Shri Mahalakshmi Puja. Malines (Belgium), 20 September 1986.

Today we are going to worship the principle of Mahalakshmi in Belgium. Belgium has a speciality that it creates glass bangles for the Mother. That is, the bangles which are used as a beautiful musical accompaniment to the gait, to all the movements of the Goddess. It brings a delicacy in a woman; and gives a consciousness to the man or the men that there are ladies around. And the ladies are around who are married ladies, are very auspicious. And this auspiciousness is the one that is going to bring in this country or in any country whatsoever all the blessings.

Also in Sanskrit language a bangle is called as Valaya, and that is the last stage which one has to reach in one’s ascent. That means the complete. Also, we are having here a puja for Holland which is the Jala Devata, is the Goddess of water. It comes from the word “marine”, the word Mary, Maria. All these words come from the word “marine”.

In Holland as you know, the sea is above the land. We can say that the Guru is sitting at a higher position than the chela. And His knowledge is channelized into various channels. And all the wealth, the money, that is earned out of marine activities flow through the greatness of this ocean. So Dutch people are highly blessed people. They are very tall because Dattatreya is a very tall personality. (Laughter) And if they become conscious of their position, one day Dutch can do a lot in the realm of God’s work.

But all the time trouble in both the countries has come because they have not paid any respect to their Guru, which is the ocean. They exploited and took advantage of the sea, but never realised what the sea means in the religious aspect.

The Lakshmi came out of the sea; that is the wealth that has come out of the sea. But the wealth has to be like a Lakshmi. The Lakshmi has a motherly nature. She’s a mother. She’s a mother. She is standing on a lotus. That means She does not throw her weight anywhere. Like people go and occupy other territories and use them for their own purpose will never give them Lakshmi principle. Only thing that may happen to them is to get some money for the time being. But they say Lakshmi is chanchal; means She is all the time shifting and She shifts. Such a Lakshmi is chanchal, is shifting.

Lakshmi has got one hand which is giving, like this. Another hand She has got by which She protects people. In two hands She has got pink lotuses. The pink lotus suggests the warmth. A person who has got Lakshmi has to have warmth in his household. He must have in his heart warmth to receive people. A lotus flower receives even a horrible beetle, black beetle which has got all kinds of thorns in it and allows it to sleep overnight as a nice guest. In the corona of the lotus there is beautiful spread of the yellow coloured pollen on which this beetle rolls and enjoys the comfort.

And the lotus watches the enjoyment of the beetle. It does not get disturbed. It does not get upset and when the lotus opens out, the beetle just goes away. And the lotus still grows, it doesn’t die out.

In modern life, we don’t want guests and if some guests come in the house they dare not even spoil the carpet. We clean the house; we polish all our silver and all our brass, but we don’t want even a little rat to come inside. For whom are we doing all this work? There are no children in the house and the old people are in the old house. Children are in the hostels. And the husband, wife are in the divorce case. But they are very particular about their brass being polished. So the whole polish has come outside.

So the beauty of lotus flower is that it is all embracing. It’s a very motherly principle. It tolerates any type of nonsense from the beetle. So, one of the aspects of Mahalakshmi is Gruhalakshmi: is the one who is the housewife. And if this aspect is spoiled, then we cannot have Lakshmi in our house; we cannot have wealth in our house. The Lakshmi will disappear from all such houses where the housewife is not respected or the housewife is not respectable.

The another aspect of that Lakshmi tattwa is that She gives protection to some people. That means ashraya means there are people who are supported by such a person. I do not know how you people run your orphanages here or how you manage your charities. But in India, if a man or a woman gets money beyond a certain point, she will take out at least one tenth of that money for charities. And she will also have or he will have money or any shelter or anything for people who are working for him, ashraya, working for him.

I have seen many people who are rich, but they are extremely beggarish. They have no dignity of any kind. They will come to your house and they may even ask for an empty tin.

Translator: An empty tin?

Shri Mataji: Empty tin, yeah. There are people.

Translator: What is empty tin?

Yogi: Empty can.

Shri Mataji: Empty can.

Translator: Oh! Oh, sorry. I didn’t understand.

Shri Mataji: Or else if you go to their house they’ll give you or offer you something which is leftover. So there is no dignity of any kind in this. It’s without any self respect. Because if you have self respect, how can you behave like this?

Then there is another aspect of Lakshmi where She is proud like an elephant. She has a propensity. She is not like a mosquito. I mean, many people think that these days to be mosquitoes is very good, but, I think, if you have mosquito-like personality nobody respects you. They all think you must be some sort of a typist or maybe some sort of a person or doing some sort of menial work or working very hard that you have lost all your weight. So, a Lakshmi has to have a gravity.

But nowadays, the whole thing is changed. I knew Belgian people long time back; they were all having some propensities. They were rich people. Even the Dutch. But now both the countries have perhaps become poor, so people look like mosquitoes to Me. (Laughter)

So a person who has got money doesn’t jump like a monkey, but walks like an elephant; in a dignified manner. But sometimes, I have seen in the Western people walk like horses.

In India, we had a wedding and we all ladies were walking in the procession, and we saw one lady in the middle of the whole crowd just coming up and down like a yo-yo. (Laughter) So we couldn’t understand what was this, who is this lady. Then we discovered that one Indian had married an American lady (laughter), and when she was walking she was walking like a horse between all the Indian women singing, she was walking like a horse, you see. (Laughter, Shri Mataji laughs)

So you have to be like an elephant when you walk, Gaja Gamini. That’s one of the names of the Goddess; She walks like an elephant in a swingy way. The reason you see also…

(Aside to the translator) Did you say that?

Translator: Yes, Shri Mataji.

Shri Mataji: …and the Kundalini also, you see, doesn’t agree very much with the horse movement. Because, if you move the Kundalini up and down, up and down, She doesn’t know where to go! (Laughter) But you see elephant’s walk is left, right, left, right, left, right. It goes up, properly, keeping the central path. So it’s not very, very good to walk in that fashion, if you have to establish Sahaja Yoga properly.

Now the Mahalakshmi principle comes out of the Lakshmi principle. That is when you have wealth and when you have acted according to the image of the Lakshmi then the Mahalakshmi principle rises within you. Now the Mahalakshmi tattwa, the principle is that you start thinking only about your Spirit. When you are absolutely satisfied with the material wealth, then you start coming to the Spirit. It was nice that people were seeking material wealth and had industrial revolution in a way. But as a result of that you do not find that the greed has gone down, on the contrary, it has increased. And…

Translator: Sorry, Shri Mataji.

Shri Mataji: Sorry. And the lust has become so perverted. So we can find very clearly that we have failed the principle of Lakshmi in our societies, in our families, in our governments.

So the understanding of Spirit is only possible for people who have understood the meaning of Lakshmi principle, first of all. So the purpose of Lakshmi is only fourfold; first is, that you have to give. It is not like in the church they will say: “All right, you have to give your money, give it to me”, it’s not that. Because I don’t want anything. But you have to be generous by nature, and not miserly.

Supposing you have one door open, no air will come in. Only the air that is sufficient for the room will be there, and there won’t be any entry of new air or more air or any draught inside. But if you open the door, another one, then you will find there will be a circulation of air. So by generosity, the circulation starts and you solve your material problems.

The another principle which we should follow – one of generosity – another of supporting others. Especially among Sahaja Yogis, we should try to help each other. May not be with money, but with moral support. But if you have to support sometime, someone with money you should do it voluntarily without even thinking that you are doing any obligation on that person. Or else, you can think that, “I am doing this just for my own pleasures. ”

The third great quality of the Lakshmi tattwa is that it is respectful to everyone. But we see the other way round, everywhere. A person when he becomes rich, he becomes very arrogant. That’s a sign as we say, of a nouveau riche, a person who has suddenly got the money and he doesn’t know what to do. Supposing somebody is sitting on a donkey, and suddenly he gets a Cadillac; then what will happen to him? He won’t be able to bear that. So this quality is we have that we should respect others, and we should understand that if we have money we haven’t got everything. For example, in India a saint is respected higher than anybody else; higher than all the artists, higher than all the painters, higher than all the kings, all the governments, highest is the saint. So if you are a rich person, you will be known by your respectful behaviour towards everyone. This respectful behaviour, you can also show to things of others.

But such a person would respect the all auspicious things. Like, there could be a small monkey nut, but is say vibrated; should be much more important than the diamond of the same size. So this quality, when it develops in a human being then we can say the Mahalakshmi principle has started.

Now in all of you Mahalakshmi principle has been awakened. Mahalakshmi resides in the Sushumna nadi and Sushumna is developed only up to a point in human beings. It is later on, like a bridge built in, is created by Mahalakshmi principle; that means a person who is satisfied, who is in balance, who is dharmic: his ocean becomes desirous of becoming the clouds of this Sushumna nadi or the path of Sushumna. This desire creates this path, this bridge of Sushumna within us.

Unless and until Mahalakshmi principle is awakened within us, we cannot make the Kundalini pass properly because it will always get lost in the Void. So the dignity, the respect of a Sahaja Yogi will always help him to build this path of Sushumna over the Void. It is not some sort of an artificial respect, or an artificial etiquette, but is a feeling from inside, a kind of a state human beings reach where they feel that it is important that we have to be respectful to everybody.

But the Lakshmi principle disappears with certain things which we must know. First of all, it is said in Marathi language, that if a bottle [of alcohol] comes from the door, the Lakshmi goes, runs away from the window. So the bottle must be kept out if you want to keep Lakshmi inside.

Then another thing is the ‘badha’. When a person gets possessed anywhere if there is darkness, then Lakshmi runs away. In these circumstances, one must try to clear out so that there is no problem. If there is a ‘badha’, then money-wise you cannot be all right, whatever you may try. These two things if you look after, the Lakshmi will stay. And on the satisfaction of that Lakshmi, you will build up your path of Sushumna.

So for today, I have told you what is a Mahalakshmi principle is. Now if Mahalakshmi principle is awakened within us, then the Lakshmi just runs after us.

In the Western culture, what we have done is to bring Lakshmi to the level of only money, that also in paper. And it is so artificial, that people don’t know how suddenly they become bankrupt. So the innate Lakshmi principle is to be understood that you Sahaja Yogis have a special responsibility for all these Western countries which are slowly (Shri Mataji laughs) losing all their wealth and the Third World will have all the money. (Laughter)

Translator: We are responsible for, Shri Mataji?

Shri Mataji: Nothing, I’m just telling.

I’ll tell you what; we didn’t create so many machineries in the Third World, because these machineries are just like devils. They go on taking away all that is materially important, all the matter they eat and create all kinds of nonsense like plastic, this, that. And once something goes from their mouth and whatever comes out is of no use later on. So all those things are becoming useless. So all the indiscriminate use of these kinds of policies have exhausted all your material wealth which was there from the Mother Earth. Now when that is exhausted, then on which you can depend is your paper money.

I’ve always said that machine is for you and you are not for machine. So why go into the complete subjection of the machinery like this? Now the computer has come. And after sometime our computer will be useless, and we will be just using the other computer.

But situation may arise that there will be nothing to eat, there will be nothing to create, only you will be making 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; and add them up and subtract them. (Laughter, Shri Mataji laughs)

So now one should stop and go back a little bit and see where have we gone wrong. Let us correct at that point. And once one realises that it is important to keep a balance on the Nabhi chakra, then the Mahalakshmi tattwa is properly manifested. Also it is vice versa. If your Mahalakshmi tattwa is awakened as it is awakened in you; you can create balance, being auspicious in nature.

Through you, it will happen that the prosperity will come back. When I went to Italy first time, they told Me there are three problems. One is mafia, another is violence and the third is poverty. And all that looked so great like a mountain, has all dissolved into thin air now. And the day may come when Italians will enjoy the greatest of wealth. And… (Laughter)

Translator: We’ll send the tape to Guido, Shri Mataji. (Laughter)

Shri Mataji: And, and we will discover one more thing that so far, all the Europeans used to laugh at Italians, look down upon them, though they were the source of your art, your music, all kinds of beautiful creativity. But you all used to laugh at them. Because they were rich in their heart and simple hearted, dignified, they did not put their pressures on you. So their Lakshmi tattwa has become Mahalakshmi principle.

In the same way, I would request you the Sahaja Yogis, not to worry as to what is happening around, but to worry what is happening inside and build up your Mahalakshmi principle. Once you have built up your Mahalakshmi principle, you will have no problem at all. Then through you the Mahalakshmi Herself will work and fill your countries with great bounties and great joys.

May God Bless you all.

Now, for today’s puja is very simple, we can have little Ganesha Puja with the Atharva Sheersha, anybody knows Atharva Sheersha? (hindi) Come along.

Now get some people from Holland and… Some men, some men, ladies will come later. Come here, may God bless you. Come along. Johan, you also come. May God bless you. Come along. To them also, come along, come along. Put.. to wash my feet, you see. May God bless you. They will give you everything, whatever… alright? Now, if you can put that… it’s alright. You’ll have to hold it.

Now. Gregoire, you start the mantras. First of all Ganesha’s mantra and then the Atharva Sheersha.

(21 names of Shri Vishnu are recited)

Now we must have some ladies here. You’ve got My names? (Gives instructions). Unmarried ladies.

Gregoire: We, the Sahaja Yogis of Europe, are celebrating this puja to Sakshat Shri Mahalakshmi – please we all join our hands – By the most auspicious praise of Shri Adi Shakti Bhagavati Mataji Shri Nirmala Devi Namoh Namaha, on this planet Earth, in the land of Europe, in the country of Belgium, to propitiate the Mahalakshmi Tattwa, that through the enlightenment of the sahaja yogis may bless all the countries of the earth. Amen.

Shri Mataji: Come along, Unmarried girls. From Holland or from Belgium, unmarried girls.

Where is that kumkum and alta? Just bring it, for putting on my feet. Ask David.

Shri Mataji: Ah! I didn’t see it really. And from down below looks like cross. Now (hindi) Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu.

Put the red towel there.

You’ve put it? No, all full, down below also. Put a towel down, under my feet. Yes (…) And a swastika has to be put. Yes, swastika has to be put, yes, yes. In the centre the swastika is. Yes. First, make a cross, is the best way. Yes now, down below. Yes. (…) Purse.

You’ve done it? All? Little, little things she will do something. Now. Put it in the big toe. Now (hindi) this one is for the Vishuddhi. You have got also yours? Oh, I see. So you put them first, you’ll get… All right. Put this, then they will put them also.

Agnya. Ah! Should be… Yes, that’s it. That’s all right. Good.

Higher, higher.

The fingers are there.

This is falling off. You have to press hard.

My feet… you have to take a photography, so you’ll have to put something higher… That’s better. They are not properly put, you should press them because they are all falling on all sides.

Now get some flowers. Put them. Flowers. Put flowers from here. Yes. Better. Take them out. Yes. Down there. It’s alright, it’s alright. Here. Put them in the centre. Down below. Down below. Also in the centre. (…) Yellow ones. That’s all. Put on the sides. Put some big flowers, small flowers… right, big flowers. If you put the small flowers down, big flowers down, little away so the photograph comes out. Good. You can put it all round, it’s a good idea. The blue flowers should be on the sides, I think. On the sides. Small flowers should be on the sides, so that… the big flowers on the sides, so the small flowers… yes, that’s better. Yes. Good. Put it there. Alright. David? Put them anywhere (…) small flowers. Now beautiful. Sari. Sari. The sari you give them to open. Done now, all right? May God bless you. Now all the ladies let them go.

It is Sahaj. It goes with that.

Double, open it up, all of you. This is the higher side, hold it from here, hold it here. Here you hold it, double. Just hold it. You all come on this side and hold it here. All of you, come this side.

It’s all right now. This is all flowers are here (…) Put the flowers.

Some little boy.

Thank you. Beautiful.

You have to bring on the sari and… on my head. Alright. You can move out a little bit.  Sit down. Sit down. These bangles you have… . Take out. You can sing some song.

Please go down. (…) Ok, alright (…)

May God bless you all. May God bless you. May God bless you all.

This one is really remarkable.

Is made from what? Cane? Is it cane? Cane? (“Laminated wood, which has been glued together, and…)

Is too big, eh?

Beautiful. Very beautiful. I wish I had time to write letters!

Yes, what is it?

Just imagine. So Sahaj and beautiful, isn’t it? Beautiful it is. I mean, really remarkable. Can’t get these things done so easily, in such a short time: is only love! Love gives you the creativity, no doubt.

Just imagine. Thank you very much and thank them also very much. May God bless you. Beautiful they are, thank you, thank you. Beautiful artwork, beautiful.

From where? (From Belgium) (Yogi: From Belgium. A real Belgium lady.)

A real Belgium lady.

Beautiful. Thank you very much. Tremendous work.

(Alsace) How do you spell it? Well, this is all beautifully made, hand-made printing, beautiful.

One for me! One for me. Thank you.

All right. So I bless them, all of them. Just imagine. Sahaj!

No, you can do one thing. You give them to the people who have come and not to the people of Holland… (yogi: And Belgium).

That you can manage. Eh? Thank you. I’m from Holland, and also from Belgium, but I can take one!

Just imagine, eh? What a description.

Where was it? And there’s an elephant sitting. It looks like an elephant sitting in front.

Just imagine, throwing vibrations. I told you. Can you believe it? When I told you this was Shri Ganesha here, you would not believe me.

(…) Absolute vibrations. Tremendous. May God bless you. Beautiful.

Where has mine gone? It ‘s here.

Beautiful, beautiful. Very beautiful.

What has happened to the Swiss photography? Coming. Oh, beautiful. Very beautiful. Now better then? Beautiful. Thank you very much.

So very sweet! Good, good. So I’ll call him Devindra. Devindra means the king of Devas. Devindra.

He’s laughing!

It’s a girl! (…) just the same, just the same! That’s why she’s laughing! Alright. We’ll call her Draupadi, Draupadi. I haven’t given this name to anybody so far. Draupadi. No no no. Sorry sorry sorry. Oh oh oh. That’s your sister?

She was Vishnumaya, born again.

Hallo! We’ll call him Devindra! Oh, that’s a girl! Again? I asked you, Gregoire! Alright. What’s her name? Elizabeth. We’ll call her Lila. Alright? Lila. Gregoire, tell them the meaning of the word Lila. It’s the play of God. Alright? Do you like the name Lila? Do you like the name Lila? Lila?

She likes it. May God bless you.

That’s also my name, Lila is, one of my names. Actually my baptised name is that: Lila, Lalita, Nirmala, Daisy, four names. By Lutheran church, by Lutheran church.