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on putting together a monthly magazine which received articles from philosophers and scholars of Sufi, Hindu, Christian, Zen, Tao, Parsee, and other traditions, in addition to the Jains. Divya Gñân, or 'Light of Knowledge,' as the journal was named, had excerpts from Gurudev's talks and meaningful quotations from philosophical writings from East and West.
Divya Gñan spread its positive vibrations out into the universe and, in particular, acted as a bell calling for volunteers to lend support to people and groups in need of help. Each issue gave dynamic suggestions as to how readers might give service. In this way, the Divine Knowledge Society was able to build up both an endowment fund and a resource of selfless workers who were ready to lend immediate aid in any emergency, large or small, in any part of India.
Spiritual knowledge was continually channeled into practical endeavors to relieve suffering in everyday life. A chain of charity works, animal shelters, and relief centers were initiated. Whenever drought, famine, earthquake, or flood struck, the Society had the capacity to rush to give aid, always in the spirit of unconditional love and compassion.
Gurudev lived in the main room of the Divine Knowledge Society, which was located on Walkeshwar Road, not far from Chowpatty Beach where he used to give so many talks. The room was sparsely furnished with a desk, chair, bookshelf, and cot. This change in his life-style permitted him to use a sixteenhour day in peace, meditation, writing, and service. He always rose long before dawn and meditated along with the rising sun. He liked to take a walk through the beautiful Hanging Gardens nearby. After a small breakfast, he gave a daily talk, met with people to share his thoughts and advice on the wide range of welfare activities. Students and families would come for instruction and blessings. A disciple would bring him his noontime meal. After rest, yoga, and meditation, he would immerse himself in more meetings, writing, proofreading, or personal correspondence. In the evening, after a small repast or just a beverage, he brought his work to completion and sat out on the balcony overlooking the Arabian Sea. He usually retired at 11 p.m., but oftentimes he remained on the balcony for many hours meditating and contemplating late into the night.
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