Monday, November 23, 2015
Sarve bhavantu sukhina
There is so much disruiption in this world. Bombings, Terrorist attacks, Murders, Rapes taking place around us.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Life is to create
We are on this earth to live. But what is the meaning of living a life.
Is it just passing your time which allotted to you.
No certainly not. Living a life means to create. Utilize whatever God has given to you.
To create does not mean to do extraordinary things. Creation is making your life useful for you as well as for others within your capacity. It is to create small moments which give happiness.
Small differences made by you in your surrounding make you different.
"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is
what difference we have made to the lives of others that will
determine the significance of the life we lead."
Nelson Mandela
Do not waste whatever good qualities are lying within you. Utilize your qualities in full within your capacity.
It is your duty to add meaning to life given to you. Sometimes situation is hard. It is not easy to live. But giving up can't be a solution. Only keeping your hope alive and giving a challenge to hardships will do. Only you can make your life valuable. No one else can do this for you. So don't waste your life. Just Live it.
' Paint your picture on canvas of life with whatever colours life has given you. '
Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.
Life is to create on Speaking tree.com
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
The mountain man
Dashrath Manjhi is an epitome of determination, hard work, selflessness.
He was a labourer in Ghelur village in Gaya. Using only a hammer and chisel he carved a path through mountain single handedly which shortened the distance between Atari and Wazirganj from 55 to 15 Km. When he started his work people called him lunatic but instead of dissuading him this steeled his resolve. It took 22 years from 1960 to 1982 to complete his work. In the beginning people used to taunt him but his determination changed the outlook of many who later started to help him and supported his cause.
His wife Falguni Devi died from lack of medical help as to get medical help one had to travel 70 Km. around the hill.
In the memory of his wife he decided to carve a path through Ghelur hill so his village can have an easy assess to nearest town where medical facility was available. For 22 years he worked tirelessly day and night for this cause. His patience and perseverance resulted in shortening the distance and made it easy to travel for others. He died on 17 August 2007 while suffering from cancer of gall bladder.
Dashrath Manjhi's life teaches us many lessons.
The first lesson which we can learn is of selflessness. He worked hard to make the lives of his villagers easy. Though they made fun of him. Called him mad but he was not distracted. He lived the teaching of Bhagwad Gita to work selflessly without worrying about fruit of action.
Second lesson we can learn is of determination. He showed us what single mindedness can do. He was born in low caste mushahar family which is lowest of low in caste ridden society. He was a landless labourer. It was hard for him to earn his bread. But this couldn't stop him. As there was no electricity he had to do this with the help of hammer and chisel only. People of village were against this idea thinking that it is impossible. Dashrath's determination proved them wrong.
He showed us that with determination one can do any miracle.
Perseverance is the third lesson which is given by life of Dasharath Manjhi. He worked for 22 years continuously without giving up. Your persistent efforts bear fruit.
Perseverance comes with patience. If one can remain patient then he can face failures without losing focus. Patience enables us to go on irrespective of hardships.
Above all his example shows us that there is no limit of human capabilities.
Dashrath Manjhi's life is a source of inspiration for us.
http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/the-mountain-man-559802?track=cntshem
He was a labourer in Ghelur village in Gaya. Using only a hammer and chisel he carved a path through mountain single handedly which shortened the distance between Atari and Wazirganj from 55 to 15 Km. When he started his work people called him lunatic but instead of dissuading him this steeled his resolve. It took 22 years from 1960 to 1982 to complete his work. In the beginning people used to taunt him but his determination changed the outlook of many who later started to help him and supported his cause.
His wife Falguni Devi died from lack of medical help as to get medical help one had to travel 70 Km. around the hill.
In the memory of his wife he decided to carve a path through Ghelur hill so his village can have an easy assess to nearest town where medical facility was available. For 22 years he worked tirelessly day and night for this cause. His patience and perseverance resulted in shortening the distance and made it easy to travel for others. He died on 17 August 2007 while suffering from cancer of gall bladder.
Dashrath Manjhi's life teaches us many lessons.
The first lesson which we can learn is of selflessness. He worked hard to make the lives of his villagers easy. Though they made fun of him. Called him mad but he was not distracted. He lived the teaching of Bhagwad Gita to work selflessly without worrying about fruit of action.
Second lesson we can learn is of determination. He showed us what single mindedness can do. He was born in low caste mushahar family which is lowest of low in caste ridden society. He was a landless labourer. It was hard for him to earn his bread. But this couldn't stop him. As there was no electricity he had to do this with the help of hammer and chisel only. People of village were against this idea thinking that it is impossible. Dashrath's determination proved them wrong.
He showed us that with determination one can do any miracle.
Perseverance is the third lesson which is given by life of Dasharath Manjhi. He worked for 22 years continuously without giving up. Your persistent efforts bear fruit.
Perseverance comes with patience. If one can remain patient then he can face failures without losing focus. Patience enables us to go on irrespective of hardships.
Above all his example shows us that there is no limit of human capabilities.
Dashrath Manjhi's life is a source of inspiration for us.
http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/the-mountain-man-559802?track=cntshem
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Tryst with destiny
On the eve of India's independence our first Prime minister Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru gave his famous speech ' Tryst with destiny '. Addressing the members of constituent Assembly he asked them to work hard selflessly to build new India which was getting freedom from many years of bondage. It was like a new beginning. A new young and hopeful nation was rising on the horizon.
When I read this famous speech I feel a sense of elation and responsibility towards nation building. This speech is very relevant even today.
Let us discuss its relevance.
India is emerging as a young and energetic nation. A large number of its citizens are below 35 years of age making it a young nation. The whole world is looking at us with anticipation. Now it is our duty to take India to such heights where every nation look us as an ideal for them. Now the time has come to leave behind our old image of a corrupt, polluted and lethargic nation and create an image of honest, clean and enthusiastic nation.
But that is possible only when all the marginalised persons will be brought to mainstream of society. All the backward classes of India must be given a chance to grow. If this is not done then the the gap which is created by the unequal distribution of opportunities will tear the nation in two parts. Therefore it is essential that everybody should get a fair chance to make progress. It is the responsibility of all Indians to help each other and create a perfect society.
This great nation has witnessed many ups and downs during her centuries old history. But India has never given up her quest for spirituality. Never forgotten her ideals which were the source of strength. Which helped her to sustain lean periods and to remain steadfast in her golden phases. Now we must try to carry all those values and ideals with us in the arduous journey of taking this nation on the path of progress.
Our unity and integrity will play an important role in the success of this motive. We need to rise above boundaries of religion, cast, state and language and come together as a nation heading forward to achieve common goal.
Non violence which was basis of our struggle for freedom should not be left behind. Non violence is not just refraining ourselves from hurting others in physical term but try not to hurt anyone with harsh words. Now in this age of social media many people hurl obscenity and ill words on others. It is very easy to criticize others. But unreasonable criticism creates differences between various sections of society. Therefore destructive criticism should be avoided. An environment of cooperation should be developed where everyone takes responsibility in nation building. With rights come duties. Growth of a nation depends on how much its citizens are aware of their duties.
This is the age of globalization. The whole world is becoming one large family. The growth of one depends on the growth of other. Instead of being competitor we all try to be associates of each other.
In this scenario we try to make a balance. Retaining our cultural values we should try to broaden our horizon so we can accept new ethics of this changing world.
Now we have a responsibility to paint a vibrant and new picture of our nation. We all should strive to get this goal.
http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/wellness/tryst-with-destiny?track=cntshem
When I read this famous speech I feel a sense of elation and responsibility towards nation building. This speech is very relevant even today.
Let us discuss its relevance.
India is emerging as a young and energetic nation. A large number of its citizens are below 35 years of age making it a young nation. The whole world is looking at us with anticipation. Now it is our duty to take India to such heights where every nation look us as an ideal for them. Now the time has come to leave behind our old image of a corrupt, polluted and lethargic nation and create an image of honest, clean and enthusiastic nation.
But that is possible only when all the marginalised persons will be brought to mainstream of society. All the backward classes of India must be given a chance to grow. If this is not done then the the gap which is created by the unequal distribution of opportunities will tear the nation in two parts. Therefore it is essential that everybody should get a fair chance to make progress. It is the responsibility of all Indians to help each other and create a perfect society.
This great nation has witnessed many ups and downs during her centuries old history. But India has never given up her quest for spirituality. Never forgotten her ideals which were the source of strength. Which helped her to sustain lean periods and to remain steadfast in her golden phases. Now we must try to carry all those values and ideals with us in the arduous journey of taking this nation on the path of progress.
Our unity and integrity will play an important role in the success of this motive. We need to rise above boundaries of religion, cast, state and language and come together as a nation heading forward to achieve common goal.
Non violence which was basis of our struggle for freedom should not be left behind. Non violence is not just refraining ourselves from hurting others in physical term but try not to hurt anyone with harsh words. Now in this age of social media many people hurl obscenity and ill words on others. It is very easy to criticize others. But unreasonable criticism creates differences between various sections of society. Therefore destructive criticism should be avoided. An environment of cooperation should be developed where everyone takes responsibility in nation building. With rights come duties. Growth of a nation depends on how much its citizens are aware of their duties.
This is the age of globalization. The whole world is becoming one large family. The growth of one depends on the growth of other. Instead of being competitor we all try to be associates of each other.
In this scenario we try to make a balance. Retaining our cultural values we should try to broaden our horizon so we can accept new ethics of this changing world.
Now we have a responsibility to paint a vibrant and new picture of our nation. We all should strive to get this goal.
http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/wellness/tryst-with-destiny?track=cntshem
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Blessings of your life
What is blessing. Is it getting what we asked. Is it possessing what we desired or it is leading a happy life with all comforts.
All these are blessings indeed but true blessings are more than these.
For a child a set of loving and caring parents is a blessing. Having parents who not only love but also guide one through confusion is biggest blessing.
The friends who stay with us when things are really tough are blessings in human form. Friends who don't hesitate to tell truth for your good no matter how harsh the truth is are most valuable treasure.
Your siblings who stand with you in crisis and give you strength to fight are precious gift of God.
Your neighbours, your colleagues, your boss and all other persons who help you, encourage you are like pleasant surprises.
These are all blessings of external world but many precarious gifts are stored within you.
Feeling of love. This not only gives you a sense of fulfillment but it brings others closer to you. It creates a bonding with people around you. With love you can conquer many without raising arms.
A smile on your face can enhance your charm. A little smile can create the atmosphere of friendlies and connects you even to a stranger. Smile comes from within. Only a person with pure heart and open mind can smile like this.
Intelligence is a great blessing. Outcome of intelligence is knowledge. Knowledge helps you to understand your surroundings. Intelligence helps you to take decisions in life which play an important role in your progress. You can tell right from wrong.
Self-confidence which helps you to face adversities of life. Without it nothing is possible. All achievements of mankind are result of self-confidence. It provides you a fighting spirit. So you don't succumbs before difficulties. It gives you willpower to do tasks which seem impossible to perform.
Patience is very powerful virtue. When nothing seems to be in your favour patience gives you strength not to give up. It gives you hope that everything will be fine. It helps you to continue with your efforts. An impatient person very easily gets frustrated. Frustration can take you no where. In the end your patience wins.
Virtue of contentment makes you happy. Happiness is in satisfaction. If you feel satisfied with whatever you have only then you can enjoy your possessions. If you always desire for more you can never enjoy what you have and feel happy. You must understand that all your desires can not be fulfilled. So learn to be contended.
Faith is strong belief which is unflinching. Faith in humanity, in goodness above all in Divine power gives us strength to move on. A man without faith loses hope easily. But person with faith can survive adversities without giving up.
These are all blessings. Other than these anything which gives you positivity, strength and happiness is a blessing.
http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/wellness/blessings-of-your-life?track=cntshem
All these are blessings indeed but true blessings are more than these.
For a child a set of loving and caring parents is a blessing. Having parents who not only love but also guide one through confusion is biggest blessing.
The friends who stay with us when things are really tough are blessings in human form. Friends who don't hesitate to tell truth for your good no matter how harsh the truth is are most valuable treasure.
Your siblings who stand with you in crisis and give you strength to fight are precious gift of God.
Your neighbours, your colleagues, your boss and all other persons who help you, encourage you are like pleasant surprises.
These are all blessings of external world but many precarious gifts are stored within you.
Feeling of love. This not only gives you a sense of fulfillment but it brings others closer to you. It creates a bonding with people around you. With love you can conquer many without raising arms.
A smile on your face can enhance your charm. A little smile can create the atmosphere of friendlies and connects you even to a stranger. Smile comes from within. Only a person with pure heart and open mind can smile like this.
Intelligence is a great blessing. Outcome of intelligence is knowledge. Knowledge helps you to understand your surroundings. Intelligence helps you to take decisions in life which play an important role in your progress. You can tell right from wrong.
Self-confidence which helps you to face adversities of life. Without it nothing is possible. All achievements of mankind are result of self-confidence. It provides you a fighting spirit. So you don't succumbs before difficulties. It gives you willpower to do tasks which seem impossible to perform.
Patience is very powerful virtue. When nothing seems to be in your favour patience gives you strength not to give up. It gives you hope that everything will be fine. It helps you to continue with your efforts. An impatient person very easily gets frustrated. Frustration can take you no where. In the end your patience wins.
Virtue of contentment makes you happy. Happiness is in satisfaction. If you feel satisfied with whatever you have only then you can enjoy your possessions. If you always desire for more you can never enjoy what you have and feel happy. You must understand that all your desires can not be fulfilled. So learn to be contended.
Faith is strong belief which is unflinching. Faith in humanity, in goodness above all in Divine power gives us strength to move on. A man without faith loses hope easily. But person with faith can survive adversities without giving up.
These are all blessings. Other than these anything which gives you positivity, strength and happiness is a blessing.
http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/wellness/blessings-of-your-life?track=cntshem
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Maintain a balance
There are four purusharth or goals of human life according to Vedic philosophy. These are
Dharma ( Righteousness )
Arth ( Wealth and prosperity )
Kaam ( Worldly desires )
Moksha ( Liberation )
One has to obtain all four in his life. The motive to achieve these four goals is create a balance in life. Only an enlightened one can lead a life focusing only on single aspect of Moksha. But for ordinary persons it is necessary to maintain a balance in all four. First we need to understand these four goals.
Dharma is power of discrimination. What should be done ( Vidhi ) and should not be done ( Nishedh ). Dharma is also duty. Duty towards one's family, towards society, towards country and also his religious duty.
To achieve this goal one should develop understanding of right and wrong. He should perform all his duties sincerely without any complaint.
Arth Is getting wealth and prosperity. As a human beings we have some basic needs to be fulfilled. We have to maintain our family. For the benefit of society and country we have to pay taxes. For all these purposes we need money.
To lead a comfortable happy life we accumulate wealth. Earning money or creating wealth is not bad. But this should be done within limits of Dharma. Money should be earned through right ways. While creating wealth one should not steal what belongs to others. One should not ignore his duties in order to earn money.
Kaam are material and physical desires. No one is free from desires. Desires have power to control us. No one can subdue desires completely. It is better to fulfill them.
Can all desires be satisfied. No because if one desire is fulfilled the another desire takes its place. Then what is the solution. Fulfilling the desires does not mean that one should surrender himself before them. One should try to develop a wisdom to draw a line and try his best not to cross it. Right conduct (Dharma) gives us power to develop this wisdom.
Carnal desire is above all desires. It is really hard to control it. It is also related to reproduction. For progeny it is to be satisfied. To control this desire and maintain a discipline Institution of marriage is established. This institution is basis of society. When a man and a woman enter into this institution as husband and wife they lay foundation of smallest unit of society called Family.
An householder is in a position to get all the three above mentioned goals.
Dharma ( Righteousness )
Arth ( Wealth and prosperity )
Kaam ( Worldly desires )
Moksha ( Liberation )
One has to obtain all four in his life. The motive to achieve these four goals is create a balance in life. Only an enlightened one can lead a life focusing only on single aspect of Moksha. But for ordinary persons it is necessary to maintain a balance in all four. First we need to understand these four goals.
Dharma is power of discrimination. What should be done ( Vidhi ) and should not be done ( Nishedh ). Dharma is also duty. Duty towards one's family, towards society, towards country and also his religious duty.
To achieve this goal one should develop understanding of right and wrong. He should perform all his duties sincerely without any complaint.
Arth Is getting wealth and prosperity. As a human beings we have some basic needs to be fulfilled. We have to maintain our family. For the benefit of society and country we have to pay taxes. For all these purposes we need money.
To lead a comfortable happy life we accumulate wealth. Earning money or creating wealth is not bad. But this should be done within limits of Dharma. Money should be earned through right ways. While creating wealth one should not steal what belongs to others. One should not ignore his duties in order to earn money.
Kaam are material and physical desires. No one is free from desires. Desires have power to control us. No one can subdue desires completely. It is better to fulfill them.
Can all desires be satisfied. No because if one desire is fulfilled the another desire takes its place. Then what is the solution. Fulfilling the desires does not mean that one should surrender himself before them. One should try to develop a wisdom to draw a line and try his best not to cross it. Right conduct (Dharma) gives us power to develop this wisdom.
Carnal desire is above all desires. It is really hard to control it. It is also related to reproduction. For progeny it is to be satisfied. To control this desire and maintain a discipline Institution of marriage is established. This institution is basis of society. When a man and a woman enter into this institution as husband and wife they lay foundation of smallest unit of society called Family.
Moksha is liberation. Liberation from repeated birth. But that is final. But what is Moksha before this. This is freeing yourself from all attachments. Surrendering yourself completely on God with all your successes and failures. Accepting without complaint whatever comes to you.
When you leave everything to God and detach yourself from everything you feel liberated.
When you leave everything to God and detach yourself from everything you feel liberated.
Life is not one sided affair. It is multidimansional thing. Maintaining balance in all of its affairs is life.
Attaining these four goals is possible only when you don't deviate from center point where you are balanced. And the balanced life is happy life.
http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/wellness/maintain-a-balance?track=cntshem
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Power of encouragement
Do you remember the episode in epic Ramayana where the army of monkeys led by Angada and Hanuman were sitting on sea shore frustrated as they couldn't find Sita. They were thinking to end their lives. Then Sampati brother of Jatayu informed them that with the help of his powerful sight he could see Sita sitting in Ashok Vatika in Beautiful city Lanka across the ocean. This news made monkeys happy. But soon a new problem arose before them. Who will cross this vast ocean and meet Sita.
No one had the courage to do this difficult task. Even brave and intelligent Hanuman had no clue how that job could be done.
The wise Jambvan looked at Hanuman who was sitting apart silently. He admiringly told him " Son of Vayu you are the one who can do this job. You are skilled in all branches of knowledge. In strength and splendor you can surpass all brave warriors. You are equal to Vali and Sugriva. Like Garuda the carrier of Lord Vishnu you can cross this vastness. Once when you were a child you tried to swallow sun considering it a fruit. Indra being concerned about sun's safety hurled his thunderbolt at you. Struck by it you fell on mountain and broke your jaw. This gave you name Hanuman. Remember your prowess and intelligence. No one else can do this. O' son of Anjana don't sit idle. Get up and cross this ocean in one leap. " The wise Jambvan praised Hanuman and reminded him his strength and roused his dormant courage.
After hearing these encouraging words Hanuman got up and started to swell in form. The radiance of his body filled all the monkeys with joy and hope. Determined to do Sri Ram's job he climbed the Mahendra hill. Standing on the hill he directed his mind towards Lanka and roared with confidence. With a resolute mind he prayed Gods in heaven. He pressed his foot hard against earth and took a giant leap. He crossed ocean avoiding all distractions and reached Lanka. There he met Sita and set the Lanka on fire to teach Ravana a lesson.
The encouragement of Jambvan played an important role in Hanuman's success. No doubt Hanuman was very intelligent and powerful. But he was not so sure. He had doubts about his prowess.
The words of praise spoken by Jambvan removed all confusion and instilled confidence in him. This shows power of encouragement.
Sometime we need someone to tell what is hidden inside us.
" Everyone has inside them a piece of good news is you don't know how great can you be. How much you can love. What you can accomplish. And what your potential is. "
Anne Frank
Words are very powerful. One should take care in their use. Harsh and insulting words not only hurt someone but can bring the moral of person down. While sweet and encouraging words can fill a person with indomitable self-confidence.
Everybody has some quality in him. With a little encouragement this quality can be brought out. One should try to speak in such a manner that his words can help a person to improve. But try not to speak words which demoralize a person.
Always speak encouraging words.
“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/wellness/power-of-encouragement?track=cntshem
No one had the courage to do this difficult task. Even brave and intelligent Hanuman had no clue how that job could be done.
The wise Jambvan looked at Hanuman who was sitting apart silently. He admiringly told him " Son of Vayu you are the one who can do this job. You are skilled in all branches of knowledge. In strength and splendor you can surpass all brave warriors. You are equal to Vali and Sugriva. Like Garuda the carrier of Lord Vishnu you can cross this vastness. Once when you were a child you tried to swallow sun considering it a fruit. Indra being concerned about sun's safety hurled his thunderbolt at you. Struck by it you fell on mountain and broke your jaw. This gave you name Hanuman. Remember your prowess and intelligence. No one else can do this. O' son of Anjana don't sit idle. Get up and cross this ocean in one leap. " The wise Jambvan praised Hanuman and reminded him his strength and roused his dormant courage.
After hearing these encouraging words Hanuman got up and started to swell in form. The radiance of his body filled all the monkeys with joy and hope. Determined to do Sri Ram's job he climbed the Mahendra hill. Standing on the hill he directed his mind towards Lanka and roared with confidence. With a resolute mind he prayed Gods in heaven. He pressed his foot hard against earth and took a giant leap. He crossed ocean avoiding all distractions and reached Lanka. There he met Sita and set the Lanka on fire to teach Ravana a lesson.
The encouragement of Jambvan played an important role in Hanuman's success. No doubt Hanuman was very intelligent and powerful. But he was not so sure. He had doubts about his prowess.
The words of praise spoken by Jambvan removed all confusion and instilled confidence in him. This shows power of encouragement.
Sometime we need someone to tell what is hidden inside us.
" Everyone has inside them a piece of good news is you don't know how great can you be. How much you can love. What you can accomplish. And what your potential is. "
Anne Frank
Everybody has some quality in him. With a little encouragement this quality can be brought out. One should try to speak in such a manner that his words can help a person to improve. But try not to speak words which demoralize a person.
Always speak encouraging words.
“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/wellness/power-of-encouragement?track=cntshem
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Into that heaven
Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's poem 'Where the mind is without fear' is 35th poem of his famous work Geetanjali.
In this poem which is titled as 'Prarthana' the writer prays to God to lead his country into the perfect land where everyone can live in peace and harmony.
Gududev Tagore wrote this poem when India was struggling to get freedom from British rule. This poem inspired many freedom fighters who were ready to sacrifice everything for this noble cause.
Now India is a free country. After 67 years of its independence it is a matter of contemplation whether the prayer is answered or not.
The poem not only has political meaning but also has Spiritual aspect.
I will try to understand and explain these lines within my capacity.
Where the mind is without fear and the head
is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.
Fear is the cause of many evils. Being fearless we can overcome all our shortcomings. While describing Divine qualities in Bhagvad Geeta Lord Sri Krishna mentioned fearlessness as prime quality. A man who is fearless lives in confidence with his head held high. As he does not has fear he listens to his heart and do what is right. He does not worry about how people will judge his actions but opts to do what is right. A fearless man is liberated in true sense. So he lives with dignity.
Considering the present time we are living in state of fear. A fear of how we are going to be judged by others, the fear of losing what we possess, fear of staining our image. Most of our decisions are taken not because we feel so but because they are acceptable by others. We even fear to take responsibility of our own decisions. This fear gives birth to worries. We want someone who can free us from these worries. Try to find a guide who can lead us out of confusion. But most of the time we find ourselves deceived by people who claim to mitigate our sorrows. This happens because we leave everything to them in blind faith.
Fear is due to darkness. In darkness one can't see properly. This creates confusion. Confusion gives birth to fear.
The darkness is absence of knowledge. Knowledge comes through education. A society where everyone has a fair chance to educate himself can remove the darkness. Where knowledge is free means that everyone is given an equal right for education. But one has to strive to get knowledge.
Knowledge is not mere set of various informations but it is wisdom to tell right from wrong. Colleges and other educational institutions can't provide this wisdom. The college education can help us only to some extent but we have to develop it by our own intelligence.
In this age of internet it is easy to get information about this world. Whatever we want to know can be make available by few clicks. Still there is so much misunderstanding.
Due to this misunderstanding so many feuds take place.
Why we can't understand each other properly. Because we have divided the society in small sections. We are living in our self-created cells like prisoners and don't want to see outside the walls of our prison. This division creates distrust among people and we try to maintain a distance with other sections of society. Our ego strengthens this division. One section of society consider itself superior to other sections of society. When one section of society Considers other sections of society inferior to it then a feeling of disliking for others arises which gradually turns into hatred. This hatred gives birth to struggle among all sections.
Words are powerful. What we speak affects others. So the care must be taken while we speak. Try to be honest. Don't promise anything if you can't fulfill your words. If you fail to do what you have promised you lose your credibility.
In present time most of us hardly care for what we say. Our deeds don't match with our words. That is why there is lack of trust for each other.
If you are a leader or an ideal for others then your responsibility is more than others to set an example. But most of the time these role models fail to do so. As others are looking at them for guidance they are mislead.
Its true that no one is perfect but one must strive for perfection. There are many flaws in society but only through are efforts we can get rid off them. Instead of complaining one must do what is in his capacity.
As Swami Vivekananda said
" Arise awake and stop not till the goal is achieved. "
" Arise awake and stop not till the goal is achieved. "
Perfection comes with open mind. When you are not bound by rituals and practices which have lost their relevance. When before doing something you ask yourself why I should do this. Is doing so will help me or society to make progress.
But most of the time we follow those rituals which have no meaning in present time. We just follow them without any questioning with a simple reason that everyone is doing this or it is been practiced for a long time.
We must try to widen our outlook and all our actions should be done with the aim of self-progress.
The prayer is not yet answered because without our own efforts nothing can be achieved.
Everybody wants a change in society but one must remember that to bring change one needs to change himself.
Everybody wants a change in society but one must remember that to bring change one needs to change himself.
http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/wellness/into-that-heaven?track=cntshem
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Move forward
What is the motive of your life. Have you ever considered about this question. The purpose of your life is to grow. It doesn't matter what is your condition. Whether you are rich or poor. Physically strong or weak. It is your duty to move forward. Don't surrender before hardships.
You are born as a human being. The purpose of it is to make progress.
If there is no struggle there will be no progress.
Frederic Doughlas
Frederic Doughlas
To make progress one has to struggle. Without facing the challenges which are thrown by life you can not move forward. Struggle makes you strong to face the hardships of life.
Even a person who surrenders before hardships has to struggle. But his struggle never takes him ahead instead it pulls him down.
But if a person is ready to bear all hardships and struggles to come out of them can make progress.
Nature has given you many valuable gifts. You have a power of Discrimination. You can easily understand what is good for you and what is harmful. You have power to think which can help you to take necessary step to bring desired change in your life. You have power to judge your situation correctly.
You have five senses through them you can understand your surroundings. Apply all these gifts of nature to move forward.
Don't sit idle lamenting on your current situation. It will not help you. In whatever situation you are in try to come out of it.
Even if your progress is slow don't worry about it. But don't give up and sit idle.
No one else can help you. Only your own efforts can take you out of hardships.
Be ready to bear all hardships because even if you try to escape from them you can't do so. Therefore it is better to face them. In this case you have a chance to defeat them.
Make yourself strong. Physical strength is necessary but your inner strength helps you more to sustain hardships.
This inner strength is the result of contentment. When you face whatever comes to you without complaint and accepts whatever is given by God with gratitude. Then you are ready to face anything without fear.
Enjoy the journey of life. Use whatever you possess in your self-improvement. Have a positive approach and be happy.
Monday, June 29, 2015
Actions and our progress
In Bhagwad Geeta Lord Krishna asked to perform our duty without desiring for the result of our actions.
One must perform his prescribed action. This world is action oriented place. Everyone has to perform some action. Our progress depends on the action performed by us. No one can live without action.
This world is driven by three qualities ( Gunas ).
Satva guna
Rajo guna
Tamo guna
These three Gunas are the basis of our personality. These are woven together like threads in a cloth and make each one of us a unique character. These primary qualities exist in us in various degrees of concentration and combination. In some persons the quality of Satva is dominates but in some people Rajas or Tamas are in excess.
The combination of these three qualities determines our character. Our character decides the nature of our thinking and attitude. Which has effect on our actions.
The quality of Satva represents Purity and Illumination. It leads a person to get knowledge.
Rajas represents passion. A person in whom Rajas is in dominance tries to overpower his surroundings. He always runs after material things but is not satisfied.
Tamas is related to lethargy and craziness. A person who is dominated by Tamas leads a life of reckessness, indolence and sleep.
All these Gunas exist in a person and compete with each other for supremacy.
All the actions of a Satvic person benefit society. He always work for spiritual progress of society.
He is always careful about his actions and takes Care that no one get hurt by any of his action.
A Rajasic person is driven by his desires. He works hard to fulfill them. All his actions are aimed to get power, wealth and fame. He also works for benefit of society just to earn praise for his work.
All the actions of a Tamasic person pull him downwords. His actions neither benefit him nor society.
Our attitude and way of thinking affect our actions. Our thinking and attitude are decided by the combination of three primary qualities. But the combination can be changed. One can move up from Tamas to Rajas and from Rajas to Satva.
But one who transcends all the three qualities is free from all bondages of actions and their results.
http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/philosophy/actions-and-our-progress
One must perform his prescribed action. This world is action oriented place. Everyone has to perform some action. Our progress depends on the action performed by us. No one can live without action.
This world is driven by three qualities ( Gunas ).
Satva guna
Rajo guna
Tamo guna
These three Gunas are the basis of our personality. These are woven together like threads in a cloth and make each one of us a unique character. These primary qualities exist in us in various degrees of concentration and combination. In some persons the quality of Satva is dominates but in some people Rajas or Tamas are in excess.
The combination of these three qualities determines our character. Our character decides the nature of our thinking and attitude. Which has effect on our actions.
The quality of Satva represents Purity and Illumination. It leads a person to get knowledge.
Rajas represents passion. A person in whom Rajas is in dominance tries to overpower his surroundings. He always runs after material things but is not satisfied.
Tamas is related to lethargy and craziness. A person who is dominated by Tamas leads a life of reckessness, indolence and sleep.
All these Gunas exist in a person and compete with each other for supremacy.
All the actions of a Satvic person benefit society. He always work for spiritual progress of society.
He is always careful about his actions and takes Care that no one get hurt by any of his action.
A Rajasic person is driven by his desires. He works hard to fulfill them. All his actions are aimed to get power, wealth and fame. He also works for benefit of society just to earn praise for his work.
All the actions of a Tamasic person pull him downwords. His actions neither benefit him nor society.
Our attitude and way of thinking affect our actions. Our thinking and attitude are decided by the combination of three primary qualities. But the combination can be changed. One can move up from Tamas to Rajas and from Rajas to Satva.
But one who transcends all the three qualities is free from all bondages of actions and their results.
http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/philosophy/actions-and-our-progress
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Getting inspired
Many times you have heard people saying this story orevent is so inspirational. That person can inspire many people.
Do a person or event can really inspire us. No a person or event can not inspire us unless we are not ready toget inspired.
As inspiration comes from within. No outside source can inspire you unless the feeling of inspiration sprouts within you.
There is a story of a king who was repeatedly defeatedby his enemy hid himself in a cave. There he saw a spider was trying to climb the wall of the cave. But after reaching to a certain height it slipped and camedown to the ground. It again tried to climb and again Slipped and came down to ground. Many times it tried to climb the wall and met with same fate. But it kept on trying until it reached to top of wall. Watching the untired efforts of that little spider king thought if such a small creature did not give up how could I give up. This event gave him inspiration to keep on fighting until he got success.
The question arises whether that spider inspired that king or the inspiration came from within.
Of course it arised from his heart as the spider was doing what was a natural thing for it.
The king get inspired because he was not sitting thereidly in despondent mood. His mind was alert. He was trying to find a way to get out of his situation. Thatis why he got the idea to keep on his efforts. If he was sitting there disappoiedlamenting on his situationhe could never get inspired by that event.
Only a person who does not surrender before a hard situation and is ready to face challenges can get inspiration from an event or person. To get inspired you need a positive attitude. A person who has negative approach towards life can not be inspired byanything.
Watching an ant climbing a wall with grain of sugar can teach a lesson about importance of being hardworking to a person who is alert and wants to learn. Otherwise it is just a petty thing for others.
http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/self-improvement/getting-inspired?track=cntshem
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Our connection with God
We can have five types of relationship with God. These are called bhava{Emotion}. The five bhavas are
Dasya bhava
Sakhya bhava
Madhura bhava
Vatsalya bhava
Shanta bhava
We can connect with God through any of the above mentioned bhavas. They all have their own characteristic and beauty.
In Dasya bhava one has a relationship of servant of God. One serves God like a slave. Try to do whatever can make his Master happy.
In Sakhya bhava one treats God as his very close friend. We tell all those things to God which we can tell to our close friend.
In Madhurya bhava one thinks himself as beloved of lord. As a beloved tries to satisfy his lover one tries to satisfy God.
When we relate ourselves to God in Vatsalya bhava the lord becomes our child. We feed Him like a child do everything as a parent do.
In Shanta bhava one's heart is full of love and devotion. He peacefully worships lord without depicting any kind of emotion.
In whatever way we connect ourselves to God our relationship is based on faith.
Faith is nothing but intense kind of trust. This trust comes through deep love which is called devotion or bhakti.
Faith is a very powerful thing. It helps us to sustain difficulties. Through this a person can live peacefully in this world which is full of miseries. It is faith which makes us strong enough to face challenges of this world. Without faith nothing is possible.
We talk about faith but very few understand it. Faith is a very powerful tool. Its makes us fearless. But most of us don't devolop strong faith as we live in fear.
Without faith we can't have a strong relationship with God. Our relationship with God is limited to our desires. Most of us only pray to God in the hour of need. Whenever we want any of our desires to be fulfilled we ask God to do so. We visit the place of worship. Try to make God happy with our offerings. If our wish is fulfilled we sing praise of God. Call him merciful and great. But if we don't get our desires fulfilled we started to complain. Start questioning about His existence.
The cause of our behaviour is our selfishness. We treat God as provider of things we demand from Him. Therefore whenever our demands are not satisfied we blame God for being unkind.
God has its own plan for us . It is hard for us to understand it. So just have full faith in Him. Don't doubt God's intligence. Whatever happens is good for you. Accept whatever comes to you. Having faith in God just do your duty.
Faith is not God can but it is a firm belief that God will.
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. ( Martin Luther King )
God is self-satiated. He doesn't need anything from us, neither our praise nor offerings. Whatever we offer Him with devotion He accepts it.
Just surrender unto Him with unflinching faith.
http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/god-and-i/our-connection-with-god?track=cntshem
Thursday, June 18, 2015
GAYATRI MANTRA meaning and its effects
Gayatri mantra is taken from Rig Veda ( iii,62,10 ). It is 10th mantra of 62 sutra of 3 Mandala. It is the most popular Vedic hymes. Gayatri mantra is poetic meter. It has 24 syllables. It has eight lines of three syllables each.
Gayatri mantra is developed and composed by Maharshi Vishwamitra. It is called Savitri mantra. No where in the body of this mantra word Gayatri appears. The mantra is addressed to Savitur ( Sun ) the luminous body. It also represents Spiritual light that brings Self realisation. Hence the mantra is addressed to Inner power called PARMATMA which is Immortal, Infinite and Imperishable.
Gayatri is combination of two Sanskrit words.
Gayanath means what is sung
Trayate means who preserves, protects, gives deliverance, grants liberation.
Mantra is a prayer of praise of
Hence Gayatri mantra sings the glory of Vital energy which preserves us protects us and liberates us.
Before reciting this mantra we must understand the meaning of it.
The translation of the Sanskrit text is as follows.
AUM BHOOR BHUWAH SWAHA,
TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM
BHARGO DEVASAYA DHEEMAHI
DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODAYAT.
Gayatri mantra is praise of God which tells us about His attributes. It depicts our Devotion and Supplication unto Him. In the end we pray to God to give us wisdom so we can become pure and feel Supreme Bliss.
God is Self-existent. He is without beginning and end. He is eternal and infinite. He is all pervading. He provides us life and grants us all the things required for maintenace through out our life. God is self-conscious and is aware of everyone. He is remover of all pains. We must surrender ourselves unto Him. He is omnipotent and omnipresent. He is basis of this whole universe. He resides within us as PARAMATMA. He is the vital energy within us which helps us to act. He is capable to do everything. He controls this whole universe. Let us all pray to Him and meditate on Him for strength, intellect and purity.
1. Chanting of Gayatri Mantra helps us to meditate which has a calming effect on our mind.
2. Chanting of Gayatri Mantra helps us in increasing your concentration and learning.
3. Chanting of Gayatri Mantra helps us to improve our breathing.
4. Chanting of Gayatri Mantra keeps us calm and composed. Which makes us stress free. Gives us positive vibrations and keeps depression at bay.
5. As per the results of a study published in the British Medical Journal chanting a mantra significantly slows down a person’s breathing, which helps synchronize and regularise your heart beats, helping it stay healthy.
http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/meditation/gayatri-mantra-meaning-and-its-effects?track=cntshem
Gayatri mantra is developed and composed by Maharshi Vishwamitra. It is called Savitri mantra. No where in the body of this mantra word Gayatri appears. The mantra is addressed to Savitur ( Sun ) the luminous body. It also represents Spiritual light that brings Self realisation. Hence the mantra is addressed to Inner power called PARMATMA which is Immortal, Infinite and Imperishable.
Gayatri is combination of two Sanskrit words.
Gayanath means what is sung
Trayate means who preserves, protects, gives deliverance, grants liberation.
Mantra is a prayer of praise of
Hence Gayatri mantra sings the glory of Vital energy which preserves us protects us and liberates us.
Before reciting this mantra we must understand the meaning of it.
The translation of the Sanskrit text is as follows.
ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः
तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं
भर्गो देवस्यः धीमहि
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्
TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM
BHARGO DEVASAYA DHEEMAHI
DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODAYAT.
Oh God, the Protector,
the basis of all life,
Who is self-existent,
Who is free from all pains and Whose contact frees the soul from all troubles,
Who pervades theUniverse and sustains all,
the Creator and Energizer of the whole Universe, the Giver of happiness, Who is worthy of acceptance, the most excellent, Who is Pure and the Purifier of all, let us embrace that very God, so that He may direct our mental faculties in the right direction.
the basis of all life,
Who is self-existent,
Who is free from all pains and Whose contact frees the soul from all troubles,
Who pervades theUniverse and sustains all,
the Creator and Energizer of the whole Universe, the Giver of happiness, Who is worthy of acceptance, the most excellent, Who is Pure and the Purifier of all, let us embrace that very God, so that He may direct our mental faculties in the right direction.
Gayatri mantra is praise of God which tells us about His attributes. It depicts our Devotion and Supplication unto Him. In the end we pray to God to give us wisdom so we can become pure and feel Supreme Bliss.
God is Self-existent. He is without beginning and end. He is eternal and infinite. He is all pervading. He provides us life and grants us all the things required for maintenace through out our life. God is self-conscious and is aware of everyone. He is remover of all pains. We must surrender ourselves unto Him. He is omnipotent and omnipresent. He is basis of this whole universe. He resides within us as PARAMATMA. He is the vital energy within us which helps us to act. He is capable to do everything. He controls this whole universe. Let us all pray to Him and meditate on Him for strength, intellect and purity.
The reciatation of Gayatri Mantra has a very soothing
effects on us. That is why Gayatri Mantra is recited not
only by Hindus but by people all over the world
irrespective of their Religion or Faith. It has the followin
effects on our body and mind.
effects on us. That is why Gayatri Mantra is recited not
only by Hindus but by people all over the world
irrespective of their Religion or Faith. It has the followin
effects on our body and mind.
2. Chanting of Gayatri Mantra helps us in increasing your concentration and learning.
3. Chanting of Gayatri Mantra helps us to improve our breathing.
4. Chanting of Gayatri Mantra keeps us calm and composed. Which makes us stress free. Gives us positive vibrations and keeps depression at bay.
5. As per the results of a study published in the British Medical Journal chanting a mantra significantly slows down a person’s breathing, which helps synchronize and regularise your heart beats, helping it stay healthy.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
SHIVOHAM is a journey
The Adi Sankaracharya described the Advait ( Non Dualism ) philosophy in six beautiful stanzas known as ATMA SHATAKAM. When as a young boy of eight he was wandering in Himalayas seeking for a Guru he encountered with a sage who asked him " who are you ". He replied him through these stanzas. The sage to whom he talked was Swami Govindpada Acharya.
Dvaita ( Dualism ) philosophy is based on the concept that you are different from supreme power. You worship this power to get strength. You ask forgiveness for your wrong doings. In the end you wish to leave this mortal world to be with Him.
While the Advaita ( Non Dualism ) is based on the concept of SHIVOHAM means I am that Supreme power. I am not seperate from Him. I am same from within and without. All the things in this world are same. The only difference is of covering ( Body ). When we go beyond this body we become same as Him.
SHIVOHAM means ' I am Shiva '. Shiva is pure all pervading consciousness. Shiva is beautiful, Shiva is absolute truth. SHIVOHAM is unifying yourself with Shiva the Supreme power.
Dvaita ( Dualism ) philosophy is based on the concept that you are different from supreme power. You worship this power to get strength. You ask forgiveness for your wrong doings. In the end you wish to leave this mortal world to be with Him.
While the Advaita ( Non Dualism ) is based on the concept of SHIVOHAM means I am that Supreme power. I am not seperate from Him. I am same from within and without. All the things in this world are same. The only difference is of covering ( Body ). When we go beyond this body we become same as Him.
SHIVOHAM means ' I am Shiva '. Shiva is pure all pervading consciousness. Shiva is beautiful, Shiva is absolute truth. SHIVOHAM is unifying yourself with Shiva the Supreme power.
SHIVOHAM is not just a phrase. It is a journey from Mortality to Immortality, from Darkness to Light, from Untruth to absolute Truth, from Sufferings to Supreme bliss. It is a process to leave all your weaknesses and attain Divinity. SHIVOHAM can not be understood in a short span. It is a gradual progress. one can understand its literal meaning but to assimilate its real meaning one need to practice it. Repeated recitation helps you to remember that you are not just this mortal self but you are pure consciousness.
There are those six stanzas known as ATMA SHATAKAM
Mano BuddhyA-hankara ChittaNi naaham
Nacha Shrotra Jihve Na Cha Ghrana Netre
Nacha Vyoma Bhoomir Na Tejo Na Vayuh
Chidananda Rupah Shivoham! Shivoham!!
I am not mind, intellect, ego and the memory.
I am not the sense of organs (ears, tongue, nose, eyes
and skin).
I am not the five elements ( sky or ether, earth, light
or fire, the wind and the water).
I am supreme bliss and pure consciousness, I am
Shiva,
I am all auspiciousness, I am Shiva.
Na Cha Prana Sangyo Na Vai Pancha
Vayu
Na Vaa Sapta dhatur Na Vaa Pancha Koshah
Na Vak Pani Padam Na Chopastha Payu
Chidananda Rupah Shivoham! Shivoham!!
I am not Prana ( energy) nor five vital airs
(PanchVayu), nor the seven essential material( sapta
dhatu ), nor the five sheaths of the body ( pancha
kosha ).
I am not the organ of speech, nor hand nor the leg,
nor the organs of procreation or the
elimination(anus).
I am supreme bliss and pure consciousness, I am
Shiva,
I am all auspiciousness, I am Shiva.
Na Me Dvesha Ragau Na Me Lobha
Mohau
Mado Naiva Me Naiva Maatsarya Bhavah
Na Dharmo Na Chartho Na Kamo Na
Mokshah
Chidananda Rupah Shivoham! Shivoham!!
I have no hatred or dislike, neither greed nor liking,
no delusion,
I have no pride or haughtiness, nor jealousy.
I have no duty to perform(dharma), no desire for any
wealth or pleasure (kama), I have no liberation
(moksha) either.
I am supreme bliss and pure consciousness, I am
Shiva,
I am all auspiciousness, I am Shiva.
Na Punyam Na Papam Na Saukhyam Na
Dukham
Na Mantro Na Teertham Na Veda Na
Yajnaha
Aham Bhojanam Naiva Bhojyam Na Bhokta
Chidananda Rupah Shivoham! Shivoham!!
I have neither virtue, nor vice.
nor pleasure or pain,
I do not need mantras(sacred chants), nor
pilgrimages. nor scriptures (Vedas), rituals or
sacrifices (Yagyas).
I am neither the enjoyed nor the enjoyer,
nor enjoyment.
I am the supreme auspiciousness of the form of
consciousness-bliss(chidananda Rupah). I am the
auspiciousness
I am supreme bliss and pure consciousness, I am
Shiva,
I am all auspiciousness, I am Shiva.
Na Me Mrityu Shanka Na Me Jati Bhedah
Pita Naiva Me Naiva Mata Na Janma
Na Bandhur Na Mitram Gurur Naiva
Shishyah
Chidananda Rupah Shivoham! Shivoham!!
I have no fear of death, nor do I have death. No
doubt about my existence, nor distinction of caste. I
have no father or mother, I have no birth.
I have no relatives, nor friend, nor the guru, nor the
disciple.
I am pure knowledge and supreme bliss, I am Shiva,
I am all auspiciousness, I am Shiva.
Aham Nirvikalpo Nirakaara Roopah
Vibhur Vyapya Sarvatra Sarvendriyanaam
Sada Me Samatvam Na Mukthir Na Bandhah,
Chidananda Rupah Shivoham! Shivoham!!
I am formless and devoid of all dualities
I exist everywhere and pervade all senses
Always I am the same,
I am neither free nor bonded
I am pure knowledge and supreme bliss, I am Shiva,
I am all auspiciousness, I am Shiva.
http://www.speakingtree.in/public/spiritual-blogs/seekers/meditation/shivoham-is-a-journey
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