career and my life. That is when I came in contact with TGF and Sirshree. Gradually, Sirshree's simple but highest wisdom permeated my life, and I didn't even realize when I started believing that everything is going to be fine with this world and my life. I have started smiling and laughing again. I have understood who I actually am and what the meaning of life is. My life has become a celebration of self-expression, as I have settled down into doing what I love the most – writing. I am on the path of attaining higher consciousness and it has been a wonderful and enlightening journey with the most wonderful master, Sirshree. Now I am totally convinced that the Golden Era of Truth is beginning on Earth once again.”
Pramod works for an IT company. He is very convinced that a Guru is essential to achieve the highest level of consciousness. He says, “Ever since I came in touch with Sirshree, I have found answers to all my questions. My level of consciousness has grown. Now my life is filled with everything: money, fulfilling relations, knowledge, great experiences, and above all a broad outlook about life. Tejgyan has given me knowledge, not just of this world, but the world beyond death as well. I have overcome the fear of death, and have a crystal clear understanding about the mysteries of life.”
Girish Wadhwani works for an orphanage along with his wife. He has been associated with TGF for past 10 years. He cannot believe that at one point of time in life he was contemplating committing suicide. He says, “My relationship with my family members was at an all time low when I attended TGF’s family retreat. Today I love the very same people, I used to hate. I have understood answers to the questions like ‘Who am I?’, “What is the purpose of my life?” Not just my external world, but my inner world has also changed. I live in bliss: day in, day out.”
Corporate trainer Nitin Ahir speaks with an unusual calm, “My lid used to blow up at small things, such as traffic snarls, erratic mobile network, computer breakdown, garbage dumps across the city, potholed roads, power cuts etc. Life was full of countless stress moments. There was no stability, only struggle. It was like a run-a-ball situation with no wickets in hand. It was at such a time that Sirshree, the Zen master of our times, came to my rescue. He made me realize that stability cannot be found in an unstable world. Stability does not come when the world is stable; it comes when the mind is stable.”
People belonging to different faiths come to TGF and get a clear understanding about their own religion. Maulaso Nadaf, an Islamic teacher, said, “I was born in a Muslim family, yet it was in TGF that I understood what Kabir’s love and wisdom was all about. Now the essence of all faiths has percolated into my life.”
A fellow seeker, Police officer Sonkade Babusha, had a practical approach He said, “If eight hours are spent catching a thief, the entire ire is vent upon him once he is caught. But from now on I will choose the right response in the face of such provocations. I will respond while remaining in the present moment. This is the understanding I have received in TGF.”
The ‘shift’ was evident everywhere; in people’s thoughts, words, and actions. It seemed as though the seeds of a highly evolved society were being sown right there in the MaNaN ashram.
