The Science of Inner Grit: Mastering Discipline, Illusion, and Spiritual Wealth with Shri Premanand Ji Maharaj

Nilesh Jadhav
2 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 45 minutes ago

If you’ve ever wondered why your devotion feels like a roller coaster—intense one day and distant the next—or why you still feel the sting of ego after years of practice, you aren't alone. We often ask: If God is everything, why do I feel so separate? How do I stop being an emotional puppet to my life’s circumstances? And is there a way to turn my daily "roles" into a path of liberation?

Shri Hit Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj answers several spiritual questions from devotees. Here are the questions asked and the summaries of his answers:

Key Themes Explored:

The Dissolution of Illusion: Why spiritual practice is about destroying the "ego-mistake" rather than creating something new.
The Bank of the Divine: How to dedicate your spiritual wealth to the universal good.
The Discipline of the Soldier: Why spiritual growth requires the same grit and "tightness" as military training.

1. If God is everything and the beginning and end, who is it that actually attains Him?

Answer: Maharaj Ji explains that "attaining" God is not about a person reaching a destination; it is the dissolution of an illusion (Bhram). We currently suffer from the mistake of identifying as a mortal body, a gender, or a specific personality. This identification is the only barrier. Through spiritual practice, this false "I" is destroyed. What remains is what always was—the Divine Truth. You don't become God; you simply stop pretending to be anything else [03:00].

2. How can I ensure that the wealth of my "Naam Jap" is not wasted since I have no personal desires to ask for?

Answer: When a seeker has no personal cravings, their spiritual merit becomes a powerful tool for universal welfare. Maharaj Ji suggests depositing this "wealth" into the "Bank of God." By dedicating your chanting to the happiness and health of all beings (Jagat Mangal), you transcend individual ego. This selfless state is the hallmark of a "Mahatma"—one who uses their inner power to shield the world from suffering [04:37].

3. Why does my mind fluctuate in devotion—sometimes intense, sometimes distracted? Is God angry with me?

Answer: Fluctuations are a part of the human condition, but Maharaj Ji emphasizes that God remains neutral—the "harvest" depends entirely on what you sow. To overcome these moods, one must adopt a "military-like discipline." If you vow to do 11 rounds of chanting, you must complete them regardless of whether the mind feels "blissful" or "bored." Staying "tight" and stubborn with your spiritual rules (Niyam) is what eventually breaks the power of Maya [09:16].

4. How can I stop my mind from wandering into worldly attachments?

Answer: The mind wanders because it is still convinced that there is "juice" or happiness in worldly objects. Maharaj Ji teaches that this can only be cured through persistent practice (Abhyas). Every time the mind runs toward a sensory object, you must gently but firmly pull it back to the Divine. Eventually, as the mind begins to "taste" the superior bliss of God’s Name, it will naturally lose its interest in wandering [19:39].

5. What is the true meaning of life and death?

Answer: Maharaj Ji provides a profound perspective: Life is a state of "waking consciousness" and death is a state of "deep, dreamless sleep" (Sushupti). Neither is permanent or ultimate. The only constant is the unchanging Divine Element within you. Our bodies and stories are dream-like projections. True "living" begins only when you wake up from this dream and realize you are the eternal Soul, not the temporary mask [23:20].

6. Why do ego and desires remain even after starting the path of devotion?

Answer: The ego is a stubborn weed that refuses to die without specific intervention. Maharaj Ji notes that ego often persists because a seeker has not yet surrendered to the instructions of a Guru. When we act on our own whims, the ego is nourished. It is only by "serving the dust of a saint's feet"—total obedience to spiritual guidance—that the ego finally begins to dissolve and make way for true humility [31:34].

7. If the world is an illusion, how do we stop getting caught in its "show" and drama?

Answer: The secret is to become a conscious actor. Maharaj Ji suggests that we should play our worldly roles (parent, spouse, employee) with 100% excellence, but with the internal awareness that it is just a "costume." If you treat your life as a script written by the Divine Master, you can perform every duty without the "hooks" of attachment or the fear of failure catching your heart [41:18].

8. Why do innocent children sometimes suffer from birth?

Answer: To the human eye, a child appears new and innocent. However, Maharaj Ji explains that the Soul is ancient. It carries the momentum of countless previous lives into the current one. What we see as suffering in an infant is actually the settling of karmic debts from a past the child (and we) cannot remember. God is not cruel; He is the perfectly neutral administrator of the Law of Karma [01:03:56].

Watch the full video here:

Maharaj Ji teaches that while thousands may hear the truth, true transformation only begins when we stop being passive observers and start applying these principles with surgical precision. Spiritual progress isn't about grand gestures; it’s about the fierce, quiet consistency of aligning your inner compass toward the Divine, breath by breath.

You don't need to change your clothes or your location to start your journey. You only need to change your direction.

How to Apply This Today:

Commit to the Niyam: Choose a daily spiritual goal—whether it's 10 minutes of chanting or reading a scripture. Like a soldier, do not allow "moods" or "weather" to break your vow.
Practice the 'Actor' Mindset: Today, perform your duties (as a parent, spouse, or employee) with 100% effort, but internally tell yourself, "I am just playing this role for my Divine Master."
Audit Your Thoughts: When the mind drifts into "I" and "Mine," gently remind yourself of the dream-like nature of the world and pull it back to the Divine element.

Which worldly "role" do you find the hardest to play with detachment? Share your journey in the comments below.

"The soul is ancient, and the body is but a temporary mask. Wake up from the dream of 'I' and 'Mine' to find the One who never began and will never end."