Lately, I see many videos and articles on YouTube and other social media platforms that confuse people about spirituality, often providing misleading information.

I often wonder, what would happen if people followed such suggestions? Many of these suggestions are dangerous and can lead to a lower spiritual state than where one initially started.

I have come across sadhanas for vashikaran (control over others), enemy annihilation, apsara sadhana, etc., often involving deities that are either unknown or not ideal for a typical family person. This is the kind of misleading information circulating on the web.

Then there is the issue of fake gurus, willing to teach anything for a price. Fake gurus are so prevalent that they exist at all economic levels, deceiving people and often making the seeker dependent on them for life.

Guruji always used to say that a good Guru should prepare their student for both spiritual and material life and help them reach a point where they can manage things independently, without using the Guru as a crutch. While the blessings of the Guru are always there, the student should ultimately become self-reliant. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case today. Not everyone can become a Guru, as a true Guru takes on part of the student’s prarabdha karma (accumulated past karma) and burns it with their spiritual energy through samadhi.

There is also the problem of siddhis (spiritual powers) being promised, which is an incorrect way to approach spirituality.

To address these issues, below are some basic guidelines that anyone can follow without worrying about negative effects. This is especially for those who don’t have a Guru or are unable to find one.

The first step is to develop a love for the deity you are drawn to and submit yourself to their will, allowing them to guide you. This is not easy and takes time for changes to manifest, but this mindset is crucial.

Then, choose one of the following mantras to begin your practice. Spend at least 45 minutes a day chanting:

•             Om Namah Shivaya for those who are drawn to Shiva. The Medha Dakshinamurthy mantra is also a very good option.

•             Om Namo Narayanaya for those who are drawn to Vishnu.

•             Om Gam Ganapataye Namah for those who are drawn to Ganapati.

•             Gayatri Mantra.

For those who are drawn to Devi, it is best to learn the Lalitha Sahasranama and chant it daily, or offer prayers to Saraswati.

With sincere practice, and when one's karma is ripe, the seeker will be guided to a Guru who will show them the right path.

However, simply chanting mantras or praying to God is not enough. One must strive to become a better person each day. Without devotion, dispassion, and a deep desire for spiritual growth, sadhana cannot bring meaningful progress. While your problems may be resolved, these are superficial changes. True spirituality is about the mind rooted firmly into the Divine at all times.

Dedicated to Guruji

The article is written by Shri Jayanth Chandramauli who can be contacted at jayanth@manblunder.com