“Each soul is potentially divine. The goal is to reveal the divinity within,” proclaimed Vivekananda. The Bhagavad Gita offers various paths to achieve this, including jnana yoga, karma yoga, and bhakti yoga. Shomik Chaudhuri’s book, “Some Whispers From Eternity” (hereafter “Whispers”), explores achieving self-realization through Om Kriya Yoga.
For those seeking simple guides to Vedic practices, “Whispers” might not meet expectations. This book demands serious engagement, with an in-depth approach that discourages superficial reading or selective skimming.
In the introduction, Chaudhuri emphasizes the neglected importance of the spiritual level, which he describes as “the foundation of our very existence.” He posits that reconnecting with our spiritual selves could address many contemporary life issues. He encourages readers to practice the Kriyas described in “Whispers” methodically, step by step.
Kriya, a Sanskrit term meaning ‘action’, forms the essence of Kriya Yoga—a path of spiritual progress through action. Chaudhuri explains Kriya Yoga as a disciplined system for spiritual development.
In an exclusive interview with News India Times, Chaudhuri shared his lifelong fascination with yoga and meditation. As a child, he mimicked meditation, and in college, a professor initiated him into Kriya Yoga, a practice he has continued ever since. Moving to the U.S. highlighted for him the necessity of a guru’s guidance. Chaudhuri’s spiritual journey advanced significantly when he met Jagatguru Ramanandacharya Rajivlochanacharya, who was initiated by Mahavatar Kriya Babaji, the reviver of Kriya Yoga.
Recalling his first encounter with Jagatguru Ramanandacharya, Chaudhuri described him as possessing a “glorious face and a personality vibrating with energy,” adding that his eyes were “like the sun.” This meeting, followed by his initiation, profoundly transformed Chaudhuri’s understanding of the universe.
In Vedic tradition, an enlightened Guru alone can impart the esoteric knowledge and guidance required for Kriya Yoga. This aspect of the Vedic yoga systems demands earnest attention and respect. Inspired by his guru’s wish to disseminate this wisdom, Chaudhuri authored “Whispers.” Although writing the book faced numerous delays, Chaudhuri credits divine assistance for its completion. He emphasized that “Whispers” offers comprehensive information to facilitate sincere practice.
“Whispers,” aimed at readers over 12 years old, aims to alleviate sadness, anxiety, and depression, promoting spiritual upliftment through OM Kriya Yoga. Chaudhuri believes that this practice can foster an awareness of the interconnectedness of all beings and ultimately lead to world peace, asserting, “Peace cannot be created outwardly. Everything comes from within us.”
Chaudhuri warns against simplistic online tutorials for awakening the Kundalini. “Rousing Kundalini requires sincerely following a few processes,” he explains, cautioning that it demands thorough preparation and cannot be rushed. Improperly arousing the Kundalini can be harmful, whereas a natural approach ensures manageable experiences.
Despite the dense content, Chaudhuri makes “Whispers” accessible through conversational narratives with a friend. However, he notes that diagrams could have further clarified his explanations.
A distinctive feature of “Whispers” is the historical and architectural descriptions of renowned Indian temples at the end of each chapter. The book justifies this by noting, “In Vedic times, the temple was seen as a link between man and god, and between the actual and the ultimate.” Chaudhuri asserts that ancient temples are energy powerhouses, with their architecture following Vastu Shastra principles. For example, Chapter 1 elaborates on the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh, highlighting its symbolic representation of elemental principles.
“Whispers” also guides readers in identifying Chakras before performing Kriyas to awaken the Kundalini Chakra. Chakras, explained as energy wheels from the spine’s base to the head’s crown, store the energy of thoughts, emotions, memories, and actions. These energy centers influence our attitudes, behaviors, emotional health, and actions. The book then explores Patanjali’s eightfold Yoga Sutras, which prepare the body and mind for enlightenment and self-realization.
Chaudhuri introduces OM Kriya Yoga later in the book, likening it to entering a temple’s innermost sanctum. The first step involves chanting OM, where ‘O’ is chanted 25% of the time and ‘M’ 75%. “It is actually AUM, but the ‘A’ and ‘U’ combine to become ‘O’,” the book clarifies. Subsequent chapters detail Kriyas involving movements like raising hands or closing ears while chanting OM to harness its power.
The book dedicates an entire chapter to Chaudhuri’s gurus, Mahavatar Kriya Babaji and Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Rajivlochanacharya, detailing their lives and teachings.
Chapter 12 addresses achieving balance in daily life, outlining the four Purusharthas (goals): Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. It delves into Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra methods for balancing physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, environmental, work-related, and financial health.
“Whispers” concludes with guidance on realizing the oneness of all creation. Chaudhuri, with a strong interest in quantum physics, is convinced of the unity of existence, stating, “The whole creation is one, in various forms.” The book aims to illuminate this truth.
“Whispers” is a profound and comprehensive guide for those earnestly seeking spiritual advancement through Om Kriya Yoga, blending ancient wisdom with practical instructions for modern spiritual seekers.
