150^th Birth Anniversary of Ram Chandra Maharaj

Ram Chandra (Lalaji) (2 February 1873 – 14 August 1931) was a spiritual guide from Fatehgarh Uttar Pradesh India. He was popularly known as "Lalaji" among his followers.He is said to have re-discovered the ancient Indian system of transmission called "Pranahuti" (offering of Prana) which is often referred to as “Pranasya Prana” (Life of Life) in the practice of meditation. After his passing, his disciples started many spiritual organizations like Shri Ram Chandra Mission and Ramashram Satsang.

Early life, education and family

He was born on February 2, 1873, at Fatehgarh, Uttar Pradesh in North India on the day of "Basant Panchmi" (as per Hindu calendar).His father, Harbaksh Rai, was a tax superintendent at Farrukhabad. His mother, Mrs. Durga Devi, was a religious lady, who influenced Ram Chandra towards spirituality in his childhood.His father belonged to a family of Jagirdars (landlords), but they lost most of their wealth in the post mutiny disturbances at that time, and in a legal battle. Later Ram Chandra worked with one of his father's associates in the collector's office at Fatehgarh for his livelihood. He was married and led a normal family life.He knew Urdu, Persian, Arabic, Hindi, Sanskrit and English languages. He completed his education from a Mission School at Farrukhabad.

Spiritual life

His interest in spirituality grew during his school days. He rediscovered the ancient technique of yogic transmission which is also called “Pranahuti” (Upanishadic “Pranasya Pran”). Pranahuti involves transmitting divine energy from the original source into the heart of the practitioner to expedite his spiritual progress. When he began imparting spiritual training some school teachers experienced positive changes in their personalities. The word spread and more people were attracted to Ram Chandra. He started formal group meditation (Satsang) in 1914. He continued the work until his death on 14 August 1931.His spiritual teachings are said to have equally influenced people of all casts and religions in India. It was believed by his followers that through his simplified and effective training he made it possible for humans to attain their spiritual perfection during their lifetime itself while they lead a normal householder's life.

Teachings

Some of his teachings are:

Purpose of the human life is to realize god and one should attain this purpose in his or her life without fail.

• Have company of realized people if you want to become realized.
• Do not offer advice to anyone unless asked for.
• Ritual ceremonies should be avoided.
• Widow marriage and female education should be promoted.
• Wants should be reduced. People should earn money honestly and spend it on others after meeting their basic needs.
• Any type of intoxication is bad.
• A person should be the same inside and outside, that is, he should speak what he has in his heart.
• Transforming a human being into a better human being is the best miracle.
• Home is the best training ground for spirituality and the greatest form of penance for submission, endurance, and sacrifice.
• Some amount of afflictions is divine blessing, holding many secrets. Some amount of worries and insults is useful for spiritual progress.
• Good conversation skills are effective means for bringing harmony in human relationships.
• Be good to your enemies.

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